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Colorado has taken a major step in reshaping its sports betting market with the signing of Senate Bill 26‑131. Governor Jared Polis approved the measure on Monday, setting new standards for responsible gaming and tightening the rules for both operators and bettors.
The law introduces sweeping changes, including a first‑of‑its‑kind ban on sportsbook push notifications in the United States.
Lawmakers argue that these alerts, often used to draw bettors back into apps, encourage impulsive wagering and undermine efforts to promote safer play.
“After months of work alongside recovery advocates, health care professionals, and families across Colorado, SB26-131 is now law,” said co-sponsor Sen. Matt Ball. “This law puts guardrails on an industry that has ballooned in Colorado to more than $6 billion in annual wagers in just a few years. That growth has come at a real cost to families’ financial security, to kids’ wellbeing, and to the integrity of the games we love.”
What does SB 26-131 say?
Colorado’s new sports betting law sets out a wide range of restrictions that reshape how operators and bettors interact. The most significant change is the ban on push notifications and text messages designed to solicit bets.
This makes Colorado the first state in the country to block sportsbooks from sending direct alerts to users, a move aimed at reducing impulsive wagering.
The law also prohibits the use of credit cards to fund betting accounts. Lawmakers believe this will help prevent players from gambling with borrowed money and falling into debt. In addition, sportsbooks can no longer use promotional phrases such as “bonus bet” or “no sweat” in their marketing campaigns. The measure limits deposits too, capping bettors at six separate deposits within a 24‑hour period.
Marketing rules have also been tightened. Affiliates and operators are barred from targeting anyone under 21, reinforcing the state’s stance on protecting younger audiences from gambling exposure.
Enforcement will be strict, with the Colorado Gaming Control Commission authorized to impose fines of up to $25,000 for violations. All of these provisions take effect on August 12.
“It is heartening to see the Colorado legislature prioritize the well-being of its constituents with these revolutionary consumer protections,” said Brianne Doura-Schawohl of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling after the House and Senate both advanced the legislation last month.
Source: SBC Americas
