Casinos and Gambling Halls near Denver

Colorado is known around the world for its Rocky Mountain scenery, ski resorts, historic mountain towns and outdoor adventures. But there is another side of the state that attracts visitors throughout the year: Colorado casinos and regulated gambling. Unlike Las Vegas, where casinos dominate an enormous metropolitan entertainment district, Colorado’s casino destinations are closely connected to historic mountain communities. The state’s commercial casino industry is concentrated primarily in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek, three towns whose histories are closely tied to Colorado’s mining era.

A casino visit can easily become part of a larger Colorado vacation. Travelers can combine gaming with restaurants, hotels, historic attractions, entertainment and scenic drives through the mountains. For visitors staying in Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Denver, Aspen or Snowmass, a casino excursion can also be an interesting way to spend an evening. And when the trip involves mountain roads, winter weather or a group that wants to enjoy the evening without designating a driver, private transportation can make the experience considerably easier.

Gambling in Colorado

Colorado has a regulated gaming industry overseen by the Colorado Division of Gaming and the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission. Commercial casino gaming is concentrated in three historic gaming communities: Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek. The history of legal casino gaming in these communities dates to 1990, when Colorado voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing limited gaming in the state’s historic mining towns.

The result is a casino industry that looks very different from the large casino markets of Nevada. Colorado’s gaming destinations remain connected to their historic downtowns and mountain environments, making them destinations for more than gambling alone.

Where Are the Casinos in Colorado?

The three principal commercial casino destinations are:

• Black Hawk
• Central City
• Cripple Creek

Black Hawk and Central City are located in Gilpin County, west of Denver, while Cripple Creek is located in Teller County, southwest of Colorado Springs. Central City currently lists six casinos in its downtown area, while Black Hawk has a much larger concentration of gaming properties. Colorado’s state gaming records also identify numerous licensed gaming establishments in Cripple Creek.  This concentration makes it relatively easy to organize a casino trip around one particular community rather than traveling long distances between individual properties.

Black Hawk Casinos

Black Hawk is Colorado’s largest casino destination and one of the state’s best-known gaming communities.

The town is located in the Rocky Mountains west of Denver and combines casino resorts, smaller gaming establishments, restaurants, hotels and entertainment with a historic mountain-town setting. For visitors coming from Denver, Black Hawk is a natural destination for a day trip or evening excursion. Travelers staying farther west in the mountains can also arrange private transportation rather than driving themselves.

Casinos in Black Hawk

The following properties are among the licensed gaming establishments identified in current Colorado records:

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk

Address: 111 Richman Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422

Ameristar is one of the larger resort-style casino properties in Black Hawk, combining casino gaming with hotel and resort amenities.

Bally’s Black Hawk East

Address: 321 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422

Bally’s Black Hawk East is located directly on Main Street in the central gaming district.

Bally’s Black Hawk North

Address: 300 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422

This Bally’s property is also located on Main Street, making it convenient for visitors exploring the central casino area.

Bally’s Black Hawk West

Address: 261 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422

Located along Main Street, Bally’s Black Hawk West is part of the concentrated gaming district.

Bull Durham Saloon & Casino

Address: 110 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422

Bull Durham Saloon & Casino is located on Main Street and combines casino gaming with a saloon-style atmosphere.

Golden Gates Casino

Location: Black Hawk, Colorado

Golden Gates is one of the established casino properties in the Black Hawk gaming district.

Lodge Casino

Address: 240 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422

Lodge Casino is located in the heart of Black Hawk’s Main Street gaming area.

Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk

Address: 488 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422

Monarch is a major casino resort offering gaming together with hotel, dining and resort amenities.

Red Dolly Casino

Address: 530 Gregory Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422

Red Dolly Casino is located on Gregory Street within Black Hawk’s historic casino district.

Saratoga Casino

Address: 101 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422

Saratoga Casino is located along Main Street, close to other Black Hawk gaming properties.

Sasquatch Casino

Address: 125 Gregory Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422

Sasquatch Casino is located on Gregory Street in the central Black Hawk area. Colorado’s current licensing records identify Sasquatch Casino as a licensed gaming establishment.

Wild Card Saloon

Address: 120 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422

Wild Card Saloon is located on Main Street and combines casino gaming with a traditional saloon atmosphere.

Z Casino

Address: 101 Gregory Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422

Z Casino is another property located in Black Hawk’s central gaming district.

Lady Luck Casino Black Hawk

Address: 340 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422

Lady Luck Casino Black Hawk is another licensed gaming property listed in Colorado’s current state records.

