It looks like the Colorado Rockies offense just needed an extra day to arrive in the riverside city of Cincinnati. After last night’s two-run affair, the Rockies exploded on offense tonight while largely shutting down the Reds.
Colorado
Best Colorado Sports Betting Apps & Mobile Sportsbooks 2024
Nearly all mobile sportsbooks let you bet on everything from the NFL and NBA to international sports teams – but the best Colorado sports betting apps offer true value for money in the form of reduced juice.
Lucky for you, we’ve listed all the top choices right here and have realized that Bovada is the best Colorado sportsbook overall.
Not quite what you had in mind? Join us as we review the top 10 Colorado sports betting sites and apps, each ranked for their markets, odds, bonuses, and overall user experience.
Best Colorado Sports Betting Apps
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Excited to find your new favorite Colorado sports betting app? Let’s go!
1. Bovada – Best Colorado Sports Betting App Overall
Pros:
- 75% up to $750 welcome bonus
- Reduced juice on mainstream sports
- 200% referral bonus
- 20+ sports betting markets
- 24/7 customer service
- Solid rewards program
Cons:
- Occasional late betting lines
- Could include a sports reload bonus
Bovada is the number one sports betting app in Colorado with its reduced juice odds, a $750 welcome bonus, and rewards points anytime you bet on sports.
Online Sports Betting: 4.95/5
Reduced juice means you’ll find better odds here than anywhere else. And while Bovada releases their lines a little late occasionally, you’ll find value on the moneyline, the spread, the totals, and alternative lines on all the top sports.
There are over 20 sports to bet on, with further betting markets including a huge range of player and team props, such as the first touchdown in an NFL game and the last goalscorer in a soccer match.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.8/5
If you sign up to Bovada today and make a minimum deposit of $20, you can opt-in to their $750 welcome bonus. This is a 75% matched deposit offer with no bonus code needed.
Then, you’ll earn points anytime you bet. A $1 single bet is worth 1 point, but you’ll rack up more if you place parlays. Over time, these points can be redeemed for cash or bonuses.
Payment Methods: 4.9/5
Bovada offers same-day payouts and flexible deposit and withdrawal limits. Payment methods include all major credit and debit cards, Zelle, Voucher, and MatchPay, which can be used to make a PayPal deposit.
All first deposits are free, but Bovada charges a small fee for subsequent deposits. Crypto is also accepted here, and payouts are typically processed within 24 hours.
User Experience: 5/5
The Bovada app is intuitive and responsive. Signing up takes less than a minute and customer service is available 24/7.
This is also a feature-rich betting app, with tools including an in-depth Props Builder, early cashout, as well as a unique feature that lets you request your own bet.
2. BetOnline – Best CO Sports Betting App for Reload Bonuses
Pro:
- 50% up to $1,000 welcome bonus
- Weekly 25% reload bonuses
- Secure same-day payouts
- Excellent live streaming feature
- Solid VIP program
- Same game parlays
Cons:
- Slow loading times occasionally
- No alternative lines
If you’re the kind of bettor who likes to keep topping up your roll with a reload bonus, BetOnline offers unlimited 25% reload bonuses.
Online Sports Betting: 4.8/5
BetOnline offers competitive odds on the moneyline, the spread, and the totals on more than 25 sports. Alternative lines aren’t available, but this Colorado betting app makes up for it with teasers and if bets.
You can also choose from pick’em’s here, and live streaming is available on some sports events. The site claims to release their betting lines earlier than anyone else.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.8/5
BetOnline’s 50% up to $1,000 welcome bonus is a matched deposit offer that comes with a $55 minimum deposit requirement. The promo code “BET1000” is required to claim it.
You need at least a $100 deposit for the 25% reload bonus, but this offer is unlimited, so it’s available whenever you want it. The maximum amount you can claim for it is $250.
Payment Methods: 4.75/5
BetOnline supports a variety of deposit methods, including credit and debit cards, Money Order, wire transfers, and Person-to-person. A handful of cryptos are also accepted here.
E-wallet transactions are not available, and there are also fewer payout options.
User Experience: 4.8/5
The BetOnline sports betting app is extremely functional and loads quickly. The user interface is slick and uses a classic sportsbook layout, which means all the markets are easy to find.
Tools include mega parlays, as well as daily odds boosts, which give you the chance to bet on pre-selected parlays for a bigger profit than you’d otherwise be entitled to.
