Casinos in Cripple Creek, Colorado
Formerly known as Poverty Gulch, Cripple Creek is a city in Colorado. Around 20 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, it was originally a Gold Rush town and had over 500 mines operating at one point. From 1940, the amount of gold mining was reduced; by 1990, there were only 600 residents.
Thanks to the opening of several casinos in the past few years, tourism has been booming and the city has grown. The area is also famous for its historic buildings, its views of the Rocky Mountains, and its easy access to the great outdoors and activities such as hiking and mountain biking. You won’t have to look far if you are searching for your own gold rush in the city, as there are ten Cripple Creek casinos offering a brilliant range of games for players to enjoy.
Best Cripple Creek Casinos
History of gambling in Cripple Creek, Colorado
As a Gold Rush town, Cripple Creek was certainly no stranger to gambling in the past; however, in common with many other states, gambling was not allowed until the middle part of the 20th century. In 1947, Colorado approved a bill that brought live horse racing to the state; in 1958, the state amended its legislation to allow charitable gaming including bingo and raffles.
This was followed a few years later by the creation of a state lottery in 1982, with the first draw held a year later in 1983. Gaming really took off in 1991 thanks to Colorado’s approval of an initiative that allowed legalized gambling in three mountain cities: Cripple Creek, Black Hawk, and Central City.
The law placed certain stipulations on the venues’ operation; for example, it prevented them from operating between 2am and 8am and limited the types of games that could be offered. Roulette and craps were only allowed to be offered in casinos from 2009.
Since 1991, there have been various attempts to increase the operating hours and services provided by casinos. These have had limited success but legislation passed in 2020 allows sports betting. Online sports betting is also allowed, but online casino gambling is not.
Cripple Creek, Colorado casinos by the numbers
Cripple Creek is home to ten bustling casinos, so players who come to the city to gamble are spoilt for choice. Thanks to legislation governing the appearance of the casinos, you will find that they are in the best collection of historic buildings you are likely to see. Many of these have original features, adding to the experience.
Cripple Creek is home to a mixture of smaller and larger casinos; however, each is home to a wide selection of games. Ranging from slots to sportsbooks, players will find lots to enjoy here. Many of the casinos in Cripple Creek also have other facilities and amenities alongside their gaming; for example, several of the larger casinos have luxury hotels onsite as part of a resort-style offering. They also provide visitors with fine dining, live music, and add-ons such as pools, fitness centers, and bars.
There is also a special Christmas-themed casino where it is December 25 every day of the year. Found in one of the larger casino complexes, this memorable experience comes complete with festive tunes and a Christmas dinner.
Many of the casinos in town have special loyalty programs and regular discounts and offers, which you will want to check out if you are visiting.
Casino games available in Cripple Creek, Colorado
Whatever you are looking for, you will be sure to find it in Cripple Creek. There are games to suit every type of player, from slots fans to roulette rollers. If you love a live table game, you are all set with roulette and craps on offer at many Cripple Creek casinos. There are also different types of blackjack, ranging from 21 Magic to Bust Bonus.
Card players who are looking for some poker action will discover plenty to get their teeth into, with options including 3 Card Poker, Texas Hold’em and Pai Gow Poker all available. There are also plenty of poker tournaments.
For those who are looking for some reel action, each casino has you covered with its range of slots. Every casino in town offers hundreds of slot machines with stakes to suit every player, from a penny to a nickel, quarter, and dollar. There are also plenty of the newest releases from names such as Aristocrat and IGT alongside player favorites and classic games, with video slots taking up residence next to old-style reel games. Many Cripple Creek casinos also offer electronic games such as video poker.
Since sports betting became legal, three of the ten casinos in Cripple Creek have added a sportsbook to their casino offering. This enables players to make bets on a huge range of live sports events, from soccer to golf, hockey to basketball, and tennis to baseball.
Cripple Creek, Colorado Casinos FAQs
What is the legal gambling age in Cripple Creek?
The legal age to gamble at casinos in Cripple Creek, and anywhere in Colorado, is 21.
Are there any tribal casinos in Cripple Creek?
No, there are no tribal casinos currently in the city. They can be found elsewhere in Colorado.
How many casinos are there in Cripple Creek?
Cripple Creek offers visitors ten casinos with a range of different games available to play at each, from poker to slots. Many also have facilities such as restaurants, hotels and bars onsite if you are looking to stay in town.
Is sports betting legal in Cripple Creek?
Yes, thanks to legislation passed in 2020, it is legal to bet on sports in Cripple Creek. Three casinos in the city have a sportsbook offering players the chance to gamble on live sports such as basketball, football and motorsports.
Is online gambling legal in Cripple Creek?
Online casino gambling is not legal anywhere in Colorado. It is possible to bet on sports online in the Centennial State; however, online gambling does not appear to be on the horizon anytime soon.
