Online Casinos for Colorado Players 2025

Introduction

In Spanish, ‘colorado’ translates to ‘colored red’ or ‘reddish,’ capturing the essence of this vibrant hue. Known for its rich history, Colorado earned the nickname Centennial State due to its admission as a state exactly one hundred years and four weeks after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

For over 13,500 years, and possibly much longer, Native Americans and their ancestors have called this region home. The eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains served as a crucial migration route for these early peoples, who journeyed across the Americas, leaving a lasting imprint on the land and its history. And consequently on gambling, as we’ll see in the next chapters. Let’s also have a closer look on Colorado gambling laws for casinos and the best casinos Colorado has to offer!

But first…

The capital city and the most populous one is Denver. The trio of mountain gambling towns in Colorado offers a convenient and enjoyable experience for visitors. Central City and Black Hawk are nestled close together, only a mile apart, and just 34 miles west of Denver. Cripple Creek, located 48 miles west of Colorado Springs, completes the circuit of this exciting destination.

Besides, in the Four Corners region, visitors can find two casino-resorts operated by Native American tribes in Ignacio and Towaoc. These casinos offer not only exciting gaming experiences but also easy access to historic sites and the stunning landscapes of the American Southwest.

Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just looking for a fun family outing, these towns provide a perfect blend of accessibility and entertainment!

History of Gambling in Colorado

Gambling in Colorado has a storied past, weaving through the colorful history of the state. The journey began in the late 19th century during the Gold Rush, when miners and settlers flocked to the Rocky Mountains. Gambling establishments sprang up in towns like Central City and Black Hawk, offering a range of games from poker to roulette in makeshift saloons and wooden halls.

In those bustling frontier towns and mining communities, the lack of law enforcement created a fertile ground for gambling. Salons and brothels became hotspots for games of chance. Denver, during the silver boom, saw the rise of Jefferson Randolph ‘Soapy’ Smith II. This notorious con artist operated gaming halls filled with rigged games, preying on silver miners eager to spend their newfound riches.

As the silver rush dwindled and miners moved on, new waves of migrant workers and families arrived to settle in Colorado. With the influx of residents and the establishment of conservative values, law enforcement began to crack down. The once-thriving gambling scene was pushed out of public view, replaced by a more regulated and restrained environment.

As the early 20th century saw a crackdown on gambling, it was widely regarded as a vice. It wasn’t until the 1990s that Colorado embraced a more regulated approach. In 1991, voters approved a measure to legalize casino gaming in Central City, Black Hawk, and Cripple Creek. This move marked a pivotal moment, transforming these historic mining towns into bustling casino hubs.

Colorado gambling landscape….

…continued to evolve with the introduction of new regulations and expansions. The state now boasts a thriving casino industry, with gaming options ranging from slot machines and table games to sports betting. This transformation hasn’t only revitalized the economy of the state but also preserved the unique charm of its historic gambling towns.

Colorado Gambling Laws

And we come to the most important question: Is gambling legal in Colorado? The short answer is ‘Yes.’ The long one is ‘Only six forms of gambling are legal.’ We’ll explain in detail.

Colorado state law authorizes six distinct forms of gambling:

1. Casino gaming in licensed establishments
2. Participation in the Colorado lottery
3. Legal online sports betting
4. Wagering on horse races through the Colorado Division of Racing
5. Licensed charitable bingo and raffles
6. Social gambling, such as friendly poker games

Any gambling activity outside these regulated channels is prohibited under Colorado gambling laws. Also, low-stakes gaming thrives in abovementioned historic towns, where operations are carefully monitored and regulated by the Colorado Gaming Commission. Additionally, charities and raffles must adhere to the stipulations outlined in the ColoradoBingo and Raffles Law and obtain a license from the Colorado Secretary of State’s licensing center to conduct the events.

Does Colorado allow online gambling?

As of August 2024, real-money online casino gaming remains illegal. However, sports betting is fully regulated, and promo codes for Colorado sports betting are available. Whether this will change in the near future is yet to be seen. In the meantime, casino gaming is confined to licensed establishments across the state, with three most popular gambling cities in Colorado standing out as popular destinations.

Colorado Online Gambling

Real-money online casino gaming is not permitted in Colorado as of August 2024.

Sports Betting

Sports betting was legalized in 2019 with the passage of Proposition DD, known as the Legalize Sports Betting with Tax Revenue for Water Projects measure. This legislation allowed casinos and other operators to obtain licenses for both online and retail sports betting. Online sports betting began in 2020, followed by retail betting as restrictions eased post-pandemic.

