Operator News

US – Colorado issues sports betting licences to seven casinos

By Phil - 21 February 2020

The Colorado Limited Gaming Commission has approved its first wave of sports bettors with seven of the Colorado casinos that applied for master licenses expected to launch on May 1.

The casinos will be allowed to open retail sports books onsite and offer digital sportsbooks via web-based or mobile apps.

While the Department received 33 master license applications as of January 31, the Commission considered sports betting licensing actions of seven casinos at a hearing. The first wave of casinos that have cleared the first hurdle and, should they pass inspection, will to offer sports betting on May 1 are Brass Ass Casino in Cripple Creek, Dostal Alley Brewpub and Casino in Central City, Double Eagle Hotel and Casino in Cripple Creek, J.P. McGills Hotel & Casino in Cripple Creek, Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino in Cripple Creek, Monarch Casino in Black Hawk and Saratoga Casino in Black Hawk.

Suzanne Karrer, Communications Manager for the Division of Gaming, said: “We’re doing all we can that who wants to operate on May 1 is able to do so. That’s why it was important to pass these rules in February.”

Whilst some will be up and running for the launch date others see it being a tight timeframe.

Buddy Schmalz, co-owner of Dostal Alley, said of a potential Ma1 launch: “My guess is it’s really tough given the time frame and whoever we partner up with.”

Double Eagle formed a partnership with PointsBet last July to launch both retail and digital sportsbooks. The retail location in Cripple Creek is expected to include a sports bar and multiscreen video and odds display wall.

Century Casinos has confirmed it will partner with the app Circa Sports Colorado to provide digital wagering through one of its three casinos starting May 1.
“We are excited to be at the forefront of sports betting in Colorado with our partners at Century Casinos,” said Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa Sports. “Colorado has proven to be an ideal place to mark the official expansion of Circa Sports outside of Nevada with its pro-growth regulatory environment. Furthermore, the Colorado Division of Gaming has done an excellent job to ensure a seamless application and launch process.”

Twin River Worldwide Holdings, which recently purchased the Golden Gates, Golden Gulch and Mardi Gras casinos in Black Hawk, has signed deals with DraftKings and FanDuel digital providers.

“Coast to coast, DraftKings is committed to providing states across the country with the ultimate experience in legal sports betting,” said Ezra Kucharz, DraftKings chief business officer. “Twin River holds a mutual pledge to providing exciting, real-time gaming opportunities, and we look forward to working alongside them to introduce Colorado sports fans to our award-winning product.”

“Completing the acquisition of Golden Gates, Golden Gulch and Mardi Gras casinos in Black Hawk, Colorado included the right to three sports gaming licenses in Colorado and will really allow us to expand our footprint here well beyond our Arapahoe Park racetrack and Off-Track Betting network” said George Papanier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Twin River. “We are very excited for this newly-formed partnership with DraftKings that will allow us to bring sports betting to the greater Denver market, not only with their mobile betting access, but also with an exciting retail sportsbook location inside our newly acquired casino.”