Colorado regulators still hope to launch sports betting on May 1, coronavirus or not.
Whether that target is met in the face of the coronavirus pandemic will likely be decided next month.
“We’re still moving everything forward as far a licensing and everything to make sure we reach that May 1 date and are able to go,” said Dan Hartman, the director of the Colorado Division of Gaming. “Those discussions certainly will happen later on, probably in April as this COVID crisis moves forward and we see where the casino industry is at, at this time.”
Earlier this month, the gaming control commission said it would hold extra monthly meetings for licensing purposes to stay on track, according to Legal Sports Report.
In response to the virus, Colorado shut down its casinos through at least mid-April. The state had 216 coronavirus cases as of March 18.
A total of 16 licenses were approved for 11 companies at a March 19 meeting. Three master licenses went to both Twin River, known as Premier Entertainment Black Hawk in Colorado, and Full House Resorts. Full House expects to partner for sports betting with Churchill Downs‘ BetAmerica, Smarkets and Wynn Resorts. Twin River will team up with both FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook.
Online sports betting licenses went to FanDuel Sportsbook, Fox Bet and PointsBet, which also received its land-based license. Fox Bet, operated by The Stars Group, gets access through an agreement with Eldorado Resorts, which also has a deal with William Hill. PointsBet will debut sports betting at the Double Eagle Casino.
