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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

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...

Steve Bittenbender February 15, 2020

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,...

Steve Bittenbender February 15, 2020

MGM Resorts International to Give Outgoing CEO Jim Murren $30M-Plus Package for Transition, Consulting, and Severance

Jim Murren, who earlier this week announced his intention to step down as the chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International before his contract expires at the end of next year, will receive a compensation package totaling more than $30 million. That’s...

Steve Bittenbender February 14, 2020

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...

Steve Bittenbender February 13, 2020

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...

Steve Bittenbender February 13, 2020

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,...

Steve Bittenbender February 12, 2020

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...

Steve Bittenbender February 12, 2020

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...

Steve Bittenbender February 11, 2020

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...

Steve Bittenbender February 11, 2020

Indiana Sports Betting Handle Continues to Grow, Up By $9 Million in January

Sports betting in Indiana rose by 5.6 percent in January, as the total handle jumped to $170.8 million for the month. That represented a $9 million increase in activity from December, according to figures released Monday by the Indiana Gaming Commission. The...

Steve Bittenbender February 11, 2020