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Do you love visiting casinos in Colorado? So do we! Unfortunately, since Colorado has a limited number of casinos across the state, it can be challenging to find the time to make the trip to visit them. That’s why we often find ourselves enjoying real money online casinos in Colorado instead.
This article is designed to help you find the best real money online gambling in Colorado. We go over the criteria a casino must meet to make our list of recommendations, the legalities of gambling in Colorado, tips for staying safe while playing online, and so much more.
If you’d rather skip that info and start playing right away, feel free to jump ahead to any of the best Colorado online casinos we have listed below.
Online Casino | Bonus | Get Started | |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 100% up to €250 | Go to Site | |
2 | Betway | 100% up to €250 | Go to Site |
3 | 100% up to €400 | Go to Site | |
4 | PlayAmo Casino | 100% up to $1500 | Go to Site |
5 | 100% up to $1,000 | Go to Site |
We would like to point out that we did not just choose these online casinos for Colorado customers at random. We actually spent numerous hours playing at a variety of real money online casinos to see which ones stand out above the rest.
Why Are These the Best Real Money Casinos in CO?
While testing out CO online casinos to see which ones we should recommend, there are certain criteria we expect them to meet. They need to have high-quality games, generous bonus opportunities, an easy-to-use interface, and a solid reputation.
High-Quality Table and Slot Games to Choose From
At any online casino in Colorado that we recommend, we prefer to see a wide selection of high-quality games offered. We hope to see table games like baccarat, blackjack, craps, poker, and roulette; the more variations of these games we see offered, the better. We want everyone to be able to find something they are interested in.
That’s why, at the best CO gambling sites, we also like to see a plethora of slot games. These should be made from several different software providers to ensure an assortment of themes and gameplay styles are available as well.
An Easy-to-Use Interface
When we encounter any new Colorado casino sites, we take our time navigating our way through it. We are looking to see how easy it is to find the information we are looking for. We want their games to be well-organized, their contact info to be readily available, and their banking info easy to understand. We also don’t want to experience any issues with lagging or glitches.
The best CO online casinos will have a well-organized site that is easy to navigate and free from glitches.
Bonus Opportunities
Real money online casinos in CO often give out bonuses and other incentives to encourage you to play at their sites. One of the most popular types of bonuses we see offered is a welcome bonus; this is a bonus you receive when you first create an account for the site. We only recommend Colorado gambling sites with generous welcome bonuses in terms of value and wagering requirements.
A Solid Reputation
If a casino is going to be considered one of the best Colorado online casinos on the market, then they need to have a solid reputation. Before we can put a casino on our list, we first spend time reading its user reviews. We want to make sure they have a pattern of treating their players well.
If we notice the same complaint repeatedly, we know the casino has a weakness in that particular area. If we see the same compliment over and over again, we know the casino has a strength in that particular area. Only Colorado online casinos that receive mainly positive feedback will be recommended.
Real Money Banking Options for Colorado Residents
People who reside in Colorado actually have quite a few options when it comes to making deposits and withdrawals. We’ll explain each one of the options that are found at popular Colorado gambling sites below.
Wire Transfers
Wire transfers or bank transfers involve transferring funds directly from your bank account to your online casino account. Not every bank will allow these transactions to go through, but the majority of them will.
If you are worried about your transaction at any Colorado online casinos being denied, call your bank ahead of time and let them know that you approve of the transaction. This will reduce your chances of having any issues or delays.
Debit or Credit Card
Another popular way to make deposits into Colorado online casinos is by using your debit or credit card information. While most major credit card companies won’t have any issues processing this request, you can call them ahead of time to pre-approve the transaction. Some of the most well-known credit card companies include Discover, Chase, Visa, and Mastercard.
E-wallets
One of the safest ways to get money into your account is via an eWallet or a virtual wallet. Some of the best eWallets accepted at Colorado online casinos include Paypal, Paysafecard, Neteller, Skrill, or Venmo.
Using e-wallets help keep your account information private, as you don’t have to enter your banking details into the online casino. Since you have to deposit money into your e-wallet and then transfer it once again to your online casino account, this method can take several days to process.
