The best Colorado online casinos September 2024
Until Colorado online casino gambling is legalized, you can play online slots, blackjack, roulette, poker and more at sweepstakes casinos. There are also nearly 40 local Colorado casinos offering real money play around Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. Here we’ve rated the best sweepstakes online casinos in Colorado alongside the best local venues.
Our top recommended Colorado online casino sites
Colorado casinos to avoid
Most Colorado online casinos you’ll find provide safe, quality sweepstakes and social games. However, some casino operators take advantage of the state’s pre legislation status to offer online casino gambling in the unregulated grey market. Some of these can behave shadily and leave players out of pocket. Any casino that does not operate above board will be added to our avoid list.
The best Colorado online casinos
As lawmakers have yet to legalize real money online casinos in Colorado, you’ll find a great variety of sweepstakes casinos, the best of which we've compared below.
Rather than wagering real money, these casino games are free to play. Unlike social casinos, though, the currencies of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins can be redeemed as real money if you're awarded coin prizes while playing. You can collect coins as you play, although you're also able to purchase more coins to play with.
McLuck Casino - best sweepstakes casino overall
McLuck extends a warm Colorado welcome with an enticing offer of up to 57,500 gold coins and 27.5 sweepstakes coins to new players. Beyond this generous welcome, McLuck ensures convenient gaming with its exceptional mobile app, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games seamlessly on the go. It's the ideal choice for those who value both rewarding bonuses and gaming flexibility in the Centennial State.
Pros:
? 500+ quality games and great variety
? Regular promos and coin giveaways
Cons:
? Could take more purchasing options
Wow Vegas - best sweeps casino for prize redemption
Wow Vegas promises a unique Colorado gaming experience, offering players a chance to amass virtual coins while enjoying an extensive selection of games. Whether it's slots or table games, Wow Vegas provides a memorable journey with swift redemption options on any prizes, making it a top choice for casino fans.
Pros:
? Daily promos and coin boosts
? Powerful games from Microgaming & others
Cons:
? Lack of live casino titles
Pulsz Casino - best VIP program
Few social casinos in the US can match the range of games available at Pulsz, with over 300 games. You’ll find casino style card games, slots, and more. The social casino also provides a VIP program that rewards customers for playing. You can either play the selection of games for free with on-site currency you can get from daily promotions, or you can buy coins that you can play with and exchange for money.
Pros:
? Top Megaways and jackpot slots
? Excellent offers for VIP Loyalty Rewards members
Cons:
? Could have more support options
High 5 Casino - best for casino games
Offering an array of captivating games for Colorado residents, High 5 Casino stands as a local favorite. The site hosts a number of highly respected software providers including Pragmatic Play meaning that you are guaranteed a first-in-class experience. We rate it for it's visual appeal too and recommend joining for the generous welcome offer.
Pros:
? Huge range of 1,200+ slots and casino games
? Slick High 5 Casino apps for Android and iOS
Cons:
? Limited coin purchase methods
Stake.us
What sets Stake.us apart from other social casinos is its payment methods. This is a crypto casino, which means it only accepts purchases through cryptocurrency wallets. It also provides one of the best desktop and app experiences and a selection of quality casino-style games. Purchasing coins gives you access to games where you can win Stake Cash, which you can trade for money through your chosen cryptocurrency.
Pros:
? Large games range including Stake originals
? Regular Stake Cash giveaways
Cons:
? No progressive slots
An overview of Colorado online gambling
Colorado is one of the states that have most eagerly embraced the opportunity granted by the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) by the US Supreme Court in 2018. Below you can check on which gambling types are available in CO.
