LAS VEGAS, NV–(Marketwire – December 1, 2010) – Ameristar Casinos, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASCA) today announced that Andrew Hamblen, a gaming industry professional with nearly 25 years of leadership experience, has been promoted to Senior Vice President and General Manager of Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk.

Prior to his new position, Hamblen served as the Cactus Petes Assistant General Manager with responsibility for Casino Operations and Human Resources, a role he has held since October 2009. Hamblen originally joined Ameristar in May 1996 as Cactus Petes’ employment and training coordinator. Hamblen transferred to The Reserve as Human Resources Director in March 1999. He left the Reserve in March 2000 for the Corporate Human Resources Manager position with Glanbia Foods in Twin Falls, Idaho. Hamblen rejoined Ameristar and Cactus Petes in August 2005 as the Human Resources Director. Prior to his career in gaming, Andy was a private business owner.

“Andy has the ability to get things done,” said Ameristar Casinos Senior Vice President of Operations Michelle Shriver. “His passion for Ameristar’s culture and values, and his vast experience in motivating teams especially in the gaming industry make him the ideal person to lead the team members on this luxurious property. His promotion is a great example of Ameristar’s commitment to developing and promoting talented team members.”

Hamblen graduated from Baylor University with a degree in English Literature. He replaces Reginald Fullwood, who has left to pursue other opportunities.

Andy Hamblen
About Ameristar
Ameristar Casinos, Inc. is a leading Las Vegas-based gaming and entertainment company known for its premier properties characterized by 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 leading positions in the markets in which it operates. Founded in 1954 in Jackpot, Nev., Ameristar has been a public company since November 1993. The Company has a portfolio of eight casinos in seven markets: Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles (greater St. Louis); Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago (Chicagoland area); Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City; Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs (Omaha, Neb., and southwestern Iowa); Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg (Jackson, Miss., and Monroe, La.); Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk (Denver metropolitan area); and Cactus Petes Resort Casino and The Horseshu Hotel and Casino in Jackpot, Nev. (Idaho and the Pacific Northwest).

Visit Ameristar Casinos’ website at www.ameristar.com (which shall not be
deemed to be incorporated in or a part of this news release).