Changes are coming to the casinos in Colorado. Quite some time ago, the law was changed in the state that would allow betting limits to increase and new games to be added to venues. As of May 1, the changes actually take place. Gaming venues will be able to start bringing in new revenues thanks to the new additions. Casinos were hit hard over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Higher Betting Limits
Amendment 77 was passed into law last November, as voters in the state decided that the low betting limits allowed at casinos needed to be changed. With the approval, casinos in Cripple Creek, Central City, and Black Hawk were allowed to remove the $100 betting limit. This opens the gambling towns up to high rollers, individuals who want to bet more than was allowed in the past.
The three towns have been offering casino gaming since late 1991. In 1990, an amendment was passed that allowed limited stakes gambling in the state. The maximum bet allowed was $5. Only slots, poker, and blackjack were allowed at the time. Gaming was also limited as to when it could take place, between the hours of 8 am and 2 am.
By 2008, voters in the state raised the stake level to $100, plus approved roulette and craps. Casinos were also given the approval to operate 24/7. This was a big deal and opened the towns up to more travelers and the potential to earn even more money.
The legal changes from last year allow the limit to be removed and new game formats to be added. Casinos can provide more blackjack games, poker, and war, plus pai gow. Baccarat, Big Wheel Six, and Five Treasures are also on the list of approved games.
The casinos in Colorado think that baccarat will be a big draw for travelers. The venues worked quickly to have the games ready by May 1, so they could offer services from day one. Keno will also be added on-site.
Providing a Las Vegas-Style Feel
Because the casinos were limited as to what they could offer both games and limit-wise, it kept the town from creating a large gaming market. Of course, millions in revenues have been made over the years, but the gambling towns could not cater to big spenders.
The games were there for high rollers nor the playing limits. With the changes, the three towns expect to be able to bring in more tourism and earn more from the new games as well as higher limit options. Creating a more Las Vegas-style situation will be appealing to people who may not have traveled to Colorado in the past to gamble due to the restrictions.
Since the new options go live on May 1, we should have an idea by June when totals are released as to how the games and betting limits have affected the industry. It will be good to see the new options help the region bring in a ton of new revenues, especially after shutdowns and low earnings from the COVID-19 pandemic.
