Are Casino Nights and Social Poker Games Legal in Colorado?

It's important to be aware of local laws, especially when they may differ from state to state or, in some cases, from county to county or even town to town.

While Colorado is home to the famous gambling towns of Cripple Creek, Black Hawk, and Central City, establishments like these are not considered legal in most of the state.

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So what about a seemingly harmless poker game with friends in the garage or a casino night to raise money for a good cause? It's these scenarios in which the law demands a bit of a closer look.

What Are the Rules Regarding Social Gambling in Colorado?

In Colorado, a poker tournament or casino night can be allowed under law if the games are considered "social gambling."

In order to be considered gambling, the three elements of payment, luck, and prize must all be present. If one of these elements is missing, the activity would not be considered social gambling. In addition, if there is a buy-in and prizes are given based on winning, the casino night or poker tournament would no longer be considered social gambling.

The Colorado laws also state that participants must have a bona fide social relationship, meaning that all parties must have an established relationship and that meeting up for gambling is not solely motivated by profit.

Of course, with any law that could result in serious punishment if broken, it's always a good idea to read the fine print and check for additional requirements based on your specific county or state regulations.