Cripple Creek's pari-mutuel (greyhound and horse racing)

Obviously, other than the brick and mortar native casinos in Ignacio and Towaoc, and the mining towns of Black Hawk, Cripple Creek and Central City, Colorado has other legal gambling to offer, as well.

First off, there are the horse races and greyhound races. Gambling on these events takes place in so called ‘pari-mutuel’ facilities. In case you were wondering what this French-sounding expression meant, here goes the explanation: ‘Parier mutuel’ is indeed a French expression and it means ‘betting among ourselves’. What this translates to, in the case of horse racing and greyhound racing is, that the track doesn’t act as the ‘house’, and winning bettors are literally paid from the cash left behind by the losers. The track is but an agent collecting and then redistributing the cash involved in the pari-mutuel betting circuit.

The Arapahoe Park and Racetrack is located in Aurora, Colorado, and it’s one of the best-known racetracks in the state. Whether you want to do some gambling or just catch some rays outside, the Arapahoe Park is the best destination. Seating is available both indoors and outdoors by the racetrack. There are 145 tables in their clubhouse, and if you intend to book a table there, you’d do better to make the reservation well ahead of the event you intend to attend. ( a table in the clubhouse will cost you $10).

Of course, you can always buy a clubhouse season pass for $400 and you won’t have to worry about not finding a seat whenever you want to. If you only want to watch races from any of the track-side seats, you’ll have to pay $3 admission on Saturdays and Sundays, ( $1 if you’re a senior) and the parking is free. On any other day ( Monday through Friday) general admission and parking are completely free.

The Mile High Greyhound Park in Commerce City, Colorado, is also a place where the ‘pari-mutuel’ form of gambling flourishes. It is also the best place in the state for greyhound racing.

Admission is $1 Monday through Friday, and some of the Saturday races as well. Saturday evening races, however, will cost you $3 – that is if you’re not over 62 years old. People over 62 and children under 18, ( only admitted in the company of an adult) are admitted for free. A season pass will cost you $50, and parking is free.

For hungry greyhound fans and bettors, the Timberline Club Restaurant is eager to provide some quality nourishment, however they’re only available on a limited basis. There are bars located on each level of the track though, so you can rest assured you won’t starve.

The Post Time Greyhound Park in Colorado Springs is another pari-mutuel betting attraction. The Park offers a track for greyhound racing, a reception area and rooms. General admission is $2, except for children under 18 when accompanied by an adult. The parking is free.

The Pueblo Greyhound Park from Pueblo, is a popular destination for fans of greyhound racing in Colorado. Besides the regular greyhound track features, Pueblo Greyhound Park also offers an outstanding Clubhouse, which can accommodate up to 280 guests.

The clubhouse is also available for corporate events, parties or other types of social gatherings. The interesting thing is, that even smaller groups, of up to 50 people, will be able to fully enjoy the facility without feeling lost. A fully equipped kitchen, restroom and concession area will also be at their disposal.

Although subject to a very strict legal regulation, bingo and raffles are still wildly popular in the state of Colorado. Bingo halls in Alamosa, Arvada, Aurora, Brighton, Canon City, Colorado Springs, Commerce City, Cortez, Denver, Durango, Edgewater, Englewood, Federal Heights, Fort Collins, Fort Lupton and Fort Morgan are awaiting their guests. Be careful though, if you decide to play bingo in Colorado. Legislation states that cards older than 10 days should be considered void of value and not be redeemed for the prize. Do not consider for a second that live bingo is something only senior citizens could enjoy. It is in fact a multi-million dollar industry well represented all over the country. The sheer number of bingo halls in the state of Colorado alone, is the most solid argument in this sense.