Poker In Colorado

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  • Online poker in Colorado is one of the reasons that The Centennial State is the birthplace to some of the best competitive poker players in the world and multiple WSOP main event winners.
  • Since Colorado considers poker to be a form of gambling, it forms part of the Unlawful Gambling Act, which was signed in 2006. This limits players from using electronic payment methods such as credit.

The Winning Poker Network has been growing lately, and it's now the second-largest destination for online poker in Colorado. Americas Cardroom is the flagship network site. Upon making your initial deposit, you'll be eligible to receive a 100% up to $1,000 bonus that's worth 20% rakeback and $50 for free to play Jackpot Poker.

Colorado is another state that starts its section on gambling laws off with a legislative declaration to set forth how the following laws pertaining to gambling are to be interpreted by the courts. It reads as follows:

'(1) It is declared to be the policy of the general assembly, recognizing the close relationship between professional gambling and other organized crime, to restrain all persons from seeking profit from gambling activities in this state; to restrain all persons from patronizing such activities when conducted for the profit of any person; to safeguard the public against the evils induced by common gamblers and common gambling houses; and at the same time to preserve the freedom of the press and to avoid restricting participation by individuals in sport and social pastimes which are not for profit, do not affect the public, and do not breach the peace.

(2) All the provisions of this article shall be liberally construed to achieve these ends and administered and enforced with a view to carrying out the declaration of policy stated in subsection (1) of this section.' (1)

So in addition to seeking a broad interpretation of the laws here, the goal is expressed as focusing on those profiting from gambling and not the act of gambling itself. It is worth mentioning at this point that Colorado law has a unique definition of 'professional gambling,' which means the following:

'(a) Aiding or inducing another to engage in gambling, with the intent to derive a profit therefrom; or
(b) Participating in gambling and having, other than by virtue of skill or luck, a lesser chance of losing or a greater chance of winning than one or more of the other participants.' (2)

So this does not mean deriving one's income from gambling, it means either running a gambling operation and profiting from that or cheating at gambling.

The most significant part of this directive in reference to poker playing is their seeking to 'avoid restricting participation by individuals in sport and social pastimes which are not for profit, do not affect the public, and do not breach the peace.'

This in itself lends itself strongly to not prohibiting gambling which falls in this category, which notably would at least seem to include both social gambling in private games and internet gambling as well, as this could easily be seen as a social pastime in the manner described.

The Actual Gambling Law Itself In Colorado

So let's look at the actual law in Colorado as far as gambling offenses are concerned. As we look at this, we need to bear in mind the directive of not looking to interfere with social gambling.

Before we can look at the law against gambling we need to look at how gambling is defined in this state:

''Gambling' means risking any money, credit, deposit, or other thing of value for gain contingent in whole or in part upon lot, chance, the operation of a gambling device, or the happening or outcome of an event, including a sporting event, over which the person taking a risk has no control…' (3)

This is a pretty standard definition and is set up so that betting on poker is clearly included, since poker hands are contingent at least in part upon chance.

So here's how the law against gambling in Colorado reads:

'(1) A person who engages in gambling commits a class 1 petty offense.
(2) A person who engages in professional gambling commits a class 1 misdemeanor. If he is a repeating gambling offender, it is a class 5 felony.' (4)

Once again, keep in mind that 'professional gambling' means deriving profit apart from the honest play of a player who gains through the means of luck and skill, so that would fall under (1) and would be classified as the offense of gambling and not professional gambling.

A petty offense in Colorado is the least serious of offenses, although it is still a criminal offense.

Playing Poker In Colorado

There does seem to be some conflict here when we look at the actual law and compare it with the legislative directive we begun this discussion looking at. This directive comprises a significant and binding part of the state's overall gambling law though and is not just there for judges to refer to when the law is unclear.

So looking at the law itself and how it reads then this would seem to make all gambling in Colorado illegal. We do know that there is legal gambling in Colorado though so this section is certainly not the last word, and is subject to modification by other provisions in the law, such as the legislative directive.

So we really need to look at both of these together to determine what forms of gambling are prohibited, and we know that the directive prescribes that we not limit social gambling, so that would presumably not be included, and social gambling may be seen as not just home games but the playing of online poker as well.

