Colorado Online Sports Betting: Top Online Sportsbooks for May 2024

In Colorado, sports betting has been legalized since May 2020, following the approval by Colorado voters in November 2019. The regulation of this activity is managed by the Colorado Division of Gaming (CDG), which oversees all legal sports betting operations within the state. This guide provides an overview of the landscape for Colorado sports betting, focusing on the legal online sportsbooks available as of May 2024.

Best CO Sports Betting Sites in May 2024

Several online sportsbooks have emerged as top choices for Colorado bettors. These platforms offer a range of betting options across various sports, supported by robust security measures and responsible gambling tools. As Responsible Gambling promotes, it's essential for bettors to choose regulated sites that provide fair odds and secure betting environments.

Colorado sportsbooks offer a variety of bonuses designed to enhance the betting experience while promoting responsible gambling practices. Here are some common types:

• Welcome Bonuses: Match a percentage of your initial deposit to increase your betting funds.
• Risk-Free Bets: Refund your first bet if it loses, up to a specified limit.
• No Deposit Bonuses: Receive a small bonus just for signing up, no deposit required.
• Deposit Bonuses: Get extra funds on top of your deposits.
• Odds Boosts: Enhanced odds on specific games or events to increase potential winnings.
• Free Bets: Credits given to place bets without risking your own money.
• Loyalty Programs: Earn points for your betting activity, which can be converted into rewards or betting credits.
• Referral Bonuses: Receive a bonus when you refer friends who sign up and deposit.
• Cashback Offers: A percentage of your bets or losses returned to you over a specified period.
• Seasonal Promotions: Special offers tied to major sports events or seasons.

These bonuses are subject to terms and conditions, and it's important for bettors to understand these fully to make informed decisions and maintain control over their betting habits.

CO bettors have access to a variety of sports betting apps that offer user-friendly interfaces, comprehensive betting options, and seamless mobile experiences. These apps facilitate everything from registration and deposit to placing bets and withdrawing winnings, all from your smartphone. 

• Accessibility: These apps provide a streamlined experience for sports bettors in Colorado, enabling easy account management, betting, and access to customer support.
• Legality and Regulation: Operated under strict regulations set by the Colorado Division of Gaming, these apps ensure legal and secure betting within the state.

Key Features Offered by CO Sports Betting Apps:

• Wide Range of Sports: Users can bet on local sports teams like the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, and others, as well as NCAA sports and international events.
• Mobile Compatibility: Designed for on-the-go betting, these apps offer full functionality across various devices, supporting both iOS and Android platforms.
• Promotions and Bonuses: Featuring signup bonuses, odds boosts, and loyalty rewards to enhance the betting experience.

User Experience and Reviews:

• Real User Feedback: For insights into user experiences with different apps and to find the best-rated sports betting apps in Colorado, visit the detailed guide on Colorado Sports Betting Apps.

Online sports betting is indeed legal in Colorado. The state permits a wide array of sports betting activities online and at retail locations, with numerous sportsbooks licensed to operate legally in Colorado including Bet365, FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, and SI Sportsbook, alongside several locally-based companies. This legal framework ensures that bettors can engage in betting activities in a regulated environment, minimizing risks related to unregulated gambling.

Colorado Sports Betting Updates

Colorado's sports betting legislation permits a maximum of 30 Colorado sports betting sites. The state boasts more online sportsbooks than any other state as of May 2024.

• Novig has ceased operations in Colorado, stating they are working on product upgrades for a few months and promise to be back online later in 2024.
• As of March 2024, Basketball is yet again the top sport bet on by Colorado sports bettors with 50.4% of all wagers on the hardcourt as reported by the Colorado Dept. of Revenue.
• The sports betting handle in March 2024 for Colorado sports betting was $44,876,012 (total GGR) bringing in $2,849,591 in tax revenue for the state. The Colorado sports betting handle fluctuates when major events take place.

Starting your Colorado sports betting journey involves a series of regulated steps designed to ensure the security and legality of all Colorado bettors activity. This process is essential for maintaining the integrity of sports betting in the state and supporting responsible gambling practices. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:

