10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

R	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013

OR

[ ]	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number: 000-22494

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Nevada	88-0304799
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. employer identification no.)

	3773 Howard Hughes Parkway Suite 490 South Las Vegas, Nevada 89169
	(Address of principal executive offices)
	(702) 567-7000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes R No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes R No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer R	Accelerated filer o	Non-accelerated filer o	Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No R

As of August 1, 2013, 33,102,407 shares of common stock of the registrant were outstanding.

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

	Page No(s).
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited):
A. Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	3
B. Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012	4
C. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012	5
D. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012	6
E. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	7 — 15
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	16 — 24
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	24
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	24
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	25
Item 6. Exhibits	26
SIGNATURES	27
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-32.1
EX-101 Instance Document
EX-101 Schema Document
EX-101 Calculation Linkbase Document
EX-101 Labels Linkbase Document
EX-101 Presentation Linkbase Document
EX-101 Definition Linkbase Document

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.Financial Statements

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Data)

	June 30, 2013			December 31,
	(Unaudited)			2012
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	91,560		$	89,392
Restricted cash	6,581			6,581
Accounts receivable, net	5,179			4,821
Income tax refunds receivable	—			6,213
Inventories	5,848			5,894
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,485			12,927
Deferred income taxes	12,246			10,348
Total current assets	137,899			136,176
Property and Equipment, net:
Buildings and improvements	1,952,050			1,946,051
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	616,416			603,571
	2,568,466			2,549,622
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,023,264		)	(976,629		)
	1,545,202			1,572,993
Land	91,715			91,715
Construction in progress	189,640			76,815
Total property and equipment, net	1,826,557			1,741,523
Goodwill	69,167			69,769
Other intangible assets	42,400			42,400
Deposits and other assets	81,397			84,406
TOTAL ASSETS	$	2,157,420		$	2,074,274
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	18,071		$	23,349
Construction contracts payable	40,479			16,130
Income taxes payable	3,933			—
Accrued liabilities	119,966			117,073
Current maturities of long-term debt	32,505			37,047
Total current liabilities	214,954			193,599
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	1,883,660			1,880,932
Deferred income taxes	38,952			18,786
Other long-term liabilities	2,331			3,216
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit):
Preferred stock, $.01 par value: Authorized — 30,000,000 shares; Issued — none	—			—
Common stock, $.01 par value: Authorized — 120,000,000 shares; Issued — 61,547,863 and 61,366,859 shares; Outstanding — 33,075,092 and 32,897,642 shares	615			614
Additional paid-in capital	343,522			333,338
Treasury stock, at cost (28,472,771 and 28,469,217 shares)	(501,908		)	(501,815		)
Retained earnings	175,294			145,604
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	17,523			(22,259		)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)	$	2,157,420		$	2,074,274

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

3

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Revenues:
Casino	$	297,723		$	303,356		$	601,701		$	623,063
Food and beverage	31,865			33,250			66,400			67,940
Rooms	19,202			19,485			37,976			38,758
Other	7,178			7,060			13,985			13,967
	355,968			363,151			720,062			743,728
Less: promotional allowances	(64,680		)	(66,897		)	(133,695		)	(135,341		)
Net revenues	291,288			296,254			586,367			608,387
Operating Expenses:
Casino	127,306			132,254			259,532			269,356
Food and beverage	13,617			13,050			27,319			27,181
Rooms	1,952			1,853			3,695			3,898
Other	2,451			2,531			4,697			4,883
Selling, general and administrative	59,587			59,994			121,539			121,040
Depreciation and amortization	25,283			26,999			50,430			53,520
Impairment of fixed assets	—			—			23			—
Net (gain) loss on disposition of assets	(21		)	550			(30		)	228
Total operating expenses	230,175			237,231			467,205			480,106
Income from operations	61,113			59,023			119,162			128,281
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	3			12			5			33
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	(28,143		)	(28,821		)	(56,776		)	(55,706		)
Other	—			(112		)	—			834
Income Before Income Tax Provision	32,973			30,102			62,391			73,442
Income tax provision	12,998			12,480			24,438			14,454
Net Income	$	19,975		$	17,622		$	37,953		$	58,988
Earnings Per Share:
Basic	$	0.60		$	0.53		$	1.15		$	1.79
Diluted	$	0.57		$	0.51		$	1.08		$	1.73
Cash Dividends Declared Per Share	$	0.125		$	0.125		$	0.250		$	0.250
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic	33,046			33,020			33,012			32,939
Diluted	35,125			34,255			35,004			34,138

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

4

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2013		2012		2013		2012
Net income	$	19,975	$	17,622	$	37,953	$	58,988
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—		—
Total Comprehensive Income	$	19,975	$	17,622	$	37,953	$	58,988

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

5

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2013			2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$	37,953		$	58,988
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	50,430			53,520
Amortization of debt issuance costs, discounts and premiums	2,684			2,823
Stock-based compensation expense	7,531			9,010
Impairment of fixed assets	23			—
Net (gain) loss on disposition of assets	(30		)	228
Net change in deferred income taxes	17,985			7,899
Net change in deferred compensation liability	—			2,493
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(358		)	(26		)
Income tax refunds receivable	6,213			(5,667		)
Inventories	46			416
Prepaid expenses	(3,558		)	(6,266		)
Accounts payable	(5,278		)	(15,900		)
Income taxes payable	3,933			—
Accrued liabilities	2,893			8,299
Net cash provided by operating activities	120,467			115,817
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(135,521		)	(51,375		)
Increase (decrease) in construction contracts payable	24,349			(1,674		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	64			401
Decrease in restricted cash	328			—
Increase in deposits and other non-current assets	(32		)	(463		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(110,812		)	(53,111		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt and other borrowings	43,000			290,200
Principal payments of debt	(44,765		)	(292,947		)
Debt issuance and amendment costs	(20		)	(4,723		)
Cash dividends paid	(8,263		)	(8,241		)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	2,654			3,605
Purchases of treasury stock	(93		)	(792		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(7,487		)	(12,898		)
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	2,168			49,808
Cash and Cash Equivalents — Beginning of Period	89,392			85,719
Cash and Cash Equivalents — End of Period	$	91,560		$	135,527
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	59,442		$	49,982
Cash (received) paid for federal and state income taxes	$	(3,689	)	$	12,151

