Co Casinos Opening

Bitner said the Hard Rock is still determining a plan, adding there’s a significant amount of details that factor into re-opening. The Hard Rock casinos, which instituted social distancing. The Gilpin County Board of Public Health approved an order Sunday providing guidance for the reopening of casinos, according to a release from the city of Black Hawk. The plan is to have them open. Gamblers Drive Hours and Wait in Lines, as Casinos Reopen Amid Coronavirus Louisiana and Mississippi, among the biggest gambling markets in the U.S., are opening their casino doors after two-month. The Colorado state health department approved a variance Monday allowing casinos to open their slot machines under the following conditions: Clarify how many people can ride in an elevator to. The darkened, empty casino floor of the Ameristar Black Hawk casino, shuttered due to statewide coronavirus orders, is pictured on April 27, 2020. (Photo by Andy Colwell, special to The Colorado Sun) Sean Demeule leans over the railing and surveys a silent sea of slot machines in the state’s largest casino.

Colorado casinos update:As of Nov. 16, table games in Gilpin County (Central City & Black Hawk) have closed down again. This was due to the county’s two-week coronavirus case total exceeding the threshold set by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. The casinos are open with slot machines operating and a reduction in capacity. We will be closely monitoring the situation on the ground and will update this spot with news as more develops.

Colorado Casinos

Colorado now offers several options for betting in state. Although online sports betting launched in Colorado in 2020, the state still does not permit online casino gaming for real money. For players who love casino games, there are a few options available. The gaming landscape includes more than 30 Colorado casinos located in Black Hawk, Cripple Creek, and Central City. Many of these casinos now also offer retail sportsbook locations as well.

Colorado players also have access to sweepstakes casino sites. This means that players can access online casino games and play any time for cash prizes.

Looking to stay home but want to play casino games? We recommend Sweepstakes online casinos where you can play your favorite casino games for cash prizes. Our #1 recommended site is Chumba Casino.

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Chumba Casino is a great option for Colorado players who want to play online casino games without heading to a retail casino. Colorado has one of the strongest networks of retail casinos in the US, with plenty of options in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. But, Chumba offers casino fun from the comfort of home.

Play online casino games for cash prizes, including slots, progressive jackpot slots, and table games.

Colorado Casino Locations

The Centennial State has 31 land casinos and two more on tribal lands to the south. The state-sanctioned casinos can be found in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, all of which have walkable central downtowns offering multiple casino options within close proximity, as well as plentiful dining and lodging options in all price ranges.

Colorado gamblers have no shortage of options when it comes to finding a venue to play their favorite casino games, no matter the time of day. Poker fans have dozens of tables offering live-action seven nights a week. Fans of table games like blackjack, three-card poker, roulette, and craps can always find a dealer ready. And of course, there are thousands of slot and video poker machines in the state waiting to be taken for a spin at any given time.

Colorado sports betting is a relative newcomer, but with almost two dozen active or upcoming online sportsbook apps in the state, and more than 30 master gambling licenses granted so far, Colorado is well on its way to claiming its place as a Mecca for sports bettors. Kiosks and retail sports betting windows will also be popping up all over the state, for those who prefer the in-person casino action to the app experience.

Black Hawk Casinos

Best Black Hawk Sportsbook – William Hill

Licensed in Colorado

Sportsbook Rating Excellent
William Hill Review

Although Cripple Creek is the most historic Colorado casino town, Black Hawk, also landed on the Colorado map when gold was discovered along the north fork of Clear Creek in 1859. The small mountain town was soon beset by thousands of miners and prospectors looking for a big strike of their own.

Today the population has dwindled from mining boom highs, but Black Hawk still sees up to 20,000 visitors a day looking to strike gold in a totally different way: at one of the city’s 15 casinos.

Located about 35 miles outside of Denver, Black Hawk has the most casinos out of any of Colorado’s three main gambling areas, including Ameristar, the biggest casino in the state.

Sports Betting In Black Hawk

Colorado sports betting launched on May 1. Multiple Black Hawk casinos will offer betting windows on-site or self-service kiosks like at William Hill, in addition to their sportsbook apps.

In-person sportsbooks in Black Hawk were slow to open due to the pandemic. As of right now, several Black Hawk casinos have retail sportsbook locations or sports betting kiosks. Many Colorado sportsbooks offer bonuses to new bettors, but only on their app or website.

