Sports betting has arrived in Virginia! FanDuel Sportsbook opened its virtual doors for business in January 2021.
As we welcome legalized online sports betting in Virginia, the time is right to take a look at what we have on tap. We are able to place bets on all of the major games and events, including on local favorites such as the Washington Football Team.
We can’t place wagers on any in-state college programs, but we have a green light for the rest of the college basketball and football games on the docket. All of the bet types we could ask for are available, making it really easy to get in the game.
We’ll be covering everything you need to know right here, including bonus offers and the top features you have to look forward to. Let’s get to it.
- William Hill Sportsbook App: Mobile App (3/5) William Hill offers both a dedicated iOS/Android app and a mobile-friendly website. Either way, the mobile app is the way to go due to its overall user-friendliness and responsive performance.
- William Hill, America's leading sports book operator, now offers mobile sports betting apps in ten US jurisdictions (Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.) and also powers the trading services for the Rhode Island Lottery mobile app. The William Hill Sports Book App in.
Online sports betting is live in VA
Hill was a self-starter who bet it all on himself, and this mindset has carried over for nearly a century as the betting and gaming company has become a leader in its industry around the world. In 2012, William Hill crossed the pond and is currently expanding its renowned sports book brand in the US.
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Is Virginia sports betting legal?
Yes. Sports betting launched on January 21, 2021 after becoming legal in July 2020, courtesy of the passage of HB 896 and SB 384 by the state legislature earlier in the year and the subsequent signing of the legislation into law by Gov. Ralph Northam. The law is the result of multiple years of deliberation in the normally conservative state.
These are the relevant launch dates for online sports betting:
VA Sportsbook | Bonus | Status |
---|---|---|
FanDuel Sportsbook | $1,000 | Launched as of January 21, 2021 |
DraftKings Sportsbook | $1,000 | Launched as of January 26, 2021 |
BetMGM Sportsbook | $600 | Launched as of January 26, 2021 |
BetRivers Sportsbook | $250 | Launched as of January 27, 2021 |
William Hill | $500 | Launched as of February 2, 2021 |
Virginia sports betting apps for March 2021
Virginia sports betting apps make the dream of having a legal sportsbook at your fingertips a reality. The platforms from industry leaders are top-notch and simple to use, and they’re offering up some fantastic bonuses for new players to take advantage of. We’ll cover everything you need to know about downloading and using the apps in a bit. For now, let’s take a closer look at the top options you’ll have available.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel has also quickly become a go-to spot in a number of states. The visually appealing and user-friendly interface has a lot to do with that, as does its recent focus on innovative offerings such as single-game parlays.
Fanduel was the first app to go live in Virginia.
DraftKings Sportsbook
It’s pretty easy to see why the DraftKings online betting app has raced to the top of the charts in all markets entered to date. The platform is super slick and filled with bells and whistles. Among the top highlights is an outstanding live betting feature.
BetMGM Sportsbook
The well-known MGM brand from the casino world is also becoming a major player in online and mobile sports betting. BetMGM sports betting app offers a range of sports, competitive odds and regular promotions for users to take advantage of. BetMGM Virginia is live!
BetRivers Sportsbook
A member of the Rush Street family, BetRivers continues to grow its presence across legal sports betting states. Among the top benefits is an ongoing rewards program that lets bettors accrue points just for wagering. The BetRivers sports app also went live Jan. 2021.
William Hill Sportsbook
A major name on the international gambling scene, William Hill’s presence continues to grow here in the US. The platform isn’t quite as flashy as its competitors, but it’s still a great spot to jump in and get down to business. The William Hill VA app launched in Feb. 2021 .
PointsBet Sportsbook
This Australia-based operator has made tremendous strides since entering the US market in January 2019. PointsBet is bettor-focused, and that shows in its promo offerings that include reduced juice and odds boosts. PointsBet is not live yet in Virginia.
Sportsbook bonuses and free bet offers
When getting set to play at a new sportsbook, be sure to take a pause and ask yourself a simple question: What’s in it for me? It’s a competitive world out there, so Virginia sports betting operators are constantly offering deals to new players. Here’s some of what you’ll see.
- Free bets: Some books will give you free funds in the form of site credits that you can use to place bets. Any winnings are yours to keep.
- Deposit match: Certain operators will match your first deposit up to a set amount, sometimes by as much as 100%.
- Risk free bets: A few books will allow you to place your first bet in risk-free fashion after making a deposit. If it loses, you’ll be refunded the bet amount in site credit.