1. Choose a Licensed Online Sportsbook: Begin by selecting one of the legal Colorado sports betting apps licensed by the Colorado Division of Gaming. This ensures that the platform adheres to state laws and regulations concerning online betting.
2. Create an Account: Visit the sportsbook's website or download the sports betting app and sign up for an account. You will need to provide personal details such as your name, address, email, and social security number.
3. Verify Your Age and Identity: As part of the registration process, you'll be required to verify your age and identity to comply with legal betting requirements. This typically involves uploading government-issued identification.
4. Set Up Account Preferences: Configure your account settings, including payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. You may also set limits on your deposits and betting amounts as part of responsible gambling measures.
5. Deposit Funds: Once your account is set up and verified, you can deposit funds using approved payment methods such as credit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers. Ensure that all transactions are secure and that you are aware of any potential transaction fees.
6. Claim a Welcome Bonus: Many legal in Colorado sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses to new users. These may include free bets, deposit matches, or risk-free bets. Read the terms and conditions carefully to understand how to qualify and use these bonuses effectively.
7. Place Your Bets: Browse the sportsbook’s betting markets to find the sports and events you want to bet on. You can place a variety of wagers, including singles, accumulators, and system bets.
8. Practice Responsible Betting: Always bet within your means and utilize tools provided by the sportsbook to help manage your betting activity. This can include setting deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options.

By following these steps, you can safely enjoy the experience of online sports betting in Colorado while adhering to all legal and regulatory requirements.

What to expect at a legal CO sports betting site

When you visit a legal Colorado sports betting site, you'll encounter a regulated environment that ensures fairness, security, and responsible gambling. Here’s what you should expect:

• Comprehensive Licensing: Each Colorado online sportsbook operates under a strict licensing framework enforced by the Colorado Division of Gaming. This ensures that all sports betting activities comply with state laws.
• Secure Transactions: Legal sports betting sites in Colorado implement advanced security protocols to protect your personal and financial information. Expect encrypted transactions and secure login processes.
• Identity Verification: To comply with legal requirements, every new sports betting account must go through a verification process. This safeguards the platform against fraud and ensures that all players meet the age requirement of 21+.
• Diverse Betting Markets: Colorado bettors have access to a wide range of betting markets. You can place wagers on popular sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and MLB, as well as college sports and local teams like the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies.
• Responsible Gambling Features: Responsible betting is a priority, and Colorado sportsbooks offer various tools to help manage gambling habits. These include deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options.
• Mobile and Online Wagering: Bettors can place wagers through both mobile sports betting apps and desktop platforms, providing convenience and flexibility. These apps are designed to offer a seamless betting experience, allowing for in-game and live betting.
• Promotions and Bonuses: Legal Colorado sports betting sites offer various promotions to enhance the betting experience. These can include welcome bonuses, free bets, and loyalty rewards. It’s important to read the terms and conditions associated with each promo to fully understand the offer.
• Customer Support: Reliable customer support is crucial and should be expected at all legal sports betting sites. Support should be accessible via multiple channels such as live chat, email, and phone, ensuring that you can get assistance whenever needed.
• Educational Resources: For those new to sports betting, many Colorado sportsbooks provide educational resources to help understand betting options, the odds presented, and strategies for responsible gambling.
• Partnerships with Local Casinos: Many online sportsbooks in Colorado are partnered with local casinos, such as Mardi Gras Casino and Lodge Casino. These partnerships often allow for retail sports betting and can provide a physical location to visit.

Depositing and withdrawing funds at Colorado online sportsbooks is streamlined with a variety of secure options. Below are the common methods you can expect:

• Credit and Debit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted for making deposits. Although withdrawals might not always be possible through these cards.
• E-Wallets: E-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and NETELLER offer both deposit and withdrawal capabilities, providing swift and secure transactions favored by many Colorado bettors.
• Apple Pay & Google Pay: These mobile payment methods are gaining popularity for their convenience in making quick and secure deposits. However, withdrawals may not be available via these platforms.
• Bank Transfers: Options like direct bank transfers and ACH (Automated Clearing House) are trusted for both depositing and withdrawing funds, ensuring secure transactions directly linked to your bank account.
• Prepaid Cards: Prepaid cards issued by sportsbooks can be loaded with funds for deposits and often support withdrawals, making them a handy option for managing betting finances.
• PayNearMe: This method allows you to deposit cash at retail locations across Colorado, seamlessly connecting retail sports betting with online platforms.
• Cash at Casino Cages: For those preferring in-person transactions, you can deposit and withdraw cash directly at the casino cages of sportsbooks’ retail partners, such as Mardi Gras Casino, Lady Luck Casino, and others based in Central City.
• Check by Mail: If you prefer a traditional method, checks can be mailed for withdrawals, though this can be one of the slower options available.

These payment methods comply with the regulations enforced by the Colorado Division of Gaming, ensuring secure and responsible transactions within the Colorado sports betting environment. Always check the specific terms related to payment methods at your chosen sportsbook, as they can influence processing times and potential fees.

Winning Bets Must Be Collected Within 1 Year

In Colorado, much like in other legal gambling states, all winning tickets must be collected within 1 year of winning. This is laid out in the by the Colorado Division of Gaming - Sports Betting Regulations in section 6.10.