Black Hawk Retail Sportsbook Locations:

• William Hill at Lady Luck Casino & Isle Casino >> Join William Hill and get a $500 Risk-Free Bet by depositing $250
• DraftKings Sportsbook at Mardi Gras Casino >> Join Draftkings Sportsbook and get up to a $1000 deposit bonus
• BetMonarch at Monarch Casino
• Betfred at Saratoga Casino
• ELITE Sportsbook at Red Dolly Casino
• Barstool Sportsbook at Ameristar Casino
• PlaySports powered by IGT at Sasquatch Casino & The Wild Card Saloon
• PlaySports powered by IGT at Z Casino (Coming soon)

Other casinos in town have formed partnerships to offer online sports betting but do not offer retail sportsbook kiosks, including:

• Bull Durham (Coming soon)
• The Lodge (Coming soon)
• The Gilpin (Coming soon)

Casino Games

Most casinos in Black Hawk have at least a few table games, many of them running 24/7. You can find classic casino games like blackjack, craps, and roulette, along with a few other, more niche games like Mississippi Stud and three-card poker. There are thousands of slot machines in Black Hawk as well, so whether you prefer the tables or trying your luck at the slots, Black Hawk has you covered.

You’ll find these table games in Black Hawk casinos:

• Blackjack (live dealer and video)
• Craps (live dealer and video)
• Roulette (live dealer and video)
• Mississippi Stud
• Three-Card Poker
• High Card Flush
• Pai Gow Poker
• Head’s Up Hold’em
• Baccarat (video only)

Blackjack Variants In Black Hawk

Blackjack comes in many different varieties these days. In addition to standard 6- or 8-deck shoe games, Black Hawk casinos offer several variants, including:

• Buffalo Bonus Blackjack
• STREAK Blackjack
• Buffalo Blackjack Extreme
• Blackjack Pair Square Bonus
• Double-Deck Pitch

Poker Rooms

Poker rooms or house-banked tables are available at the following properties:

Cripple Creek Casinos

Best Cripple Creek Sportsbook – PointsBet

Licensed in Colorado

Sportsbook Rating Excellent
PointsBet Review

Located about an hour south of Colorado Springs and two hours south of Denver, Cripple Creek is a former gold mining town turned gambling resort. Historic East Bennett Avenue traverses much of the downtown, where most of the city’s nine casinos can be found.

Visiting Cripple Creek is a bit like stepping back in time, with the building facades, many original, resembling that Old West style of architecture. But you’ll find the latest slots and table games at just about every casino in town, with locals and out-of-towners alike hoping to hit the jackpot.

Sports Betting In Cripple Creek

New to Colorado in 2020 is sports betting, both in-person and online through sportsbook apps. Multiple Cripple Creek casinos have partnered with global sports betting brands and will offer betting windows on-site or self-service kiosks.

Cripple Creek Retail Sportsbook Locations:

• BetWildwood at Wildwood Casino
• BetAmerica at Bronco Billy’s
• PointsBet at Double Eagle Hotel & Casino (app available and retail coming soon) >> Claim up to $1,500 in risk-free bets using bonus code BIGBONUS
• ISI-powered Kiosks (app in partnership with Sportsbetting.com coming soon) at Johnny Nolon’s
• ISI-powered Kiosks at Colorado Grande

Other casinos in town have formed partnerships to offer online sports betting but do not offer retail sportsbook kiosks, including:

• Midnight Rose/McGills/Brass Ass
• Sir William’s Casino formerly known as Christmas Casino & Inn (Coming soon)

Casino Games

Cripple Creek casinos offer all of the table games you would expect, from blackjack and three-card poker to roulette and craps. Not all casinos have table games, but if slots are your game of choice you will find plenty of one-armed bandits at any casino you find yourself in.

You’ll find these table games in Cripple Creek casinos:

• Blackjack
• Craps
• Roulette
• Ultimate Texas Hold’Em
• Three-Card Poker
• Wild Six Card Draw Poker

Blackjack Variants In Cripple Creek

Blackjack comes in many different varieties these days. In addition to standard 6- or 8-deck shoe games, Cripple Creek casinos offer several variants, including:

• Buffalo Bonus Blackjack
• Buffalo Bonus Blackjack 2
• Double-Up Blackjack
• Double-Deck Pitch

The minimum bet is usually $5, but some casinos in town have special days where the minimum bet is $2 or $3. Colorado’s maximum allowable bet is $100.

