Colorado lawmakers are pushing forward with a broad overhaul of the state’s sports activities betting business, approving a measure that might tighten promoting requirements, restrict how typically gamblers can deposit cash, and block using bank cards for wagers.
Senate Bill 131 cleared Home third studying on Friday (Might 9) in a 50-13 vote, with two lawmakers absent, in accordance with the legislature’s newest roll name. A part of the proposal already handed the Senate and now strikes nearer to turning into legislation.
Sens. Matt Ball and Byron Pelton are sponsoring the laws alongside a number of Democratic lawmakers. Within the Home, Reps. Steven Woodrow and Dan Woog are main the hassle.
Lawmakers mentioned the proposal is supposed to handle the explosive progress of on-line playing since Colorado legalized sports activities betting in 2019. The invoice’s legislative declaration states that greater than $6.3 billion in on-line sports activities wagers had been positioned statewide in 2025, a rise of greater than 130% in contrast with 2020 exercise.
State officers additionally pointed to rising considerations about habit and the impression betting commercials could have on youthful audiences. The laws notes that “calls and texts to the problem-gambling helpline elevated by about 45% within the yr after legalization of on-line sports activities betting.” Lawmakers additionally wrote that “greater than half of 18- to 22-year-olds have engaged in some type of sports activities betting.”
Colorado proposes new restrictions on sports activities betting operators and promoting
Below the proposal, sportsbook operators couldn’t settle for greater than six separate deposits from the identical individual throughout a steady 24-hour gaming interval. Firms would even be banned from sending textual content messages or push notifications encouraging customers in Colorado to put wagers or add funds to accounts.
The invoice would additionally prohibit sportsbooks from accepting deposits funded by bank cards, together with funds routed not directly by linked accounts. Operators that violate the principles might face penalties reaching $25,000.
Promoting restrictions are one other main piece of the laws. Sports activities betting corporations and advertising and marketing associates can be prohibited from focusing on individuals youthful than 21 or promoting in media the place many of the anticipated viewers is underage. Lawmakers wrote that youngsters and adolescents are “ceaselessly uncovered to sports activities betting promoting and are influenced by its messages.”
The proposal would additionally ban enhanced payout promotions and directions explaining the right way to place wagers in commercials. Betting adverts wouldn’t be allowed between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. or throughout stay sports activities broadcasts.
The measure arrives as Colorado continues debating broader playing coverage adjustments. Lawmakers have also considered House Bill 1311, which might finish tax deductions tied to promotional free bets provided by sportsbooks. Individually, a federal choose dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes difficult points of Colorado’s sports activities betting system.
If permitted, Senate Invoice 131 would take impact in August 2026 until voters problem it by a referendum petition.
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