- Sports betting launched in Colorado on May 1 as planned despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
- DraftKings at the Mardi Gras Casino in Black Hawk was the third retail betting location in the state.
- A permanent, upgraded sportsbook experience is now open at the property.
Way back in mid-July, DraftKings opened the third retail sports betting location in Colorado at the Mardi Gras Casino in Black Hawk. With the state’s gaming industry still reeling from a shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was necessary for DraftKings to launch their sportsbook in a temporary location. They’ve recently completed work on their permanent sportsbook with all of the amenities expected by the discerning bettor.
DraftKings has really beefed up their presence in Colorado of late. In addition to the new retail sportsbook they’ve announced a deal with the Colorado Rockies to become the MLB team’s ‘Official Daily Fantasy Operator’ as well as their ‘Official Sports Betting Operator’. The bigger news was the opening of their long awaited retail sportsbook at the Mardi Gras Casino in Black Hawk. Here’s how a press release issued by DraftKings described the facility:
The retail sportsbook located within the Mardi Gras Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado is set to officially open on Friday, September 25, and will provide sports bettors with an optimal viewing and hospitality experience. Equipped with more than 40 televisions, large video boards dedicated to displaying odds, several self-service betting kiosks and a full-service American sports bar and restaurant, the entire location is designed with the modern fan in mind.
Matt Kalish, Co-Founder and President, DraftKings North America, is pleased to expand his company’s presence in the booming Colorado sports betting industry:
“We are proud to grow our presence in Colorado both in announcing our latest deal with the Rockies and also look forward to soon officially opening the doors to our newest retail sportsbook at Mardi Gras Casino and Resort. In the short span since launching our top-rated mobile sportsbook app in Colorado this past May, Coloradans have proven to be among our most engaged customers, which makes our deepened connection to the state through these collaborations all the more exciting.”
The Mardis Gras Casino and Resort is owned by Twin River Worldwide Holdings. Twin River owns a total of three casinos in Colorado–in addition to the Mardis Gras they own the Golden Gates Casino and Golden Gulch Casino in Black Hawk. They also own the Arapahoe Park horse track along with 11 off track betting locations in Colorado. The company also owns gaming properties in Rhode Island, Mississippi, Delaware and Missouri.
George Papanier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Twin River Worldwide Holdings, is excited to have the permanent DraftKings sports betting up and running:
“The new DraftKings retail sportsbook location is the perfect addition to their mobile betting access we launched earlier this summer. The space has over 40 large TVs and multiple odds boards, a large full-service bar with 22 seats, a VIP area, and a great new menu featuring American pub-style fare with a Colorado twist, including our famous short rib stacker with house-made chips, an artisan BLT with a poached egg, and carnitas tacos. There is nothing like it in Black Hawk and we are excited to become Colorado’s new home for all sports.”
Of all the states to launch sports betting since the Supreme Court struck down PASPA, Colorado has done the best job by far. The state currently has 15 mobile betting apps and 11 retail betting locations.