| Gambling type | Legal status | More info |
|---|---|---|
Real money online casinos | Not available | Colorado has not yet regulated for online casino gambling. |
Sweepstakes casinos online | Available | Sweepstakes casinos operate in CO, offering the chance to exchange prizes for real money. |
Land-based casinos | Available | There are nearly 40 venues in Colorado, mainly around Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. |
Sports betting | Available | Legal both online and at retail sportsbooks. There are venues throughout the state and in Colorado casinos. |
Horse racing | Available | Colorado allows both live and off-track pari-mutuel wagering on horse races. |
Daily Fantasy Sports | Available | Online fantasy sports games are legal in Colorado. |
Lottery | Available | The Colorado State Lottery has an official app, and draw tickets are available at thousands of retail locations. |
Legal online gambling in Colorado
While 1990's Legalization of Limited Gambling Initiative legalized physical casinos exclusively in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, it wasn't until the passing of Proposition DD on November 7, 2019 that a legal form of online gambling in Colorado appeared (for sports betting only). Six months later, in May 2020, a host of sportsbook apps began to go live.
All online operators have to be partnered with one of the state’s casinos, but given that there’re nearly 40 such establishments, there are plenty of licenses to go round. Local casinos are allowed to launch their own sportsbooks, and virtually all have taken up the opportunity.
When it comes to online casinos, however, the options available are far more limited. Real money casinos are not permitted to operate online in Colorado, meaning the only way you can play casino games online in the state is through sweepstakes casinos.
What is the legal gambling age in Colorado?
You will need to be aged at least 21 if you want to take part in any form of gambling in the Centennial State. That covers casino wagering, online sports betting, and social casinos.
Tax on gambling winnings
All proceeds of any form of gambling have been defined by the IRS as taxable income, so any cash winnings from casino play or sports betting could be liable over a certain threshold.
We advise that you keep a detailed record of your winnings and losses through the year so that you can submit an accurate annual tax return and pay the right federal and state taxes.
Regulation of online casinos in Colorado
Every type of gambling in Colorado is administered by the Division of Gaming in the Colorado Department of Revenue – Specialized Business Group. This regulatory body keeps a close eye on online sports betting operators in the state, as well as local and social casinos available in Colorado.
Timeline of Colorado gambling
- 1948 - On November 2, the Colorado Gambling on Horse and Animal Races Amendment paves the way for regulating horse racing with parimutuel gambling.
- 1983 - The Colorado Lottery launches on January 4 as a scratch card game. The first draw game follows on April 23.
- 1990 - Voters pass the Legalization of Limited Gambling Initiative on November 4, allowing limited casino gambling in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek.
- 1991 - The first Colorado Casinos open in accordance with the Limited Gambling Initiative. Bets are capped at $5 and opening hours are limited to 8:00am - 2:00am.
- 2008 - On November 4, Colorado Amendment 50 increases bet caps to $100 in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, and extends opening hours to 24/7.
- 2019 - Proposition DD legalizes in person and online sports betting on November 7, with venues and sports betting sites launching the following May.
- 2020 - On November 7, Amendment 77 effectively removes any limits on bets or game types in Colorado casinos.
Online casinos and sports betting in the US
Find the latest online gambling legislation updates for your state below.
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What to expect from the best Colorado online casinos
How do you decide which online casino in Colorado is the best and safest to use? It’s important to feel that you have selected the right place for you to enjoy your game – and there are several factors that should help you make up your mind. Our expert team has the experience to weigh up all these considerations. These include:
- Vault-like security: Arguably one of the most important factors. You need to be sure that any online casino will keep your personal data and financial details perfectly safe at all times. Online casinos ensure this by using the latest security protocols.
- Valuable bonuses: Even if you are playing sweepstakes games for free, there are ways to enjoy extra value by taking advantage of any welcome bonus and ongoing coin giveaways.
- Choice of games: The variety of games on offer varies considerably from brand to brand. Some concentrate solely on slots, while others will provide other casino favorites such as table games, like roulette and blackjack.
- Easy mobile play: The importance of an excellent mobile experience should b obvious for most online casinos in Colorado. Whether it’s a mobile version of the website or a dedicated app, the quality of the software and gaming on mobile can make a huge difference to the level of enjoyment.
- Swift purchases and redeeming: It’s ideal for operators to deliver a broad range of ways in which players can make a coin purchase or redeem a prize. Check carefully to see that your preferred way of transacting online is offered.