And, as one of the best Colorado online casinos, you can expect a top-notch game library with all your favorite casino games at BetOnline.
3. BetWhale – Best Betting App in Colorado for Odds Boosts
Pros:
- 125% up to $1,250 welcome bonus
- 50% daily boost for winners
- Excellent loyalty program
- Bet on over 30 sports
- Fast eWallet transactions
- Counter-Strike, Valorant, LoL betting
Cons:
- $150 minimum withdrawal
- Lack of cashback for non-VIPs
BetWhale’s esports section is one for the champs. Plus, its loyalty program gives you access to a slew of perks and bonuses, including cashback and parlay boosts.
Online Sports Betting: 4.7/5
BetWhale is comprehensive with its offerings, and you can bet on over 30 sports here. eSports betting is especially well covered, as is soccer, the NFL, and the NBA.
You can bet on competitions and tournaments worldwide, with BetWhale covering major and minor domestic leagues. There’s also a huge range of betting markets, including teams to win halves (soccer) and player assists (NBA).
In short, BetWhale gives you plenty of ways to bet.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.8/5
As a new player, you can opt-in to a 125% matched deposit bonus. This is worth up to $125 and comes with a $30 minimum deposit.
You can then top your roll up with a 50% daily boost but the catch is you need to win multiple successive wagers in order to claim this offer.
The aforementioned loyalty program, meanwhile, is generous with its cashback bonuses, enhanced odds, and exclusive deals.
Payment Methods: 4.6/5
BetWhale is one of the few top-rated Colorado sports betting sites that accepts eWallets, with your options including Skrill and Neteller. Major credit and debit cards like VISA are also accepted, as are cryptocurrencies.
The minimum deposit is set at a reasonable $20 for most methods, but a $150 minimum withdrawal will likely frustrate some bettors.
User Experience: 4.7/5
BetWhale would benefit from adding a few useful betting tools, such as a Props Builder. You can still bet on team and player props, however.
Live chat is also missing, but you can use the app to contact the team via email. Besides that, the app design is flawless, and BetWhale rarely glitches.
4. EveryGame – Best CO Sportsbook App for Futures Bets
Pros:
- Up to $1,000 crypto bonus
- $5k betting challenges
- Huge choice of futures bets
- 24/7 customer service
- $5 minimum deposit
Cons:
- No sports reload bonus
- Can’t withdraw via credit or debit card
If you’re looking to bet on big events like the Super Bowl or the Champions League a few months in advance, EveryGame offers early market prices and is our top choice for futures bets.
Online Sports Betting: 4.75/5
EveryGame offers a wide range of outright bets on all the top leagues. Using soccer as an example, you can bet on who you think will finish in the top 4 in the Premier League, who will be the Bundesliga’s top scorer – and so on.
Futures bets are available across all the top sports, and you can also bet on individual games, with markets including the moneyline and the spread.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.75/5
As a new player, you can opt-in to EveryGame’s crypto welcome bonus, worth up to $1,000. And you must enter the bonus code “CRYPTO1K” to claim it.
EveryGame then releases sports-specific specials each week. These could include an MLB free bet, Champions League parlay insurance, and the chance to compete in betting challenges, including a $5k tennis challenge.
To win these challenges, you just need to place bets and make more profit than your fellow bettors.
Payment Methods: 4.6/5
At EveryGame, you can deposit via credit cards, debit cards, Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash, instant bank transfer, PaySafeCard, eZeeWallet, and Payz. The minimum deposit is generally between $5 and $10.
Credit and debit cards aren’t available for withdrawals. Your payout choices are limited to crypto, check, bank wire transfer, and User2User transfer.
User Experience: 4.6/5
EveryGame is especially suited to soccer bettors, thanks to a permanent “soccer coupon” at the top right that gives you an easy overview of all the biggest upcoming games and markets.
There’s also a “hottest bets” section on the right-hand side of the app, which showcases more of the day’s best bets.
Other than that, while EveryGame isn’t action-packed with tools, it offers 24/7 customer service and an easygoing app experience.
5. SportsBetting.ag – Best Live Betting App in Colorado
Pros:
- Double your first deposit up to $500
- Live streaming available
- Same day payouts
- Early cashout tool
- Same game parlays
Cons:
- $100 min deposit for reload bonuses
- Doesn’t offer alternative lines
SportsBetting.ag is ideal for Colorado sports bettors who want to bet in play. Live betting markets are open 24/7, and bet on all sports in play.
