Casinos in Colorado

Jane Shaw By Jane Shaw Editor at Casinos.US Updated: January 16, 2024
Jane Shaw Jane Shaw Editor at Casinos.US See Full Bio

We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she's our gambling tech expert. Jane's also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.

Colorado Casino Map - List of Gambling Locations

Colorado Casino Map

The Best Casinos in Colorado

Colorado Best Casinos
Ameristar Black Hawk
5.0 /5
Ameristar Black Hawk www.blackhawkameristar.com 111 Richman St, 80422, United States 1,250
  • Events
  • Shows
  • Spa
More About The Casino
Colorado Grande Casino
4.7 /5
Colorado Grande Casino www.coloradogrande.com 300 E Bennett Ave, 80813, United States 225
  • Bar
  • Dining
  • Hotel
More About The Casino
Horseshoe Casino Hotel - Black Hawk
4.8 /5
Horseshoe Casino Hotel - Black Hawk www.caesars.com/horseshoe-black-hawk/casino 401 Main St, 80422, United States 900+
  • Dining
  • Live concerts
  • Shows
More About The Casino

Are There Indian Casinos in Colorado?

Colorado has some of the finest Indian casinos where you can gamble. Indian casinos are a type of casino that are run, owned and regulated by local Indian tribes. Although similar to that of conventional government operated casinos, several specialties set them apart too.

Colorado Indian casinos are lively and owned by the Southern Ute Tribe. There are 2 tribal casinos, run by the local Ute Tribe in Towaoc & Ignacio regions close to breathtaking scenic mountainous views. Colorado Indian casinos offer a whopping list of games including blackjack, poker, slots, roulette and much more. These casinos are not required to follow Colorado gambling conduct and run by their own set of rules. Indian casinos in CO are open 24 hours a day unlike other casinos that need to shut their doors off at 2 AM in the morning. The three most visited Indian casinos in Colorado are below.

Colorado Indian Casino
Blackjack Games, Casino Poker Games, Dice Games, Lottery Games, Other Games, Poker Cash And Poker Tournaments, Roulette, Slots Games, Read Our Review Visit Website
Blackjack Games, Casino Poker Games, Dice Games, Lottery Games, Other Games, Poker Cash And Poker Tournaments, Roulette, Slots Games, Read Our Review Visit Website

Racinos

Racinos are casinos with tracks for horse or dog racing. Simply put, they are an amalgamation of track and casino where you can bet for money or prize. Most racinos are limited to slots but some of them have started offering roulette, blackjack and other gambling games. Currently, there are no racinos in CO after dog racing was banned in 2008. Arapahoe was the only remaining Pari-Mutuel but unfortunately, didn’t generate that much interest from CO gambling voters. Harness racing was operated for a short time at the Centennial casino, however, didn’t make out to be successful. There are however Indian casinos, bingo halls, and other kinds of gaming facilities to enjoy throughout the state.

Are There Cruise Ship or Riverboat Casinos in Colorado?

Cruise ship Casinos or Riverboat casinos are generally considered floating casinos on cruise ships or riverboats named ‘cruise ships to nowhere’. They are a popular form of casino that is played on cruise ships or riverboats. Most times, these cruise ships casinos are docked in the water but sometimes, they are also taken out to the seas for the sole purpose of gambling.

Gambling in Colorado does not include any cruise ship or riverboat casinos unfortunately. The closest riverboat casino is a few states over in Nevada. However, there are several distinct land based casinos in Colorado splendidly for you to enjoy. Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, Class II style Bingo, horse racing, simulcasting, everything is available for gambling in Colorado- you just name it! Be sure to check a few out!

Full Colorado Casino List

Here’s our comprehensive list of all the casinos in Colorado by city. Make sure you visit more than one, as they all have a unique, thrilling, diverse and interesting gambling atmosphere, with all the different types of games you are longing for.

