Colorado Expands Sports Betting Landscape with Over 20 Licensed Apps
The state, which legalized sports betting in 2019, now offers a wide array of mobile options for residents and visitors aged 21 and older.
Colorado's sports betting market continues to grow, with more than 20 licensed mobile sports betting apps now available to residents and visitors aged 21 and older. The state legalized sports betting through Proposition DD on November 5, 2019, and the first retail and mobile operations launched on May 1, 2020.
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and the Colorado Division of Gaming have overseen the expansion, offering a competitive landscape for bettors.
Several prominent sportsbooks operate in the state, each with distinct features. FanDuel Sportsbook is noted for its daily pre-made bets, a dynamic bet builder, and live betting capabilities, though some users report issues with location verification and frequent logouts. BetMGM offers substantial welcome bonuses and competitive lines, particularly for popular American sports, and includes a bet protection option for injured players, but its app can be slow to load.
Bet365 provides flexible bonus bet options and competitive odds, especially for soccer, along with an early payout feature. However, withdrawal processes may be more complex due to verification requirements. Fanatics Sportsbook integrates sports betting with a merchandise loyalty program, offering a mobile-first design and smooth live betting experience, though its market options are more limited compared to some competitors.
Other notable apps include theScore Bet, which combines media and news with betting recommendations and offers strong live betting features, though users may experience navigation delays. Hard Rock Bet stands out with its visually appealing app and convenient bet-building functionality, complemented by a rewards program, but often has higher playthrough terms on promotions.
Colorado also permits betting on college sports, including in-state teams like the Colorado Buffaloes, with the exception of player props. Retail sportsbooks are located within casinos in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, with licensed locations including Ameristar Casino Resort Spa, Horseshoe Black Hawk, Lady Luck Casino Black Hawk, Monarch Casino Resort Spa, Saratoga Casino Black Hawk, The Lodge Casino, Grand Z Casino Hotel, Z Casino, Century Casino Cripple Creek, Double Eagle Hotel & Casino, Golden Nugget Cripple Creek, McGill's Hotel & Casino, Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino, and Wildwood Casino.
Welcome offers from Colorado sportsbooks commonly include bet-and-get promotions, deposit matches, or profit boosts, often paid in bonus bets that may have specific playthrough requirements and expiration dates.
To sign up for a sportsbook app in Colorado, users must download the chosen app, provide personal information, undergo verification and location checks, deposit funds, and then claim any welcome offers before placing a wager. Geolocation technology ensures bets are placed within state lines.
Sports fans in Colorado can bet on local professional teams such as the Colorado Rockies (MLB), Denver Broncos (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), and Colorado Avalanche (NHL).
Responsible gambling resources are available, including the National Problem Gambling Helpline, Gam-Anon, Gamblers Anonymous, and the state-specific resource Betsmart.colorado.gov.