Is online gambling legal in Colorado?

Winnings are subject to a flat 4.40% Colorado state income tax in addition to federal tax, and operators withhold 24% for federal tax on wins of $5,000 or more. Licensed sites must offer the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline and links to the state's self-exclusion program.

Only what is listed as legal above is licensed. Anything else offered to you online is unlicensed and gives you no protection.

Online sports betting is legal on sites licensed in Colorado. Online casino is banned in Colorado. Online poker is banned in Colorado. The lottery is legal on sites licensed in Colorado.

The minimum age on record for gambling in Colorado is 21+.

Federal 24% on wins ≥$5,000; CO flat 4.40% state income tax.

Always verify a casino holds a valid Colorado Division of Gaming licence before depositing.

Colorado Division of Gaming's website

Prominent operators in Colorado

If a site isn't on the regulator's licensee register, ask the regulator before you play: an unlisted site is usually not licensed here (a register can lag behind a new licence). An unlicensed site is outside the regulator's supervision, so you cannot complain to the regulator about it.

1. 1

   1. Direct Complaint to Operator

   The player must first attempt to resolve the dispute directly with the customer service department of the licensed sports betting operator. Operators are required to have a formal process for handling complaints.

2. 2

   2. File a Complaint with the Division of Gaming

   If the dispute cannot be resolved with the operator, the player can file a formal complaint with the Colorado Division of Gaming. The Division will investigate the complaint against the licensee.

3. 3

   3. Legal Action

   If the regulatory process does not resolve the issue, a player's final recourse is to pursue a civil lawsuit against the operator.

• ✓
  Check for the Official Colorado Division of Gaming Seal

  Licensed operators are required to display the seal of the Colorado Division of Gaming on their app and website. This seal indicates the site is regulated and legal within the state.

• ✓
  Verify the Operator on the Division of Gaming's List

  The Division of Gaming provides a spreadsheet of all licensed sports betting operators. Before depositing, cross-reference the brand name with this official list to ensure it is not an illegal offshore site.

• ✓
  Confirm Geolocation Technology is Active

  Legal sites must use geolocation software to confirm you are physically within Colorado's borders. If a site does not perform this check, it is not a legal, state-licensed operator.

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  Look for Prominently Displayed Responsible Gaming Tools

  All licensed sites must provide easy access to responsible gaming resources, including the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline and links to the state's self-exclusion program.

• Myth

  My winnings aren't taxed in Colorado.
  Reality

  All gambling winnings are considered taxable income. They are subject to a flat 4.40% Colorado state income tax, in addition to federal taxes. For large wins (≥$5,000), operators are required to withhold 24% for federal taxes.

• Myth

  It's legal to bet with any site that accepts Colorado players.
  Reality

  It is only legal to bet with operators licensed by the Colorado Division of Gaming. Offshore or unlicensed sites do not offer any consumer protections, and placing wagers with them may violate federal law.

• Myth

  Tribal casinos can offer online sports betting across the whole state.
  Reality

  The state-tribal compacts under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) allow the two tribal casinos to offer sports betting on their reservation lands, but they do not grant them the ability to offer statewide mobile betting off-reservation.

What you can expect from a licensed site's offers in Colorado. The rules operators must follow are on the operator page.