Poker Rooms

Poker rooms or house-banked tables are available at the following properties:

• Bronco Billy’s
• Wildwood Casino
• Century Casino
• Double Eagle Casino
• Midnight Rose Hotel & casino
• Brass Ass Casino
• Johnny Nolon’s Casino

Central City Casinos

Just up the street from Black Hawk is Central City, which saw the very same rush of prospectors invading the city during the mining boom. In its heyday, Central City had a larger population than Black Hawk. Today, it’s the smaller of the two casino towns, featuring about a third of the number of casinos. Central City is a slot lover’s paradise and a perfect gambling spot for people who value the personal service offered by smaller casinos.

Sports Betting In Central City

For the moment, there are no operational sports betting windows in Central City. However, there have been some prominent partnerships made between global sportsbook brands and casinos in town:

• Dostal Alley (Betsson)
• Century Casino (Circa Sports)

In late November 2020, Grand Z Casino and Johnny Z’s announced a partnership with IGT and Maverick Gaming. Both casinos, along with Z Casino in Black are expected to launch the PlaySports online sports betting platform and retail kiosks sometime in the next few months.

Casino Games

Not all casinos in Central City have table games, it’s a more slot-focused casino town. Table games are still closed at casinos statewide until further notice, but the town does offer several table game options.

You’ll find these table games in Central City casinos:

• Blackjack
• Roulette

Poker Rooms

Poker rooms or house-banked tables are available at the following Central City properties:

Colorado Casinos COVID Closures

Have Colorado Casinos Opened?

Colorado casinos are open for business, thanks to a pair of variance approvals exempting Teller and Gilpin Counties from provisions of Colorado Governor Jared Polis ‘safer-at-home’ order. Teller county is home to Cripple Creek casinos. Gilpin county is home to Black Hawk and Central City casinos.

For now, all guests and employees must wear masks at all times, and you’ll find mandatory temperature screenings at the entrance of every casino. Only slots are open for now, with table games slated to be revisited by health officials at a later date.

Are Cripple Creek Casinos Open?

Cripple Creek casinos initially reopened on June 15, 2020 after receiving a variance from Teller County health officials. The casinos were limited to 50% occupancy and all visitors required to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

In mid-November 2020, Cripple Creek casinos again faced the prospect of complete closure due to the county entering the “Orange Zone” laid out by its COVID-19 action plan. After appealing to the county, casinos were allowed to remain open at 25% capacity.

The opening was restricted to slot machines only, with table games set to reopen later as long as there isn’t a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the county.

Are Black Hawk and Central City Casinos Open?

Gilpin County, home of Black Hawk and Central City, reopened casinos on June 17, 2020 without table games. Tables games were reintroduced in September 2020, and they closed again in mid-November 2020.

Tribal casinos in the southern part of the state are holding off on reopening for now, however. Read our report for more information on the state of casino reopenings in La Plata and Montezuma County here.

Further Reading

We’ve been extensively covering the reopening. Here’s some of our additional coverage in case you missed it:

• What changes you can expect to see at Colorado’s newly reopened casinos
• An account of our visit to newly reopened Central City and Black Hawk casinos
• We talked to Colorado physicians to get their take about the reopening plans

What About Tribal Casinos In Colorado? Are They Open?

The two tribal casinos in Colorado remain closed. La Plata and Montezuma counties, home of Sky Ute and Ute Mountain casinos, will not be allowed to open until the trajectory of their Covid-19 cases starts trending downwards.

When Did Online Sports Betting Launch In Colorado?

As of May 1, online sports betting is officially live! Colorado sports bettors can join the action right now with big-name players like DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, BetMGM, and many more.

Colorado’s retail casinos have yet to open in-person sports betting windows or kiosks, with Saratoga Casino in Black Hawk the first of two exceptions. DraftKings has opened a temporary sportsbook window at the Mardi Gras Casino, also in Black Hawk, on Friday, July 10.

Learn everything you need to know about legal sports betting in Colorado.

Colorado Casino FAQ

Colorado’s 33 casinos are chiefly located in Black Hawk/Central City and Cripple Creek. Black Hawk and Central City share a main thoroughfare, and are about 45 minutes from downtown Denver. Cripple Creek is about a two hour and 15 minute drive from Denver.

The state’s tribal casinos are located in Montezuma and La Plata counties, and are located about a 6-7 hour drive from Denver.