Cryptocurrencies
One of the most private and secure ways to make a deposit or withdrawal is through cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Stellar, and Tether. These transactions are relatively untraceable, which is a plus if you are trying to do so discreetly. They are also extremely secure and fast, allowing for same-day processing at most of the top Colorado online casinos.
Other Ways You Can Gamble Online in Colorado
There are plenty of ways to enjoy gambling in Colorado outside of an online or brick and mortar casino. We’ll explain a few of them to you now.
Online Sports Betting
We were so excited when we found out that online sports betting was officially legal in Colorado. There are actually some Colorado online casinos that allow you to bet on sports for real money. Expect to bet on all major sports like football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. You’ll even be able to find more obscure games like lacrosse, motorsports, esports, and more. Plenty of residents in the state make use of online sportsbooks for betting action.
Fantasy Sports
Fantasy sports has gained popularity in the past decade, and we are happy to see it finally being offered in Colorado now. Fantasy sports is a form of sports betting that involves picking a virtual team of players from various different teams in a league.
You earn points based on your players’ performances in the real games they play. The person with the most points at the end of the league wins.
Bingo
Bingo is completely legal to play in Colorado. It’s often played at bars or in designated bingo halls; bingo is available at most in-person casinos and CO casino websites. Players often have the opportunity to win thousands of dollars through playing bingo or tangible prizes like a car or a boat. Bingo is also used as a way to raise money for non-profit organizations or charities.
Lottery
Colorado has a state lottery that includes Colorado Lotto+, Mega Millions, Powerball, Lucky for Life, and Cash 5. Most of these tickets can be purchased for just a couple of dollars, and their jackpots often reach hundreds of thousands to even millions of dollars. Scratch-off tickets are also available for purchase.
How to Stay Safe Playing at Online Casinos in Colorado
Here are our top tips for staying safe while playing at CO online casinos. Follow these for a pleasant Colorado online gambling experience.
- Stay Current With the Latest Gambling News
This tip is extremely important. Keeping up to date with current gambling news will help you better understand real money casinos in Colorado. We’ll do our best to let you know when new casinos open or if any casinos are expected to close. If there are any scandals or changes that will impact you, we will bring these to your attention.
- Find a Trustworthy Online Casino
We cannot stress this tip enough! Since there are unregulated Colorado online casinos, it can be difficult to distinguish which platforms are trustworthy and which ones are trying to rip you off. That’s why we suggest sticking with our list of the best Colorado online casinos, as they have been thoroughly tested to prove their legitimacy.
- Consider Joining Multiple Casinos
The best way to stretch your budget and increase your chances of being profitable is by creating an account at multiple casinos. This way, you can take advantage of multiple bonuses and participate in even more tournaments. This will also give you access to even more games and playing opportunities.
- Read the Terms and Conditions Page
Every casino has a terms and conditions page that outlines valuable information you should know about. Although we only recommend the safest CO casinos online, we still suggest you read it and look at the fine print. You’ll find the casino’s banking policies, including any fees they charge.
You will also be able to find details on wagering requirements or withdrawal schedules at these Colorado online casinos. There’s also the casino’s policy on keeping your information private. So, please check this out BEFORE you create an account.
Answering Your Questions About Colorado Gambling Sites
Here are our answers to the most commonly asked questions we receive regarding online casinos in Colorado.
Colorado sports betting is a thriving ecosystem with new entrants emerging all the time. There are 16 live online sportsbooks in Colorado at the time of this writing, and over a dozen more sportsbook licenses up for grabs. The Colorado Limited Gaming Commission still has plenty of room to grow Colorado’s sportsbook industry, which got an impressive start out of the gate in its first months in business.
Most of Colorado’s sportsbooks are either standalone companies or the result of casino partnerships. DraftKings, FanDuel, and William Hill are companies whose core businesses are sportsbooks. However, Colorado’s homegrown casinos want in on the red-hot sports betting industry, too. Many have either partnered with sportsbook companies or developed their own. BetMonarch is one such sportsbook app that’s wholly owned and developed by Monarch Casino. Another is Sky Ute SportsBook, the first tribal-run sportsbook to launch in the state.
Online sports betting has taken off like a rocket in Colorado. That may be because it’s the safest betting option in the social distancing age. However, Colorado’s online sportsbooks are competitive choices for bettors’ funds. Here’s everything bettors need to know about them.
