Reporter:
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 [email protected].
Areas of Expertise
1982 stories by Steve Bittenbender
California Teachers Union Opposes Online Sports Betting Measure
The California Teachers Association (CTA), one of the largest public-sector unions in California, has come out against the proposed referendum to legalize online sports betting in the state. The labor organization announced earlier this week it would oppose the measure offered by...
Bally’s Gains Chicago City Council’s Full Support for $1.7B Casino Project
As expected, the Chicago City Council voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to approve the city’s agreement with Bally’s Corp. It can now move forward with the Rhode Island-based company’s plans to build a $1.7 billion casino on the city’s Near North Side. Thanks to...
Fanatics Files for Gaming Trademark, Latest Move Toward Sports Betting
Fanatics has yet to launch a sports betting application. But the online sports apparel retailer moved closer to that goal recently by applying to trademark the term “BETFANATICS.” According to a search of the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database, the...
Bally’s Chicago Casino Proposal Clears Hurdle as Committee OKs $1.7B Project
A special committee of the Chicago City Council voted overwhelmingly on Monday to support Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s pick of Bally’s Corp. to build a $1.7 billion casino along the Chicago River on the city’s Near North Side. Now the full council will...
Preakness Handle Down from 2021; Belmont Unlikely for Early Voting, Epicenter
Betting on Saturday’s Preakness Stakes dropped by 5% from a record 2021, according to figures published by Pimlico Race Course. All-sources wagering on the second jewel of the Triple Crown totaled $65.3 million. That’s down from the $68.7 million bet last year....
Chicago City Council Vote on Bally’s Casino Project Expected This Week
A special committee of the Chicago City Council is set to take a vote this week – perhaps as early as Monday – on whether to approve the agreement city leaders have in place with Bally’s Corp. for a $1.7 billion casino...
DraftKings Finally Launches Online Sports Betting, Casino Apps in Ontario
One of the biggest online gaming companies has finally launched in Canada’s largest province. DraftKings officially went live in Ontario on Wednesday, six weeks after online gaming went live there. The Boston-based online gaming company became the 17th operator licensed in Ontario....
Preakness Win Could Put Epicenter on Track to be 3-Year-Old Champion
In some ways, Saturday’s Preakness is as many expected. Epicenter comes to Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course off a strong showing in the Kentucky Derby and is the heavy morning-line favorite. The main difference is that Epicenter finished second two weeks ago thanks...
California Sports Betting Update: More City, Civic Leaders Take Their Stand
UPDATE 5/21 2:30 pm ET - This story has been updated to include a response from a spokeswoman for "Coalition for Safe, Responsible Gaming" regarding concerns from cardrooms over the tribal sports betting measure's language allowing lawsuits against illegal gaming operations. A...
Chicago Casino Update: Votes Coming Soon on Bally’s $1.7 Billion Project
A vote could take place as early as Friday on Bally’s Corp.’s $1.7 billion casino proposal for Chicago. The Chicago City Council’s special committee on the project will hold a 10 am CT meeting. The agenda includes consideration of an ordinance amending...