Colorado has strict rules for gambling
Gambling in Colorado is restricted to a few historic cities in the Colorado Mountains--Central City, Cripple Creek and Black Hawk--and establishments on tribal reservation land. The Colorado Gaming Commission enforces Colorado's gambling laws. The commission can also amend, remove or add new regulations to the Colorado Gaming Regulations. Casinos can remain open from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. Raffles and bingo games are permitted if a charity is sponsoring them. Colorado also sponsors a lottery.
Limits
Gambling establishments tend to cause an increase in crime, according to the Colorado Gaming Regulations. The state strives to limit the amount that anyone who operates gambling institutions or gambling can gain by imposing a low limit for bets.
Age
You must be 21 years of age or older to gamble in Colorado casinos. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in the lottery, raffles and bingo.
Types
Colorado Gaming Regulations strictly limit gambling types, especially in casinos. Colorado casinos can offer electronic games, such as slot machines, along with a few table games, which are limited to blackjack, roulette, craps and a few types of poker.
Licensing
The Colorado Gaming Commission enforces several laws pertaining to individuals and businesses wishing to obtain a gambling license. The applicant has to be at least 21 years of age, have suitable premises for a gambling establishment and have the proper character, as determined by the Commission. Before making a decision, the Commission will investigate the applicant's background, financial history and criminal record. Applicants pay for the costs of investigation. Licensing fees vary from less than $100 to several thousand dollars, depending on what type of license is sought.
Violations
The Colorado Gaming Commission considers illegal any gaming activity that isn't licensed or allowed in the state, including sports betting. Both the gambler and the person running the gambling operation engaging in illegal activity face criminal charges, fines and a possible prison sentence. Amateur gamblers are guilty of a petty offense with the first citation and a misdemeanor for subsequent offenses. Persons classified as professional gamblers face misdemeanor charges for the first offense and felony charges for subsequent offenses. The commission classifies individuals as professional gamblers if they entice others to gamble and they themselves face a lesser risk of losing due to skill or luck. Individuals coordinating such gambling, or owning illicit gaming devices, face misdemeanor to felony charges, depending on the offense and whether it is a repeat offense.
Tags: Colorado Gaming, Colorado Gaming Commission, Colorado Gaming Regulations, Gaming Commission, Gaming Regulations, Colorado casinos