Iowans, welcome! Iowa is now a full-fledged sports betting state. There are both mobile and land-based options blooming all over the Hawkeye State.
The boom of sports betting in the state is quite impressive for its relative speed. After all, sports betting only launched in the state in August 2019. The launch came just three months after Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed bill SF617 into law.
This page looks at the best sportsbooks in Iowa, how to claim bonus offers, how to fund your account and which apps are next to launch. Read on for all the latest news and updates.
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Legal Iowa online sports betting apps
The drive for state regulated sports betting came from a US Supreme Court decision in May 2018. After a court case brought by New Jersey, the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992.
The act created what was effectively a federal ban on sports betting. The Supreme Court ruled that this contravened states' rights under the 10th amendment. Now Iowa is reaping the benefit of the return of powers to state government and sports betting is making great progress.
The thirteen casinos with sports betting in place during the permitted 17 days of August pulled in over $8.5 million of bets producing revenues of $2.2 million and state gambling taxes of $146k.
These numbers will rapidly increase. In the year since New Jersey introduced sports betting the state has seen $3.8 billion in bets and nearly $250 million of sports betting revenue. Before legalization most of this money would have flowed offshore to black market operators where Iowa customers had no legal protection.
For a comprehensive guide to the who, what, where and when of Iowa sports betting read on!
How old do you have to be to bet in Iowa?
The minimum legal age for gambling in Iowa is 21.
What sports can I bet on in Iowa?
The typical range of sports betting options offered by both casinos and online operators includes:
- Auto Racing–NASCAR (including Monster Energy Series, Xfinity Series Truck Series); Formula One; IndyCar
- Baseball–MLB and MLB Draft; NCAA – Division 1; Minor League Baseball – Triple A
- Basketball–NBA and NBA Draft; WNBA and WNBA Draft; NCAA – Division 1; Euro League and Euro Cup; International Basketball Federation (country v. country qualifiers/games/tournaments)
- Bowling–Pro Bowling Tour
- Boxing–International Boxing Federation; WBA; WBC; WBO; Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports
- Cricket–Men's and Women's World Cup; International Cricket Council
- Darts–PDC
- Football–NFL and NFL Draft; NCAA – Division I; Canadian Football League; Arena Football League
- Golf—PGA; PGA Tour Champions; LPGA; Champion's Tour; European Tour; Senior European Tour; International Events (i.e. Ryders Cup, Presidents Cup); World Golf Championships; Koran Ferry Tour
- Hockey–National Hockey League and National Hockey League Draft; NCAA – Division 1; International Ice Hockey Federation; World Championships
- Lacrosse–NCAA – Division 1
- Mixed Martial Arts–Ultimate Fighting Championship; Bellator MMA; One Championship; Professional Fighters League; Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports
- Olympics–Summer and Winter (including trials)
- Rugby–Six Nations; World Cup; World Rugby (International country v. country qualifiers/games/tournaments); Four Nations
- Sailing–Americas Cup; International Sailing Federation
- Soccer–FIFA Sanctioned Events; Major League Soccer; UEFA – Champions League, EUROPA and Super Cup; English Premier League; Spanish La Liga; German Bundesliga; Italian Serie A; French Ligue 1; Mexican Liga Bancomer; NCAA – Division 1
- Softball–NCAA – Division 1
- Tennis–United States Tennis Association; Association of Tennis Professionals; Women's Tennis Association; International Tennis Federation; NCAA – Division 1
- Track and Field–International Association
As mentioned above, the big exception under Iowa law is prop bets on in-state college sports.
What types of sports bets does Iowa offer?
Not only do modern sports books allow you to bet on an enormous range of sports, they also allow a lot of different bet types. Some of the most common are:
Moneyline bets
Moneyline bets are the easiest of all—which team will win a specific game. The Moneyline simply presents the odds of a team winning outright.
The odds are expressed as a positive or negative number e.g. -150 or +140. The plus and minus signs are important!
Odds expressed as -150 mean you have to bet $150 to win $100. If your winnings are less than the bet amount it means you're betting on the favorite. Odds of +140 mean you win $140 for every $100 you bet. You are betting on the underdog.
An easy way to remember is 'minus means less money plus means more money.'
Moneyline odds are used for a lot of the different bet types.
Parlay bets
A parlay links two or more wagers into a single bet. The upside is that the bettor can win more money than betting on each game independently. The downside is that you have to win all the bets in the parlay or you walk away with nothing.
Parlays with several legs (each bet in the parlay is often called a leg) are extremely hard to win. On the other hand they offer the chance to win life-changing money for only a small initial stake.
Spread bets
Spread bets are the most popular form of sports betting in the US. To win you have to beat the spread which is a line set by the bookmaker. The point spread represents the difference between the winning and losing team's scores.
These bets work well in games where many points are scored by both teams, but suit games like soccer less well.
The odds are always set slightly in the bookmaker's favor and are typically offered at 11-10 odds. In other words you have to bet $11 to win $10.
Futures bets
Like all bets these are bets placed on an event in the future, but in this case, not the near future. In a futures bet you don't bet on a match taking place tomorrow. Futures bets are placed on events well into the future, but normally within the same sports season.
If the NFL season begins in September and you place a bet on who will win the Super Bowl at the end of the season, then you have made a futures bet.
Totals bets
Totals bets are made on the score of both teams added together. You can bet on the 'over' or the 'under.'
There are variations, but the basic Totals bet is on the final score of the game. If you bet the over and the score is higher than the quoted number you win. If you bet the under and the score is lower you win.
For example in the recent match between the Dodgers and the Padres, the Totals bet was quoted as:
- LA Dodgers O 10.5 +100
- SD Padres U 10.5 -130
The odds aren't exactly the same for the over and the under. The difference represents the price of the bet, and ensures the sportsbook makes a margin.
Teaser bets
Teaser bets are points spread bets where the spread is adjusted by points in the player's favor on more than one game. They are normally offered only on football and basketball games.
In football, a player may move the published point spread 6.5, 7, 10 or 14 points. In basketball, the options are 4, 5, or 6-points.
