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Ameristar Council Bluffs plans approved

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- 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."

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