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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

G2E Returns

Global Gaming Expo Announces In-Person Show to Return to Vegas in October

Commercial and tribal gaming professionals from across the globe will once again converge on Las Vegas this October for the 2021 installment of the Global Gaming Expo (G2E). Officials with the American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions made the announcement this past...

Steve Bittenbender June 6, 2021
Hard Rock Air

Hard Rock Atlantic City to Launch VIP Chartered Jet Service in July

Starting this summer, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City plans to offer chartered flights for high-end clientele. In a press release, the casino announced the service would start on July 16. Ultimate Jet Charters will operate the service, using a...

Steve Bittenbender June 5, 2021
Tropicana Evansville Bally's

Bally’s Closes on Tropicana Evansville Purchase, Establishes Presence in Indiana

Tropicana Evansville officially has a new owner. On Friday, both Caesars Entertainment and Bally’s Corp. announced the closing of a deal first announced in October. That deal allows Bally’s to take over gaming operations at the southern Indiana casino. Gaming & Leisure...

Steve Bittenbender June 4, 2021
Canadian Sports Betting

As Canadian Sports Betting Bill Nears Passage, Election Rumors Pose a Threat

A bill to legalize single-game sports betting in Canada is making its way through the country’s Senate, with committee hearings set for Friday and next week. However, there are fears that time may soon run out on the legislation, as rumblings of...

Steve Bittenbender June 4, 2021
Baffert lawsuits

Lawsuits Against Bob Baffert Get Boost as Failed Kentucky Derby Drug Test Confirmed

Confirmation of Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit’s failed drug test was a boon for class-action lawsuits against trainer Bob Baffert. One lawyer told Casino.org Wednesday he’s received “a steady flow of calls” regarding his client’s case. There are at least three cases...

Steve Bittenbender June 3, 2021
DraftKings Casino Queen expansion

DraftKings at Casino Queen Announces $10 Million Expansion Project

Work has started on an expansion project at the DraftKings at Casino Queen in East St. Louis, Ill., according to a statement from the casino released on Tuesday. The $10 million project includes a new sportsbook, along with dining options. A promenade...

Steve Bittenbender June 1, 2021
Billy Walters

Attorneys for Billy Walters Say Feds Knew of Leaks to Reporters, Chose Not to Stop It

Lawyers for Billy Walters said federal authorities knew about leaks of grand jury information to media regarding an insider trading investigation involving the retired sports bettor. But they allowed it to continue. That information was part of a response filed Thursday to...

Steve Bittenbender May 31, 2021
NYRA Bets BetMGM

BetMGM to Offer Mobile Wagering on Horse Racing Through NYRA Bets Partnership

BetMGM and NYRA Bets LLC announced on Friday that the advanced deposit wagering platform for the New York Racing Association (NYRA) would become the first horse racing partner for the online gaming company. The deal allows BetMGM to use NYRA Bets’ wagering...

Steve Bittenbender May 29, 2021
New York investigation

NY Times Reports DraftKings, del Lago Records Subpoenaed in Federal Inquiry

(UPDATE 7:30 pm ET) - This article was updated to include a comment from del Lago. A prominent New York lobbyist and at least two gaming companies he represents, including DraftKings, have been subpoenaed by federal officials, according to the New York...

Steve Bittenbender May 29, 2021
California sports betting

California Sports Betting Measure Verified, But Voters Won’t Decide Until Nov. 2022

California voters will get a chance to decide if they want to legalize sports betting in their state. However, it’ll be a while before they can go to the polls. On Thursday, the Secretary of State’s Office announced that proponents of the...

Steve Bittenbender May 27, 2021