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Reporter: Steve Bittenbender

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 stevebittenbender@casino.org.

Areas of Expertise

1979 stories by Steve Bittenbender

Sisolak

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...

Steve Bittenbender November 11, 2022
Del Mar

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...

Steve Bittenbender November 11, 2022
Islanders

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...

Steve Bittenbender November 10, 2022
New York Jets Fubo

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...

Steve Bittenbender November 9, 2022
California state flag

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...

Steve Bittenbender November 9, 2022
Flightline

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...

Steve Bittenbender November 6, 2022
Mattress Mack

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...

Steve Bittenbender November 6, 2022
Ulrich

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...

Steve Bittenbender November 5, 2022
Tennessee football

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...

Steve Bittenbender November 5, 2022
Stark_Logo

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...

Steve Bittenbender November 4, 2022