To All Our Valued Guests and Friends, We hope you and your loved ones have remained safe and healthy, our thoughts have been with you. We are happy to share that, after following the guideleines Gilpin County received in a variance from our Governor, we have re-opened, and are NOW OPEN FOR 24 HOUR GAMING. The town has been in heated competition for gambling revenue with its neighbor Central City since casinos opened in both towns in 1991. Development of the area down Clear Creek from the historic Black Hawk townsite lining State Highway 119 has flourished. Gamblers from Denver pass the Blackhawk casinos before they arrive at Central City, and, as a result, Black Hawk has realized much more. The inviting Lady Luck® Casino Black Hawk offers a homegrown destination for nonstop gaming action high in the Rockies. Just focus on the fun you are going to have. From the latest and greatest slots and machines to action-packed table games to live-action poker. Odds are, we’ve got just the game for you! Colorado permits casinos in only three of its towns: Central City and Black Hawk, serving the Denver Metro, and Cripple Creek serving Colorado Springs. It also allow gaming on Indian reservations in the southwest part of the state, and there are two casinos down there.
Central City, Colorado began as a mining town during the Gold Rush. It’s still a town where people go to find their fortunes or simply to have some fun and entertainment. All six of the Central City casinos are within a short walking distance of each other. There’s always something to do 24 hours a day in Central City, and when visitors do it all, there’s a free inter-city shuttle service that will take them to nearby Black Hawk with its all-night casino fun.
Although there are not retail sportsbooks in Central City yet, it is possible we will see some in 2021.
Central City Casinos
Century Casino & Hotel Central City
Century has a boutique-style hotel with 26 rooms including king, queen, and suite options. The casino’s three dining options include two American cuisine-themed restaurants, the Retro Deli & Tavern and the Mid City Grill. There’s also a bar on-premise. Century’s covered parking garage with a scenic sky-bridge takes visitors to the historic and walkable part of town.
Century Casino in Cripple Creek partnered with Circa Sports Colorado! and its Sportsbook betting mobile app. From the app, bettors can browse the complete betting menu and live odds. They can also participate in future bets in parlay, two-sided yes/no future betting, and deposit and withdraw account funds remotely. As of right now, there is no retail sportsbook at Century Casino in Central City.
Century Casino offers:
- A slot floor with over 500 slot and video machine
- 7 table games including poker, blackjack, crap, and roulette
- Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
102 Main Street, Central City, CO 80427
Dostal Alley
Dostal Alley is the only casino in Central City to contain a microbrewery. The brewery uses wild, local hops that grow all around the city. The smallest in Central City, Dostal Alley is one of the town’s oldest casinos. The beer is served at the casino’s brewpub alongside housemade pizzas, calzones, and sandwiches.
Dostal Alley has partnered with Betsson for sports betting that is expected to launch in 2021.
Dostal Alley’s casino offers:
- 60 slot and video machine, including penny slots
- Open 7 days a week, hours vary
114-116 Main Street, Central City, CO 80427
Easy Street Casino
Easy Street is one of the more family-friendly casinos with a gaming arcade for kids and the diner-style Millie’s Restaurant, open Thursday to Sunday. It’s also home to the historic Gold Coin Bar. Easy Street is small but welcoming, and guests can go across the street to its sister casino, the Famous Bonanza Casino that’s slightly larger.
Easy Street Casino offers:
- 180 slot and video machines
- An arcade for guests under 21 years old
- Open 7 days a week, hours vary
120 Main Street, Central City, CO 80427
Famous Bonanza Casino
The slightly larger sister casino to Easy Street Casino that sits right across the road, Famous Bonanza offers alternative games and dining options than its sister. Stella’s Cafe serves lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Famous Bonanza casino offers:
- 238 slot and video machines
- Open 7 days a week, hours vary
107 Main Street, Central City, CO 80427
Grand Z Casino Hotel
The Grand Z is the largest casino in Central City and is the sister casino to Johnny Z’s in Central City. It’s also the home to The Mile High Club, the only live entertainment venue in town that features local and national touring acts and a dance floor. Guests can stay in the casino’s hotel that features 119 recently renovated deluxe rooms and suites. There are three dining options in the casino including the flagship restaurant The Grand Bistro, a casual grill, and a fast-casual cafe.
The Grand Z Casino Hotel recently announced its sportsbook partner. It is partnering with IGT to place self-service PlaySports kiosks in the hotel, and an app, branded Play Maverick Sports, is also soon to launch.
The Grand Z Casino offers:
- More than 700 slot machines
- 14 table games including poker, blackjack, crap, and roulette
- Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
321 Gregory Street, Central City, CO 80427
Johnny Z’s Casino
Johnny Z’s is the sister to the larger Grand Z Casino that has a hotel where guests can stay. The dining options at Johnny Z’s include the full-service casual Z Grill and the fast-casual Z Cafe. For finer dining, guests can go to the Grand Z for to The Grand Bistro.
Johnny Z’s Casino recently announced its sportsbook partner. It is partnering with IGT to place self-service PlaySports kiosks in the hotel, and an app, branded Play Maverick Sports, is also soon to launch.
Johnny Z’s offers:
- Over 350 video slots and video poker machines
- Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
132 Lawrence Street, Central City, CO 80427
History Of Central City
Central City was founded as a mining town in 1859. A prospector named John H. Gregory staked the first ming claim in Central City, and the region soon became known as the “Richest Square Mile on Earth.” By 1960 more than 100 men were arriving in Central City each day in search of gold. The town remained fairly stable, although it suffered its share of fires and floods, until the early 1900s.
