1979 stories by Steve Bittenbender
Alabama Gov. Ivey Picks 12, Including Methodist Bishop, to Study Expanded Gaming
As expected, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has created a study group that will look at expanded gaming options for the state. In a statement announcing the executive order she signed to create the panel, Ivey noted there have been more than 180...
NCAA Basketball Title Odds Show No Clear Favorite, Lots of Value a Month Before Selection Sunday
One month from Saturday is Selection Sunday, the day we’ll know who makes the field for the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament. And the one thing we know already is that this year’s Big Dance will be one of the most unpredictable...
Split in Risen Star Stakes Saturday Could Give Two Horses Entries into Kentucky Derby
Two horses will likely earn their way into the field for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, as the Fair Grounds Race Course will run two divisions of the Grade II Risen Star Stakes. The Derby prep race down in New Orleans drew...
DraftKings Signs Sports Betting, Daily Fantasy Partnership Deals with Celtics, Pacers, and Sixers
DraftKings announced earlier this week that it has signed multi-year gaming partnerships with three NBA teams, a move that further strengthens the sports technology and entertainment company's ties to the basketball league. The teams involved are the Indiana Pacers, the Philadelphia 76ers,...
Kambi Group Enjoys Strong 2019 Due to US Sports Betting Growth, Envisions Trend to Continue in 2020
Kambi Group PLC ended the fourth quarter of 2019 on a strong note, thanks especially to developments that took place in the US sports betting market. But there’s a bit of uncertainty now surrounding the sports betting services provider, especially as one...
PointsBet Inks Betting Partnership with NBA, Will Offer Analytical Insights for Fans
PointsBet announced on Wednesday that it had secured a partnership with the NBA, making it an authorized sports betting operator for the league. It’s the first such arrangement the Australian-based oddsmaker has brokered with a major North American professional sports league. The...
Butler University Bans Students, Faculty, and Staff from Betting on School Sports Teams or Disclosing Inside Information
Butler University in Indiana has become the latest US college to prohibit its students, faculty, staff, and trustees from betting on events involving the school’s athletics teams. The policy also applies to independent contractors who provide services to the athletic department, teams,...
MGM CEO Jim Murren Will Step Down Before Contract Ends, Gives No Reason For Surprise Move
The gaming industry was caught by surprise on Wednesday when MGM Resorts International announced that Chairman and CEO Jim Murren has decided to step down from his position. No timetable was given in the company’s release, which dropped just hours before the...
Kindred Group Deal With Caesars Entertainment Will Put Unibet Mobile Sports Betting Application in Indiana, Iowa
Kindred Group announced on Tuesday that it has an agreement signed with Caesars Entertainment that gives the European gaming company access to the mobile sports betting markets in Indiana and Iowa. The company plans to unveil its Unibet brand in the two...
Despite ‘Uncertainty,’ Monmouth Park Willing to Go First on Fixed-Odds Horse Racing in US
Just as New Jersey opened the door for sports betting across the United States, it just might be the trendsetter for the next wagering innovation to hit America – fixed-odds horse racing. Fixed-odds racing sets a firm payout price. The price you...
