Colorado Online Sports Betting: Sportsbook App Reviews, News, Promos

Colorado sports betting apps, like several other states where online betting is legal, are available via both iOS and Android platforms.

Let’s take a look at some of the best sports betting apps in Colorado, along with what each has to offer.

1. DraftKings Sportsbook

Without question, DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado is one of the best in the business. Capitalizing on its prior success in daily fantasy gaming, DraftKings has experienced great success in states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Indiana.

With consistently excellent daily odds boosts, creative betting specials, and a sleek, user-friendly interface, DraftKings Sportsbook is also known for its strong promo codes.

DraftKings is the gold standard in terms of interface and live betting options. They also offer unique ways to play, including sportsbook pools and pick ’em contests.

Odds are priced fairly, with an average -110 on spread and total bets. DraftKings also offers the option to cash out of active bets, to book a win, or limit a loss.

New users can score up to $1,000 in free bets when they sign up here.

Read our interview with DraftKings Sportsbook Chief Legal Officer Stanton Dodge.

2. FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook has experienced tremendous success in the early going of legal sports betting in the United States—taking more handle than any other operator solar.

With an extremely competitive $1,000 risk-free bet offer for new players, along with creative promos and lucrative boosts, FanDuel Sportsbook offers a comprehensive betting experience that appeals more to casual bettors than pros (we find their lines juiced up quite a bit).

FanDuel sports one of the best-looking apps in the business, supported by an easy-to-use interface. Simply put, if you’re betting on sports, FanDuel Sportsbook is a must-have.

3. FOX Bet Sportsbook

FOX Bet isn’t quite as polished as its peers, but it more than makes up for in brand power and creative betting promos.

New users can start playing with a $500 free sign-up bonus. FOX Bet’s utilization of its sports network talent and wagering specials, which were particularly strong during football season, has made it a go-to option in states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

For our money, FOX Bet is the best app for casual players, as it leans heavily on simplicity in its offering and fun odds boosts.

4. William Hill Sportsbook

William Hill became the eighth online sportsbook available in the state. Its addition adds to the already-ridiculous online sports-betting positives in Colorado.

5. BetRivers Sportsbook

BetRivers Colorado is the betting and casino brand back by Rush Street Gaming. Previously, BetRivers launched under the SugarHouse brand name on the East Coast, but the company has since rebranded to BetRivers.

New users can get their first deposit matched up to $250.

6. BetMGM

BetMGM has done an unbelievable job of transitioning itself to an online product, compared to many other traditional casino brands which have struggled to make the leap.

Last year, BetMGM transitioned its online sportsbook to a new, more modern platform, which is available in Colorado. It’s not quite as feature-rich as its online-first sites, but it’s surprisingly good, well laid out, and fully featured. The BetMGM Colorado bonus code is also one of the best available in the state.

7. PointsBet

The much-anticipated launch of PointsBet in Colorado arrived on November 18th, 2020. Aside from a massive physical presence in Colorado, PointsBet is running an aggressive ad campaign throughout the state. USE PROMO CODE “MILE” to get your free $250 bonus today!

PointsBet offers aggressive odds boosts and specials, which include bet insurances, reduced and no juice bets. It also offers a $250 sign-up bonus with the best PointsBet promo code.

But what separates PointsBet from the rest of the bunch is its unique PointsBetting feature, which provides bettors with an opportunity to win or lose additional money beyond that of a typical wager. More money can be won or lost based on the extent to which a bet wins or loses.

8. Barstool Sportsbook

We may not have a full grasp yet for what Barstool Sportsbook will look like upon its launch, but we do know that it figures to be a major factor in Colorado.

Following Penn National Gaming’s partial acquisition of Barstool Sports, it became immediately clear that PNG would leverage the popular Barstool brand and its loyal following as part of its own online sportsbook.

Given Penn National Gaming owns Ameristar in Black Hawk, it’s a good bet that Barstool Sportsbook will operate under their skin (a license that gives online sportsbooks the ability to operate via a licensing agreement with a state casino).

CO Online Sports Betting History/Timeline

The road to legal in sports betting in Colorado was relatively smooth, though there were a few, uh, rocky moments last November.

Following the fall of PASPA, Colorado lawmakers began working on legislation to eventually bring legal sports wagering to the state. Those efforts resulted in the eventual creation of HB19-1327, a bill effectively legalizing both in-person retail and online sports betting that drew joint support from both Republicans and Democrats as well as Governor Jared Polis. The joint support was centered around sports betting tax revenue going toward the Colorado Water Conservation Board, which was in need of funding to complete a variety of water-based projects.