Horse Racing Colorado

Horse race betting has been legal since 1948, following the approval of the Colorado Gambling on Horse and Animal Races amendment. This legislation permitted pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound racing, with live races beginning a year later.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) have been legal in Colorado since 2016, making the state the fifth to approve this form of gaming. FanDuel and DraftKings are the primary operators in this space.

Bingo Games

Bingo games were legalized in 1958 through the Colorado Gambling Legalization for Nonprofit Organizations Act, with the most recent update occurring in 2017.

Poker Games

Poker games were legalized in 1990 under the Colorado Limited Gaming Initiative. This measure also legalized blackjack and slot machines, marking a significant shift in the state’s gaming landscape.

Lottery Games

The Colorado Lottery was established in 1982, with ticket sales commencing the following year. Initially, only scratch-off tickets were available. The 2000 Colorado Multi-State Lotteries Referendum expanded the lottery’s offerings to include multi-state jackpot games like Powerball and Mega Millions.

Can you gamble online in Colorado?

Sweepstakes and social casino websites are currently the only legal way to enjoy online gaming. While these platforms allow players to win real money and prizes without directly risking their own funds, they often have connections to retail businesses aiming to collect your information for marketing purposes.

Social and online sweepstakes casinos in Colorado are fully legal, offering online slots, casino games, and poker. These platforms provide a way to engage in gaming socially while having the chance to win cash prizes. They operate using a unique coin system – ‘Gold Coins’ and ‘Sweeps Coins’ – and adhere to regulations designed for sweepstakes contests, ensuring they comply with Colorado legal framework and national standards.

Sweepstakes casinos

Social gambling in Colorado is allowed because it doesn’t involve real-money wagering. The games are designed for entertainment, using virtual currencies instead of cash. But here’s where things get interesting: a lot of what we call “social casinos” today also offer sweepstakes-style prizes, which adds another layer to how they operate.

So, what’s the difference between social and sweepstakes casinos?

Social casinos are purely for fun. You play with virtual coins that have no cash value and can’t be exchanged for money. It’s all about the gaming experience—kind of like playing a video game with tokens.

Sweepstakes casinos, on the other hand, let you win redeemable prizes—like cash or gift cards—using a system that complies with sweepstakes laws. They operate by giving players free Sweeps Coins alongside virtual coins (usually called Gold Coins). You can get these coins for free (through giveaways, promotions, loyalty programs, completing daily tasks, referring friends, etc.). Still, you can also purchase Gold Coins and receive bonus Sweeps Coins in the process. You use the Sweeps Coins to play games, and if you win, you can redeem those coins for real prizes.

The tricky part is that while these models follow sweepstakes laws and don’t technically count as gambling, their legal status in the U.S., including Colorado, is complicated. The American Gaming Association (AGA) has even raised concerns about how some sweepstakes casinos operate. AGA maintained that sweepstakes casinos may circumvent licensing requirements and regulatory frameworks and, in doing so, undermine the integrity of the legal gaming market. They’ve called for stricter regulations to ensure these platforms are transparent and fair and to prevent them from crossing the line into illegal gambling. 

In Colorado, these casinos are allowed as long as they comply with sweepstakes rules and consumer protection laws. That means they can’t require players to buy anything to participate, and they must be upfront about their terms. But it’s not as simple as calling them “completely legal.” The legality often depends on how well a platform sticks to the rules—and there’s always a chance the laws could tighten in the future.

So, if you’re playing at a social or sweepstakes casino, it’s worth checking if the platform is reputable and following the rules. It’s a fun way to enjoy casino games without the risk of real-money gambling, but it’s a space that’s still evolving and facing scrutiny.

Key Features of Sweepstakes Casinos

• Players use two types of virtual currency—one for gameplay (Gold Coins) and another (Sweeps Coins) that can be redeemed for prizes like cash or gift cards.
• You’re not betting actual money. Instead, Sweeps Coins, earned for free or through optional purchases, are used to play games and win prizes.
• Players can participate without spending money, typically by receiving free Sweeps Coins through sign-up bonuses, daily rewards, or mail-in requests.
• Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for real-world prizes (often cash or gift cards), but the process must comply with sweepstakes laws, meaning no purchase is required to win.
• While sweepstakes casinos operate under sweepstakes laws, they can be legally questionable in some areas and have raised concerns over whether they skirt traditional gambling regulations.
• They are legal in many states, including Colorado, as long as they follow sweepstakes and consumer protection laws, though some states may restrict or regulate them more tightly.