Sign-up offers provide a great way to try out new sites while also potentially building up your bank roll. Sportsbooks are happy to pay for your business in today’s competitive environment, so be sure to take advantage.
How to start online sports betting in Virginia
Once you decide where you want to play, you can be up and running quickly and easily. The best place to start is by clicking on our exclusive links. This will ensure that you’re getting the best possible bonus offer from that operator.
After you do that, you’ll arrive at the main sign-up page. You’ll be prompted to enter some basic details — think name, date of birth, last four digits of Social Security number, etc. — and will then have to check off a few boxes. Once you click submit, your account will be set.
Next, be sure to download the VA sports betting app for your device from the sportsbook website. Log in on mobile for the first time and you’ll be good to go there, too. After just a few minutes from start to finish, you’ll have access to legal sports betting both online and via app.
Once you’re completely up and running, take some time to look around and get the lay of the land. Here are a few of the areas you’ll want to check out.
- Sports available for betting.
- How the bet slip works.
- The area to deposit and withdraw funds.
- How to get help and contact support.
The good news is that the leading sports betting operators invest heavily on the tech side. That means that both the sites and apps are generally easy to navigate. You should be able to find what you’re looking for quickly.
After you get a handle on the basics, you can dive in and get ready to place some bets. This is a simple process, as you just need to click on your choices to have them added to the betting slip. From there, plug in your bet amount, review the wager and click submit.
VA sportsbook pricing and lines
The best sports betting lines are no longer the sole domain of Las Vegas. While it was like that for decades, the new legal landscape has been a game-changer. Leading operators across the legal states are offering odds that are on point.
Here in Virginia, it’ll be more of the same. You can still take the time to see what the oddsmakers out in Sin City have to say about a game or event, but know that you’ll find comparable lines here at home.
On the operator front, competition helps to breed efficiency in betting markets. You won’t find the exact same numbers at every sportsbook in Virginia, so you should always take the time to shop around for the best prices.
VA sports teams to bet on
While no teams from any of the major sports leagues make their home in VA, many residents have adopted clubs from the DC metro area as local favorites. For each of them, you’ll be able to bet on the individual game outcomes, place some props and live bets, and even check out the futures market for season-long wagers.
- NFL: Washington Football Team
- NBA: Washington Wizards
- MLB: Washington Nationals
- NHL: Washington Capitals
- MLS: DC United
Of course, you can bet on any squad you choose for each of the above sports. It’s a different story with college. For college football and basketball, you can’t bet on any in-state teams. However, betting on all other Division I programs in both sports is perfectly fine.
Beyond the pro and college team sports, you’ll find a whole host of options to consider. The most popular of the other sports will also attract tons of betting volume, while others fall into the niche category and see much less action.
- Tennis
- NASCAR
- UFC
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Darts
- Handball
- MMA
- Rugby
- Snooker
- Table tennis
- Volleyball
Please note that not all of the above will be available at every VA sports betting site, but each of the individual sportsbooks will have a solid overall selection. In short, you won’t be lacking for things to bet on here in VA.
Futures and prop betting in Virginia
Your betting action doesn’t have to be limited to the outcome of individual games and events. There are several other ways to get in on the fun, including with futures and props. Futures are long-term wagers, while props are ways to get some side action in.
A futures bet is a wager on something that won’t be decided until a later date. Many of the most popular markets revolve around league championships or the winners of top individual events, such as:
- College Football Playoff
- Golf majors — Masters, etc.
- Tennis Grand Slams — Wimbledon, etc.
- NASCAR Daytona 500
There are also futures for individual team performances, such as regular season win totals and the winners of conferences and divisions. Odds for futures come out in the offseason. Bettors stay engaged throughout the year, and the numbers will move in response to betting action.
The general gist is to find the selections you want at the best prices, so shopping around to compare numbers is always a good idea. If you make the right call on futures bets, you could be in for a nice score when the wager is settled.
Keep in mind that settlement doesn’t happen until the outcome is known. A futures bet requires a long-term perspective, so budget accordingly. For props, you’ll find some of the season-long variety.
Bets in this category include the NFL passing yards leader, or on the MLB player who will hit the most homers. Props are also available on individual games. Some revolve around team performance or the game as a whole, while many are based on player accomplishments.
- How many yards will Alex Smith throw for — over/under 269.5?
- Will Alex Ovechkin score a goal in the game — yes/no?
- Which pitcher will have more strikeouts — Max Scherzer or Jacob deGrom?
There’s a dedicated section for the futures market under the tabs for each of the individual sports at online sportsbooks. For props, clicking through on the individual game listings will bring you to a page with the available offerings.
Live betting in Virginia
Live betting is a segment of the sports betting industry that has gained a great deal of traction in recent times. Also known as in game betting, live betting opens the doors to placing wagers as the action plays out in real time.
The market moves really fast, but staying on top of things is easy with a VA sports betting app from DraftKings or FanDuel. Offerings will vary based on what’s going on, but you’ll see things like updated game lines and prop betting opportunities.
William Hill Sports Betting App Android Games
- What will be the result of this next drive for Washington — TD/FG/TO/punt?
- Which side will score three runs first — Nationals or Braves?
- Which team will hold the lead at halftime — Wizards or Hornets?
When you log in to the VA sports betting app of your choice, you should see a dedicated section for live betting. Once you click on that, the lobby will be populated with current and upcoming offerings. Live betting is a great way to stay engaged with the games and potentially turn a profit, but remember to always bet within your comfort level.
How online sports betting works in Virginia
You can get started with betting on sports in VA at any time. You can register online or via app with legal and regulated operators. You’ll need to enter just a few simple pieces of information, including:
- Name
- Address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Date of birth
- Last four digits of your Social Security number
In order to play, users have to be 21 or older and located within state lines. Your age will be verified as part of the sign-up process. If the operator has any trouble doing so, you’ll likely need to provide documentation.
While there’s not an in-state residency requirement, users need to be in Virginia to actually place bets. To verify that you are, sites use what’s known as geolocation tracking. You can manage your account elsewhere — deposit funds, check lines, etc. — but in order to place bets, you must physically be in VA.
What’s legal and illegal to bet on in VA
You can bet on all of the major sports in Virginia, as well as a whole host of others that are on a smaller scale. While there’s plenty to choose from, there are some restrictions to keep in mind.
- No betting on collegiate games involving VA-based teams.
- Live betting and player props are prohibited for college sports
- Bets are allowed on sporting events only, so you can’t bet on things like elections.
The restriction on non-sports wagering is not exclusive to Virginia. Many other states have adopted the same policy, while wagering on elections is prohibited across the US. College rules have been handled on a state-by-state basis, and we have seen plenty of variance.
Virginia law is one of the more restrictive in that you can’t place bets on in-state teams. New Jersey sportsbooks also implemented such a policy, while Pennsylvania sportsbooks has no such restrictions in place. While you can’t bet on the in-state programs, you can wager on other college basketball and football contests without issue.
How sports betting licensing works in VA
There are high expectations for the Virginia online sports betting market. Operators who are approved and vetted by the Virginia Lottery are on the hook for $250,000 for a three-year license as well as a 15% revenue tax in order to set up shop.
As part of the legalization process, there was plenty of back and forth on where the tax dollars would be allocated. That has all been squared away now that the bill is signed into law. Here’s the breakdown.
- The state gets 95%.
- The Virginia Lottery Board gets 5% for overseeing the industry.
- The final 5% is dedicated to a problem gambling and support fund that is slated to be overseen by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
Legal sports betting has been a hit in all of the new markets across the US. We can expect more of the same in VA. That’s great news for those who have been patiently waiting to legally and safely place their wagers at home, as well as for the state’s tax coffers.
Where to bet on sports in Virginia
There are no brick-and-mortar casinos in Virginia, but that could change in the future. As the sports betting legalization drama was playing out, a green light was given for physical casinos in the following cities:
- Bristol
- Danville
- Norfolk
- Portsmouth
Additionally, Richmond is still set to vote on whether to allow a casino there. If and when the prospective casinos actually open their doors, we can expect retail sportsbooks to be included among the on-site offerings. Interestingly, the following leagues have also been permitted to submit licenses for potential sportsbooks in any future construction projects in VA:
- NFL
- NBA
- MLB
- NHL
- MLS
While there are no pro teams in VA at this time for any of these leagues, the area is often mentioned as a potential spot for relocation or expansion. For now, we’ll consider this an intriguing tidbit to keep a close eye on.
Last but not least, the two operating racetracks in VA also have the opportunity to have their own sportsbook or to partner up with an existing operator. For a retail option that could open up quickly, this is the spot to watch. Here are the details on the two tracks.
