The Denver Gazette sports business insider is a reader’s guide to understanding the influence of money, politics and power behind their favorite leagues, teams and players:
Sports business insider: The total handle for August sports gambling wagers placed in Colorado exceeded $372 million.
Short version: The Colorado Division of Gaming released sports-betting figures on Tuesday for August. Sports gamblers in the state wagered a total of $372,378,663. That represented an uptick of 21% compared to the same month last year ($306,065,790).
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Long version: Here is a breakdown of the top five sports ranked by total wagers placed in Colorado for August 2024, according to the state’s division of gaming:
1. Baseball — $103.2 million
2. Tennis — $39.2 million
3. Basketball — $33.5 million
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4. Football (Pro American) — $29.6 million
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5. Soccer — $23.3 million
Colorado imposes a 10% tax on the sports betting proceeds of retail and online casinos. In August, that figure reached $2,375,442. Voters in 2019 approved Proposition DD, which directs the state to spend nearly all tax revenue from sports betting on the Colorado Water Plan.
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Key context: Booming popularity of the WNBA and star players like Caitlin Clark is reflected in sports gambling wagers placed in Colorado. The state division of gaming does not provide figures for specific leagues. However, the NBA and NCAA did not play basketball games in August, and the sport outpaced preseason NFL, soccer and early-season NCAA football games.
Looking ahead: Colorado sports gamblers will shift their attention to the NFL as regular season play continues. Last year, per the state division of gaming, football (Pro American) was the most wagered on sport in Colorado between September and December. Will the Broncos end up hitting the over on total wins (5.5) this season? The Denver Gazette sports business insider will keep you in the loop.
A Boulder bar owner has agreed to give up his Colorado liquor license and not apply for one for a decade after allegations of drugging and sexual assault. The bar owner also admitted to violating alcohol regulations during a special meeting on Monday.
Scrooge Sul on Boulder’s University Hill
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The bar, Scrooge Sul, is located at 1149 13th Street on The Hill near the University of Colorado Boulder campus. The business has recently been at the center of a Boulder Police Department sex assault investigation in which drunk young women believe they were drugged and assaulted.
According to investigators, the reported incidents involve intoxicated underage females. Investigators say there have been no arrests, and no suspect has been publicly identified, but detectives are actively pursuing leads.
Anyone who thinks they might be able to help police with their investigation is asked to contact Detective Andrea Tuck at 720-854-8823 or TuckA@bouldercolorado.gov. The case number is 26-01803.
At least 75 vehicles were ensnared in a massive, chain-reaction pileup on a Colorado highway Tuesday, authorities said.
The crashes unfolded in the Rocky Mountains west of Denver, specifically near Loveland Ski Area, and followed a chaotic morning that saw six separate wrecks, mostly along the same highway, according to the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said the latest crash forced a two-way lane shutdown on Interstate 70, as photos released by the authorities showed emergency crews assisting drivers at the scene.
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“The closure is due to a severe multi-vehicle crash on the east side of Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel that took place this afternoon,” the Colorado Department of Transportation (CODOT) said. “There is currently no estimated time for reopening.”
DRIVER HOPS CURB, STRIKES 9 STUDENTS DURING AFTER SCHOOL PICKUP IN IOWA
A person is seen moving through wrecked vehicles after a major pileup on a Colorado highway on April 14.(Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office)
According to the photos, the crashes appeared to have occurred on a snow-blanketed roadway, as winter weather may have created hazardous driving conditions in the mountain corridor.
The area near Loveland Ski Area has also long been known as a major bottleneck on I-70, particularly as ski traffic converges with Denver-area commuters during the spring season.
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Officials have not yet reported any injuries.
AT LEAST 2 STUDENTS KILLED, SEVERAL INJURED IN SCHOOL BUS CRASH IN TENNESSEE: ‘A PARENT’S WORST NIGHTMARE’
A snow-covered stretch of highway near Eisenhower Tunnel is shown during dangerous conditions on April 14.(Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office)
Earlier in the day, officials reported six crashes during the morning hours, with some involving single vehicles and others multi-vehicle collisions. Five of the crashes occurred on I-70 westbound near mile marker 221, with another reported on U.S. Highway 40.
The sheriff’s office indicated that all of those earlier incidents had been cleared before the major 75-vehicle pileup unfolded nearby on I-70 eastbound near mile marker 216.
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Vehicles sit crumpled together after a massive pileup on a Colorado highway on April 14.(Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office)
An hour later, the authorities shut down both lanes of the highway.
“Due to the severity of the crash, drivers approaching the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel should expect to be turned around for the next several hours,” CODOT said.
A damaged car is wedged into a trailer following a multi-vehicle crash on a Colorado highway on April 14.(Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office)
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“Bottom line, we need folks to slow down, increase following distance, and make it to their destination safely,” the sheriff’s office said.
Colorado State Patrol is leading the crash investigation.
Bonny Chu is a Digital Production Assistant at Fox News Digital.
With the NFL Draft approaching, many players will hear their names called, and their lives will be changed forever. The Colorado Buffaloes have been fortunate to have 25 of their players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
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So here is a list of all 25 Colorado players who have been selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws in the pocket with protection provided by tackle Nate Solder (77) against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images | Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images
Key First Round Buffaloes
There have been several Colorado players who have made a significant impact in the NFL after being drafted in the first round.
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The first player to note is running back Byron “Whizzer” White, who was the first-ever Buffaloes player drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. White had a solid career in the NFL and definitely was worth the selection.
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Colorado also had an interesting trend of multiple players being selected in the first round on eight separate occasions, which showed the Buffaloes ‘ ability to develop talent on a consistent basis.
One of the more successful Colorado players in the NFL was an offensive tackle, Nate Solder, who was drafted by the Patriots in 2011 and won two Super Bowls while blocking for Tom Brady. Solder provided consistent protection and was someone that the Patriots could rely on to do his job well.
Former Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith also had a successful career after being drafted in 2011 by the Baltimore Ravens. One of the highlights of Smith’s career was when he won Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens and made crucial stops on the goal line to seal the game. Throughout his career, Smith was always solid in coverage and could make a play when he needed to.
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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) reacts to a tackle during the first quarter of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars edged the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Currently in the NFL is former Colorado Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 2 overall in the 2025 draft. Hunter had a decent rookie season, but it was unfortunately ended early by injury.
Heading into a sophomore season, Hunter will be making a change to cornerback and looks to be a great contributor for the Jaguars on defense while adding some value as a situational receiver.
As indicated by the number of players drafted in the first round from Colorado, the Buffaloes definitely have a history of being able to develop great talent that can be successful in the NFL.
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Unfortunately, there are no Buffaloes projected to be first-round picks this season, however next year could be the perfect opportunity with players like wide receiver Danny Scudero and defensive tackle Santana Hopper poised for big seasons.
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