Colorado bookmakers provide betting opportunities across numerous sports and their respective international leagues:

• Football
  • Canadian Football League (CFL)
  • National Football League (NFL)
  • NCAA – College Football
• Baseball
  • Major League Baseball (MLB)
  • Mexican Baseball League
  • Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) – Japan
  • Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) – South Korea
  • NCAA Baseball
• Basketball
  • EuroLeague
  • FIBA Basketball World Cup
  • National Basketball Association (NBA)
  • NCAA – College Basketball
  • Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
• Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts
  • Boxing major fights
  • UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship)
• Cricket
  • Indian Premier League (IPL)
  • International Cricket Council (ICC) events
  • The Ashes Series
• Golf
  • European Tour
  • PGA Tour
• Hockey
  • Finnish Liiga
  • Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) – Russia
  • National Hockey League (NHL)
  • Swedish Hockey League
• Motorsports
  • Formula 1
  • MotoGP
  • NASCAR
• Rugby
  • Rugby World Cup
  • Six Nations Championship
  • Super Rugby
• Soccer
  • Bundesliga (Germany)
  • Copa Libertadores
  • English Premier League (EPL)
  • FIFA World Cup (Men's and Women's)
  • La Liga (Spain)
  • Ligue 1 (France)
  • Serie A (Italy)
  • UEFA Champions League
  • UEFA Europa League
  • Many more
• Tennis
  • ATP (Men's Tour)
  • WTA (Women's Tour)
  • The Grand Slams: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open

This extensive array of leagues from both popular and niche sports ensures that CO bettors have a wide variety of betting options, ranging from local favorites to major international events.

Colorado's vibrant sports scene is complemented by various major sports events that also captivate the interest of Colorado bettors:

• Denver Broncos (NFL): Future bets on the upcoming NFL season focus on player acquisitions and overall team dynamics.
• Colorado Rockies (MLB): Betting opportunities abound throughout the MLB regular season, including player performances and potential playoff impacts.
• Denver Nuggets (NBA): The Nuggets' participation in the NBA playoffs offers intense betting interest on game and series outcomes, as well as individual player statistics.
• Summer Olympics 2024: Scheduled for Paris, this global event will feature athletes from around the world, including participants from Colorado competing in various sports. Betting markets typically cover a wide range of events, from track and field to swimming.
• The Masters (Golf): One of golf's four major tournaments typically held in April, The Masters attracts international betting interest, including wagers on golfers from Colorado.
• Wimbledon (Tennis): Occurring in late June through early July, Wimbledon is one of the grand slam tennis tournaments with significant betting volumes on match outcomes and championships.

These events not only provide thrilling sports action but also diverse betting opportunities for both seasoned and novice bettors in Colorado.

Horse betting is a vibrant part of the Colorado sports betting scene, legally sanctioned under state law. Here's what you need to know about horse betting in Colorado:

• Regulated Platforms: CO sports bettors can place wagers at various regulated racetracks and through online sports betting platforms. This activity is overseen by the Colorado Division of Gaming to ensure fair practices and integrity in sports wagering.
• Major Horse Racing Venues: The state is home to Arapahoe Park, the primary venue for live horse racing. During its racing season, bettors can engage in live betting and enjoy the thrill of the races in person or online.
• Off-Track Betting (OTB) Locations: Numerous OTB facilities operate across Colorado, and in Central City such as the Mardi Gras Casino and the Lodge Casino. These locations offer a setting for placing bets on live and simulcast races from around the world.
• Online Horse Betting: Colorado betting sites like Bet365 provide comprehensive options for betting on horse races. These platforms often offer detailed race cards, betting tips, and promos specific to horse racing, enhancing the betting experience.
• International Events: Bettors also have access to international horse racing events, allowing them to place wagers on famous races such as the Kentucky Derby, the Grand National, and the Melbourne Cup.

This blend of local and international betting options makes Colorado a lively hub for horse betting enthusiasts, offering numerous opportunities to engage with this time-honored sport.

Can I play daily fantasy sports contests in CO?

As part of the evolving Colorado sports betting market, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) offers a unique betting experience legally accessible to CO sports bettors aged 18 and over. Here’s what enthusiasts in Colorado should know:

• Legal Status: DFS is legally recognized under Colorado sports betting law, allowing residents to engage in various fantasy sports contests through platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel.
• Wide Participation: This form of online sports betting is popular among CO bettors, providing a dynamic alternative to traditional wagers on local teams such as the Denver Broncos or Colorado Rockies.
• Regulated Platforms: Colorado sportsbooks and online sportsbooks that offer DFS are regulated by the Colorado Division of Gaming, ensuring a secure and fair gaming environment.
• Accessibility: These platforms are accessible via both mobile sports betting apps and websites, offering flexibility for users to participate in contests anytime and anywhere.
• Local Events and Leagues: Participants can engage in DFS involving NCAA sports, professional leagues, and major sports events, making it a comprehensive part of sports betting in Colorado.

