Colorado Sports Betting: Best Colorado Sportsbooks in 2023

Colorado sports betting updates

Colorado became one of the states that allow sports betting on May 1, 2020, but clearing the legislature was only the beginning. The path to legalization came less than six months after Colorado voters approved a ballot measure, by a slim margin, that would cover the regulation of sports betting through licensed casinos. 

Both mobile and retail sports betting are permitted under Colorado law. The state will leverage tax revenue from sports betting to help fund various state water projects.

This timeline illustrates notable milestones in Colorado's sports gambling history:

Jan. 5, 2023: Colorado sports betting recorded its second largest monthly handle in November 2022.

Jan. 3, 2023: New Colorado sports betting bill could double tax revenues almost immediately.

Oct. 20, 2022: Underdog Sports secures a temporary license to operate in Colorado, setting the stage for the company to launch its sports betting product in its first two states come 2023.

Sept. 1, 2022: bet365 becomes the 26th online sportsbook to go live in Colorado.

Aug. 2, 2022: Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton joins the Denver Broncos ownership group.

June 30, 2022: Colorado becomes the seventh state to surpass $7 billion in total sports betting handle. 

BetWildwood shuts down its Colorado sports betting app as it prepares to launch a new and improved app.

June 15, 2022: The state's director of gaming, Dan Hartman, reveals that hockey betting handle increased 145% from April 2021 ($10.6 million) to April 2022 ($26 million). The Avalanche currently sit in the Stanley Cup Final.

June 14, 2022: An audit conducted by the Colorado Office of the State Auditor reveals significant issues with the Colorado Division of Gaming's regulation of sports betting, including a failure to properly perform background checks for a multitude of licenses. 

May 30, 2022: Colorado's sports betting handle slipped in April compared to March but was higher year over year.

May 10, 2022: The Senate-amended "Responsible Gaming Grant Program" bill is advanced by the House via a 50-15 vote. The legislation now heads to the desk of Gov. Polis to potentially be signed into law.

May 6, 2022: A bill that would fund problem gaming programs in Colorado is amended by the Senate to note that the $3 million dedicated to the issue would be provided "annually" rather than "continuously," upsetting advocates for gambling addiction treatment and prevention. The bill passes through the Senate, 25-8, and proceeds to the House.

April 28, 2022: Colorado's sports betting handle rebounded in March to $505.6 million, thanks largely to college basketball betting around March Madness.

April 27, 2022: BlueBet reveals that its U.S. brand, ClutchBet, will be used when it launches an online sportsbook in Colorado.

April 26, 2022: Alec Garnett, the state's Speaker of the House, introduces a bill that would fund responsible gambling programs in Colorado.

April 20, 2022: MaximBet and Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon announce a sports betting ambassador partnership. The deal is the first of its kind between a regulated sportsbook and an active MLB player.

April 5, 2022: Colorado sports betting slowed in February, with sportsbooks accounting for a total handle of $440.5 million —a 23% decrease from January’s handle.

March 17, 2022: The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission approves an adjustment to the state’s sports betting rules that allows for fixed-odds wagering on horse and greyhound racing. The practice is set to receive an 18-month trial run.

March 4, 2022: Colorado Division of Gaming suspends all betting on Russian sports. 

March 1, 2022: Colorado posts an all-time single-month sports betting handle record of $573.7 million in January 2022, crushing its previous best of $491.5 million in October 2021.

Feb. 10, 2022: Betsson, the Swedish gaming operator, reveals plans to launch its mobile sportsbook in Colorado later in 2022.

Jan. 26, 2022: BlueBet signs a skin agreement with the Wild Card Saloon & Casino in Blackhawk. The Australia-based BlueBet will look to launch an online sportsbook in CO, pending licensing and regulatory approval.

Jan. 24, 2022: Kambi becomes the new exclusive sportsbook provider of MaximBet.

Jan. 3, 2022: Colorado sportsbooks registered record revenue in November, returning nearly $2 million in taxes for the state.

Dec. 17, 2021: bet365 receives approval to offer online sports betting in Colorado.

