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

1982 stories by Steve Bittenbender

Florida Sports betting

(UPDATE) Florida Sports Betting Case Judge Denies Seminole Stay, Tribe Takes Request to Appeals Court

UPDATE (3:45 pm ET) - This article has been updated to include information on the Seminole Tribe of Florida's emergency appeal to the District of Columbia US Circuit Court of Appeals seeking a stay of US District Judge Dabney Friedrich's order.  A...

Steve Bittenbender November 25, 2021
Seminole Gaming

Seminole Tribe Appeals Federal Ruling, Seeks Stay in Florida Sports Betting Case

The Seminole Tribe of Florida said on Tuesday it will appeal a decision a federal judge handed down the night prior. That federal ruling set aside an amended gaming compact the tribal nation reached with Florida officials earlier this year. In addition...

Steve Bittenbender November 24, 2021
Calder Casino

Churchill Downs Incorporated Sells Most of Calder Casino Property for $291M

Churchill Downs Incorporated on Monday announced it has reached an agreement to sell more than 115 acres of land it owns at the Calder Casino in Miami Gardens, Fla., for $291 million. The Louisville-based gaming company said in a statement that Link...

Steve Bittenbender November 23, 2021
Florida sign

Florida Sports Betting Stopped By Federal Judge, Says New Seminole Compact Invalid

A federal judge on Monday night completely threw out the amended gaming compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and state officials. That stops – for now – statewide mobile sports betting, which the tribe launched three weeks ago. US District Judge...

Steve Bittenbender November 22, 2021
Mattress Mack

Mattress Mack Bets $2M on +2300 New England Patriots to Win the Super Bowl

“Mattress Mack” has made some big bets over the past few years. But the Houston businessman and noted sports bettor made a huge one just a few days ago. If it hits, he’ll walk away netting $46 million. Mack, whose name is...

Steve Bittenbender November 21, 2021
NY Aqueduct

New York Tracks, Arenas Would Get Sports Betting Under Sen. Addabbo’s Bill

This article has been updated to include a comment from a NYRA official on New York sports betting and clarify the availability of kiosks at Empire City and Yonkers.   Sports betting in New York is getting ready to expand, thanks to...

Steve Bittenbender November 21, 2021
Sightline cashless gaming

Nevada Gaming Control Board Hears Sightline Call for Online Verification of Wagering Apps

Nevada regulations regarding cashless gaming and other technical solutions may be changing. That's thanks to a proposal by Sightline Payments that was the focus of a Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) work session earlier this week. The Las Vegas-based financial technology company...

Steve Bittenbender November 20, 2021
Chicago Casino

Chicago Reveals Details on Billion-Dollar Casino Bids, Presentations Set for Dec. 16

The companies behind the five proposals for Chicago’s casino-resort project will get a chance to present their plans to the public on Dec. 16. That’s according to a release from city officials on Friday that included more details about each of the...

Steve Bittenbender November 19, 2021
Pretlow Empire City

New York Lawmakers Want Licenses for Downstate Casinos Next Year

Two key lawmakers in New York are calling for the state to speed up the clock when it comes to issuing downstate casino licenses. At a press conference Wednesday outside the Empire City Casino in Yonkers, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, D-Mount Vernon, said...

Steve Bittenbender November 19, 2021
Hard Rock Terre Haute presentation

Churchill Downs Terre Haute Casino Can’t Proceed Because of Ongoing Appeal

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Gaming Commission has found the company it wants to operate the state's newest casino. However, before Churchill Downs Incorporated can officially break ground on The Queen of Terre Haute, the regulatory agency must win a case before a...

Steve Bittenbender November 18, 2021