Martinsville Speedway
- Address: 340 Speedway Road, Ridgeway, VA
- Tickets: 877-RACE-TIX
Richmond Raceway
- Address: 600 E. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA
- Tickets: 866-455-RACE
Colorado sports betting is a thriving ecosystem with new entrants emerging all the time. There are 16 live online sportsbooks in Colorado at the time of this writing, and over a dozen more sportsbook licenses up for grabs. The Colorado Limited Gaming Commission still has plenty of room to grow Colorado’s sportsbook industry, which got an impressive start out of the gate in its first months in business.
Most of Colorado’s sportsbooks are either standalone companies or the result of casino partnerships. DraftKings, FanDuel, and William Hill are companies whose core businesses are sportsbooks. However, Colorado’s homegrown casinos want in on the red-hot sports betting industry, too. Many have either partnered with sportsbook companies or developed their own. BetMonarch is one such sportsbook app that’s wholly owned and developed by Monarch Casino. Another is Sky Ute SportsBook, the first tribal-run sportsbook to launch in the state.
Online sports betting has taken off like a rocket in Colorado. That may be because it’s the safest betting option in the social distancing age. However, Colorado’s online sportsbooks are competitive choices for bettors’ funds. Here’s everything bettors need to know about them.
**Some of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. All bonus and promotions have Terms & Conditions that apply. 21+ for legal online gambling sites. If you think you have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700.
The Best Colorado Sports Betting Sites & Bonus Offers
- William Hill >> Claim $500 Free Bet With $250 Deposit
- BetRivers >> Claim 100% Deposit Match Bonus Up To $250
- FanDuel Sportsbook >> Claim A $1000 Risk-Free Bet
- PointsBet >> Claim $2000 In Two Risk-Free Bets With Bonus Code BIGBONUS
- DraftKings Sportsbook >> Claim 20% Deposit Match Bonus Up To $1000
Colorado Online Sports Betting Sites For February 2021
Pro sports got off to a late start this year due to the pandemic, and Colorado has mostly reopened since the March stay-at-home orders were rescinded. But even the lack of professional sports and the pandemic couldn’t deter Colorado from opening its first legal sportsbooks on May 1, or the bettors from flocking the newly launched sites and apps.
The launch of online sports betting in Colorado took some navigating, as officials grappled with the fallout from coronavirus. At the time of launch, there were few sports to bet on, but the market has done very well in the first months, even with bettors at first confined to wagering mostly on golf or table tennis. Here are the online sportsbooks who’ve secured partnerships in Colorado so far.
In addition to our top recommendations above, these are all of the sports betting apps in Colorado that are licensed, regulated in Colorado, and available for download:
The Best Colorado Online Sportsbooks (Ranked By Our Editors)
Best For New Bettors
$500 Free On $250 Deposit
Available On: Web, iOS, Android
Best For New Bettors
William Hill Colorado
4.7
An international sports betting brand, William Hill is taking its top-notch reputation to the US sports betting industry. Currently available in almost a dozen states, they offer all domestic and international sports odds. William Hill offers a $500 free bet to new bettors who deposit $250 or more.
William Hill Colorado
Bonus: 100% up to $500 on deposit
Retail Partner: Eldorado Resorts (Caesars Entertainment)
UK-headquartered William Hill is one of the biggest and most widely available sportsbooks in the US. Partnered locally with Eldorado Resorts (now Caesars Entertainment), William Hill kiosks have been available in Black Hawk since July, but the app didn’t launch until Sept. 8. New sign-ups can get up to a $500 risk-free bet with our exclusive link.
Best Mobile App
20% Deposit Bonus Up To $1000
Available On: Web, iOS, Android
Best Mobile App
DraftKings Colorado
4.9
DraftKings is one of the top US sports betting brands after making its name in the Daily Fantasy Sports industry. They offer one of the best mobile apps, with a easy-to-use interface. The interface makes it easy for new bettors to find sports, odds, and to place a bet. They offer a deposit bonus up to $1,000.
DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado
Bonus: 20% up to $1000 on deposit
Retail Partner: Mardi Gras Casino
DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the top US brands in sports betting, and it’s open for business for sports bettors in Colorado. Its variety of sports and lines are almost unmatched, and it offers some unique betting opportunities like teasers and parlays. It also has frequent bonuses and promotions.
Best Deposit Bonus
100% Deposit Bonus Up To $250
Available On: Web, iOS, Android
Best Deposit Bonus
BetRivers Colorado
4.7
BetRivers makes it easy to start betting in Colorado. New bettors can claim a 100% deposit match bonus up to $250 with only a 1x playthrough. This makes BetRivers Colorado the perfect choice for more casual bettors. For more experienced bettors, check out the BetRivers jackpot parlay bet.