Sept. 2021: SI Sportsbook, partnered with 888, goes live in Colorado.

Aug. 2021: Barstool Sportsbook, the Penn National Gaming-controlled property, launches in Colorado.

May 2020: The first online Colorado sportsbooks officially go live as BetMGM, BetRivers, DraftKings, and FanDuel all launch in CO.

Nov. 2019: Colorado Proposition DD narrowly passes a voter referendum, allowing the state’s 33 casinos to apply for licenses to offer in-person and online sports betting.

May 2019: Governor Jared Polis signs the 37-page bill into law.

April 2019: House Bill 1327 is introduced by Rep. Alec Garnett. The bill would legalize sports betting in Colorado.

Why DraftKings is the best sportsbook in Colorado

DraftKings checks in as the best sportsbook in Colorado due to its fantastic mobile app, extensive promos section, and live betting prowess. DraftKings offers a complete Colorado sports betting package for any bettor.

The DraftKings sports betting app can go toe-to-toe with any other mobile offering in the industry. In fact, its slick user interface and straightforward navigation put it head and shoulders above many other sports betting apps in Colorado. Users can execute swift withdrawals, view odds in any market, and even visit the DraftKings casino section. 

Bettors can nab DraftKings' limited-time sign-up bonus — a bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets offer. Those who deposit and wager $5 or more on any sports market will receive $200 in bonus bets (eight $25 bets) on top of any potential winnings. But act fast — the bonus only lasts until Feb. 12, 2023.

Whether you’re live betting Sunday’s NFL slate, looking for the best odds boosts, or interested in checking out some free-to-play contests, DraftKings has you covered. The sportsbook’s competitive odds are the cherry on top for Colorado handicappers.

Coloradans looking for the ultimate sports betting experience need not look any further than DraftKings. Read our DraftKings Sportsbook review to learn more about Colorado’s best sportsbook.

Best offers and bonuses in Colorado

Most Colorado sportsbooks offer new users attractive sign-up bonuses to help kick-start the betting action. Here are the best Colorado sports betting bonuses for 2023:

bet365 - Bet $1, Win $200 in bonus bets: What can you get for $1 these days? $200 in bonus bets from bet365. New customers, particularly beginner bettors, should claim this sign-up bonus and not think twice. Players are guaranteed $200, even if the bet registers as a loss.

Caesars Sportsbook - Up to $1,250 on Caesars: Use Caesars Colorado promo code COVERSBONUSFULL, and should your initial wager come up short, Caesars CO will give you bet credit equal to the initial stake, worth up to $1,250. With 1,000 Caesars Rewards® Tier Credits and 1,000 Caesars Rewards Reward Credits guaranteed, regardless of the outcome of your bet, Caesars tops the Colorado sports betting competition.

FanDuel - $3,000 no sweat first bet: First-time FanDuel Colorado customers can claim a $3,000 no sweat first bet offer. If your initial wager on any sports market registers as a loss, the sportsbook will reimburse you, up to $3,000, in the form of bonus bets.

BetMGM - $1,000 back in bonus bets: BetMGM CO allows new users a second chance at gambling glory. Bettors who lose their first bet can earn up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets — delivered by BetMGM as five $200 bonus bets.

PointsBet - Up to $500 in second chance bets: New PointsBet Colorado sports bettors can also take advantage of a generous welcome offer. Enter the PointsBet promo code — 5X100RC — and the sportsbook will let you place up to five $100 second chance bets over your first five days of betting on the PointsBet platform.

Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.

Top five Colorado betting sites

Skip the daunting task of stacking up Colorado's 24 online sportsbooks against one another. We've identified the top five Colorado betting sites in 2023: 

1. DraftKings Colorado

Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets

No code required

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Led by its amazing mobile sports betting app, DraftKings has carved out its spot among the best Colorado sportsbooks. The betting site and app both feature user-friendly interfaces, making it easy for users to navigate and lock in their desired wagers. With fast and reliable payouts, a long list of sports betting promos, and tons of sports to bet on, DraftKings Colorado is worth a look for experienced and beginner bettors.

