IGT Bringing Sports Betting Colorado Casino at Ute Mountain

Sports betting is coming to the Ute Mountain tribal casino in southwestern Colorado, thanks to a new partnership with the London-based company International Game Technology.

Ute Mountain Casino Hotel, in Towaoc, in the shadow of Sleeping Ute Mountain and near the Four Corners region, is adding sports betting to a gaming portfolio that also includes slots, table games and bingo.

The first tribal casino in Colorado, Ute Mountain has been in business since 1992.

As part of a multi-year agreement, IGT will provide Ute Mountain Casino Hotel with its PlaySports platform, PlaySports kiosks, and turnkey services, according to a news release. IGT PlaySports is known for high-performing hardware, flexible technology and player-focused solutions. IGT PlaySports is used in 40 gaming outlets across 16 states and is also a betting partner of the NBA.

Ute Mountain Aiming for Sportsbook Operation in August

Sports betting in Colorado has been legal since May 1, 2020, after voters passed a ballot measure the previous November allowing sportsbooks at state-licensed casinos. IGT adds Ute Mountain to a portfolio of Colorado sports betting clients that also includes Maverick Gaming locations in Central City and Black Hawk.

"IGT is honored to help Ute Mountain Casino grow its PlaySports-powered sports betting enterprise from the ground up," IGT PlayDigital senior vice president Enrico Drago said in the release. "Our experienced trading team will ensure Ute Mountain Casino maximizes the full potential of the PlaySports platform's integrated Player Account Management module and create compelling offers and promotions that will help build player loyalty and drive growth. IGT PlaySports has been processing sports wagers in Colorado since the first day of legalized sports betting in the state and we look forward to extending that momentum with Ute Mountain Casino."

Ute Mountain plans for its sportsbooks to open in August.

“We are confident that IGT's PlaySports technology and experienced trading team will help us bring a new level of entertainment to our valued Mountain Rewards players," casino general manager Rick Scheer said. "IGT has been a trusted partner of Ute Mountain Casino for many years and we are excited to expand our relationship and differentiate our casino with the introduction of sports betting and personalized betting offers."

IGT Also Expands in Louisiana, Washington

The IGT-Ute Mountain agreement continues a busy period for both IGT and sports gaming in Colorado. In early July, IGT struck a deal with Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, La., to use PlaySports as its sports betting product.

Then just last week, IGT agreed to provide sports betting technology to the Snoqualmie Casino in Washington state, about 25 miles west of Seattle.

And sports bettors in the Rocky Mountain State continue to find more wagering options. In June, the SuperBook headquartered at Westgate Las Vegas opened a branch at the Lodge Casino in Black Hawk. Also in June, three Colorado casinos — Golden Gates, Golden Gulch and Mardi Gras — were officially rebranded as Bally’s Black Hawk, bringing to Colorado the Bet.Works-developed Bally Bet mobile sportsbook.

Colorado reported a sports betting handle of $248.968 million in May, a 1.85% increase from April, according to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Mobile betting accounted for 99% of all wagers and basketball was the most popular sport, receiving 34.9% of all wagers — translating into $86.905 million in bets.