The bill passed rather easily in the summer of 2019, but it wasn’t without opposition. Some detractors hoped to see a $100 limit placed on all sports wagers, while others pushed for the inclusion of race tracks to offer sports betting.

Of note, Colorado had previously imposed a limited gaming law that, among other stipulations, capped casino wagers at $100, so its absence in the sports betting legislation is viewed as a significant win for the state’s casinos and sportsbook operators.

Despite the ease with which HB19-1327 moved through the state’s chambers, Colorado’s TABOR (Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights) laws required it to gain approval from the public in a general election. Although the legal sports betting doesn’t provide additional an additional tax burden to Colorado residents, TABOR requires the public to vote and approve any measure that carries new tax or tax increases.

With that, Proposition DD was added to the November 2019 ballot to determine whether or not the state would offer legal sports betting. Proposition DD was strongly backed by premier online sportsbook operators FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook, with each company spending over $1.5 million to get it approved.

While it wasn’t a surprise the bill ultimately passed, the close nature of the vote was a surprise. With well over 1 million votes, Proposition DD passed by less than 50,000 votes. Many of the state’s counties were against the bill, but more densely popular areas like Denver carried it to victory.

Ambiguous wording around the bill’s call for a 10% tax on sports betting proceeds could have, in part, played a role in the vote as some residents may have believed they were to bear the tax burden.

USA TODAY Sports

May 14, 2018: Following the US Supreme Court’s repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, each state is free to create its own regulations for legal sports betting.

May 1, 2020: Legislation passed by Colorado lawmakers, stipulating that legal sports betting can officially commence.

Oct. 23, 2020: The Colorado sports betting market continued its growth in September, with the Department of Revenue reporting a 61% increase in total handle when compared with August’s numbers.

• Over $13 million wagered in Colorado on pro football during just the first weekend of the NFL season (September 2020).
• Baseball held the largest single share of the total handle, accounting for $47.1 million of the $207,655,942 wagered.

Nov. 17, 2020: Australian platform PointsBet officially launched its online platform in Colorado.

Nov. 30, 2020: The Colorado Department of Revenue released sports betting tax and revenue figures for October 2020.

• Colorado sports bettors wagered an incredible $210,719,821 at state retail and online sportsbooks.
• This resulted in $824,700 in direct tax revenue for the state of Colorado.
• October’s numbers resulted in a mind-blowing 91.5% increase over September’s totals.
• Colorado sports gamblers took home $193,317,412 in earnings.

Jan. 25, 2021: Colorado sports betting revenue in 2020 released, featuring over a billion dollars in revenue.

• Colorado saw $1,185,754,617 in total wagers (May 2020 – December 2020).
• December 2020’s record-breaking numbers saw nearly $285 million wagered (a 23% increase over November’s results).
• Colorado saw over $3 million in tax revenue in 2020.

Feb. 25, 2021: Colorado continued its streak of increasing its sports betting handle.

• The state saw a total of $326,903,462 in wagers for January 2021.

CO Online Sports Betting Launch

Despite all major sports leagues remaining shuttered as the world continues its battle against the coronavirus pandemic, the Centennial State moved forward with its original plans after voters approved Proposition DD in November 2019. In doing so, Colorado became the 19th U.S. state to legalize sports betting.

Colorado’s jump into the legal sports betting fray, which includes in-person, online and mobile wagering, has helped bring significant tax revenue to the state.

With friendly tax rates and bettor-friendly parameters that will provide players with a wide range of betting options, Colorado is viewed by many industry experts as a key state. With western states a bit more reluctant to legalize sports betting in the early going, Colorado’s early success could mean it is more likely that neighboring states follow suit.

Colorado Sports Betting FAQ

Is sports betting legal in Colorado?

Sports betting is legal in Colorado. Following the 2019 passing of HB19-1327, Proposition DD was approved by the state’s voters in November 2019, meaning retail and online sports betting commenced in-state on May 1.

Where can I bet on sports in Colorado?

The short answer is everywhere—if done via a mobile device.

Colorado is permitting 33 of its nearly 40 retail casinos to apply for a master sports-betting license, which allows such operations to partner with one land and one online sportsbook—though not all of these casinos will offer sports betting.

Colorado’s retail casino locations are located in one of three towns: Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek.

Black Hawk and Central City, which are located only a mile apart, tend to draw players from the greater Denver area, while Cripple Creek draws from the Colorado Springs region. Additionally, there are two casinos owned and operated by Native American tribes in the southwest corner of the state (Ignacio and Towaoc).

What sports can I bet on in Colorado?

