Colorado might not be the first location that comes to mind when you start thinking about casinos.
However, the state has its unique and thriving casino industry located in charming mountain towns. In December, Colorado's casinos experienced a slight dip in overall revenue, but the numbers reveal some interesting patterns.
That's according to the Colorado Department of Revenue. But we saw fluctuations in revenue as far back as February.
Let's dive into the details of the December dip in the Centennial State and what it means for the future.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
In December, Colorado's casino revenue reached nearly $94 million.
While this may seem impressive, it represents a small decline of 1.4% compared to the previous year. Interestingly, when we compare December's numbers to November 2025, there was actually an increase of almost 3%. This suggests that the dip is more of a year-over-year trend than a sign of recent trouble.
Breaking it down further, slot machines brought in $77.6 million, a 3.2% decrease from the previous year.
On the other hand, table games experienced a boost, earning $16.1 million—a notable increase of 8.3% year-over-year. This indicates that more players have been enjoying games like poker and blackjack, even though slot machines still dominate the scene.
Insights from Colorado's Casino Towns
Three mountain towns host Colorado's casinos: Black Hawk, Cripple Creek, and Central City. Each of these towns tells a different story when it comes to their casino performance.
Black Hawk: As the largest gambling hub in Colorado, Black Hawk slightly declined by 1%. This minor drop significantly influences the overall statewide trend, given Black Hawk's dominant position.
Cripple Creek: Despite the statewide dip, Cripple Creek's revenue grew by 2.5%. This growth might be due to factors like reinvestment in casino properties, effective marketing strategies, or a dedicated customer base that keeps the town buzzing.
Central City: Unfortunately, Central City saw a sharp decrease of 14.7%, highlighting its ongoing struggle to compete with the scale of Black Hawk and the unique appeal of Cripple Creek.
| Region | Revenue (Dec) | YoY change | Share of state total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Hawk | $72.2m | -1.0% | ~77% |
| Cripple Creek | $16.1m | +2.5% | ~17% |
| Central City | $5.4m | -14.7% | ~6% |
| State total | $93.7m | -1.4% | 100% |
What the Slot-Table Divide Means
The contrasting performance of slot machines and table games in Colorado casinos suggests a shift in player preferences. The rise in table game revenue implies a demand for higher-stakes gaming, while the decline in slot machine revenue hints at fewer visits or bets on lower denomination slots.
For casino operators, this shift could mean better margins, as table games often have a higher hold per player. However, it also signals greater volatility and a heavier reliance on a smaller, more specialized group of players.
Broader Trends Across Colorado Casinos
Despite December's slight decline, tax collections from limited gaming were up 8.63% year-over-year in November 2025, and fiscal-year-to-date collections were up 4.96%.
This suggests a generally positive trend for Colorado's casino industry, even as December's numbers reflect a slight softening.
In 2025, Colorado's casinos have mostly experienced small month-to-month revenue changes, with more significant fluctuations seen in the sports betting sector rather than traditional casino gaming.
So, while Colorado casinos saw a minor dip in December's revenue, the numbers reveal a fascinating story about the state's gaming industry.
The divide between slots and table games, along with the varying performances of the mountain towns, shows a dynamic and evolving market. As next year unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these trends develop and what they mean for the future of Colorado casinos.
Sweepstakes casinos are legal in Colorado, although real money online casinos are not. You can try your luck on sweepstakes games in The Centennial State, but remember to always practice responsible gambling habits.