When Colorado casinos first opened in 1990, the maximum bet allowed by law was just $5. In 2008, the maximum wager was raised to $100. These caps do not apply to sports betting, however.

There are initiatives in the works that would remove the cap on the max bet, including Proposition 257, but so far none have materialized.

Nearly all casinos in Colorado offer beverage service to players, most for free. What will change casino to casino is whether the free drinks for players are limited to certain items (just beer, for instance.) Other casinos provide free top-shelf alcoholic drinks to all players. If drink service is important to you, check with the casino to see what they offer.

Many of the casinos in Colorado offer lodging, especially the larger ones. Check the casino website to find out if they have rooms available and make reservations if you plan an overnight stay.

There are two ways Colorado sports fans can place bets in the state. First, at online sports betting apps. Second, at one of the many Colorado sportsbook locations that have opened in the state.

Although online sports betting has taken off in Colorado, retail sports betting locations are opening too. Brick and mortar betting locations are great social spaces. They allow sports fans to enjoy sports on big screen TV and place bets using betting kiosks while hanging with friends and other fans. The retail sports betting in Colorado occurs at one of the many casinos already in operation in the state.

Online Sports Betting In Colorado

Currently, all of the casinos with retail sportsbooks in Colorado are located in Black Hawk and Cripple Creek. In Central City, two retail sportsbook will be launching sometime in the coming few months. If you are not located near one of the former two Colorado gambling towns, it might be easier for you to hop on one of the many Colorado sports betting apps.

Not only do sports betting apps allow you to bet from the comfort of your home, but many of them offer sports betting bonuses and promotions for new bettors. These bonuses are not often available at sportsbook locations.

Here are some of the top sports betting bonuses in Colorado:

• Visit William Hill >> Claim risk-free bet up to $500 using code COSHARPRF
• Visit DraftKings Sportsbook >> Claim up to $1000 in a deposit match bonus
• Visit PointsBet Sportsbook >> Claim up to $1,500 in risk free bets using code BIGBONUS

Colorado Sportsbooks At Colorado Casinos

After a slow start to open due to the pandemic, Colorado sportsbooks have started popping up in casinos in the state. Here are the ones we know about so far. We anticipate more CO sportsbooks to open in 2021. So far, the casinos with retail sportsbooks are located in Black Hawk and Cripple Creek. In Central City, Grand Z and Johnny Z will soon be launching the PlaySports retail sportsbook in partnership with IGT and Maverick Gaming.

Black Hawk CO Retail Sportsbooks

William Hill at Lady Luck Casino & Isle Casino

Sign-up Bonus: Join William Hill and Get $500 Risk-Free Bet

Address: 401 Main St, Black Hawk

Black Hawk sister casinos Lady Luck Casino and Isle Casino have each opened a half-dozen self-serve sports betting kiosks, powered by William Hill.

DraftKings Sportsbook at Golden Mardi Gras Casino

Sign-up Bonus: Join Draftkings Sportsbook and get up to $1000 deposit bonus

Address: 300 Main St., Black Hawk

The Mardi Gras Casino opened the state’s second retail sports window, launched through its partnership with DraftKings. Mardi Gras was DraftKings Sportsbook’s seventh location nationwide.

DraftKings Sportsbook at Mardi Gras offers fans a large video wall with over 40 TVs for sports viewing and multiple giant screens for displaying odds. There are eight sports betting kiosks, two off-track betting terminals, and a sports betting cashier. The DraftKings Sportsbook also has a VIP lounge and full-service kitchen and bar.

BetMonarch at Monarch Casino

Address: 488 Main St. Black Hawk

Monarch Casino at Black Hawk developed its own sportsbook app in house. BetMonarch owns and operates its sportsbook. However, it also has a retail location on the second floor of the casino. The Atlantis Casino in Vegas, Monarch’s sister casino, also has a sportsbook. It’s where Monarch’s Black Hawk location gained the expertise to develop a sportsbook in-house. Betting at Monarch’s casino also earns bettors Monarch reward points. It’s a great way to earn comped meals and rooms.

Currently, sports bets can be placed at the Monarch Rewards desk on the second floor of the casino. The official retail sportsbook is still under construction and will likely be unveiled in the coming months.

Barstool Sportsbook at Ameristar

Address: 111 Richman St. Black Hawk

Colorado’s largest casino, Ameristar, has opened a temporary retail sportsbook window and self service kiosks. Ameristar sports betting partner Penn National Gaming bought a 36% stake in Barstool earlier this year, and will use the Barstool Bets brand for the sportsbook at Ameristar.

