1979 stories by Steve Bittenbender
Kentucky Derby Trail Sees War of Will Ready for Battle in Louisiana
The road to the Kentucky Derby returns to Fair Grounds Race Course on Saturday for the running of the Grade II Louisiana Derby, and War of Will stands to be the heavy favorite in the 1-1/8-mile race. The Mark Casse-trained colt enters...
NCAA Tournament: Injured Star Puts Kentucky in Tough Spot Against Upstart Wofford
Kentucky -- one of the top teams remaining in the NCAA Tournament -- will not have a key player for its second-round game on Saturday. The Wildcats face Wofford for a trip to the Sweet 16, and it will again be without...
Illinois Could Be First Midwestern State to Legalize Sports Betting, Multiple Proposals Filed
Illinois lawmakers will consider four proposals to legalize sports betting in the Prairie State, which, if succesful, would make it the first in the Midwest to do so. On Thursday, four state House representatives filed amendments to a bill, HB 3308, sponsored...
Fight to Keep Preakness at Pimlico, as Baltimore Officials Sue The Stronach Group
Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh, along with local officials and residents, filed suit in a city circuit court Tuesday against The Stronach Group, its holdings, and the Maryland Economic Development Corporation to block the company from carrying out a proposed move of the Preakness...
Las Vegas Still Appeals to Bettors During NCAA Tournament, Despite Sports Betting Expansion
This is the drama of the NCAA Tournament: over the next couple of days, three or four college basketball games will be broadcast simultaneously on national television. Their stakes will be the same. Win and keep playing, or lose and see your...
West Virginia Lawmaker Lashes Out as Two Sportsbooks Stay Closed in Dispute
UPDATE: On Wednesday, West Virginia Lottery Director John Myers said his office continues to monitor the situation with Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island casinos. “Discussions are ongoing and we are hopeful that an agreement between the provider and its vendor will be...
Split Rebel Stakes Leads to Record Day at Arkansas’ Oaklawn
Oaklawn Racing and Gaming's Rebel Stakes proved to be a record-setting day on Saturday. The Arkansas track drew national attention for splitting its Rebel Stakes into two divisions, which allowed horses from California to fly in and take part in a Kentucky Derby prep...
AGA March Madness Survey Shows Americans Love Watching and Betting on NCAA Tournament, But Not Always Legally
A new survey by the American Gaming Association (AGA) shows just how mad Americans are about college basketball this time of year. The findings, released on Monday, show 47 million adults -- or nearly one in five -- will make some type...
Race to Kentucky Derby Recap: Rebel Stakes Offers Fantastic Finishes at Weekend Oaklawn in Arkansas
Saturday was a big day on the road to the Kentucky Derby, as both divisions of the Rebel Stakes ended in dramatic fashion. In each race at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming, a less-than-even-money favorite was edged out at the wire. Surprise Endings...
Road to Kentucky Derby Goes Through Arkansas This Weekend, Game Winner and Improbable Promise Thrills
It’s a week later than expected, but the top two contenders for this year’s Kentucky Derby will finally hit the track. Even though Game Winner and Improbable won’t face each other, this should rank as one of the most exciting weekends leading...