How to Join a Sweepstakes Casino?

Joining a sweeps/social gaming site is not much different than any real money casino. You get to create an account, play using their virtual currency, participate in promos and giveaways, and go through the KYC/verification process when redeeming prizes. There are, of course, nuances that make certain aspects of this experience unique.

The available games at sweepstakes casinos mostly revolve around slots, but many platforms offer a more diverse selection, including variations of classic casino games like video poker, blackjack, and other specialty games. While the primary focus is on slots, you should be able to find a more comprehensive software offering with different gaming options, depending on the platform you choose.

Find a reputable sweepstakes casino:

• Look for legally compliant, trusted sites with positive reviews. 
• Read the terms and conditions to make sure they are fair and transparent. 

Sign Up for an Account

• Register with basic details like your name, email address, and age. Ensure you’re of legal age to play in your state (usually 18 or 21).
• Some platforms may ask for verification at any point to prevent fraud and ensure players are of legal age.

Explore Bonuses

• Many sweepstakes casinos offer free Sweeps Coins when you sign up, along with Gold Coins for gameplay. These bonuses let you start playing without making a deposit.

• Look for special promotions or giveaways that could increase your Sweeps Coin balance for free.

Play Games

• Once registered, you can start playing casino-style games, including slots, poker, or other popular games available on the platform.

• You’ll use Gold Coins for regular gameplay. If you win and have Sweeps Coins, you can redeem them for real prizes like cash or gift cards.

Optional Purchases

• While not necessary, you can purchase more Gold Coins, which may come with bonus Sweeps Coins, to increase your chances of winning.

• If you prefer not to spend money, you can still play for free using the Sweeps Coins you earn through bonuses or other free methods.

Understand the Rules

• Make sure to read the terms and conditions, including how to redeem Sweeps Coins and any restrictions that apply.

• Keep track of any changes to promotions, new games, or rules to maximize your experience.

Redeem Prizes (If You Win)

• If you win with your Sweeps Coins, you can redeem them for real-world prizes, usually cash or gift cards. Each platform has its own redemption process, so follow the instructions provided.

Take a look at the list of sweepstakes casinos available in Colorado below. Read through the reviews, check out the ratings, and compare the bonuses to find the one that best fits your gaming preferences and needs. Whether you're looking for variety in games, big promotions, or easy redemption options, reviewing these details will help you make the best choice for your experience:

Colorado Casino Guide

When it comes to land-based casinos, one of the best Colorado casinos is Ameristar Casino. Other casinos near Denver include:

• Bally’s Black Hawk East
• Bally’s Black Hawk North
• Bally’s Black Hawk West
• Brass Ass Casino
• Bronco Billy’s Casino
• Bull Durham Saloon and Casino
• Century Casino & Hotel
• Century Casino Cripple Creek
• Colorado Grande Casino
• Dostal Alley Brewpub & Casino
• Double Eagle Hotel & Casino
• Dragon Tiger Casino
• Easy Street Casino
• Famous Bonanza
• Grand Z Casino Hotel
• Horseshoe Black Hawk
• Johnny Nolon’s Casino
• Lady Luck Hotel & Casino
• McGills Hotel & Casino
• Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino
• Monarch Casino Resort Spa
• Red Dolly Casino
• Saratoga Casino Black Hawk
• Sasquatch Casino
• Sky Ute Casino Resort
• The Gilpin Casino
• The Lodge Casino at Black Hawk Black Hawk
• Ute Mountain Casino Hotel
• Wild Card Casino & Saloon
• Wildwood Hotel & Casino
• Z Casino

Depositing and Withdrawing when in CO

Please see below for a table of the withdrawal/deposit and banking term rankings. Click on the casino name for a detailed look at the withdrawal and deposit score of each casino and how we determined each. More information about deposit and withdrawal terms for US players can be found here.

To Conclude

Colorado’s gambling scene offers a rich mix of options. While real-money online casino gaming isn’t yet legal, residents can enjoy sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and vibrant land-based casinos in historic former mining towns. Native American casino-resorts in Ignacio and Towaoc further enhance the experience with gambling in Colorado mountains.

Online, players can turn to sweepstakes and social casino sites for a legal way to engage with slots, poker, and more, using innovative coin systems to stay within state regulations.

Overall, Colorado combines traditional and digital gaming, all under a framework of evolving laws and regulations.

Written by: Michael Shackleford