Colorado and Montana moved in opposite directions in the US sports betting market during the summer of 2026. Colorado increased its June handle by approximately 14% year on year, reaching an estimated US$424 million to US$425 million, compared with US$372.49 million in June 2025. Montana, meanwhile, ended July with an estimated 2% decline from the record of approximately US$3.7 million posted a year earlier.
Colorado’s growth was driven by digital betting and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The state operates a competitive market with private sportsbooks, mobile wagering and retail locations linked to casinos. Approximately 98% to 99% of total betting volume is processed online. During the previous fiscal year, Colorado recorded a handle of US$6.3 billion and collected US$36.82 million in taxes, applying a 10% rate to net sports betting proceeds. The funds primarily support the Colorado Water Plan, responsible gambling programmes and regulatory costs.
The Colorado Division of Gaming, led in August 2026 by Christopher “Chris” Schroder, compiles the data under the supervision of the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission. The state had approximately 13 online sportsbooks, 10 retail sportsbooks, 33 commercial casinos in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek, and two tribal casinos.
Montana operates under the opposite model. Sports Bet Montana, administered by the Montana Lottery, is the state’s only sportsbook. Customers place wagers through terminals or a geolocated mobile application linked to authorised establishments, whose agents receive a 3% commission on every wager.
During the weeks ending July 4, 11 and 18, Montana accumulated US$2.75 million in handle, US$2.32 million in prizes paid, US$424,334 in GGR and US$82,370 in agent commissions. Soccer represented as much as 41.5% of weekly betting volume, while baseball, basketball and MMA were also among the leading categories.
The Montana Lottery is led by Bob Brown and overseen by the State Lottery and Sports Wagering Commission. The first US$2.25 million in annual net proceeds funds STEM scholarships, while any excess is transferred to the state general fund.