Choose a City
Choose a Type
All Casinos in Black Hawk
Ameristar Black Hawk 111 Richman St, Black Hawk, 80422 Commercial
Bull Durham Casino 110 Main St, Black Hawk, 80422 Commercial
Golden Gates Casino 261 Main St, Black Hawk, 80422 Commercial Black Hawk
Golden Gulch Casino 321 Main St, Black Hawk, 80422 Commercial
Horseshoe Casino Hotel - Black Hawk 401 Main St, Black Hawk, 80422 Commercial
Lady Luck Casino - Black Hawk 340 Main St, Black Hawk, 80422 Commercial
Mardi Gras Casino 300 Main St, Black Hawk, 80422 Commercial
Monarch Casino 488 Main St, Black Hawk, 80422 Commercial
Red Dolly Casino 530 Gregory St, Black Hawk, 80422 Commercial
Saratoga Casino - Black Hawk 101 Main St, Black Hawk, 80422 Commercial
Sasquatch Casino 125 Gregory St, Black Hawk, 80422 Commercial
The Gilpin Casino 111 Main St, Black Hawk, 80422 Commercial
The Lodge Casino 240 Main St, Black Hawk, 80422 Commercial
Wild Card Saloon 120 Main St, Black Hawk, 80422 Commercial
Z Casino - Black Hawk  101 Gregory St, Black Hawk, 80422 Commercial
All Casinos in Central City
Century Casino Central City 102 Main St, Central City, 80427 Commercial
Dostal Alley Casino 116 Main St, Central City, 80427 Commercial
Easy Street Casino 120 Main St, Central City, 80427 Commercial Central City
Famous Bonanza Casino 107 Main St, Central City, 80427 Commercial
Grand Z Casino Hotel 321 Gregory St, Central City, 80427 Commercial
Johnny Z Casino Central City 132 Lawrence St, Central City, 80427 Commercial
All Casinos in Cripple Creek
Bronco Billy’s Casino 233 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, 80813 Commercial
Century Casino Cripple Creek 200 Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, 80813 Commercial
Christmas Casino Cripple Creek 279 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, 80813 Commercial Cripple Creek
Colorado Grande Casino 300 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, 80813 Commercial
Double Eagle Hotel and Casino 442 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, 80813 Commercial
Johnny Nolon's Casino 301 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, 80813 Commercial
McGills Hotel and Casino 232 Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, 80813 Commercial
Midnight Rose Hotel and Casino 256 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, 80813 Commercial
The Brass Ass Casino 264 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, 80813 Commercial
Wildwood Casino 119 N Fifth St, Cripple Creek, 80813 Commercial
All Casinos in Ignacio
Sky Ute Casino Resort 14324 CO-172, Ignacio, 81137 Indian Casino
All Casinos in Towaoc
Ute Mountain Casino Hotel 3 Weeminuche Dr, Towaoc, 81334 Indian Casino
 

Expected New Casinos

Despite the new of Saratoga Harness Racing and American Gaming Group LLC postponing their acquisition of Wildwood Casino Hotel and its construction earlier this year, on May, news of the Wildwood Casino Hotel new construction has been resurfacing. The $14 million project is supposed to be starting soon with 104 rooms and a grand casino suite for gamblers.

Wildwood Casino restaurant is being renamed to Joe’s Diner and they have reportedly commented on launching sports betting soon too.

Gambling in Colorado

Colorado is packed with 35 thrilling casinos having loads of different game options, great dining, fantastic culture, and jaw-dropping sights. The Old-West gold rush State’s gambling experience is diverse and lively. Your appetite for more chills & thrills are sure to not get over soon!

