Online Poker Colorado
2022 Update: Can I Play Online Poker in Colorado?
Legislators in Colorado have discussed poker, but the citizens of Colorado voted to approve sports betting in Nov. 2019. It was a slim victory, with Proposition DD passing by a 1.4% margin. Sports betting then launched on May 1, 2020. This was in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, when most major sports leagues were on hold. Despite that, Colorado sports betting apps had their first hurrah with UFC 249 and table tennis.
Colorado has long been a progressive state willing to adopt new businesses. It legalized recreational marijuana in 2012 and has long been open to gambling. There have even been talks of regulating online poker Colorado in the legislature, but it doesn’t appear to be a priority. But now that sports betting is live and the state is looking for more revenue, poker could be next. We’ll update you if it happens.
Online Poker Colorado
Gambling, Laws and Online Poker Colorado
Gambling has been regulated and accepted in Colorado since back in the 1950s. It’s expanded since then and legislators often talk about expanding those currently. Currently, the state has a fairly standard definition for “gambling.” It’s outlined in state statute 18-10-102. That statute states:
“Risking any money, credit, deposit, or other thing of value for gain contingent in whole or in part upon lot, chance, the operation of a gambling device, or the happening or outcome of an event, including a sporting event, over which the person taking a risk has no control.”
Later on, it states the following items aren’t included:
- Bonafide contests of skill, speed, strength, or endurance in which awards are made only to entrants or the owners of entries.
- Bonafide business transactions which are valid under the law of contracts.
- Other acts or transactions now or hereafter expressly authorized by law.
- Any game, wager, or transaction which is incidental to a bona fide social relationship, is participated in by natural persons only, and in which no person is participating, directly or indirectly, in professional gambling.
- Any use of or transaction involving a crane game.
Like many state statutes, the definition of gambling relies heavily on “chance.” This means poker could have an easier time once Colorado takes up legislation, since it’s been deemed a game of skill at the federal level.
Colorado legalized horse racing in the 1950s and started its state lottery in 1982. The state allowed for casinos in 1991 and then legalized daily fantasy sports in 2016. Sports betting is the most recent addition, so poker could be next up for Colorado.
Can I Play Poker on PokerStars In Colorado?
All you Centennial State poker players who want to log into PokerStars are going to have to wait a bit. PokerStars in the United States is currently regulated on a state-by-state basis and Colorado isn’t one of the states…yet.
However, if you’re looking for a few PokerStars alternatives available to US players, we have you covered. We’ve written extensive reviews on sites that accept players from across the United States. Check out our Betonline review and Bovada poker review as they’re great alternatives! There’s more below:
Gambling Allowed Under Colorado Law
Colorado’s a gambling state. It has been for a while. They have several forms of gambling that have been legalized throughout the years. If you’re in Colorado, you can visit casinos, play the state lottery, place pari-mutuel bets and have some charitable gaming nights.
The Colorado Division of Gaming breaks it all down for you.
State Lottery
The Colorado Lottery started with scratch game tickets in 1983. Now they offer four “Jackpot” games. Those games are the Powerball, Cash 5, Mega Millions, and the Lotto. Profits support parks, recreation, open space, conservation education and wildlife projects. Lottery proceeds have funded projects in every Colorado county, city and town. For more on the Colorado Lottery, visit their website.
Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Racetracks
There are several places to off track bet in Colorado. But Only the Mile High Club in Aurora has live horse and greyhound racing. They offer races from May until August, but you can bet on races around the country all year round. The Colorado Racing Commission is a five-member regulatory policy body appointed by the Governor. The Commission promulgates all rules and regulations governing greyhound and horse racing.
Commercial and Indian Casinos
Colorado has a plethora of casinos.
There are 38 commercial casinos and two Indian casinos in the state. Most of the Casinos are located in the center of the state, near Denver and the surrounding areas. The two tribal casinos are located in southwest Colorado, near the border with Utah and New Mexico.
The tribal casinos are run by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. The tribes are not subject to taxes and are not required to report their revenues to the state. The casinos offer keno, slot machines, poker, blackjack, craps and roulette. In 2014, the latest numbers released, they paid more than $110 million in taxes.
Charitable Gaming
You can also gamble for a good cause in Colorado. The state lets charities hold bingos and raffles as long as it’s for charity. There are several other rules and regulations that are covered under its Bingo and Raffles Law.
Advantages to Playing Online Poker Colorado
The number of poker games at online establishments is just about unlimited as more tables become available as others fill up. Tournaments, sit n go, turbo and many other game types are available throughout the day and night while also including betting values to suit everyone.
There’s almost no comparison between land-based and online poker sites in Colorado. So, why wait, choose one of our most recommended poker sites.
State-by-State Laws
Alabama – Alaska – Arizona – Arkansas – California – Colorado – Connecticut – Delaware – Florida – Georgia – Hawaii – Idaho – Illinois – Indiana – Iowa – Kansas – Kentucky – Louisiana – Maine – Maryland – Massachusetts – Michigan – Minnesota – Mississippi – Missouri – Montana – Nebraska – Nevada – New Hampshire – New Jersey – New Mexico – New York – North Carolina – North Dakota – Ohio – Oklahoma – Oregon – Pennsylvania – Rhode Island – South Carolina – South Dakota – Tennessee – Texas – Utah – Vermont – Virginia – Washington – West Virginia – Wisconsin – Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
The majority of online poker sites include a lot more than just free rooms. Some also offer a guide on how to play poker and include free-roll games that give you the opportunity to play for free.
Players wanting to play online poker must be at least 18 years of age.
Comp points are great to boost your account from time to time and can be earned by playing poker.