Read our DraftKings Review to learn more.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.6 (Android)
• Best feature: Betting carousel
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: 1-5 days

2. PointsBet Colorado

Up to $500 in second chance bets

Code: 5X100RC

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Headquartered in Denver and hailing from Australia, PointsBet is another sportsbook that checks many boxes in Colorado. The platform is packed with unique features like boosted parlays, "Karma Kommittee," and its proprietary Points Betting system, where users win or lose more based on the margin of victory or defeat. While Points Betting is innovative and sets the brand apart from competitors, we advise users to exercise caution. The Points Betting system bases customer payouts and losses on the accuracy of wagers placed.

Refer to our PointsBet Review to learn more.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
• Best feature: Daily odds boosts
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $500 in second chance bets
• Payout speed: 1-5 day

3. FanDuel Colorado

$3,000 No Sweat First Bet

No code required

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Among the first sportsbooks to join the Colorado sports betting market, FanDuel opened its virtual doors to CO bettors in May 2020. Since then, it has established itself as a go-to option in the Centennial State thanks to an industry-best welcome bonus, an incredible mobile app, and a vast collection of unique bet types and promos. Get started with a $3,000 no sweat first bet offer from FanDuel Colorado.

Check out our FanDuel Review for more on FanDuel CO.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
• Best feature: Easy-to-navigate app
• Sign-up bonus: $3,000 no sweat first bet
• Payout speed: 1-5 days

4. Caesars Colorado

Up to $1,250 on Caesars

Code: COVERSBONUSFULL

Claim Now

Caesars Sportsbook Colorado stands out from a crowded, competitive Colorado sports betting scene with its generous welcome offer — up to $1,250 on Caesars. If you lose your first bet, up to $1,250, Caesars will return the full amount in the form of bet credit. In addition to its sign-up bonus, the sportsbook hooks up bettors with one of the most revered rewards programs in the industry and best-in-class customer support.

Read our Caesars Sportsbook Review to learn more.

• App store rating: 4.6 (iOS); 4.4 (Android)
• Best feature: Live betting
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,250 on Caesars
• Payout speed: 1-5 days

5. BetRivers Colorado

Up to a $500 bonus bet

Code: SPORTS

Claim Now

While it may not garner the attention of some of Colorado's other top sportsbooks, BetRivers offers a solid betting experience across the board. Its iRush rewards program, boosted odds, and bonus bets reward active users, and the sportsbook regularly doles out competitive odds. BetRivers' app is easy to navigate and surprisingly keeps pace with more prominent players in Colorado.

Check out our BetRivers Review for more information and an honest take.

• App store rating: 4.7 (iOS); 3.6 (Android)
• Best feature: Endless betting markets
• Sign-up bonus: Use promo code SPORTS for up to a $500 bonus bet
• Payout speed: 1-14 days

What sportsbooks are legal in Colorado?

The first Colorado sports betting sites went live on May 1, 2020. Today, 24 online operators are accepting bets in the Centennial State.

The Colorado Division of Gaming has approved the following online operators to date:

1. DraftKings - Top sportsbook
   
   
2. PointsBet - Unique features
   
   
3. FanDuel - First-class app
   
   
4. Caesars - Best welcome bonus
   
   
5. BetRivers - Best for new bettors
   
   
6. BetMGM - Best for banking
   
   
7. SuperBook - Competitive lines
   
   
8. FOX Bet - Quick payouts
   
   
9. Betfred - User-friendly
   
   
10. bet365 - Intuitive menus
    
    
11. WynnBET - Trusted brand
    
    
12. Betway - Most secure
    
    
13. Tipico - Proprietary software
    
    
14. SBK Sportsbook - Sharp odds
    
    
15. Barstool - Lots of markets
    
    
16. SI Sportsbook - Daily promos
    
    
17. PlayUp - Fun betting challenges
    
    
18. Bally Bet - Nice odds boosts
    
    
19. Elite Sportsbook - Customer-focused
    
    
20. Betsafe - Full menu
    
    
21. Play Maverick - Simple design
    
    
22. BetMonarch - Locally-owned
    
    
23. Circa Sports - High limits
    
    
24. Sky Ute - Best odds

Legal sportsbooks in Colorado

Legal sports bets may be placed online via a computer or mobile device. In-person wagers are permitted in Colorado at one of the state’s several retail locations.

