LAS VEGAS, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ameristar Casinos, Inc.
(Nasdaq: ASCA) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a
quarterly cash dividend of $.125 per share, payable on April 30, 2004 to
stockholders of record on April 14, 2004.
"As a result of the continued improvement in our operating results, we are
generating significant free cash flow and are pleased to be able to return a
portion of our earnings to our stockholders," said Craig H. Neilsen, President
and Chief Executive Officer. "During the first 10 years of the Company's
history, we used our cash flow to invest in growth opportunities and pay down
debt incurred to grow the Company. Due to the success of our expansion
strategies and the strength of our operations, we now believe we can
concurrently invest to grow the Company, reduce debt and pay dividends."
Forward-looking information
This press release 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. Similarly, statements
that describe our future plans, objectives, strategies, financial results or
position, operational expectations or goals are forward-looking statements.
It is possible that our expectations may not be met due to various factors,
many of which are beyond our control, and we therefore cannot give any
assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. For a discussion
of relevant factors, risks and uncertainties that could materially affect our
future results, attention is directed to "Item 1. Business -- Risk Factors"
and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2003.
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
the leading market share position in each of the five markets in which it
operates. Founded in 1954 in Jackpot, Nevada, Ameristar recently marked its
10th anniversary as a public company. The company has a portfolio of six
casinos: Ameristar Kansas City; Ameristar St. Charles (greater St. Louis);
Ameristar Council Bluffs (Omaha, Nebraska and southwestern Iowa); Ameristar
Vicksburg (Jackson, Mississippi and Monroe, Louisiana); 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
release).

SOURCE Ameristar Casinos, Inc.
-0- 03/31/2004
/CONTACT: Tom Steinbauer, Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief
Financial Officer of Ameristar Casinos, Inc., +1-702-567-7000/
/FCMN Contact: beth.bellaro@ameristarcasinos.com /
/Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010501/AMERISTARLOGO
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/Web site: http://www.ameristarcasinos.com /
(ASCA)




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