Online poker in Colorado is a relatively recent addition to the state’s gambling landscape, but poker itself has long been part of Colorado’s history. Cities like Black Hawk, Cripple Creek, and Central City have supported dozens of land-based casinos for years, keeping the game alive well before it went online.
The days of frontier gambling may be in the past, but online poker and online gambling are opening up new horizons for Colorado poker players, which we will explore as we look at the law, the facts and the recent developments regarding legal online poker in the state of Colorado.
Online Poker in Colorado
In Colorado, you can play poker online, and while online poker for real money remains unregulated within the state, many players choose to participate in real-money games on offshore poker platforms.
As a state that hosts a fair amount of land-based casinos and live poker, Colorado is a natural hub for online poker as well. The enthusiasm for the game is evident in the big turnouts and steadily growing games across Colorado’s poker rooms, and it’s certain that thousands more are playing online poker, perhaps in even bigger games.
Colorado online poker players should only use poker sites that hold a valid license and proper regulation. By sticking with legal poker sites, poker players have a better shot at secure, fair games and reliable banking that gives them quick access to their money.
Can You Play Online Poker for Real Money in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado residents can play online poker for real money, but only through offshore sites. These platforms are based outside of the U.S. and aren’t regulated by Colorado law, but they do accept local players. While the state doesn’t license any online poker rooms right now, plenty of offshore sites are still easy to access. They’ve become the go-to option for thousands of Colorado players looking to play real money games from home.
Top Sites for Online Poker in Colorado
If you’re from Colorado and want to sign up at an online poker room, you won’t have much trouble finding a suitable match. All of the major US-friendly online poker sites accept players from the state of Colorado. In the state of Colorado you won’t have a problem locating an online poker site that will let you sign up, deposit and play for real money. We strongly suggest narrowing your list of potential rooms to the legally regulated online poker rooms on our real money poker page, especially ones offering valuable welcome poker bonuses to boost your starting bankroll.
Ignition —Top Real-Money Poker Site for Colorado Players
BetOnline —Best Colorado Poker Site for Beginners
Black Chip Poker — Best Rakeback Deals for CO Players
Ignition brings $1.5M+ in weekly poker tournament guarantees to Colorado, alongside fast-fold Zone Poker and anonymous cash tables. Popular MTTs include Sunday majors and weekday bounty events, all playable via browser without downloads. Low-to-mid stakes cash games stay busy, and crypto payouts are processed within hours. With solid game variety, privacy-focused tables, and clean mobile/desktop access, Colorado players seeking steady volume and smooth execution will feel at home.
High traffic with active cash games and tournaments.
100% up to $1,000 bonus with tournament tickets.
Fast crypto payments with no fees.
Many tournament options, including PKOs and Sunday Majors.
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1 Day
Best Colorado Poker Site for Beginners
BetOnline gives Colorado poker players an approachable way to ease into real-money games. Low-stakes tables, regular freerolls, and soft competition help reduce the learning curve while offering enough volume to stay engaged. The site is crypto-friendly, mobile-optimized, and features a clean lobby that doesn’t overwhelm new users. Whether you’re dabbling in Boost Poker or building consistency in sit & gos, the overall setup is smooth and rewarding for beginners looking to grow their skills and bankroll.
Black Chip Poker is part of the Winning Poker Network, making it a top pick for grinders in Colorado. It’s best known for its generous 27% rakeback program, which helps serious players earn back a portion of every hand. You’ll find a strong tournament schedule, anonymous tables, and crypto-friendly banking that keeps things smooth and fast.
Bovada is an ideal choice for Colorado players who prefer to keep their stakes low and the action fun. With affordable buy-ins and soft competition it’s easy for beginners or casual grinders to find their rhythm. The interface is clean and simple, withdrawals are fast, and regular promotions give your bankroll a helpful boost.
Online Poker in Colorado Overview
Online Poker
Available — Offshore Only
Commercial Poker
Available — Licensed & Land-based Casinos
Legal Gambling Age
21+ for casinos, 18+ for lottery and pari-mutuel betting
State
Colorado Division of Gaming
Is Online Poker Legal in Colorado?
