Ameristar Casinos Announces Death of Former Board Member Joseph E. Monaly

Ameristar Casinos, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASCA) is saddened to announce the death on August 4, 2006 of former Ameristar Board of Directors member Joseph E. Monaly. He had served on Ameristar's Board from April 2001 until his retirement in June 2006, and was Chair of the Audit Committee during the same period.

Mr. Monaly retired in 1989 as an audit partner with Arthur Andersen LLP, where he had international responsibility for the firm's gaming industry practice. An Accounting graduate of the University of Southern California, he had more than 30 years experience in auditing and consulting with gaming companies. Mr. Monaly was a co-author with leaders of the gaming industry of the first authoritative audit and accounting guide for gaming under the auspices of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He served on various commissions and municipal task forces after his retirement from public accounting.

"I am deeply saddened by Joe's death," said Craig H. Neilsen, Ameristar Chairman and CEO. "Ameristar has lost a valued business associate and I have lost a very good friend. I worked with Joe since the early 1980's, and came to place a great deal of trust in his judgment. We will miss his wise counsel. He was particularly helpful in evaluating potential acquisitions, including the acquisition of our properties in Missouri. As Chair of the Audit Committee, he took a hands-on approach and was instrumental in overseeing our successful efforts to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family."

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); Ameristar Black Hawk (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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