Colorado’s Sports Betting Laws and Regulations: What You Need to Know

The legalization of sports betting in Colorado has opened up a world of entertainment and potential profit for residents and visitors alike. As sports enthusiasts and casual bettors looking to participate in this exciting new market, it is crucial to understand the state’s laws and regulations that govern sports betting. Familiarity with the legal framework ensures responsible participation in betting activities, protects bettors from fraudulent operators, and minimizes the risk of negative consequences from non-compliance.

In this article, we will explore the intricacies of Colorado sports betting laws and regulations, highlighting the key aspects that bettors need to know. By understanding betting rules, requirements, and responsible gaming measures in place, participants can make informed decisions and engage in sports betting in a manner that is both enjoyable and legally compliant.

The legalization of sports betting in Colorado can be traced back to November 2019, when voters narrowly approved Proposition DD, a ballot measure that sought to legalize and regulate sports betting within the state. This development followed the 2018 United States Supreme Court decision that struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to legalize sports betting at their discretion. The legalization process culminated in the launch of the first legal sportsbooks in Colorado on May 1, 2020.

Since then, the sports betting market in Colorado has grown steadily, attracting numerous operators and generating significant revenue for the state. As of 2021, there are over 20 licensed Colorado sportsbooks, offering both retail and online betting options. This rapid expansion highlights the importance of understanding the laws and regulations that govern sports betting in the state.

As of December 2022, the sports betting handle for Colorado reached $518.1 million, generating $2.6 million in state tax revenue. Basketball betting led the market with an impressive $147.9 million, while table tennis also contributed significantly with a handle of $5.1 million.

The foundation of Colorado’s sports betting landscape is laid out in the Colorado Sports Betting Act (House Bill 19-1327) and the accompanying regulations established by the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and the Colorado Division of Gaming. The Sports Betting Act provides the legal framework for the operation of sports betting in Colorado, including licensing requirements, permissible betting activities, and responsible gaming measures.

In addition to the Sports Betting Act, other relevant legislation includes the Colorado Limited Gaming Act, which regulates casino gaming in the state, and the Colorado Consumer Protection Act, which seeks to protect consumers from deceptive and unfair practices. Collectively, these laws form the basis of Colorado’s sports betting industry and set the standards that both operators and participants must adhere to.

The Colorado Division of Gaming is the primary regulatory authority responsible for the oversight and enforcement of sports betting laws and regulations in the state. The Division’s duties include licensing operators and providers, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, monitoring the integrity of sports betting operations, and taking enforcement action when necessary. The Division works closely with the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission to ensure a safe, fair, and transparent sports betting environment.

The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission is a five-member body appointed by the Governor and responsible for establishing and enforcing the rules and regulations governing sports betting in Colorado. The Commission works in conjunction with the Colorado Division of Gaming to oversee the licensing process, approve new sportsbooks, and maintain the integrity of sports betting operations. The Commission also has the authority to issue fines and revoke licenses in cases of non-compliance or other violations.

To legally offer sports betting services in Colorado, operators must obtain the necessary licenses from the Colorado Division of Gaming. There are three types of licenses available: a master license, a sports betting operator license, and a sports betting vendor license. A master license is granted to land-based casinos in Colorado, allowing them to partner with sports betting operators. Sports betting operator licenses are issued to companies that manage the sportsbooks, while sports betting vendor licenses are for businesses that provide services or products related to sports betting.

The licensing process involves a thorough background check, financial suitability review, and examination of the operator’s or vendor’s business plan. This ensures that only reputable and financially stable companies can offer sports betting services in Colorado, thereby protecting bettors and maintaining the integrity of the market.

Operators and providers are subject to various fees and taxes as part of the licensing process and ongoing operations. Application fees, initial license fees, and annual renewal fees are charged based on the type of license held. Additionally, sports betting operators are subject to a 10% tax on their net sports betting proceeds, which is used to fund state programs, such as water conservation projects and gambling addiction services.

To participate in sports betting in Colorado, individuals must be at least 21 years of age and provide valid identification to verify their identity and age. This requirement applies to both Colorado online sportsbooks and retail locations. Age and identity verification measures help prevent underage gambling and protect the integrity of the sports betting market.

Colorado promotes responsible gaming by providing tools for bettors to manage their gambling behavior. Individuals can voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in sports betting activities for a predetermined period or indefinitely. Additionally, bettors can set limits on the amount of money they deposit, wager, or lose within a specific timeframe. These responsible gaming measures enable bettors to stay in control and engage in sports betting activities responsibly.

To support individuals who may be experiencing gambling-related issues, Colorado offers various resources, such as hotlines and counseling services. The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado and the Colorado Department of Human Services’ Office of Behavioral Health are two organizations that provide assistance to individuals struggling with problem gambling.

