Casino.org The World's Online Gaming Authority Since 1995
Menu
Avatar photo

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

Hard Rock to Buy JACK Cincinnati Casino, Turfway Park in $780M Deal

JACK Entertainment LLC announced on Friday morning that it reached an agreement to sell its casino in Cincinnati, Ohio and Turfway Park, a horse racing facility in northern Kentucky, to Hard Rock International. Parties involved in the $780 million deal expect it...

Steve Bittenbender April 5, 2019

North Carolina Bill Allowing Sports Betting at Tribal Casinos Advances

A bill that would allow Indian casinos to offer sports betting and horse racing simulcasts has passed its first vote in the North Carolina General Assembly. On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Commerce and Insurance approved an amended version of Senate Bill...

Steve Bittenbender April 5, 2019

Alabama Lawmakers File Bills to Legalize State Lottery, Sports Betting

The Alabama Legislature has seen a flurry of activity regarding gambling legislation this week. Thursday was a particularly busy day as a Senate committee heard testimony on two bills regarding a state lottery. In addition, a state representative filed his second bill...

Steve Bittenbender April 4, 2019

Puerto Rico Officials Pursue Legalized Sports Betting to Spur Tourism

Puerto Rico officials announced earlier this week that they will pursue legalized sports betting in an attempt to promote the Caribbean island as a tourist destination. The plan has the support of Gov. Ricardo Rossello, who unveiled the legislation on Monday. Not...

Steve Bittenbender April 3, 2019

After Latest Fatality, California Horse Racing Board to Mull ‘Options’ to Consider Moving Santa Anita Dates

The California Horse Racing Board on Tuesday called a special meeting for April 12 to discuss the possible reallocation of race dates granted to Santa Anita Park. The move came just two days after the latest death at the acclaimed track, which...

Steve Bittenbender April 3, 2019

Montana Legislature Weighs Two Sports Betting Bills on Tight Chamber Deadlines

The Montana State Legislature has beaten the deadline to advance two bills that could legalize sports betting in the state. On Saturday, a state House bill that would give oversight to the state lottery passed by an 88-10 vote. The state Senate,...

Steve Bittenbender April 2, 2019

Kentucky Derby Spots Scored by Maximum Security, Plus Que Parfait, as Favorites Falter in Prep Races

March ended up not being a good month to be a betting favorite on the Kentucky Derby trail. Nine Derby preps -- counting each division of the Rebel separately -- were run in the US last month. In those races, only one race-time...

Steve Bittenbender April 2, 2019

Humane Society of the United States Calls for Santa Anita to Suspend Racing After Another Horse Dies

A national animal welfare group on Monday called for officials at Santa Anita Park to suspend racing after a horse died due to injuries he suffered during a race Sunday, just three days after the California track reopened. The fatal injury to...

Steve Bittenbender April 1, 2019

NCAA Tournament Elite Eight Preview: Duke, Michigan State, Auburn, and Kentucky Seek Final Four Spots Sunday

The NCAA Tournament will fill out the remaining two slots for the Final Four on Sunday. One matchup will feature two blue blood programs, while the other features blue blood facing a conference rival better known for its football excellence. Sunday’s first...

Steve Bittenbender March 31, 2019

NCAA Tournament Classic Between Virginia and Purdue Ends with a Bad Beat

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Virginia and Purdue played an instant classic of an NCAA Tournament basketball game Saturday night, with the Cavaliers pulling out an 80-75 overtime victory in the South Regional Final at the Yum Center to advance to their first Final...

Steve Bittenbender March 30, 2019