Fights to Persist Over Internet Gaming, Illegal Gambling and Political Unrest
Rick Langenberg
Enjoy the upcoming holidays, as come January 2026, local leaders and community/city officials may have to brace themselves for legislative war over the ongoing threat of internet gambling, growing reports of illegal gambling activity at unlicensed outlets and serious state budget woes
And that list doesn’t even take into account the continual political strife in Denver and the final year of a lame-duck governor, who may try to make his mark prior to stepping down with goals that may clash with local interests. In other words, get ready for a hefty amount of political shoot-outs at the state level, and arm yourself with plenty of armor.
“It still is a total mess,” admitted Solomon “Sol” Malick, the head lobbyist for the city of Cripple Creek, who heads the Peak Government Affairs group, when recently addressing the Cripple Creek City Council. “Things are not in the best place. There is no money.”
Teller County has experienced big problems with the ultra-Democratic progressive slate, especially when it comes to such issues as gun control and tougher health codes.
Big Battle Raging Over Future Internet Casinos and Illegal Gaming
But with all that said, Malick believes Cripple Creek and southern Teller should still fare well and remain out of the political gunfire.
However, local leaders may have their hands full in battling an issue that could endanger the community’s livelihood: Internet gambling.
Malick, as he has in previous forums, warned the council of possible efforts to open the door for internet gambling on all digital and computer platforms. The advent of internet casinos could wipe out brick-and-mortar operators in the three gambling communities, according to many gaming operators. Most likely, such as effort would come in the form of a state ballot issue.
Malick stressed that this type of expansion is unconstitutional. More importantly, he believes, it represents a threat to the health and safety of Colorado citizens and the local gaming communities and many cities across the state. It could escalate issues with problem gamblers and occur with no checks and balances, noted Malick.
What worries the lobbyist is growing reports of major sports gambling companies getting involved and pursing this effort and even trying to partner with groups that deal with problem gamblers. “That would be like Budweiser sponsoring AAA,” quipped Councilwoman Melissa Trenary.
He also cited a growing problem with illegal gambling, with certain outlets permitting games of chance, disguised under a different format. But on this enforcement front, Malick believes progress is occurring. “We are starting to get ahead of it,” said Malick. But he says a sterner enforcement effort still needs to get implemented in the form of fines against operators that allow illegal gambling activity. He cited a recent bust in Canon City that raised a few eyebrows.
Better Relations with Former Foes
In a definite positive development, Malick stated that relations between Cripple Creek and gaming rivals Black Hawk and Central City have improved, giving these communities a coordinated push in fighting such key issues as Internet casinos and illegal gambling.
Malick stated that when he began his lobbying stint with Cripple Creek, the gaming towns had a rocky relationship with each other. “It was a bitter relationship. We have gotten on equal footing.”
For a number of years, Cripple Creek and Black Hawk went to legal war over the touchy subject of historic preservation, a battle that ignited with the birth of the 33-story Ameristar resort in Black Hawk But with some of the changes in Cripple Creek, capped by the development of the Chamonix Casino and Hotel, these fights have died down.
One issue that all the gaming communities could unite on, according to Malick, deals with trying to get more of a share of the pie when it comes to sports betting revenue. This industry got its start in Colorado, based on the support of the gaming towns, as the sports betting books had to secure a partnership with an existing brick-and-mortar licensed casino to obtain a state license. Sports betting only became a reality due to the support of Colorado voters and those in the three gaming communities.
Voters in a recent election gave the go-ahead for no limits in the tax revenue the state could collect from sports betting. At one point, the three gaming communities were slated to receive a small portion of the money. But in a last-minute move, this money was diverted to further enhance the state’s water plan.
Cripple Creek and county leaders have repeatedly lobbied for getting a share of the money. In his recent presentation, Malick cited a slight legislative lineup change that could up their chances.
