Ameristar Casinos Increases Cash Dividend

Ameristar Casinos Increases Cash Dividend

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ameristar Casinos, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASCA) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.15625 per share, payable on March 15, 2005 to stockholders of record on March 1, 2005. This represents an annual rate of $.625 per share, a 25% increase over the amount Ameristar paid in 2004.

"As a result of the continued improvement in our operating results, we are pleased to be able to increase the amount that we are returning to our stockholders," said Craig H. Neilsen, Chairman and CEO.

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 six 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 seven casinos in six 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); Mountain High Casino Black Hawk (greater Denver, Colorado); and Cactus Petes and the Horseshu in Jackpot, Nevada (Idaho and the Pacific Northwest).

Visit Ameristar Casinos' Web site at www.ameristarcasinos.com
(which shall not be deemed to be incorporated in or a part of this news
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Source: Ameristar Casinos, Inc.

CONTACT: Tom Steinbauer, Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief
Financial Officer of Ameristar Casinos, Inc., +1-702-567-7000

Web site: http://www.ameristarcasinos.com/


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