BetRivers Colorado
Bonus: 100% up to $250 on deposit
Retail Partner: J.P. McGills
BetRivers is owned by Rush Street Interactive, which makes iGaming platforms in addition to its sportsbook offering. One of BetRivers’ differentiators is its extensive rewards system, which start at the basic level but top off at the “luxury” rewards for higher-tier wagers.
Best Betting Experience
$1000 Risk Free Bet Offer
Available On: Web, iOS, Android
Best Betting Experience
FanDuel Colorado
4.9
Much like DraftKings, FanDue Sportsbook made its name on Daily Fantasy Sports but now offers online sports betting across the US. The FanDuel Colorado app is one of the strongest in the state, with all major sports and some minor events as well. The interface is easy to understand the sportsbooks offers competitive odds.
FanDuel Sportsbook Colorado
Bonus: $1000 Risk-Free Bet
Retail Partner: Golden Gates Casino
Once known only for fantasy sports, FanDuel Sportsbook is all grown up, serving CO sports bettors 24 hours a day. FanDuel Sportsbooks has lines on MLB, NFL, NHL, and NBA, along with all kinds of other sports and events, both niche and mainstream. It has bets on the spread, the moneyline, halves and quarters of select games, and the over/under, and offers highly competitive odds in the CO sports betting landscape.
Best For Experienced Bettors
$2,000 In Two Risk Free Bets
Available On: Web, iOS, Android
Best For Experienced Bettors
PointsBet Colorado
4.9
Australian sports betting brand, PointsBet, is one of the newest sportsbooks to launch in Colorado. Offering competitive lines on US and international sports, PointsBet offers a high-risk, high-reward options for experienced bettors in their PointsBetting system.
PointsBet Colorado
Retail Partner: Double Eagle Casino
Australian-owned PointsBet is a mobile gaming partner of Double Eagle Casino in Cripple Creek. PointsBet was one of the first sports wagering companies to announce its intentions to operate in Colorado and was awarded an online license on March 19. They finally launched their online sportsbook app in November 2020.
PointsBet offers a unique winnings boost if your team wins big, called PointsBetting, offering multipliers for winning wagers based on the number of points a team wins a game. PointsBet also has a partnership with Koenke Sports & Entertainment to be the exclusive gaming partner of the Avalanche, Nuggets, Colorado Mammoth, and the Pepsi Center itself.
All Colorado Sports Betting Sites
SportsBetting.com
Bonus: $150 deposit bonus
Retail Partner: Carousel Group (Johnny Nolon’s, Cripple Creek)
SportsBetting.com gives new players up to $150 dollar deposit bonus. New users who deposit $10+ will get 100% bet credit up to $150 dollars using our exclusive link right here.
BetMGM
Bonus: $600 Risk Free Bet Bonus
Retail Partner: Midnight Rose
MGM is a premier name in gambling and entertainment, and its sports betting app BetMGM is available to CO sports bettors. BetMGM currently operates in almost a dozen countries including Colorado.
BetMonarch
Retail Partner: Monarch Casino
Monarch Casino in Black Hawk launched BetMonarch in May 2020, the first fully in-house sportsbook in the state developed by a casino. It offers the sports and leagues you’d expect lines on, but it also has an advantage many other sportsbooks don’t: BetMonarch rewards points players accumulate through their play can earn free hotel stays, meals, and more.
FOX Bet
Retail Partner: Eldorado Resorts (Caesars Entertainment)
Fox Bet’s local gaming partner is the Lady Luck Casino in Black Hawk, owned by Eldorado Resorts, which recently acquired gaming giant Caesars Entertainment, as well as the Isle Casino. Fox Bet has some solid bonus offers, including a $1,000 sign-up bonus ($500 risk-free bet + 100% match bonus of up to $500). In addition to the standard slate of sports to bet on, Fox Bet offers a wide range of betting boost, which are riskier, but could be lucrative wagers for lucky bettors.
SBK Sportsbook
Retail Partner: Christmas Casino*
SBK Sportsbook by Smarkets has a different approach to setting odds from most sportsbooks. Rather than making its money tilting the odds in its favor, SBK charges a 2% commission on bettors’ net winnings. The odds are then created as a consensus is slowly reached among where bettors are putting their money. SBK is a bit light on welcome bonuses, but it does offer a refund of the first $20 in lost bets over multiple bets.
