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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

1982 stories by Steve Bittenbender

Brianne Doura-Schawohl

Responsible Gaming Advocate Brianne Doura-Schawohl Sets Up Consulting Firm

One of the country’s top advocates for responsible gaming is hanging out her own shingle. This past week, Brianne Doura-Schawohl announced she was starting a consulting firm with a focus on promoting responsible gaming policies. The firm will handle government and industry...

Steve Bittenbender January 16, 2022
Michigan State

Michigan State University Inks Sports Betting Partnership Deal with Caesars

Spartans and Romans seem like a combination that wouldn’t mix well, given the latter’s preference for opulence and the former’s disdain for it. But they’ll try to make a go for it in Michigan, according to an announcement from Caesars Sportsbook. On...

Steve Bittenbender January 15, 2022
Hard Rock Northern Indiana

Indiana Gaming Update: Sportsbooks, Casinos End 2021 on a Strong Note

The final totals are in for Indiana gaming in 2021, and sportsbooks had plenty of reasons to celebrate. In the second full calendar year of sports betting, and a year that more closely resembled the traditional sports calendar, Indiana’s sportsbooks and mobile...

Steve Bittenbender January 15, 2022
Portnoy

Florida Sports Betting Measure at Crunch Time, Barstool’s Portnoy Backs Petition

With the clock ticking, sports betting operators have started their versions of the two-minute drill to encourage Florida’s registered voters. The goal is to put a sports betting legalization measure on the November ballot. They’ve apparently even called on Barstool Sports founder...

Steve Bittenbender January 15, 2022
PlayUp

PlayUp Takes Injunction Request Against Former US CEO to Federal Appeals Court

PlayUp has appealed a federal judge’s ruling denying the Australian-based gaming company an injunction against its former CEO. It claims she violated the terms of her employment contract and scuttled a deal that would have led to a $450 million sale of...

Steve Bittenbender January 14, 2022
PrizePicks CEO SBC

PrizePicks Celebrates a Banner 2021, Announces Three New Executive Hires

Like many other gaming companies, 2021 was a very good year for PrizePicks. In a statement Thursday, the single-player daily fantasy sports operator announced it added more than 300,000 new players in 2021. While the privately held company did not disclose revenue,...

Steve Bittenbender January 14, 2022
Seneca Nation

New York, Seneca Nation End Gaming Payments Dispute, Agree to New Compact Talks

New York and the Seneca Nation of Indians have resolved their longstanding legal battle over their gaming compact, and agreed to begin negotiations on a new accord. Seneca Nation President Matthew Pagels announced the settlement in a message Wednesday night to tribal...

Steve Bittenbender January 12, 2022
Florida

Florida Casino Petition Suit: Seminole-Funded PAC Wants State Review Stopped

A Florida judge is being asked to stop the certification of signatures for a proposed expanded gaming measure in the state.  A political action committee (PAC) supported by the Seminole Tribe of Florida claims they were gathered illegally. "Standing Up for Florida"...

Steve Bittenbender January 12, 2022
Bob Baffert

Bob Baffert Considering Lawsuit Against Churchill Downs Over Kentucky Derby Ban

A lawyer for Bob Baffert confirmed to Casino.org Monday night that the Hall of Fame thoroughbred trainer is considering a federal lawsuit against Churchill Downs Inc. The action is an effort to have his 3-year-olds eligible to run in this year’s Kentucky...

Steve Bittenbender January 11, 2022
Bills Jets

New York Mobile Sports Betting Off to a Torrid Start, Instantly Becomes ‘Top State’

Everyone knew the launch of mobile sports betting in New York would be big, even record-setting. However, data from GeoComply showed an off-the-charts start in the Empire State this weekend. According to the Canadian-based company that provides geocaching services to most mobile...

Steve Bittenbender January 9, 2022