- Responsive player support: Check that your chosen casino has a choice of ways to contact customer support. These should include live chat, email, and a phone number. A detailed set of FAQs is a plus too.
Which online casino games are available in Colorado?
The range of games on offer at social casinos in Colorado may be smaller than that available at commercial casinos in states where real money can be gambled. Nevertheless, whatever your favorite type of game is, you should be able to find something for you.
Slots
At any type of online casino, the vast majority of games available will be slots. At some of the sweepstakes casinos in Colorado, slots are the only item on the menu. The quality of online slots games rises on a regular basis as developers use the latest digital technology to create amazing online experiences.
Blackjack
You won’t find blackjack games at every sweepstakes casino in Colorado, but there are some who offer this ever-popular card game. There are plenty of variations on the old theme, and the quality of online blackjack games is high.
Roulette
This is another traditional casino game that has been brought to vivid life by the best online game developers. Not every sweepstakes casino offers online roulette games, but if you can find the right title – and a form of the game that suits you – you should enjoy the experience.
Poker
You are not allowed to play poker for real money in Colorado, though there are six legal live poker rooms at various local casinos. Sweepstakes poker games are available at certain sweepstakes casinos.
Live casino games
Sweepstakes casinos rarely offer a live dealer facility. This is a shame because many visitors to online casinos head straight for the live casino games section for the authentic experience. These games probably won't be common in Colorado until real money online casinos can operate in the state.
Sports betting
The state has embraced the potential of Colorado online sports betting and there are now numerous licensed and well-respected sportsbooks in operation. You can access them through websites and apps – and wager on sport at a local casino. However, none of the sweepstakes casinos in Colorado are able to offer sports betting.
Fantasy sports
Many sports fans across Colorado enjoy Daily Fantasy Sports games – and they are legal in the state for anybody over the age of 18. However, you cannot play fantasy sports games through sweepstakes casinos.
State lotteries & bingo
The Colorado Lottery remains a popular way of gambling for many people, some of whom would never go to a real or virtual casino. But you cannot access the lottery through a social casino. Similarly, if you are a fan of bingo, your only option is to attend a premises where the game is played in person.
The best Colorado online casino bonus offers
Colorado only has sweepstakes online casinos – but that doesn’t mean the companies that operate them are unable to offer bonuses to new and existing customers. When you sign up for an online casino in Colorado, you should expect to be greeted with a welcome offer, such as a generous number of free coins or free spins. There should be plenty of ongoing promotions to enjoy too. Check the terms of all bonuses to be sure you get the maximum benefit.
Sign-up bonuses
Sweepstakes casinos in Colorado should get you off to an enjoyable start by offering you a welcome bonus. As soon as you sign up as a customer, you might receive a large number of coins in your account – this could be up to a million or so.
No-deposit bonuses
Given that the games at sweepstakes casinos are free to play, you might expect that you don’t need to deposit any money. However, you may have to put a certain amount of money down to pay for coins. If there is a no-deposit bonus in place, however, the coins will appear in your account without you having to make that deposit.
Sweep coins
The unique hook of a sweepstakes casino is that you are playing for free and no real money is involved. However, some brands make it possible for you to collect sweep coins, which in turn allow you access to sweepstake games where you can win actual cash prizes. This is a contentious aspect of social casinos, given that it represents a legal loophole in states where real-money online casinos are not allowed to operate.
Refer a friend
All types of online casinos like to incentivize their players to invite buddies to join them. Make sure you take advantage of this offer if one of your pals wants to join. When they sign up, you might both be in line for a bonus boost to your pile of coins.
Local casinos in Colorado
If you enjoy visiting a casino, you're spoiled for choice in the Centennial State. There are more nearly 40 local casinos in Colorado, the vast majority in three towns – Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. The casinos at these towns offer a generous choice of games and are open all year, except over Christmas and Easter. Below are some of the best Colorado casinos in detail:
Sweeps purchases and redemptions at Colorado online casinos
One of the most important considerations is the ease and convenience with which you can redeem any sweepstakes coin prizes you might be awarded, or to make a purchase of a coin package at an online casino in Colorado.
