bet365 becomes the latest online gaming operator to enter the Colorado iGaming market. The British iGaming operator received approval from the Limited Control Commission to offer online sports betting. But there will be an adjustment period required with no launch date announced yet.
The license approval is only temporary though. But this is nothing to worry about for bet365 or gamblers in Colorado since this is the standard practice applied to new operators in the state. The LGCC chairman, Richard Nathan, said the iGaming operator could receive its license after going through and passing the necessary background checks by relevant authorities.
Five LGCC commissioners turned down requests to comment on the licensing process. But they said the license application received unanimous approval.
Colorado now boasts 26 regulated iGaming operators as well as 17 retail sportsbook platforms. This is state number two for bet365 in the US after receiving a license to operate in New Jersey. The operator also put in its application to offer its services in New York but it failed to get to the last nine operators chosen by the regulator.
Bet365 has partnered with Century Casino in Colorado. The company boasts several locations in Central City and Cripple Creek. The casino is also a partner of Circa and Tipico Sportsbook.
There are more licenses issued by the LGCC apart from bet365. The regulator’s commissioners green-lighted the renewal of four master and retail casinos by Black Hawk. These are Bally’s Black Hawk West, Bally’s Black Hawk North, and Bally’s Black Hawk East not forgetting Ameristar Casino Black Hawk. The four casinos received unanimous approval from the commissioners.
Another 19 sports wagering license applications received approval from the gambling watchdog. Some of the operators that received license approvals include the PGA Tour, Betclever, and Don Best Sports as well as Elias Digital Solutions. The licenses cover companies offering services or activities for these sports wagering operators.
Colorado sports wagering continues to experience plenty of success. October saw the state experience record-breaking success. The state said October recorded the biggest handle. This was since legal sports wagering went live on May 1, 2020.
The total handle for the state for October 2021 saw a jump of 20.36% month-on-month. This was also a 133.23% increase from the same period in 2020. The increase was as a result of bets placed on football. Close to half of the bets placed over October were on NFL and NCAA football games. They accounted for 45.4%.
At least 98% of the wagers were online, further showing that online sportsbooks continue to gain more popularity compared to land-based operators.