**Some of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. All bonus and promotions have Terms & Conditions that apply. 21+ for legal online gambling sites. If you think you have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700.
The Best Colorado Sports Betting Sites & Bonus Offers
- William Hill >> Claim $500 Free Bet With $250 Deposit
- BetRivers >> Claim 100% Deposit Match Bonus Up To $250
- FanDuel Sportsbook >> Claim A $1000 Risk-Free Bet
- PointsBet >> Claim $2000 In Two Risk-Free Bets With Bonus Code BIGBONUS
- DraftKings Sportsbook >> Claim 20% Deposit Match Bonus Up To $1000
Colorado Online Sports Betting Sites For February 2021
List Of Colorado Casinos
Pro sports got off to a late start this year due to the pandemic, and Colorado has mostly reopened since the March stay-at-home orders were rescinded. But even the lack of professional sports and the pandemic couldn’t deter Colorado from opening its first legal sportsbooks on May 1, or the bettors from flocking the newly launched sites and apps.
The launch of online sports betting in Colorado took some navigating, as officials grappled with the fallout from coronavirus. At the time of launch, there were few sports to bet on, but the market has done very well in the first months, even with bettors at first confined to wagering mostly on golf or table tennis. Here are the online sportsbooks who’ve secured partnerships in Colorado so far.
In addition to our top recommendations above, these are all of the sports betting apps in Colorado that are licensed, regulated in Colorado, and available for download:
The Best Colorado Online Sportsbooks (Ranked By Our Editors)
Best For New Bettors
$500 Free On $250 Deposit
Available On: Web, iOS, Android
Best For New Bettors
William Hill Colorado
4.7
An international sports betting brand, William Hill is taking its top-notch reputation to the US sports betting industry. Currently available in almost a dozen states, they offer all domestic and international sports odds. William Hill offers a $500 free bet to new bettors who deposit $250 or more.
William Hill Colorado
Bonus: 100% up to $500 on deposit
Retail Partner: Eldorado Resorts (Caesars Entertainment)
UK-headquartered William Hill is one of the biggest and most widely available sportsbooks in the US. Partnered locally with Eldorado Resorts (now Caesars Entertainment), William Hill kiosks have been available in Black Hawk since July, but the app didn’t launch until Sept. 8. New sign-ups can get up to a $500 risk-free bet with our exclusive link.
Best Mobile App
20% Deposit Bonus Up To $1000
Available On: Web, iOS, Android
Best Mobile App
DraftKings Colorado
4.9
DraftKings is one of the top US sports betting brands after making its name in the Daily Fantasy Sports industry. They offer one of the best mobile apps, with a easy-to-use interface. The interface makes it easy for new bettors to find sports, odds, and to place a bet. They offer a deposit bonus up to $1,000.
DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado
Bonus: 20% up to $1000 on deposit
Retail Partner: Mardi Gras Casino
DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the top US brands in sports betting, and it’s open for business for sports bettors in Colorado. Its variety of sports and lines are almost unmatched, and it offers some unique betting opportunities like teasers and parlays. It also has frequent bonuses and promotions.
Best Deposit Bonus
100% Deposit Bonus Up To $250
Available On: Web, iOS, Android
Best Deposit Bonus
BetRivers Colorado
4.7
BetRivers makes it easy to start betting in Colorado. New bettors can claim a 100% deposit match bonus up to $250 with only a 1x playthrough. This makes BetRivers Colorado the perfect choice for more casual bettors. For more experienced bettors, check out the BetRivers jackpot parlay bet.
BetRivers Colorado
Bonus: 100% up to $250 on deposit
Retail Partner: J.P. McGills
BetRivers is owned by Rush Street Interactive, which makes iGaming platforms in addition to its sportsbook offering. One of BetRivers’ differentiators is its extensive rewards system, which start at the basic level but top off at the “luxury” rewards for higher-tier wagers.
Best Betting Experience
$1000 Risk Free Bet Offer
Available On: Web, iOS, Android
Best Betting Experience
FanDuel Colorado
4.9
Much like DraftKings, FanDue Sportsbook made its name on Daily Fantasy Sports but now offers online sports betting across the US. The FanDuel Colorado app is one of the strongest in the state, with all major sports and some minor events as well. The interface is easy to understand the sportsbooks offers competitive odds.