Currently, wagering on national and international professional sports, major college sports, motor racing and sanctioned video game sports are permitted. Within that context, straight win/loss bets, prop bets, total betting and other popular forms will be legal. Colorado lawmakers are expected to provide further clarification on which markets will be offered upon launch.

Is online sports betting legal in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado’s sports betting bill allows 33 of its nearly 40 casinos to partner with online sportsbook operators, permitting anyone that is physically present within state limits to wager via desktop, laptop, or mobile device.

When did sports betting go live in Colorado?

Legislation passed by Colorado lawmakers stipulates that legal sports betting can begin on May 1, 2020.

Will I have to be in Colorado to bet?

Yes. Colorado law states that in order in order to participate in legal online sports betting, one must be physically present within the confines of the state.

Do I have to have a Colorado address to bet?

No. It is not required that the sports gambler resides in Colorado to place online wagers. Rather, a person must simply be physically present within state limits.

How old must I be in order to bet in Colorado?

As is the case in all states where sports betting is legal, bettors must be at least 21 years of age.

What types of bets can I make in Colorado?

Casino sportsbook locations offer spread bets, moneyline bets, totals bets, futures bets, parlays, in-game betting and other traditional wager types. However, New York sports bettors are not permitted to bet on college or amateur teams within the state.

What are Colorado sports betting tax rates?

Colorado legal sports betting is expected to thrive because of several advantageous factors. Among them is the extremely favorable 10% tax rate paid of sports betting profits by casinos and online sportsbook operators. The 10% rate is among the most favorable in states where sports betting is legal, meaning the state should be an extremely attractive landing spot for some of the industry’s top players.

By way of comparison, New Jersey offers an 8.5% tax rate for in-person sports wagering and a 13% online tax, while Pennsylvania holds a much higher 36% rate.

Where will the 10% tax revenue be spent?

One of the reasons sports betting drew bipartisan support from lawmakers is because the tax revenue would go toward the Colorado Water Plan, which includes irrigation, water storage and other related projects to help deal with future climate change and expansion.

Can I bet on high school sports in Colorado?

No. Under the state’s sports betting laws, wagering on high school sports is prohibited.

How To Bet on Sports in Colorado

To bet on sports in Colorado, a person must be at least 21 years of age and located at a state-approved casino or bet remotely using a computer or mobile device. All online sports betting must be conducted by those physically present in Colorado.

Deposit methods

As is the case in other states where sports betting is legal, online sportsbooks provide the following funding methods:

• Online banking
• Credit or debit card
• PayPal
• Prepaid cards
• Pay with Cash at 7-11
• Cash at Cage
• Wire transfer

Typically, online banking and PayPal tend to be the easiest and most efficient options for moving money in and out of an account.

Withdrawal methods

Withdraw methods vary from sportsbook to sportsbook, but generally speaking, there are a variety of ways to easily and efficiently remove funds from an account:

• Instant eChecks
• Skrill
• PayPal
• online banking
• in-person cashouts

Types of bets

Colorado is expected to offer spread, moneyline, totals, parlays, teasers, futures, player props, game props and in-game bets.

Sports available

As noted above, Colorado offers sports wagering on national and international professional leagues, major college sports, motor racing, sanctioned video games (eSports) and Olympic competitions.

Among the major leagues to wager on include NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL. This means that betting on the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche is available. Moreover, both college football and college basketball betting on the Colorado Buffaloes, Colorado State Rams and Air Force Falcons will be available. Wagering will also be available on Denver Pioneers and Northern Colorado Bears basketball. 

Colorado Sports Betting Partnerships

As is the case in other states that permit online sports betting, Colorado requires online sportsbook operators to enter into partnerships through licensing agreements with brick-and-mortar casinos. Casinos that gain sports betting licenses are permitted to issue one retail and one online sports betting license.

Here are the current online sports betting partnerships between online sportsbook operators and parent casino companies.

Partnerships are also in place between BetAmerica and Full House along with BetFred and Saratoga Casino. Those partnerships are awaiting approval.

Colorado Casinos

Colorado’s casinos are primarily located in three mountain towns: Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek. Central City and Black Hawk casinos are easily accessible from the Denver area, while Cripple Creek located less than 50 miles west of Colorado Springs. Additionally, there are two Colorado casinos operated by American Indian tribes (Ignacio and Towaoc).

Here’s a comprehensive list of Colorado casinos, many of which offer lodging, entertainment, food and alcohol services.

Mardi Gras Casino

DraftKings Sportsbook entered the Colorado sports betting market via a partnership with the Mardi Gras Casino in Black Hawk.

• Address: 300 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
• Phone: 303-582-5600