Online Sports Betting: 4.7/5
The in-play betting experience at SportsBetting.ag is enhanced by live streaming, which is available for sports like soccer, basketball, and tennis. Live markets are varied and include the moneyline and the spread. You can also bet on multiple props.
You can bet pre-game here, too, with SportsBetting.ag releasing early lines and offering competitive odds. Teasers and if bets are available, but alternative lines are missing.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.55/5
You’ll need to deposit at least $100 in order to opt-in to SportsBetting.ag’s welcome bonus, which lets you double your first deposit up to $500. To claim it, you need to use the code “DOUBLEUP.”
You can also double your second deposit to the same amount, while regular bettors are entitled to weekly reload bonuses, which are boosted by 5% if you play with crypto. These bonuses also come with a $100 minimum deposit, which some bettors might find a tad high.
Payment Methods: 4.6/5
You’ve got plenty of ways to fund your account at SportsBetting.ag, including credit and debit cards, Money Order, Person 2 Person, and over 15 cryptocurrencies. The minimum deposit varies hugely, though, and can be quite steep.
Deposit fees also apply, and some deposit methods aren’t available for withdrawals. On the flip side, instant payouts are available here, with the SportsBetting.ag mobile app one of the most reliable for getting your money.
User Experience: 4.5/5
Thanks to a recently rebranded website, the SportsBetting.ag interface works better than ever. Site load time is excellent, as is navigation.
A few betting tools aid the UX, with the same game parlays, early cashout, and a Props Builder all available via the app.
How We Chose the Best Colorado Sports Betting Apps
To make sure only the best sports betting sites that Colorado has to offer made the cut, we applied 4 stringent ranking criteria:
Odds & Markets
Whether you prefer to place NFL moneyline bets, soccer totals bets or NBA spread bets, all the sports betting apps in this review guide cover everything. They’ve got competitive odds and a wide range of sports to choose from.
Sports Betting Promos
We added Colorado sportsbooks that are not only generous with their frequent offers but also offer sportsbook bonuses that come with fair wagering requirements and general terms and conditions.
Payment Methods
Funding your account at any of the online sportsbooks in this list is a piece of cake, with each CO sports betting app supporting popular payment methods like American Express and instant bank transfer.
User Experience
Lastly, we added Colorado betting sites that are usable and functional. Stellar customer support is available, site speed is excellent, and there are a variety of betting tools – such as early cashout – that will enhance your experience.
Why is Bovada the Best Colorado Sports Betting App?
After applying our criteria, it was decided that Bovada is the best Colorado sports betting app overall. Here’s why:
- Reduced Juice: Bovada offers reduced juice odds, which means less vig and more money in your pocket anytime you win a bet.
- Lucrative Rewards Scheme: Each time you place sports wagers at Bovada, you’ll earn rewards points. The more you bet, especially the parlays you place, the more points you rack up.
- So Many Different Ways to Bet: Bovada offers unrivaled props bets on all the top sports, as well as alternative lines and many more betting options. However you prefer to play, Bovada gives you flexibility.
- Fast Payouts: Bovada offers no-nonsense withdrawals that are always reliable and usually completed within 24 hours.
Bovada also emerged as the top pick in this article that reviews Florida’s best betting sites.
Why Place Sports Bets Online in Colorado?
While you could place bets at brick-and-mortar sportsbooks and casinos in Colorado, such as The Lodge Casino, there are plenty of reasons why you should join mobile betting apps:
Grab Bonus Bets Instantly
You can claim a welcome bonus anytime you open an account for the first time at a Colorado sports betting app.
You Can Always Find the Best Odds
With lots of CO sports betting apps on the markets, there’ll be times when one Colorado sportsbook offers better odds than another. Playing online lets you easily compare their odds anytime you want to bet.
You Can Cashout Your Bets
All the best Colorado sportsbooks let you cash out your bets before the outcome has been settled.
This is useful if you’re starting to get worried that your bet might lose (you can cashout to mitigate a big loss) or if your bet is winning and the early cashout lets you take home a solid profit (and you’re not 100% convinced it will actually win).
Colorado Sports Betting Apps: FAQs
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Colorado?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Colorado, as per the Colorado sports betting law. This means you can sign up for top-rated Colorado sportsbooks and apps and use them to safely bet on your favorite sports.
Is Mobile Sports Betting Safe in Colorado?
