Legalized sports betting has transformed Colorado’s gambling landscape. But at what cost?

On Nov. 10, the Colorado Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists presents two Colorado journalists in a behind-the-scenes discussion of their reporting on the sports betting industry, its impact on communities and the challenges of regulation. The panel discussion will be held at the Denver Press Club.

Our panelists are:

• Noelle Phillips of The Denver Post, author of “Colorado’s gamble on sports betting,” a three-part special report examining how the legalization of online sports betting impacted gambling addiction, water funding and athletes.
• Ben Markus of Colorado Public Radio, author of a number of reports on sports betting, including “Coloradans wager nearly $1 million a day on table tennis,” “Restrictions to sports gambling in Colorado are signed into law” and “Online gambling is big business in Colorado.” Markus received SPJ Colorado Pro’s First Amendment Award in 2022.

An audience Q&A will follow the discussion.

DETAILS

• When: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, at 7 p.m.
• Where: The Denver Press Club, 1330 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80204. Metered parking is on the street, a pay lot is next door, and the free RTD 16th Street shuttle is two blocks away.
• Admission is free, but please click here to RSVP.
• Questions: Contact us at spjcolorado@gmail.com

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