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

6

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Note 1 — Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ameristar Casinos, Inc. (“ACI”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). Through its subsidiaries, the Company owns and operates eight casino properties in seven markets. The Company views each property as an operating segment and all such operating segments have been aggregated into one reporting segment. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

The Company’s portfolio of casinos consists of: Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles (serving the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area); Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City (serving the Kansas City metropolitan area); Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs (serving the Omaha, Nebraska metropolitan area and southwestern Iowa); Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk (serving the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area); Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg (serving Jackson, Mississippi and Monroe, Louisiana); Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago (serving the Chicagoland area); and Cactus Petes Resort Casino and The Horseshu Hotel and Casino in Jackpot, Nevada (serving Idaho and the Pacific Northwest).

On December 20, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement and plan of merger (as subsequently amended, the “Merger Agreement”) with Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (“Pinnacle”) and certain of Pinnacle’s subsidiaries pursuant to which Pinnacle will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of the Company for $26.50 per share in cash (the “Merger”). For further discussion, see “Note 13 - Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger.”

On July 16, 2012, the Company completed the purchase of all of the equity interests of Creative Casinos of Louisiana, L.L.C. (now known as Ameristar Casino Lake Charles, LLC) (“Creative”), the license holder for a planned casino resort in Lake Charles, Louisiana. On July 20, 2012, the Company commenced construction of Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles. As discussed in “Note 13 - Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger,” Pinnacle has reached an agreement with the staff of the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) to permit the consummation of the Merger subject to, among other conditions, Pinnacle agreeing to sell the Company’s Lake Charles project, which sale is expected to be completed following the closing of the Merger. But for the Merger and the subsequent divestiture by Pinnacle of the Company’s Lake Charles project, the Company otherwise expected to complete construction of Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles in the third quarter of 2014. This property will serve southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas, including the Houston metropolitan area.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. However, they do contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods included therein. The interim results reflected in these financial statements are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

Certain of the Company’s accounting policies require that the Company apply significant judgment in defining the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. The Company’s judgments are based in part on its historical experience, terms of existing contracts, observance of trends in the gaming industry and information obtained from independent valuation experts or other outside sources. There is no assurance, however, that actual results will conform to estimates. To provide an understanding of the methodology the Company applies, significant accounting policies and bases of presentation are discussed where appropriate in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Quarterly Report. In addition, critical accounting policies and estimates are discussed in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the notes to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

As required, the Company has evaluated certain events and transactions occurring after June 30, 2013 and determined that none met the definition of a subsequent event for purposes of recognition or disclosure in its accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the period ended June 30, 2013.

7

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Note 2 — Accounting pronouncements

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, in February 2013. This topic adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The update requires that an entity present, either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this Topic did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists

The FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, in July 2013. This topic provides guidance and standardization on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of this Topic to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 3 — Stockholders’ equity (deficit)

Changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit) for the six months ended June 30, 2013 were as follows:

	(Amounts in Thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(22,259	)
Net income	37,953
Dividends	(8,263		)
Stock-based compensation	7,531
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,654
Purchases of treasury stock	(93		)
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	17,523

Note 4 — Earnings per share

The Company calculates earnings per share in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 260. Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing reported earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the additional dilution from all potentially dilutive securities, such as stock options and restricted stock units. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, all outstanding options with an exercise price lower than the average market price for the period have been included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

8

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The weighted-average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share consisted of the following:

	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	June 30,		June 30,
	2013	2012	2013	2012
	(Amounts in Thousands)
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic earnings per share	33,046	33,020	33,012	32,939
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units	2,079	1,235	1,992	1,199
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted earnings per share	35,125	34,255	35,004	34,138

For the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, the potentially dilutive stock options excluded from the earnings per share computation, as their effect would be anti-dilutive, totaled 1.1 million and 3.1 million, respectively. Anti-dilutive stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 totaled 1.1 million and 2.7 million, respectively.

Note 5 — Goodwill and other intangible assets

As required under ASC Topic 350, the Company performs an annual assessment of its goodwill and other intangible assets to determine if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Additionally, the guidance requires an immediate impairment assessment if a change in circumstances can materially negatively affect the fair value of the intangible assets. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, there were no impairment charges relating to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company will perform its annual review of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter of 2013.

The Company utilizes Level 3 inputs as described in “Note 7 — Fair value measurements” to determine fair value relating to goodwill and intangible assets for the assessments described above.

