Colorado recently celebrated one birthday, it now has the chance to do so again.
You can never have enough birthdays.
Friday marks the third anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning PASPA, the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.
That decision paved the way for legalized sports betting in Colorado. In fact, it’s set in motion a multi-billion dollar industry that is still in its infancy.
To celebrate the three-year anniversary of that ruling, DraftKings Colorado sportsbook has a “Free to Bet Day.” As part of the promotion, the sportsbook is offering a $5.14 credit. Friday’s date is 5/14.
Unlike most DraftKings promos, this is good for all users of the app. DraftKings bettors need to opt-in and claim their free wager on Friday to take advantage of the offer. The sportsbook will issue the bonus on Friday.
- Bet & Get up to $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
- PLUS up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
- PLUS $50 Bonus Bet on Deposit
- Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
DraftKings bonus Promo
Here’s how it works:
- The bonus amount is not included in any returns or winnings
- Your bonus is not redeemable for cash, non-transferable, and non-refundable
- One qualifying bet per user
Colorado at the forefront of legal sports betting
The fact that Colorado, and the country, is in this position is rather remarkable. We knew the winds of change would hit by the overturning of PASPA, but no one could have foreseen this.
Just look at the first year of sports betting in Colorado.
Despite launching during a global pandemic when there were no major sports, bettors in Colorado still wagered $2.3 billion.
That’s due in part to the enthusiasm for the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets. The Avs are the favorite to hoist the Stanley Cup (knock on wood). The Nuggets are led by NBA MVP Nikola Jokić. Despite the loss of guard Jamal Murray, Denver could still make a deep run in the NBA Playoffs.
That shows why the hopes and expectations remain a mile high for this young market. Now imagine the excitement that would ignite if the Denver Broncos were able to swing a trade for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers effect?
A mere rumor of the reigning NFL MVP potentially playing in Denver sparked pure pandemonium on the Broncos betting front. It forced sportsbooks to scramble to adjust the odds for the Super Bowl, AFC and AFC West. If Rodgers ends up in orange and blue? Watch out. Until a move happens in early June, this control the narrative.
There are still issues to work out; especially in the Colorado market. The first of which is responsible gambling measures and funding that don’t do nearly enough. As a whole, the sports betting industry is far from perfect.
But as operators, regulators and bettors continue to grow and learn, the expectation is the path of fun and responsible betting smooths out.
It’s all made possible by the decision to overturn PASPA three years ago.
As Bill Miller, American Gaming Association president and CEO, said a year ago:
“For decades, federal and state law enforcement entities and attorneys general from across the country allocated resources to combat illegal gambling operations and the illicit activities they beget. Together, we joined forces to advocate for the Supreme Court to overturn the failed federal ban and pave the way for more Americans than ever before to have safe, legal options to bet on sports.”