Central City Casinos

Central City offers a different casino experience from Black Hawk. Its historic downtown is compact and walkable, allowing visitors to combine casino gaming with restaurants, galleries, historic buildings and other attractions. The city currently lists six casinos, including properties with casino gaming, dining, hotels and sports betting.

Dragon Tiger Casino

Address: 132 Lawrence Street, Central City, CO 80427
Phone: 303-582-5623

Dragon Tiger Casino is located on Lawrence Street in the historic center of Central City. The official Central City tourism directory currently lists this address and telephone number.

Grand Z Casino & Hotel

Address: 321 Gregory Street, Central City, CO 80427
Phone: 303-582-0800

Grand Z Casino & Hotel combines gaming with hotel accommodations and dining, making it one of the options for visitors who want to stay overnight in Central City.

The Famous Bonanza Casino

Address: 107 Main Street, Central City, CO 80427
Phone: 303-582-5914

The Famous Bonanza Casino is located directly on Main Street in the historic downtown district.

Easy Street Casino

Address: 120 Main Street, Central City, CO 80427
Phone: 303-582-5914

Easy Street Casino is another gaming property located in the heart of Central City’s historic downtown.

Dostal Alley Casino

Address: 116 Main Street, Central City, CO 80427
Phone: 303-582-1610

Dostal Alley Casino is located on Main Street and combines gaming with dining and its brewing operation.

Century Casino & Hotel

Address: 102 Main Street, Central City, CO 80427
Phone: 303-582-5050

Century Casino & Hotel offers casino gaming, accommodations and dining in the center of Central City. The city’s tourism directory also identifies sports betting at Century Casino.

Cripple Creek Casinos

Cripple Creek is Colorado’s third major commercial casino destination and is located southwest of Colorado Springs.Like Central City and Black Hawk, Cripple Creek developed during Colorado’s mining era. Today, historic buildings and attractions share the community with casinos, restaurants, hotels and entertainment. Colorado’s state records identify multiple licensed gaming properties throughout Cripple Creek, particularly along East Bennett Avenue and the surrounding downtown area.

Chamonix Casino & Hotel

Location: Cripple Creek, Colorado

Chamonix Casino & Hotel is one of the larger casino resort properties in Cripple Creek, combining gaming with hotel accommodations.

Colorado Grande Casino

Address: 300 East Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813

Colorado Grande Casino is located along the main casino corridor in Cripple Creek. The address is reflected in Colorado’s state licensing records.

Double Eagle Hotel & Casino / Gold Creek

Address: 442 East Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813

Double Eagle Hotel & Casino is located along East Bennett Avenue and combines casino gaming with lodging.

Golden Nugget

Address: 119 Carbonate Street, Cripple Creek, CO 80813

Golden Nugget is located near the center of Cripple Creek’s historic gaming district.

J.P. McGillis Hotel & Casino

Address: 224 East Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813

J.P. McGillis Hotel & Casino is located along East Bennett Avenue in the heart of Cripple Creek’s gaming district.

Johnny Nolon’s Casino

Address: 301 East Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813

Johnny Nolon’s Casino is another gaming property located along the principal commercial corridor of Cripple Creek.

Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino

Address: 256 East Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813

Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino combines casino gaming and hotel accommodations in central Cripple Creek.

Century Casino Cripple Creek

Century Casino is another established gaming property in Cripple Creek and is included among the licensed gaming establishments identified in Colorado’s state records.

Colorado Casinos at a Glance

Central City itself describes Black Hawk as being less than one mile away and notes that visitors can access additional casino properties in Black Hawk.

What Casino Games Are Available in Colorado?

Colorado casinos offer a variety of regulated gaming options. Depending on the property, visitors may encounter:

• Slot machines
• Electronic gaming
• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Craps
• Poker
• Baccarat
• Other authorized table games
• Sports betting at participating properties

The exact selection varies from casino to casino, so travelers looking for a particular game should confirm the current offerings directly with the property before traveling. Central City, for example, specifically promotes slot machines and table games and notes that some casinos offer sports betting.

Is Gambling Legal in Colorado?

Yes. Gambling is legal in Colorado when conducted through authorized and regulated gaming activities.

Commercial casino gaming is concentrated in the state’s designated gaming communities, while sports betting is also regulated through the state’s gaming framework. The Colorado Division of Gaming regulates the commercial gaming industry, and state records provide information about licensed gaming establishments.

Visitors should always use authorized gaming establishments and verify current rules before participating.