Note 6 — Long-term debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Senior credit facility, secured by first priority security interests in substantially all real and personal property assets of ACI and its subsidiaries, consisting of the following:
Revolving loan facility, at variable interest (2.7% at June 30, 2013); principal due April 14, 2016	$	20,000		$	—
Term loan A facility, at variable interest (2.7% at June 30, 2013 and 2.8% at December 31, 2012); principal due April 14, 2016 subject to certain amortization requirements	182,500			192,500
Term loan B facility, at variable interest (4.0% at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012); principal due April 14, 2018 subject to certain amortization requirements (net of $1,251 and $1,368 discount at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)	673,291			684,937
Senior notes, unsecured, 7.5% fixed interest, payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15, principal due April 15, 2021 (net of $276 and $442 net premium at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)	1,040,276			1,040,442
Other	98			100
	1,916,165			1,917,979
Less: Current maturities	(32,505		)	(37,047		)
	$	1,883,660		$	1,880,932

On April 14, 2011, ACI obtained $2.2 billion of new debt financing (the “Debt Refinancing”), consisting of a $1.4 billion senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) and $800.0 million principal amount of unsecured 7.50% Senior Notes due 2021 (the “Original 2021 Notes”). The Credit Facility consists of (i) a $200 million A term loan that was fully borrowed at closing and matures in April 2016, (ii) a $700 million B term loan that was fully borrowed at closing and matures in April 2018 and (iii) a $500 million revolving loan facility that matures in April 2016. The Original 2021 Notes were sold at a price of 99.125% of the principal amount, and the $700.0 million B term loan was sold at a price of 99.75% of the principal amount. Upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, ACI has the option to increase the total amount available under the Credit Facility by up to the greater of an

9

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

additional $200 million or an amount determined by reference to the Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility agreement).

The A term loan and the revolving loan facility bear interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a LIBOR margin that is currently 2.50% per annum or the base rate plus 1.50% per annum, at ACI’s option. The B term loan bears interest at LIBOR (subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.0%) plus 3.0% per annum or the base rate (subject to a base rate floor of 2.0%) plus 2.0% per annum, at ACI’s option. The LIBOR margin for the A term loan and the revolving loan facility is subject to adjustment based on the Company’s Total Net Leverage Ratio as defined in the Credit Facility agreement. ACI pays a commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving loan facility of 0.50% per annum, which is subject to reduction based on the Total Net Leverage Ratio.

The Credit Facility agreement requires certain mandatory principal repayments prior to maturity for both term loans. The A term loan requires the following principal amortization: 3.75% in 2012; 12.5% in 2013; 18.75% in 2014; 50% in 2015; and the remaining 15% in 2016. The B term loan requires mandatory principal reductions of 1% per annum, with the remaining 93.25% due at maturity. The Credit Facility agreement also requires permanent principal repayments of the term loans equal to 25% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Facility agreement) if the Company’s Total Net Leverage Ratio is above 4.75:1 at year-end. Excess Cash Flow repayments are required to be made within 120 days after the last day of each fiscal year, are allocated between both term loans on a pro-rata basis and reduce on a dollar-for-dollar basis future scheduled mandatory principal repayments of the term loans. The Company’s Excess Cash Flow repayment for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $14.6 million and was paid in April 2013.

On April 26, 2012, ACI completed a private placement of $240.0 million principal amount of additional 7.50% Senior Notes due 2021 (the “Additional 2021 Notes” and, collectively with the Original 2021 Notes, the “2021 Notes”). The Additional 2021 Notes were issued under the same indenture dated as of April 14, 2011 pursuant to which ACI previously issued the Original 2021 Notes (the “Indenture”). The Additional 2021 Notes were sold at a price of 103% of the principal amount, resulting in a yield to maturity of 6.88%. ACI received net proceeds from the sale of the Additional 2021 Notes (after initial purchaser discounts and expenses and including the premium and accrued interest) of approximately $244.0 million. ACI used $236.0 million of the proceeds to repay all amounts outstanding under the revolving loan facility of the Credit Facility (which amounts may be reborrowed from time to time) and the remaining proceeds for general corporate purposes. In connection with issuing the Additional 2021 Notes, ACI paid one-time fees and expenses totaling approximately $4.0 million, most of which was capitalized and will be amortized over the term of the 2021 Notes as interest expense.

At June 30, 2013, the principal debt outstanding under the Credit Facility consisted of $20.0 million under the revolving loan facility, $182.5 million under the A term loan facility and $673.3 million (net of discount) under the B term loan facility. All mandatory principal repayments have been made through June 30, 2013. As of June 30, 2013, the amount of the revolving loan facility available for borrowing was $478.6 million, after giving effect to $1.4 million of outstanding letters of credit.

In connection with obtaining the Credit Facility, certain of ACI’s subsidiaries, including each of its material subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”), entered into a guaranty (the “Guaranty”) pursuant to which the Guarantors guaranteed ACI’s obligations under the Credit Facility. The obligations of ACI under the Credit Facility, and of the Guarantors under the Guaranty, are secured by substantially all of the assets of ACI and the Guarantors.

The terms of the 2021 Notes are governed by the Indenture. The 2021 Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 7.5% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The 2021 Notes mature on April 15, 2021. The 2021 Notes and the guarantees of the 2021 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of ACI and the Guarantors, respectively, and rank, in right of payment, equally with or senior to all existing or future unsecured indebtedness of ACI and each Guarantor, respectively, but are effectively subordinated in right of payment to the Credit Facility indebtedness and any future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness.

The Guarantors have jointly and severally, and fully and unconditionally, guaranteed the 2021 Notes. Each of the Guarantors is a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ACI, and the Guarantors constitute substantially all of ACI’s direct and indirect subsidiaries. ACI is a holding company with no operations or material assets independent of those of the Guarantors and, other than its investment in the Guarantors, the aggregate assets, liabilities, earnings and equity of the Guarantors are substantially equivalent to the assets, liabilities, earnings and equity of the Company on a consolidated basis. Separate financial statements and certain other disclosures concerning the Guarantors are not presented because, in the opinion of management, such information is not material to investors. Other than customary restrictions imposed by applicable statutes, there are no restrictions on the ability of the Guarantors to transfer funds to ACI in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.