Sky Ute SportsBook
Retail Partner: Sky Ute Casino
The launch of Sky Ute SportsBook made a bit of history for Colorado sports betting as the first tribal-owned casino in the state to launch its own sportsbook. Being on tribal lands, Sky Ute isn’t beholden to Colorado state laws governing odds, so they say their lines are some of the best in the state. Bettors can fund an account and start betting with just $25.
Circa Sports
Retail Partner: Century Casinos
Circa Sports, a Las Vegas-based sports wagering operator, was the first partnership agreement struck by Century Casinos, which operates two eponymous casinos in Colorado, one in Black Hawk, the other in Cripple Creek. Circa Sports is partnered with the Cripple Creek location, so that’s where eventual Circa-branded kiosks and windows will most likely be located. Circa offers multiple deposit and withdraw options, and has some of the best odds on favorite to win bets of any CO sportsbook.
BetWildwood
Retail Partner: Wildwood Casino
Cripple Creek’s first retail sportsbook, Woody’s at Wildwood, was also the first self-launched app by a casino in Colorado’s southern gambling resort town. BetWildwood offers sports bettors moneyline and spread bets on a variety of sports, and has live in-game betting for many. There are numerous deposit/withdrawal options, and it offers new members a $50 free bet.
ELITE Sportsbook
Retail Partner: Red Dolly Casino
ELITE Sportsbook was the 11th sportsbook to launch in Colorado. Bettors can start placing wagers on its website or through the app right now. ELITE Sportsbook offers bettors a variety of prop bets and parlays, and promotions will be available, including a sign-up bonus worth up to $1,000 in free bets. The company says it will be the only sportsbook in the state to offer a progressive parlay.
theScore Bet
Retail Partner: Jacobs Entertainment
theScore bet is a popular sports betting platform that launched in Colorado in September through its partnership with Jacobs Entertainment, which owns and operates the Lodge Casino and Gilpin Casino, both in Black Hawk. theScore debuted in New Jersey in 2019, the first ever sportsbook launched by a North American Media company, Score Media.
Betfred
William Hill Sports Betting App Android Download
Retail Partner: Saratoga Casino
Betfred, a major player in the United Kingdom sports betting market, expanded into the US in 2020, with the first Betfred USA sportsbook opening at Iowa’s Grand Falls Casino. The brand’s second US location is Colorado. Saratoga Casino has partnered with Betfred USA for its sports betting platform. Betfred operates more than 1,500 locations in the UK. Betfred’s sportsbook was the very first retail window to open in Colorado, giving it a first-mover advantage.
Not-Yet-Launched Sportsbooks
Barstool Sports (Penn National Gaming)
Retail Partner: Ameristar Casino
Penn National, which operates the Ameristar Casino Black Hawk, has brought its Barstool Sports sportsbook brand to Colorado and soon will open branded retail sportsbook windows at Ameristar, the largest casino in the state. Ameristar soft-launched a self-branded sportsbook this summer, so bettors can place bets in person for now until the Barstool Sports app launches.
Twin River Worldwide Holdings
Two of the biggest names in mobile sports betting will come to Colorado via Twin River Worldwide Holdings, which has been awarded three master licenses from the CLGCC.
Twin River (operating as Premier Entertainment Black Hawk in Colorado), has announced partnerships with both FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook, the two companies leading the market so far in open mobile sports betting markets in the US.
Three Colorado land-based casinos (Golden Gates, Golden Gulch, and Mardi Gras) were purchased by Twin River in January, with the intent of using those properties in partnership with FanDuel and DraftKings to bring sports betting to Colorado.
