Best Colorado Casinos & Gambling
Lila Thorn | December 13, 2018 | Updated on: October 9th, 2024
Colorado State in the US saw explosive growth during the gold rush in the 1800s. This allowed for numerous cities and towns to grow and prosper. Unfortunately, when the gold rush was over, the state struggled with historic towns and cities starting to crumble. An urgent solution was needed, which came in the form of a regulated casino industry. The hub of the gambling industry in Colorado can be located in Cripple Creek, Central City and Black Hawk.
The casinos available in the state offer a wide range of games, enough to quench the thirst of any gambler. Many people in neighbouring states and countries prefer to travel to Colorado to try their luck. It is an attractive hotspot for gamblers. Bettors in Colorado can participate in online gambling. As long as the wagers are being placed on websites that do not operate in the US. Read our easy and informative guide on gambling in Colorado, its history and available internet-based casinos in the state.
History of Gambling in Colorado
Once the gold rush had ended, and the state of Colorado was struggling, a solution needed to be found to help. Many of the state’s largest cities, like Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek were crumbling, and money was needed. Fortunately, the state decided to legalize casinos in order to help the cities out.
The laws were signed to allow casinos in these three cities, and the first opened its doors in 1991. The casinos were able to offer slots, table games, and poker. However, not all table games were offered. Colorado’s laws only permitted table games that used cards. This means that while you could play Blackjack and Baccarat, you wouldn’t find Roulette or Craps in Colorado casinos. 
While the new casino industry certainly helped, the state’s casinos struggled. This was due to other stipulations in the law, such as a maximum bet of $5. This was much smaller than other casinos in neighboring states and even smaller than what the early online casinos were allowing. Thankfully, in 2009, the maximum bet was increased to US$100, and casinos could remain open 24-hours a day.
Colorado Casinos
Colorado has around 40 operational casinos today. This is actually more than many other states in the USA. Most of these land-based casinos are found in the state’s three historic cities. However, there are also a number of casinos on Native American reservations. It is worth noting that smoking is banned in all non-Native American casinos. If you wish to smoke, you’ll have to travel to one of those casinos.
Leading Casinos in Colorado
| Casino | Games | Features | Contact |
| Century Casino | Slots Table Games | Hotel Bars Restaurants | 102 Main Street, Century City, CO 80427 1-303-582-5050 |
| Ameristar Casino Blackhawk | 50 Table Games 20+ Poker Tables 1200+ Slot Machines | Hotel Bars Restaurants Spa Live Entertainment | 111 Richman Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 720-946-4000 |
| Isle Casino & Hotel | 1000+ Slots 10 Poker Tables 25 Table Games | Hotel Restaurants | 401 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 1-800-522-4700 |
| Double Eagle Hotel & Casino | 500+ Slots Table Games | Restaurant Hotel | 422 E. Bennet Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 719-689-5000 |
| Sky Ute Casino Resort | Poker Slots Table Games | Hotel Restaurants Mini Golf Spa | 14324 US State Highway 172, North Ignacia, CO 81137 970-563-7777 |
Online Casinos
Colorado does not have any laws legalizing digital casinos at this time. In addition to this, it does not appear that the state will be considering passing any laws in the near future. The good news is that the state also doesn’t have any laws making online casinos illegal. This means that the state is not regulating online gambling, but residents are still free to sign up at any of our recommended gambling sites.
The Future of Gambling in Colorado
The future of gambling in Colorado is looking good. While there doesn’t seem to be any regulatory changes on the horizon, there are plenty of casinos available a new casino open from time to time. In addition to this, the industry is doing well, and the state should continue to support it.
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