Colorado Becomes 18th State to Launch Legalized Sports Betting

It might have seemed like the day would never arrive for residents in Colorado, but sports betting has officially launched. The state was targeting May 1 as the launch date, and they hit their mark.

Even though the majority of live sports have been shut down in the United States, Colorado is now the 18th state to launch legalized sports betting. Sports betting industry experts predict that Colorado will quickly emerge as one of the leaders in the industry once live sports do return.

Legalized sports betting can be offered at any of the casinos in the state of Colorado, as well as being offered online through mobile betting. The casinos in Colorado are limited to just three small towns that are all located in the Rocky Mountains.

The three towns that feature the casinos are Black Hawk, Cripple Creek, and Central City. These remote towns have over 30 different casinos between them, and they are all set to become major tourist attractions when they are allowed to reopen for business.

Even though all of the casinos remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, there was plenty of excitement and anticipation around the launch of sports betting. Several online sportsbooks were ready to go on May 1, and they were prepared to feature many betting options to their customers.

Four Sportsbooks Ready For Business on Day 1

There are more than a dozen online sportsbooks that have already been approved for a sports betting license, but not all of them were prepared to launch on May 1. Some of the biggest names in the sports betting industry have been approved for a license, and it should make for some stiff competition when they are all launched.

Four major online sportsbooks were ready to launch on May 1, and they all provide some unique and exciting betting opportunities for residents of Colorado.

DraftKings

DraftKings will also be featured as a retail sportsbook in the state, but they are online as of May 1. The DFS leader has also emerged as a top sportsbook in the United States.

FanDuel

FanDuel is the top rival to DraftKings in the DFS industry, and they have also done well in the sports betting industry. They feature a mobile app that is available for download on both Android and iOS devices.

BetMGM

MGM Resorts International powers the BetMGM mobile sports betting app, and this Las Vegas-based company has made its mark throughout the country.

BetRivers

BetRivers currently offers online sports betting in Indiana and Pennsylvania, and Colorado will mark its third state with a sportsbook.

What Does Sports Betting Look Like in Colorado?

There are several reasons that the sports betting industry in Colorado is set to become a leader in the United States. The rules and regulations that were set forth by the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission will give sportsbooks plenty of rein.

The legal gambling age to bet on sports in the state of Colorado is set at 21 years of age. Residents of Colorado are not the only customers who can take advantage of these rules, as anyone within state borders can place a bet on sports.

Sportsbooks in Colorado can offer bets on all of the major sports in the United States, as well as some of the top international sports. Bets on collegiate events are also legal in the state of Colorado, including teams from the state.

One of the only restrictions is that player prop betting on collegiate athletes is prohibited in Colorado. Esports is also allowed as a form of betting in Colorado, and the esports industry continues to grow in this country.

Rebecca Kont
Rebecca Kont

Rebecca lives in Las Vegas and after completing her degree at Reynolds Journalism school joined the USGS team to pursue her journalism dreams.