Regular online casinos are prohibited in CO, but players who want to enjoy casino-style games can join Colorado sweepstakes casinos. These gaming sites are legal and provide a fun alternative to standard casinos, which is very welcome in the state.
Plus, sweepstakes and social casinos feature most of the same games that you would expect. Whether you are interested in slots, table games, or live dealers, they are all available at play-for-fun gaming sites. So, why are sweepstakes gaming sites legal? Keep reading to find out more about Colorado gaming laws and how they all work.
Online casinos are strictly off-limits in Colorado, which means sweepstakes and social casinos are the only way for players to legally enjoy games online. These gaming sites feature free casino-style games that don’t require you to risk your own cash.
| Colorado online casinos: | Regular online casinos aren’t permitted |
| Colorado sweepstakes casinos: | Sweepstakes and social casinos are legal |
| Minimum age for gaming: | 21 years old |
| Eligibility: | Must be physically located in CO |
Before we get started, it’s important that you understand the difference between federal and state laws. Quite simply, federal laws are those that apply to all residents in the United States, regardless. However, state laws only apply to those who live in a particular state. When it comes to Colorado sweepstakes law, the state has complete control over what happens.
If you are hoping to play games at real money casino sites in Colorado, we have bad news. Traditional online casinos are strictly off-limits in the state, so you cannot legally access these sites. While there’s a chance that this could change in the future, for now, Colorado sweepstakes casinos remain your only option.
Sweepstakes casinos are fantastic alternatives that offer an exciting player experience. You can explore the same types of games including slots, table games, and live dealers, so you shouldn’t have a lesser experience.
Sweepstakes casinos can accept players from Colorado but you should still check the T&Cs of your chosen site before joining. This is because while Colorado sweepstakes casinos exist, that doesn’t mean all sweepstakes casinos accept CO residents. Make sure you check the T&Cs to confirm that your chosen site is available in your state. If you’re in doubt, you can find this information in the footer of the website.
Colorado doesn’t allow real money casinos, so what makes sweepstakes casinos different? Well, that’s pretty easy to answer. Sweepstakes casinos don’t let players risk real money to play games; therefore, it’s not considered to be gambling.
Instead of using cash, players will use virtual currency known as Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC). You can unlock these through promotions, thanks to the ‘no purchase necessary’ model. While you can purchase bundles of GC packages, this is optional.
If you haven’t guessed by now, Colorado sweepstakes gaming sites offer a range of casino-style games that can be played for free without ever involving real money. This is because these sites operate a virtual currency system. The standard system uses two virtual currencies - Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
You can pick between standard gameplay and sweepstakes mode. Standard gameplay uses Gold Coins, which means you will be playing for fun and entertainment purposes only. If you switch on sweepstakes mode, you will play with Sweeps Coins, which can later be redeemed for real-world prizes.
You can unlock them through promotions and competitions, but only Gold Coins can be bought in bundles. Sweeps Coins are only available through promotions and are the only virtual currency that can be used to redeem prizes as long as you meet the verification and sweepstakes casinos’ playthrough requirements.
When it comes to playing casino-style games, there are a whole host of advantages to look forward to. In this section, we will focus on these benefits so you can see exactly what you will be getting.
The best part about sweepstakes casinos is that all games are 100% free. While you will have the option to purchase bundles of Gold Coins, you aren’t required to do so to keep playing. You can pick up free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins through regular promotions like welcome offers, daily rewards, referral bonuses, mail-in sweepstakes bonuses, and so much more.
The gaming options are pretty much the same, so you don’t need to worry about losing out. You can still play slots, table games, live casino-style games, poker, and so much more. If you are interested in niche games like bingo and keno, these are also available.
Before you join any sweepstakes casino, you should always make sure you read the Colorado sweepstakes rules, as these will vary from site to site. Once you have a good idea of what’s required from you, you can then go ahead and create an account. If you’re not sure how this is done, we have created a rough step-by-step guide:
While every sweepstakes casino will have a unique registration process, this is a generalized take that gives you a good idea of what to expect. There will be slight changes, but it’s mostly the same. For example, the verification checks may be required at different points, but it is something all players will need to complete.
As we mentioned in the above section, you will be asked to complete a verification check. The only difference is when this will be requested. Fundamentally, this check exists to verify your identity and address to make sure you are complying with regulations.
You will be asked to confirm your identity by providing a photo ID and a live selfie, in addition to proof of address. Here’s what you can usually upload as your evidence:
Until you complete the verification checks, you will usually have restricted access to your account. For example, you won’t be able to purchase any Gold Coin bundles or redeem Sweeps Coins for a prize.
We understand that it may be a little disappointing that regular online casinos aren’t permitted in the state. But sweepstakes casinos provide a great alternative because they offer the same types of games. Here’s a list of the most popular games you will encounter at sweepstakes casinos.
Slot games come in all shapes and sizes, so there is a lot to look through. Slots are often the main part of any gaming lobby because they are the most popular type of game. You can explore categories including:
In addition to the above, you can also come across Unlimited Play slots, which are games that require very few GC or SC to play. While the exact slot categories available will vary, this gives you a good indication of what to expect.
Interested in classic table games like Blackjack or Roulette? Just because you can’t play at traditional casinos doesn’t mean you lose out on classic games like these. You can also explore other categories, including Baccarat and Sic Bo.
Speaking of table games, live games aren’t to be missed. These games give you a real casino experience, but from your home or wherever you are. You will play against a human dealer in real-time and you can also interact with them via a live chat service. Live games are available in a range of categories, including Blackjack, Roulette, and Game Shows.
If poker is more your thing, you are sure to find some Colorado sweepstakes casinos that provide a few options. You may also come across poker tournaments.
If you came here to find out whether or not you are good to start playing at sweepstakes casinos in Colorado, we have great news. Colorado sweepstakes law makes it possible for you to safely and legally play casino-style games in the state.
All you need to do is pick your chosen sweepstakes casino and register a new account. You can then start claiming free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, so you can choose between two gaming modes. While Gold Coins allow you to play for fun, Sweeps Coins give you a chance to redeem prizes.
Don’t forget, joining multiple sweepstakes casinos can be a huge advantage. You can then not only claim additional welcome bonuses and other promotions, but you can also explore a broader range of casino-style games. For example, while one site may focus more on its slot collection, another site may specialize in original games.
Absolutely! Sweepstakes casinos are completely legal in Colorado, so you don’t need to worry in that regard. These sites are the perfect alternative to regular online casinos, which are strictly prohibited to CO residents, while offering a solid gaming experience in their own right.
No, you won’t have the chance to exchange, transfer, or redeem your Gold Coins at sweepstakes casinos. If you are looking to add an extra dimension to your experience, you can start collecting Sweeps Coins that can later be redeemed for prizes including cash, gift cards, and merchandise.
Sweepstakes casinos operate with a virtual currency system, which means you will play casino-style games with Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Gold Coins unlock standard gameplay which is for fun and entertainment. On the other hand, Sweeps Coins can be used to switch on sweepstakes mode and can later be exchanged for prizes.
Yes, of course! Provided you collect enough Sweeps Coins and meet any other requirements, you can go ahead and redeem a prize. Prize options will vary from site to site but you can expect options including cash and gift cards as standard. Some sites add extra options like merchandise.
21+ and present in CO. Gambling problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER.
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