Sports betting is popular all over the world, with millions of sports fans enjoying an occasional bet on their favorite team or sport. Betting on sports is also highly popular in the US, although up until fairly recently, it was illegal in most states. Despite this, Americans bet close to $100 million a year on football alone. Thanks to a change in the law, states can now legalize and regulate sports betting, which has opened up the thrill and excitement of betting to millions of Americans.
Colorado is one of many states which has developed a sports betting industry after the law was changed. Starting from May 1, 2020, residents and visitors to Colorado are able to place sports bets both in-person and online at licensed casinos or sportsbooks. This allows anyone to place wagers on professional sports, and even mobile sports betting in Colorado is permitted. Find out more details about Colorado sports betting below.
How to Bet on Sports in Colorado
To place a legal bet in Colorado, you'll need to be at least twenty-one years old. On top of this, you'll have to find a legal sportsbook, and if you're betting online, you'll have to be within the state lines. Legal sports betting is available at many of the state's casinos, including tribal casinos. On top of that, there are plenty of online sportsbooks and sports betting apps to choose from.
Once you've found a suitable sportsbook, place your bet on any of the sports and markets available. If you're betting online, you'll first need to sign up and register with an account. This will require you to enter some of your personal information, such as your full name, address, and contact details. Licensed online sportsbooks should check your ID and location before you can place a bet.
All professional sports are legal to bet on, but betting on high school sports isn't permitted. Major leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, are all available at most major sportsbooks. There are plenty of other leagues and sports available too.
How Popular is Sports Betting in Colorado?
Since it launched in May 2020, sports betting has quickly become highly popular in Colorado. It's estimated that a high number of people in the state were betting even before legal sports betting was available, but now, online sportsbooks have made things much more accessible. As sports betting first launched in May, bettors spent more than $25 million in Colorado's legal sportsbooks. There's been a steady increase since then, with July seeing close to $60 million spent.
Colorado bettors are no doubt enjoying being able to finally bet legally, and the number of betting options has dramatically improved. There are now lots of in-person sportsbooks as well as online betting sites and mobile apps, which all provide accessible betting and great variety in markets and odds.
While the most popular sports to bet on are American leagues such as the NFL and NBA, there are many people betting on overseas sports as well. European soccer, South Korean baseball, and Chinese table tennis are all available for wagering. This ensures that bettors can always get some action, even when there are no American sports on. To be featured at a Colorado sportsbook, leagues and events must first be approved by the Colorado Division of Gaming Enforcement. This organization regulates the betting and gambling industry, helping to keep things fair and safe for gamblers. The Division of Gaming Enforcement also upholds the integrity of sports by suspending betting on events believed to be influenced by match-fixers.