GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - The NFL season began Wednesday, and a new Colorado law is changing how residents can place sports bets this year.
Sports betting in Colorado has continued to grow since it was legalized. This year, the Division of Gaming saw more than $60 million wagered on the World Cup alone.
“That’s about a 245% increase compared with the previous World Cup. I think a lot of that was just more based on prevalence. People having more accessibility right here in Colorado to be able to make those wagers compared to the previous World Cup,” said Christopher Schroder, director of the Colorado Division of Gaming.
Football was the second-most-bet-on sport last year behind basketball. Roughly $853.5 million was bet on all forms of professional football for the fiscal year. “I would imagine that we’re going to have a very strong year again this year, but that’s largely based on interest by players and really storyline driven as well,” Schroder said.
New restrictions on betting
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A new law that adds restrictions on sports betting went into effect last month. It bans the use of credit cards for betting, preventing online sportsbooks from accepting credit card deposits for sports wagers. It also limits deposits by barring licensed operators from accepting more than six separate deposits in a single gaming day. The law restricts notifications sportsbooks can send, prohibiting push notifications or text messages that solicit bets or deposits. It also makes it illegal for sports betting operators to market toward people under 21.
If you or someone you know has issues with gambling, you can visit BetSmart.Colorado.gov or call 1-800-GAMBLER to get immediate assistance and resources.
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