GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) - Colorado’s sports betting industry delivered record-breaking tax revenue in 2025, with the state’s Division of Gaming reporting an average of nearly 7% increases year after year in wagers.
“Tax revenue is up through the roof. We were looking at record-breaking numbers again this year,” said Christopher Schroder, director of the Division of Gaming. “We anticipate this continues to go in the right direction, seeing closure at the end of the fiscal year with record-breaking numbers again.”
The accessibility of sports betting within Colorado means residents can “play responsibly within your limits and not have to venture out to neighboring states,” according to Schroder.
The NFL Championship alone generated $40.7 million in wagers for Colorado, with over $29 million in payouts to bettors and a 28.19% total house win. In 2025, the state generated $46.7 million in wagers, $33.2 million in payouts, and a total house win of 28.89%.
While total wagers were a couple of million less than last year, more players won their wagers. Schroder said the division is predicting January will set new records for tax revenue.
“It’s looking like January might be the highest grossing month from a tax revenue perspective. We’ll have to wait to see how those numbers actually pan out,” he said.
Betting operators took the house win. Those earnings will be taxed 10%, according to Schroder, with the revenue going directly to Colorado’s Water Conservation Board to help fund grants for clean water projects.
“Clean drinking water and different resources available associated with water in Colorado is very important to all of us,” Schroder said.
Some of the remaining money is allocated back to the Division of Gaming to fine-tune gambling regulations and ensure games are played fairly while providing resources for responsible gambling.
“We also want to make sure that people are playing responsibly, both individuals over the age of 21, as well as individuals that are more inclined to play responsibly,” Schroder said.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and Schroder said the Division of Gaming and Colorado Lottery will host an event at the state capitol, working with legislators and the public to ensure safe and responsible gambling continues.
Colorado residents can find resources for safe and responsible gambling here.
Copyright 2026 KJCT. All rights reserved.