Colorado has a long relationship with casinos. After Las Vegas, it is the state most visited for gambling pursuits. Over the years, this relationship has been fairly fruitful despite many changes to the laws and regulations. Read on as we discuss the history of casinos in Colorado.

The Early Days

Trying to find a definitive starting point at which casinos came to being in the state is tough. This is down to the rapid ascent of the state’s population. In 1859, a prospector known as John H Gregory found gold 40 miles west of Denver. When the area became coined the richest square mile on earth, the state was flooded with those looking for gold, with many of them finding it.

These people needed entertainment and had money to burn, so it is assumed makeshift casinos entered the frontier towns around the same time, during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Doc Holliday, a famous pioneer dentist, and Bat Masterson, a legendary law enforcement officer were both proficient gamblers of the Old West who were known to frequent saloons in the area. Many of these were in Black Hawk and welcomed card players with open arms.

Modern Era

Most of the casino saloons closed in 1949 when the Johnson Act prohibited casino gambling outside of Nevada, or they at least reverted to watering holes without casino elements. However, Colorado had found several other ways to entertain themselves.

In 1948 an amendment was passed to allow sports betting on animal racing, with horse and greyhound racing starting the year after. By 1958 the state had also introduced new laws on charitable gaming such as bingo. It would be the early eighties when a state lottery was legalized and introduced.

The Casino Era

In 1990 the Colorado Limited Gaming Initiative was passed. Gambling was now allowed in certain areas, such as Black Hawk, Cripple Creek and Central City. However, this was limited to certain types of games, such as table games and slots. These were well-regulated so that people knew what they were playing and their success rate. However, casinos were not allowed to open for 24 hours a day and the maximum bet was capped at $5.

By 2009 the limit for a wager had increased to $100. Craps and roulette were also invited to join the list of allowed games at casinos.

Colorado currently has a fairly lenient approach to gambling. It has state lotteries, and horse racing and there are also plenty of casinos, with the Native American gaming areas all being situated in the Four Corners region. The state has recently allowed the use of online sportsbooks. This means people can now place a wager online on sporting events and other real-life happenings, like award ceremonies. However, they have recently voted against the opening of online casinos, unlike many other states where it is now becoming legal.

The state manages its gambling efficiently, making sure any change has a positive impact on the social and economic health of the state. It is unknown if laws will change anytime soon, or if new casinos will open.  As long as they remain in Colorado, people will come for the casinos and the beauty the state has to offer, bringing the benefits of tourism with them.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com