1979 stories by Steve Bittenbender
2020 NFL Draft Could Have Big Impact on Strip with 750,000 Fans Expected, Las Vegas Boulevard Closure Likely
Just how big will April’s NFL Draft be in Las Vegas? So big that it might shut down a part of the Strip for up to three days. On Tuesday, the Clark County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to discuss possible lane...
Kentucky Sports Betting: Ex-NASCAR Star Michael Waltrip Lends Support, Keeneland and Red Mile Likely to Partner
A Kentucky native and former professional athlete has lent his voice to the cause of legalizing sports betting in The Bluegrass State. Former NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip recorded a radio commercial that began playing statewide last week. The 60-second spot was paid...
Super Bowl LIV: Bettors Pounce on Kansas City as a Slight Favorite Over San Francisco in Early Wagering
Super Bowl LIV is now set. In two weeks, the Kansas City Chiefs will face off against the San Francisco 49ers to determine who will win the NFL championship this season. And this year, we didn’t even have to wait for the...
National Horsemens Group Speaks Out Against Proposed Drug Reforms for Racing
Last week, the group representing horsemen across the United States renewed its opposition to federal legislation that would nationalize horse racing regulations. In a video posted on social media, the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) reiterated it opposes efforts to...
Tennessee Lottery Looks to Pass Sports Betting Regulations Next Month
Tennessee could have its rules for sports betting in place within a month. The Tennessee Education Lottery Corp.’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet in Nashville on Feb. 19. That’s a day after the TEL Sports Wagering Advisory Council is set...
Kentucky Derby Prep Race Lecomte Stakes Features Deep Field, Experienced Scabbard the Favorite
The Road to the Kentucky Derby goes through New Orleans on Saturday with the running of the Grade III Lecomte Stakes at the Fair Grounds Race Course. A deep field of 13 colts will run in the 1-1/16th mile race, with a...
NCAA College Basketball Title Favorites Duke, Louisville Meet Saturday
College basketball moves into the second half of the regular season this weekend, and the spotlight game is an ACC matchup Saturday night featuring two of the top national championship contenders. Louisville (14-3) heads down to Durham, NC to play Duke (15-2)...
Breeders Cup Report Cites Missed Chances to Save Mongolian Groom from Fatal Injury at Santa Anita
Earlier this week, the Breeders’ Cup released a report that stated there were opportunities to remove Mongolian Groom from racing in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and that the 4-year-old gelding received “extra scrutiny” before suffering a fatal injury in the Nov. 2...
Hard Rock International May Have Georgia on its Mind After Midwest Gaming Expansion Settles
GARY, Ind. – It’s been a busy few months for Hard Rock International, especially when it comes to its Midwest gaming ventures. Since September, the company owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, has closed on its purchase of JACK Cincinnati Casino,...
Arlington, Thoroughbred Horsemen Still Deadlocked Over Purses as Illinois Racing Board Meeting Looms
It’s looking more likely that Arlington International Racecourse and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (ITHA) will not have a contract in place for the upcoming 2020 meet by the time the Illinois Racing Board (IRB) convenes next week. The Illinois expanded gaming...