What Is the Legal Gambling Age in Colorado?

The minimum age for casino gambling in Colorado is 21 years old.

Casinos may require valid identification before allowing visitors to participate in gaming activities, so travelers should carry appropriate identification when visiting a casino.

Sports Betting in Colorado

Colorado’s gaming industry extends beyond traditional casino floors. The state also regulates sports betting, including internet sports betting through licensed operators. This is different from traditional online casino gaming, and visitors should not assume that because sports betting is available online, every form of online casino gambling is legal.

The Colorado Division of Gaming provides current regulatory information for sports betting and gaming operators.

Can You Play Casino Games Online in Colorado?

This is an area where older online articles can be misleading. Colorado regulates online sports betting, but visitors should distinguish sports betting from online casino games. Anyone considering online gambling should verify the current legal status and licensing of the specific activity and operator before placing a wager.

For traditional casino gaming, Colorado’s established commercial casino destinations remain Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek.

Colorado Casinos and Mountain Vacations

A casino trip can be a natural addition to a Colorado mountain vacation.

Imagine spending the day skiing in Vail or Beaver Creek, having dinner, and then continuing your evening with a casino excursion. Another traveler may spend several days in Denver and combine sightseeing with an evening in Black Hawk or Central City.

The important consideration is transportation.

Colorado’s mountain roads can be challenging during winter, and travel times can change because of snow, ice, traffic and road conditions. Having a professional chauffeur handle the driving allows everyone in the group to enjoy the evening without having to designate a driver.

Private Casino Transportation from Vail

For visitors staying in Vail or Beaver Creek, a casino excursion requires more planning because the principal casino destinations are outside the immediate Vail Valley. Great Divide Transportation provides private transportation for travelers who want to explore more of Colorado during their stay.

A private vehicle can be arranged around your itinerary, allowing your group to travel together rather than coordinating several vehicles.

This can be particularly useful for:

• Casino excursions
• Dinner and entertainment
• Group outings
• Corporate events
• Special celebrations
• Bachelor and bachelorette parties
• Private sightseeing

Vail to Black Hawk and Central City Transportation

Black Hawk and Central City are particularly relevant to travelers looking for casino transportation from the Denver and northern Colorado mountain regions. A private chauffeur can pick up your group in Vail, Beaver Creek or another destination and provide transportation according to the itinerary.

Instead of worrying about navigation, parking or mountain driving late at night, everyone can remain together in the same vehicle.

Denver to Black Hawk Casino Transportation

Denver is one of the most convenient starting points for a trip to Black Hawk and Central City. The drive takes travelers from the Denver metropolitan area into the Rocky Mountain foothills, making the journey part of the experience. For groups, private transportation can be more convenient than using several personal vehicles, particularly when the evening includes dinner, drinks or casino entertainment.

Private Transportation for Casino Groups

Casino trips are often social occasions, making them a natural fit for private group transportation.

Great Divide Transportation can provide private transportation options for:

Couples and Small Groups

Luxury SUVs are a practical choice for couples, families and smaller groups looking for a private ride.

Larger Groups

Executive Sprinter Vans provide additional capacity for larger groups traveling together.

Corporate and Special Events

Casino visits can also form part of corporate outings, private celebrations, wedding-related events and other group itineraries.

Casino Transportation During Winter

Winter travel deserves special consideration in Colorado. Snow and ice can affect mountain highways, while weekends and holidays can bring increased traffic between Denver and the mountain communities. For visitors traveling from Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Aspen or Snowmass, arranging private transportation means your group does not have to worry about navigating unfamiliar mountain roads.

The chauffeur handles the driving while passengers can relax and enjoy the journey.

A Casino Visit Can Be More Than Gambling

One of the things that makes Colorado’s casino destinations different is their connection to the state’s history. Black Hawk and Central City are former mining communities, and their historic character remains part of the visitor experience. Central City, in particular, combines casino gaming with historic architecture, cultural attractions, restaurants, galleries and the Central City Opera.  Cripple Creek offers a similar combination of mining history, historic buildings, entertainment and gaming.

That means visitors can build an entire day or weekend around the destination instead of simply arriving at a casino and leaving afterward.

Responsible Gambling

Casino gaming should be approached as entertainment rather than as a guaranteed way to make money.Set a budget before you begin, understand the rules of the games you choose and never wager more than you can afford to lose.Colorado’s Division of Gaming also emphasizes the importance of using legal and regulated gaming establishments.If gambling becomes difficult to control or begins creating financial or personal problems, taking a break and seeking appropriate assistance is important.