The bet is like a parlay because you are adding several wagers into one bet. In moving the point spread that applies to the bet you make the individual legs easier to win. Naturally the odds the sportsbook offers change depending on how far you shift the spread.
Calculating all this is easy when you place your bets online. Before you finally commit to making your bet, you can experiment with different options to get the payout you are looking for given how much you want to bet.
Round Robin bets
Round Robin bets allow you to lay several parlay bets at the same time in a single wager.
To create the bet you make a list of the teams you want in your parlays and the number you want in each parlay. E.g. you might choose to add 8 teams to your list with each parlay consisting of three legs. The round robin then creates a list of all the combinations of parlays for those three teams.
Unlike a standard parlay, you don't have to win every wager in the bet to win. In a round robin you must win every leg of a parlay, then parlays you have won are added together to create your payout.
Calculating payouts is tricky if you try to do it by hand! The eight team three leg parlay above produces 56 different parlay bets. You must wager the same amount on each bet, so wagering $2 on each would produce a round robin with a total cost of $112.
The odds are different for each parlay, so in each case your $2 wager will produce a different amount if you win.
Fortunately, online mobile sports betting apps do all the work for you.
Live Betting
A lot of Iowans have accounts at offshore online sports betting sites. Not only is it illegal for these to offer sports betting, their product is far inferior to the legal operators. One of the biggest differences is in-game or live betting.
In-game betting refers to bets made after a match has started. Most of the normal bets remain available because modern legal sports betting operators have access to near real time data feeds. This means they can adjust their odds as play progresses, second by second.
Offshore operators do not get access to these data feeds, so they can't offer anything near the range of opportunities the legal market puts on the table.
Live betting is one of the main reasons to switch from your offshore account to the legal operators in Iowa. Of course, you also get legal recourse in case something goes wrong, and you know your deposits are safe.
In mature sports betting markets like the UK, around 80% of all sports betting is now in-game betting. It's extremely popular because it adds so much fun to watching a game—especially if you have friends around.
In-game bets can be as simple as who will score the next touch down, or what the score will be at the end of the next quarter. But many more betting options are available. When you get your first account set up, give it a try!
How do I start online sports betting in Iowa?
Until Jan 2021, all players must register in person to open an online account. This means going to your local casino.
At the moment, there are several sites available in the state. You can register for these sites by going to one of the following casinos:
DraftKings Sportsbook
Use this link to download the DraftKings Sportsbook app.
- Wild Rose Casino (Clinton): Opening hours; Mon-Wed: 2 PM – 10 PM, Thu & Sun: 10:30 AM – 10 PM, Fri-Sat: 10:30 AM – 11 PM. Address: 777 Wild Rose Drive, Clinton, IA 52732.
- Wild Rose Casino (Emmetsburg): Opening hours; Mon, Thu, & Fri: 11 AM – 11 PM, Tue-Wed: 2 PM – 10 PM, Sat-Sun: 9 AM – 11 PM. Address: 777 Main Street, Emmetsburg, IA 50536.
- Wild Rose Casino (Jefferson): Opening hours; Mon – Thu: 11 AM – 10 PM, Fri: 11 AM – 11 PM, Sat: 9 AM – 11 PM, Sun: 9 AM – 10 PM. Address: 777 Wild Rose Drive, Jefferson, IA 50129.
Sportsbook Ameristar Casino
PointsBet Sportsbook
Use this link to download the PointsBet Sportsbook app
- Catfish Bend Casino: Opening hours; Open 24 hours. Address: 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington, IA
William Hill online sportsbooks
- Prairie Meadows Casino: Opening hours; Mon-Fri: 10 AM – 12 AM, Sat: 8 AM – 1 AM & Sun: 8 AM – 12 AM. Address: 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona, IA 50009.
- Lakeside Casino: Opening hours; Mon-Fri: 10 AM – 12 AM, Sat: 8 AM – 1 AM, Sun: 8 AM – 12 AM. Address: 777 Casino Drive, Osceola, IA 50213.
- Isle Casino Bettendorf: Opening hours; Mon-Thurs: 10 AM – 12 AM, Fri: 10 AM – 1 AM, Sat: 8 AM – 1 AM, Sun: 8 AM – 12 AM. Address: 1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf, IA 52722.
- Isle Casino Waterloo: Opening hours; to be announced. Address: 77 Isle of Capri Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50701.
Bet.Works online sportsbooks
- Rhythm City Casino: Opening hours; Mon-Thurs: 11 AM – 11 PM, Fri: 11 AM – 1 AM, Sat: 10 AM – 1 AM, Sun: 10 AM – 11 PM. Address: 7077 Elmore Ave, Davenport, IA 52807.
- Riverside Casino: Opening hours; Mon-Thurs: 11 AM – 12 AM, Fri: 11 AM – 1 AM, Sat: 10 AM – 1 AM, Sun: 10 AM – 11 PM. Address: 2184 Hwy 22, Riverside, IA 52327.
- Grand Falls Casino: Opening hours; Mon-Fri: 12 PM – 12 AM, Sat: 8 AM – 12 AM, Sun: 10 AM – 12 AM. Address: 1415 Grand Falls Blvd, Larchwood, IA 51241.
Other online sites will be available soon. Check TheLines for the latest announcements.
Opening a mobile sports betting account online
After January 2021 the process gets a lot easier. No longer will you have to take a drive to get started sports betting.
First check the reviews of Iowa online sportsbooks at TheLines and decide which best suits your needs. New player offers and bonuses change so make sure you get the best offer by using the sign-up link on the review page.
First you will need to download the app if you want to bet using your mobile. If you only use your computer, then downloads are not normally necessary, but it depends on the site.
On the sign-up page enter your personal details, then choose your screen name and password.
Before you can begin betting you will need to make a deposit. Again this is one advantage of using legal sportsbooks instead of offshore sites. Deposits are easy and there are many payment methods accepted.
If you have a sports betting account in another state where it is legal, you cannot use that account in Iowa. You will need to open a new account for your Iowa betting.
How do I deposit cash at an Iowa online sports betting site?
