Colorado’s Proposition DD Vote Coming in November Laws & Regulations

Colorado Voters to Decide on Proposition DD in November

By Lisa Spencer Senior Editor Updated: 19 October 2019

Lisa Spencer Senior Editor

As a Senior Editor at Betting.US, Lisa Spencer is a valuable member of our expert team. With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Lisa is adept in gambling theory and analyzing odds. She contributes by writing online sportsbook reviews and finding competitive markets to help our readers make an informed choice.

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This November is going to be important in Colorado, as the public will be asked whether they want to legalize sports betting in the state. Proposition DD will ask the public if they want to introduce sports betting, which will be subject to a 10% tax, or whether they oppose the idea.

Should the voters choose to approve DD, sports betting would be legalized, opening the door for sports betting in land-based venues, as well as via mobile devices. Voters have to be asked whether any new tax can be introduced in the state, thanks to the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. Voters are understandably reluctant to pass any new taxes, which is why lawmakers have introduced so-called “sin taxes“ instead, such as on marijuana and, if approved by the public, sports betting.

If the proposition is passed, the money raised from taxes will mainly be used to fund the state Water Plan – something that vitally needs funds, according to Drew Peternell, the Colorado Water Program Director. Taxes would also be used to regulate the betting industry, as well as to reimburse those who could lose out if sports betting is legalized in the state. In total, the state forecasts revenues of around $29m a year from sports betting taxes.

Who Backs Sports Betting in the State?

Backers for the legalization of sports betting in Colorado significantly outnumber those opposing it. Both water officials and environmentalists have thrown their support behind the plan. It won’t surprise anyone to learn that sports betting companies and casino owners have also thrown their weight behind the plan. FanDuel even contributed $250,000 towards the Proposition DD campaign.

Several prominent politicans have also voiced support. One of the first was Rep. Alec Garnett, who sponsored the bill, initially thinking it would pass easily. He has found more roadblocks than expected though, saying:

“The black market exists, a lot of people sports bet, the Supreme Court kicks out states prohibition from legalizing it, states across the country are doing it, so it’s like, ‘Oh, yeah, no brainer.’ And then you’re like, ‘Oh, it’s Colorado, and nothing’s easy in Colorado.’”

Gov. Jared Polis is also a supporter, and he signed the legislation that authorized the vote in November. There has been some controversy though, as the Governor has a small stake in FanDuel – a company that would massively benefit from the legalization of sports betting in Colorado.

Who Opposes Proposition DD?

There really isn’t a lot of opposition to Proposition DD. Perhaps the most vocal of opponent is Jeff Hunt though, the director of the Centennial Institute, a conservative organization. He says that gambling is a sin and that poor people will be affected negatively should Proposition DD pass. He’s unable to put up a robust challenge to pro-Proposition DD campaigners though, as he doesn‘t have the required funds.

Coloradans for Climate Justice also oppose Proposition DD, as they don’t like the fact that it’s not specific on how exactly the Water Plan would be funded.