In her new role, Shriver will be responsible for all gaming and hotel operations, with a focus on generating industry-leading operating results. This will include attention to identifying and promoting best practices to ensure Ameristar continues to deliver outstanding guest service and financial performance, while maintaining a culture that fosters the engagement and career growth of the Company's 9,000 Team Members. The General Manager of each of Ameristar's seven properties throughout the country will report to Shriver, as will the Corporate slots, table games, hotel, and security/surveillance functions.

"During her 11 years at Ameristar, Michelle has demonstrated a track record of excellence at both the property and corporate levels," Boushy said. "Over the past two years, Michelle has led the integration of our Black Hawk property and its successful 2006 rebranding as well as ensuring it has provided exceptional guest service. Combined with our investments in Black Hawk, Michelle's leadership has delivered outstanding financial results that exceeded our expectations. Her dedication, expertise and passion for Ameristar, its guests and Team Members will be instrumental in helping us grow the Company. Her ability to lead operations activities while we execute high- impact projects will help us continue to deliver industry leading experiences to our guests in the future."

Under Shriver's leadership, Ameristar Black Hawk has delivered six consecutive quarters of growth in net revenue and EBITDA and has dramatically increased guest satisfaction scores and team member engagement. Shriver played an integral role in increasing the property's EBITDA by 54 percent and its operating margins from 8.4 percent to 20 percent since its 2006 rebranding. She also has worked with our Construction team on the development and initial construction phase of Ameristar Black Hawk's new, 536-room luxury hotel, slated for completion in 2009.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to help foster Ameristar's continuing success and focus on delivering excellent operating results Companywide," said Shriver. "I am looking forward to assisting with the many great projects we have underway throughout the Company and laying the groundwork for future initiatives that will help fuel the Company's long-term growth."

Shriver's career with Ameristar began in 1996 in the Corporate Marketing Department. She transferred to a property marketing position in 1998 and returned to Ameristar Corporate in 2000 as a Director of Marketing. In that role, Shriver was instrumental in the introduction of Star Awards, Ameristar Casinos' player awards program, as well as the development of strategic plans for marketing operations and Ameristar brand promotional and advertising campaigns. She was promoted to Vice President and Assistant General Manager of Ameristar Kansas City in December 2002 and was named Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Black Hawk property in November 2005.

Shriver holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and sociology from the University of Southern California and was named one of "25 People to Watch in 2004" by Global Gaming Business magazine. She is active in the community, with a history of involvement with various organizations, including Interface - Children & Family Services in her hometown of Camarillo, California; the Boys and Girls Club and the Salvation Army of Henderson, Nevada; the Northland United Way in Kansas City, Missouri, where she was a member of the board; and, most recently, as a board member of Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado.

Shriver succeeds Angie Frost, who held the Senior Vice President of Operations role from January 2002 until mid-2006 and who continues to work with the Company in a consulting capacity. Boushy said, "Angie played a tremendously important role in making Ameristar what it is today and has provided me with irreplaceable assistance and perspective as I have transitioned into my current role. All of us at Ameristar appreciate her passion, dedication and hands-on approach to delivering results. We look forward to Angie's continued contributions to Ameristar's success."

This document 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.

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 market share 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 eight casinos in seven 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); Cactus Petes and The Horseshu in Jackpot, Nevada (Idaho and the Pacific Northwest); and Resorts East Chicago (Chicagoland area), which was acquired on Sept. 18, 2007.

Ameristar Casinos, Inc.
http://www.ameristar.com