Colorado Sports Betting Bill Can be Passed by Legislature without Constitutional Amendment

If Colorado aims to join the list of states endorsing legalized sports betting, it appears they won’t require a constitutional amendment to do so. This perspective comes from Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman, who affirmed that the state legislature possesses the authority to pass a sports betting bill.

This assertion has elicited surprise among some in the state, as numerous legal experts previously indicated that amending Colorado’s constitution would be essential prior to considering sports betting.

Understanding Sports Betting Legislation in Colorado

Attorney General Coffman released this opinion after conducting an analysis of various aspects of Colorado’s gaming laws. She articulated that “commercial sports betting is not subject to state constitutional restrictions but is prohibited gambling under Colorado’s current criminal code.” Additionally, she clarified that the ultimate decision regarding the legalization of sports gaming would rest with the state legislature.

Key Points from Coffman’s Analysis:

• Sports gambling is classified as illegal under Title 18 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, necessitating change from lawmakers before lawful betting can occur.
• Lotteries within the Constitution are explicitly restricted; however, Coffman’s analysis determined that sports betting does not fit the lottery definition.
• Previous amendments concerning limited gaming don’t relate to sports betting, as these primarily cover games like blackjack, poker, and slots.

Response from the Colorado Gaming Association

The AG’s opinion did not go unchallenged. The Colorado Gaming Association (CGA) promptly criticized Coffman’s assertions, downplaying its implications. The CGA highlighted that Colorado courts typically offer only