GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) - As the 2025 NFL season begins, more sports fans will begin to place bets on their favorite teams and players.
Colorado legalized sports betting in 2019, and continues to break records. According to the Colorado Division of Gaming, over $6 billion in betting wages were made in 2024, bringing nearly $37 million in tax revenue to Colorado. American football was the 2nd most bet on sport. The most bet on sport was basketball, which made $1.4 billion.
“We had about $851 million wagered during the last fiscal year just on the NFL,” said Christopher Schroder, Director of the Colorado Division of Gaming.
Schroder said these funds will go directly back into the state.
“That goes directly to the Water Conservation Board to ensure that all of us have clean drinking water, and it also supports many of the different projects that the Water Conservation Board puts together and works on," he said.
In July 2025, the Division reported over $3.5 million in sports betting, a nealy 10% increase from the total handle for July in 2024.
“According to those run rates, if we continue to have strong numbers, the division anticipates another very strong year, possibly even another record-breaking year,” said Schroder.
While money totaled from sports betting supports Colorado, the Division still encourages safe and responsible gambling practices. According to Evan Oeinck, a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, gambling is one of the only non-substance-related disorders recognized by the American Psychological Association. Oeinck said targeted advertising is a factor to consider when it comes to gambling addiction.
“It can target people who are more likely to have a problem with it because they see, oh, this person’s betting numerous times. And now that we have AI and algorithms that are helping build those kinds of structures and patterns as well, it can really target people,” said Oeinck.
Oeinck outlines a few early warning signs for the negative effects of gambling.
“If you feel like your mood, your state of mind, just your general attitude is being influenced by whether or not you won or lost any bets that day. It’s a pretty big indicator that you’re not in control necessarily of this anymore,” he said.
The Colorado Division of Gaming also acknowledges the addictive side of gambling and works with online operators to allow users to regulate their activity.
“Whether that’s a wage or a buying amount, even a time limit, you could also self-exclude yourself right there online,” said Schroder.
Oeinck echoes this and encourages sports betters to outline specific guidelines and rules for themselves.
“If you start keeping track of hey, my money is going here and here and here, it starts to let you know like ohh, maybe it’s something I need to keep an eye on,” said Oeinck.
Even though Oeinck encourages users to be aware of potential side effects, he said sports betting is also a great way to engage and connect with those around you.
“This is another way for people to kind of have that community in connection with others,” he said. “It can be a lot of fun to kind of get your hand and maybe win a few times or connect better with your favorite teams or favorite players.”
“I think it’s great for Coloradans to have an opportunity to place wages right here in Colorado,” said Schroder. “Rather than having to travel to sister states, or to Las Vegas or Atlantic City. Now they have an opportunity right here to play a regulated sports betting operation.”
September is Responsible Gaming Education Month, organized by the American Gaming Association. During the month, the association will work with state partners to promote responsible gambling.
If Coloradans would like to learn more about resources for responsible gambling, they can visit Bet Smart Colorado, or dial 1-800-GAMBLER.
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