Is Poker legal in Colorado (co)? Online Poker Laws in Colorado Explained

Can You Play Online Poker in Colorado?

Regulation has been discussed but no recent movement.

Current Colorado Gambling Laws

With the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2012 (a law that went into effect at the start of 2014), Colorado seems like a progressive state that would be open to the idea of online poker. However, to date, no such legislation has come close to passing thus far.

The state is gambling-friendly in general with horse racing dating back to 1950, the state lottery since 1982, and casinos since 1991. Other types of gambling such as charitable games, bingo, and raffles are also permitted. Colorado now has more than 40 brick-and-mortar casinos, nine of which offer poker. Of those, two casinos are run by tribal groups.

In terms of online gambling, horse betting and sports betting the only forms allowed at this time.

Various online gambling bills have been discussed by Colorado legislators over the last decade, including some specifically focused upon online poker, though none have progressed to the point of being serious considered. Such moves have provided some promise that online gambling was on the radar among at least elected officials in Colorado, and it's clear that plenty of land-based casino interests would be supportive as well.

For example, the acquisition of Pinnacle Entertainment by Penn National in 2017 might prove a motivator going forward. Among Pinnacle's properties acquired by Penn National was Ameristar Black Hawk, the largest casino in the state. Meanwhile, Penn National's involvement in Pennsylvania where online gambling legislation has been passed into law means the operator would likely be interested in becoming involved should Colorado move in a similar direction.

Colorado did formally legalize sports betting in 2019, which could be regarded as an indicator of a potentially favorable attitude toward other types of online gambling legislation down the road.

Best Online Poker Sites for Colorado Players

None at present. But you can always play poker for free with the WSOP Social App.