Colorado regulator launches new self-exclusion programme

Players can withdraw from gambling for one, three or five years, blocking themselves from all licensed operators in Colorado. This covers gambling at casinos and placing sports wagers at retail and online sportsbooks.

Consumers can sign up to the scheme online or in person at one of the DOG offices across the state.

The new programme replaces an existing scheme where the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC) enrolled players and managed the self-exclusion list.

“The DOG is committed to promoting responsible gaming in the Colorado gaming industry,” DOG director Christopher Schroder said. “The launch of the state’s self-exclusion programme is an exciting advancement for our state.

“We appreciate all of the work that the PGCC has done to get the self-exclusion programme to this point. They are an excellent partner in this important work.”

Colorado-licensed operators must now integrate with the new programme. This is in line with Limited Gaming Rule 29 and Sports Betting Rule 9, which states licensees must allow players the option to self-exclude from gambling.

Colorado sports betting spend down in July

The launch of the new scheme comes after this week it was revealed sports betting spend in Colorado in July fell to its lowest level since August 2022.

Players wagered a total of $281.1m during then month. This included $279.4m in online bets and $1.7m worth of retail wagers.

Baseball drew the most bets, with players wagering $104.9m. Basketball bets hit $34.5m and tennis $33.9m, while layers also spent $44.8m placing parlay bets.

Gross gaming revenue from betting for the month reached $25.0m. This was 20.2% ahead of $20.8m in July 2022 and 171.7% more than $9.2m in June this year.

Online revenue stood at $24.8m, with retail revenue amounting to $144,166.

Colorado collected $1.8m in total sports betting tax in July – all of which came from online wagers.