The deposit methods in available in Iowa will include:
- In person at the cashier's cage of the casino offering the online app.
- Credit/debit cards
- Online bank transfer
- Casino prepaid cards
- PayPal
- NETELLER
- ACH eCheck
- PayNearMe
Withdrawing your winnings is just as easy. Not all deposit methods allow withdrawals, e.g. PayNearMe, but most will be available.
A major advantage of the legal state-regulated sports betting market is that it is easy and fast to get your cash back. The offshore unregulated market takes much longer since US banks are not allowed to process their transactions. Another important reason to switch to the state-regulated Iowa sportsbooks.
Iowa's sports betting law
Iowa's legislators have passed a law which sets the state up to get the maximum benefit from legal sports betting—with a couple of minor exceptions.
The SF617 law consists of a series of amendments to the existing Gambling Games Regulation. The main points of the law are:
- The regulator is the existing IRGC
- Gambling taxes levied on the operator's revenues are 6.75 percent. This matches the rate in Nevada
- License fees are low compared to other states at $45,000 with a $10,000 renewal fee
- Sports betting licenses are restricted to IRGC licensed casinos
- Mobile sports betting is allowed
- Up to two brands (skins) are permitted for each licensee
- Until Jan 1, 2021 bettors who want to register for mobile sports betting must open their accounts in person at a casino
- No in-game prop bets are allowed on in-state college teams. Betting on other college games is allowed
Iowa's new law got a vote of support from the American Gaming Association (AGA):
'The state of Iowa has set its legal sports betting market up for success with a reasonable tax rate, mobile wagering, strong consumer protections and provisions that put responsible gaming at the forefront. Through the leadership of champions like Iowa Gaming Association President and CEO Wes Ehrecke, Iowans will now have a safe alternative to the illegal market that has thrived in the Hawkeye State and across the country.'
Weaknesses will limit the success of the new law
Iowa has only authorized online sports betting. It has not legalized other online casino games such as slots, roulette or poker.
New Jersey and Pennsylvania both allow a wide variety of games and this makes a big difference. The research shows that restricting access to a wide range of online gambling reduces the rate at which people switch from the black market operators to the legal market.
Put this together with the delay to opening accounts online, and the expected profits for casinos and gambling taxes will be lower than otherwise. More importantly, it will still leave some Iowans at the mercy of offshore illegal operators where they have no legal protection.
Nevertheless, sports betting should go well. It helps that no neighboring states offer legal sports betting, although Illinois will launch sometime after July 2020.
Assuming sports betting goes well Iowa legislators will have an incentive to add other online gambling games in the future.
Where can I make legal sports bets in Iowa?
The IRGC licenses 19 casinos in Iowa. The thirteen which managed to get sports betting launched by the end of August 2019 are highlighted in bold.
The only casino which has not applied for a licence is the Casino Queen Marquette (in italics). It has an application in preparation.
| Casino | City | County | Operator |
| Ameristar Council Bluffs | Council Bluffs | Pottawattamie | DraftKings |
| Casino Queen Marquette | Marquette | Clayton | Unannounced |
| Catfish Bend | Burlington | Des Moines | PointsBet |
| Diamond Jo Casino | Dubuque | Dubuque | Fanduel & PlayMGM |
| Diamond Jo Casino – Worth | Northwood | Worth | Fanduel & PlayMGM |
| Grand Falls Casino | Larchwood | Lyon | Bet.Works |
| Hard Rock Sioux City | Sioux City | Woodbury | GiG |
| Harrah's Council Bluffs | Council Bluffs | Pottawattamie | Scientific Games |
| Horseshoe Council Bluffs | Council Bluffs | Pottawattamie | Scientific Games |
| Isle of Capri | Bettendorf | Scott | William Hill |
| Isle of Capri | Waterloo | Black Hawk | William Hill |
| Lakeside Hotel & Casino | Osceola | Clarke | William Hill |
| Prairie Meadows | Altoona | Polk | William Hill |
| Q Casino | Dubuque | Dubuque | Unannounced |
| Rhythm City Casino Resort | Davenport | Scott | Bet.Works |
| Riverside Casino & Golf Resort | Riverside | Washington | Bet.Works |
| Wild Rose Casino and Resort | Clinton | Clinton | DraftKings & BetRivers |
| Wild Rose Casino and Resort | Emmetsburg | Palo Alto | DraftKings & BetRivers |
| Wild Rose Casino and Resort | Jefferson | Greene | DraftKings & BetRivers |
Top international sports betting brands come to Iowa
Four of the sportsbooks are operated by William Hill: Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, Lakeside Hotel & Casino, Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf, and Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo.
William Hill also launched the first mobile Iowa sports betting app on August 21.
Elite Casino Resorts, which owns the Rhythm City Casino Resort has struck a deal with UK company BetFred to provide live and mobile sports betting. Using the Bet.Works brand, this is BetFred's first venture into the US market.
Both William Hill and Bet.Works have launched live mobile applications. The other casino groups will follow shortly.
Each casino is allowed to launch two brands, so expect the market to become even more competitive. There could be a total of 38 brands offering online sports betting by the middle of 2020.
Other top US and international brands expected to launch in Iowa include:
- 888
- Bet365
- BetAmerica
- Caesars Sportsbook
Will I be able to play online poker and online casino games in Iowa?
No, only online sports betting is legal under the new laws. If you find yourself at a site that offers online casino games or poker, you have strayed onto a black market site or a site where you are not allowed to register from Iowa—best to leave. Use the links on TheLines review pages to make sure you are going to the official sports betting sites in Iowa.
Colorado sports betting is a thriving ecosystem with new entrants emerging all the time. There are 16 live online sportsbooks in Colorado at the time of this writing, and over a dozen more sportsbook licenses up for grabs. The Colorado Limited Gaming Commission still has plenty of room to grow Colorado's sportsbook industry, which got an impressive start out of the gate in its first months in business.