The sportsbook includes a 24-foot video wall for sports viewing, 39 HDTVs, and 13 betting kiosks. Drink specials are available, and you can even accumulate the casino’s tier points while you bet!

ELITE Sportsbook at Red Dolly Casino

Address: 530 Gregory St, Black Hawk

ELITE Sportsbook’s website is now live for CO sports bettors, but you’ll have to wait a bit longer for the app to launch. The website is fully functional, however, accepting deposits and taking wagers right now. Check out ELITE’s $500 risk-free bet bonus for new registrations.

As for the in-person kiosks at the Red Dolly Casino, they’ve officially launched and are scattered around the casino property.

Betfred at Saratoga Casino

Address: 101 Main St., Black Hawk

Betfred had the distinction of taking the first legal in-person sports bet in Colorado state history, on June 17, 2020. The bookmaker had recently announced its partnership with Saratoga Casino in Black Hawk and was ready to go the first day casinos reopened after state-mandated closures throughout the spring. Betfred also has a partnership with the Denver Broncos. Saratoga’s retail sports betting facility, which includes multiple self-service terminals, is Betfred’s second entry into the US market.

PlaySports Kiosks (Powered By IGT) at Sasquatch Casino & The Wild Card Saloon

Sasquatch Casino Address: 125 Gregory St., Black Hawk

The Wild Card Saloon Address: 120 Main St., Black Hawk

The Sasquatch Casino & The Wild Card Saloon, sister casinos in Black Hawk, struck up a deal with gaming giant IGT to set up self-service PlaySports kiosks around the properties. An app is also in the making and will likely launch in the coming months.

PlaySports Kiosks (Powered By IGT) at Z Casino – Coming Soon

Address: 101 Gregory St., Black Hawk

In late November 2020, Maverick Gaming, which owns the Z Casino in Black Hawk as well as Johnny Z’s and Grand Z Casino in Central City, announced a sports-betting partnership with IGT.

As part of the agreement, all three Maverick casinos in Colorado will soon offer self-service PlaySports kiosks powered by IGT. The casinos will also release their own IGT-powered sportsbook app, branded as Play Maverick Gaming, sometime in the next few months.

Cripple Creek CO Retail Sportsbooks

Woody’s at BetWildwood at Wildwood Casino

Ca Casinos Opening

Address: 119 N. Fifth St., Cripple Creek

The first sports betting window in Cripple Creek can be found at the new Woody’s at Wildwood at the Wildwood Casino. Woody’s features a full bar and grill, a huge TV wall for live viewing, two manned betting windows, and a handful of self-serve kiosks. The casino launched its own online sports betting app, BetWildwood, in June.

BetAmerica at Bronco Billy’s

Address: 233 E Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek

BetAmerica now hosts a retail sportsbook at Bronco Billy’s in Cripple Creek. The app is in the works, but for now bettors can try their luck at one of 10 self-service kiosks. Bets can also be placed at the Bronco Billy’s Cashier window. BetAmerica is owned by Churchill Downs Inc., owners of the eponymous Kentucky race track.

PointsBet at Double Eagle Hotel And Casino – Coming Soon

Address: 442 E. Bennet Avenue

International sports betting powerhouse, PointsBet, announced its launch in Colorado in November 2020. Although its retail sportsbook at Double Eagle is not yet open, PointsBet is already making a splash in Colorado. PointsBet established its US headquarters in Denver. The company also signed a partnership agreement with the Colorado Buffaloes and NBC Sports.

While waiting for the retail sportsbook to open, Colorado bettors can claim up to $1,500 in risk free bets using bonus code BIGBONUS.

Self-service Kiosks (Powered By ISI) at Colorado Grande and Johnny Nolon’s

Colorado Grande Address: 300 E Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek

Johnny Nolon’s Address: 301 E Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek

G Investments, which owns both Colorado Grande Casino and Johnny Nolon’s Casino in Cripple Creek, struck up a deal during summer 2020 to offer ISI-powered kiosks in its facilities. Johnny Nolon’s was the first to officially launch its retail sportsbook on August 1, 2020. Colorado Grande opened its retail sportsbook shortly thereafter on August 3, 2020.

In addition to its retail offerings, Johnny Nolon’s will be launching an app in partnership with Sportsbetting.com that will likely be available soon to CO sports bettors.

