Colorado Sends First-in-Nation Sports Betting Deposit Limit Bill to Governor’s Desk

Colorado lawmakers sent Senate Bill 131 to Governor Jared Polis on May 14, the final day of the 2026 legislative session, after the Senate approved House amendments by a 20-15 vote. The bill would limit bettors to six deposits per gaming day on licensed sports betting apps, ban the use of credit cards for deposits, and prohibit operators from sending push notifications or text messages designed to encourage wagering or account funding. If Polis signs the measure, Colorado would become the first state in the US to impose a statutory cap on the frequency of sportsbook deposits.

The bipartisan bill cleared both chambers after several rounds of amendments over the course of the session. The final version passed with support from members of both parties who cited responsible gambling concerns, while the 20-15 Senate vote reflected opposition primarily from members who argued the restrictions would disadvantage Colorado operators relative to those in other states and could push bettors toward unlicensed platforms.

How the Law Would Work in Practice

Under SB 131, Colorado bettors would be permitted to make up to six separate deposit transactions in a single gaming day, with no dollar cap imposed on the value of individual deposits. This approach adds friction to the deposit process without preventing large single transactions, a design intended to reduce compulsive deposit behavior without significantly constraining casual players. The credit card ban would require all Colorado sportsbook users to fund accounts through debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, or other accepted non-credit methods.

Five of Colorado’s 13 licensed online sportsbooks already voluntarily ban credit card deposits, meaning a portion of the market is already operating under the proposed standard. The push notification ban is the most novel element of the bill, restricting a common marketing tool used by operators to drive engagement. The law would also bar sportsbooks and their affiliates from targeting anyone under 21 and restrict the use of terms like bonus bet and no sweat in promotional materials.

If enacted, the law would take effect 90 days after adjournment, potentially making it enforceable as early as August 12, 2026. Polis has 30 days to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without his signature.

Implications for Bettors

For players currently using Colorado sportsbook apps, the most immediate practical change would be the end of credit card deposits, requiring bettors who rely on that funding method to switch to alternatives before the law takes effect. The six-deposit daily cap is unlikely to affect casual bettors who typically fund their accounts infrequently but could change behavior for high-volume users who make multiple smaller transactions in a day.

Other states are watching Colorado’s approach closely as a potential template for responsible gambling legislation that goes beyond voluntary opt-in tools. Several state regulators have been considering mandatory structural restrictions rather than education-based programs, and SB 131’s progress in Colorado gives advocates a concrete legislative model to point to. Players who want to compare sportsbook options and their deposit policies can review the sportsbook reviews section for up-to-date information on each platform’s deposit methods and limits.