Most of Colorado's sportsbooks are either standalone companies or the result of casino partnerships. DraftKings, FanDuel, and William Hill are companies whose core businesses are sportsbooks. However, Colorado's homegrown casinos want in on the red-hot sports betting industry, too. Many have either partnered with sportsbook companies or developed their own. BetMonarch is one such sportsbook app that's wholly owned and developed by Monarch Casino. Another is Sky Ute SportsBook, the first tribal-run sportsbook to launch in the state.
Online sports betting has taken off like a rocket in Colorado. That may be because it's the safest betting option in the social distancing age. However, Colorado's online sportsbooks are competitive choices for bettors' funds. Here's everything bettors need to know about them.
**Some of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. All bonus and promotions have Terms & Conditions that apply. 21+ for legal online gambling sites. If you think you have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700.
The Best Colorado Sports Betting Sites & Bonus Offers
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- FanDuel Sportsbook >> Claim A $1000 Risk-Free Bet
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Colorado Online Sports Betting Sites For February 2021
Pro sports got off to a late start this year due to the pandemic, and Colorado has mostly reopened since the March stay-at-home orders were rescinded. But even the lack of professional sports and the pandemic couldn't deter Colorado from opening its first legal sportsbooks on May 1, or the bettors from flocking the newly launched sites and apps.
The launch of online sports betting in Colorado took some navigating, as officials grappled with the fallout from coronavirus. At the time of launch, there were few sports to bet on, but the market has done very well in the first months, even with bettors at first confined to wagering mostly on golf or table tennis. Here are the online sportsbooks who've secured partnerships in Colorado so far.
In addition to our top recommendations above, these are all of the sports betting apps in Colorado that are licensed, regulated in Colorado, and available for download:
The Best Colorado Online Sportsbooks (Ranked By Our Editors)
Best For New Bettors
$500 Free On $250 Deposit
Available On: Web, iOS, Android
Best For New Bettors
William Hill Colorado
4.7
An international sports betting brand, William Hill is taking its top-notch reputation to the US sports betting industry. Currently available in almost a dozen states, they offer all domestic and international sports odds. William Hill offers a $500 free bet to new bettors who deposit $250 or more.
William Hill Colorado
Bonus: 100% up to $500 on deposit
Retail Partner: Eldorado Resorts (Caesars Entertainment)
UK-headquartered William Hill is one of the biggest and most widely available sportsbooks in the US. Partnered locally with Eldorado Resorts (now Caesars Entertainment), William Hill kiosks have been available in Black Hawk since July, but the app didn't launch until Sept. 8. New sign-ups can get up to a $500 risk-free bet with our exclusive link.
Best Mobile App
20% Deposit Bonus Up To $1000
Available On: Web, iOS, Android
Best Mobile App
DraftKings Colorado
4.9
DraftKings is one of the top US sports betting brands after making its name in the Daily Fantasy Sports industry. They offer one of the best mobile apps, with a easy-to-use interface. The interface makes it easy for new bettors to find sports, odds, and to place a bet. They offer a deposit bonus up to $1,000.
DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado
Bonus: 20% up to $1000 on deposit
Retail Partner: Mardi Gras Casino
DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the top US brands in sports betting, and it's open for business for sports bettors in Colorado. Its variety of sports and lines are almost unmatched, and it offers some unique betting opportunities like teasers and parlays. It also has frequent bonuses and promotions.
Best Deposit Bonus
100% Deposit Bonus Up To $250
Available On: Web, iOS, Android
Best Deposit Bonus
BetRivers Colorado
4.7
BetRivers makes it easy to start betting in Colorado. New bettors can claim a 100% deposit match bonus up to $250 with only a 1x playthrough. This makes BetRivers Colorado the perfect choice for more casual bettors. For more experienced bettors, check out the BetRivers jackpot parlay bet.
BetRivers Colorado
Bonus: 100% up to $250 on deposit
Retail Partner: J.P. McGills
BetRivers is owned by Rush Street Interactive, which makes iGaming platforms in addition to its sportsbook offering. One of BetRivers' differentiators is its extensive rewards system, which start at the basic level but top off at the 'luxury' rewards for higher-tier wagers.
Best Betting Experience
$1000 Risk Free Bet Offer
Available On: Web, iOS, Android
Best Betting Experience
FanDuel Colorado
4.9
Much like DraftKings, FanDue Sportsbook made its name on Daily Fantasy Sports but now offers online sports betting across the US. The FanDuel Colorado app is one of the strongest in the state, with all major sports and some minor events as well. The interface is easy to understand the sportsbooks offers competitive odds.
FanDuel Sportsbook Colorado
Bonus: $1000 Risk-Free Bet
Retail Partner: Golden Gates Casino
Once known only for fantasy sports, FanDuel Sportsbook is all grown up, serving CO sports bettors 24 hours a day. FanDuel Sportsbooks has lines on MLB, NFL, NHL, and NBA, along with all kinds of other sports and events, both niche and mainstream. It has bets on the spread, the moneyline, halves and quarters of select games, and the over/under, and offers highly competitive odds in the CO sports betting landscape.
Best For Experienced Bettors
$2,000 In Two Risk Free Bets
Available On: Web, iOS, Android
Best For Experienced Bettors
PointsBet Colorado
4.9
Australian sports betting brand, PointsBet, is one of the newest sportsbooks to launch in Colorado. Offering competitive lines on US and international sports, PointsBet offers a high-risk, high-reward options for experienced bettors in their PointsBetting system.
PointsBet Colorado
Retail Partner: Double Eagle Casino
Australian-owned PointsBet is a mobile gaming partner of Double Eagle Casino in Cripple Creek. PointsBet was one of the first sports wagering companies to announce its intentions to operate in Colorado and was awarded an online license on March 19. They finally launched their online sportsbook app in November 2020.
PointsBet offers a unique winnings boost if your team wins big, called PointsBetting, offering multipliers for winning wagers based on the number of points a team wins a game. PointsBet also has a partnership with Koenke Sports & Entertainment to be the exclusive gaming partner of the Avalanche, Nuggets, Colorado Mammoth, and the Pepsi Center itself.
