Golden Palace Colorado adverts raise hackles

27.02.2006

CBS 4 reporters from Denver, Colorado were stirring the pot with law enforcement officials over advertising in the State by online casino group Golden Palace this month.

Journalist Rick Sallinger found that despite online gambling's illegal status in Colorado, Golden Palace adverts were being shown at the Pepsi Center and on television. The law in Colorado says it's illegal to place online bets from the state and advertising it would *likely* violate consumer protection laws, according to a press release issued by the attorney general last year.

Sallinger showed state Attorney General John Suthers the advertisements, who is quoted as saying: "I think we need to contact the owners of the Pepsi Center and indicate that online betting through GoldenPalace.com is illegal. Internet gaming, despite the fact that it takes place with such incredible volume, is illegal in Colorado and virtually every other state."

The state of Colorado has previously put other broadcasters on notice. In 2001, the attorney general's office sent a letter to several radio stations stating: "Accepting and airing these advertisements in furtherance of illegal activity could in fact constitute violations of Colorado and federal law."

Kroenke Sports, the owners of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche, issued a statement saying, "We have been assured that GoldenPalace.com does not engage in sports betting and, like many other media outlets in Colorado, have entered into these advertising agreements believing them to be legitimate."

There have been no further reports on the issue since.