Ameristar Casinos Increases Cash Dividend

Ameristar Casinos, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASCA) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.09375 per share, payable on March 15, 2006 to stockholders of record as of March 1, 2006. This represents an annual rate of $.375 per share, a 20% increase over the amount Ameristar paid in 2005.

"As a result of the continued improvement in our operating results, we are pleased to be able again 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 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 in Black Hawk, Colorado (Denver metropolitan area); and Cactus Petes and the Horseshu in Jackpot, Nevada (Idaho and the Pacific Northwest).

Visit Ameristar Casinos' web site at http://www.ameristar.com

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