Colorado Moves to Restrict Online Lottery Sales
On March 9, 2026, a significant development occurred in Colorado as a bill aimed at reversing the Colorado Lottery’s credit card purchase policy passed a Senate committee with a narrow 5-4 vote. This legislation, known as Senate Bill 117, seeks to prohibit lottery ticket sales using anything other than cash or debit cards, effectively blocking the lottery from establishing an online app for direct sales of lottery tickets.
The bill also includes provisions that would ban the sale of lottery tickets through couriers. These measures are being introduced in response to growing concerns about gambling addiction and the potential for financial harm among players. According to problem gambling groups, approximately 14% of lottery players suffer from gambling issues, prompting lawmakers to take action.
The Colorado Lottery, which has a constitutional mandate to return its proceeds to the outdoors, plans to collect player data to monitor spending. Tom Seaver, the lottery’s senior director, emphasized the need for the lottery to evolve to capitalize on changing consumer behavior. However, the proposed changes have sparked a heated debate among lawmakers and stakeholders.
Sen. Judy Amabile expressed her concerns, stating, “I don’t want us to set up a whole generation of Coloradans who are in desperate financial straits because of this.” Her sentiments reflect a growing apprehension regarding the potential consequences of expanding online lottery access. Similarly, Sen. Jeff Bridges remarked, “You shouldn’t be losing money you don’t have,” highlighting the financial risks associated with gambling.
Bridges further criticized the addictive nature of gambling, stating, “This is addicting, this is dangerous, this is run by the same folks that use algorithms to get folks addicted to sports betting.” His comments underscore the urgency of addressing gambling addiction in the context of the proposed online lottery changes.
As the bill progresses, there are uncertainties surrounding its future. The likelihood of a veto from Gov. Jared Polis remains unclear, and the exact impact of the proposed changes on gambling addiction and consumer behavior is not confirmed. Meanwhile, the Colorado Lottery continues to navigate the complexities of balancing revenue generation with responsible gambling practices.
Mary Szarmach, a representative from the Colorado Lottery, expressed her concerns about competition, stating, “We are not excited to be in competition with the state of Colorado.” This statement reflects the broader implications of the bill on the lottery’s operations and its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics.
As the discussion around the online lottery evolves, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the implications of Senate Bill 117 on both the lottery’s revenue and the welfare of Colorado residents. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how these changes will ultimately shape the landscape of gambling in the state.