Colorado Gambling Topics Gambling Facts for Colorado
Number of Casinos 33
Casino Types Commercial, Indian
Casino Games Offered Slots, Casino Poker, Poker Cash and Poker Tournaments, Roulette, Blackjack, Dice Games, Lottery Games, Simulcasting, Other Games,
Age 21+ for casino gambling, 18+ for charitable gaming/lottery,
Smoking Yes/No*, *Smoking inside is prohibited but there are dedicated smoking areas in each Colorado casino
Drinking Yes/No*, *Drinking while playing is allowed, but no free alcoholic drinks are served in the CO Casinos
Opening Hours
24/7 , Some casinos are closed on Easter and Christmas. Check the brands pages for more info
Betting Limit Min 0.01$ - Max 100$ (including lottery)
Taxation of Winnings Yes/No, for additional details click here

Casino Games in Colorado

Colorado gambling can never get boring or over with the long exhausting list of games at your disposal. The state joined a few others in legalizing sports betting last year, adding to the existing long list of casino games available for CO gamblers. In 1991, when gambling was first legalized, options were limited with only slots, poker, blackjack, hide-it-three etc. however, a legislation passed on 2009, added craps and roulette, simulcasting to the list making it all the way more interesting.

Slot
  • Rawhide
  • Starry Night
  • Wonder Woman Wild
  • The Walking Dead
  • Jurassic Park
  • Cleopatra
  • Quick Hit
  • Thor's Hammer
  • Top Dollar
  • Kitty Glitter
  • Jumpin' Jalapenos
  • 15314+ Slots
  • Types: Traditional, video reel, progressive reel and much more
  • Slot providers such as: Konami, Everi, IGT, and Bally Wulff
Casino Poker
  • Texas Hold'Em
  • 3 Card Poker
  • High Five Reel
  • Wild Six Card Draw Poker
  • 3 Card Poker With 6 Card Bonus
  • Ultimate Texas Hold’Em
  • Mississippi Stud

Additional Details4+ poker rooms with the popular Poker tournaments at Ameristar Casino Black Hawk held seasonally

Poker Cash and Poker Tournaments
  • 7 Card Stud Poker
  • Omaha Hi-Lo
  • NL Hold'Em
  • Limit Hold’Em
  • Omaha
  • Poker Burnout

Additional DetailsAmeristar Casino Black Hawk, Isle Casino Black Hawk, Golden Gates Casino Poker rooms hold the most popular poker cash and poker tournaments for gamblers.

Roulette
  • Double Zero Roulette

Additional DetailsAmeristar Casino Black Hawk & Sky Ute Casino Resort are popular destinations for Roulette games

Blackjack
  • Blackjack
  • Buffalo Blackjack
  • Double Deck Blackjack
  • Buffalo Blackjack 3
  • Shoe Blackjack
  • Bust Bonus
Dice Games
  • Craps
  • 12 Pays triple in the field
  • Sharp Shooter
  • Bonus Craps
  • Long Rolls
Lottery Games
  • Bingo

Additional DetailsColorado Cash 5 is the best lottery bet where the Powerball jackpot is $290 Million

Other Games
  • Electronic Craps
  • High Card Flush
  • Video Keno
  • Electronic 3-Card Poker
  • Double Deck Pitch
  • Video Poker
Sports Betting
  • Football
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Hockey
  • Pesapollo
  • Futsal
  • Call of Duty
  • Global Offensive
  • Counter Strike

Additional DetailsDraftkings, BetMGM, FanDuel etc are sports betting companies offering sportsbook and betting opportunities for gamblers.

Gambling Legal Situation in Colorado

When was casino gambling legalized in Colorado?
Gambling in Colorado was first legalized in 1990, however, at the time, coins, pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters were used for bets in slots.
Online gambling
Online gambling is banned and illegal in Colorado under the laws.
What is the legal gambling age in Colorado?
21+ for casino gambling and 18+ for lottery and charitable gaming.
Can you smoke in Colorado casinos?
Smoking has no ban as such in the state, however, each casino has the right to set up a designated smoking zone for smokers while gambling.
Horse racing / Off-Track betting
There is seasonal para-mutual wagering on horse races in Arapahoe Park, CO
Dog racing / Off-Track betting
Dog racing is banned in Colorado since 2008 under the petition of Gov. John Hickenlooper and there are no existing Greyhound or Off-Track betting.
Colorado charitable gaming
Charitable gaming is allowed and legal along with social gaming in Colorado under the legislation passed in 1979, however, a permit or license is needed prior to holding one.
Other legal restrictions
Online casinos and dog racing are currently illegal in the state of Colorado. Conducting gambling outside to that of a legal venue is a felony and criminal charges are filed. Only limited situations are considered legal gambling.

