The Top Colorado Online Casinos for November, 2024

Online Casino Regulation Unlikely

With so much interest in gaming expansion, you might think that Colorado would be at the forefront of the internet gambling revolution. But so far, the state has seemed relatively uninterested in regulating or licensing online casinos sites. However, with the recent legalization of online sports betting, this could be a stepping stone for change in the future.

There certainly haven’t been any other notable efforts to push for Internet gambling legislation that have made headlines in the state, though there have been a few flurries of interest. In 2013, lawmakers (supported by some top officials at casinos in the state) managed to draft a legislation to allow for Internet poker. But the effort was introduced rather quietly, and it died in much the same way. Since then, the level of effort in the state has been minimal.

However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t play online if you are in Colorado. While there aren’t any licensing programs for sites in the state, there are online casinos in other countries which are happy to take players from Colorado. Since there are no laws specifically preventing individuals from signing up and playing real money games on the internet, the state is considered a “grey market”. Online gambling in US states like Florida and Texas is also considered in the same way. Some sites stay out of these states, including Colorado, because they aren’t authorized to be there, but others allow players to open accounts anyway. These operators are legal and fully licensed in reputable jurisdictions.

How to Choose a Colorado Online Casino 

Our team of experts have reviewed the leading Colorado online casino options for you and have put together some hints and tips on successfully choosing a reputable casino which is perfect for you.

One of the most important areas to look at is the game library. You want to make sure that your favourite types of slots, and table games are on offer before signing up for an account. You may have a preference for games from a certain developer like NetEnt or Play’n GO. There may also be a certain type of video poker you enjoy or you want access to live dealer games. It’s always best to look these up before you deposit money.

Another key consideration is the availability of certain payment methods. You may have a preference for Visa or Mastercard for example or bank transfer. Most Colorado online casino sites will offer e-wallet transactions, through services like Neteller and Skrill. Ease of use of a platform is also a key consideration, with many people liking the option to play both on desktop and mobile devices without losing any part of the experience.

Finally, the welcome bonus offers are a great way to kick start a new account. You might get a no deposit bonus which gives you free funds, or free spins to use without having to make a deposit. Another popular welcome bonus is having your first deposit matched by the online casino. Checking out any loyalty programs and promotions for existing players, is also something to keep in mind.

Casinos Flourish, But Only Within Limits

Colorado is a relatively new addition to the list of states with casino gambling. The first casinos opened only in 1991, coming to towns such as Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek.

These venues weren’t exactly like the palatial resorts found in Las Vegas and the operations had to work under some pretty restrictive rules. Regulations limited everything from the games that could be played, to the hours they could stay open.

At first, only electronic games as well as blackjack, Let It Ride Poker, Three Card Poker and other forms of poker were allowed in the state. While that might sound like a reasonable selection, there was an additional restriction that limited maximum bets to $5 – a number that, for many players, hardly made the casinos a worthwhile trip at all. And to make matters worse, they were forced to close every day from 2 am to 8 am, making them more like standard businesses with gaming options than vacation resorts. 

Still, the venues proved popular, even without the range of bets you’d find in most places. Over time, pressure built to allow the owners of these establishments offer a bigger range of options, and while lawmakers in the state weren’t willing to remove their regulations entirely, they did take steps to significantly increase the level of play allowed.

In the summer of 2009, the new laws went into effect. They allowed for craps and roulette to be played, and for facilities to stay open 24 hours a day. Perhaps most significantly, however, the maximum bets were raised to $100 – a figure that, while still not enough to attract the biggest high rollers, was more than enough for the general gambling audience to live with. In 2020, there was a push to eliminate the $100 bet cap and to allow other games such as baccarat and keno in Colorado casinos.

Today, there are around 40 casinos in operation throughout the state of Colorado. The largest resort destination for gamblers is Black Hawk, which is home to most of the biggest resorts in the state. These include the Ameristar Hotel & Casino, the Isle of Capri, and Mardi Gras.

Both Central City and Cripple Creek offer plenty of options as well. The former is home to the Teller House, a converted historic hotel, while the latter features options like the Wild Horse and Colorado Grande. There are also two Native American resorts in the state that operate on essentially the same rules as their commercial competitors: the Sky Ute Lodge in Ignacio, and the Ute Mountain Resort in Towaoc.

Future Bright for State Gaming Industry

When it comes to land-based casinos, all signs are positive here. In recent times, revenue numbers have consistently set records, buoyed by a resurgent economy.

Online casinos in Colorado still don't seem like much of a priority here. While states like Pennsylvania and California appear to potentially be on the verge of putting regulations in place, Colorado didn’t even make the list of the next group of states that appear like they could see significant movement in the near future. The most positive thing we can say here is that there doesn’t seem to be much anti-gambling sentiment in the state, either, so if the national tide turns toward regulating the industry, the state may well jump on that bandwagon.

Sign up to a Top-Quality Colorado Online Casino Today

While there is no regulatory framework in place yet for Colorado online casino sites, don’t let this deter you. There are countless reputable online casinos from out of state that you can use to play your favorite casino games. Signing up to one of these platforms is quick and easy and you’ll be ready to play in no time at all. 

The variety of casino games on offer is stunning, so you’ll never get bored. On top of that, there are some exciting welcome bonus offers that give a great boost to your new account. Choose one of the sites from the list above and get started playing these great casino games today!