Best Colorado Online Casinos in 2024

The current situation with online casinos in Colorado is that they operate without regulation and are considered illegal. If you are looking for poker sites or online casinos in Colorado, remember that betting shops and social casino sites are the only legal alternatives.

Colorado is currently experiencing an exhilarating phase in the realm of online wagering. Bettors can now place their wagers online in land-based casinos or through mobile apps once these establishments are allowed to reopen safely. Although the Colorado gambling expansion is just a glimpse into the online gaming industry with its focus on sports betting, it offers the Centennial State a tantalizing taste of what is to come.

Meanwhile, Colorado online casino enthusiasts have alternative options available, such as sweepstakes and social casino sites. These platforms offer a variety of slot games and a limited selection of casino games. The best part is that you can win cash prizes without spending money.

This comprehensive guide delves into the world of online casino games in Colorado. It provides detailed information on social and sweepstakes casinos and a glimpse into the potential future of regulated online casinos in CO. With the prospect of online casinos becoming a reality in Colorado, the spotlight on this topic will undoubtedly intensify.

Is online gambling legal in Colorado?

Colorado Prohibits Online Casino Gambling but Allows Online Sports Betting and Daily Fantasy Sports Contests. After a close vote in November 2019, Colorado residents approved Proposition DD with a slim majority of 50.8%. As of May 1st, 2020, residents and visitors can legally engage in online sports betting or place bets in person at various casino venues.

Currently, Colorado does not have any licensed online casinos or poker sites for real-money gambling. However, residents of Colorado can still indulge in casino gambling through social casinos and poker sites, where real prizes are offered through a sweepstakes model. Alternatively, players can access online casino games and poker at offshore gambling sites that welcome Colorado players.

Who regulates online gambling in Colorado?

The Division of Gaming, under the Colorado Department of Revenue – Specialized Business Group, oversees all forms of gambling in Colorado. This regulatory body diligently monitors online sports betting operators and local and social casinos operating within the state.

Legal age for gambling in Colorado

To participate in any form of gambling in the Centennial State, you must be at least 21 years old. This requirement applies to casino wagering, online sports betting, and social casinos.

What is the tax on gambling winnings?

According to the IRS, all proceeds from gambling, regardless of the form, are considered taxable income. This means that any cash winnings obtained from playing at casinos or betting on sports may be subject to taxes if they exceed a certain threshold. We highly recommend maintaining a comprehensive record of your winnings and losses throughout the year to ensure compliance. By doing so, you can accurately report your annual income on your tax return and fulfill your federal and state tax obligations.

Social Online Casinos in Colorado

Numerous players derive pleasure from casino games without wanting to wager real money. Social casino apps and websites cater to this demand, offering a solution. These platforms grant access to online slots, accompanied by leaderboard contests and social network features. Notably, some of the slots available on social casinos are digital adaptations of beloved live slots, such as Dancing Drums or Zeus.

Social casino apps offer the option to acquire chips. However, it is essential to note that these chips are only intended for entertainment and cannot be cashed out or converted into real money. Some popular social online casino brands include House of Fun, Viva Vegas Slots, and Doubledown Casino.

Online Sports Betting in Colorado

Since May 2020, sports betting has become legal in Colorado, both in person and online/mobile. This exciting development opens up opportunities for legal sports betting in Colorado, which can now be accessed conveniently through online platforms or at local Colorado casinos. Additionally, there are options for pari-mutuel betting on horses at Arapahoe Park and greyhound races at Post-Time and Pueblo. Off-track simulcasts are permitted for all race types, while out-of-state simulcasts are allowed for horse races and unique event greyhound races. 

The legalization of traditional sports betting in 2019 was driven by local lawmakers, namely Rep. Cole Wist (R) and Rep. Alec Garnett (D), and it also encompassed the inclusion of online gambling, which adds further excitement to the mix.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Colorado

Although the options for online casino games may be limited, there are numerous alternative avenues for legal online gambling in Colorado. One such option is participating in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests, which are legal and regulated. These captivating games involve assembling line-ups of players and entering them into various contests, ranging from one-on-one cash games to larger tournaments. Among the most popular DFS sites are FanDuel and DraftKings.

Online horse race betting is another legal option available to enthusiasts. This entails participating in pari-mutuel betting pools at various tracks nationwide. Dedicated horse racing betting platforms provide comprehensive data and occasionally live streams of the races. Prominent brands in this domain include Bet America, TwinSpires, and TVG.

