April 2025

IN THIS EDITION

Welcome to this month’s edition of our newsletter! We have stories that highlight advocacy, action, and community impact.

Chris Rouze Memorial Information

Raising Awareness: Problem Gambling Awareness Day at the Capitol – A crucial look at efforts to address problem gambling and support those affected.

Take Five with Sanela Simic, Racing and Tim Rotter, AID

SBG Furry Observer: Howie – Meet Howie, the furry friend making waves in the SBG community!

Chris Rouze Memorial set for May 15

A memorial to remember Chris Rouze is currently set for Thursday, May 15 at 2 p.m. at Daniels Park, 1315 Welch Street, Lakewood. A tree will be planted in the southwest corner of the park (map of park and tree area) to honor Chris.

Offer your condolences

Donate To Memorial Tree

If you are interested in donating to the memorial tree, donations are being accepted via Mike Phibbs' Venmo. Please use CR memorial as the "What's this for" when donating. For confirmation, last 4 digits of Director Phibbs' phone number is 6911

Raising Awareness: Problem Gambling Awareness Day at the Capitol

On February 26, staff from the Colorado Division of Gaming and the Colorado Lottery, gathered at the state capitol to promote Problem Gambling Awareness Month. This important event served as a platform to educate lawmakers and visitors about problem gambling and the resources available to help those affected.

As part of the broader Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which runs from March 1 to 31, our teams worked to increase public understanding and ensure that Coloradans know where to turn for support.

"The Colorado Division of Gaming is committed to ensuring the integrity of gaming in the state," said Gaming Division Director Christopher Schroder. "Part of maintaining that integrity is educating Coloradans about problem gambling and the resources that are available."

Supporting Responsible Gaming

The Division of Gaming continues to prioritize responsible gaming through various initiatives. These efforts include a self-exclusion registry, informative resources on the division’s website, and a the Colorado Limited Gaming Commission recently awarded almost $3 million in grants to combat problem gambling and promote responsible gaming.

Division of Gaming launches Bet Smart Colorado in effort to promote responsible gaming

As industry growth continues, the Colorado Division of Gaming wants to make sure that players have the knowledge to Bet Smart and play responsibly.

The Division launched Bet Smart Colorado on March 2 in an effort to promote responsible gaming during Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

During that first month, more than 6,000 people visited the website more than 16,000 times.

Bet Smart Colorado, found at BetSmart.Colorado.gov, has information and resources to help Coloradans who may have developed a gambling problem, including responsible gaming support groups, registration for the Self-Exclusion List and more.

“If you or a loved one are developing a problem, Bet Smart Colorado is a great resource to get you connected and to get you support,” Division of Gaming Director Christopher Schroder said. “The Division of Gaming is committed to maintaining the integrity of gaming in the Centennial State and part of that is educating Coloradans on the resources that are available.”

Take 5

Sanela Simic, Racing

1) What is your position and how long have you been with LTED?

My position is Auditor and I have been with the Racing Events team since 2021.

2) What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to be outdoors as much as possible. Exploring new landscapes with my 5-year-old Bostie.

3) What's your favorite TV Show (or book)?

My favorite book is Super Brain by Deepak Chopra (favorite TV show is Friends).

4) What's your favorite place to get away in Colorado and why?

Lookout Mountain is my go to spot. I love to get lost between the trees until I hear no sound of the city and cars. It helps quiet the mind and reset.

5) What's the best thing about working for Racing?

The best thing about working for Racing is the team that I get to be a part of and the way we always come together.

Tim Rotter, AID

1) What is your position and how long have you been with the Auto Industry Division (AID)?

My position is Criminal Investigator IV. I have been with the AID for 9 years 8 months.

2) What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I golf, workout and ski.

3) What's your favorite TV Show (or book)?

My favorite book is "The Stand" By Stephen King

4) What's your favorite place to get away in Colorado and why?

My favorite place to get away in Colorado is Summit County because it offers incredible opportunities for skiing in the winter, as well as hiking and fishing.