Colorado criminal charge
Gambling in Colorado
Gambling is a criminal offense under Colorado law, defined by C.R.S. § 18-10-103. Its classification is not fixed: Colorado assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by C.R.S. § 18-10-103.
What is the penalty for gambling in Colorado?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 10 days (Gambling — A person who engages in gambling commits this offense.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-503 |
| Fine | up to $300 (Gambling — A person who engages in gambling commits this offense.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-503 |
| Jail / prison | up to 120 days (Professional gambling — A person who engages in professional gambling commits this offense.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 |
| Fine | up to $750 (Professional gambling — A person who engages in professional gambling commits this offense.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 |
Applies to offenses on/after 2022-03-01 (SB21-271).
How is gambling classified in Colorado?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gambling | Petty Offense | A person who engages in gambling commits this offense. | 18-10-103(1) |
| Professional gambling | Class 2 Misdemeanor | A person who engages in professional gambling commits this offense. | 18-10-103(2) |
Common questions about gambling in Colorado
Is gambling a felony or a misdemeanor in Colorado?
It depends on the circumstances: gambling ranges from a Petty Offense to a Class 2 Misdemeanor in Colorado under C.R.S. § 18-10-103.
Gambling: Petty Offense (C.R.S. § 18-10-103(1)) · Professional gambling: Class 2 Misdemeanor (C.R.S. § 18-10-103(2))
What are the penalties for gambling in Colorado?
Penalties for gambling in Colorado depend on how it is classified — from a Petty Offense up to a Class 2 Misdemeanor — with the ranges set by C.R.S. § 18-1.3-503 and C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Colorado statute covers gambling?
Gambling is governed by C.R.S. § 18-10-103 (Gambling - professional gambling - offenses).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.