You never know how courts will actually interpret laws in practice though, as there was a case in Colorado where persons were charged with running a poker tournament, and the judge found them not guilty because poker was found to be a game of skill and therefore not gambling. (5) It is very difficult to imagine how the judge came to this conclusion as this would require there to not be any element of chance at all in it, but at least it was a friendly one to poker players.

Colorado also has provisions to regulate live poker rooms and there are a total of 10 live poker rooms in the state, in the areas of Black Hawk, Cripple Creek, Central City, and Ignacio. Many of these poker rooms are within easy driving distance from major population centers such as Denver and Colorado Springs and feature a wide variety of stakes to suit the needs of a wide variety of players. (6)

Whether or not online poker is ever found to be illegal or not, and there has not ever been anyone charged with this, players from Colorado continue to play it, and there is at least some leaning toward regulating it down the road.

Online poker in colorado

In the mean time if you are up for some online poker and are from Colorado, the one site I have no problem recommending to you is Ignition Poker and Casino, one of the newest and surprisingly – one of the most trusted sites out there today. It absorbed the former Bovada Poker software and features the same promos and even bigger bonuses for new players. Check the review out here!

References:

(1) Colorado Revised Statutes, 18-10-101, Legislative Declaration – Construction

(2) Colorado Revised Statutes, 18-10-102 Definitions

(3) ibid.

(4) Colorado Revised Statutes, 10-10-103, Gambling

(5) Poker Deemed Not Gambling In Colorado Criminal Case

(6) All Live And Online Poker Rooms In Colorado

#1 Editor's Choice All-in-One Gambling Site: BetOnline.ag

Colorado

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EDITOR'S NOTE: BetOnline welcomes players from ALL 50 states and from ALL OVER THE WORLD w/ limited restrictions.

[Ready to play some cards at Golden Gates Poker Room. Photo: Golden Gates Casino] There are plenty of reasons to visit Colorado. Whether it's access to the skiing, hiking and climbing the mountains offer, the booming beer scene or, yes, the legalized recreational marijuana that has contributed to the Denver's recent tourism boom, the Centennial State offers plenty of ways to have a good time.

More importantly for some, however, is the fact that it's also the home of some world class poker rooms. Play poker any day of the week in Colorado! Limit and no-limit Texas Hold'em games, live tournaments, and more to find in Colorado's top poker rooms.

We'll tell you about some of them and why it's not just the scenery that makes Colorado worth visiting. Colorado's got a slew of casinos situated around three main casino towns: Denver's Black Hawk/Central City and Colorado Springs' Cripple Creek. In addition you can play poker in legally in two Indian casinos in the southwest part of the state.

Poker In Colorado Covid

Here are the best poker rooms in Colorado, in no particular order:

1. Ameristar Casino Poker Room – Black Hawk

Poker

In the mean time if you are up for some online poker and are from Colorado, the one site I have no problem recommending to you is Ignition Poker and Casino, one of the newest and surprisingly – one of the most trusted sites out there today. It absorbed the former Bovada Poker software and features the same promos and even bigger bonuses for new players. Check the review out here!

References:

(1) Colorado Revised Statutes, 18-10-101, Legislative Declaration – Construction

(2) Colorado Revised Statutes, 18-10-102 Definitions

(3) ibid.

(4) Colorado Revised Statutes, 10-10-103, Gambling

(5) Poker Deemed Not Gambling In Colorado Criminal Case

(6) All Live And Online Poker Rooms In Colorado

#1 Editor's Choice All-in-One Gambling Site: BetOnline.ag

BetOnline.ag is one of the most reputable online poker sites that still cater to United States players and ALL grinders worldwide. Claim your 100% poker bonus and/or FREE $25 sports bet!

  • New players can earn up to $1,000 in bonus cash on their 1st deposit.
  • Ridiculously crisp software and graphics - no lag whatsoever online or on your mobile device.
  • Super easy to deposit on - #1 credit card acceptance rate ANYWHERE; Cryptocurrency also accepted!
  • 24/7 live support, VERY FAST payout speeds and built-in sportsbook and casino.
  • $25 FREE BET available and other perks you can use at their online or LIVE DEALER casino.