CO online sports betting is perfectly safe, provided you join licensed and legal sports betting apps and websites that put in place security measures like SSL encryption.
Before you join a Colorado online sports betting app or website, make sure to verify its credentials by reading existing customer reviews, as these will give you insights into how reliable an app is.
What Sports Can I Bet on in Colorado?
You can bet on any and all professional sports in Colorado, including soccer, the NFL, the NHL, and the MLB.
Local teams like the Denver Broncos, the Denver Nuggets, and the Colorado Avalanche also get great support from the Centennial state bettors.
College sports betting is also permitted here, but while you can bet on in-state teams, you can’t bet on college props.
Comparison of the Best Colorado Betting Apps
Bovada: As the best sports betting app in Colorado, you can earn rewards points each time you bet at Bovada, take advantage of reduced juice, and get up to $200 each time you refer a friend.
BetOnline: Unlimited 25% reload bonuses are up for grabs at BetOnline, where you’ll also find daily odds boosts, same-game parlays, and 24/7 support.
BetWhale: An outstanding loyalty program is a standout feature at BetWhale, which gives Colorado bettors access to excellent esports betting markets, exclusive bonuses, and faster payouts.
EveryGame: Choose from a wide array of futures markets and lock-in your bets on the biggest sporting events months in advance at EveryGame, one of the world’s oldest online sportsbooks.
SportsBetting.ag: Live streaming aids the in-play betting experience at SportsBetting.ag., which offers unrivaled live betting odds 24/7 on your mobile device.
Getting Started at CO Sports Betting Apps
Opening an online sportsbook account takes only a minute. Then, you can start betting on sports.
Here’s how to sign up for the best Colorado sports betting app, Bovada, in a few quick steps:
Register for an Account
- Use our link to get redirected to the Bovada homepage.
- Click the red “JOIN” button at the top of the screen.
Complete the Single Form
- You need to fill out the single-page sign-up form.
- It consists of 7 fields, including your first and last name, a valid email address, and your zip code
- Click ‘’REGISTER” at the end of the form after you’ve accepted the T&Cs
Make a Deposit, Claim the Bonus
- Head to Bovada’s cashier section.
- To claim the $750 welcome bonus, make a $20 minimum deposit.
- Start betting on sports.
Tips for Using Mobile Sports Betting Apps in Colorado
Never bet on sports before at an online sportsbook? If you’re new to this, we’ll use this section to share a few tips and tricks aimed at beginners looking to get started with a bang.
Join Multiple Colorado Sportsbook Apps
We think it’s worth your time to join a few different CO sports betting apps because each one offers a unique experience. By joining different ones, you’ll get a better idea of which ones work best for you.
For example, while some, such as SportsBetting.ag, offer live streaming, others, such as Bovada, offer more props bets.
Claim the Welcome Bonuses
All the best online sportsbooks offer a welcome bonus to new players. This is usually a matched deposit offer – such as Bovada’s 75% up to $750 welcome bonus – that lets you top-up your betting funds immediately.
These offers are easy to miss, though, if you don’t meet the minimum first deposit requirement.
Check the Colorado Sports Betting Rules
It’s a rookie mistake if you sign up for a betting site that isn’t legal in Colorado or bet out of state without reading the rules first.
To ensure you never get into hot water, read up on the Colorado legal sports betting laws before you start placing online wagers.
Claim the Odds Boosts
Odds boosts are available at all the top Colorado betting sites and apps. BetOnline, for example, offers daily odds boosts, allowing you to add their pre-selected bets to your betting slip, thereby increasing your potential winnings.
Use the Early Cashout Tool
All the best betting apps in Colorado offer an early cashout tool, which is basically a bet safety net. If your bet is in the balance and you’re starting to get nervous, you can cash out for either a smaller loss or an actual profit depending on the current state of the game.
Ready to Join the Best Betting Apps in Colorado?
Sports bettors have plenty to choose from, with the Colorado sports betting market well-stocked with online sportsbooks and apps. From regular bonus bets to the best odds, the top 10 that we’ve reviewed offer a stellar experience.
Bovada is the best online sportsbook overall, with new players invited to claim a 75% up to $750 welcome bonus for starters.
Whatever you decide to do, remember that sports wagering should always be fun first and foremost. This is why we remind you to always gamble responsibly.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Online gambling comes with risks. There’s no guarantee of financial gain, so you should only gamble with what you can afford to lose.
