Colorado Lawmakers Send Sports Betting Reform Bill to Governor’s Desk

Colorado’s sports betting rules are set for a major shake‑up after lawmakers approved Senate Bill 131 on the final day of the 2026 session and sent it to Governor Jared Polis. 

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The measure, which narrowly passed the Senate with a 20-15 vote, introduces strict new safeguards for players. Credit card deposits would be banned, and bettors would face daily limits on how often they can add money to their accounts.

The bill also featured a ban on prop bets, but that was stripped out due to loss of revenue concerns. Polis now has 30 days to decide whether to sign the bill, veto it, or let it take effect without his signature.

Bill receives applause from responsible gambling advocates

The Colorado sports betting reform bill, sponsored by Sens. Matt Ball and Byron Pelton, has been praised by responsible gambling groups for the protections it introduces. 

After surviving several revisions, the measure now bars sportsbooks from sending push notifications or texts to encourage deposits or wagers. It also limits players to six deposits in a single “gaming day” and bans the use of phrases like “bonus bet” or “no sweat” in marketing. In addition, sportsbooks and their affiliates are prohibited from targeting anyone under 21.

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Advocates say these steps mark a turning point in consumer protection. Brianne Doura‑Schawohl of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling stated, “We applaud the Senate and the leadership of bill sponsors Sens. Matt Ball and Byron Pelton and Reps. Dan Woog and Steven Woodrow for championing this precedent‑setting legislation.”

“It is heartening to see the Colorado legislature prioritize the well being of its constituents with these revolutionary consumer protections. We strongly urge Gov. Jared Polis to sign this bill, which will establish Colorado as a national leader in sports betting protections.” 

At the same time, professional bettors would gain protections under the new law, as sportsbooks would no longer be allowed to restrict accounts except in cases of suspicious activity or responsible gambling concerns.

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