All Colorado Sports Betting Sites
SportsBetting.com
Bonus: $150 deposit bonus
Retail Partner: Carousel Group (Johnny Nolon's, Cripple Creek)
SportsBetting.com gives new players up to $150 dollar deposit bonus. New users who deposit $10+ will get 100% bet credit up to $150 dollars using our exclusive link right here.
BetMGM
Bonus: $600 Risk Free Bet Bonus
Retail Partner: Midnight Rose
MGM is a premier name in gambling and entertainment, and its sports betting app BetMGM is available to CO sports bettors. BetMGM currently operates in almost a dozen countries including Colorado.
BetMonarch
Retail Partner: Monarch Casino
Monarch Casino in Black Hawk launched BetMonarch in May 2020, the first fully in-house sportsbook in the state developed by a casino. It offers the sports and leagues you'd expect lines on, but it also has an advantage many other sportsbooks don't: BetMonarch rewards points players accumulate through their play can earn free hotel stays, meals, and more.
FOX Bet
Retail Partner: Eldorado Resorts (Caesars Entertainment)
Fox Bet's local gaming partner is the Lady Luck Casino in Black Hawk, owned by Eldorado Resorts, which recently acquired gaming giant Caesars Entertainment, as well as the Isle Casino. Fox Bet has some solid bonus offers, including a $1,000 sign-up bonus ($500 risk-free bet + 100% match bonus of up to $500). In addition to the standard slate of sports to bet on, Fox Bet offers a wide range of betting boost, which are riskier, but could be lucrative wagers for lucky bettors.
SBK Sportsbook
Retail Partner: Christmas Casino*
SBK Sportsbook by Smarkets has a different approach to setting odds from most sportsbooks. Rather than making its money tilting the odds in its favor, SBK charges a 2% commission on bettors' net winnings. The odds are then created as a consensus is slowly reached among where bettors are putting their money. SBK is a bit light on welcome bonuses, but it does offer a refund of the first $20 in lost bets over multiple bets.
Sky Ute SportsBook
Retail Partner: Sky Ute Casino
The launch of Sky Ute SportsBook made a bit of history for Colorado sports betting as the first tribal-owned casino in the state to launch its own sportsbook. Being on tribal lands, Sky Ute isn't beholden to Colorado state laws governing odds, so they say their lines are some of the best in the state. Bettors can fund an account and start betting with just $25.
Circa Sports
Retail Partner: Century Casinos
Circa Sports, a Las Vegas-based sports wagering operator, was the first partnership agreement struck by Century Casinos, which operates two eponymous casinos in Colorado, one in Black Hawk, the other in Cripple Creek. Circa Sports is partnered with the Cripple Creek location, so that's where eventual Circa-branded kiosks and windows will most likely be located. Circa offers multiple deposit and withdraw options, and has some of the best odds on favorite to win bets of any CO sportsbook.
BetWildwood
Retail Partner: Wildwood Casino
Cripple Creek's first retail sportsbook, Woody's at Wildwood, was also the first self-launched app by a casino in Colorado's southern gambling resort town. BetWildwood offers sports bettors moneyline and spread bets on a variety of sports, and has live in-game betting for many. There are numerous deposit/withdrawal options, and it offers new members a $50 free bet.
ELITE Sportsbook
Retail Partner: Red Dolly Casino
ELITE Sportsbook was the 11th sportsbook to launch in Colorado. Bettors can start placing wagers on its website or through the app right now. ELITE Sportsbook offers bettors a variety of prop bets and parlays, and promotions will be available, including a sign-up bonus worth up to $1,000 in free bets. The company says it will be the only sportsbook in the state to offer a progressive parlay.
theScore Bet
Retail Partner: Jacobs Entertainment
theScore bet is a popular sports betting platform that launched in Colorado in September through its partnership with Jacobs Entertainment, which owns and operates the Lodge Casino and Gilpin Casino, both in Black Hawk. theScore debuted in New Jersey in 2019, the first ever sportsbook launched by a North American Media company, Score Media.
Betfred
Retail Partner: Saratoga Casino
Betfred, a major player in the United Kingdom sports betting market, expanded into the US in 2020, with the first Betfred USA sportsbook opening at Iowa's Grand Falls Casino. The brand's second US location is Colorado. Saratoga Casino has partnered with Betfred USA for its sports betting platform. Betfred operates more than 1,500 locations in the UK. Betfred's sportsbook was the very first retail window to open in Colorado, giving it a first-mover advantage.
Not-Yet-Launched Sportsbooks
Barstool Sports (Penn National Gaming)
Retail Partner: Ameristar Casino
Penn National, which operates the Ameristar Casino Black Hawk, has brought its Barstool Sports sportsbook brand to Colorado and soon will open branded retail sportsbook windows at Ameristar, the largest casino in the state. Ameristar soft-launched a self-branded sportsbook this summer, so bettors can place bets in person for now until the Barstool Sports app launches.
Twin River Worldwide Holdings
Two of the biggest names in mobile sports betting will come to Colorado via Twin River Worldwide Holdings, which has been awarded three master licenses from the CLGCC.
Twin River (operating as Premier Entertainment Black Hawk in Colorado), has announced partnerships with both FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook, the two companies leading the market so far in open mobile sports betting markets in the US.
Three Colorado land-based casinos (Golden Gates, Golden Gulch, and Mardi Gras) were purchased by Twin River in January, with the intent of using those properties in partnership with FanDuel and DraftKings to bring sports betting to Colorado.
