Colorado Governor Jared Polis has proposed a 2027 ballot measure to raise casino taxes and direct additional revenue toward childcare and preschool programmes. The plan appears in his final state budget request and remains subject to legislative and voter approval.
CBS News Colorado reported that the broader package combines proposed casino, tobacco and nicotine tax increases worth approximately $129 million annually. The state legislature will make the immediate budget decisions before any tax question reaches voters.
The gaming component would create new brackets based on casino adjusted gross proceeds. The Sum and Substance said it would increase the industry's effective tax rate from 16.1% to 23% and generate an estimated $80.2 million each year.
The proposed top rate would reach 35% for four casinos with more than $100 million in annual adjusted gross proceeds. SoloAzar reported that the revenue would support childcare access at a time when Colorado faces a broader budget shortfall.
The proposal is not an enacted tax change. Polis is term-limited, his successor can revise the budget and Colorado voters would need to approve the casino-tax measure in 2027. The state gaming industry said it was reviewing the details and expected further discussion under the next administration.