Online Sports Betting Partnerships
Colorado Online Sportsbook | Deposit Bonus | Launch Date | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|
William Hill | $500 Risk-Free Bet | September 8 | Visit WilliamHill.com |
DraftKings Sportsbook | 20% up to $1000 | May 1 | Visit Draftkings Sportsbook |
BetRivers | 100% up to $250 | May 1 | Visit BetRivers |
SportsBetting.com | $1,000 Risk-Free Week | September 13 | Visit SportsBetting.com |
FanDuel Sportsbook | $1,000 Risk-Free Bet | May 1 | Visit FanDuelSportsbook.com |
BetMGM | $600 Risk Free Bet | May 1 | Visit BetMGM Sportsbook |
PointsBet | 2 Risk-Free Bets; One $500 fixed-odds bet, One $1,500 risk-free bet for PointsBetting | November 18 | Visit PointsBet |
BetMonarch | - | May 9 | |
FoxBet | $500 Risk-Free Bet; $10 Bonus Bet for Broncos betting | May 19 | |
SBK Sportsbook | $20 Risk-Free Bet | June 4 | |
Sky Ute Sportsbook | - | June 9 | |
Circa Sports | - | July 1 | |
BetWildwood | - | July 10 | |
Elite Sportsbook | 50% up to $500, $500 Risk-Free Bet | August 14 | |
theScore Bet | $100 Free Bet, Up to $1k Cash Back bets in 60 days | September 2 | |
BetFred Sports | $500 Risk-Free Bet | September 8 |
Guide To Betting Online In Colorado
Although Colorado’s sportsbooks are each uniquely branded, there are similarities between each sportsbook. Here are a few things bettors can expect no matter where they wager.
Common Sportsbook Bonuses
Download William Hill Betting App
When bettors create sportsbook accounts, they’re often offered welcome bonuses. These bonuses incentivize bettors to place wagers and continue placing bets long after the first one is settled. The most common bonuses in Colorado are deposit bonuses and risk-free bets.
Deposit bonuses usually require bettors to deposit funds into their accounts. (There are also deposit bonuses that award site credits upon signup, but they’re usually tiny–less than $50.) Most deposit bonuses will match bettor deposits at a certain rate. For example, Fox Bet has a 50% deposit rate. That means for every $2 bettors deposit, Fox Bet will give a bettor $1 in site credits. That allows bettors to deposit at their own pace and place larger bets with less risk.
However, these deposit bonuses usually max out at $250 to $500. Sportsbooks can’t award site credits indefinitely.
Many sportsbooks also offer risk-free bets. They’re bets that get refunded if bettors lose a bet. FanDuel offers a risk-free bet of up to $500. If a bettor’s first wager is $500 and it loses, then that bettor will get $500 back in site credits. However, the risk-free bet is only good for the first bet. So, a $50 that loses would only get $50 of site credits back. Risk-free bets are popular choices for sportsbooks to offer, but they don’t allow bettors to wager at their own paces like deposit bonuses.
Colorado Teams That Can And Can’t Be Bet On
There are many different sports to bet on, but Coloradans have their favorite teams. The Broncos will have lines available during the NFL season. They’ll have moneylines and point spreads ripe for enthusiastic betting. There are plenty of prop bets and futures that’ll be available on the Broncos, too.
A Colorado list of teams wouldn’t be complete without the other three main sports, though. The Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche, and the Denver Nuggets are huge draws for sports fans across the state. All of them are fair game for sports betting, too.
College teams are fair game for certain types of bets, too. The Colorado Buffaloes are one of Colorado’s most popular teams, whether it’s CU’s football or basketball teams. Bettors will have the standard moneylines, spreads, and futures available as the professional teams offer.
However, Colorado sportsbooks won’t offer prop bets on college games. Colorado’s Division of Gaming prohibits prop bets on college games. It likely arises from a compromise with the NCAA, which is adamantly opposed to sports betting. Bettors shouldn’t be surprised when they don’t find sports betting on college teams.
What Is The Status Of Esports In Colorado?
Colorado not only allows esports betting. It also counts esports among its authorized sports catalog. The Division of Gaming’s rules stipulate that the Division will regulate sports and bets. That way, no one can make up a sport or bet that cons bettors out of their money. Sports matches must have clear, consistent rules to ensure bettors can understand how their wager will play out throughout the game. Bets must have similarly clear rules. Otherwise, sports betting wouldn’t be fair to bettors.
Sportsbooks Coming Soon To Colorado
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There are two sportsbooks that are in other states but could come to Colorado next. The first one is Golden Nugget. It’s available in New Jersey, but it doesn’t have a partnership in Colorado yet. The second is Parx. It has an online casino and sportsbook in Pennsylvania, another prominent sports betting state.
However, the full list is anyone’s guess. There will likely be more than two dozen online sportsbooks in Colorado by the time everyone arrives.
Legal Vs Illegal Sports Betting In Colorado
Sports betting used to be an illegal activity in all but four states. Sports bettors’ only options were illegal sportsbooks and bookies. If there was a bookie or website that bettors created relationships with, it could be hard for some of them to leave. However, legal sports betting sites are superior to illegal sites.
