Colorado’s Changing Gambling Landscape

Colorado Expands Gambling Access Amid Rising Problem Gambling Concerns

As Colorado expands it gambling menu, there are concerns that more people will develop problems from gambling.

State of Play

  • Colorado has significantly expanded legal gambling options since 2020, moving from restrictive “limited gaming” rules to more permissive laws that include online sports betting and looser casino controls.
  • This shift reflects a growing market but raises concerns about increased problem gambling among residents.

Colorado’s gambling landscape changed after voters approved a 2020 proposition legalizing sports betting both online and in physical locations, marking a major expansion beyond its previous limited gaming framework.

Since then, the state has relaxed other restrictions, such as allowing lottery ticket purchases by credit card and enabling mountain casinos to set their own betting limits.

These regulatory moves intend to stimulate the gaming economy and offer more betting convenience, but they also increase exposure to gambling for a broader population. However, with increased accessibility comes a higher risk of problem gambling, prompting concerns among addiction specialists and advocacy groups.

Players Must Be Aware of Responsible Gambling Resources

For US online gambling players in Colorado, these changes mean easier access to a wider variety of betting products, from online sports wagering to more flexible casino environments.

Operators benefit from expanded market opportunities and revenue growth potentials. That said, players should be aware of responsible gambling resources as Colorado navigates balancing market growth with player protection.

As Colorado continues to loosen gaming regulations, industry watchers expect further innovations and possibly more regulatory adjustments. The state will likely keep monitoring gambling addiction trends and consider additional measures to mitigate risks.

Based on reporting by Andrea Dukakis and Ben Markus for CPR News.