Colorado SB 26-131 Advances Toward Final Approval

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Thu May 14, 2026, 7:00 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

Colorado SB 26-131 Advances Toward Final Approval

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Colorado lawmakers have moved Senate Bill 26-131 closer to becoming law after securing approval from both legislative chambers. The measure represents one of the most significant responsible gambling proposals targeting US online sportsbooks this year.

Supporters say the bill strengthens consumer protections across the state's growing sports betting industry. Meanwhile, operators continue warning that stricter regulations could affect market competitiveness.

The proposal now heads toward Gov. Jared Polis for final consideration.

Colorado Legislature Advances SB 26-131

Colorado legislators approved SB 26-131 with a 20-15 vote during the closing days of the 2026 legislative session. The bill first cleared the Senate before the House approved amended language days later.

Senators Matt Ball and Byron Pelton sponsored the legislation. Lawmakers introduced the proposal to address growing concerns surrounding sports betting addiction and aggressive sportsbook promotions.

Initially, the bill contained stricter provisions. Early drafts proposed banning prop bets and limiting sportsbook advertisements during daytime programming. However, lawmakers removed several controversial measures following industry opposition.

Despite those revisions, SB 26-131 still introduces sweeping changes for Colorado gambling regulations.

What SB 26-131 Would Implement

If Gov. Polis signs SB 26-131, Colorado sportsbooks would face several new operational restrictions.

First, operators could not accept more than six deposits from a bettor within a single gaming day. Additionally, the bill would prohibit credit card deposits for online wagering.

The legislation also targets sportsbook marketing practices. Operators could not send push notifications encouraging additional betting activity or deposits.

Furthermore, sportsbooks and affiliates would face tighter advertising restrictions involving underage audiences. The bill prohibits content targeting people younger than 21.

SB 26-131 would also require sportsbooks to provide anonymized betting data to Colorado regulators. State officials could then use the information for future gambling policy analysis.

Supporters believe these measures will improve responsible gambling protections across the state.

Colorado Sports Betting Market Faces Potential Changes

Colorado launched legal online sports betting in 2020. Since then, the market has grown into one of the country's more active jurisdictions for US online sportsbooks.

Major operators currently compete throughout the state, including brands tied to national gaming companies.

However, SB 26-131 could reshape how sportsbooks interact with bettors. The proposed deposit restrictions may reduce impulsive gambling behavior. Likewise, advertising limits could reduce aggressive promotional tactics.

Industry groups remain concerned about the bill's broader impact. Several operators argue stricter regulations could make legal sportsbooks less attractive compared to offshore alternatives.

Nevertheless, supporters insist the bill creates necessary safeguards for consumers participating in Colorado gambling activities.

Lawmakers backing the proposal argue the industry expanded rapidly without enough responsible gambling protections.

Current Status of SB 26-131

SB 26-131 has now passed both chambers of the Colorado legislature. The bill currently awaits review from Gov. Polis, who has 30 days to decide its fate. He can either sign the bill, veto it, or let it become law without his signature.

If signed into law, Colorado would join a growing number of states tightening sports betting regulations.

The legislation has already attracted national attention because of its broad restrictions on sportsbook deposits and marketing practices.

Industry observers now await Gov. Polis' final decision, which could significantly influence future sports betting legislation across the United States.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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