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Ellis Gaming, Hopland Band Contract Approved

HOPLAND, California -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Ellis Gaming and Hopland Band of Pomo Indians have been granted approval by the National Indian Gaming Commission to move into a five-year management contract in which Ellis Gaming will oversee all operations of the tribe's current casino in Northern California, Hopland Sho-ka-wah Casino.

Located 82 miles north of San Francisco in Hopland, Calif. in the heart of the California Wine Country, the current casino has 600 slot machines, six tables, bingo and two restaurants. Plans to renovate the property are underway.

"Through our dedication to the tribe and their property, we will implement a training program which allows the employees to develop useful leadership skills that will enhance the property's success," said Rick Richards, Chief Operating Officer for Ellis Gaming.

"We are pleased to have an approved management agreement in place with Ellis Gaming. Our ultimate purpose of this relationship is to inspire and maximize the efficiency of our tribal members. This venture will further stabilize the foundation of the tribe's economic development," said Tribal Chair Wanda D. Balderama.

Tribal Governmental gaming generated revenue of approximately $20 billion in 2004. There are 354 Tribal Governmental gaming operations in the United States, in which 30 of those are under management contracts. Ellis Gaming manages operations for two Tribal Governmental properties and is awaiting approval of a third property, which will make Ellis Gaming the second largest Indian gaming management company in the country.

"On a very personal level I am honored to be affiliated with the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians, a group for which I respect so much, in one of the most beautiful places in the country," said R. Shawn Ellis, President of Ellis Gaming. "Ellis Gaming will work every day to improve the profitability of the enterprise."

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