Central City CO Retail Sportsbooks

PlaySports Kiosks (Powered By IGT) at Johnny Z’s and Grand Z Casino – Coming Soon

Grand Z Address: 321 Gregory St., Central City

Johnny Z’s Address: 132 Lawrence St., Central City

Maverick Gaming, which owns Johnny Z’s Casino and Grand Z Casino in Central City along with Z Casino in Black Hawk, announced in late November 2020 that it will be opening retail sportsbooks at all three of its CO locations. Each sportsbook will include self-service PlaySports kiosks powered by IGT.

An IGT-powered mobile app, branded as Play Maverick Sports, will also be launched sometime in the near future.

Retail Colorado Sportsbook Locations

Legal Sports Betting In Colorado

In November 2019, Coloradans voted on Proposition DD, legalizing sports betting in Colorado. However, the Colorado Division of Gaming writes and enforces the rules governing the sports betting industry. The Division processes each applicant carefully before deciding whether to license a sportsbook. There are automatic disqualifiers including past felony convictions, legal entanglements, or positions of authority that could create a conflict of interest. (You don’t want the same people enforcing gaming laws operating sportsbooks.)

Bettors will find all sorts of sports to bet on in Colorado. Professional and college sports are all fair game. However, bettors will find international leagues, too. There are many international soccer leagues, but bettors can find Russian Table Tennis and darts as well.

There is a slight wrinkle in college bets, though. Colorado does not allow prop bets on college games. This was likely an effort to keep college athletes from being tempted to engaging in point-shaving scandals. Point spread bets are still available on college games. Prop bets are just the easiest bets to fulfill for athletes tempted to change their in-game performance.

Most of the sports betting landscape has been online. Colorado sports betting went live on May 1, 2020–well into the pandemic and sports cancellations. However, retail sportsbooks are beginning to open inside casinos. They’ll be more popular once the pandemic ends, but casinos can begin laying the groundwork for the post-COVID era.

Types Of Bets Taken At Sportsbooks In Colorado

Colorado’s sportsbooks may seem different, but many of them offer similar types of bets. Here’s what bettors will find in the Colorado sports betting market.

Common Bet Types

There are five basic types of bets that bettors will find everywhere:

1. Moneylines
2. Point Spreads
3. Point Totals
4. Prop Bets
5. Futures

Moneylines are bets on the winner. They’re that straightforward.

Point spreads are bets on how close the game will be. Bettors can bet above or below the spread depending on how confident they are in their team. Point totals are similar. They’re on how many total points will be scored by both teams during the game. Bettors can bet above or below the point totals, too.

Prop bets are fun bets on random in-game occurrences. That’s everything from Demi Lovato’s outfit color to the coach’s wardrobe choices.

Finally, futures are bets are long-shot bets on championship winners. The odds are long, but the rewards are massive for winners.

Combination Bets

There are different types of combination bets, too. Parlay bets allow bettors to place multiple bets at once. That makes the odds longer, but the potential rewards greater. Round robins and teasers are similar concepts, but usually with restrictions set by each sportsbook.

Colorado Sports Betting Guide

Colorado’s young sports betting market may overwhelm some bettors. Here are a few tips to get newbies started.

The Three Most Popular Sports For Bettors In Colorado

Colorado is home to several high-profile sports franchises that are indispensable to Colorado–Denver in particular. The Broncos are a tour-de-force in Denver. Mile High Stadium is always filled to the brim when the Broncos play. However, the Rockies and Avs are huge, too. Baseball is always going to be a big deal. And since the Avs are such a strong professional hockey team, no hockey fan would miss a game.

Colorado’s sportsbooks will reflect preferences and fan bases. Bettors can be sure sportsbooks will be filled with lines on the Broncos, Rockies, and Avs. They’re Colorado staples.

The Three Best Online Sports Betting Apps in Colorado (So Far)

Although many sports betting apps specialize in different areas, there are some that are strong overall.

SBK by Smarkets is among the best. Smarkets has a betting exchange in the U.K. that sets SBK’s odds. As a result, the odds are closer to fair for bettors–and often higher across the board. SBK is a must-see for bettors regardless of experience.

DraftKings has a great app and good odds. Its odds are usually strongest on the favorite to win. However, bettors will have a good experience betting at DraftKings.

Finally, bettors should check out Fox Bet. It has the best welcome bonus in Colorado. Fox Bet also has a wide range of bet boosts for bettors who like to live on the edge. There’s something for everyone at Fox Bet.

