Black Hawk Casinos And Sportsbooks
Black Hawk started as a mining community at the peak of the gold rush in 1859. After a period of decline, casinos were allowed here following a statewide referendum in 1990. Today, Black Hawk (along with nearby Central City) is a thriving tourist destination.
Casinos in Black Hawk have an advantage over those in Central City. While both are part of the same historical district, zoning laws are more relaxed in Black Hawk. This means modern hotel towers and larger resorts are possible. The Isle Casino and Ameristar are two examples of resorts that have taken advantage of this.
This page has you covered for legal casino gambling in Black Hawk. Below you’ll find an overview of what to expect at each of the casinos and Black Hawk gambling news, plus sign-up links for legal social casino sites you can play in Black Hawk.
Black Hawk in the News
Black Hawk casinos near you: Location and casino listings
Black Hawk is located in Gilpin County, which is to the west of Denver. It is the least populated “city” in Colorado, with just 118 residents in a recent census. Black Hawk and Central City together form a designated historical area. They are linked by a tram.
You’ll find information on each property, including whether it has a sportsbook, in the section below. The following casinos operate at Black Hawk:
Ameristar Casino and Hotel
This casino opened in 2001, becoming the biggest casino in Colorado. It has 940 slots and video machines, 40 table games, plus a 22-table poker room. It is owned by Gaming Leisure Properties. This property is managed by PENN Entertainment (which owns Hollywood Casinos in many states). The Barstool Sportsbook —featuring a 24-foot video wall, 29 HD TVs and 13 betting kiosks — opened in the fall of 2020. It will be rebranded to an ESPN Bet Sportsbook following PENN’s split with Barstool and subsequent deal with ESPN.
In addition to the gaming, there is a hotel with more than 500 rooms and a spa at this location. You can dine at the Centennial Market buffet, the Fireside Kitchen or Timberland Grill. You will also find a bar and showroom, which has regular events at Ameristar.
Ameristar Casino & Barstool Sportsbook
- Address: 111 Richman St., Black Hawk, CO 80422
- Telephone: 720-946-4000
- Sports Betting Partner: PENN / Barstool
Horseshoe Black Hawk Casino
You’ll see the Horseshoe first if you enter Black Hawk via Highway 119. This resort has a hotel linked to both the Horseshoe and Lady Luck Casino. This is another of Black Hawk’s larger casinos. You’ll find more than 900 slots (including video poker games), 28 table games, and a 10-table poker room at this venue. This casino is run by Caesars.
There are meeting rooms plus dining options available. These include the Farmer’s Pick Buffet, Starbucks, the Dash Café, Simply Yummy Baking Company, and Roxy Restaurant and Bar.
Horseshoe Black Hawk Casino
- Address: 401 Main St., Black Hawk, CO 80442
- Telephone: 800-843-4753
- Sports Betting Partner: Caesars Sportsbook
Lodge Casino
This is one of two Black Hawk venues owned by Jacobs Entertainment. The Lodge features more than 900 gaming machines (slots and video poker terminals) and 17 table games. This venue does not have a dedicated poker room. It displays a list of the current “hot slots” on its website, with percentage payouts showing you which machines are currently the loosest.
In 2020, the Lodge signed a sports betting partnership with the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, and in June 2021, the SuperBook opened its first retail location outside Nevada on the Lodge’s second floor.
There is a small (50 room) hotel at this venue. Dining options include the White Buffalo Grille, Seasons Buffet, Jake’s Deli and Cinnabon.
The Lodge Casino & SuperBook Sportsbook
- Address: 240 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80442
- Telephone: 303-852-1771
- Sports Betting Partner: SuperBook Sports
Monarch Casino
This venue was known as the Riviera Casino until 2013. This is another of the larger casinos in the Black Hawk / Central City historical district, and the property has had several remodeling upgrades over the last decade. There are now more than 1,000 electronic games, including a wide array of slots, 40 casino table games and a 14-table poker room at this venue. You’ll find this casino located next to the popular Isle of Capri hotel and casino.
You’ll find multiple dining and entertainment options. These include restaurants such as The Buffet, Monarch Chophouse, Twenty-Four 7 and Bistro Mariposa. There are multiple bars, with live entertainment featured on Friday and Saturday nights. The BetMonarch Sportsbook and Lounge, featuring a 22-foot monitor, is located on the third floor.
Monarch Casino
- Address: 488 Main St., Black Hawk, CO 80442
- Telephone: 303-582-1000
- Sports Betting Partner: BetMonarch
Saratoga Casino
Saratoga is a racetrack in New York state — though a Black Hawk Casino now has the same name. Fitzgerald’s Casino was bought by Saratoga Horse Racing Inc. in 2013, prompting the name change. This casino has more than 400 slot machines and a selection of casino table games, including blackjack, craps, three-card poker and roulette. It holds regular promos for players, including drawings and kiosk games.
