CRIPPLE CREEK — Voters barely approved legalizing sports gambling in Colorado on Tuesday.
However, beginning next year sports betting will be allowed at casinos in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek.
Staff at Wildwood Casino in Cripple Creek told News 5 that there's still a lot of things up in the air when it comes to regulations and exactly when the casinos can go live with everything. One thing is certain though, competition with other gaming markets across the country is about to heat up.
Wildwood Casino Assistant General Manager Matt Andrighetti said, "We're excited. We know that was a close vote and we really feel that this is something that's going to be great for Colorado."
With the passing of Proposition DD Colorado's gambling industry is about to start a new chapter.
Andrighetti said, "It's really betting on sports, betting on different games, motorized sports, other things like that too."
Soon, it'll happen inside places like Wildwood Casino.
"I've talked to a few of our regulars who are very excited about it, people that have been waiting for that opportunity and that extra amenity in Colorado to bet on sports."
Andrighetti said it's an opportunity to be more competitive with other gaming markets in other states.
"Right now they go off to Vegas, they go off to other places where they can do it legally...the people that I had talked to were very happy that now they can come to their local casinos and do it here rather than having to travel."
Wildwood - expecting a lot more foot traffic through the casino as sports betting takes off.
"We're looking at different vendors to partner with. We're looking on how we want to implement sports wagering. Part of the bill does authorize online wagering as well as in live betting so in the casino."
As far as fantasy sports Andrighetti said it's also something the casino would be interested in. But that, and of course what sports will be up for grabs, is still to be determined.
"We're actually waiting to find out how everything's going to come through with the regulations."
If all goes well he said Colorado sports betting could launch on May 1, 2020.
Andrighetti said Wildwood Casino already has a sports bar area on the casino floor. As far as how the look of the floor might change he said they'll have to wait and see.
