Colorado residents now know the state’s position on gambling. Last Wednesday, Lt. Governor Donna Lynne signed off on a bill drafted by state Reps. KC Becker and Paul Lundeen and Sen. Bob Gardner that clarifies Colorado regulations regarding the subject of “simulated gaming activity.” It further provides definitions of “gambling,” “prize” and “simulated gambling device” in the state.

Under HB-18 1234, a simulated gambling device is now categorized as a device that combines “the elements of chance and skill, in accordance with the Colorado constitution.” The bill further explains that a simulated gambling device is illegal if the user is paid indirectly, “or in a nonmonetary form for use of a simulated gambling device, and that time of payment (i.e. before or after the use of the device) is irrelevant.”

The bill was pushed forward following a high-profile case this year related to gambling machines.

In April, three people were arrested and charged with 430 counts of operating illegal gambling operations at three different locations. The defendants, Eduard Gugulyan and the husband-wife team of Bargrat and Tammy Garamov, were accused of engaging in professional gambling, possession of gambling devices, fraudulent limited gaming acts, maintaining a gambling premise and shipping and invoicing slot machines. All three pleaded not guilty, in accordance with existing laws.