2021-12-03 10:50:57
In 1859, a prospector panned nearly $1,000 of gold dust from a gulch 40 miles west of Denver in what became known as “The Richest Square Mile on Earth.” The hills surrounding Central City and Black Hawk yielded tons of the precious metal, and fortune-seekers arrived in droves. A century and a half later, visitors still come here looking for “gold” — this time from casinos. Colorado has several gaming venues, ranging from enticing resorts with something for everyone (and lots of eat, play, stay options) to intimate gaming parlors. Central City and Black Hawk visitors tempt Lady Luck at limited-stakes blackjack, craps, roulette and poker tables as well as slot and video machines in 20-plus casinos. Farther south, Cripple Creek, another mining-turned-gambling town, is tucked in the mountains an hour from Colorado Springs with nine casinos. In all three towns, a variety of casinos are within convenient walking distance, so you can try out different venues with ease. In 2020, sports betting came to several casinos — making them an excellent spot to catch a game and make a wager. Each destination offers fine dining, luxurious hotels, historic mine tours and, most importantly, authentic slices of history. Casino revenue has helped preserve and restore the towns’ 19th-century charms and hundreds of other historic properties. Today, you can stroll downtown Black Hawk past 100-year-old storefronts, catch a performance at the 140-year-old Central City Opera House or visit the Cripple Creek Heritage Center. COLORADO.com/Casinos FOUR CORNERS REGION Both of Colorado’s Native American gaming areas are found near the history-rich Four Corners region in the southwestern part of the state. Table games, slots, year-round events and other offerings lure the lucky to the Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio and the Ute Mountain Casino Hotel in Towaoc, while nearby heritage attractions such as Mesa Verde National Park, Chimney Rock and Canyons of the Ancients national monuments, and the Trail of the Ancients scenic and historic byway beckon gamers on a break. It’s easy to stay here awhile; Sky Ute has a hotel on site, as well as four dining options and big-name entertainment that includes boxing and mixed martial arts. Ute Mountain also has a full vacation experience, with a number of events. The on-grounds hotel, pottery factory, RV sites and the full-service restaurant make it a destination unto itself.
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