A recent survey indicates strong resistance among Colorado voters to the legalization of online casino gambling, signaling a challenging path for any iGaming expansion in the state.

The poll, conducted in January by Co/efficient for the National Association Against iGaming, surveyed 801 likely general election voters in Colorado, with a margin of error of ±3.45%. Initial questioning found 58% opposed online casinos and 23% unfamiliar with the concept. After respondents received detailed definitions of online slots and table games, opposition surged to 78%.

• Strong Voter Opposition – A January poll shows 78% of Colorado voters oppose online casino legalization after receiving detailed information on online slots and table games.

• Primary Concerns – Voters cited addiction, personal debt, and youth access as the main risks associated with online gambling.

• Regulatory Implications – Any move to legalize iGaming will face heightened scrutiny, with potential requirements for age verification, deposit limits, and responsible gambling protections.

Key Concerns Among Voters

Oliver Barie, government relations director for the association, described Colorado as “a poster child for opposition,” noting the state registered the highest resistance in the group’s polling. Respondents cited several concerns: 50% flagged gambling addiction, 43% worried about personal debt, and 30% raised issues around youth access.

The poll also addressed a proposed Colorado Lottery expansion that would allow online ticket sales and credit card purchases. Seventy percent opposed 18-year-olds buying tickets online, while 76% opposed the use of credit cards for lottery purchases, reflecting broader voter skepticism about online gambling in all forms. The survey results complicate efforts to introduce online casinos in Colorado. Brick-and-mortar casinos have historically opposed iGaming, citing studies suggesting legalization could cannibalize in-person revenues. Barie noted that online casinos could reduce physical casino receipts by an estimated 16%, potentially affecting local economies dependent on gaming tourism.

From a regulatory and player-protection perspective, the poll highlights voter support for stricter safeguards if online gambling were to be legalized. Potential measures could include robust age verification, deposit limits, marketing restrictions, and responsible gambling frameworks aimed at addressing addiction and debt concerns.

Colorado has emerged as a ‘poster child for opposition,’ with voters expressing strong concerns about addiction, debt, and youth access, signaling major challenges for any online casino legalization efforts.

Regulatory and Market Outlook

The Colorado Lottery’s online sales initiative, which includes credit card acceptance, faces similar public skepticism. Lawmakers and regulators will need to consider voter sentiment when assessing both casino iGaming proposals and lottery expansions. Operators considering entry into Colorado should anticipate heightened scrutiny, both from regulators and organized community opposition. The poll suggests that while online casinos remain legally possible, significant political and social barriers exist, requiring careful attention to consumer protections, market impact, and public perception.

The results underscore that Colorado’s iGaming future faces an uphill climb, with public opinion and responsible gambling considerations likely to shape the contours of any legislative or regulatory proposals.