FanDuel Sportsbook Colorado
Bonus: $1000 Risk-Free Bet
Retail Partner: Golden Gates Casino
Once known only for fantasy sports, FanDuel Sportsbook is all grown up, serving CO sports bettors 24 hours a day. FanDuel Sportsbooks has lines on MLB, NFL, NHL, and NBA, along with all kinds of other sports and events, both niche and mainstream. It has bets on the spread, the moneyline, halves and quarters of select games, and the over/under, and offers highly competitive odds in the CO sports betting landscape.
Best For Experienced Bettors
$2,000 In Two Risk Free Bets
Available On: Web, iOS, Android
Best For Experienced Bettors
PointsBet Colorado
4.9
Australian sports betting brand, PointsBet, is one of the newest sportsbooks to launch in Colorado. Offering competitive lines on US and international sports, PointsBet offers a high-risk, high-reward options for experienced bettors in their PointsBetting system.
PointsBet Colorado
Retail Partner: Double Eagle Casino
Australian-owned PointsBet is a mobile gaming partner of Double Eagle Casino in Cripple Creek. PointsBet was one of the first sports wagering companies to announce its intentions to operate in Colorado and was awarded an online license on March 19. They finally launched their online sportsbook app in November 2020.
PointsBet offers a unique winnings boost if your team wins big, called PointsBetting, offering multipliers for winning wagers based on the number of points a team wins a game. PointsBet also has a partnership with Koenke Sports & Entertainment to be the exclusive gaming partner of the Avalanche, Nuggets, Colorado Mammoth, and the Pepsi Center itself.
All Colorado Sports Betting Sites
SportsBetting.com
Bonus: $150 deposit bonus
Retail Partner: Carousel Group (Johnny Nolon’s, Cripple Creek)
SportsBetting.com gives new players up to $150 dollar deposit bonus. New users who deposit $10+ will get 100% bet credit up to $150 dollars using our exclusive link right here.
BetMGM
Bonus: $600 Risk Free Bet Bonus
Retail Partner: Midnight Rose
MGM is a premier name in gambling and entertainment, and its sports betting app BetMGM is available to CO sports bettors. BetMGM currently operates in almost a dozen countries including Colorado.
BetMonarch
Retail Partner: Monarch Casino
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Monarch Casino in Black Hawk launched BetMonarch in May 2020, the first fully in-house sportsbook in the state developed by a casino. It offers the sports and leagues you’d expect lines on, but it also has an advantage many other sportsbooks don’t: BetMonarch rewards points players accumulate through their play can earn free hotel stays, meals, and more.
FOX Bet
Retail Partner: Eldorado Resorts (Caesars Entertainment)
Fox Bet’s local gaming partner is the Lady Luck Casino in Black Hawk, owned by Eldorado Resorts, which recently acquired gaming giant Caesars Entertainment, as well as the Isle Casino. Fox Bet has some solid bonus offers, including a $1,000 sign-up bonus ($500 risk-free bet + 100% match bonus of up to $500). In addition to the standard slate of sports to bet on, Fox Bet offers a wide range of betting boost, which are riskier, but could be lucrative wagers for lucky bettors.
SBK Sportsbook
Retail Partner: Christmas Casino*
SBK Sportsbook by Smarkets has a different approach to setting odds from most sportsbooks. Rather than making its money tilting the odds in its favor, SBK charges a 2% commission on bettors’ net winnings. The odds are then created as a consensus is slowly reached among where bettors are putting their money. SBK is a bit light on welcome bonuses, but it does offer a refund of the first $20 in lost bets over multiple bets.
Sky Ute SportsBook
Retail Partner: Sky Ute Casino
The launch of Sky Ute SportsBook made a bit of history for Colorado sports betting as the first tribal-owned casino in the state to launch its own sportsbook. Being on tribal lands, Sky Ute isn’t beholden to Colorado state laws governing odds, so they say their lines are some of the best in the state. Bettors can fund an account and start betting with just $25.
Circa Sports
Retail Partner: Century Casinos
Circa Sports, a Las Vegas-based sports wagering operator, was the first partnership agreement struck by Century Casinos, which operates two eponymous casinos in Colorado, one in Black Hawk, the other in Cripple Creek. Circa Sports is partnered with the Cripple Creek location, so that’s where eventual Circa-branded kiosks and windows will most likely be located. Circa offers multiple deposit and withdraw options, and has some of the best odds on favorite to win bets of any CO sportsbook.
BetWildwood
Retail Partner: Wildwood Casino
Cripple Creek’s first retail sportsbook, Woody’s at Wildwood, was also the first self-launched app by a casino in Colorado’s southern gambling resort town. BetWildwood offers sports bettors moneyline and spread bets on a variety of sports, and has live in-game betting for many. There are numerous deposit/withdrawal options, and it offers new members a $50 free bet.
ELITE Sportsbook
Retail Partner: Red Dolly Casino
ELITE Sportsbook was the 11th sportsbook to launch in Colorado. Bettors can start placing wagers on its website or through the app right now. ELITE Sportsbook offers bettors a variety of prop bets and parlays, and promotions will be available, including a sign-up bonus worth up to $1,000 in free bets. The company says it will be the only sportsbook in the state to offer a progressive parlay.
theScore Bet
Retail Partner: Jacobs Entertainment
theScore bet is a popular sports betting platform that launched in Colorado in September through its partnership with Jacobs Entertainment, which owns and operates the Lodge Casino and Gilpin Casino, both in Black Hawk. theScore debuted in New Jersey in 2019, the first ever sportsbook launched by a North American Media company, Score Media.
Betfred
Retail Partner: Saratoga Casino
Betfred, a major player in the United Kingdom sports betting market, expanded into the US in 2020, with the first Betfred USA sportsbook opening at Iowa’s Grand Falls Casino. The brand’s second US location is Colorado. Saratoga Casino has partnered with Betfred USA for its sports betting platform. Betfred operates more than 1,500 locations in the UK. Betfred’s sportsbook was the very first retail window to open in Colorado, giving it a first-mover advantage.
Not-Yet-Launched Sportsbooks
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Barstool Sports (Penn National Gaming)
Retail Partner: Ameristar Casino
Penn National, which operates the Ameristar Casino Black Hawk, has brought its Barstool Sports sportsbook brand to Colorado and soon will open branded retail sportsbook windows at Ameristar, the largest casino in the state. Ameristar soft-launched a self-branded sportsbook this summer, so bettors can place bets in person for now until the Barstool Sports app launches.
Twin River Worldwide Holdings
Two of the biggest names in mobile sports betting will come to Colorado via Twin River Worldwide Holdings, which has been awarded three master licenses from the CLGCC.
Twin River (operating as Premier Entertainment Black Hawk in Colorado), has announced partnerships with both FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook, the two companies leading the market so far in open mobile sports betting markets in the US.
Three Colorado land-based casinos (Golden Gates, Golden Gulch, and Mardi Gras) were purchased by Twin River in January, with the intent of using those properties in partnership with FanDuel and DraftKings to bring sports betting to Colorado.
Online Sports Betting Partnerships
Colorado Online Sportsbook | Deposit Bonus | Launch Date | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|
William Hill | $500 Risk-Free Bet | September 8 | Visit WilliamHill.com |
DraftKings Sportsbook | 20% up to $1000 | May 1 | Visit Draftkings Sportsbook |
BetRivers | 100% up to $250 | May 1 | Visit BetRivers |
SportsBetting.com | $1,000 Risk-Free Week | September 13 | Visit SportsBetting.com |
FanDuel Sportsbook | $1,000 Risk-Free Bet | May 1 | Visit FanDuelSportsbook.com |
BetMGM | $600 Risk Free Bet | May 1 | Visit BetMGM Sportsbook |
PointsBet | 2 Risk-Free Bets; One $500 fixed-odds bet, One $1,500 risk-free bet for PointsBetting | November 18 | Visit PointsBet |
BetMonarch | - | May 9 | |
FoxBet | $500 Risk-Free Bet; $10 Bonus Bet for Broncos betting | May 19 | |
SBK Sportsbook | $20 Risk-Free Bet | June 4 | |
Sky Ute Sportsbook | - | June 9 | |
Circa Sports | - | July 1 | |
BetWildwood | - | July 10 | |
Elite Sportsbook | 50% up to $500, $500 Risk-Free Bet | August 14 | |
theScore Bet | $100 Free Bet, Up to $1k Cash Back bets in 60 days | September 2 | |
BetFred Sports | $500 Risk-Free Bet | September 8 |
Guide To Betting Online In Colorado
Although Colorado’s sportsbooks are each uniquely branded, there are similarities between each sportsbook. Here are a few things bettors can expect no matter where they wager.