Colorado online sports betting has experienced significant growth in Colorado since its legalization in May 2020. By the end of 2020, online sports betting accounted for more than 90% of the total sports betting handle in the state, highlighting the preference of bettors for digital platforms. In the first year of legalized sports betting, Colorado saw over $2 billion in total handle, with a substantial portion attributable to mobile and online wagering. This rapid expansion underscores the importance of understanding the legal requirements and technical aspects of mobile and online sports betting in Colorado. As of 2023, here are the licensed sportsbooks in Centennial State:

To offer online and mobile sports betting services in Colorado, operators must adhere to state regulations, which include obtaining the necessary licenses and implementing robust age and identity verification measures. Licensed sports betting platforms must also ensure that bettors are physically located within Colorado’s borders when placing bets, promoting responsible gaming policies, and maintaining the security and privacy of user data. 

A critical aspect of online and mobile sports betting in Colorado is the use of geolocation technology. This technology ensures that bettors are physically present within the state’s borders when placing bets, as required by state regulations. Licensed operators employ sophisticated geolocation software to verify a bettor’s location in real-time. Additionally, bettors using mobile betting apps must enable location services on their devices to confirm their location while placing wagers.

The growth of mobile and online sports betting has led to a focus on user experience and the introduction of innovative features on digital platforms. Some of the latest innovations include in-play or live betting, allowing bettors to place wagers during live sports events, and cash-out options, which let bettors settle their bets early to secure a profit or minimize potential losses. These innovations, along with seamless navigation, user-friendly interfaces, and secure payment options, contribute to an enhanced betting experience for bettors in Colorado.

Colorado’s sports betting market has experienced rapid growth since its launch, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. New operators, sportsbooks, and technological advancements will likely emerge, offering bettors more choices and an enhanced betting experience. The ongoing development of the sports betting landscape in Colorado highlights the importance of understanding the laws and regulations that govern the industry.

Bettors should stay informed about new developments, legal requirements, and best practices to ensure responsible and compliant participation in betting activities. This includes staying up-to-date with potential changes in legislation, technological advancements, and new features offered by sports betting platforms. By doing so, bettors can enjoy a safe, enjoyable, and responsible sports betting experience in Colorado’s digital marketplace.

The Colorado Division of Gaming is in the process of selecting Independent Integrity Monitor Providers (IIMPs) through a rigorous Request for Information (RFI) process. Once the IIMPs have been chosen, it will be mandatory for all licensed Sports Betting Operators and Internet Sports Betting Operators in Colorado to utilize one of the approved IIMPs. This collaboration will ensure accurate reporting of daily betting activities and facilitate addressing any concerns or issues related to sports betting integrity.

IIMPs are responsible for collecting a comprehensive range of information to preserve the integrity of sports betting activities within the state. This data set includes:

Until the RFI process and the selection of IIMPs are finalized, specific provisions of Rule 8 will apply. All licensed Sports Betting Operators and Internet Sports Betting Operators in Colorado are required to engage the services of a licensed Integrity Provider and inform the Division of their selected provider before initiating any sports betting activities. The chosen Integrity Provider must hold, at a minimum, a Vendor Minor license.

Although the submission of daily sports betting data to the Division is not obligatory before the IIMPs are selected, Sports Betting Operators must establish internal controls to detect and identify unusual betting activities. These controls will enable operators to report any suspicious activities to the Division and other sports betting operations. In instances of suspicious betting activities, operators are allowed to suspend betting and related wagers on implicated events; however, cancellation of wagers is permissible only after obtaining approval from the Director or the Director’s designee.

Licensed sports betting operators in Colorado are required to maintain records of betting activities and transactions, submit regular reports to the regulatory authorities, and cooperate with investigations when necessary. This data monitoring and reporting framework helps ensure transparency, detect potential fraud or match-fixing, and maintain the overall integrity of the sports betting market in Colorado.

 If the Division receives the notification of suspicious betting activity, they are responsible for promptly informing the relevant sport’s governing body. Furthermore, Sports Betting Operators are obligated to submit an annual report to the Division, which outlines their integrity monitoring efforts and provides a summary of any unusual or suspicious betting activities that transpired during the reporting period. If deemed necessary, the Division may request operators to supply hardware for evaluation purposes or to facilitate additional monitoring of data generated by their sports betting systems.

Non-compliance with Colorado’s sports betting laws and regulations can result in severe consequences for operators, vendors, and bettors. Operators and vendors may face fines, license suspension, or revocation, while bettors who participate in illegal sports betting activities may be subject to fines and even criminal charges.

Bettors who engage in illegal sports betting, such as using unlicensed operators or placing bets on behalf of others, risk facing legal repercussions. These consequences can include fines, criminal charges, and even imprisonment in some cases. It is essential for bettors to ensure they are using licensed and regulated sportsbooks to avoid such legal ramifications and engage in sports betting responsibly.

As the sports betting industry in Colorado continues to grow, there may be potential changes in legislation to address emerging issues and further refine the legal framework. These changes could include the expansion of permissible betting options, additional responsible gaming measures, entrants of other interested parties, or adjustments to the tax structure. Staying informed about potential changes in legislation will help bettors adapt and remain compliant with the state’s sports betting regulations.

Recently, there have been talks that legal gambling on WWE matches could happen in Colorado. However, Colorado regulators are not leaning toward that idea due to several reasons. Here the full report: