Colorado was one of the Rocky Mountain States to be hit by gold rush fever and there are many towns you can still visit to this day that are rich with mining history. Many of them have been left much like they were to preserve the history and historic landscape. To see some of these magnificent towns you only need to follow along the Colorado Gold Trail. These are just a few of the cities and towns you’d be visiting:
The gold rush began in Black Hawk in 1859. It became home to a variety of gaming, saloons, and brothels, much of which you can still visit today. There is even still a self-guided walking tour that will take you past many of the historical landmarks. Black Hawk is still home to an abundance of casinos and prides itself on having the largest number in all of Colorado.
The twin city of Black Hawk you can visit both of these places in the same day if you wanted. Like Black Hawk the gold rush began here at the same time in 1859 and Central City held many of the same allures, gambling, booze, and hookers. Believe it or not Central City almost became the state capitol as it was more culturally diverse than Denver. In the 1860’s opera houses opened up including the Central City Opera House where you can still enjoy a show to this day. If you’re feeling like you want to partake in some of the cities more sordid history you can visit on Madame Lou Bunch Day and celebrate the historical Madame.
If you want a town that will take you back in time then there is nowhere better than Idaho Springs. The gold history is still very much alive and you can still visit several mines nearby. The most notable are the Argo Gold Mine and Mill and the Phoenix Gold Mine which is still a functioning, working mine. For a nice stroll you might head through downtown and take in the well-preserved buildings. After a long day gold panning for your own riches you can enjoy a dip in the hot mineral springs for a relaxing evening.
Heading to the mountains you’ll be lucky to find Breckenridge, Colorado’s oldest and largest town to be found within Summit County. Like the other towns on this list it began as a mining town and you’ll find plenty of evidence of it. This stop is chock full of history with more than 250 buildings listed within the National Historic Register.
Also Read: Gold Prospecting in Colorado
And: The Pikes Peak Gold Rush
Most of us imagine the miners of old as a rather gruff and grizzly bunch, and we probably wouldn’t be far off the mark. To this day you are likely to find locals fitting this rough description. You can even still go to a great celebration and watch the races at Burro Days. If you’re really devoted to getting the full picture you can visit the city during the Mountain Man Rendezvous that takes place each July. There are even reenactments that display what life was like in early Colorado. The South Park City Museum can’t be missed and you should make it a point to stroll past the 40+ historic buildings. Some of the buildings you can visit include a trapper’s cabin, saloon, store, blacksmiths shop and much more.
Golden Gulch Casino is the kid sibling to Golden Gates, a small but active casino offering an assortment of 140 slot and video poker machines and absolutely steeped in rustic mountain charm. The Golden Gulch even has games in the old historic jailhouse, located in its basement. Mardi Gras Casino. Address: 300 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422. Colorado casinos in 2021 could be permitted to up their betting limits and bring new games to their venues in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. Colorado’s small gaming towns could be going big when it comes to casino betting limits. Nowadays, there are plenty of gambling options in Colorado, as the Centennial State is home to 36 casinos. These 36 casinos are located in three different areas of the state: Black Hawk/Central City (by Denver), Cripple Creek (by Colorado Springs), and Southwest Colorado (by Cortez and Durango). Black Hawk is the Las Vegas of Colorado. Cripple Creek is also home to one of the states most beloved events, Donkey Derby Days. Visit Cripple Creek and enjoy all that this beautiful and historic town has to offer. Top-notch casinos, interesting museums, like the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum and the Cripple Creek Jail Museum, allow visitors to explore the past.
A beautiful mountain town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge is surrounded by scenic beauty. Founded in 1859, this lovely community, which has its roots in mining, is home to one of the largest historic districts within Colorado, which includes the charming historic Main Street where visitors can stroll and discover fine eateries, quaint shops, and more.
What other city in the world has a ratio of one casino for every six residents? That’s the claim to fame of Black Hawk, Colorado. Learn more about the sportsbooks and casinos in Black Hawk, get a map of Black Hawk’s casinos, and take in a bit of the history of one of the most unique gambling cities you’ll ever visit.
Sports Betting In Black Hawk Colorado & Online Sportsbooks
The Colorado sports betting market has been wildly successful so far. Sportsbook brands around the world have formed partnerships with Colorado casinos, many of which have launched apps or in-person retail kiosks or windows. More are expected to launch in 2021.
That means the full range of Black Hawk’s casino and sports betting offerings are once again available, albeit with some social distancing precautions still in place.
All of these retail sportsbooks offer online sports betting apps as well, often with top-rate bonus offers for new bettors. Bonus offers and promotions are normally only available when registering through the online app.
Best Black Hawk Casinos With Online Sportsbook Bonuses
DraftKings At Mardi Gras Casino
Licensed in Colorado
Sportsbook Rating Excellent
DraftKings Review
Payout Speed 1-2 Days
Bonus Amount 1,000
Banking Options
Mardi Gras Casino
Retail Sportsbook Brand: DraftKings Sportsbook
Bonus: Get a $1000 risk-free bet on the DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado App
The Mardi Gras Casino opened the state’s second retail sports window, launched through its partnership with DraftKings. Starting with a temporary sports betting window, the DraftKings Sportsbook in Black Hawk is now open for wagers on all major sports.
The sportsbook includes a large video wall with almost three dozen TV screens along with screens serving as odds boards. There is a VIP lounge, a full bar, and a full-service kitchen. The sportsbook includes sports betting kiosks and off-track betting terminals.
Mardi Gras was DraftKings Sportsbook’s seventh location nationwide.
William Hill at Lady Luck Casino & Isle Casino
Licensed in Colorado
Sportsbook Rating Excellent
William Hill Review
Payout Speed 1-2 Days
Bonus Amount 500
Banking Options
Lady Luck Casino/Isle Casino
Retail Sportsbook Brand: William Hill
Black Hawk sister casinos Lady Luck Casino and Isle Casino have each opened a half-dozen self-serve sports betting kiosks, powered by William Hill. Both casino properties are owned by Caesars Entertainment, one of the top names in casino gaming. William Hill is one of the top international sports betting brands and is making in-roads into the US sports betting market.
Although currently there are only betting kiosks at the property it is possible this will expand into a full retail sportsbook in the future.
Live Black Hawk Retail Sportsbooks
The following casinos opened sportsbooks in Black Hawk and are taking wagers right now. If you are not located near Black Hawk, it’s possible to register at one of the online sportsbooks to bet from home.
Monarch Casino
Retail Sportsbook Brand: BetMonarch
Monarch Casino at Black Hawk developed its own sportsbook app in house. BetMonarch owns and operates its sportsbook. However, it also has a retail location on the second floor of the casino. The Atlantis Casino in Vegas, Monarch’s sister casino, also has a sportsbook. It’s where Monarch’s Black Hawk location gained the expertise to develop a sportsbook in-house. Betting at Monarch’s casino also earns bettors Monarch reward points. It’s a great way to earn comped meals and rooms.
Ameristar
Retail Sportsbook Brand: Barstool (Penn National)
Colorado’s largest casino, Ameristar, has opened a temporary retail sportsbook window and self-service kiosks. Ameristar sports betting partner Penn National Gaming bought a 36% stake in Barstool earlier this year. As of fall 2020, it’s using the Barstool Bets brand for its sportsbook at Ameristar.
Red Dolly Casino
Retail Sportsbook Brand: ELITE Sportsbook
ELITE Sportsbook was the 11th sportsbook to launch in Colorado. There’s no app just yet, but bettors can start placing wagers on its website right now. ELITE Sportsbook will offer bettors a variety of prop bets and parlays, and promotions will be available, including a sign-up bonus worth up to $1,000 in free bets. The company says it will be the only sportsbook in the state to offer a progressive parlay.
Saratoga Casino
Retail Sportsbook Brand: Betfred
Betfred had the distinction of taking the first legal in-person sports bet in Colorado state history, on June 17, 2020. The bookmaker had recently announced its partnership with Saratoga Casino in Black Hawk and was ready to go the first day casinos reopened after state-mandated closures throughout the spring. Betfred also has a partnership with the Denver Broncos. The Saratoga retail sports betting window is Betfred’s second entry into the US market.
PlaySports Kiosks (IGT)
Retail Sportsbook Brand: Sasquatch Casino & The Wild Card Saloon
The Sasquatch Casino & The Wild Card Saloon, sister casinos in Black Hawk, struck up a deal with gaming giant IGT to set up self-service PlaySports kiosks around the properties. An app is also in the making and will likely launch in the coming months.
Launching Soon Retail Black Hawk Sportsbooks
These properties have secured sports betting partnerships, but have not yet opened any in-person windows or kiosks.