Common Sportsbook Bonuses
When bettors create sportsbook accounts, they’re often offered welcome bonuses. These bonuses incentivize bettors to place wagers and continue placing bets long after the first one is settled. The most common bonuses in Colorado are deposit bonuses and risk-free bets.
Deposit bonuses usually require bettors to deposit funds into their accounts. (There are also deposit bonuses that award site credits upon signup, but they’re usually tiny–less than $50.) Most deposit bonuses will match bettor deposits at a certain rate. For example, Fox Bet has a 50% deposit rate. That means for every $2 bettors deposit, Fox Bet will give a bettor $1 in site credits. That allows bettors to deposit at their own pace and place larger bets with less risk.
However, these deposit bonuses usually max out at $250 to $500. Sportsbooks can’t award site credits indefinitely.
Many sportsbooks also offer risk-free bets. They’re bets that get refunded if bettors lose a bet. FanDuel offers a risk-free bet of up to $500. If a bettor’s first wager is $500 and it loses, then that bettor will get $500 back in site credits. However, the risk-free bet is only good for the first bet. So, a $50 that loses would only get $50 of site credits back. Risk-free bets are popular choices for sportsbooks to offer, but they don’t allow bettors to wager at their own paces like deposit bonuses.
Colorado Teams That Can And Can’t Be Bet On
There are many different sports to bet on, but Coloradans have their favorite teams. The Broncos will have lines available during the NFL season. They’ll have moneylines and point spreads ripe for enthusiastic betting. There are plenty of prop bets and futures that’ll be available on the Broncos, too.
A Colorado list of teams wouldn’t be complete without the other three main sports, though. The Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche, and the Denver Nuggets are huge draws for sports fans across the state. All of them are fair game for sports betting, too.
College teams are fair game for certain types of bets, too. The Colorado Buffaloes are one of Colorado’s most popular teams, whether it’s CU’s football or basketball teams. Bettors will have the standard moneylines, spreads, and futures available as the professional teams offer.
However, Colorado sportsbooks won’t offer prop bets on college games. Colorado’s Division of Gaming prohibits prop bets on college games. It likely arises from a compromise with the NCAA, which is adamantly opposed to sports betting. Bettors shouldn’t be surprised when they don’t find sports betting on college teams.
What Is The Status Of Esports In Colorado?
Colorado not only allows esports betting. It also counts esports among its authorized sports catalog. The Division of Gaming’s rules stipulate that the Division will regulate sports and bets. That way, no one can make up a sport or bet that cons bettors out of their money. Sports matches must have clear, consistent rules to ensure bettors can understand how their wager will play out throughout the game. Bets must have similarly clear rules. Otherwise, sports betting wouldn’t be fair to bettors.
Sportsbooks Coming Soon To Colorado
There are two sportsbooks that are in other states but could come to Colorado next. The first one is Golden Nugget. It’s available in New Jersey, but it doesn’t have a partnership in Colorado yet. The second is Parx. It has an online casino and sportsbook in Pennsylvania, another prominent sports betting state.
However, the full list is anyone’s guess. There will likely be more than two dozen online sportsbooks in Colorado by the time everyone arrives.
Legal Vs Illegal Sports Betting In Colorado
Sports betting used to be an illegal activity in all but four states. Sports bettors’ only options were illegal sportsbooks and bookies. If there was a bookie or website that bettors created relationships with, it could be hard for some of them to leave. However, legal sports betting sites are superior to illegal sites.
