People have long been coming to Colorado to strike it rich. Miners began in the mid 19th Century and soon after the rush was on. There are three designated casino towns, two Indian casinos and one horse track. Read our Read our casinos blog.
Casinos in Colorado
Colorado permits casinos in only three of its towns: Central City and Black Hawk, serving the Denver Metro, and Cripple Creek serving Colorado Springs. It also allow gaming on Indian reservations in the southwest part of the state, and there are two casinos down there.
 Black Hawk |
 Cripple Creek |
 Cripple Creek |
 Black Hawk |
 Central City |
 Cripple Creek |
 Central City |
 Cripple Creek |
 Black Hawk |
 Central City |
 Black Hawk |
 Ignacio |
 Towaoc |
Horse Racing in Colorado
There is one horse racing track in the state, which permits betting on horses, located in Aurora. Its season runs from late May to mid August, however, you can bet on horse racing from the country there, year round.
 Aurora |
Guide to Casinos and Gambling in Colorado
Main Street casinos in Black Hawk. Photo: Justin Smith
Gambling has long been part of Colorado’s Wild West culture and continues to thrive to this day. You can find casinos only in specific towns or Indian reservations, as well as gambling at an Aurora horse track and off-track-betting venues.
Most casinos are open 24 hours a day, a vary the gambit in size, from slot-only, to dozens of table games. If you’re looking for that perfect poker room for your Texas Hold ‘Em fix, Colorado’s got you covered (just don’t be the fish). Some Colorado hotels have casinos on-site to keep guests happy, safe, and of course, playing.
Colorado is probably not the first destination that springs to mind for those of you planning a casino-themed vacation, but don’t be too hasty to dismiss it. Far from the blazing lights of the Vegas strip and the heat of the desert, Colorado offers casino goers a unique opportunity to experience the buzz of the casino floor combined with the charm of the Rocky Mountains – Old West style.
Making Gambling Legal Colorado
Colorado has long been heralded as the ultimate destination for adventurers and outdoorsy types. The state boasts of some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the US. Visitors are greeted with stunning mountain landscapes, rushing rivers and resplendent waterfalls, as well as plenty of opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Hiking, skiing and white water rafting are just some of the attractions that draw people in from all over America and beyond.
In 1991, Colorado added another feather to its bow by making gambling legal in three of its cities, namely; Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. With over 40 casinos dotted throughout these areas, gamblers are now spoilt for choice. Imagine; skiing by day and then hitting the cocktail bar for a little après ski before sitting down to a thrilling game of blackjack on the casino floor. Or, how about heroically facing the white water rapids and then throwing your cards down James Bond-style in a high stakes game of poker? What more could you want?
Casino Gaming in Colorado
Sure, we could stay at home and play slots online, especially one of the many fantastic free slots Canada has to offer, but sometimes it’s worth the effort to get all dressed up and head out for a night on the town. Most of the casinos in Colorado offer more than just a casino floor. You’ll find entertainment establishments that house casinos alongside top class restaurants, tasteful lounge bars and, in some cases, mini-golf and bowling.
Summer on Main Street in Black Hawk, CO. Photo: Kent Kanouse
The casinos in Colorado offer all the games you’d expect a casino to offer, and while the premises might not be as grandiose as those in Vegas, you won’t find them wanting. The casino floor will be teaming with all those glowing slot machines, in all shapes and sizes. There will be plenty of table games on offer with varying limits. While a land-based casino can never hope to compete with an online casino for the sheer volume of games on offer, they make it for it in spades with atmospheric authenticity.
Practice Makes Perfect
Consider signing up to an online casino before you venture off on your holiday to allow for some free or paid practice, to give you the confidence to hit the tables running when you get to Colorado. If you want to learn how to win big at slots, there are plenty of free slot games to try your hand at that will help you get a better understanding of how it all works. The best online casino will be the one that offers you a hefty welcome bonus, which you can use to refine your poker game or figure out your roulette strategy.
If you’re looking for a destination that’s a little less shiny than Vegas and with a little more natural light, you can’t go wrong by choosing a casino adventure in Colorado. And don’t worry, you can still spend the entire time ensconced in your casino cocoon while you’re there – just remember to look out of the window every now and again, relax your poker face and breath in the beauty of your surroundings.
Colorado Casino Towns
Since most of the Colorado’s population lives on the Front Range, that’s where you find its three casino towns, just tucked away in the mountains. All three historic towns are former mining meccas, with a long past of rowdiness and gambling.
 near Golden |
 near Golden |
 near CO Springs |
The two neighboring mountain towns of Central City and Black Hawk await Denver’s Front Range residents 24 hours a day. From table games to slots, you can find it either town. Central City features the better historic district, having burned completely and rebuilt up with brick. Black Hawk on the other hand, showcases the largest casinos in Colorado.
Locals Colorado Springs and the southern Front Range head to Cripple Creek. It’s got real mining town charm and plenty of gambling halls to entice you. It’s a 45 minute from the Springs.
Indian Casinos in the Southwest
Residents of Southwest Colorado head to one of two Indian casinos: Sky Ute Casino in Ignacio or Ute Mountain Casino in Towaoc near Cortez and the Four Corners. Both are single buildings with 24 hour gaming and full table games.
OTB – Off Track Betting for Horse Racing and Greyhounds
Aurora hosts the only horse racetrack in the state, Arapahoe Park. Mile High Racing & Entertainment manages races between late May and mid August each season. You can off track bet there as well, on horses and greyhounds.
There’s off track betting (OTB) on horse races at a number of places around Colorado. Watch the action live at these local OTB venues:
- OTB Sundance – Fort Collins
- Post Time – Colorado Springs
- Red & Jerry’s – Sheridan
- Southern CO Gaming & Event Center – Pueblo
- Softball Country – Denver
- The 8 Track At Bank 8 Billiards – Grand Junction
- The Celtic Tavern – Downtown Denver
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Related activities
If you’re looking for gaming, you’re probably looking to be entertained. Head to a local performing arts show year round. Enjoy comedy, concerts or theatre.
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