Live Online Black Hawk Sportsbooks
You don’t even have to be physically within the borders of Black Hawk to take advantage of its sports betting offerings. Any land casino partnership with an online sports betting site includes access for sports bettors anywhere in Colorado, with in-person or app-based deposits/withdrawals available.
DraftKings Sportsbook
Retail Partner: Mardi Gras Casino
DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the top US brands in sports betting, and it’s open for business for sports bettors in Colorado. Its variety of sports and lines are almost unmatched, and it offers some unique betting opportunities like teasers and parlays. It also has frequent bonuses and promotions.
FanDuel Sportsbook
Retail Partner: Golden Gates Casino
Once known only for fantasy sports, FanDuel Sportsbook is all grown up, serving CO sports bettors 24 hours a day. FanDuel Sportsbook has lines on MLB, NFL, NHL, and NBA, along with all kinds of other sports and events, both niche and mainstream. It has bets on the spread, the moneyline, halves and quarters of select games, and the over/under, and offers highly competitive odds in the CO sports betting landscape. You can get up to a $500 risk-free bet by using our exclusive link.
BetMonarch
Retail Partner: Monarch Casino
Monarch Casino in Black Hawk launched BetMonarch in May 2020, the first fully in-house sportsbook in the state developed by a casino. It offers the sports and leagues you’d expect lines on, but it also has an advantage many other sportsbooks don’t: BetMonarch rewards points players accumulate through their play can earn free hotel stays, meals, and more.
FOX Bet
Retail Partner: Eldorado Resorts (Caesars Entertainment)
Fox Bet’s local gaming partner is the Lady Luck Casino in Black Hawk, owned by Eldorado Resorts, which recently acquired gaming giant Caesars Entertainment, as well as the Isle Casino. Fox Bet has some solid bonus offers, including a $1,000 sign-up bonus ($500 risk-free bet + 100% match bonus of up to $500). In addition to the standard slate of sports to bet on, Fox Bet offers a wide range of betting boosts, which are riskier but could be lucrative wagers for lucky bettors.
ELITE Sportsbook
Retail Partner: Red Dolly Casino
ELITE Sportsbook was the 11th sportsbook to launch in Colorado. There’s no app just yet, but bettors can start placing wagers on its website right now. ELITE Sportsbook will offer bettors a variety of prop bets and parlays, and promotions will be available, including a sign-up bonus worth up to $1,000 in free bets. The company says it will be the only sportsbook in the state to offer a progressive parlay.
Launching Soon Online Black Hawk Sportsbooks
- PointsBet (Partnered with Double Eagle)
- BetAmerica (Partnered with Full House Resorts)
- Barstool Sports (Partnered with Penn National Gaming)
- Wynn (Partnered with Full House Resorts)
- Superbook (Partnered with Jacobs Entertainment)
- IGT PlaySports (Partnered with Ed and Shirley’s Inc.)
- IGT PlaySports (Partnered with Maverick Gaming)
- ISI (Partnered with G Investments LLC.)
- Twin River (Partnered with Twin River Worldwide Holdings)
- Circa Sports (Partnered with Century Casinos Inc)
- the Score Bet (Partnered with Jacobs Entertainment Lld)
- PlayUp Sportsbook (Partnered with Global Casinos Inc)
Black Hawk Colorado Casinos
Ameristar
Address: 111 Richman St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
Ameristar is the largest casino hotel in Black Hawk. The AAA Four Diamond-designated hotel boasts 536 guest rooms, including 64 suites. It has a full-service spa with a rooftop indoor pool, multiple dining options from fast-casual to buffet to white table cloth. It offers a large underground parking garage with free valet service. Ameristar’s casino floor has 1,250 slots and video poker machines, 40 table games, and 22 live poker tables, making it the biggest poker room in Black Hawk. At 33 stories, Ameristar’s hotel tower is the tallest building in Colorado outside of Denver.
Isle Black Hawk
Address: 401 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
When the Isle opened its doors on Dec. 30, 1998, it was the largest hotel and casino to ever open in Black Hawk. It might not be the biggest in town anymore, but Isle Black Hawk remains a popular destination for gamblers. The Isle has 404 hotel rooms, over 900 slot machines, 27 table games, and a live poker room with more than a dozen tables. It’s got a large, free covered parking garage complete with complimentary valet. The Isle offers a farm-to-table buffet, fast-casual dining, and a recently opened martini bar. The Isle is connected by a skywalk to its sister property, Lady Luck Casino Black Hawk.
