Colorado Casino Revenue Slips 3.8% Year-on-Year in September

During September, Colorado's 33 casinos registered a modest decline compared to last year, with overall game revenue decreasing 3.8% to $90.6 million from $94.2 million. This decline results from customers reducing their spending, rather than from fewer premises or machines. 

The figures, published by the Colorado Department of Revenue, showed that, among all game types, slots had the largest decline. Total money wagered, or "coins in," dropped from about $1.03 billion to $970.3 million on a year-on-year basis.

On top of that, slot revenue fell from 4.6% to $76.5 million. Although the amount decreased, the hold percentage remained stable at about 7.9%. Table games, however, recorded a slight increase in revenue, rising from $14 million to $14.2 million, up 1.3%. 

Each of Colorado’s three casino regions also reported year-on-year revenue declines in September. The Central City region had the largest decline of the three, with revenue dropping from $6.6 million to $5.9 million, a year-on-year decrease of 9.8%. 

Following this, the Cripple Creek region declined 3.9% year-on-year, with revenue decreasing from $16.9 million to $16.2 million. In contrast, the Black Hawk region, which recorded the highest revenue for the month, experienced a 3.2% year-on-year decline, from $70.7 million to $68.5 million. 

Hard Rock Bet now operating in Colorado

In July, the state's casino market got a boost when Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook opened for business in Colorado, making it the ninth state where the company is operating.  The opening of Hard Rock Bet made it the first new sportsbook to open in Colorado since 2024, joining a competitive market dominated by existing operators offering Colorado sportsbook promos.

Hard Rock Bet offered its entire spectrum of wagering options, including college and professional leagues, football, basketball, soccer, tennis, and golf, as well as local favorites like table tennis and mixed martial arts. Its features included weekly Legendary Reward Drops to keep players interested and the ability to connect with the Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program.

Company officials say that its expansion into Colorado brings a better digital betting experience to the area, with a smooth interface and a wider range of betting markets. Unlike some states, Colorado's sports betting laws also allow esports betting, which is available on the Hard Rock Bet platform.

The entry of Hard Rock Bet into Colorado's sports wagering market demonstrates continued interest from national operators in one of the US's most active regions, even as traditional casino revenues fluctuate with consumer spending patterns.