10

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Debt covenants

The agreement governing the Credit Facility requires the Company to comply with various affirmative and negative financial and other covenants, including restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, restrictions on dividend payments and other restrictions and requirements to maintain certain financial ratios and satisfy certain tests. As of June 30, 2013, the Company was required to maintain a Total Net Leverage Ratio, calculated as consolidated debt (net of certain cash and cash equivalents) divided by EBITDA, as defined in the Credit Facility agreement, of no more than 6.00:1, and a Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio, calculated as senior secured debt (net of certain cash and cash equivalents) divided by EBITDA, of no more than 3.50:1. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s Total Net Leverage Ratio was 5.21:1 and 5.08:1, respectively. The Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was 2.24:1 and 2.19:1, respectively. Under the Credit Facility agreement, as of June 30, 2013, the Company was required to maintain an Interest Expense Coverage Ratio, calculated as EBITDA divided by cash interest expense, of at least 2.00:1. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Interest Expense Coverage Ratio was 3.07:1 and 3.52:1, respectively. On April 16, 2012, the Company entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility agreement to increase the maximum permitted Total Net Leverage Ratio for fiscal quarters ending in 2014 from 5.50:1 to 5.75:1 and for the fiscal quarters ending March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015 from 5.25:1 to 5.50:1. The Company paid arrangement and consent fees totaling approximately $1.0 million in connection with the amendment, which were capitalized and will be amortized over the remaining terms of the Credit Facility as interest expense.

The Indenture contains covenants that limit ACI’s and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ (as defined in the Indenture) ability to, among other things, (i) pay dividends or make distributions, repurchase equity securities, prepay subordinated debt or make certain investments, (ii) incur additional debt or issue certain disqualified stock or preferred stock, (iii) create liens on assets, (iv) merge or consolidate with another company or sell all or substantially all assets and (v) enter into transactions with affiliates. In addition, pursuant to the Indenture, if ACI experiences certain changes of control, each holder of the 2021 Notes can require ACI to repurchase all or a portion of such holder’s outstanding 2021 Notes at a price of 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date. The repurchase obligation has been waived with respect to the Pinnacle Merger.

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants under the Credit Facility agreement and the Indenture.

Refer to “Note 13 - Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger” for further information on certain restrictions imposed by the Merger Agreement.

Note 7 — Fair value measurements

As of June 30, 2013, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate carrying values due to the short maturity of these items.

The Company measured the fair value of its deferred compensation plan assets and liabilities on a recurring basis pursuant to ASC Topic 820. ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:

Level 1:  Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2:  Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value driver is observable.

Level 3:  Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data is available, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

In April 2011, ACI’s Board of Directors terminated the Company’s deferred compensation plan, effective as of December 31, 2011. A partial distribution of plan assets was made to participants in May 2011 and a final distribution of all liabilities due to participants of $14.0 million was paid out to participants in May 2012. In connection with the termination of the deferred compensation plan, certain rabbi trust-owned life insurance policies were surrendered and their full surrender value of $16.2 million was reimbursed to the Company at that time. As a result of the termination of the deferred compensation plan, and final distribution of plan liabilities and reimbursement of plan assets occurring in 2012, the balances for both the plan assets and plan liabilities were zero at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Fair value of long-term debt

The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt at June 30, 2013 was approximately $1.960 billion, versus its book value of $1.916 billion. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt at December 31, 2012 was approximately $2.024 billion, versus its book value of $1.918 billion. The estimated fair value of the outstanding 2021 Notes and the term loan facility debt was based on Level 2 inputs using quoted market prices on or about June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

11

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Note 8 — Stock-based compensation

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718. Stock-based compensation expense totaled $3.8 million and $3.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. During the first six months of 2013 and 2012, stock-based compensation expense was $7.5 million and $9.0 million, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, no associated future income tax benefit was recognized. As of June 30, 2013, there was approximately $22.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s stock incentive plans. This unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.

The fair value of each time-vested option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model, while the fair value of market performance-based stock options is calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility trends as well as implied future volatility observations as determined by independent third parties. In determining the expected life of the option grants, the Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination behavior. The expected life represents an estimate of the time options will remain outstanding. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. treasury yield in effect at the time of grant.

The following table sets forth fair value per share information, including related assumptions, used to determine compensation cost for the Company’s non-qualified stock options consistent with the requirements of ASC Topic 718.

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Weighted-average fair value per share of options granted during the period	$	6.86		$	5.70		$	6.76		$	5.85
Weighted-average assumptions:
Expected stock price volatility	33.8		%	47.1		%	34.0		%	47.3		%
Risk-free interest rate	1.4		%	0.8		%	1.1		%	0.8		%
Expected option life (years)	5.0			4.8			5.0			4.8
Expected annual dividend yield	1.9		%	2.8		%	1.9		%	2.7		%

Stock option activity during the six months ended June 30, 2013 was as follows:

	Options (In Thousands)		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In Thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	6,958		$	19.94
Granted	23		26.30
Exercised	(164	)	15.70
Forfeited or expired	(33	)	20.69
Outstanding at June 30, 2013	6,784		$	20.06	6.4	$	47,356
Exercisable at June 30, 2013	3,107		$	22.80	3.8	$	15,717

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value that would have been realized by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on June 30, 2013. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 was $1.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively. The intrinsic value of a stock option is the excess of the Company’s closing stock price on that date over the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares subject to the option.

