Ameristar Casinos Receives Approval for Major Casino Expansion in Council Bluffs

Project Underscores Commitment to provide best facilities and highest quality guest experience 


LAS VEGAS, June 7  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ameristar Casinos, Inc. (Nasdaq-GS: ASCA) has received approval from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) to move forward with the previously announced expansion project at the Company's Council Bluffs property pending further governmental and regulatory approvals.  Ameristar executives made a formal presentation on the approximately $100 million project at the IRGC meeting today.

The expansion will add a total of 60,000 square feet to the existing facility, and will double the current casino floor square footage by incorporating an additional 38,500 square feet of new gaming space with approximately 600 new slot machines and 20 additional table games, including a poker room. The expanded portion of the casino floor will be located on a single level, creating better access and convenience for guests. In addition, the expansion will result in a more spacious and comfortable experience for guests, since the Company intends to double the casino square footage, but not the number of machines or table games.   By building the single level gaming expansion that surrounds the existing vessel, guests will have dramatic sight lines of the entire new casino and have multiple levels to view the action and excitement of the casino experience.

The expansion also will feature an elaborate central bar area and two additional bars, a deli restaurant, a new 1,000-space parking garage and an upscale Star Club VIP lounge. Access to the casino will be improved with an additional garage entrance, an enhanced connector from the existing garage and better access from the existing streetscape.

"We appreciate the IRGC's thoughtful consideration and rapid approval of this project, and we look forward to initiating construction in the near future," said John Boushy, Ameristar CEO and President.  "Upon completion in mid-2009, our guests will enjoy an even better Ameristar experience offering more casino and more fun, improved access and better parking.  We expect to build on our position as the best casino in the market."

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains certain forward-looking information that generally can be identified by the context of the statement or the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "believes," "estimates," "anticipates," "intends," "expects," "plans," "is confident that" or words of similar meaning, with reference to Ameristar or our management.  Similarly, statements that describe our future plans, objectives, strategies, financial results or position, operational expectations or goals are forward-looking statements. It is possible that our expectations may not be met due to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, and we therefore cannot give any assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.  For a discussion of relevant factors, risks and uncertainties that could materially affect our future results, attention is directed to "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 and "Item 1A.  Risk Factors" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.

About Ameristar

Ameristar Casinos, Inc. is a leading Las Vegas-based gaming and entertainment Company known for its premier properties characterized by innovative architecture, state-of-the-art casino floors and superior dining, lodging and entertainment offerings. Ameristar's focus on the total entertainment experience and the highest quality guest service has earned it a leading position in each of the markets in which it operates. Founded in 1954 in Jackpot, Nevada, Ameristar has been a public company since November 1993. The Company has a portfolio of seven casinos in six markets: Ameristar St. Charles (greater St. Louis); Ameristar Kansas City; Ameristar Council Bluffs (Omaha, Nebraska and southwestern Iowa); Ameristar Vicksburg (Jackson, Mississippi and Monroe, Louisiana); Ameristar Black Hawk (Denver metropolitan area); and Cactus Petes and The Horseshu in Jackpot, Nevada (Idaho and the Pacific Northwest). In April 2007, Ameristar signed a definitive agreement to purchase Resorts East Chicago, a casino-hotel located in Northwest Indiana, serving the Chicagoland market. This acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2007.

          Visit Ameristar Casinos' web site at http://www.ameristar.com/
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DATASOURCE: Ameristar Casinos, Inc.



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