Taxation of Winnings

If your winnings are more than or similar to that of the aforementioned threshold, then you need to pay a flat tax rate of 4.63% on the total amount. The casino will cut off this tax amount straight out of your winnings and submit to the IRS on your behalf. However, you are supposed to give your social security number, ID proof and W2-G filing needs to be done in order to report your winnings to the federal revenue department. For more info on the federal tax, check out our handy little section on federal gambling tax in the US.

Colorado’s taxation of winnings are pretty simple and straightforward. A flat federal tax rate of 4.63% is cut off from your winnings. The simplest way to see it is as follows.

Prize ($) Bingo, Slots- 1200+ (any prize) Colorado Gross Income Tax (%)4.63+ federal income tax
Prize ($) Lotto – 600+ (or 300x the size of the wager) (any prize) Colorado Gross Income Tax (%)4.63+ federal income tax
Prize ($) Poker – 5000+ (any prize) Colorado Gross Income Tax (%)4.63+ federal income tax

Colorado Gambling Laws

Colorado gambling laws allow for a vast number of gambling forms. The CO state laws for gaming are straightforward to understand than many other states and are pretty comprehensive. Since 2009 gambling laws amendment, bet value was increased to $100 and games or craps and roulette added unlike before.

Colorado gambling laws cover all activities whether you are heading to casino, playing at card rooms, office and so on. The payback percentages of the casinos gaming machines are also released to the public as per the laws. Horse racing, full-fledged casinos, social gaming, charitable gaming are allowed under the law provisions but certain types of gambling are illegal under state guidelines.

  • Definition of gambling COLO. REV. STAT.

    CO defines gambling as risking money or any other thing of value for gain, part or whole, upon chance, or the outcome of a specific event that the person taking up risk has no control on.

  • Racing COLO. REV. STAT.

    This law introduced on April, 2003 states off track simulcasts permitted, out of state simulcasts and special greyhound race event out of state simulcasts are permitted and Parimutuel wagering permitted only.

  • Limited Gaming Act COLO. REV. STAT.

    This law makes social slot machines, poker, blackjack permitted with maximum bet of $5 only in Cripple Creek, Black Hawk and Central city. Indian casinos reservation allowed with bingo and raffles controlled by Secretary of the State. Election wagers are banned but charitable gaming and social gaming allowed.

History

Gambling in Colorado dates back almost 100 years and has an interesting history. CO has a unique stance toward gambling and comes with comprehensive gambling laws than many other states. Here are the important highlights of that timeline history.

Colorado history image
history-colorado-img2.jpg The first casino in Colorado was supposedly Brown’s Saloon built in 1822 at the intersection of Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. However, first legalized casinos opened in 1991 in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek.
history-colorado-img3.jpg
  • 1822 Gambling and Colorado connects to the early part of mining days when prospectors or businessmen passed their time playing Poker games in the Saloons of the Wild West. Brown’s Saloon is supposedly the first casino in the state at the intersection of Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

  • 1950 The first stance towards legalizing gambling happened in the year 1950 with the inauguration of the racing commission. This stance legalized gambling in Colorado and horses along with greyhounds were permitted as a form of gambling.

  • 1970’s In 1970 off-track betting was introduced and allowed with the other offerings of the racing tracks. Taverns were allowed to place simulcasts wagers as a form of subsidizing the horsemen.

  • 1991 Colorado state casinos opened legalized gambling in 1991 with limited numbers of gaming options. The maximum bet was confined to $5. Poker, slot, video poker and table games that involved cards were the only games to be allowed. All casinos were to operate for 18 hours a day with the standard timing of 9 Am to 3 AM.

  • 2014 In 2014, Amendment 68 tried to pursue the voters for approval of adding slots and video poker to the racetracks of Pueblo and Mesa Counties but this was defeated massively by the voters in a statewide referendum.