Sports betting is the latest addition to the offerings, launched in May 2020. Several of the mentioned casinos have physical sportsbooks on their premises. At the same time, you also have the convenience of online betting through the top Colorado sports betting apps, accessible from anywhere within the state boundaries.

Colorado Lotteries

Colorado also offers a state lottery legally accessible to individuals 18 or older. This lottery encompasses state-specific drawings and multi-state draws, often resulting in significant payouts reaching hundreds of millions of dollars. Notable examples of these draws include the widely recognized Powerball, Mega Millions, and Lucky for Life.

Colorado residents have the option to purchase scratch game tickets and take part in second-chance drawings. However, it is unfortunate that these products are not available online. The lottery website solely serves as an information resource. You will need to visit a licensed retailer to participate in the excitement. The CO Lottery offers a website and a free mobile app that provide the following features:

• View current jackpot prizes for each draw
• Scan your lottery tickets to check the winning numbers.
• View previous winning numbers
• Save your favorite numbers
• Take part in bonus draws
• Play free digital games

However, it is essential to note that online ticket purchases are prohibited by law. To buy a ticket for the CO lotto, you must visit one of the state’s authorized retailers, conveniently listed on the app. While this may pose a slight inconvenience for Colorado residents far from a licensed retailer, Colorado offers the option of Advance Play for all jackpot draws. This allows you to purchase lottery tickets up to 13 weeks in advance, providing added convenience and flexibility.

Colorado Bingo

Bingo, a distinctive form of charitable gaming, falls under the jurisdiction of the Colorado Secretary of State. This unique oversight translates to convenient accessibility, with numerous famous bingo halls located in Denver alone. However, local businesses are prohibited from operating online bingo sites, and participating in offshore platforms for bingo is deemed a petty offense, equating it to more intense forms of internet gambling.

Online Poker in Colorado

Online poker is not available in Colorado. The last attempt to legalize poker sites in the state was made in 2013, but it still needs to reach a vote. Currently, the only legal option for online poker players in Colorado is Global Poker, which uses a sweepstakes model. Additionally, there are six live poker rooms in the state.

• Ameristar Casino Poker Room: Black Hawk (22 tables)
• Golden Gates Casino Poker Parlour: Black Hawk (18 tables)
• Isle Casino Poker Room: Black Hawk (seven tables)
• Midnight Rose Poker Room: Cripple Creek (nine tables)
• Sky Ute Casino Poker Room (tribal casino): Ignacio (six tables)
• Ute Mountain Casino Poker Room (tribal casino): Towaoc (eight tables)

Online casinos Colorado

While Colorado does not have any state-sanctioned online casinos, several local venues have their social gaming sites or recommend well-established play money casino platforms like Double Down Casino or Play-4-Fun. These platforms offer a wide range of games, including table games and online slots, similar to what you would find at traditional casinos.

If Colorado were to legalize online casinos, it would unleash a wave of fierce competition due to the abundance of local casinos. This competition would prove advantageous for players in CO, as it would result in superior casino bonuses and promotions, elevating their overall gaming experience.

Retail Casinos in Colorado 2024

Colorado has several casinos, each in one of four areas that have transformed into mini-Vegas Strips. Among these areas are Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, former mining towns that now offer thrilling gaming experiences. The fourth cluster of Colorado casinos can be found in Towaoc. All casinos in Colorado offer Limited Gaming, meaning the maximum wager on any game is limited to $100. Furthermore, this regulation also restricts the table games and machines that casinos can provide.

Blackjack

• Craps
• Poker
• Roulette
• Slots
• Video Poker Machines

Black Hawk Casinos

Located just west of Denver in Clear Creek Canyon, Black Hawk, CO is a thriving destination adjacent to Central City. Despite its small size of less than two square miles, Black Hawk boasts the highest number of commercial casinos in the state. This former mining town attracts 20,000 visitors during its peak season, who flock here to experience the city’s vibrant culture and thrilling gaming entertainment.