12

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The following table summarizes the Company’s unvested stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2013:

	Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price (per Share)
	(Amounts in thousands)
Unvested at December 31, 2012	3,690		$	17.69
Granted	23		26.30
Vested	(12	)	17.92
Forfeited	(33	)	20.69
Unvested at June 30, 2013	3,668		$	17.74

The following table summarizes the Company’s unvested restricted stock unit activity for the six months ended June 30, 2013:

	Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value (per Unit)
	(Amounts in thousands)
Unvested at December 31, 2012	1,446		$	18.61
Granted	7		26.29
Vested	(13	)	17.93
Forfeited	(13	)	18.77
Unvested at June 30, 2013	1,427		$	18.65

Note 9 — Stock repurchases

On September 15, 2011, ACI’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $75 million of ACI’s common stock in a stock repurchase program. The program provides that the shares may be repurchased by the Company through September 30, 2014 in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors. The Company expects to fund repurchases using available cash and borrowings under its Credit Facility. The Company is not obligated to purchase any shares under the stock repurchase program, and purchases may be discontinued, or the stock repurchase program may be modified or terminated, at any time. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company repurchased 0.7 million shares under the stock repurchase program for $11.5 million at an average price of $16.87 per share, exclusive of commissions paid. During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not repurchase any shares of common stock in open market transactions.

The Company additionally received treasury shares in satisfaction of employees’ income tax withholding liability with respect to the settlement of certain restricted stock units.

As of June 30, 2013, a total of 28.5 million treasury shares had been acquired at an aggregate cost of $501.9 million, an average of $17.63 per share.

Refer to “Note 13 - Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger” for further information on certain restrictions imposed by the Merger Agreement.

Note 10 — Federal and state income taxes

At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, unrecognized tax benefits totaled $3.4 million and $4.3 million, respectively. The total amount of unrecognized benefits that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized was $1.2 million at June 30, 2013 and $1.8 million at December 31, 2012. As of June 30, 2013, accrued interest and penalties totaled $1.0 million, of which $0.7 million would affect the effective tax rate if recognized.

The effective income tax rate was 39.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2013, compared to 41.5% for the same period in 2012. For the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, the effective income tax rates were 39.2% and 19.7%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was impacted by a $15.7 million cumulative reduction in the income tax provision as a result of certain income tax elections made in the first quarter of 2012. Excluding the impact of these income tax elections, the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2012 would have been 41.1%.

13

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The Company files income tax returns in numerous jurisdictions. The statutes of limitations vary by jurisdiction, with certain of these statutes expiring without examination each year. The Company anticipates that the net amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by $1.1 million within the next 12 months, none of which would affect the effective tax rate if recognized.

The Company believes it has adequately reserved for its uncertain tax positions; however, there is no assurance that the taxing authorities will not propose adjustments that are different from the Company’s expected outcome and impact the provision for income taxes.

Note 11 — Commitments and contingencies

Litigation. Reference is made to the stockholder litigation relating to the Merger reported in Item 3 of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in Item 1 of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. On July 3, 2013, the Company and the other defendants filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings. On August 5, 2013, the plaintiffs filed a stipulation to voluntarily dismiss the action without prejudice, with each party to pay its own attorneys’ fees.

On May 28, 2013, the FTC filed an administrative complaint against Pinnacle and the Company alleging that the Merger would reduce competition and lead to higher prices and lower quality for customers in the St. Louis, Missouri and Lake Charles, Louisiana areas in violation of various provisions of U.S. antitrust laws. Since that time, the parties have made significant progress toward resolving the matter without the need for administrative litigation. Consequently, on August 5, 2013, the Commission granted the FTC’s, Pinnacle’s and the Company’s unopposed joint motion to withdraw the administrative litigation.

From time to time, the Company is a party to other litigation, most of which arises in the ordinary course of business. The Company is not currently a party to any litigation that management believes would be likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

Self-Insurance Reserves. The Company is self-insured for various levels of general liability, workers’ compensation and employee health coverage. Insurance claims and reserves include accruals of estimated settlements for known claims, as well as accrued estimates of incurred but not reported claims. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the estimated liabilities for unpaid and incurred but not reported claims totaled $9.1 million and $8.6 million, respectively. The Company considers historical loss experience and certain unusual claims in estimating these liabilities. The Company believes the use of this method to account for these liabilities provides a consistent and effective way to measure these accruals, which are subject to a high degree of management judgment; however, changes in health care costs, accident or illness frequency and severity and other factors can materially affect the estimate for these liabilities.

Note 12 — Creative Casinos of Louisiana acquisition

On March 14, 2012, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the equity interests of Creative. Creative, which the Company has renamed Ameristar Casino Lake Charles, LLC, is the developer of a luxury casino resort in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This acquisition included the last remaining riverboat gaming license available in Louisiana under current law. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, the purchase price paid was $32.5 million, inclusive of $5.0 million deposited into an escrow account at closing to secure the seller’s indemnification obligations under the purchase agreement for a period of 18 months.

The acquisition closed on July 16, 2012 and construction commenced on July 20, 2012. The license conditions as revised by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (“LGCB”) require the Company to invest at least $500 million in the project. The cost of the project, inclusive of the purchase price, is expected to be between $570 million and $580 million, excluding capitalized interest and pre-opening expenses. The Company is required by the LGCB license conditions to maintain a $25.0 million deposit in a restricted bank account for the benefit of the LGCB, which will become unrestricted and available for the Company to use at its discretion upon the timely completion of the project within two years of construction commencement. The Company plans to fund the project through a combination of cash from operations and borrowings under the revolving loan facility described in “Note 6 — Long-term debt.”