In addition to being home to many, the town became a tourist attraction – it still looks similar as it did in the late 1800s – until the economic downturn of the 1980s. When Colorado allowed for gambling, Central City chose to allow casinos. The smallest of the three casino towns in Colorado, it’s now home to six casinos.
Other Activities And Things To Do In Central City
In addition to gambling, there are many activities in and around Central City for tourists to enjoy.
- Visit the Gilpin History Museum in the former two-story school building built-in 1869.
- Take in some culture at the Central City Opera House with its intimate 550-seat jewel box opera house built in 1878.
- Go ghost hunting. Central City is known for its paranormal activity, particularly in the Central City Masonic Cemetery.
- Visit Talnua Distillery and Tasting Room or Odyssey Beerwerks Brewery and Taproom, both in nearby Arvada.
- Take the Hidee Gold Mine Tour, learn about mining, and pan for gold.
Central City Gambling FAQs
How old do I need to be to gamble in Central City?
21 years old. The legal gambling age in Colorado is 21, and all casinos strictly adhere to this law. Casinos check legal IDs upon entrance.
What is the drinking age at casinos in Central City?
21 years old. The legal drinking age in Colorado is 21, and all casinos strictly adhere to this law. Casinos check legal IDs upon entrance.
What is the biggest casino in Central City?
The biggest casino in Central City is The Grand Z Casino Hotel located at 321 Gregory Street. It has three restaurants, a casino floor, 119 guest rooms, and an entertainment venue.
Who regulates gambling in Central City?
The Colorado Division of Gaming. All gambling in Colorado is regulated by the Colorado Division of Gaming.
Who owns the casinos in Central City?
Central City’s casinos are independently owned. The casinos in Central City are owned by independent corporations that are required to follow all rules and regulations set forth by the Colorado Division of Gaming. There are no American Indian owned Casinos in Central City.
How far is Central City from Denver?
About 38 miles. Depending on traffic and starting destination, it takes about 50 minutes to drive from downtown Denver to Central City. Denver International Airport is about 62 miles from Central City by car and is about an hour- and ten-minute drive.
Is it easy to park in Central City?
Yes, parking is easy in Central City. Some casinos in Central City offer free parking. There is also free public parking available off-street in the Big T Lot across from City Hall on Nevada Street.
To All Our Valued Guests and Friends,
We hope you and your loved ones have remained safe and healthy, our thoughts have been with you. We are happy to share that, after following the guideleines Gilpin County received in a variance from our Governor, we have re-opened, and are NOW OPEN FOR 24 HOUR GAMING. We’d like to inform you of steps to ensure your visit is safe for yourself, your loved ones, and our team members.
Nov 23rd UPDATE:
As we are seeing COVID-19 case count numbers rise around the state and nationally, Gilpin County has been moved out of the Protect Our Neighbor stage and into Safer At Home Orange Level stage. As a result of this, our per-floor capacity is now limited further (we monitor and ensure this is enforced). In addition, we will be serving alcohol beverages until 10pm, halting service at that time and resuming at 7am daily.
Nov 10th UPDATE:
As we are seeing COVID-19 case count numbers rise around the state and nationally, Gilpin County has been moved out of the Protect Our Neighbor stage and into Safer At Home Yellow Level stage. As a result of this, our per-floor capacity is now limited further and Table Games are once again closed, effective 8am Friday, November 13th, until further notice.
Black Hawk Colorado Casino Map
Oct 28th TABLE GAMES UPDATE:
As we are seeing COVID-19 case count numbers rise around the state and nationally, out of an abundance of caution we have elected to temporaily close our Craps and Roullette games until further notice. Our table games room remains open, with all Black Jack games subject to the same rules spelled out below in our Sept 9th update. We look forward to the day when we can offer these group-based games to our players again.
Blackhawk California Map
All visitors to Gilpin County casinos will be required to wear a face-covering mask (bandanas and neck gaiters are OK if they are not open-necked), complete a temperature check and answer health questions before being allowed to enter, and maintain social distancing. To support this, only two entrances to our building will be available: the crossover bridge from the parking structure, and the Lower Level stairs door by the Retro Deli. Please line up at these entrances (at least six feet apart) for admittance or readmittance. We will offer a wristband to allow guests to skip the health check (if not the queue) on readmittance.
Our goal is to present more flexibile options and have more of your awards available to you any time you visit. To further this, we have spread usual drawing prize money amongst all our direct mail Insta-Play offers. As we are open 24 hours, this temporary structure rewards you for a visit any time or day. We have postponed our crowd-focused promotions—like Free Bingo, and Jackpot Party—until a date when we can bring them back safely. Our weekend Insta-Play drawings have been restored, as these promotions allow you to earn and activate your entries, as well as win drawings, right from your seat.
We will also be disabling machines to ensure that the spacing for play observes social distancing measures. Finally, our crew is committed to your safety, and we will be following regular and rigorous cleaning and disinfecting regiments, providing disinfectant and facemasks for team members, and ensuring we conform to all of the CDPHE’s and Gilpin County’s guidelines.
Your patronage and friendship means so much to us. We know that now, more than ever, you need some fun and excitement so we will continue to do everything we can to give you all that and more! We’re happy to once again invite you to Come for the Action, Stay for the Fun!
Sincerely,
Dan Hedges
General Manager
Updated November 10, 2020