Colorado Sports Betting Expands ? And Will Again In A Few Weeks

It has been less than four months since Colorado sports betting was launched.

Throughout that time, the industry has slowly expanded — “slowly” being a relative term here. Since going live May 1, Colorado sports betting has seen 10 operators roll out online sportsbooks, not to mention four retail sportsbooks and a bank of kiosks at another casino.

Over the next few months, legalized wagering in the Centennial State will only grow. In fact, it already has, as an 11th mobile provider has launched, with two more expecting to join the fold in the near future.

ELITE enters Colorado sports betting

Just in time for the NBA playoffs, ELITE Sportsbook introduced an online platform in its second state.

Thanks to a partnership with Red Dolly Casino in Black Hawk, ELITE expanded outside of Iowa borders for the first time. Additionally, the operator intends to open
up betting kiosks at the casino soon.

“We are excited to offer ELITE Sportsbook in Colorado in partnership with Red Dolly Casino,” Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts, said in a press release. “With a best-in-class, easy-to-use platform, ELITE Sportsbook will be able to offer unique betting options. Our connection to our local markets and a strong partner like Red Dolly gives us great insight into unique wagers and promotions that the Colorado customers are going to love!”

Added Craig Ramirez, general manager at Red Dolly:

“Teaming up with ELITE Sportsbook will allow the Red Dolly Casino to offer sports betting kiosks in the casino as well as online sports betting to our current and new customers alike. We are looking forward to a long, successful partnership.”

Coming down the sports betting chute: theScore

Leading up to May 1, theScore had every intention of becoming part of the first wave of online sportsbooks to go live in Colorado.

Once the pandemic occurred, theScore amended its plans. But it appears that by month’s end, the operator finally will add Colorado to its portfolio.

The company’s subsidiary, Score Digital Sports Ventures Inc., recently received authorization from the Colorado Division of Gaming to offer regulated wagering in the state.

No specific target date was announced, but John Levy, CEO of theScore, provided a fairly narrow timeline.

“We can’t wait to launch theScore Bet in Colorado later this month,” Levy said, “and showcase our incredible betting product to the passionate sports fans there.”

Already live in New Jersey, theScore gained market access in Colorado via a partnership with Jacobs Entertainment and its flagship property Lodge Casino in Black Hawk.

To sum it up: By opening week of the NFL season, Colorado could boast a dozen online sportsbooks ripe for NFL betting.

Australia-based operator PlayUp gets foot in Colorado door

With a number of sportsbooks landing partnerships with land-based casinos and working toward licensing and launch, other operators are working to get in on the action.

Case in point: PlayUp has partnered with Bull Durham Casino in Black Hawk.

Based out of Sydney, Australia, PlayUp has targeted Colorado for its first steps onto American soil. PlayUp, the largest DFS provider Down Under, boasts online products in Australia, New Zealand and India. Soon, the US will join that list.

Why the Centennial State as its first foray into American sports betting?

“We selected Colorado as the first US state to enter as we believe it has great potential, with a population of almost 6 million people that traditionally love sports,” Dr. Laila Mintas, CEO of PlayUp US, said in a press release. “The sports betting market in Colorado has a potential market size of $300 million USD. As we are an online-only brand, our products are very scalable, especially in times of social distancing.”