Colorado lawmakers want to rein in sports betting
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Colorado lawmakers advanced new restrictions Tuesday on sports betting to limit what the bill sponsor calls "a culture that normalizes constant gambling."
Why it matters: The legislation acknowledges an increase in problem gambling since the state legalized it in May 2020, even as opponents suggest it will lead to more black-market bets and potentially cost jobs.
Driving the news: The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Andy Ball (D-Denver), would:
- Restrict advertising and social media to venues that don't target children.
- Prohibit the use of credit cards for bets.
- Limit deposits to five in a 24-hour period.
- Block promotional bonus payments for placing an online bet.
- Eliminate mobile push notifications or text messages to solicit bets.
Sports betting companies that violate the law could face a Class 2 misdemeanor and fines up to $25,000, as well as license suspension or revocation.
What he's saying: "What the apps do is they allow everybody to have a casino in their pocket," Ball said in an interview before the measure won approval 5-4 in the Senate Finance Committee.
- "And that creates a culture that normalizes constant gambling, which we know … can quickly spiral out of control and harm people's lives."
The other side: In Tuesday's hours-long hearing, sports betting companies appealed to lawmakers not to add new restrictions.
- In a statement, Trip Stoddard at bet365 — which has its U.S. headquarters in Denver — said the legislation targets regulated companies but does "little to curb illegal or offshore markets."
- "There are hundreds of Coloradans who work in the legal industry, and they should be supported by lawmakers, not hindered," added Joe Maloney, president of the Sports Betting Alliance.
The big picture: Sports betting continues to break records in Colorado with more than $6.5 billion in total wagers in 2025, according to the Colorado Division of Gaming.
- In January, sports betting reached $630 million, a new record that generated over $5 million in tax revenue, a 13% increase year-over-year.
- The Polis administration celebrated the numbers with a spokesperson saying it ensures sustained funding for water projects in Colorado.