Amid nationwide shutdowns and the complete cessation of professional sports leagues, Colorado became the latest US state to launch legalized sports betting on May 1, 2020. Colorado’s first week of sports betting saw some oddball bets in unique times.
Colorado’s First Week
One week in, Colorado’s sports betting operators saw a rise in betting on typically less popular sports. Namely, table tennis.
According to FanDuel Director of Trading John Sheeran in an interview with FOX Denver, European table tennis is the early winner in terms of Colorado sports betting attention.
Alongside the fast-paced paddle-and-ball sport, Nicaraguan soccer, and European darts matches are also rising to top the sports betting charts. Tennis matches also offer a few alternative betting options to Colorado players.
For more information, see our comprehensive Guide To Colorado Online Sports Betting.
Esports On The Rise
As fringe sports like table tennis or darts reach a wider audience due to league shutdowns, esports are expected to join the fray as a legitimate competitor to more traditional sports betting.
The Colorado bill that legalized sports betting also allows for esports wagering. Professional gaming leagues have seen an incredible rise in viewership since the hold on major sports leagues.
Casino closures also lend a helping hand to the more internet-savvy betting audience. This is because online sports and esports betting is the only option available to Colorado bettors.
With esports audiences already keyed into the digital world, online betting is a natural next step. The synergies between online betting and esports should be expected to boost betting numbers in the space. Esports, both played and viewed using internet technology, boast a tech-savvy audience that should translate nicely to the online sports betting world.
Looking Ahead: Futures Grow In Popularity
With unconventional sports dominating Colorado’s sports betting market and major leagues suspended until further notice, Colorado bettors are looking to the future. Or, perhaps more accurately, futures.
Future bets allow players to wager on sporting outcomes in the near-to-mid future. Common bets of this type include wagering on an NFL team to make the playoffs or an MLB team to make it to the World Series. Fans of the Denver Broncos or the Colorado Rockies could potentially flock to these forward-looking bets while the shutdown continues.
Other states that offer regulated sports betting will no doubt see a rise in futures as the shutdowns extend in light of COVID-19 concerns.
Colorado Sports Betting: Where Can I Wager?
Since the overturn of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act two years ago, states are taking advantage of the ability to open up sports betting markets to their residents.
As of now, four online operators have opened up to wagers in Colorado: BetMGM, BetRivers, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Each operator offers an Android and Apple iOS app in addition to a desktop betting site.
BetFred, PointsBet, and BetAmerica are slated to join the Colorado sports betting scene in the coming months. There are a total of 17 licensed operators expected to launch in the state. As of now, though, launch timings are uncertain for each individual operator.
What Sports Can I Bet On?
There are futures bets available for most of the major sports leagues, including the NFL and MLB as mentioned above.
Sports currently on Colorado’s sportsbook sites include Ukrainian table tennis, darts, soccer, Korean baseball, tennis, and a variety of other less typical sporting events.
See our full Guide To Online Gambling In Colorado to learn more.
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