While gambling can be fun, it can also be addictive. If you or anyone you know suffers from a gambling addiction problem, we recommend you call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 to speak with an advisor. Please remember that our guides and all gambling sites are 21+. Also, check with local laws if online gambling is legal in your area.
For free online gambling addiction resources, visit these organizations:
The Minnesota Wild have secured a berth into the second round of the NHL playoffs!
After a close match with the Dallas Stars, there will be no Game 7. It was a 5-2 victory for the Wild, behind two goals from Quinn Hughes and another from Vladimir Tarasenko, with forward Matt Boldy adding two in two minutes of the game. The goals for the Stars came from Mavrik Bourque and Wyatt Johnston.
SHOP: Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche 2026 NHL playoff tickets
After advancing to the second round, the Wild will now will face the Colorado Avalanche, who swept the LA Kings 4-0 in the first round. As the No. 3 seed, the Wild will be on the road for the first two games before hosting Game 3 and Game 4.
Here’s everything to know in order to buy Wild vs. Avalanche NHL playoff tickets.
Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche playoff tickets, prices
Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche second-round tickets are available now. As of publication, the cheapest available tickets for Minnesota’s first home game are starting at $387.
Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche NHL playoff schedule
As the No. 1 seed, the Avalanche will have home-ice advantage and host Game 1, Game 2, Game 5* and Game 7*. Then, they’ll face the Wild on the road for Game 3, Game 4 and Game 6*.
Minnesota Wild NHL playoff tickets
Colorado Avalanche NHL playoff tickets
* = if necessary
Minnesota Wild future playoff tickets
Hypothetical tickets to Wild’s first home game in the Western Conference Finals and even Stanley Cup Final are already on sale. If the Wild advance, you’re all set! If they are eliminated, you will be refunded for your ticket.
Shop Wild vs. Avalanche NHL Playoff tickets
Colorado
Census data shows population losses in Colorado resort counties amid housing, cost pressures
Population losses in several of Colorado’s Western Slope resort counties underscore a growing trend: as housing and cost-of-living pressures mount, more residents are moving out than moving in.
Overall, the state of Colorado continues to experience positive population growth, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s county-level population estimates published on March 26.
From July 2024 to July 2025, the state saw a 0.4% increase in residents, equal to more than 24,000 people. The state also saw more births than deaths — a product of a low death rate offsetting a steadily declining birth rate.
However, the 0.4% increase is significantly less compared to the kind of growth the state saw before 2020, which could signal that Colorado has begun to lose its appeal as a popular destination for movers, according to the Common Sense Institute of Colorado’s analysis of the census estimates. The institute is a think tank that promotes free enterprise policy.
A significant factor behind Colorado’s slowed population growth is a slowdown of domestic migration. While the state’s population growth 10 years ago was primarily driven by people moving to Colorado from other states, the most recent census estimates reveal natural change — births versus deaths — now plays a larger part in maintaining the state’s population.
Census estimates rank the state 48th in the nation for domestic migration as a share of the population and 44th for net migration. Ten years ago, Colorado was third in the nation for domestic migration as a share of population, according to the Common Sense Institute report.
The population gained from net migration into Colorado was 20 times less in 2025 than it was in 2015. In total from July 2024 to July 2025, Colorado gained 3,256 people from net migration compared to 20,608 from births minus deaths. The gain in migration is thanks to the arrival of 15,356 international migrants, which offset the state’s net loss of 12,100 domestic migrants.
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Other factors behind negative net migration have been influenced by national movements, such as slower job growth, higher interest rates and changes in immigration policy, according to a March release from the Colorado State Demography Office.
“At least some portion of the domestic out-migration is made up of recently arrived international migrants (arriving between 2022 and 2024) who have moved to other states as Colorado was not their intended final destination,” the office said in its March release. Counties that received the highest numbers of international migrants were more likely to see net negative domestic migration from their move to other states or counties in 2025.
Western Slope counties see population declines
While several Western Slope counties also share in the state’s domestic migration slowdown, the region’s births, deaths and international migration weren’t enough to save resort towns from a dip in population.
Between 2024 and 2025, counties including Eagle, Pitkin, Summit, Garfield and Grand saw net population losses between 344 and 126 residents. Similarly to statewide trends, rural mountain counties experienced a drop in domestic migration, though natural change was not enough to offset the number of people moving out of the Western Slope.