Lady Luck Black Hawk
Address: 340 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
Lady Luck Casino was the first large casino built-in Black Hawk. Opened in 1993 originally as a casino only, the Lady Luck offers a variety of gaming options in an 1880s railroad-themed gaming floor. Lady Luck offers more than 400 slot and video poker machines, 11 table games, free garage parking, and more. For added gaming fuel any time of day or night, Lady Luck has a second-floor restaurant serving breakfast all day. In 2005, Lady Luck Black Hawk added a 164-room hotel. Lady Luck Black Hawk is connected by skywalk to its sister property, Isle Black Hawk.
Golden Gates Casino
Address: 261 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
Located in the heart of the action, the Golden Gates Casino is just a few steps from its sister properties Golden Gulch and Golden Mardi Gras. Opened in 1991, Golden Gates has been a steady source of gaming entertainment in Black Hawk since the beginning of the legal gaming days.
The Golden Gates has 273 slot games, 8 table games, and with 18 live poker tables, it’s one of the largest poker rooms in Black Hawk. Golden Gates is known for hosting several big poker tournaments, including the Colorado Poker Championship and the Heartland Poker Tour. Its 700-spot parking garage is free, and the drinks and food are plentiful. Golden Gates offers a centrally located bar on the casino floor as well as a fast-casual restaurant.
Golden Gulch Casino
Address: 321 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
Golden Gulch Casino is the kid sibling to Golden Gates, a small but active casino offering an assortment of 140 slot and video poker machines and absolutely steeped in rustic mountain charm. The Golden Gulch even has games in the old historic jailhouse, located in its basement.
Mardi Gras Casino
Address: 300 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
The Mardi Gras Casino works hard to embody the spirit of its namesake, with bright colors, frequent celebrations, and of course plenty of Cajun food. The Mardi Gras Casino is the largest of its sister properties, Golden Gulch and Golden Gates, boasting 650 slot and video poker machines and 14 table games. Since it’s connected directly by skywalk to the Golden Gates, one of the largest poker rooms in Colorado is never more than a short walk away. Exuding a unique charm and character, you can’t miss Mardi Gras’ steepled copper roof and colorful, neon-adorned glass walkway.
The Gilpin Hotel & Casino
Address: 111 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
The Gilpin Hotel Casino is a bit of a misnomer, as it no longer offers hotel rooms, but it still offers plenty of casino action, with a bit of spooky local history thrown in the mix. The Gilpin has 469 slot and video poker machines, 6 table games, and is open to guests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In the late 1800s, The Gilpin Hotel had a one-room schoolhouse upstairs. Local legend has it that a teacher by the name of Lucille Malone jumped from the hotel balcony after her lover, a local miner, was run over by a wagon in front of the Gilpin. Guests have reported ghostly sightings of Lucille Malone throughout the years, and the hotel’s restaurant bears her name. The Gilpin Hotel is a short walk from its sister property, The Lodge Casino.
The Lodge Casino
Address: 240 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
The Lodge Casino has the distinction of being the first casino in Black Hawk offering hotel rooms when it opened in 1998. Located in the heart of downtown Black Hawk, the Lodge Casino is one of the largest in the state, offering an impressive array of gaming options and 50 guest rooms. The spacious, multi-level gaming floor has 979 slot machines and 13 table games. The Lodge has multiple dining options, from an all-you-can-eat buffet, to quick bites to fine dining. Just up the road is the Lodge Casino’s sister property, the Gilpin Hotel Casino.
Monarch Casino
Address: 488 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
If you take Colorado Highway 119 to enter Black Hawk, the Monarch Casino would be tough to miss. Its bright signs and newly added 1,350 space parking garage are among the first things you see when you reach the city. The brightly colored, butterfly-themed casino offers 740 slot and video poker machines, 14 table games, and a 250-seat buffet restaurant. The Monarch Casino is nearing completion on a major renovation project that will see its gaming space double, and the addition of a 23-story hotel tower featuring a spa, pool, and 500 guest rooms and suites.
Saratoga Casino
Address: 101 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
Saratoga Casino is one of the newest properties in Black Hawk, opening in 2013 in place of Fitzgerald’s Casino. It has more than 500 slot and video poker machines, a handful of table games including craps, roulette, three-card poker, and blackjack. The Saratoga offers a selection of bars, lounges, and cafes for your eating and drinking needs, and has free covered self-parking.
