A year ago at this time, Colorado casinos were open but with restrictions.
Capacity was limited on slot machines and table games weren’t available.
What made the situation so tough was there was no indication as to when it might end. That just added to the frustration, especially for the workers.
A year later, casinos in the three gaming towns of Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek are fully open. And they’re bracing for a celebration this Fourth of July weekend.
If you make the trek to one of the casinos, masks are not required, though they are recommended for those who aren’t fully vaccinated.
Gaming towns could get financial bang from Fourth of July weekend
As luck would have it, the Fourth of July falls on a Sunday, so that means, in most cases, a long weekend for visitors.
That means a longer stay in the gaming towns and a needed financial bang (pun intended) for the communities.
Also remember that casinos in Colorado no longer have gaming limits and table games have been expanded.
The thought behind adding no-limit gaming and more table games like baccarat was that it would make the three gaming towns more desirable for Coloradans and tourists.
This weekend illustrates why these changes were put into place. It’ll be interesting to see if it has any impact.
As for the expansion of games, baccarat has really gained traction since its implementation in late April. That will no doubt continue this weekend.
As Erica Ferris, Monarch Casino Resort director of casino marketing, said:
“The main thing that both we and our guests are excited about is how this just really opens up our market and allows us to really compete with those trips to Las Vegas. And it allows us to offer those games and limits that people are really looking for. So we’re excited to be super competitive in the gaming resort destination market. And we’re excited to offer these games and these limits to people who have been asking for them for years.”
It’s not just the casinos either that could be desirable.
The retail sportsbooks could as well, especially with the opening of the SuperBook at the Lodge Casino. The Las Vegas-style shop adds great variety to an already great set of options in Black Hawk and Central City.
Cripple Creek fireworks
In terms of fireworks shows, only Cripple Creek will have them this year.
Black Hawk announced last week that it had to cancel its show.
As it says on the site, “Many factors were considered when making this decision, including the loss of one launch site due to development, growing complications with our primary launch site, and the ever-present fire danger.”
As for Cripple Creek, the fireworks show is widely considered one of the best in Colorado.
For those who make the trek south, here’s what to expect:
- The show starts 20 minutes after dusk (approximately 9:30 p.m.).
- The fireworks will be set off from the south side of town, south of Myers Ave.
- The city also requests that guests remain in their cars to practice social distancing.
For more details on the Cripple Creek fireworks show, this page is incredibly helpful. It also includes a map so you know where to go and where the show is planned to take place.
Fourth of July at the tribal casinos in Colorado
Ute Mountain Casino in the southwest part of the state has events planned for Saturday.
You can head to the casino for your favorite slot machine or table game and then enjoy the fireworks at night.
As the casino said on Twitter, it’s the largest Fourth of July fireworks show in the Four Corners.
As life gets back to normal, this Fourth of July finally feels like a reason to celebrate and escape.
