DENVER – March 10, 2026 – January was a high-water mark for sports betting in the Centennial State as wagers continue to fund water resiliency in the fight to protect future reserves from droughts exacerbated by climate change.
Colorado sports betting broke a single-month record in January, generating over $5 million in tax revenue for the first time, according to new Division of Gaming data.
According to the Division’s latest monthly sports betting report released today, Colorado collected $5,022,182.11 in tax revenue in January, breaking the previous high mark of $4,758,357.98 set in October 2025. The new record was also an increase of 13.2% from the $4,443,573.61 total taxes for January 2025. Additionally, the total handle for January was $630,221,223.02, a 1.91% increase from December 2025.
“The January numbers are more than just a new record. They show that regulated sports betting is a success in Colorado,” said Department of Revenue Executive Director Heidi Humphreys. “Generating over $5 million in taxes for the first time means millions of dollars for our state’s water projects. This helps the Colorado Water Plan and secures the future of our state.”
Since 2020, state proceeds from sports betting have raised over $100 million for water conservation. That number will likely grow to over $120 million once taxes from this fiscal year are handed out. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the state set a record of $33,498,236. Fiscal year 2026 could be even higher.
«The January figures are a historic achievement, as we’ve broken the single-month record for sports betting tax revenue by generating over $5 million for the first time,» said Christopher Schroder, Director of the Division of Gaming. «Most importantly, this significant revenue ensures sustained funding for Colorado’s vital water projects. While we celebrate this success, we remain committed to promoting responsible gaming and encourage every Coloradan to visit BetSmart.Colorado.gov for resources and support.»
Sports betting funds water projects across Colorado
Sports betting revenue directly supports Colorado’s Water Plan Grant program, which funds critical water projects and advances the goals of the Colorado Water Plan. The Water Grant Program provides funding to efforts like the Colorado Growing Water Smart (CGWS) program. Colorado Growing Water Smart is a program that brings leaders from local jurisdictions to collaboratively build the capacity of their city, town, or region to integrate strategies for land use and water planning.
The impact of the Water Plan Grant program can be explored on Colorado Water Conservation Board’s newly released Water Funding Explorer at engagecwcb.org/water-funding-explorer.
Supporting responsible gaming
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission awarded $3,783,954.50 in Responsible Gaming Grants in February. Since 2023, the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission has awarded more than $10 million in Responsible Gaming Grants. Read more about how the Division of Gaming is helping Coloradans Bet Smart.
Need help?
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, there are many resources available to help, please visit BetSmart.Colorado.gov. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sports betting figures for January:
| Total Handle: January 2026 | $630,221,223.02 (1.91% increase from December 2025) | Represents a 4.1% decrease from January 2025 ($657,182,798.16) |
| Total Handle: December 2025 | $618,385,973.65 | |
| Total Taxes: January 2026 | $5,022,182.11 (8.43% increase from December 2025) | Represents a 13.02% increase from January 2025 ($4,443,573.61) |
| Total Taxes: December 2025 | $4,631,754.34 | |
| Fiscal Year To Date Wagers, including January 2026 | $4,002,064,240.59 | Represents a 13.02% increase from January 2025 ($4,443,573.61). Wagers from January 2025 ($3,810,481,864.03) |
| Fiscal Year To Date Taxes, including January 2026 | $28,558,497.88 | Represents a 34.96% increase from the FYTD Taxes from January 2025 ($21,160,707.28) |