Casino	City	Address	Hours of Operation
Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa	Black Hawk	111 Richman St, Black Hawk, CO 80422	Open 24 hours
Bull Durham Saloon & Casino	Black Hawk	110 Main Street	Sunday-Thursday 8 a.m.-2 a.m.; Friday-Saturday 8 a.m.-4 a.m.
Gilpin Casino	Black Hawk	111 Main Street	Open 24 hours
Golden Gates Casino	Black Hawk	261 Main Street	Open 24 hours
Golden Gulch Casino	Black Hawk	321 Main Street	Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
Golden Mardi Gras Casino	Black Hawk	300 Main Street	Tuesday 8 a.m.-1 a.m.; Wednesday 8 a.m.-midnight; Thursday-Monday open 24 hours
Isle Casino Hotel	Black Hawk	401 Main Street	Open 24 hours
Lady Luck Casino	Black Hawk	340 Main Street	Open 24 hours
Lodge Casino	Black Hawk	240 Main Street	Open 24 hours
Monarch Casino Resort & Spa	Black Hawk	448 Main Street	Open 24 hours
Red Dolly Casino	Black Hawk	530 Gregory Street	8 a.m.-2 a.m.
Saratoga Casino	Black Hawk	110 Main Street	Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m.-3 a.m.; Friday-Saturday open 24 hours
Sasquatch Casino	Black Hawk	125 Gregory Street	8 a.m.-2 a.m.
Wild Card Saloon & Casino	Black Hawk	120 Main Street	8 a.m.-midnight
Z Casino	Black Hawk	101 Gregory Street	Sunday-Thursday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Friday-Saturday open 24 hours

Central City Casinos

Next to Black Hawk is Central City, with six casinos.

Casino	City	Address	Hours of Operation
Century Casino & Hotel Central City	Central City	102 Main Street	Open 24 hours
Dostal Alley Casino & Microbrewery	Central City	116 Main Street	10 a.m.-2 a.m.
Easy Street Casino	Central City	120 Main Street	8 a.m.-2 a.m.
Famous Bonanza Casino	Central City	107 Main Street	Sunday-Thursday 8 a.m.-2 a.m.; Friday-Saturday 8 a.m.-3 a.m.
Grand Z Casino Hotel	Central City	321 Gregory Street	Open 24 hours
Johnny Z’s Casino	Central City	123 Lawrence Street	Monday-Wednesday 8 a.m.-3 a.m.; Thursday 8 a.m.-midnight; Friday-Sunday open 24 hours

Native American Casinos

Casino	City	Address	Hours of Operation
Sky Ute Casino Resort	Ignacio	14324 Highway 172 North	Monday-Thursday 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday 9:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Ute Mountain Casino Hotel	Towaoc	3 Weeminuche Drive	Open 24 hours

Cripple Creek Casinos

Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak, the charming mining town of Cripple Creek boasts the second-largest concentration of casinos in Colorado. More than a century ago, during Colorado’s Gold Rush, this vibrant town emerged as a hub of excitement, attracting fortune seekers from far and wide. Today, visitors flock to Cripple Creek’s casinos and gaming halls, driven by the same ambition to hit the jackpot.

Casino	City	Address	Hours of Operation
Billy’s Casino	Cripple Creek	233 E. Bennett Ave.	Open 24 hours
Brass Ass Casino	Cripple Creek	264 E. Bennett Ave.	Open 24 hours
Bronco Billy’s Casino	Cripple Creek	233 E. Bennett Ave.	Open 24 hours
Century Casino & Hotel Cripple Creek	Cripple Creek	200 E. Bennett Ave.	Open 24 hours
Christmas Casino & Inn	Cripple Creek	279 E. Bennett Ave.	Open 24 hours
Colorado Grande Casino & Hotel	Cripple Creek	300 E. Bennett Av.	Open 24 hours
Double Eagle Hotel & Casino	Cripple Creek	442 E Bennett Ave.	Open 24 hours
Johnny Nolon’s Casino	Cripple Creek	301 E. Bennett Ave.	Open 24 hours
McGill’s Hotel & Casino	Cripple Creek	232 Bennett Ave.	Open 24 hours
Midnight Rose Hotel and Casino	Cripple Creek	256 E. Bennett Ave.	Open 24 hours
Wildwood Casino	Cripple Creek	119 Carbonate Street	Open 24 hours

Which Colorado casinos plan to offer online gaming?

