Colorado Sports Betting Will Launch May 1

We are set to see Colorado sports betting launch on May 1 as scheduled. 

The state’s casinos remain closed under Governor Polis’ “safer at home” order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sporting events are on hold indefinitely.

Still, the Colorado Division of Gaming and state regulators are pushing forward. Punters will have access to online sportsbooks starting May 1. Retail sportsbooks will follow once land-based casinos reopen. 

The Colorado Sports Betting Landscape

Colorado’s sports betting proposition passed in November 2019 less than 18 months after the Supreme Court overturned PASPA. Despite concerns surrounding COVID-19, it seems the state is well-positioned to offer a range of betting options online.

Casinos in Blackhawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek–the three cities authorized to offer retail sports betting–remain closed. Colorado players can, though, still place bets online via any authorized in-state internet operator.

As of this writing, the state has licensed 17 operators to offer sports betting in the Centennial State. Among them, four will be available online to customers on day one. 

FanDuel and DraftKings are already available for download, but online betting is restricted until launch day. 

For more information, see our comprehensive Guide To Colorado Online Sports Betting.

Where Can I Place A Bet Online In Colorado?

Starting May 1, four of the 17 licensed operators listed above will offer online betting in Colorado. 

• BetMGM: Available for Android and iOS on launch day.
• BetRivers: Available for Android and iOS on launch day.
• DraftKings: Available for Android and iOS now with Colorado betting available on launch day.
• FanDuel: Available for Android and iOS now with Colorado betting available on launch day.

When Will Colorado Casinos Reopen?

This remains uncertain following Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ “safer-at-home” order, which requires casinos to stay closed. 

The Rocky Road Ahead

Earlier this month, PlayColorado estimated that the state could draw over $6 billion in bets annually. However, the May 1 launch places Colorado in somewhat of a timing predicament. 

Currently, worldwide operators are promoting a variety of niche sports and events to bettors. Table tennis, esports, and even marble racing are on offer.

It’s safe to expect that many of these formerly oddball events will climb Colorado’s sports betting charts once sportsbooks go live. It’s unlikely that they’ll drive revenue similar to a full-fledged sportsbook during prime football or basketball betting season, though.

Colorado will need to look to the future and prepare for the inevitable return of premier sports leagues.

If the NFL and NCAA football seasons kick-off on schedule, operators should prepare for an influx of new betting activity. This could give the Colorado sports betting industry the boom it is looking for. 

For more information, see our full Guide To Colorado Online Gaming.