Following the Company’s acquisition of Creative, on July 18, 2012 the Company entered into a ground lease agreement with the Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District. Cash rent payments under the ground lease will be $0.7 million per year until the opening of Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles. Upon opening, the annual cash base rent payments will increase to $1.3 million per year for each of the first five years. The base rent will then be subject to an annual increase, not to exceed 5%, based on changes in a regional consumer price index as defined in the ground lease agreement. In addition to the base rent, upon commencing gaming activity, the Company will pay monthly additional rent based on a percentage of the property’s net gaming proceeds as defined in the ground lease agreement. Annual rent expense reflected in the consolidated statements of income is $1.3 million, with the difference between cash rent payments and rent expense recorded as a deferred rent liability.

Pursuant to the ground lease agreement, the Company was required to deposit $5.0 million in a separate bank account to cover the monthly rent payments prior to the commencement of gaming activity. Any remaining balance in the ground lease rent

14

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

deposit account at the time gaming activity commences will be considered unrestricted and available for the Company to use at its discretion. At June 30, 2013, the ground lease deposit bank account had a balance of $4.3 million, of which $0.7 million is expected to be utilized for monthly rent payments over the next 12 months. In the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, the current portion of the deposit account is included in restricted cash. The remaining long-term portion of the ground lease rent deposit, as well as the $25.0 million deposit required to be held until construction completion, are included in deposits and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

During the third quarter of 2012, a valuation of the gaming right associated with Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles was performed. The valuation of the gaming right was necessary in completing the asset purchase price allocation of the $32.5 million paid to acquire all the equity interests of Creative. Based on the valuation, the Company recorded the purchase price allocation of the gaming right at $29.8 million and the design plans and fees at $2.7 million.

As discussed in “Note 13 - Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger,” Pinnacle has reached an agreement with the staff of the FTC to permit the consummation of the Merger subject to, among other conditions, Pinnacle agreeing to sell the Company’s Lake Charles project, which sale is expected to be completed following the closing of the Merger. But for the Merger and the subsequent divestiture by Pinnacle of the Company’s Lake Charles project, the Company otherwise expected to complete construction of Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles in the third quarter of 2014.

Note 13 — Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger

On December 20, 2012, the Company entered into the Merger Agreement with Pinnacle and certain of Pinnacle’s subsidiaries pursuant to which Pinnacle will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of the Company for $26.50 per share in cash. The Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, required regulatory approvals and approval by the Company’s stockholders. The transaction is expected to close in August 2013. In connection with the pending Merger, the Company incurred professional fees and other expenses totaling approximately $3.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013. The Merger-related costs are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

On May 28, 2013, the FTC filed an administrative complaint alleging that the Merger would reduce competition and lead to higher prices and lower quality for customers in the St. Louis, Missouri and Lake Charles, Louisiana areas in violation of U.S. antitrust laws. On June 17, 2013, Pinnacle publicly announced that it had reached an agreement in principle with the Bureau of Competition staff of the FTC that, subject to negotiation of a consent order, FTC approval and gaming regulatory approvals, would permit the consummation of the Merger. If the agreement is finalized and approved by the Commission, after the closing of the Merger, Pinnacle intends to complete the sale of the Company’s casino-hotel development project in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Pinnacle’s Lumière Place Casino, HoteLumière and the Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, subject to gaming regulatory approvals. Until the Merger is completed, for accounting purposes, the Company continues to record the Lake Charles casino-hotel development as an asset held for use.

On April 25, 2013, the Company’s stockholders approved the Merger Agreement by a vote of approximately 81.6% of the outstanding shares. All gaming regulatory approvals necessary prior to the consummation of the Merger have been received. Completion of the Merger remains subject to certain conditions, including approval of the consent order by the FTC. No assurance can be given that the Merger will be completed.

The Merger Agreement restricts, among other things, the amount of dividends the Company may pay, the amount of capital expenditures the Company may commit to and the amount of additional debt the Company may incur prior to the closing of the Merger. The Merger Agreement also generally prohibits the Company from repurchasing additional shares of its stock without the consent of Pinnacle.

On April 2, 2013, the Company completed the solicitation of consents from holders of the 2021 Notes for waivers of and amendments to certain provisions of the Indenture and entered into a supplemental indenture to the Indenture to effect these waivers and amendments. The Company made the consent solicitation at the request and expense of Pinnacle in connection with the pending Merger. The waivers and amendments do not affect the terms of the 2021 Notes prior to the completion of the Merger.

15

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

We develop, own and operate casinos and related hotel, food and beverage, entertainment and other facilities, with eight properties in operation in Missouri, Iowa, Colorado, Mississippi, Indiana and Nevada. Our portfolio of casinos consists of:

•Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles (serving the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area);

•Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City (serving the Kansas City metropolitan area);

•Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs (serving the Omaha, Nebraska metropolitan area and southwestern Iowa);

•Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk (serving the Denver metropolitan area);

•Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg (serving Jackson, Mississippi and Monroe, Louisiana);

•Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago (serving the Chicagoland area); and

•Cactus Petes Resort Casino and The Horseshu Hotel and Casino in Jackpot, Nevada (serving Idaho and the Pacific

Northwest).

We are in the process of constructing Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles as discussed below. This property will serve southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas, including the Houston metropolitan area.