Online Sports Betting Partnerships
| Colorado Online Sportsbook | Deposit Bonus | Launch Date | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Hill | $500 Risk-Free Bet | September 8 | Visit WilliamHill.com |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | 20% up to $1000 | May 1 | Visit Draftkings Sportsbook |
| BetRivers | 100% up to $250 | May 1 | Visit BetRivers |
| SportsBetting.com | $1,000 Risk-Free Week | September 13 | Visit SportsBetting.com |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | $1,000 Risk-Free Bet | May 1 | Visit FanDuelSportsbook.com |
| BetMGM | $600 Risk Free Bet | May 1 | Visit BetMGM Sportsbook |
| PointsBet | 2 Risk-Free Bets; One $500 fixed-odds bet, One $1,500 risk-free bet for PointsBetting | November 18 | Visit PointsBet |
| BetMonarch | - | May 9 | |
| FoxBet | $500 Risk-Free Bet; $10 Bonus Bet for Broncos betting | May 19 | |
| SBK Sportsbook | $20 Risk-Free Bet | June 4 | |
| Sky Ute Sportsbook | - | June 9 | |
| Circa Sports | - | July 1 | |
| BetWildwood | - | July 10 | |
| Elite Sportsbook | 50% up to $500, $500 Risk-Free Bet | August 14 | |
| theScore Bet | $100 Free Bet, Up to $1k Cash Back bets in 60 days | September 2 | |
| BetFred Sports | $500 Risk-Free Bet | September 8 |
Guide To Betting Online In Colorado
Although Colorado's sportsbooks are each uniquely branded, there are similarities between each sportsbook. Here are a few things bettors can expect no matter where they wager.
Common Sportsbook Bonuses
When bettors create sportsbook accounts, they're often offered welcome bonuses. These bonuses incentivize bettors to place wagers and continue placing bets long after the first one is settled. The most common bonuses in Colorado are deposit bonuses and risk-free bets.
Deposit bonuses usually require bettors to deposit funds into their accounts. (There are also deposit bonuses that award site credits upon signup, but they're usually tiny–less than $50.) Most deposit bonuses will match bettor deposits at a certain rate. For example, Fox Bet has a 50% deposit rate. That means for every $2 bettors deposit, Fox Bet will give a bettor $1 in site credits. That allows bettors to deposit at their own pace and place larger bets with less risk.
However, these deposit bonuses usually max out at $250 to $500. Sportsbooks can't award site credits indefinitely.
Many sportsbooks also offer risk-free bets. They're bets that get refunded if bettors lose a bet. FanDuel offers a risk-free bet of up to $500. If a bettor's first wager is $500 and it loses, then that bettor will get $500 back in site credits. However, the risk-free bet is only good for the first bet. So, a $50 that loses would only get $50 of site credits back. Risk-free bets are popular choices for sportsbooks to offer, but they don't allow bettors to wager at their own paces like deposit bonuses.
Colorado Teams That Can And Can't Be Bet On
4.9
Australian sports betting brand, PointsBet, is one of the newest sportsbooks to launch in Colorado. Offering competitive lines on US and international sports, PointsBet offers a high-risk, high-reward options for experienced bettors in their PointsBetting system.
PointsBet Colorado
Retail Partner: Double Eagle Casino
Australian-owned PointsBet is a mobile gaming partner of Double Eagle Casino in Cripple Creek. PointsBet was one of the first sports wagering companies to announce its intentions to operate in Colorado and was awarded an online license on March 19. They finally launched their online sportsbook app in November 2020.
PointsBet offers a unique winnings boost if your team wins big, called PointsBetting, offering multipliers for winning wagers based on the number of points a team wins a game. PointsBet also has a partnership with Koenke Sports & Entertainment to be the exclusive gaming partner of the Avalanche, Nuggets, Colorado Mammoth, and the Pepsi Center itself.
All Colorado Sports Betting Sites
SportsBetting.com
Bonus: $150 deposit bonus
Retail Partner: Carousel Group (Johnny Nolon's, Cripple Creek)
SportsBetting.com gives new players up to $150 dollar deposit bonus. New users who deposit $10+ will get 100% bet credit up to $150 dollars using our exclusive link right here.
BetMGM
Bonus: $600 Risk Free Bet Bonus
Retail Partner: Midnight Rose
MGM is a premier name in gambling and entertainment, and its sports betting app BetMGM is available to CO sports bettors. BetMGM currently operates in almost a dozen countries including Colorado.
BetMonarch
Retail Partner: Monarch Casino
Monarch Casino in Black Hawk launched BetMonarch in May 2020, the first fully in-house sportsbook in the state developed by a casino. It offers the sports and leagues you'd expect lines on, but it also has an advantage many other sportsbooks don't: BetMonarch rewards points players accumulate through their play can earn free hotel stays, meals, and more.
FOX Bet
Retail Partner: Eldorado Resorts (Caesars Entertainment)
Fox Bet's local gaming partner is the Lady Luck Casino in Black Hawk, owned by Eldorado Resorts, which recently acquired gaming giant Caesars Entertainment, as well as the Isle Casino. Fox Bet has some solid bonus offers, including a $1,000 sign-up bonus ($500 risk-free bet + 100% match bonus of up to $500). In addition to the standard slate of sports to bet on, Fox Bet offers a wide range of betting boost, which are riskier, but could be lucrative wagers for lucky bettors.
SBK Sportsbook
Retail Partner: Christmas Casino*
SBK Sportsbook by Smarkets has a different approach to setting odds from most sportsbooks. Rather than making its money tilting the odds in its favor, SBK charges a 2% commission on bettors' net winnings. The odds are then created as a consensus is slowly reached among where bettors are putting their money. SBK is a bit light on welcome bonuses, but it does offer a refund of the first $20 in lost bets over multiple bets.
Sky Ute SportsBook
Retail Partner: Sky Ute Casino
The launch of Sky Ute SportsBook made a bit of history for Colorado sports betting as the first tribal-owned casino in the state to launch its own sportsbook. Being on tribal lands, Sky Ute isn't beholden to Colorado state laws governing odds, so they say their lines are some of the best in the state. Bettors can fund an account and start betting with just $25.
Circa Sports
Retail Partner: Century Casinos
Circa Sports, a Las Vegas-based sports wagering operator, was the first partnership agreement struck by Century Casinos, which operates two eponymous casinos in Colorado, one in Black Hawk, the other in Cripple Creek. Circa Sports is partnered with the Cripple Creek location, so that's where eventual Circa-branded kiosks and windows will most likely be located. Circa offers multiple deposit and withdraw options, and has some of the best odds on favorite to win bets of any CO sportsbook.