TwinSpires CO called it quits in Colorado and Indiana on May 16, 2022. BetWildwood shut down its sportsbook in June of 2022.

Colorado's online and mobile sportsbooks

Online sportsbook	Mobile app	Odds provider	Online casino	Retail partner
Bally Bet	Yes	Bet.Works	No	Bally's Black Hawk
Barstool	Yes	Kambi	No	Ameristar Black Hawk
bet365	Yes	bet365	No	Century Casino Cripple Creek
Betfred Sports	Yes	OpenBet	No	Saratoga Casino Black Hawk
BetMGM	Yes	BetMGM	No	Midnight Rose Casino
BetMonarch	Yes	Stadium	No	Monarch Casino
BetRivers	Yes	Kambi	No	McGills Hotel and Casino
Betsafe	Yes	Betsson	No	Dostal Alley Casino
Betway	Yes	Betway	No	Famous Bonanza Casino
Caesars	Yes	Caesars	No	Lady Luck Casino
Circa Sports	Yes	Circa	No	Century Casinos
DraftKings	Yes	SBTech	No	Bally's Black Hawk
Elite Sportsbook	Yes	Bet.Works	No	Red Dolly Casino
FanDuel	Yes	Flutter	No	Bally's Black Hawk
FOX Bet	Yes	TSG	No	Lady Luck Casino
Play Maverick Sports	Yes	IGT	No	Maverick Gaming
PlayUp	Yes	PlayUp	No	Bull Durham Casino
PointsBet	Yes	Kambi	No	Double Eagle Casino
SBK	Yes	Smarkets	No	Bronco Billy's Casino
SI Sportsbook (888)	Yes	888	No	Colorado Grande
Sky Ute	Yes	Sky Ute	No	Sky Ute Casino
SuperBook	Yes	IGT	No	The Lodge Casino
Tipico	Yes	Tipico	No	Century Casinos
WynnBET	Yes	GAN	No	Bronco Billy's Casino

Land-based CO sportsbooks

Latest Colorado betting news

Who can bet on sports in Colorado?

Anyone 21-years of age and over and located in the state may place a sports bet in Colorado. Players can visit a physical sportsbook or use a computer or mobile device to wager online.

Here’s everything you need to know before placing your first sports bet in Colorado.

The pros and cons of Colorado sports betting

Fully remote registration is a massive win for Colorado sports bettors. With nearly all of the state’s casinos situated in three sparsely populated rural areas, accessibility could have been a significant hurdle otherwise.

There’s not much to gripe about when comparing Colorado sports betting laws to those of other states. The absence of college prop bets is the only real significant betting opportunity omitted from Colorado law.

Low barrier to entry for online operators

Fully online registrations and deposits

No limit on the size of bets

No college prop bets

Glitchy geolocation software

Retail outlets in remote areas

How to start betting in Colorado

With remote registration and online betting, it’s easy to get started with sports wagering in the Centennial State. Alternatively, Coloradans may visit a brick-and-mortar sportsbook in a state-licensed casino if physical bets are preferred.

What you can't bet on in Colorado

Colorado may have the least restrictive sports betting law in the country. Flush with betting opportunities, Coloradans and visitors of the Centennial State can lay a sports bet on just about any event imaginable.

However, there are a few exceptions highlighted here:

Politics

Colorado sports betting does not include wagers on political events.

Awards ceremonies

While popular with offshore sites, celebrity and pop-culture events such as the Academy Awards are off-limits at Colorado sports betting sites

What about college sports?

Sports bettors are free to place bets on any college team in the country. Player props are not offered, however.

What about the NFL Draft?

The NFL Draft is now a marquee offseason betting event, and Coloradans are free to partake in the action.

What about esports?

While esports betting is legal in Colorado, all esports events must be approved individually by the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC).

