Colorado Division of Gaming proposes exclusions for bettors threatening sports participants
Regulation2 min read
Colorado’s Division of Gaming discussed proposed Rule 29 changes on 12 November that would allow exclusion proceedings against people threatening athletes, coaches, officials and others connected with sports betting. The proposal would add such threats and related convictions to existing exclusion grounds, with public comments still open before consideration by the Limited Gaming Control Commission.
Colorado’s Division of Gaming discussed a proposal on 12 November to expand its powers to exclude sports bettors who threaten people connected with sporting events.
Under proposed changes to Rule 29, regulators could initiate exclusion proceedings against people whose presence is considered a threat to licensed gambling or sports wagering. The Division could petition to add someone to the state’s involuntary exclusion list for threatening physical harm against athletes, sports governing body members, coaches, team personnel, gaming workers or certain relatives of those people. A criminal conviction for victimising members of those groups would also qualify under the provision. In deciding whether to pursue exclusion, regulators could also consider manipulation or other compromises to the integrity of gambling or sports wagering.
Existing grounds for exclusion include serious criminal activity, gaming law violations and conduct that undermines public confidence in regulated gambling. People on the list can be barred from licensed gaming establishments, and their details are shared with gaming licensees and sports betting operators. Exclusions are permanent unless stated otherwise.
In September, the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS and their players’ associations urged regulators to impose stricter penalties for threats against athletes, coaches, officials and team staff. They supported lifetime bans and information sharing across states by regulators and sportsbooks. Louisiana passed a bill in May that would allow the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to ban certain state residents from retail and online sports betting for harassment.
Last month, Ohio added a bettor to its involuntary exclusion list after he allegedly made threatening comments about John Schneider, manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, during the 2025 World Series. The decision bars him from sports betting in Ohio. Fanatics Sportsbook, IC360 and Signify Group launched the Bad Actor Program to identify people accused of threatening athletes and prevent them opening accounts with other operators.
No operator representatives spoke at the workshop, and public comment remains open. The Division is expected to bring the proposal before the Limited Gaming Control Commission for review.