This integration of DFS into the Colorado online sports betting ecosystem provides an engaging platform for sports enthusiasts to test their skills and knowledge in a regulated environment.

As of May 2024, Colorado hosts twenty active legal online sportsbooks. Here's a rundown of the live sportsbooks in Colorado:

Bally Bet

Bet365

Betfred

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMonarch

BetRivers Sportsbook

Betsafe

Betway

Caesars Sportsbook

Circa Sports

ClutchBet

DraftKings Sportsbook

ESPN Bet

Fanatics Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook

SBK Sportsbook

SI Sportsbook

Sporttrade

SuperBook

Tipico Sportsbook

These sportsbooks provide a variety of betting options for CO sports bettors.

Comparison of Top Sports Betting Apps in Colorado

When selecting a sportsbook in CO, bettors consider various factors including site usability, promotional offerings, and distinct features:

1. Best for Loyalty Programs: Caesars Sportsbook - Caesars Rewards stands out for its valuable loyalty program. It automatically enrolls new users, allowing them to accumulate points for use at Caesars properties and on the app.
2. Best for Sports Variety: DraftKings - DraftKings is recognized for its broad range of sports offerings. It goes beyond traditional sports to include niche markets like Gaelic sports, handball, and snooker, appealing to diverse betting preferences.
3. Best for Odds Boosts: FanDuel - FanDuel is preferred for its generous odds boosts and promotions that enhance bet value. The platform is also noted for its vast array of betting options across multiple sports.

Colorado sportsbooks cater to a wide range of betting preferences with comprehensive markets and competitive odds. Here's a more detailed look at the options available:

• Professional Colorado Teams:
  • Denver Broncos: Outright bets on every game, season wins, playoffs odds, and special props like first touchdown scorer.
  • Colorado Rockies: Daily betting on game winners, run totals, player-specific bets such as RBIs and strikeouts.
  • Denver Nuggets: Options include point spread, total points, and prop bets on players' point totals, assists, and rebounds.
  • Colorado Avalanche: Wager on game outcomes, over/under on goals, and futures on league championships.
• NCAA:
  • Bets on local college football and basketball, including point spreads, totals, and performance of specific players.
• Betting Types and Features:
  • Parlay Betting: Combine multiple bets from different games or sports to increase potential winnings, with options to bet across different Colorado teams and sports.
  • Futures and Outrights: Long-term bets on championship winners or season records for teams like the Denver Broncos or the Colorado Avalanche.
  • Prop Bets: Individual game or season-long bets on specific events or achievements, such as a player hitting a certain number of home runs or scoring a specific amount of points.
  • Live Betting: Engage in betting after a game starts, with odds updated in real-time based on game developments.
• Special Features:
  • Odds Boosts: Enhanced odds offered on various bets, particularly popular for games involving Colorado teams.
  • Cash-Out Options: Ability to cash out wagers before a game concludes to secure profits or minimize losses.

Here’s a brief overview of the sports betting status in states neighboring Colorado:

• Wyoming: Offers legal Colorado betting site including mobile and retail options without the need for affiliation with land-based casinos.
• Nebraska: Currently limited to in-person sports betting at licensed racetracks; mobile and online betting are not yet available.
• Kansas: Legalized sports betting, including online and mobile betting options, with several operational sportsbooks.
• Oklahoma: Sports betting is not currently legal, with no immediate plans for legalization.
• New Mexico: Sports betting is available at select tribal casinos, but there is no state-wide regulation for online or mobile sports betting.
• Utah: Remains one of the few states with no form of legalized gambling, including no sports betting.

You can learn more about the gambling regulations in each state and see if you're eligible.

As we have explored, since the move to legalize sports betting, Colorado's market has become highly regulated and secure, thriving since its inception in May 2020. This evolving landscape has been bolstered by the establishment of reputable online sportsbooks and strategic collaborations with retail partners, enriching the betting ecosystem. Bettors in Colorado can engage with an online sportsbook, bet on sports at various sportsbook Colorado locations, or visit one of the multiple retail partners. These developments ensure that sportsbook Colorado remains at the forefront, offering safe, legal, and dynamic opportunities to bet on sports. This commitment to expanding and supporting both online and retail options reflects the state's dedication to enhancing the sports betting experience.