In June of 2020, the Betfred Sportsbook opened as Colorado’s first retail sportsbook. It measures out at 1,400 square feet and features a LED video wall with HDTVs, lounge seating and both betting windows and self-service kiosks.
This smaller venue has a single restaurant and two bars. The Main Street Café is a casual dining restaurant. The Main Floor Bar gives you complimentary beers while you play.
Saratoga Casino and Betfred Sportsbook
- Address: 101 Main St., Black Hawk, CO 80422
- Telephone: 1-800-538-LUCK or 303-582-6100
- Sports Betting Partner: Betfred
Bally’s Black Hawk North
Formerly known as the Golden Mardi Gras Casino before its summer 2021 re-brand, this is one of three Bally’s Corporation-owned venues in town. They now go by Bally’s Black Hawk North, West and East. Bally’s, formerly known as Twin River Worldwide Holdings, works with both DraftKings and FanDuel, but the license for Bally’s Black Hawk North is explicitly for DraftKings to operate its retail sportsbook. The online Bally Bet mobile app also is available for download. Between the casino floors, there are more than 650 slots and 33 casino table games.
Bally’s Black Hawk North has four dining/bar options. These are the Casino Café & Grille, Creekside Deli, DraftKings Sportsbook Bar and B Bar.
Bally’s Black Hawk North Casino
- Address: 300 Main St., Black Hawk, CO 80422
- Telephone: 303-582-2600
- Sports Betting Partner: DraftKings
Lady Luck Casino
This venue is linked to the Isle of Capri Casino. Not only via shared ownership. There is also a physical link in the form of a pedestrian bridge from the parking lot. This is a smaller venue than the Horseshoe, with 400 slots/video poker machines and seven table games to enjoy. There also are Caesars Sportsbook betting kiosks as both the Lady and Horseshoe are owned by Caesars Entertainment.
There are only two restaurant at Lady Luck. TaCo. Cantina is open Tuesday through Saturday and specalizes in street tacos and margaritas while the TaCo. 2 Restaurant and Cantina is open on Fridays and Saturdays and features burgers, wings and sandwiches to go along with southwestern fare. With the pedestrian bridge to the Isle Casino, there are several more dining options easily accessible.
Lady Luck Casino
- Address: 340 Main St., Black Hawk, CO 80422
- Telephone: 775-786-5700
- Sports Betting Partner: Caesars Sportsbook
Gilpin Casino
Named after the county that Black Hawk is in, The Gilpin Casino is owned by Jacobs Entertainment, which also owns The Lodge. There are more than 370 slot machines at this venue. You will also find table games such as blackjack, roulette, and three-card poker.
Dining options include Lucile Malone’s. This venue serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an extensive menu of American classics. This casino (together with The Lodge) has a loyalty scheme called the “Winners Club.” This gives rewards based on play levels, including bonus bets and dining credits.
- Address: 111 Main St., Black Hawk, CO 80422
- Telephone: 303-582-1133
- Sports Betting Partner: theScore Bet
Z Casino
Formerly known as Bullwhacker’s, his casino rebranded to Z Casino after being acquired by Johnny Z’s in 2013. It is a smaller casino than many other Black Hawk properties. There are 435 slots/video poker terminals and just four casino table games. The Z Casino has two sister properties in Central City, Grand Z’s and the Dragon Tiger Casino.
As well as the small hotel, there is only one dining establishment, the Z Café. Entertainment options can be found at the Mile High Room, which regularly features free live music from local acts.
- Address: 101 Gregory St., Black Hawk, CO 80442
- Telephone: 303-271-2500
- Sports Betting Partner: None
Bally’s Black Hawk West
Formerly known as Golden Gates Casino, this property is one of the three Black Hawk establishments owned by Bally’s Corp.
What makes this property different from the others in the group is the extensive poker room. This is located above the main casino (which offers slots and limited table games). Bally’s has a partnership with DraftKings Sportsbook and also features the Bally Bet mobile app.
Full House Cafe and Gold Bar, located on the first floor, are the Bally’s Black Hawk West’s dining/drink options.
Bally’s Black Hawk West Casino
- Address: 300 Main St., Black Hawk, CO 80422
- Telephone: 303-582-2600
- Sports Betting Partner: DraftKings
Wild Card Saloon and Casino
This Main Street-based venue is proud to be the first casino to open in Black Hawk. Compared to some of the hotel/casino/spa-type properties, this is a small venue. You’ll find just over 200 slots and video poker machines here. This is owned by the same people that run the Station Casino, which is directly across the street. This is not a 24/7 operation. Instead, it is open from 8 a.m.-2 a.m.Monday through Wednesday and 8 a.m.-4 a.m. Thursday through Sunday.
The Wild Card Saloon is located in a historic three-story building. You can enjoy the view from the top floor, with a restaurant and bar selling mixed drinks, beer, and homemade food.
