The first retail sportsbook is now open in Colorado at the Saratoga Casino.
When it comes to launches, this casino in Black Hawk isn’t messing around.
According to the casino’s website, this is what patrons can expect from the physical sportsbook:
- Total of 1,400 square feet of gaming space.
- Multiple state-of-the-art video wall displays.
- A lounging area with tables and plush chairs.
- Multiple betting windows with self-serve kiosks.
The announcement of the first brick-and-mortar sportsbook opening in Colorado came toward the end of Thursday’s Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (CLGCC) meeting.
Bet on the Broncos
During the closing remarks at the meeting, Dan Hartman said all of the first bets at the Saratoga sportsbook have been on the Denver Broncos. Hartman is the director of the Colorado Division of Gaming.
The launch of the first physical sportsbook in Colorado coincides with the reopening of Colorado casinos. Casinos in Cripple Creek opened on Monday, and Black Hawk and Central City casinos opened Wednesday.
In fact, the casinos in Cripple Creek had great enthusiasm from visitors, and saw an increase in business.
Hartman is optimistic about the prospects of retail sportsbooks opening in the state:
“The Division feels that this is a great next step in the Colorado sports betting market. The enthusiasm shown by the players at the Betfred sportsbook in the Saratoga shows that brick-and-mortar will be a great partner to the already well-received mobile market. While people can play throughout the state on their mobile devices, it is great to see the foot traffic safely return to the casino floor for sports and casino wagering entertainment.”
Saratoga Casino, Betfred go big
On top of opening the first brick-and-mortar sportsbook, Saratoga Casino and Betfred became the ninth mobile sportsbook to launch in the state. A multi-year deal was also struck with the Broncos to make Betfred an official partner of the organization.
It doesn’t stop there.
There are also plans for the first on-site betting lounge in the NFL at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium. The first-of-its-kind lounge will be on the south side of the stadium where fans and prospective bettors can wager before the games.
As for when other casinos could potentially open brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, none will do so until July.
Suzanne Karrer, the communications manager of the Enforcement Division for the Colorado Department of Revenue, said a few retail operators are talking about it. Still, they are waiting until the new fiscal year.
This story is developing, so check PlayColorado for updates.
