The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (CLGCC) recently approved more sports betting licenses as the state prepared for a May 1 launch of its athletic wagering market.

Lodge Casino received a license

The latest property to receive a sports betting license in the state is The Lodge Casino in Black Hawk, which has a partnership with SuperBook. The Wildwood Casino became the last of the Cripple Creek gambling halls to receive a sports wagering license from the commission. The licenses were approved during a teleconference meeting. The regulators made minimal revisions to the list of wagers. Interestingly, there are barely any sporting events ongoing.

The regulators also approved a Temporary Sports Betting Operator and Temporary Internet Sports Betting operator licensed unanimously. SBTech also received unanimous approval from the commission. The firm will now be able to provide a full-fledged sportsbook experience to customers of the Saratoga Casino Blackhawk. It would also be able to provide mobile and online sports betting services to the residents of Colorado. The CLGCC has also approved licenses to four casinos in Central City and one casino has been licensed in Black Hawk.

Colorado looking forward to a legal market

Last November, voters in Colorado approved a referendum which proposed the legalization of sports betting in the state. The markets are expected to be operational on May 1, although there are no major sporting events in action right now. The government’s advisory for physical distancing and suggestions to avoid large gatherings led to the cancellation of several major sporting events.

Colorado Division of Gaming’s director Dan Hartman talked to the operators about launching during the coronavirus shutdown. He said that there is enthusiasm amongst the operators despite the unusual situations they are facing. He said,

“We have some operators that are excited about getting started even though it’s a slow time for sports.”

The change made by the commission is related to the removal of markets for in-play wagering during the NCAA games. These bets are restricted according to the voter-approved statute of the state. May 1 will also mark the first time SuperBook makes its way out of Nevada in partnership with The Lodge Casino.

Hartman says that 19 retail licensees and 25 online sports betting licensees can start operating on May 1.