Colorado Sports Betting Laws
Colorado was an early mover after the federal PASPA repeal in 2018 and remains one of the most competitive regulated markets in the United States.
Proposition DD & HB 19-1327
Colorado legalized sports betting through HB 19-1327, signed by Governor Jared Polis in May 2019, which referred the question to voters as Proposition DD. The measure passed in November 2019, and online and retail betting launched on May 1, 2020. The Colorado Division of Gaming oversees all operations.
Regulator
The Colorado Division of Gaming, part of the Colorado Department of Revenue, licenses and regulates every sportsbook operator in the state. Each licensed operator must partner with a casino in Black Hawk, Central City or Cripple Creek.
Tax structure
Operators currently pay 10% of net sports betting proceeds to the state. Under HB 25-1311, the free-bet deduction drops to 1% of handle on January 1, 2026 and is fully abolished on July 1, 2026; meaning operators will pay tax on their full revenue starting mid-2026.
Where the tax revenue goes
The majority of Colorado sports betting tax revenue funds the Colorado Water Plan, which supports water conservation and infrastructure projects across the state. A smaller portion funds problem gambling services. Since launch, sports betting has contributed over $79 million to state coffers, with fiscal 2026-27 projections of up to $120 million.
Licensing model
Colorado's open licensing framework allows more than 20 operators in total; the most of any US state. To enter the market, an operator must partner with one of the licensed casinos in Black Hawk, Central City or Cripple Creek. As of April 2026, 13 operators are actively accepting wagers.
College betting
Colorado allows betting on in-state college teams (CU Buffaloes, CSU Rams, Air Force, Denver) at the game level; spreads, moneylines, totals and futures. Player props on individual college athletes are prohibited.
Age & location requirements
You must be at least 21 years old and physically located within Colorado to place legal sports bets. Residency is not required; anyone visiting the state who meets the age requirement can register and bet. Geolocation technology verifies your location at the time of each wager.
Retail sportsbooks
Retail sportsbooks are available at casinos across Colorado's three gaming towns: Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. Retail betting accounts for less than 1% of total handle; Colorado is overwhelmingly a mobile market.