Make sure your chosen brand caters for the banking method you prefer – and check that, as well as being able to transact easily and conveniently. Banking methods should include:
- Wire transfer
- Debit card
- PayPal
- Credit card
- Prepaid card
- E-wallet
- Crypto
Gambling responsibly in Colorado
All sweepstakes casinos, like any other outlet for gambling in Colorado, have a duty to encourage gambling responsibly at all times – and to offer assistance to those who struggle to stay in control of their wagering. There should be clear and prominent links to sources of information on responsible gambling, as well as information about agencies that can offer expert assistance and practical support. In Colorado, these include:
The Colorado Gaming Association offers a strong affirmation of the desirability of responsible gambling, as well as links to other organizations.
The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado carries links to a 24-hour helpline and various other resources.
Colorado Gamblers Anonymous is the local branch of a hugely respected body with extensive expertise in this field.
Likewise, the National Council on Problem Gambling offers assistance at both local and national level.
FAQs
Is online gambling legal in Colorado?
Yes, it is. Colorado’s legalized sports betting market launched in 2020 and the state is now home to several sportsbooks. It also hosts sportsbooks launched by some of the physical casinos in the state. However, there are no real-money online casinos in Colorado. If you want to play casino games on your desktop or mobile, you need to visit a sweepstakes casino where the games are free to play.
Do I need to live in Colorado to gamble online?
No, but you will need to be physically located within state lines if you want to wager with a sportsbook or sweepstakes casino in Colorado. All regulated online sportsbooks and sweepstakes casinos should operate geo-location technology to ensure that you are actually in the state when you are gambling, even if you are a visitor who lives elsewhere.
What online casinos can you play at for real money in Colorado?
There is no such thing as real-money online gambling in Colorado when it comes to casino play. The only types of casinos allowed to operate online are sweepstakes casinos. However, while you do not wager money on the outcome of these games, you may be awarded a sweepstakes prize in coins that can be redeemed as real money.
Does Colorado offer mobile casino apps?
Yes, it does. Many of the sweepstakes casinos in operation in Colorado have created dedicated apps that are available on iPhone and Android. The quality of the user experience is extremely high and the choice of games and range of bonuses are the same as you will find on the desktop version.
How do I stay safe playing casino games online in Colorado?
The only legal way to play online casino games in Colorado is to sign up for an account with a sweepstakes casino. These are very safe and overseen by organizations that ensure they keep games fair and player data safe. You may be able to access unlicensed and unregulated offshore sites from Colorado, but we strongly advise against playing these, as you will not be protected by state regulations.
How will Colorado tax my gambling winnings?
All forms of gambling winnings are viewed as taxable income by the IRS. If your play is restricted to free games at sweepstakes casinos, then by definition you will not be making any cash income from your wagering and will not have to pay a tax bill. However, if you do play for real money at a local casino or online sportsbook, you can expect to pay both federal and state taxes. The operator you play with should keep a record of any major payouts, but it is a good idea for you to keep a close check on your wins and losses throughout the year.
Who regulates gambling in Colorado?
The body charged with regulating all forms of gambling in Colorado – casinos, horse racing, sportsbooks, and social casinos – is the Colorado Department of Revenue, Specialized Business Group – Gaming Division.
Where can I gamble in Colorado?
You can find licensed Colorado casinos in three main towns: Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. There are a variety of casinos and gaming establishments on offer, and a range of entertainment options including slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and more. Sports betting is available in venues across the state as well as online. For now, you cannot gamble at casinos online.
Edited by Todd Shriber
Todd Shriber is a senior news reporter covering gaming financials, casino business, stocks, and mergers and acquisitions for Casino.org. Todd's been writing for Casino.org since 2019, and has been featured in Barron's, CNBC.com, and The Wall Street Journal. His work can also be found on Benzinga, ETF Daily News, ETF Trends, MarketWatch, Fox Business, and Nasdaq.com. He currently resides in Las Vegas, where he enjoys golf and taking his black lab to the dog park.