Legal sportsbooks are required to have a cash reserve so it can pay their winning bets out. Think about what happens if an underdog with long odds comes through. A futures bet with +5,000 odds will drain a sportsbook’s cash reserve quickly. Licensed sportsbooks have a formula set by the Colorado Division of Gaming to determine how much cash to have on hand.
In contrast, local bookies may not have that kind of cash on hand. They could be collecting bets informally at the bar with a makeshift business. In that case, there’s nothing stopping them from pocketing bettor money. Even if they’re reliable, they may get stretched too thin and be unable to pay out winnings. If that happens, bettors have no legal recourse because betting with a bookie is illegal in Colorado. They’re stuck without their winnings.
The worst-case scenario is a bookie that works for a crime syndicate. Your bookie may be cool, but his employers may come after bettors who bet on credit and don’t repay their debts. Bettors in good standing may also fund human and drug trafficking unknowingly. Licensed sportsbooks’ transparency ensures bettors don’t fall into these traps.
How Do I Know Online Sportsbooks Are Fair?
Online sportsbooks aren’t all shady offshore websites. However, new bettors may struggle to tell the difference between the two. Here’s how bettors can know they’re betting at a legitimate company.
Who Regulates Legal Online Sportsbooks?
The Colorado Division of Gaming regulates all the sportsbooks in Colorado. It’s a government agency that awards licenses, establishes rules, and enforces industry guidelines. The Division of Gaming also has resources for sports betting operators and customers alike, creating a transparent environment for all industry players.
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Before sportsbooks are licensed, the Division of Gaming thoroughly examines each applicant. That includes financial statements, background checks, and a complete record of lawsuits the applicant was involved in. And if a sportsbook doesn’t pay out winnings, the Division of Gaming is a bettor’s next stop. It has processes in place to keep sports betting safe and fair across the board.
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Why Should I Trust Online Sportsbooks?
Before they go live, online sportsbooks submit to a security audit. It ensures the sportsbook can protect sensitive bettor information. The sportsbook hires an independent auditor who submits her findings to the Division of Gaming. If the auditor finds areas of improvement, she’ll list them in the report as well.
The Division won’t award a license to a sportsbook that can’t protect its bettors’ information. Since bettors submit their banking information during registration, sportsbooks need top-notch security in place. Bettors can rest assured that by the time they place a wager, their sportsbook of choice is prepared to protect their data.
How Do I Get Paid If I Win?
Sportsbooks make transferring money in and out of the sportsbook account easy. They know no one wants to bet at a sportsbook that makes handling money a hassle. If bettors win, they’ll have cash moved into their sportsbook account. From there, it’s usually as easy as hitting ‘withdraw’ and moving money to their bank or PayPal account. There are other options too, but no one’s using 7-Eleven’s cash withdrawal option during a pandemic.
In short, bettors can get paid from the app. They just have to win, which is win. Best of luck to all the aspiring bettors out there!
Online Sports Betting FAQs
Online sports betting is new to Colorado, so bettors may have a few clouds of doubt about the industry. Here are some common questions we can clear up at the end.
Yes, you can register online and start betting anywhere in Colorado. You only need to be physically within the Colorado border to place wagers.
Moneylines, spreads, prop bets, and futures are legal on professional teams. However, Colorado bettors cannot place prop bets on college games. All bets are prohibited on high school games. (No one seriously thought DraftKings would have lines on their daughter’s softball game, did they?)
Yes. Because the Buffs are a PAC-12 team, college sports is a big draw in Colorado. And that’s before factoring in all their popular opponents. Everything besides prop bets is fair game on college sports.
Yes. Several sportsbooks have esports sections in their apps. If the pandemic shuts down major sports again, bettors may end up relying on the esports section to get their betting fixes. Counter Strike, anyone?
10%. The taxes largely go to water conservation projects in Colorado. Since Colorado shares water with seven other states, it’s a lot more than an environmentalist cause. It’s a precious resource that’s being funded by a portion of every bet.
Licensed Casinos and established sportsbook companies. Unless aspiring entrepreneurs have all the pieces of their business in place, they can’t complete the license. It wouldn’t be impossible for someone to start a sportsbook in Colorado. However, it would require a massive cash infusion upfront. The sports betting market is largely inaccessible to companies without a track record.
Yes. It was also one of the first sportsbooks to do so.