State guide
Colorado Sports Betting Guide 2025
Colorado was one of the early adopters of legal online sports betting and remains one of the most competitive markets in the country. With a long list of licensed apps, relaxed rules on pro sports and a strong regulatory framework, bettors in the Centennial State have plenty of options. This guide explains which Colorado sportsbooks are legal, how to sign up, key rules on college betting and taxes, and how to bet safely under Colorado law.
View best Colorado sportsbooksMust be 21 plus and physically located in Colorado to bet with a licensed sportsbook. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1 800 522 4700 or contact the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado for help.
Is sports betting legal in Colorado
Yes. Colorado voters approved sports betting in November 2019 through Proposition DD, and legal wagering went live on May 1, 2020. The Colorado Division of Gaming regulates both online and retail sportsbooks, sets rules for operators and enforces consumer protection standards.
Bettors can place wagers on approved sports through licensed online apps anywhere within state lines, or in person at retail sportsbooks located in and around Colorado’s historic gaming towns and select partner venues.
- Sports betting legal since May 2020
- 21 plus and located in Colorado to bet
- Regulated by the Colorado Division of Gaming
- Online and retail sportsbooks both allowed
Best legal Colorado online sportsbooks
Colorado quickly became a crowded sportsbook market, with many national brands and several local partnerships all competing for players. Lineups change as operators merge or rebrand, but you can expect to see familiar names like DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, bet365, ESPN BET and Fanatics Sportsbook active in the state, along with smaller brands.
Opening accounts at more than one book gives you access to better prices, different same game parlay tools and a rotating mix of promotions.
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Up to $1,300 New User Bonus | Deep market coverage and strong same game parlay tools. We love the the player props, live betting, golf and NFL markets. | Join | |
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Bet $1, Double Your Winnings On Next 20 Wagers | Integrated Caesars Rewards for hotel and dining value. Rewards program, promos tied to local teams and events. | Join | |
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Bet $5 Get $150 In Bonus Bets | Clean app experience and competitive odds on many sides and totals. Does a great job with same game parlays, live betting, and user friendly interface. | Join | |
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Up to $1,500 In Bonus Bets | Busy but powerful app with lots of live markets. Live betting, one game parlays, regular boosts and offers. | Join | |
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Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose | Deep international markets and sharp pricing on soccer and niche sports. Great for In play betting, soccer and tennis, alternate lines. | Join | |
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Up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash | Fresh interfaces and aggressive promos as they build market. We like their promotions, live betting, newer features. | Join |
Operator lineups shift as licenses change hands or brands merge. Always confirm that any sports betting app you use is licensed by the Colorado Division of Gaming before depositing.
Key Colorado sports betting rules
Colorado’s sports betting framework is relatively flexible but comes with important rules on who can bet, what can be wagered on and how books can operate.
Who can bet in Colorado
- You must be at least 21 years old
- You must be physically located inside Colorado when placing a wager
- You must pass identity verification, which usually includes the last four digits of your Social Security number
What you can bet on
- Professional sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS and others
- College sports, including in state programs like Colorado and Colorado State
- Many international leagues plus golf, tennis, motorsports and more approved events
What you cannot bet on
- High school sports or events involving mostly minors
- Unapproved events that fall outside the Division of Gaming’s sports catalog
- Some types of college player props and live props, especially on in state college teams
- Bets with unlicensed offshore or illegal bookmakers
Colorado allows betting on college game outcomes but restricts certain college props, especially player focused markets and some in game props. Sportsbooks reflect these rules by limiting or removing college prop menus, so you may see fewer options than on pro games.
College sports betting in Colorado
College sports betting is legal in Colorado and you can wager on in state teams such as Colorado, Colorado State and Air Force, as well as national programs. The restrictions are focused more on the type of wagers allowed than on the teams you can bet.
Allowed on college sports
- Moneylines, spreads and totals on college games
- Many futures markets, such as conference or national champions
- Certain approved props and derivatives depending on the event
Commonly restricted on college sports
- Player specific props on individual college athletes
- Some in game props that could raise integrity concerns
- Exotic markets not included in the Colorado sports betting catalog
Sportsbook menus are the practical expression of Colorado’s rules. If a college market does not appear in your app, assume it is either restricted by law or removed by the operator’s internal policy for integrity reasons.
Colorado sports betting taxes
Colorado’s tax rules apply both to sportsbooks and to individual bettors, though in different ways.
Taxes on Colorado sportsbooks
- Sports betting operators pay a 10 percent tax on net sports betting proceeds
- Tax revenue helps fund state water projects and other public purposes
- These taxes are paid by the operator, not directly by players on each bet slip
Taxes on bettors and gambling winnings
- Sports betting winnings are taxable income at the federal level
- Colorado also treats gambling winnings as taxable for state income tax purposes
- Large payouts may trigger automatic withholding and tax forms from sportsbooks
- Bettors are responsible for tracking net winnings and reporting them when filing
This is general information, not personal tax advice. If you bet regularly or at higher stakes, consider speaking with a tax professional about how to handle sports betting activity on your federal and Colorado returns.
Retail sportsbooks in Colorado
While Colorado is very much an online first market, retail sportsbooks play an important role. Brick and mortar books are typically located in the state’s traditional gaming towns such as Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek, as well as at select partner venues.
What to expect from Colorado retail books
- Full service betting windows and self service kiosks
- Video walls and lounge seating for game days
- Linked accounts that tie your retail and online activity together in some cases
Specific retail locations and partnerships change over time as casinos update deals and brands merge. The Colorado Division of Gaming keeps the official list of licensed retail sportsbooks and partners.
How to start betting in Colorado
Getting started with legal sports betting in Colorado is quick and can be done entirely from your phone or computer.
- Pick one or more licensed Colorado sportsbook apps that fit your style.
- Download each app or visit the official website, then choose Colorado as your state.
- Create an account using your legal name, address, date of birth and last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Allow location services so the app can confirm you are inside Colorado state lines.
- Make a first deposit using an approved method like online banking, card or a wallet.
- Review the current welcome offer so your first bet qualifies for any bonus.
- Place your first wager and track results from your phone or desktop.
Using more than one Colorado sportsbook gives you flexibility. You can shop for the best line on each game, switch apps when one has a better promo and avoid over concentrating your action in a single account.
Compare top Colorado sportsbooksSmart tips for Colorado sports bettors
A competitive market like Colorado is great for bettors but can also tempt you to chase every promo and every game. A few simple principles will help you enjoy the action without letting betting get out of hand.
Positive habits
- Decide on a monthly betting budget and treat it like entertainment spend
- Use multiple books to compare prices on sides, totals and props
- Focus your largest bets on sports and leagues you genuinely follow
- Keep basic records of bets and closing lines to see how you are doing
- Use responsible gaming tools such as deposit limits when needed
Things to avoid
- Chasing losses with impulsive live bets after a bad beat
- Using unlicensed offshore sites when legal options are available
- Betting more when you are tired, frustrated or under the influence
- Letting betting affect your bills, savings or relationships
If betting stops feeling like fun or you find it hard to control, reach out to the Colorado problem gambling resources listed by the Division of Gaming or the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado. Help is confidential and available.
Colorado sports betting FAQ
When did sports betting become legal in Colorado
Colorado voters approved sports betting in November 2019 through Proposition DD, and legal sportsbooks began accepting bets on May 1, 2020. Since then the market has grown to include many online and retail options licensed by the Colorado Division of Gaming.
How old do you have to be to bet on sports in Colorado
You must be at least 21 years old to place legal sports bets in Colorado, whether through a mobile app or at a retail sportsbook. You will need to verify your identity when you create your account.
Can you bet on Colorado college teams
Yes. Colorado allows betting on in state college teams and out of state programs. The main restrictions relate to certain props and in game markets, particularly those focused on individual players or sensitive integrity areas. Sportsbooks reflect these rules by limiting college prop menus.
Are college player prop bets legal in Colorado
Colorado places tighter controls on college player props and some in game markets than it does on professional sports. As a result many books either do not offer college player props at all or limit them. By contrast, pro player props remain widely available.
Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings in Colorado
Yes. Sports betting winnings are taxable at the federal level and are also subject to Colorado state income tax. Sportsbooks may send you tax forms and withhold on large wins, but you are responsible for reporting your net gambling income when you file your returns.
Is it safe to use offshore sportsbooks in Colorado
Offshore sportsbooks are not licensed by the Colorado Division of Gaming and do not provide the same consumer protections as legal operators. If a dispute or payment issue arises, you have limited recourse. For safety and reliability, stick to Colorado licensed sportsbooks that appear on the Division of Gaming’s approved list.