Best Colorado Online Casinos in 2024

Are you interested in playing at Colorado online casino sites? While real money online casinos are currently illegal, the state does offer certain legal gaming options, like sweepstakes casinos.

Keep reading to uncover the top sweepstakes options and learn more about Colorado’s gambling laws.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Get valid facts about the legality of real money online casinos in Colorado 
• Find out the best sweepstakes casinos in Colorado for safe and responsible online gaming and
• Learn the history of gambling in Colorado

Top Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Colorado

Sweepstakes casinos operate under a different model, using virtual currencies instead of real money. However, these casinos allow players to redeem their Sweepstakes Coins for prizes, which can include cash options, providing a legal and exciting way to potentially win real money while playing your favorite online casino games.

Here are the top sweepstakes casinos available in Colorado:

Online Gambling in Colorado: An Overview

Colorado may prohibit real money online casinos, but visitors and residents to the Centennial State can enjoy many other gambling activities.

Here’s an overview:

Gambling Type	Legal?	Current Situation	Legal Age
Online Casinos	No	Online casino sites are illegal and unregulated in CO	–
Land-Based Casinos	Yes	Legal and operational, providing a variety of slot and table games	21
Sweepstakes Casinos	Yes	Legal in CO, offering games with virtual currencies like GC and SC instead of real money	21
Bingo	Yes	Available for charitable purposes in licensed venues	18
Lottery	Yes	Operates legally under state regulation, offering numerous game types	18
Sports Betting	Yes	Legalized in 2020, available both online and at retail locations	21
Horse Racing	Yes	Legal with regulated betting at licensed racetracks	18
Daily Fantasy Sports	Yes	Legal and considered a game of skill	18

Want to Bet Real Money? Try Colorado’s Land-Based Casinos

For real-money gambling, Colorado boasts nearly 40 land-based casinos. These venues offer a variety of games from slots to poker tables. Explore our guide for a detailed look at Colorado’s finest land-based casinos.

How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Colorado

Gambling winnings in Colorado are classified as taxable income by both the IRS and the state. This includes proceeds from both casinos and sports betting.

While casinos typically deduct state tax from payouts, you may need to file a Form W-2G and report additional income if you exceed certain thresholds, such as $1,200 for slots or bingo and $5,000 for poker tournaments. Keeping good records helps you accurately calculate your federal and state tax obligations.

For more on tax obligations, consult the IRS guidelines.

History of Gambling in Colorado

Colorado’s gambling landscape has shifted significantly over the years:

• 1948: Legalization of betting on horse and greyhound races.
• 1958: Charitable gaming, including bingo, becomes legal.
• 1982: Establishment of the Colorado Lottery.
• 1990: Voter-approved Legalization of Limited Gambling Initiative allows limited casino gambling in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek.
• 1991: The first casinos open under the Limited Gambling Initiative, with $5 bet caps and restricted operating hours.
• 2000: Multi-state jackpot drawings become legal.
• 2009: Expansion of casino offerings to include craps and roulette.
• 2019: Proposition DD legalizes both in-person and online sports betting, launching in May 2020.
• 2020: Legal sports betting launches during the pandemic.

So, What Does the Future Hold for Colorado Online Casinos?

Colorado’s sports betting success since 2020 has increased interest in further gambling expansions. Discussions on legalizing online casinos are ongoing, but concrete legislation hasn’t materialized. Voter approval could eventually shape the outcome, potentially making Colorado a key player in the online gaming market.

For those curious about the laws in other states, exploring an in-depth guide to state-by-state online casino regulations can provide valuable insights.

References

1. “Colorado Amendment No. 4, Legalization of Limited Gambling Initiative (1990)”. Ballotpedia. Retrieved Nov 7, 2024.
2. “Proposition DD: Legalization and Taxation of Sports Betting”. Colorado General Assembly. Retrieved Nov 7, 2024.
3. “What is Legal? Gambling Questions in Colorado”. Colorado Department of Revenue. Retrieved Nov 7, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions