Round-the-clock cocktail service will start in mid-July at several casinos in Cripple Creek, Colorado, the first location in the state where 24/7 alcohol beverage service will be offered. Under current law, alcoholic beverage service is banned from 2-7 a.m. Now new legislation allows cities to override that ban and establish their own local liquor authority.
City Administrator Ray DuBois said so far liquor licenses have been proposed by the Triple Crown/Century Casinos, Bronco Billy’s, Wildwood and Double Eagle. “We see this as a pretty good thing for the town,” DuBois said.
Others agree, including City Finance Director Paul Harris. “We are optimistic. We are hoping for a good summer. Cripple Creek had a great May.”
Colorado Division of Gaming number indicate Cripple Creek casinos posted a $15.9 million increase in wagers in May, an 11 percent gain over the previous month. Also, local casinos are up $3.9 million for the year in coin-in/table drop numbers. These figures represent the biggest increases since early summer 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire and the subsequent floods took a toll since then.
In addition, Cripple Creek casinos’ overall take increased 11.2 percent in April and are up nearly 2 percent for the year—a significant result following a rough winter that sent monthly gaming wagers down about 5
In Black Hawk, adjusted gross proceeds rose by 15.2 percent in June. Central City casinos saw a 23 percent increase.
