Are online casinos legal in Colorado?
No, online casinos are not legal in Colorado. However, you can enjoy other forms of gambling, one of which is sweepstakes gaming.
Such sites operate similarly to online casinos in that they allow you to play slots and other exciting games. But they run under different regulations that I will discuss soon. For now, here’s an overview of casino gaming in Colorado:
| Are online casinos legal? | No |
| Number of online casinos in the state | Only sweepstakes casinos |
| Legal gambling age | 18 |
| Gambling regulator | Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission |
Best legal online casinos in Colorado
Even though online casinos in Colorado are not legal, you can have fun at sweepstakes casinos. Such sites allow you to play games for free. Instead of depositing, the platform offers virtual currencies to facilitate your gaming activities. You usually use Gold Coins for playing games for fun and Sweeps Coins for playing in promotional mode. Eligible SC winnings can be redeemed for prizes after certain conditions have been met.
Several of these sites exist, but five have made the top of my list. I’ve briefly reviewed these five below:
Stake.us — Best sweepstakes online casino in Colorado
Stake.us: Pros & Cons
- 1200+ casino games
- Safe and legit
- Cool promo deals
- Live chat support
Visit Stake.us
Stake.us stands out because of several features, one of which is the availability of original games. The site works with top developers to provide over 1,000 titles, but it also offers 11 originals that are exclusive to its site.
You can enjoy these games and more when you sign up using our exclusive code PROMOBOY. This gives you 260K Gold Coins, 55 Stake Cash, and a 5% Rakeback as a welcome bonus.
RealPrize — Best for referral program
Pros and cons of RealPrize
- Excellent Daily login bonus of 5,000 GC and 0.30 SC
- Fast gift card redemptions often within 24 hours
- Quality sweepstakes casino games from top providers like NetEnt and Pragmatic Play
- Seven-tier VIP program with increasing rewards
- PayPal supported for purchases and redemptions
- Small game library of only 200+ titles
- Live chat support limited to higher VIP tiers
- No dedicated sweepstakes casino app
Visit Real Prize
There are several bonuses and promotions to claim at RealPrize, but the referral bonus stands out the most. This program can reward you with up to 200,000 Gold Coins and 70 Sweeps Coins. At RealPrize, you can access over 300 games, including slots, poker games, and scratch cards.
High 5 Casino — Best for mobile gaming
High 5 Casino: Pros & Cons
- Generous welcome bonus package
- Over 1500 quality games available
- Free daily coin rewards
- Legit with multiple licenses
- Limited table game options
Visit High5Casino
High 5 Casino caters to Android and iOS users by offering dedicated mobile applications for both operating systems. Even when playing on smaller screens, you can access its exciting slot collection, generous bonuses, and simple redemption page. As a new player you will be able to claim 250 Game Coins, 5 Sweeps Coins, and 600 Diamonds, a virtual currency exclusive to High 5 Casino which allows you to activate in-game boosts and other exciting features.
Clubs Casino — Best for slot games
Clubs Casino: Pros & Cons
- Fly through the registration process
- Unlock a huge welcome bonus
- Swift replies from support
- Fair limits attached to redemptions
- No way to access through an app
Visit Clubs Casino
Clubs Casino has just over 200 games, which is quite smaller than the game collections of my other recommended sites. However, its selection comprises some of the most exciting slots, including classics, megaways games, jackpot games, and bonus buy games. You can also claim multiple bonuses to get Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins and play these games for free. As a new player you’ll be able to claim 10 free spins on the Zombie Circus slot when you sign up to the site.
WOW Vegas — Best for VIP program
WOW Vegas: Pros & Cons
- Sign-up bonus offer
- Over 1,000 casino games
- Plenty of rewards and incentives
- up to date software
Visit Wow Vegas
Signing up at WOW Vegas comes with the added perk of joining a rewarding VIP program. You start at the first level and then get better bonuses as you progress through the tiers. Besides VIP bonuses, WOW Vegas stands out with regular tournaments, random prize drops, and an extensive game collection. Get started with a generous welcome offer of 250,000 WOW Coins as well as 5 Sweeps Coins when you register as a new player.
Tip:
The registration process on my recommended sites is identical. Just visit the site, tap the register icon, and fill out your details. You might also need to verify your identity immediately after completing the initial registration.
