Reporter:
Steve Bittenbender covers Midwest and Gulport news for Casino.org. He also specializes in sports betting and horse racing. Steve is a veteran reporter and brings more than two decades of experience covering sports, business and politics. He joined Casino.org in 2019.
Steve has also covered major collegiate and professional sports for the Associated Press and the Louisville Courier-Journal and is frequently featured on local network TV newscasts and podcasts for his horse racing business and legislative expertise. A Reuters contributor, he has also previously served as editor for Government Security News.
Steve lives in Louisville, Kentucky -- the epicenter of the US horse racing industry -- with his wife and son. He is also an avid poker player, having learned from his uncle as a wholesome after-school pastime with cookies and milk.
Contact Steve at [email protected].
Areas of Expertise
1982 stories by Steve Bittenbender
Las Vegas Sheriff Joe Lombardo Defeats Steve Sisolak in Nevada Governor’s Race
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) on Friday evening conceded defeat in his attempt for a second four-year term. He announced that he congratulated Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo, his Republican opponent, on winning the hard-fought election. The Associated Press officially called the...
California Thoroughbred Owners Vow to Keep Fighting for Sports Betting
The leader of the organization representing California horse owners says the group was “disappointed but not surprised” to see voters reject a ballot measure allowing racetracks in the state to host sportsbooks. Gary Fenton, chairman of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, issued...
New York Generates More Than $500M in Sports Betting Taxes in Nine Months
New York hit a major milestone with its legal online sports betting market last month, as the state surpassed $500 million in tax revenue in less than 10 months of activity. According to data from the New York State Gaming Commission, the...
New York Jets Say Fubo Sportsbook in Default on $12.4M Partnership Deal
The New York Jets have taken a dispute with Fubo Gaming to court and are seeking its former sports betting partner to be placed in receivership. The NFL team made the request in the Delaware Court of Chancery, Casino.org has learned. That...
California Voters Say ‘No’ to Two Sports Betting Ballot Measures on Tuesday
California voters appeared to soundly reject two measures in Tuesday’s general election that would have legalized sports betting in the nation’s largest state. With about a third of the vote counted, according to the Associated Press, only 29.6% of voters supported Proposition...
Breeders Cup Posts Record $189M Handle, Flightline Stays Perfect in Classic Performance
This weekend’s Breeders’ Cup races at Keeneland set a wagering record, according to event organizers. Considered the world championships for thoroughbred racing, the two-day card at the Lexington, KY track generated an all-sources handle of $189.1 million. That’s a 3.4% increase over...
Houston Astros Give ‘Mattress Mack’ $75M Reasons to Celebrate World Series Win
The Houston Astros weren’t the only ones celebrating a big victory Saturday night. When Kyle Tucker caught Nick Castellanos’ foul out to win Game 6 of the World Series and clinch the title, it also meant Houston businessman Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale...
New York City Official Resigns After Phone Seized in Gambling Probe
New York City is looking for a new Buildings Commissioner. That's after the former head of the department stepped down Thursday, reportedly because of an investigation into an illegal gambling probe. The New York Times reported Tuesday that investigators from Manhattan District...
Tennessee Visits Georgia in SEC Battle for College Football Playoff Spot
The last month of college football’s regular season is here, and Saturday’s slate of games features several high-profile matchups. The biggest takes place in Georgia, as the defending national champion Bulldogs host the Tennessee Volunteers. The winner gets a leg up in...
Cleveland Company Wants a Retail Sportsbook, Ohio Law Prohibits It
A new applicant has filed to serve as a sports betting proprietor in Ohio. But the regulatory body overseeing the licensing process has already said at least part of that request will be denied. Robert L. Stark Enterprises, Inc. submitted its paperwork...