EDITOR'S NOTE: BetOnline welcomes players from ALL 50 states and from ALL OVER THE WORLD w/ limited restrictions.

[Ready to play some cards at Golden Gates Poker Room. Photo: Golden Gates Casino] There are plenty of reasons to visit Colorado. Whether it's access to the skiing, hiking and climbing the mountains offer, the booming beer scene or, yes, the legalized recreational marijuana that has contributed to the Denver's recent tourism boom, the Centennial State offers plenty of ways to have a good time.

More importantly for some, however, is the fact that it's also the home of some world class poker rooms. Play poker any day of the week in Colorado! Limit and no-limit Texas Hold'em games, live tournaments, and more to find in Colorado's top poker rooms.

We'll tell you about some of them and why it's not just the scenery that makes Colorado worth visiting. Colorado's got a slew of casinos situated around three main casino towns: Denver's Black Hawk/Central City and Colorado Springs' Cripple Creek. In addition you can play poker in legally in two Indian casinos in the southwest part of the state.

Poker In Colorado Covid

Here are the best poker rooms in Colorado, in no particular order:

1. Ameristar Casino Poker Room – Black Hawk

Ameristar in Black Hawk is one of the biggest rooms around and that alone makes it a draw for a lot of poker players. There are potentially 22 live tables for you to try your hand at. You'll be doing it in style, too. The venue boasts soaring skylight ceilings, elegant timber beams, slate floors and huge floor to ceiling stone fireplaces. It's fitting, really, that Ameristar has such a charming rustic lodge feel – it looks out on some stunning views of the Colorado Rockies.

Beyond the poker there are 40 table games as well as 1,250 slot and video machines (including video poker), and that's before you even get to other attractions such as the regular events and swanky bar.

2. Isle Casino Poker Room – Black Hawk

Isle Casino, also in Black Hawk, has 30 tables for players to settle into. Poker is the most popular game with the locals Texas Hold ‘Em, Bonus 6 and Mississippi Stud are all catered for, while other table games include Buffalo Blackjack, Double Deck Blackjack, three Craps Tables and three Roulette Tables. The poker room is up on the second floor and has a cigarette snack and vending machine, its own restrooms, free drinks with table side service, 10 flat screen televisions and a handy smoking terrace.

If you fancy something more substantial than the vending machine has to offer, you could join the Isle Casino's fan club. Membership is free and new members get a free buffet after an hour of playing.

Beyond the gaming and dining, the casino has plenty of accommodation options and plays host to a range of entertainment including live music and stand-up comedy.

Poker In Colorado

3. Golden Gates Casino Poker Room – Black Hawk

One of the major venues on the Colorado scene, the Golden Gates Casino is one of the most famous rooms in the state. It has attracted televised games from the Heartland Poker Tour and the Colorado Poker Championship. Separate from the rest of the casino, the ‘Poker Parlour' has a log cabin design with exposed stonework, wooden beams and luxurious dark brown leather seats.

Another Black Hawk hot spot, it's open 24 hours and offers players access to no-limit hold 'em, limit hold 'em, and pot-limit Omaha cash games as well as the occasional split-pot game. With table side food service to boot, Golden Gates is one of the most comfortable venues to play a few hands in.

4. The Midnight Rose Poker Room – Cripple Creek

The Midnight Rose is a more intimate affair than some of Colorado's other offerings and it aims to recreate the feel of those legendary nights playing around the table with your buddies. The only poker room situated in Cripple Creek, it has up to eight tables offering $1/$2-$50, $1/$2-$20, $1/$3-$100, Texas Hold'em daily with $5/$10 7-Card Stud Hi-Lo every Thursday and $5/$10 Omaha Hi-Lo every Saturday.

How To Play Online Poker In Colorado

Colorado tournaments are known to have some of the highest stakes in the country, and the Midnight Rose offers them right through the weekend, complementing the daily poker through the week. With high ceilings, casual décor and food brought to your table, the Midnight Rose is an easy-going way to make (or lose!) some money.

Live Poker In Colorado

However you prefer to play, Colorado offers a range of options. From big rooms to cosy lodges, from high stakes to cosy beginner games, there's something for every type of poker player and it's all set against the spectacular backdrops of one of America's most beautiful states.

Live Poker In Colorado

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