Can you win real money at sweepstakes casinos?
No, you can’t win real money at sweepstakes casinos. However, you have the option to redeem eligible SC winnings for prizes. Here’s how it works:
- You get two types of virtual currencies: Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins.
- Gold Coins are purely for entertainment; you can’t use them for anything else besides playing games.
- Sweepstakes Coins can be redeemed for prizes, provided you meet the necessary terms and conditions. You must play through your SC a set number of times before they become eligible for redemption and you must collect a set amount of eligible SC for either gift card or cash prize redemptions.
Do You Want to Learn More About Sweeps Casinos? Check Out Our Guides!
Best Colorado casino apps
As a player who enjoys gaming on the go, I understand the importance of mobile compatibility when choosing an online casino in Colorado.
Thankfully, my recommended sweepstakes gaming sites work flawlessly on mobile devices. They don't all have dedicated applications, but you can easily access them from your mobile browser. Check them out below:
| App name | Apple Store rating | Google Store rating | Number of games |
| High 5 Casino | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 | 1,500+ |
| WOW Vegas Casino | 4.9/5 | 4.6/5 | 500+ |
| RealPrize | N/A | N/A | 350+ |
| Stake.us | N/A | N/A | 900+ |
| Clubs Casino | N/A | N/A | 150+ |
Online casino laws in Colorado
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission oversees internet gambling activities in the state. Unfortunately, this body prohibits online casino gaming. As such, you can't play at traditional online casinos if you're in Colorado. So, if you’re wondering
what states are online casinos legal in, understand that Colorado is not one of them.
History of casino laws in Colorado
Despite the restrictions on online casino gaming, gambling as a whole has evolved in the state. Here’s a brief overview of how far gambling has come in Colorado:
- Late 19th century: Gambling was popular in mining communities.
- 1948: The Colorado Gambling on Horse and Animal Races Amendment was passed so residents could bet on horse and greyhound races.
- 1959: Colorado permits charitable gaming, including bingo and raffles.
- 1990: This marked the beginning of casino gaming in the state thanks to Amendment 4, which allowed "limited gaming" in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek.
- 2019: Proposition DD legalized sports betting in Colorado.
Are online casino real money sites going to become legal in Colorado anytime soon?
Colorado’s gambling landscape is undoubtedly evolving. Currently, many other activities are legal in the state. That’s why you can enjoy sweepstakes gaming, engage in lottery, and bet on sports. Unfortunately, online casino gaming remains illegal in the state, and there are currently no talks regarding its legalization.
What other forms of gambling are legal in Colorado?
If you're in Colorado, you can participate in other gambling activities, including:
- Limited gaming in casinos: This is allowed only in specified towns, which I'll cover soon.
- Lottery: The state offers various games, including scratch tickets and draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions
- Horse and greyhound racing: You can bet on live and off-track races.
- Social gaming: This is where sweepstakes and social casinos come into place.
- Daily fantasy sports: DFS has been legal in Colorado since 2016.
- Sports betting: Bettors can wager on various sports online and at retail sportsbooks.
Legal gambling age in Colorado
Generally, you have to be at least 18 years old to engage in sports betting, horse racing betting, DFS, and charitable gaming like Bingo. For retail casinos, you should be at least 21 years old; the same applies to social and sweepstakes casinos.
Do you pay taxes on casino winnings in Colorado?
Yes, your casino winnings in Colorado are subject to taxes. The state has a flat income tax rate of 4.4%, and this applies to winnings you accumulate from playing casino games regardless of the amount you win.
Note:
For sweepstakes casinos, the tax rate applies to the amount you redeem after exchanging your Sweepstakes Coins.
What games are available at Colorado casinos?
The top sweepstakes online casinos in Colorado offer several games, including slots, baccarat, roulette, blackjack, instant win games, and live dealer tables. Below are some common games and the best sweepstakes casinos where you’ll find them:
| Game name | RTP | Provider | Casinos where to play |
| Chilli Heat Megaways | 96.5% | Pragmatic Play | WOW Vegas |
| Triple Double Da Vinci Diamonds | 97% | High 5 Games | High 5 Casino |
| Le Bandit | 96.34% | Hacksaw Gaming | Clubs Casino |
| Might of Freya | 96.5% | Pragmatic Play | RealPrize |
| Live Baccarat | 97.30% | Iconic 21 | Stake.us |
Bonuses at Colorado online casinos
Sweepstakes gaming sites are the best online establishments offering
casino bonuses with no deposit. Below are the most common types of promotions you'll find on such sites:
- Welcome offers: These bonuses are specifically for new players.
