Betting in Colorado

Colorado’s licensing structure allows every retail casino in the state to partner with an online operator - and that simple rule created the deepest sportsbook lineup in the U.S. With 16 legal online sportsbooks live today, Colorado gives bettors more choice than any other market in the country.

More operators means more competition. More competition means sharper odds, better promos, and a constant arms race to win market share - something very few states can replicate.

Since launching online betting in 2020, Colorado has posted steady growth in both handle and revenue.

Year after year, the state clears the $6 billion annual handle mark and maintains one of the healthiest operator ecosystems in the West. It’s the kind of long-term stability regulators love - and bettors benefit from.

Colorado taxes online sportsbook revenue at 10%, which is dramatically lower than the 30–50% rates you see in heavy-tax states like New York or Pennsylvania.

A lighter tax burden leaves operators with more room to compete - and that ultimately benefits players.

Boosted odds, daily promos, generous welcome offers, and more favorable odds are all more sustainable in Colorado than in higher-tax markets.

Unlike many states that block bets on local schools or ban college player props, Colorado takes a hands-off approach. You can legally wager on in-state programs, college futures, March Madness, player props - the full slate.

For fans of Colorado, Colorado State, Air Force, and the rest of the local programs, that means the betting experience is as complete as any pro league. Very few states offer this level of college-betting freedom.

Real-money online casinos aren’t legal in Colorado (yet), but sweepstakes casinos fill the gap without crossing state gambling laws.

These platforms use virtual currencies - one for standard play, one redeemable for real money prizes - allowing Coloradans to play slots, blackjack, roulette, and other classic casino formats legally.

It’s not as direct as real-money online casino, but it’s the closest legal alternative available, and it’s widely used across the state.

Colorado’s sportsbooks follow national rules: no betting on politics, award shows, celebrity outcomes, cultural events, or anything outside sports.

But prediction markets operate under federal regulation, not state gambling law - which means Coloradans can legally trade on elections, economic reports, pop-culture outcomes, award shows, tech launches, and major world events.

If you’ve ever wanted to “bet” on something sportsbooks can’t touch, prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket are the only fully legal way to do it in Colorado.