Legal sportsbooks are required to have a cash reserve so it can pay their winning bets out. Think about what happens if an underdog with long odds comes through. A futures bet with +5,000 odds will drain a sportsbook’s cash reserve quickly. Licensed sportsbooks have a formula set by the Colorado Division of Gaming to determine how much cash to have on hand.
In contrast, local bookies may not have that kind of cash on hand. They could be collecting bets informally at the bar with a makeshift business. In that case, there’s nothing stopping them from pocketing bettor money. Even if they’re reliable, they may get stretched too thin and be unable to pay out winnings. If that happens, bettors have no legal recourse because betting with a bookie is illegal in Colorado. They’re stuck without their winnings.
The worst-case scenario is a bookie that works for a crime syndicate. Your bookie may be cool, but his employers may come after bettors who bet on credit and don’t repay their debts. Bettors in good standing may also fund human and drug trafficking unknowingly. Licensed sportsbooks’ transparency ensures bettors don’t fall into these traps.
How Do I Know Online Sportsbooks Are Fair?
Online sportsbooks aren’t all shady offshore websites. However, new bettors may struggle to tell the difference between the two. Here’s how bettors can know they’re betting at a legitimate company.
Who Regulates Legal Online Sportsbooks?
The Colorado Division of Gaming regulates all the sportsbooks in Colorado. It’s a government agency that awards licenses, establishes rules, and enforces industry guidelines. The Division of Gaming also has resources for sports betting operators and customers alike, creating a transparent environment for all industry players.
Before sportsbooks are licensed, the Division of Gaming thoroughly examines each applicant. That includes financial statements, background checks, and a complete record of lawsuits the applicant was involved in. And if a sportsbook doesn’t pay out winnings, the Division of Gaming is a bettor’s next stop. It has processes in place to keep sports betting safe and fair across the board.
Why Should I Trust Online Sportsbooks?
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Before they go live, online sportsbooks submit to a security audit. It ensures the sportsbook can protect sensitive bettor information. The sportsbook hires an independent auditor who submits her findings to the Division of Gaming. If the auditor finds areas of improvement, she’ll list them in the report as well.
The Division won’t award a license to a sportsbook that can’t protect its bettors’ information. Since bettors submit their banking information during registration, sportsbooks need top-notch security in place. Bettors can rest assured that by the time they place a wager, their sportsbook of choice is prepared to protect their data.
How Do I Get Paid If I Win?
Sportsbooks make transferring money in and out of the sportsbook account easy. They know no one wants to bet at a sportsbook that makes handling money a hassle. If bettors win, they’ll have cash moved into their sportsbook account. From there, it’s usually as easy as hitting ‘withdraw’ and moving money to their bank or PayPal account. There are other options too, but no one’s using 7-Eleven’s cash withdrawal option during a pandemic.
In short, bettors can get paid from the app. They just have to win, which is win. Best of luck to all the aspiring bettors out there!
Online Sports Betting FAQs
Online sports betting is new to Colorado, so bettors may have a few clouds of doubt about the industry. Here are some common questions we can clear up at the end.
Can I sign up at a Colorado sports betting site or app without visiting in-person?
Yes, you can register online and start betting anywhere in Colorado. You only need to be physically within the Colorado border to place wagers.
What Kinds Of Sports Bets Are Legal In Colorado?
Moneylines, spreads, prop bets, and futures are legal on professional teams. However, Colorado bettors cannot place prop bets on college games. All bets are prohibited on high school games. (No one seriously thought DraftKings would have lines on their daughter’s softball game, did they?)
Yes. Because the Buffs are a PAC-12 team, college sports is a big draw in Colorado. And that’s before factoring in all their popular opponents. Everything besides prop bets is fair game on college sports.
Yes. Several sportsbooks have esports sections in their apps. If the pandemic shuts down major sports again, bettors may end up relying on the esports section to get their betting fixes. Counter Strike, anyone?
What Is The Tax Rate For Online Sports Betting In Colorado?
10%. The taxes largely go to water conservation projects in Colorado. Since Colorado shares water with seven other states, it’s a lot more than an environmentalist cause. It’s a precious resource that’s being funded by a portion of every bet.
Who Can Get A License To Run An Online Sportsbook In Colorado?
Licensed Casinos and established sportsbook companies. Unless aspiring entrepreneurs have all the pieces of their business in place, they can’t complete the license. It wouldn’t be impossible for someone to start a sportsbook in Colorado. However, it would require a massive cash infusion upfront. The sports betting market is largely inaccessible to companies without a track record.
Yes. It was also one of the first sportsbooks to do so.