This is a shift from the cumulative population trends from 2020 to 2025, which show positive population growth for most Western Slope counties with the exception of Eagle and Pitkin counties.
Of the 24 counties that have experienced a population decline since the 2020 Census, Eagle County is among the top three seeing the largest declines with a loss of 1,430 residents since 2020. The other two counties — Jefferson and Boulder counties — both lost over 2,000, a notably lower percentage of their approximately 580,400 and 328,500 populations, respectively.
Pitkin, though having lost a smaller quantity of residents since 2020, saw a larger percentage decrease of its overall population — around 4.2%.
While births continue to outpace deaths for most of rural western Colorado, domestic migration paints a significantly different picture. Out of the state’s 64 counties, 30 saw negative domestic migration, including several Western Slope counties housing resort ski towns.
‘High housing cost counties’ drive out-migration
The impacts of housing opportunities on Grand County’s population mirror broader trends seen across the mountain region. According to the State Demography Office, a significant portion of counties that lost populations to other states or counties in 2025 were considered “high housing cost counties.”
The State Demography Office specifically identified Eagle, Pitkin, and Summit counties as areas with higher housing costs that experienced net negative domestic migration.
Pitkin County Commissioner Jeffrey Woodruff said a combination of higher interest rates from international conflict, higher construction costs far exceeding county budgets, and higher shipping costs and tariffs for materials have all weighed on construction budgets.
“This county continues to be both an attractive place to work and live; to recreate and enjoy year round cultural activities. But headwinds include cost of living in the mountains, with construction costs, regional healthcare costs and homeowners insurance adding to financial burden and acting as a net migration constraint,” Woodruff wrote in an email. Pitkin County’s 2024 cost of living is over 120% of the national average and is 95% higher than the rest of the state, he added.
On the other hand, many of the counties with the strongest positive net migration in the state were also those that saw some of the largest increases in residential construction. These include Weld (1.9% increase), Douglas (1.6%) and Larimer (0.8%) counties.
Grand County was one of the few Western Slope counties to see gains in population between July 2024 and July 2025, which Grand County Commissioner Randy George credits partially to an increase in housing projects.
“If you look at it over several years, at least five years, the population of Grand County has been relatively stable. … Although there’s been a lot of building,” George said. “What that means is there are a lot of people that have built second homes, or have built homes that they’re using for short-term rentals.”
A growing number of retirees aging in place and the county’s proximity to the metro area has likely also contributed to positive domestic migration, in addition to a lower cost for homes compared to neighboring ski towns.
“Just like a lot of places, there was a big bump during COVID, when people all of a sudden said, ‘Wait a minute, I don’t want to be in the metro area, I’ll build a place,’” he said. “It has abated some, but people continue to build up here.”
For rural towns like those in Eagle and Pitkin counties, factors like mountain terrain and zoning regulation can limit where cities are able to build and expand. For Grand County, space is less of an obstacle.
“We are grand. It’s in the name,” George said. “We are not hemmed in that way, there is still a fair amount of space available.”
Hoping to make housing more accessible, Woodruff said Pitkin County issued $323 million in permits in 2025. A number of employee housing developments are currently under construction, in addition to projects stemming from ongoing partnerships with the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition on deed restricted units.
Cost of living, business challenges
Aside from housing, one of the biggest challenges faced by mountain resort towns is cost of living, which has been met with departure from both families and businesses. An April report from the Colorado Chamber Foundation found that 98 companies relocated or moved business operations to other states since 2019, taking jobs with them. The companies blamed excessive business regulations and high costs for their decision.
“As you can guess, it’s a cost of living challenge that’s driving a change in our demographics here,” said Erin McCuskey, economic resiliency manager for Eagle County. “I think it’s also meaningful to mention that these … demographic shifts are happening nationally, at least in terms of workforce. We have long predicted that our number of active workers was going to start to decrease as we have so many people aging out of the workforce and moving into retirement.”
The outflow of domestic migration and lower birth rates have only exacerbated these workforce challenges, especially with some sectors already struggling to hire in rural areas. The Common Sense Institute report said the combination of lower birth rates and a domestic migration slowdown could potentially compound an already-occurring loss of economic activity.
“Policymakers should consider how to avoid a situation in which the two trends feed into each other: businesses leave as fewer skilled and educated workers are available, and fewer people move from other states as high-paying jobs become scarcer,” the report said.
