Colorado Proposes Rule Changes to Exclude Bettors Who Threaten Athletes

Colorado gaming regulators have proposed changes that would let them ban bettors who threaten athletes, their families, or gaming staff. As reported by SBC Americas, the Colorado Division of Gaming introduced amendments to Limited Gaming Rule 29 at a stakeholder workshop on November 12. The updates would give the Limited Gaming Control Commission authority to add qualifying individuals to the state's involuntary exclusion list, with a public comment period now open ahead of a formal vote.

If approved, the rule would cover threats of physical harm to an athlete or their immediate family member, a sports governing body or its employees, a sports team staff member or coach or their immediate family members, any staff member or patron of a licensed gaming or sports betting establishment, or any Division of Gaming staff member. It would also allow exclusion for violations of the state's conflict of interest gaming law and for anyone who has manipulated or compromised the integrity of gaming or sports betting activities.

Chris Krieger, Division of Gaming Supervisory Investigator, said regulators have heard repeatedly from sports leagues on athlete harassment and match-fixing issues. Krieger stated the goal was to "make sure we are having a meaningful impact."

Colorado Launches Targeted Reporting Process

The Division has set up a Google Form so athletes and sports participants can report harassment, abuse, or threats along with supporting evidence. Krieger added: "Our goal is to increase reporting from athletes about harassment they might be receiving. Speaking to the leagues and others, one of the biggest battles they fight is getting people to report these issues. So, we want to make it clear that we can handle investigation and get the reporting done."

The proposal follows a September letter from a coalition of pro sports leagues and players' associations urging lifetime bans, shared multi-state exclusion lists, and a standardized reporting framework. It tracks similar steps in Louisiana and an Ohio exclusion after threats against Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider during the 2025 World Series. Operators have responded with their own policies, including BetMGM's zero-tolerance approach and the Bad Actor Program joined by Fanatics Sportsbook, DraftKings, the NCAA, and others.

Next Steps for Exclusion Enforcement

The public comment process will shape final language on these exclusions and the reporting channel. Regulators and operators now face the practical task of turning reported incidents into timely, defensible bans while preserving due process. How Colorado implements this authority will influence whether other states adopt parallel measures or pursue the multi-state lists the leagues requested.