Once Colorado approves the operation of online casinos, the following are the prime contenders expected to provide online services:

• The Ameristar Black Hawk Casino, managed by Penn National Gaming, is the state’s largest casino. Boasting over 1,250 slot machines, 40 table games, and 22 poker tables, it offers an unparalleled gaming experience. With Penn National Gaming’s experienced online gaming operator expertise, visitors can expect top-notch service and excitement at this premier establishment.
• Both the Isle of Capri and Lady Luck casinos are under the ownership of Eldorado Resorts, a prominent player in the gambling industry. It is worth noting that Eldorado Resorts is currently in the process of merging with Caesars Entertainment. Caesars already boasts successful online operations in various states.
• Bronco Billy’s Casino, owned by the Full House Resorts group, has already entered into multiple agreements for online sports wagering.

Currently, Colorado players can engage in online casino games through a growing variety of social casinos. These platforms provide free access to captivating casino games and the chance to win exciting prizes, all available through their websites or Facebook applications.

Income from gambling in Colorado

As per the 2019 “State of the States” casino revenue report by the American Gaming Association, Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek casinos generated a total revenue of $842.1 million in 2018.

In a remarkable feat, the Colorado gaming industry achieved a new record, surpassing the previous year’s revenue by 1.7%. The industry’s impressive growth is evident as it marked a 13% increase compared to 2014, despite having fewer commercial casinos operating during that time. This accomplishment showcases the resilience and success of the gaming sector in Colorado.

Initial projections suggested that the state stood to gain $20 million or potentially more through implementing a 10% tax on licensed online gambling operators. This would translate to an additional $200 million annual gambling revenue from Colorado casinos and online operators.

However, the governor’s office has revised its first-year sports betting tax revenue estimate. It anticipates collecting between $1.4 million and $1.7 million, with projections ramping to a maximum of $10.4 million in the 2020-21 fiscal year. Additionally, a more conservative estimate suggests an additional $100 million in gambling revenue during the inaugural year of legalized sports betting in Colorado. This revised forecast reflects a refined assessment of the potential financial impact while still preserving the original meaning.

Responsible Gaming in Colorado

Social casinos in Colorado are responsible for promoting responsible gambling and supporting those who need help controlling their wagers. They need to have clear and easily accessible links to responsible gambling resources and information about organizations that can provide expert assistance and practical support. Some of these agencies in Colorado are:

• The Colorado Gaming Association strongly supports responsible gambling and provides links to other organizations dedicated to this cause.
• The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado provides access to a 24-hour helpline and other valuable resources to support individuals facing gambling-related challenges.
• Colorado Gamblers Anonymous represents a highly esteemed local chapter affiliated with a widely respected organization renowned for its extensive expertise in this domain.
• Similarly, the National Council on Problem Gambling provides support and aid at both local and national scales.

History of the development of gambling in Colorado

Since 1949, Colorado has embraced pari-mutuel betting on horse races, and in 1983, a state lottery was introduced. However, it was not until 1991 that legal casino gambling breathed new life into the once-serene mountain towns of Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, igniting the spark of Colorado gambling.

These once-abandoned mining towns teetered on the brink of becoming forsaken ghost towns. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when Colorado voters approved Initiative 4, amending the state constitution. This pivotal decision permitted limited gambling operations within these three cities, serving as a lifeline to rescue their floundering local economies.

Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek witnessed the emergence of small casinos that defied the odds. These casinos persevered despite limitations such as only allowing slots, blackjack, and poker with single bets capped at $5 and restricted operating hours. Through resilience and determination, they thrived in the face of adversity.

In 2008, the promise of augmented revenue materialized through Amendment 50. This crucial amendment aimed to authorize the inclusion of craps and roulette, grant the casinos the ability to accept wagers of up to $100, and operate around the clock. With the voters’ approval, revenues have been steadily ascending ever since.

These three towns have transformed remarkably from failed mining communities into charming gambling destinations. The smaller casinos exude a nostalgic charm reminiscent of Old West saloons. In total, are 33 casinos spread across these towns, with the largest concentration in Black Hawk. Moreover, Central City is just a stone’s throw away, making both towns easily accessible within an hour’s drive from downtown Denver.

Cripple Creek, situated in southeastern Colorado, is conveniently located just an hour from Colorado Springs. On the state’s western side, two tribal casinos owned and operated by the Ute tribe have recently opened. In addition, Arapahoe Park, located just outside of Denver, offers live and simulcast horse racing, while the state boasts 12 other off-track betting locations. Furthermore, the state lottery continues to operate and participate in the Mega Millions and Powerball multi-state draw games.

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