PHOENIX, May 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aztar Corporation (NYSE:AZR) announced today that it is launching an "odd lot" purchase program through which all shareholders owning fewer than 100 shares of Aztar common stock may sell all of their shares to the company in an economical and convenient way. Each participating shareholder will receive a price per share equal to the average of the daily closing prices of Aztar common stock during the week in which that shareholder's response is received and processed. Participating shareholders will pay a nominal fee. The program also is expected to reduce Aztar's annual shareholder servicing costs. The program commences today and will expire at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on June 27, 2003, unless extended by the company. Mellon Investor Services will serve as the program manager. Material describing the program is being mailed to eligible shareholders today.

Aztar is a publicly traded company that operates Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Tropicana Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ramada Express Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada, Casino Aztar in Caruthersville, Missouri, and Casino Aztar in Evansville, Indiana.

Source: Aztar Corporation