Silver Whisper Cruise Vessel Opens

LAS VEGAS, NV -- Ameristar Casinos, Inc. presented to the staff of the Missouri Gaming Commission on June 26 the master plan for its new casino entertainment facility currently under construction in St. Charles, Missouri. The Company's plans call for approximately 115,000 square feet of casino space, approximately 70,000 more square feet of casino space than in the current operating facility and 45,000 square feet more than originally planned for the new facility.

The casino is now expected to include approximately 3,000 slot machines and 104 table games, including a 12-table poker room, for a total of approximately 3,700 gaming positions or approximately 900 more gaming positions than originally planned. The Company's original plan called for approximately 2,400 slot machines and 60 table games, without any poker tables. In addition to the increased gaming space, Ameristar plans to add both a VIP lounge and a deli on the gaming vessels for the convenience of customers.

Ameristar intends to expand the casino by completing the interior of both gaming vessels, which lie in a man-made protective basin in the Missouri River, instead of only a single vessel as originally planned. As a result, gaming space on the main casino level will be approximately doubled and the mezzanine level of one of the vessels will continue to be dedicated to casino operations as originally planned. The mezzanine level of the second vessel will be used to host special VIP-related events and remain available to further expand the casino floor by up to 25,000 square feet as warranted by market conditions simply by adding gaming equipment.

The Company's long-term master plan for the development of the land-side entertainment center

includes: an historical streetscape reminiscent of St. Charles' past extending from the entryway at the porte cochere through the pavilion; a 510-seat, state-of-the-art buffet with multiple serving stations; a 260-seat sports bar and grill; a 154-seat steakhouse featuring exhibition cooking with a 46-seat lounge and a private dining room with 20 seats; a 215-seat casual dining restaurant; a 120-seat oyster bar with entertainment; a cabaret lounge with alternative seating configurations for up to 300 guests for music, comedy and other entertainment acts; a video game arcade; and a gift shop.

The expanded entertainment center will allow the property to accommodate the dining and entertainment needs of the customers drawn to the larger casino. Once the master-planned venues are completed, approximately 205,000 square feet of space in the entertainment center will remain available for future expansion, requiring only interior finishes to complete.