- Daily login bonuses: As their name implies, they are promotions you get every day you log into your account.
- Special promotions: These offers run for a specific time frame. You can get
free spins with no deposit and no wagering
requirements, as well as more Gold Coins or Sweepstakes Coins.
- Referral bonuses: You get these bonuses when you bring new players to the site.
- VIP perks: These bonuses are attached to the site’s VIP program.
Payment methods at casinos in Colorado
Since you're not playing at an online casino in Colorado with real money, you don't have to worry about deposits and withdrawals. However, you still need payment methods because you can purchase Gold Coins or redeem Sweepstakes Coins winnings for prizes. Here are some of the most common payment methods at sweepstakes casinos:
| Payment method | Purchase time | Redemption time | Fees |
| Mastercard | Instant | 1 to 3 days | None |
| Visa | Instant | 1 to 3 days | None |
| Bank transfer | Instant | 3 to 5 days | None |
| Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies | Instant | Up to 24 hours | None |
Retail casinos in Colorado
Besides sweepstakes casinos, you can enjoy gambling activities in person at retail casinos in Colorado. There are over two dozen retail casinos spread across Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, but here are five of them, along with their details:
| Casino name | Owner | Address | Number of games |
| Ameristar Casino Resort Spa | Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. | 111 Richman St, Black Hawk | 926 |
| Monarch Casino Resort Spa | Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. | 488 Main St, Black Hawk | 1,105 |
| Horseshoe Black Hawk | Caesars Entertainment, Inc. | 401 Main St, Black Hawk | 1,000+ |
| Saratoga Casino | Saratoga Casino Holdings, LLC. | 101 Main St, Black Hawk | 400+ |
| Grand Z Casino Hotel | Maverick Gaming LLC. | 321 Gregory St, Central City | 550+ |
How we rate the best online casinos in Colorado
Below are some of the most important factors I consider when choosing a sweepstakes online casino in Colorado:
- Safety: There must be tight security measures in place to protect your personal and financial details.
- Website design: My top picks have great designs and a simple layout for easy navigation.
- Game selection: I visit the lobby to check if there are exciting games from reputable developers.
- Terms and conditions: The sweepstakes casino’s terms and conditions must be fair and on par with industry standards.
Responsible gambling in Colorado
Individuals in Colorado who need assistance with their gambling habits can check out the following organizations:
- Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC): The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado advocates for programs and services to assist those affected by problem gambling.
- Colorado Gaming Association (CGA): The Colorado Gaming Association actively promotes responsible gaming practices across casinos.
Explore the best online casinos in other US states
Online casino gambling regulations vary from one state to another. So, if you’re wondering what rules apply in other locations, you can check out other guides on this site.
Conclusion–play at legal online sweepstakes casinos in Colorado today
From this guide, you can tell why there is no regular online casino in Colorado. Thankfully, you can enjoy sweepstakes gaming and other gambling forms from the state. Just find the right sites and create an account — the registration process is usually easy and takes only a few seconds to complete. You can check out our guides and reviews to help you find the best sweepstakes casino available in your area!
Check out these top social casino bonuses we recommend
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FAQs
⚖️ Are online casinos legal in Colorado?
No, online casinos are not legal in Colorado. However, players can enjoy casino-style gaming at sweepstakes casinos. Such sites can legally operate in the state because they offer free gaming services.
📝 How do I register at the best online casino real money Colorado sites?
To register at casinos in Colorado, visit the site and tap the sign-up button. Fill out the registration form with details like your email, preferred password, full name, date of birth, and password. Accept the terms and conditions, then submit the form, verify your identity, and get your welcome bonus.
💰 Do I need to make a deposit at an online casino in Colorado?
You won’t have to deposit when using sweepstakes casinos in Colorado. However, there are options to purchase Gold Coins. If you decide to buy these virtual currencies, you must complete transactions using any payment method the platform supports.