Is It Legal To Bet On Sports Outside Of Legal Sportsbooks In Colorado?

No. This should be clear, but there may be some confusion about bookies. Bookies used to be the only available betting option, but licensed sportsbooks replaced them. Licensed sportsbooks are guaranteed to have enough cash to pay out winnings. They also undergo security audits to ensure they can protect bettor money, bank information, and social security numbers.

Bookies don’t come with those same government guarantees. If they don’t pay bettors, there’s nothing bettors can do about it. Licensed sportsbooks have complaint processes that can be taken all the way to the State. Bookies have no formal complaint process.

Complete Colorado Sportsbooks FAQs

Here are some last-minute questions that bettors may need to be answered about Colorado sports betting.

There are about a dozen retail sportsbooks currently open in Colorado.

Black Hawk Sportsbooks

• DraftKings Sportsbook at Mardi Gras Casino
• Betfred at the Saratoga Casino
• BetMonarch at the Monarch Casino
• Ameristar Sportsbook at Ameristar
• William Hill at Lady Luck & Isle Casino
• Elite Sportsbook at Red Dolly Casino
• PlaySports kiosks (powered by IGT) at Sasquatch Casino
• PlaySports kiosks (powered by IGT) at The Wild Card Saloon
• PlaySports kiosks (powered by IGT) at Z Casino – Coming Soon

Cripple Creek Sportsbooks

• Woody’s at Wildwood at Wildwood Casino
• BetAmerica at Bronco Billy’s
• Self-service kiosks (powered by ISI) at Johnny Nolon’s and Colorado Grande
• PointsBet at Double Eagle – Coming Soon

Central City Sportsbooks

• PlaySports kiosks (powered by IGT) at Grand Z Casino and Johnny Z’s – Coming Soon

Bettors can also download and use sportsbook apps from anywhere in the state. Casinos have reopened, but online betting might be the best option to stay safe until the pandemic ends.

Sports betting became legal in November 2019. However, the Colorado Division of Gaming still had to write the rules and regulations governing the sports betting market. On May 1, 2020, sports betting went live with only a few sportsbook choices. Colorado’s sports betting market has and will continue to grow.

Casino Jobs In Colorado

21. The fantasy sports age is only 18, but sports betting is a separate gambling activity. DraftKings and FanDuel had to separate their fantasy sports and sportsbooks out for that very reason.

Yes. That’s what sports betting is. You can’t meet your bookie at your local Waffle House, though. Bettors must use Colorado’s licensed sportsbooks.

Most casinos in Colorado have outlawed smoking indoors. They offer plentiful outdoor patio areas, most with seating and heaters. A few of the smaller casinos allow smoking indoors, but it’s rare.

Yes. Even Colorado’s worst sportsbooks have live betting available. Live betting is a fun way to watch odds change in real-time. The time pressure adds an extra layer of strategy that bettors can take advantage of. That would’ve been great to know during the Broncos’ 2019 season. They’d always do great in the first half but blow it in the second. Bettors could’ve gotten amazing odds on the Broncos’ opponent with that kind of hindsight.

The coronavirus pandemic delayed the launch of retail sportsbooks, since casinos were closed from St. Patrick’s Day until mid-June.

As of early December 2020, retail casinos in Black Hawk, Cripple Creek, and Central City remain open but are operating at 25% capacity. Although certain restrictions may be in place regarding bar service and social distancing, sportsbook windows and self-service kiosks are likely to still be operating.

Yes. Most of the retail sportsbooks currently open in Colorado are in Black Hawk. Cripple Creek has four of its own (with two more in the making), and Central City, for now, does not offer in-person sports betting. However, it will be launching two sportsbooks in the coming months.

Yes, DraftKings opened a retail sportsbook at Mardi Gras Casino in Black Hawk. They also launched an online sports betting app in partnership with Mardi Gras.

Although FanDuel launched its online sports betting app in Colorado, it is unclear whether they will have a FanDuel-branded retail sportsbook as they have in other states.

Colorado Casinos Reopening

As of right now, no. The closes options for Denver sports betting would be the retail sportsbooks in Black Hawk, about 45 minutes outside of the city. BetMGM announced a partnership with the Denver Broncos, though. The announcement included the first in-stadium retail sportsbook deal for the NFL. It is unclear when the BetMGM betting lounge will open at the Denver stadium.