No. Colorado doesn’t currently license or regulate online poker sites, but that hasn’t stopped players from joining real-money games online. Many people in the state use offshore poker platforms, which aren’t governed by U.S. law but still accept Colorado players. Colorado laws don’t target individual players, and the state hasn’t taken action against those who play online. If you want a broader look at how online poker fits into state gambling laws, our legal hub breaks it all down. For now, offshore sites remain the main way to play.
Will Colorado Regulate Online Poker?
The state seems closer than many, but not as close as some, when it comes to this question. In May of 2012, CardPlayer reported that the Colorado Gaming Association had written a draft bill seeking to regulate online poker, but there have been no updates since that report.
Still, recent gambling expansion efforts in the state have been fairly successful, as casino resorts now dot the landscape in cities like Cripple Creek, Black Hawk, and Central City. With the CGA on board, it seems as if Colorado would quickly jump on board as other states roll out products – if they don’t end up taking the lead themselves.
Colorado Poker Facts
Poker has been a part of COlorado’s culture since the 1800s, when card games were played in saloons across mining towns. The state officially legalized casino gambling in 1990, and live poker rooms have been running ever since.
Today, licensed poker rooms operate in a handful of casino towns. The most active venues are located in Black Hawk, with a few additional options in Cripple Creek and Central City.
While the overall number of rooms is limited, the state continues to support a dedicated live poker community with steady turnout.
Does Colorado Offer any Regulated Online Poker?
While there are regulated poker rooms accepting players from Colorado, the state of Colorado does not regulate any online gambling sites or offer any licenses for online poker sites in CO and so on. It does seem likely that Colorado will regulate some form of online gambling in the near future (most likely poker). However, at the time of this article there are no online gambling sites licensed or regulated directly by the state.
Colorado Poker Players
Colorado may not get the same spotlight as Vegas or Atlantic City, but it’s home to some serious poker talent. Players like Steve O’Dwyer and Chance Kornuth have racked up tens of millions in live earnings, while names like Pratyush Buddiga, Loren Klein and Craig Varnell have earned bracelets, final tables, and global recognition. Whether it’s high rollers, WSOP grinders, or online pros turned live threats, Colorado’s top players have made a huge impact on the game.
Top 10 Colorado Poker Players
Steve O’Dwyer $46,747,207
Chance Kornuth $20,037,415
Pratyush Buddiga $6,456,300
Clayton Maguire $3,510,199
William Givens $3,323,376
Loren Klein $3,015,417
Craig Varnell $2,787,716
Christopher Tryba $2,681,014
Bryan Devonshire $2,557,692
Adrian Buckley $2,185,278
Play Online Poker Responsibly in Colorado
Playing online poker should be fun, not stressful. Stick to these key habits: only wager money you can afford to lose, set time limits for sessions, and take regular breaks. If gambling stops being enjoyable or starts affecting your finances or daily life, it's time to seek help.
Whether you’re looking for guidance or just want to stay informed, the following resources can help:
While Colorado hasn’t legalized or regulated online poker at the state level, residents can still access real-money games through offshore poker sites. These platforms operate outside U.S. jurisdiction but continue to accept Colorado players. There’s no record of player prosecutions for online poker in the state, and sites like Ignition, Bovada, and BetOnline remain popular picks. If you’re looking to play, choose a site with a strong track record–fair games, secure payments, and a consistent player pool matter more than flashy bonuses.
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Jennifer Newell is a freelance writer at LegalUsPokerSites. She has two decades of experience in the iGaming industry. She is a respected poker media member, contributing to publications and websites like USA Today, PokerStars, and PokerScout. Her knowledge spans gambling legislation and the broader online gaming world. She has spent years advocating for diversity, most notably gender equity in the traditionally male-dominated poker sphere.
Sources & Citations For This Article on Colorado Online Poker
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