BetWildwood
Retail Partner: Wildwood Casino
Cripple Creek's first retail sportsbook, Woody's at Wildwood, was also the first self-launched app by a casino in Colorado's southern gambling resort town. BetWildwood offers sports bettors moneyline and spread bets on a variety of sports, and has live in-game betting for many. There are numerous deposit/withdrawal options, and it offers new members a $50 free bet.
ELITE Sportsbook
Retail Partner: Red Dolly Casino
ELITE Sportsbook was the 11th sportsbook to launch in Colorado. Bettors can start placing wagers on its website or through the app right now. ELITE Sportsbook offers bettors a variety of prop bets and parlays, and promotions will be available, including a sign-up bonus worth up to $1,000 in free bets. The company says it will be the only sportsbook in the state to offer a progressive parlay.
theScore Bet
Retail Partner: Jacobs Entertainment
theScore bet is a popular sports betting platform that launched in Colorado in September through its partnership with Jacobs Entertainment, which owns and operates the Lodge Casino and Gilpin Casino, both in Black Hawk. theScore debuted in New Jersey in 2019, the first ever sportsbook launched by a North American Media company, Score Media.
Betfred
Retail Partner: Saratoga Casino
Betfred, a major player in the United Kingdom sports betting market, expanded into the US in 2020, with the first Betfred USA sportsbook opening at Iowa's Grand Falls Casino. The brand's second US location is Colorado. Saratoga Casino has partnered with Betfred USA for its sports betting platform. Betfred operates more than 1,500 locations in the UK. Betfred's sportsbook was the very first retail window to open in Colorado, giving it a first-mover advantage.
Not-Yet-Launched Sportsbooks
Barstool Sports (Penn National Gaming)
Retail Partner: Ameristar Casino
Penn National, which operates the Ameristar Casino Black Hawk, has brought its Barstool Sports sportsbook brand to Colorado and soon will open branded retail sportsbook windows at Ameristar, the largest casino in the state. Ameristar soft-launched a self-branded sportsbook this summer, so bettors can place bets in person for now until the Barstool Sports app launches.
Twin River Worldwide Holdings
Two of the biggest names in mobile sports betting will come to Colorado via Twin River Worldwide Holdings, which has been awarded three master licenses from the CLGCC.
Twin River (operating as Premier Entertainment Black Hawk in Colorado), has announced partnerships with both FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook, the two companies leading the market so far in open mobile sports betting markets in the US.
Three Colorado land-based casinos (Golden Gates, Golden Gulch, and Mardi Gras) were purchased by Twin River in January, with the intent of using those properties in partnership with FanDuel and DraftKings to bring sports betting to Colorado.
Online Sports Betting Partnerships
| Colorado Online Sportsbook | Deposit Bonus | Launch Date | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Hill | $500 Risk-Free Bet | September 8 | Visit WilliamHill.com |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | 20% up to $1000 | May 1 | Visit Draftkings Sportsbook |
| BetRivers | 100% up to $250 | May 1 | Visit BetRivers |
| SportsBetting.com | $1,000 Risk-Free Week | September 13 | Visit SportsBetting.com |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | $1,000 Risk-Free Bet | May 1 | Visit FanDuelSportsbook.com |
| BetMGM | $600 Risk Free Bet | May 1 | Visit BetMGM Sportsbook |
| PointsBet | 2 Risk-Free Bets; One $500 fixed-odds bet, One $1,500 risk-free bet for PointsBetting | November 18 | Visit PointsBet |
| BetMonarch | - | May 9 | |
| FoxBet | $500 Risk-Free Bet; $10 Bonus Bet for Broncos betting | May 19 | |
| SBK Sportsbook | $20 Risk-Free Bet | June 4 | |
| Sky Ute Sportsbook | - | June 9 | |
| Circa Sports | - | July 1 | |
| BetWildwood | - | July 10 | |
| Elite Sportsbook | 50% up to $500, $500 Risk-Free Bet | August 14 | |
| theScore Bet | $100 Free Bet, Up to $1k Cash Back bets in 60 days | September 2 | |
| BetFred Sports | $500 Risk-Free Bet | September 8 |
Guide To Betting Online In Colorado
Although Colorado's sportsbooks are each uniquely branded, there are similarities between each sportsbook. Here are a few things bettors can expect no matter where they wager.
Common Sportsbook Bonuses
When bettors create sportsbook accounts, they're often offered welcome bonuses. These bonuses incentivize bettors to place wagers and continue placing bets long after the first one is settled. The most common bonuses in Colorado are deposit bonuses and risk-free bets.
Deposit bonuses usually require bettors to deposit funds into their accounts. (There are also deposit bonuses that award site credits upon signup, but they're usually tiny–less than $50.) Most deposit bonuses will match bettor deposits at a certain rate. For example, Fox Bet has a 50% deposit rate. That means for every $2 bettors deposit, Fox Bet will give a bettor $1 in site credits. That allows bettors to deposit at their own pace and place larger bets with less risk.
However, these deposit bonuses usually max out at $250 to $500. Sportsbooks can't award site credits indefinitely.
Many sportsbooks also offer risk-free bets. They're bets that get refunded if bettors lose a bet. FanDuel offers a risk-free bet of up to $500. If a bettor's first wager is $500 and it loses, then that bettor will get $500 back in site credits. However, the risk-free bet is only good for the first bet. So, a $50 that loses would only get $50 of site credits back. Risk-free bets are popular choices for sportsbooks to offer, but they don't allow bettors to wager at their own paces like deposit bonuses.
Colorado Teams That Can And Can't Be Bet On
There are many different sports to bet on, but Coloradans have their favorite teams. The Broncos will have lines available during the NFL season. They'll have moneylines and point spreads ripe for enthusiastic betting. There are plenty of prop bets and futures that'll be available on the Broncos, too.
A Colorado list of teams wouldn't be complete without the other three main sports, though. The Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche, and the Denver Nuggets are huge draws for sports fans across the state. All of them are fair game for sports betting, too.
