New rules intended to modernize Colorado's lottery system and improve convenience go into effect Thursday

New rules intended to modernize Colorado's lottery system and improve convenience go into effect Thursday

Colorado Lottery Commission has approved rule changes to allow the purchase of lottery tickets with credit cards, a move that went into effect on November 20, 2025. The new rules were approved by the commission despite some bipartisan opposition from state lawmakers and retailers.

• Commission Action, Not a Bill: The change was implemented through a rule change by the Colorado Lottery Commission, not a new bill passed by the state legislature.
• Effective Date: The rules went into effect on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
• Implementation Timeline: While the rule is authorized, full implementation may take several months as the lottery develops the necessary program and safeguards.
• Retailer Discretion: Individual merchants are not required to accept credit cards for lottery transactions; the choice remains with the retailer.
• Responsible Gambling Measures: The Colorado Lottery plans to implement responsible gambling features such as player-set limits on time and money spent, cool-off options, and financial literacy tools.
• Legislative Review: Due to the timing of the approval, the rules will not be subject to legislative review until February 2027, though some lawmakers have expressed intent to challenge the change through future legislation. 

Governor Jared Polis supports the change, citing increased consumer convenience and the modernization of the state's lottery system. Opponents, however, raise concerns about the risks to consumers, particularly the potential for people to incur debt by using credit cards for gambling. 

DENVER — The Colorado Lottery Commission approved two rule changes that will allow lottery tickets to be purchased using credit cards and enable online sales. 

The rule changes were approved at a Wednesday meeting over objections from a bipartisan group of lawmakers. The new rules will take effect immediately, meaning they will go into force well before Colorado’s legislature has a chance to review them — a process that cannot occur until early 2027 due to the timing of the vote.

Governor supports rule change

Gov. Jared Polis supports the commission’s decision.

A spokesperson said the Democratic governor “is supportive of increasing consumer convenience” and stated the rule change “will modernize Colorado’s lottery system and ensure customers don’t need to fumble through several cards to buy what they want.”

Lottery Commission defends decision

In a statement provided to 9NEWS, a spokesperson for the Colorado Lottery Commission said the decision followed “many months of research and review” and that “there would be no value in delaying the action of the commission.”

The spokesperson noted that 26 other states allow credit card purchases for lottery games.

"It [the Lottery] feels confident that consumers who prefer to use credit to purchase consumer products will be pleased with the change and that retailers will see an increase in sales."

The commission said limiting potential harm is a priority and noted responsible gambling features to be implemented by the lottery, including player-set limits on time and money spent, cool-off options, and financial literacy tools.

"The Colorado Lottery is the only lottery in the world that funds our outdoor experiences with the majority of its proceeds,” the commission said in a statement.

What happens next

Because the rule was approved after the Oct. 31 deadline, it will not be subject to legislative review until February 2027, according to Sen. Bridges.