CO sports betting handle

Colorado has quickly become a significant market for sports betting in the United States. The state has registered over $3 billion in sports bets in the year following the legalization of sports wagering.

Colorado's monthly betting handle has surpassed $400 million on eight occasions and in January 2022, it broke the $500 million mark for the first time. The state's 6.4 hold percentage was second-lowest among all states with legalized sports betting in 2020.

Here's a look at Colorado's sports betting earnings to date:

Yearly breakdown

Monthly handle

Home team advantage: Colorado sports

Coloradans adore their pro sports teams. Many Colorado sports betting sites may even encourage small wagers on these clubs by attaching easily attainable bonuses to a player or team's performance.

In the long run, however, bettors must treat home team bets like any other and put biases aside. Conduct your research and review our how to bet guides before blindly placing a bet on any of your favorite teams.

NHL

Colorado Avalanche

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NBA

Denver Nuggets

Get live NBA odds

NFL

Denver Broncos

Get live NFL odds

MLB

Colorado Rockies

Get live MLB odds

Other types of gambling

Colorado is home to 40 casinos, five poker rooms, and one racetrack.

Beyond sports betting, state lawmakers have remained hesitant to usher in any other forms of online gambling.

Quick facts: Colorado sports betting

Here’s the deal: Coloradans have adopted mobile sports at a high clip, with more than 90% of sports bets in Colorado placed via a mobile device.

Favorable conditions for operators and an engaged fanbase contribute to Colorado's early sports betting success.

Here are critical takeaways from Colorado's sports betting structure:

Responsible gaming in Colorado

With legal sports betting taking off in Colorado, the Colorado Gaming Associated (CGA) has implemented several programs to educate casino employees and support problem gamblers.

The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC) provides support in the form of a self-exclusion program. Individuals who fear having a gambling addiction may voluntarily prohibit themselves from all betting activity in the state.

Legal Colorado betting sites also allow users to place a wide range of restrictions on themselves. For example, players can set deposit and betting limits or permanently join the self-exclusion list.

Visit the Colorado Gaming Association to Learn More

Denver betting resources

Denver sports betting has catapulted in popularity and is available to anyone at least 21 years of age. 

We have prepared multiple guides to help provide the best Denver sports betting resource. 

Interested in the full Denver sports betting city guide? Check it out here.

Denver stadium betting

Find out which Denver stadiums allow live betting.

Denver In-Game Stadium Betting

Denver sports betting apps

Covers breaks down the best Denver sports betting apps.

Best Denver Sports Betting Apps

Best Denver sports bars

Find the best sports bars in Denver.

Best Denver Sports Bars

Legal U.S. sports betting markets

Colorado formally legalized sports betting following the Supreme Court's ruling to overturn the long-standing federal ban on sports gambling. Sports gambling is also legal in these U.S. jurisdictions:

Arizona

Arkansas

Connecticut

DC

Delaware

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Mississippi

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

Tennessee

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Upcoming legal U.S. sports betting launches

On Nov. 23, 2022, Maryland joined the list of states offering legal online sports wagering when seven Maryland sportsbooks went live.

On Jan. 1, 2023, the first Ohio sportsbooks began accepting legal wagers.

Massachusetts sports betting will get underway later in January as in-person wagering is introduced. MA online betting should follow in March.

Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets

The number of states moving toward legal sports betting continues to grow, but there are still many that have yet to take the plunge. 

Here are the untapped markets which could potentially open up soon:

Alabama

California

Florida

Georgia

Kentucky

Minnesota

Missouri

Oklahoma

Colorado sports betting conclusion

The ability to register an account with 24 legal and regulated Colorado sportsbooks underscores its significance in the U.S. sports betting industry. The Colorado Division of Gaming oversees and regulates the legal market and has implemented rigid standards to assure player safety and security.

Each of the 40 casinos found in Colorado’s three mountain gambling towns is legally permitted to offer sports betting, as online and in-person sports betting are permitted under Colorado law. Competition from neighboring states is minimal, which benefits Colorado residents and visitors alike.