Prop Bets in Colorado Will Undergo Thorough Review Before Hitting Market

After many debates, we’re finally going to see Colorado open for sports betting business on May 1. This could very well be a massive start for the hometown faithful, considering the Denver Nuggets should still be playing in the playoffs, and the Colorado Rockies will be entering the second month of the MLB season. In addition, the Kentucky Derby will be going on the next day.
It goes without saying that there is plenty to be excited about for the state of Colorado. After all, this has been one of the most innovative states at the forefront of risky decisions. And yes, this includes the decision to legalize marijuana.
“There are many applications to get through, but division staff is working hard to make sure those that want to operate on May 1 can do so,” said Suze Karrer, a spokesperson for the state Department of Revenue’s Division of Gaming.
Prop Bet Rules
One of the more interesting factors in Colorado sports betting is how prop betting will be determined. According to these new rules, Colorado’s Gaming Control Commission will be in charge of approving not only which leagues are allowed for sports betting, but which prop bets are up for wagering.
Normally, there is a whole list of prop bets available for people to bet on. And that’s basically what will happen in Colorado, but the CGCC will have the ability to take some of those bets off the board if they choose to do so.
The Department of Revenue’s Gaming Enforcement Division will make a “catalog,” or a list of bets that will be continuously updated and given out to the sportsbook operators around the state.
If licensed casinos or sportsbook operators wish to add a prop bet, those places will need to apply to add it. These applications need to be submitted at least 72 hours before the bet is open to the public.
“Once that bet is approved … it would be updated on that list, and any operator would be able to take that bet,” said Dan Hartman. “That catalog would be a living document.”
Not everyone is on board with the way the CGCC wants to handle these prop bets. Mark Grueskin, an attorney representing numerous casinos, said that going this route would be “unmanageable” with all of the different betting opportunities on the board.
“This could be an extraordinarily long, changing day-by-day kind of list,” said Grueskin. “I know that the approved list is going to be a challenge.”
If you’re betting on sports in Colorado, you might just be better off sticking to the actual games. It’s going to be very disappointing for bettors to do the research, find what they like, and then find out that the CGCC decided it didn’t want to place that prop bet on the board.
There have been restrictions in some states that absolutely make us scratch our heads, but this one certainly takes the crown.