- Address: 120 Main St., Black Hawk, CO 80422
- Telephone: 303-582-3412
- Sports Betting Partner: IGT
Bull Durham Casino
This is another saloon-style casino. The slots surround a large bar. There are nearly 200 gaming terminals in total, a mix of slots and video poker machines. This casino has a reputation for friendly staff and a fun atmosphere. There is a reward system known as the “Sharp Shooters Club” at the Bull Durham Casino. This provides cash back based on play, plus entry in drawings.
Bull Durham does not feature a retail sportsbook and its online partner, PlayUp, has pulled out of Colorado and sold its US assets.
- Address: 110 Main St., Black Hawk, CO 80427
- Telephone: 303-582-0810
- Sports Betting Partner: None
Bally’s Black Hawk East
The last of the three Bally’s Corp. casinos to be listed on this page, this venue was formerly known as the Golden Gulch Casino. It opened in 2003 and is located in a former jailhouse.
There are 140 slot and video poker terminals located here. Entertainment options are limited with the size of the building, and dining establishments can be found at the neighboring Bally’s Black Hawk North and West. You can, however, enjoy a craft beer (among the usual mix of beers, wines, and liquors) at the Golden Gulch Bar.
Bally’s Black Hawk East
- Address: 321 Main St., Black Hawk, CO 80422
- Telephone: 303-582-2600
- Sports Betting Partner: DraftKings
Black Hawk Station Casino
This small casino is located in what was once the real station. While there are only 127 slots, this venue is a firm favorite with the locals. This casino is under the same ownership as the Wild Card Saloon and Casino, which is directly across the street.
There is only one dining option, and the Station Casino is way too small to include a hotel. You can eat at Shirley and Ed’s Grille, which serves burgers, sandwiches, and prime rib.
Black Hawk Station Casino
- Address: 141 Gregory St., Black Hawk, CO 80422
- Telephone: 303-582-5582
- Sports Betting Partner: None
Red Dolly Casino
There are two Red Dolly casinos in Colorado. One is in Black Hawk, and the other is in nearby Central City. The Black Hawk casino, the self-proclaimed “Cheers of Casinos,” is one of many small casino/bar-type venues you’ll find on Gregory Street. There are more than 120 slots and electronic terminals. Many slots are classics from IGT, Aristocrat and others.
There is no retail sportsbook on the premises, the Red Dolly’s online sports betting partner, Elite Sportsbook, has pulled out of Colorado.
You’ll find a single restaurant and bar here. The menu is varied (American and Mexican cuisine) with prime rib featured. This casino is not 24/7 like many in Black Hawk. It is open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- Address: 530 Gregory St., Black Hawk, CO 80422
- Telephone: 303-582-1100
- Sports Betting Partner: None
Sasquatch Casino
A big attraction at this smaller Black Hawk casino is “Harry,” a 7-foot-4 sasquatch right in the middle of the casino floor. There is more to the venue than this novelty, with 145-plus slot machines, plus video poker terminals. This is another of the area’s smaller saloon-style casinos, and it has a reputation for friendly service.
For dining, there’s the Sasquatch Grill, featuring breakfast burritos, sandwiches, pizza and fish and chips. Most casinos are 21+, though the Sasquatch has an arcade area that is suitable for children. This includes racing games, Pac-Man and pinball.
Sasquatch Casino
- Address: 125 Gregory St., Black Hawk, CO 80422
- Telephone: 720-880-1616
- Sports Betting Partner: IGT
History of Black Hawk, Colorado
This settlement got started back in 1859 at the height of the “Gold Rush.” A prospector named John H. Gregory discovered gold in a ravine between what is now Central City and Black Hawk. This was named “Gregory Gulch.” It started a frenzy of miners, with Black Hawk becoming a settlement. The settlement officially became a city just five years later.
Things boomed for a while. A railway line was set up, along with a tramway to Central City. After the gold rush fizzled, Black Hawk went into decline.
In 1990, a statewide referendum passed, allowing casino gambling in three historical districts in Colorado. Black Hawk saw its chance for revival, with the first casinos opening in 1991. This settlement was the first place reached on the highway from the Denver area — giving its casinos a boost. Zoning laws allowed for the larger hotels, including Ameristar, to be built.
The introduction of sports betting via a referendum passed in 2019 gave another boost to the casinos in Black Hawk.
Black Hawk’s unique saloon-style casinos and spas
Only Deadwood in South Dakota rivals Black Hawk when it comes to transforming from a mining community to thriving casino destination. That mix of history and saloon-style casinos with the big hotel and spa casino resorts gives Black Hawk a unique appeal.
Casinos in this historical city vary considerably in size. The smallest has just over 100 slots, while the biggest have 1,000+along with scores of table games and poker rooms. You’ll find entertainment, dining, and bar options at all the casinos. With many next door to one another, it is easy to spend time checking out several different properties.
The larger casinos have sports betting partnerships and retail sportsbooks. Those include Bally’s Black Hawk North (DraftKings), Ameristar (Barstool) and the Lodge (Colorado SuperBook).