Colorado Considers Legal Sportsbetting

Colorado’s gambling history is interesting and starts back in 1822 when the Brown Saloon was the first casino to open its doors in the United States. Ideally located it was situated on the Colorado border shared with Utah and Wyoming. It became an extremely popular resting point for immigrants when the west opened up the state during the 19th century.

Gambling became legal in Black Hawk and Cripple Creek in 1991, while the state lottery only started in 1993. Commercial casinos had to adhere to many restrictions, which included maximum bet rising up to $100, while the curfew was set at 2 am.

Legal Sports Betting in Colorado

Lawmakers are involved in legalizing sportsbetting discussion for over a year in the state. Colorado has always been open to expanding gambling laws. Since May 2018 when the federal ban ended on legalizing sportsbetting, Colorado has strongly considered the option of legalized sports wagering. According to the Colorado criminal code, sports betting is illegal. The public referendum is the only way to change it since it is not in the state constitution.

Avoiding A Referendum

The Colorado parties wanting to expand the gambling law, do not want a public vote on the proposals. The main reason, the citizens of Colorado are known for resisting any expansion to gambling. This leaves lawmakers looking into other options to ensure the betting bill goes through, without the need for a public referendum.

Both online and retail sportsbetting would be legalized via the bill, although the deadline is set on the 3rd of May 2019. Should it succeed each of thirty-three of the Colorado-based casinos would have the opportunity to apply for a master license. The tax would be reasonable at a rate of 10% and there is no mention of integrity fees at the moment.

Bill Legislation Requires Super-Majority

Alec Garnett, the representative of the house majority, also mentions the importance of mobile betting. Lawmakers in Colorado are also examining what works well in other states. New Jersey enjoys major success and hits new revenue records monthly, with over 80% of betting taking place via mobile devices. The bill’s success requires major majority and will probably only become law via a public referendum, should all go according to plan, Colorado will offer sportsbook betting by February 2020. The bill recommends three forms of licenses: single retail operator license, sports betting operator’s license and a master license.

Sportsbetting Authorization in New York as Early as April

New York casinos might be able to start accepting betting on major sports events form April since the state regulators made all the necessary steps at the start of 2019. Even should legalization be approved, mobile phone betting would not be available, due to the law of 2013, stating that sports wagers can only be accepted by individuals that are physically present. The four private casinos in line to benefit from sportsbetting is Rivers Casino in Schenectady, Tioga Downs in the Southern, Resorts World Catskills and del Lago Casino.