COLORADO SPRINGS – A bill moving through the state legislature would authorize a November ballot question asking voters to allow an expansion of sports betting in Colorado.
In this 360° Perspective we’re looking at the state of sports betting and how this bill would change it.
Here’s what is legal right now under Colorado law:
- Table games and slot machines in Colorado’s 3 gambling towns: Cripple Creek, Black Hawk, and Central City
- Playing the lottery
- Betting on horse races through the Colorado Division of Racing
- Licensed bingo, raffles, and charitable games
- Social gambling such as hosting a friendly card game in your home
Under federal law- your office March Madness bracket is illegal if money is involved, but the vast majority go overlooked by authorities.
Instead of just legalizing sports betting, lawmakers have to ask you to vote on the issue because it means new taxes. According to Colorado’s “Taxpayer Bill of Rights,” new taxes have to be approved by voters.
The ballot question would ask you to approve the following:
- Allow sports betting at casinos in three Colorado cities
- Create three new types of gaming licenses: master license, sports betting operator, internet sports betting operator
- Those license holders can take bets on both professional and college sports- but no e-sports or high school sports
- The state would collect a 10 percent tax, which sponsors estimate could mean as much as $20 million a year. That money would go to Colorado water conservation projects.
The legislation already passed the house and it has to pass the senate which is hearing it Wednesday, May 1. If passed and signed into law and then voters approve- the new law could take effect as soon as Feb. 2020.
Have an idea for a 360° Perspective? Email 360@koaa.com.
This report was produced by Logan McCrary.