Planning a Colorado Casino Trip

Before leaving for a casino, there are several practical details worth considering.

Choose Your Casino Destination

Black Hawk is the largest casino destination and offers the greatest concentration of properties.

Central City provides a smaller, historic downtown experience with six casinos currently listed by the local tourism organization.

Cripple Creek offers casino gaming in a historic mining community southwest of Colorado Springs.

Check the Casino Before You Go

Casino games, restaurants, entertainment, hotel availability and operating policies can change.

If you are traveling specifically to play a particular game or attend a specific event, confirm the details directly with the casino.

Plan Transportation

If your group expects to spend the evening drinking or simply wants to avoid driving through the mountains at night, arrange private transportation in advance.

Consider the Weather

Mountain weather can change quickly, particularly during the winter. Allow additional travel time and consider professional transportation when conditions are difficult.

Why Choose Private Transportation for a Casino Trip?

The biggest advantage is simple: nobody in your group has to be the designated driver.Everyone can enjoy dinner, entertainment and the casino without having to think about who will drive afterward.Private transportation also eliminates the need to coordinate multiple vehicles and can provide direct service between your hotel and the casino destination.

For travelers staying in Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Aspen or Snowmass, this can be particularly useful because casino excursions involve longer mountain drives.

Great Divide Transportation for Colorado Casino Trips

Great Divide Transportation provides private transportation throughout Colorado, including service from major mountain destinations and airports.

Transportation services can include:

• Private airport transfers
• Vail transportation
• Beaver Creek transportation
• Denver transportation
• Luxury SUV transportation
• Executive Sprinter Van transportation
• Group transportation
• Corporate transportation
• Wedding transportation
• Private sightseeing
• Special event transportation
• Private intercity transportation

Whether you’re planning an evening from Vail to a Colorado casino, a group excursion from Denver or a larger Colorado itinerary, private transportation allows your group to enjoy the journey without worrying about driving.

Explore Colorado Beyond the Ski Resorts

Colorado’s casino towns offer a different way to experience the state.

Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek combine regulated gaming with the history and character of Colorado’s former mining communities. For visitors who have already experienced the ski slopes, hiking trails, restaurants and mountain scenery, a casino excursion can add something completely different to the itinerary. For travelers based in Vail, Beaver Creek, Denver, Breckenridge, Aspen or Snowmass, private transportation can make it easier to explore destinations beyond the resort where you’re staying.

With Great Divide Transportation, your group can travel together in a private vehicle while leaving the driving to a professional chauffeur.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Casinos

How many casino destinations are there in Colorado?

Colorado’s principal commercial casino communities are Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek.

Which Colorado city has the most casinos?

Black Hawk has the largest concentration of casino properties in the state.

How many casinos are in Central City?

Central City’s tourism organization currently lists six casinos: Dragon Tiger Casino, Grand Z Casino & Hotel, The Famous Bonanza Casino, Easy Street Casino, Dostal Alley Casino and Century Casino & Hotel.

Is gambling legal in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado permits regulated casino gaming in designated gaming communities and regulates other gaming activities such as sports betting.

What is the legal gambling age in Colorado?

The legal age for casino gambling is 21.

Is sports betting legal in Colorado?

Yes. Sports betting is regulated in Colorado, including online sports betting through licensed operators.

Where are the closest casinos to Denver?

Black Hawk and Central City are the primary casino destinations for travelers coming from Denver.

Can I travel from Vail to a Colorado casino with a private chauffeur?

Yes. Great Divide Transportation provides private transportation from Vail and Beaver Creek to destinations throughout Colorado, subject to availability and itinerary.

Is private casino transportation available for groups?

Yes. Private SUVs and executive Sprinter Vans can accommodate different group sizes.

Plan Your Colorado Casino Transportation

If a casino excursion is part of your Colorado itinerary, transportation is worth arranging before your trip.

Great Divide Transportation provides private transportation from Vail, Beaver Creek, Denver, Breckenridge, Aspen, Snowmass and other Colorado destinations, allowing travelers to enjoy their evening without having to worry about driving. For casino excursions, dinners, special events and group outings, private transportation gives you the flexibility to build the trip around your own schedule.

Great Divide Transportation

Phone: (970) 763-8169

Whether your destination is Black Hawk, Central City, Cripple Creek or another Colorado mountain community, private transportation provides a comfortable way to explore more of Colorado while leaving the driving to a professional chauffeur