Our financial results are dependent upon the number of guests that we attract to our properties and the amounts those guests spend per visit. Additionally, our operating results may be affected by, among other things, overall economic conditions affecting the disposable income of our guests, weather conditions affecting our properties, achieving and maintaining cost efficiencies, competitive factors, gaming tax increases and other regulatory changes, the commencement of new gaming operations, charges associated with debt refinancing or property acquisition and disposition transactions, construction at existing facilities and general public sentiment regarding travel. We may experience significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to seasonality, variations in gaming hold percentages and other factors. Consequently, our operating results for any quarter or year are not necessarily comparable and may not be indicative of future periods’ results.

The following significant factors and trends should be considered in analyzing our operating performance:

• Pending Acquisition of Ameristar by Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. On December 20, 2012, Ameristar entered into the Merger Agreement pursuant to which Pinnacle will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Ameristar for $26.50 per share in cash. On April 25, 2013, Ameristar’s stockholders approved the Merger Agreement by a vote of approximately 81.6% of the outstanding shares. All gaming regulatory approvals necessary prior to the consummation of the Merger have been received. Completion of the Merger remains subject to certain conditions, including approval of the consent order by the FTC. The transaction is expected to close in August 2013.

• Effect of Economic Conditions on Operations. Over the last few years, weak economic conditions have adversely impacted our business volumes and the amount our guests spend at our properties. We have implemented operating and marketing efficiencies and significantly reduced our cost structure in response to the weak economic conditions. These enhancements have improved our operating margins. During the first half of 2013, we believe various economic factors, including higher payroll tax withholding and the rise in fuel and utility costs, contributed to year-over-year declines in net revenues.

• Ameristar Lake Charles. On March 14, 2012, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the equity interests of Creative. The acquisition closed on July 16, 2012 and construction commenced on July 20, 2012. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, we paid $32.5 million, inclusive of $5.0 million deposited into an escrow account at closing to secure the seller’s indemnification obligations under the purchase agreement for a period of 18 months. We are developing Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles on a leased 243-acre site and the facility will include a casino, hotel, a variety of food and beverage outlets, an 18-hole golf course, a tennis club, a swimming pool, spa and other resort amenities. The Lake Charles property will draw primarily from the Houston metropolitan area as well as other southeastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana communities. The license conditions as revised by the LGCB require us to invest at least $500 million in the project. The cost of the project, inclusive of the purchase price, is expected to be between $570 million and $580 million, excluding capitalized interest and pre-opening expenses. We are required by the LGCB license conditions to maintain a $25.0 million deposit in a restricted bank account, which will be fully refunded upon the timely completion of the project within two years of construction commencement. We anticipate funding the project through a combination of cash from operations and borrowings under our revolving loan facility. But for the acquisition of the Company by Pinnacle and the subsequent divestiture by Pinnacle of the Company’s Lake Charles project to satisfy conditions of the FTC, the Company otherwise expected to complete construction of Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles in the third quarter of 2014.

• Debt and Interest Expense. At June 30, 2013, total debt was $1.9 billion. Net principal repayments totaled $1.8 million during the first six months of 2013. As of June 30, 2013, the amount of our revolving loan facility available for borrowing was $478.6 million, after giving effect to $1.4 million of outstanding letters of credit.

16

For the first half of 2013, our consolidated net interest expense increased by $1.1 million compared to the prior-year period. The increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to the $240.0 million debt offering completed in April 2012.

• Ameristar Kansas City. On February 3, 2012, a casino operator opened a land-based casino and entertainment facility at the Kansas Speedway, approximately 24 miles from Ameristar Kansas City. The increased competition continued to contribute to declines in our property’s net revenues and operating income of 5.8% and 9.5%, respectively, for the first half of 2013 compared to the prior-year period.

• Ameristar St. Charles. In connection with a major renovation of the westbound span of the Blanchette Bridge, which carries Interstate 70 over the Missouri River near Ameristar St. Charles, this span was closed beginning in early November 2012 and is expected to reopen in late summer 2013, nearly three months ahead of the originally expected November 2013 completion date. While construction is ongoing, the westbound span of the bridge is closed and westbound traffic is being diverted to the eastbound span, reducing it from 10 lanes to six lanes. The project creates an inconvenience for guests of Ameristar St. Charles, which will continue until the bridge construction is completed. The bridge construction contributed to expected declines in our property’s net revenues and operating income of 2.1% and 4.8%, respectively, from the prior-year second quarter.

17

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain information concerning our consolidated cash flows and the results of operations of our operating properties:

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA (Dollars in Thousands) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Consolidated Cash Flow Information:
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	44,847		$	43,846		$	120,467		$	115,817
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(75,445	)	$	(19,891	)	$	(110,812	)	$	(53,111	)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	$	(2,616	)	$	18,843		$	(7,487	)	$	(12,898	)
Net Revenues:
Ameristar St. Charles	$	64,763		$	66,135		$	130,453		$	134,344
Ameristar Kansas City	50,245			52,048			102,162			108,396
Ameristar Council Bluffs	41,463			41,132			83,487			84,839
Ameristar Black Hawk	40,483			39,839			78,814			79,161
Ameristar Vicksburg	28,973			30,545			59,244			62,822
Ameristar East Chicago	50,605			52,357			104,466			109,876
Jackpot Properties	14,756			14,198			27,741			28,949
Consolidated net revenues	$	291,288		$	296,254		$	586,367		$	608,387
Operating Income (Loss):
Ameristar St. Charles	$	16,144		$	16,953		$	32,237		$	36,016
Ameristar Kansas City	14,625			14,988			29,779			32,907
Ameristar Council Bluffs	15,888			14,749			31,778			31,629
Ameristar Black Hawk	10,871			10,435			19,891			20,560
Ameristar Vicksburg	10,086			10,300			20,756			22,208
Ameristar East Chicago	7,234			5,089			15,099			13,577
Jackpot Properties	3,415			2,700			5,689			6,023
Corporate and other	(17,150		)	(16,191		)	(36,067		)	(34,639		)
Consolidated operating income	$	61,113		$	59,023		$	119,162		$	128,281
Operating Income Margins(1):
Ameristar St. Charles	24.9		%	25.6		%	24.7		%	26.8		%
Ameristar Kansas City	29.1		%	28.8		%	29.1		%	30.4		%
Ameristar Council Bluffs	38.3		%	35.9		%	38.1		%	37.3		%
Ameristar Black Hawk	26.9		%	26.2		%	25.2		%	26.0		%
Ameristar Vicksburg	34.8		%	33.7		%	35.0		%	35.4		%
Ameristar East Chicago	14.3		%	9.7		%	14.5		%	12.4		%
Jackpot Properties	23.1		%	19.0		%	20.5		%	20.8		%
Consolidated operating income margin	21.0		%	19.9		%	20.3		%	21.1		%