College teams are fair game for certain types of bets, too. The Colorado Buffaloes are one of Colorado's most popular teams, whether it's CU's football or basketball teams. Bettors will have the standard moneylines, spreads, and futures available as the professional teams offer.
However, Colorado sportsbooks won't offer prop bets on college games. Colorado's Division of Gaming prohibits prop bets on college games. It likely arises from a compromise with the NCAA, which is adamantly opposed to sports betting. Bettors shouldn't be surprised when they don't find sports betting on college teams.
What Is The Status Of Esports In Colorado?
Colorado not only allows esports betting. It also counts esports among its authorized sports catalog. The Division of Gaming's rules stipulate that the Division will regulate sports and bets. That way, no one can make up a sport or bet that cons bettors out of their money. Sports matches must have clear, consistent rules to ensure bettors can understand how their wager will play out throughout the game. Bets must have similarly clear rules. Otherwise, sports betting wouldn't be fair to bettors.
Sportsbooks Coming Soon To Colorado
There are two sportsbooks that are in other states but could come to Colorado next. The first one is Golden Nugget. It's available in New Jersey, but it doesn't have a partnership in Colorado yet. The second is Parx. It has an online casino and sportsbook in Pennsylvania, another prominent sports betting state.
However, the full list is anyone's guess. There will likely be more than two dozen online sportsbooks in Colorado by the time everyone arrives.
Legal Vs Illegal Sports Betting In Colorado
Sports betting used to be an illegal activity in all but four states. Sports bettors' only options were illegal sportsbooks and bookies. If there was a bookie or website that bettors created relationships with, it could be hard for some of them to leave. However, legal sports betting sites are superior to illegal sites.
Legal sportsbooks are required to have a cash reserve so it can pay their winning bets out. Think about what happens if an underdog with long odds comes through. A futures bet with +5,000 odds will drain a sportsbook's cash reserve quickly. Licensed sportsbooks have a formula set by the Colorado Division of Gaming to determine how much cash to have on hand.
In contrast, local bookies may not have that kind of cash on hand. They could be collecting bets informally at the bar with a makeshift business. In that case, there's nothing stopping them from pocketing bettor money. Even if they're reliable, they may get stretched too thin and be unable to pay out winnings. If that happens, bettors have no legal recourse because betting with a bookie is illegal in Colorado. They're stuck without their winnings.
The worst-case scenario is a bookie that works for a crime syndicate. Your bookie may be cool, but his employers may come after bettors who bet on credit and don't repay their debts. Bettors in good standing may also fund human and drug trafficking unknowingly. Licensed sportsbooks' transparency ensures bettors don't fall into these traps.
How Do I Know Online Sportsbooks Are Fair?
Online sportsbooks aren't all shady offshore websites. However, new bettors may struggle to tell the difference between the two. Here's how bettors can know they're betting at a legitimate company.
Who Regulates Legal Online Sportsbooks?
The Colorado Division of Gaming regulates all the sportsbooks in Colorado. It's a government agency that awards licenses, establishes rules, and enforces industry guidelines. The Division of Gaming also has resources for sports betting operators and customers alike, creating a transparent environment for all industry players.
Before sportsbooks are licensed, the Division of Gaming thoroughly examines each applicant. That includes financial statements, background checks, and a complete record of lawsuits the applicant was involved in. And if a sportsbook doesn't pay out winnings, the Division of Gaming is a bettor's next stop. It has processes in place to keep sports betting safe and fair across the board.
Why Should I Trust Online Sportsbooks?
Before they go live, online sportsbooks submit to a security audit. It ensures the sportsbook can protect sensitive bettor information. The sportsbook hires an independent auditor who submits her findings to the Division of Gaming. If the auditor finds areas of improvement, she'll list them in the report as well.
The Division won't award a license to a sportsbook that can't protect its bettors' information. Since bettors submit their banking information during registration, sportsbooks need top-notch security in place. Bettors can rest assured that by the time they place a wager, their sportsbook of choice is prepared to protect their data.
How Do I Get Paid If I Win?
Sportsbooks make transferring money in and out of the sportsbook account easy. They know no one wants to bet at a sportsbook that makes handling money a hassle. If bettors win, they'll have cash moved into their sportsbook account. From there, it's usually as easy as hitting ‘withdraw' and moving money to their bank or PayPal account. There are other options too, but no one's using 7-Eleven's cash withdrawal option during a pandemic.
In short, bettors can get paid from the app. They just have to win, which is win. Best of luck to all the aspiring bettors out there!
Online Sports Betting FAQs
Online sports betting is new to Colorado, so bettors may have a few clouds of doubt about the industry. Here are some common questions we can clear up at the end.
Yes, you can register online and start betting anywhere in Colorado. You only need to be physically within the Colorado border to place wagers.
Ameristar East Chicago Sportsbook
Moneylines, spreads, prop bets, and futures are legal on professional teams. However, Colorado bettors cannot place prop bets on college games. All bets are prohibited on high school games. (No one seriously thought DraftKings would have lines on their daughter's softball game, did they?)
Yes. Because the Buffs are a PAC-12 team, college sports is a big draw in Colorado. And that's before factoring in all their popular opponents. Everything besides prop bets is fair game on college sports.
Ameristar Casino Sportsbook App Online
Yes. Several sportsbooks have esports sections in their apps. If the pandemic shuts down major sports again, bettors may end up relying on the esports section to get their betting fixes. Counter Strike, anyone?
Ameristar Sportsbook Council Bluffs
Ameristar Casino Bet Builder
10%. The taxes largely go to water conservation projects in Colorado. Since Colorado shares water with seven other states, it's a lot more than an environmentalist cause. It's a precious resource that's being funded by a portion of every bet.
Ameristar Casino Sportsbook App Login
Ameristar Black Hawk Sportsbook
Licensed Casinos and established sportsbook companies. Unless aspiring entrepreneurs have all the pieces of their business in place, they can't complete the license. It wouldn't be impossible for someone to start a sportsbook in Colorado. However, it would require a massive cash infusion upfront. The sports betting market is largely inaccessible to companies without a track record.
Yes. It was also one of the first sportsbooks to do so.
