"The addition of more hotel rooms, suites and other amenities will further strengthen our position in the Lake Charles gaming market," said Daniel R.  Lee, Chairman and CEO of Pinnacle Entertainment.  "This increase highlights our confidence in the success of L'Auberge du Lac."

To date, the Company has incurred approximately $100 million of construction and other capitalized costs.  Most of the remaining costs are included in the bonded, fixed-price construction agreements that Pinnacle has with its contractors.  The new budget also includes approximately $17 million of contingency for unforeseen items, including approximately $7 million that is controlled by the Company's general contractor.  Funding for the remaining construction costs will be through the Company's cash and cash equivalents (which were $334.5 million as of March 31, 2004), available credit facilities (approximately $143 million as of March 31, 2004), and ongoing cash flows from operations.

Despite year-to-date rainfall tracking significantly ahead of normal levels for the Lake Charles area, L'Auberge remains on-schedule for an opening in Spring 2005.  Construction recently began on the 14th floor of the hotel, with "topping off" of the 26-story tower expected in October.
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Project Highlights

    * Single level riverboat with non-stop gaming
    * Tom Fazio-designed golf course
    * Pool and lazy river with a sandy beach and private pool-side cabana courtyard
    * First-class spa and fully-equipped exercise facility
    * A variety of innovative dining options, including:
          o An upscale steakhouse � seating for 150
          o A 400-seat buffet
          o A twenty-four hour café � seats 150
          o A noodle bar featuring Asian-fusion cuisine � seats 36
          o A Cajun barbeque pub/Honky-tonk pub

HOTEL 

This unique, 26-story, asymmetrical hotel complex will have over 700 spacious rooms, including over 100 suites. The guest rooms will be characterized by a contemporary, rustic theme. The well-appointed rooms and suites will utilize fresh colors and fabrics, providing an up-to-date version of the arts and crafts aesthetic. Both comfortable and inviting, the guest rooms are an ideal location to relax after an exciting day of resort activity.

Deluxe suites ranging in size from approximately 550 square feet to over 2,100 square feet, include a private �villa complex� adjacent to the hotel tower, overlooking either the lavish pool or the beautiful Contraband Bayou. Each villa includes a private courtyard and spa.

GOLF COURSE 

World-renowned golf architect, Tom Fazio, plans to emphasize the marsh and lowland features of the natural Louisiana environment to enhance this unique 7,000 yard, par-71 championship golf course. A combination of aquatic and natural vegetation on the edges of eight large spectacular lakes will challenge golfers of all skill levels. At least four sets of tee boxes on every hole will provide a unique playing experience for all.

About Pinnacle Entertainment

Pinnacle Entertainment owns and operates casinos in Nevada, Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana and Argentina, and receives lease income from two card club casinos, both in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.  The Company is currently building a major casino resort in Lake Charles, Louisiana and has been selected for two casino and related development projects in the St. Louis, Missouri area, pending approval of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and the Missouri Gaming Commission, respectively.

All statements included in this press release, other than historical information or statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 

Pinnacle Entertainment
Dan Lee, Chairman & CEO
(702) 784-7777