Upcoming Changes in the Gambling Regulation

The biggest upcoming changes in the Gambling regulations of Colorado can be the approval or legalization of sports betting. Sports betting can be legalized from May and 52 potential operators’ applications has been proposed to the Division of Gaming. They are conducting the prep works to have one temporary license for a qualified operator. In January’s commission discussion, 28 master licenses, 10 operators licensed and 13 internet licenses were applied by potential operators.

Big names such as PointsBet, Full House Resorts, Saratoga Casinos and BetFred are reported to have filed in applications. Once the nod is given for sports betting legalization, the gambling industry is supposed to have doubled its revenue and popularity based on sports gambling.

Colorado Casino Resorts and Trips

Casino resorts are hotel with casinos built in it along with other added amenities such as lodging, foods, drinks etc. Colorado has 17 casinos resorts including tribal casino resorts of the Ute Tribe. The casino resorts are popular hotspot for many who visit Colorado.

Casino Resorts

Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa Black Hawk
Number of Rooms472
Price Range ($)129-629
Special Packages"Spa Suite Package"
Additional ServicesSPA Pool Fitness
Isle Casino Hotel - Black Hawk
Number of Rooms138
Price Range ($)100-120
Special Packages"3rd Night Free Promotion"
Additional ServicesFree High Speed Internet Conference rooms
Lady Luck Casino - Black Hawk
Number of Rooms164
Price Range ($)80-90
Special Packages"AAA Discount - 10% off"
Additional ServicesBanquet Room Meeting Rooms Free Internet

Casino Trips

Casino trips are popular in Colorado among gambling enthusiasts. Gamblers can witness breathtaking scenic views, cultural diversity along with playing thrilling gambling in the state of Colorado with the casino trips. There are many shuttle services such as Colorado Casino Shuttle Bus, Casino Shuttle by Ramblin Express, which will provide the gamblers with fascinating trips of the state.

However, some casino resorts does offer casino trips such as Ameristar Casino Hotel & Spa Black Hawk, Double Eagle Casino Hotel to the gamblers for relentless funs and thrills.

Colorado Shuttle Bus  Visit Website
  • Triple Crown Casinos Ameristar Casino Gilpin Casino Lodge Casino Saratoga Casino
  • Casino Bonus Offer on Round way tickets
Ramblin Express  Visit Website
  • Cripple Creek Black Hawk Central City
  • Starts $27 online for tickets valid until 180 days
Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk  Visit Website
  • Black Hawk City and Sight Scenes
  • Couples Massage Package

Frequently Asked Questions

What towns in Colorado have casinos?

Colorado has casinos in the Four regions of the mountainous state named Cripple Creek, Black Hawk and Central City.

Which tribes own casinos in Colorado?

Indian casinos in Colorado are owned by the sovereign Ute Tribe of the state.

Can you smoke weed in casinos in Colorado?

You can smoke anything, be it tobacco or marijuana in the India casinos but Commercial casinos allow smoking at only their designated smoking zones in their premises and is totally subjected to their choice.

What towns in Colorado have casinos?

Colorado has casinos in the Four regions of the mountainous state named Cripple Creek, Black Hawk and Central City.

Which tribes own casinos in Colorado?

Indian casinos in Colorado are owned by the sovereign Ute Tribe of the state.

Can you smoke weed in casinos in Colorado?

You can smoke anything, be it tobacco or marijuana in the India casinos but Commercial casinos allow smoking at only their designated smoking zones in their premises and is totally subjected to their choice.

About Colorado

Colorado is the Old West, Gold rush state in the western United States which encompasses the South Rocky Mountains and the northeastern portion of Colorado plateau. The Wild West State is a diverse landscape surrounded by rivers, canyons, snows and has plenty of its own charms with breathtaking scenic views. Here’s a few fun facts about CO.

State Image
Capital Denver 
Largest Cities Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins 
Size 104,094 sq mi 
Population 5,758,736 
Time Zone GMT -7 
Abbreviation CO