In order to combat these challenges, McCuskey said the Eagle County government launched its Workforce Pipelines and Ecosystem Mapping at the start of 2026 with the goal of expanding access to career pathways and strengthening partnerships with local employers and workforce organizations.
“Our focus is really on retention initiatives,” McCuskey said. “Since it is hard for us to relocate workers to our area due to the cost of living challenges and just the lack of housing, we really want to make sure that the people who are here that love being a part of our community can see the great career opportunities that are available to them.”
Eagle County is also host to the Northwest Colorado Small Business Development Center, which works with 11 counties on various business support initiatives. The center has advisors who, for no cost, work with businesses to figure out succession plans and protect their assets.
“We’re really trying to change the narrative that employers are competing for talent with the business that’s across the street from them, or that we’re competing between our communities for workforce,” McCuskey. “In reality, we in Colorado are competing with other states for our workforce.”
A spoonful of Tommy Sugar
Tomoyuki Sugano 菅野 智之 continued his run of strong pitching for the Rockies with 5.1 scoreless innings against what has been a fairly potent Cincinnati offense. Sugano wasn’t as sharp as usual, issuing three walks with two strikeouts, but he kept the Reds off the board despite those walks and four hits. He also had a little help from a sharp Rockies defense. In the bottom of the first inning, Ezequiel Tovar made a diving stop and threw out a Reds baserunner at home to end the inning.
After issuing a single and a walk to start the sixth inning, Sugano managed to get one final out before his pitch count and situation pulled him from the game. His ERA for the season now sits at just 2.84, the lowest of any member of the Rockies’ rotation. Only Chase Dollander—operating largely as bulk relief with an opener—has a lower ERA.
Lefty Brennan Bernardino entered the game with two runners on and only one out with the goal of keeping the Rockies’ shutout intact. Brett Sullivan and Ezequiel Tovar caught the lightning-quick Elly De La Cruz stealing before an easy flyout ended the inning. Bernardino would work another full inning with a strikeout before his night was done, though he did give up one hit.
Juan Mejia took over for the eighth inning and did give up a leadoff base hit, only to quickly set down the next three batters swinging.
Jimmy Herget, newly reinstated from the paternity list, had a little rust to shake off in a ninth inning that was largely a formality. All three outs he recorded were strikeouts, but he did give up two earned runs on four hits. The earned runs were via a Will Benson home run, the first home run Herget has given up since July 29th of last season.
The Rockies still struck out 11 times against Cincinnati pitching—which apparently earns Reds fans a free small, one-topping pizza courtesy of LaRosa’s Family Pizzeria—but that hardly seems to matter in an offensive effort that gave Rockies fans taco’s and more. The Rockies plated 13 runs on 15 hits and drew a strong six walks against Reds pitching staff.
The game had a promising start when Brenton Doyle doubled in his first at-bat of the day and was followed up walks issued to Willi Castro and Hunter Goodman. Backup catcher Brett Sullivan then slapped a bases-clearing double to right field to give the Rockies an early 3-0 lead.
A Willi Castro RBI double in the third inning and a Hunter Goodman solo home run in the fifth had the Rockies up 5-0, but the damage kept coming. In the top of the seventh inning Hunter Goodman demolished a second home run—his eighth of the season and the Rockies’ league-leading fifth multi-home run game of the season—to score another two runs. A Kyle Karros sacrifice fly scored yet another run.
With the Rockies up 8-0 in the top of the ninth inning, the Reds chose to wave the white flag and send in catcher Jose Trevino to pitch. The Rockies didn’t take it easy on Trevino, scoring another five runs on six hits. The inning saw Ezequiel Tovar, Kyle Karros, and Mickey Moniak get their first hits of the ballgame, with Moniak’s double extending his current hitting streak to 13 games. When all was said and done, the Rockies had gone 7-for-14 with runners in scoring position. It was a breath of fresh air after yesterday’s 1-for-11 mark.
Sadly, only Jordan Beck was left hitless after the festivities. Beck went 0-for-6 with two strikeouts and currently has a .440 OPS this season. Meanwhile, Brett Sullivan and Hunter Goodman were the heavy hitters of the evening, both going 3-for-4 with a walk and three RBIs.
The Rockies have an early start time tomorrow as they close out the series against the Reds and look for a series win on the road. Righty Michael Lorenzen will make the start for Colorado against Cincinnati lefty Andrew Abbott. First pitch is scheduled for 10:40 AM MDT.
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