Z Casino
Address: 101 Gregory St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
The Z Casino is part of the Z Family of properties, with recent expansion into Central City by way of the Grand Z Casino Hotel and Johnny Z’s. Opened in 2014 in the former location of Bullwhackers, The Z Casino features 36,000 square feet of gaming space, with 389 slot machines, six gaming tables, and a poker table. Coffee and casual dining are plentiful at the Z, with a casual restaurant and a second-floor cafe serving Starbucks coffee and pastries.
Red Dolly
Address: 530 Gregory St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
The oldest casino in Black Hawk, the Red Rolly opened for business in May 1992 and has the same management today. The small but bustling gaming floor offers 130 slot machines, from old classics to brand new games. The Red Dolly offers casino excitement in a cozy setting. Look for its distinctive red awning out front.
Sasquatch Casino
Address: 125 Gregory St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
Though named after a big beast, the Sasquatch Casino is actually the smallest in Black Hawk. But don’t let its size fool you. Opened in 2011, the Sasquatch knows the importance of catering to their guests, which they welcome into their historic two-story building, offering 130 slot and video poker machines. The grill is always on at Sasquatch Casino, offering up sandwiches to burgers to prime rib. The Sasquatch Casino also has a kid-friendly arcade on the premises.
Wild Card Saloon
Address: 120 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
The Wild Card Saloon uses its small size to its advantage, creating an environment that offers all the comforts of home. Unique to the Wild Card is its menu, which offers up a selection of real, home-cooked dishes every day for an unbeatable price. The menu changes frequently, so be sure to ask what’s cooking when you visit. The Wild Card Saloon takes its gaming as seriously as its vittles, offering more than 200 slot and video poker machines.
Bull Durham Casino
Address: 110 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
Housed in a former wagon workshop, blacksmith shop, and stable, the Bull Durham Saloon has 188 slot and video poker machines ready to play. The historic building was renovated a few years ago to make room for a longer bar and additional slot machines, which you can’t go wrong within a casino. Of course, there’s plenty of beer and a variety of pub food available on-site.
Also, learn about Black Hawk Casinos that have closed.
Top Photo Editorial credit: RaksyBH / Shutterstock.com
Black Hawk Colorado Casino Map
A Quick History Of Black Hawk, Colorado
When miner John H. Gregory discovered a vein of gold in a narrow gulch along the north fork of Clear Creek in 1859, Black Hawk, Colorado was put on the map practically overnight. Soon after, thousands of prospectors and miners made their way to the area looking to strike it rich.
Amid the mining boom, construction of a series of new mills, and a new railroad linking the area to Golden, the tiny mountain town became one of the main ore milling hubs in the state, its population swelling to more than 2,000 by the end of the century. During that time, the strip of land encompassing Black Hawk and Central City, later renamed Gregory Gulch, was known as “the richest square mile on earth.”
The 20th century saw Black Hawk fall on hard times. Commerce dried up, and residents moved away in droves following several severe weather events. It wasn’t until Colorado legalized limited-stakes casino gambling in 1991 that the city was revitalized as a gaming destination. Back then the maximum bet allowed was just $5, but voters approved an increase to $100 in 2008.
Today the population hovers a bit over 100, but up to 20,000 day-trippers and overnighters visit Black Hawk each day from Colorado and beyond to try their luck and explore a real-life historic mining town. Close to winter sports destinations and located less than 40 miles outside downtown Denver, Black Hawk offers visitors a Vegas-style assortment of gaming, dining, and hotel options, all against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The city has 15 casinos and more than 1,000 hotel rooms, most ready for betting action 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Black Hawk Casino FAQs
Black Hawk is about 35 miles from downtown Denver, about a 50-minute drive.
Small Gambling Towns In Colorado Alphabetically
Yes. Black Hawk is open 365 days a year. Most casinos are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
No. But most casinos offer temperature-controlled outdoor smoking patios, and most hotels offer smoking guest rooms.
Street parking is somewhat limited, but many casinos offer free parking options, in either covered or uncovered lots. Some of the larger casinos have free valet service.
The State of Colorado allows a maximum bet of $100 on any single wager.
Small Gambling Towns In Colorado
Black Hawk offers slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, video poker. As of May 1, 2020 casinos began offering sports betting.