“The three gaming markets lacked quality assets,” said JMP Securities gaming analyst Jordan Bender. There was zero interest by Las Vegas or Reno casino operators to enter Colorado. Instead, analysts said Colorado’s casino customers spent a median amount that was far below the national average. The idea behind the 1990 legalization was to boost tourism in old west communities.
Initially, bets in the state were limited to $5 and casinos were not open 24/7. DENVER – Nevada’s major gaming companies avoided Colorado for nearly two decades after casinos were legalized in the historic mining towns of Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek.