____________________________________

(1) Operating income margin is operating income (loss) as a percentage of net revenues.

18

The following table presents detail of our net revenues:

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
	(In Thousands, Unaudited)
Casino Revenues:
Slots	$	263,814		$	270,654		$	532,144		$	554,611
Table games	30,872			29,322			63,193			61,270
Other	3,037			3,380			6,364			7,182
Casino revenues	297,723			303,356			601,701			623,063
Non-Casino Revenues:
Food and beverage	31,865			33,250			66,400			67,940
Rooms	19,202			19,485			37,976			38,758
Other	7,178			7,060			13,985			13,967
Non-casino revenues	58,245			59,795			118,361			120,665
Less: Promotional Allowances	(64,680		)	(66,897		)	(133,695		)	(135,341		)
Total Net Revenues	$	291,288		$	296,254		$	586,367		$	608,387

Net Revenues

Consolidated net revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 declined $5.0 million, or 1.7%, from the second quarter of 2012. Second quarter 2013 net revenues decreased on a year-over-year basis at four of our seven gaming locations. During the second quarter of 2013, net revenues declined from the corresponding 2012 period by 3.5% at Ameristar Kansas City and 3.3% at Ameristar East Chicago as they continue to be adversely affected by competitive challenges in their respective markets. Also, second quarter 2013 net revenues were negatively affected by maintenance on the I-70 bridge near our St. Charles property. However, in May 2013, the Missouri Department of Transportation announced the bridge rehabilitation project will be completed in late summer 2013, nearly three months ahead of the originally expected November 2013 completion date. In the second quarter of 2013, our Jackpot properties increased net revenues 3.9% year over year mostly as a result of the prior-year second quarter being adversely impacted by construction disruption relating to a hotel room renovation as well as road repaving on Highway 93 between Twin Falls and Jackpot.

During the three months ended June 30, 2013, consolidated promotional allowances decreased $2.2 million, or 3.3%, from the corresponding 2012 period. Consolidated promotional allowances as a percentage of gross gaming revenues decreased from 22.1% in the second quarter of 2012 to 21.7% in the second quarter of 2013.

For the six months ended June 30, 2013, consolidated net revenues declined $22.0 million, or 3.6%, from the corresponding 2012 period. During the first six months of 2013, net revenues decreased on a year-over-year basis at all seven of our gaming locations. The first half of 2012 benefited from unseasonably mild winter weather conditions and the extra day due to leap year, which contributed to the consolidated net revenue performance at our properties in 2012. In addition, we believe various economic factors, including higher payroll tax withholding and the rise in fuel and utility costs, contributed to the year-over-year net revenue decline.

During the six months ended June 30, 2013, consolidated promotional allowances decreased $1.6 million, or 1.2%, from the corresponding 2012 period.

Operating Income

In the second quarter of 2013, we generated operating income of $61.1 million, compared to $59.0 million in the same period in 2012. Second quarter 2013 operating income increased on a year-over-year basis at four of our seven gaming locations. During the second quarter of 2013, operating income improved 26.5% at our Jackpot properties due to the factors discussed above and 7.7% at Ameristar Council Bluffs due mostly to marketing efficiencies. Ameristar East Chicago increased operating income by $2.1 million (42.1%) over the prior-year second quarter. East Chicago benefited from the passage of a new law that makes favorable adjustments in the gaming tax structure for marketing-related expenses to allow existing casinos to improve their market competitiveness.

For the six months ended June 30, 2013, our operating income was $119.2 million, compared to $128.3 million for the corresponding 2012 period. The consolidated operating income decline on a year-over-year basis resulted from the factors that

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affected net revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2013 discussed above; however, we believe the application of our efficient operating model mitigated the impact of the declines in net revenues experienced in the first half of 2013.

For the six months ended June 30, 2013, corporate expense increased to $36.1 million from $34.6 million for the same period in 2012. Current year corporate operating expense was adversely affected by $3.4 million in expenses relating to the pending Merger, partially offset by a decrease of approximately $1.5 million in non-cash stock-based compensation expense from the corresponding prior-year six month period.

Interest Expense

The following table summarizes information related to interest on our long-term debt:

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
	(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
Interest cost	$	29,716		$	29,078		$	59,382		$	56,178
Less: Capitalized interest	(1,573		)	(257		)	(2,606		)	(472		)
Interest expense, net	$	28,143		$	28,821		$	56,776		$	55,706
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	46,363		$	39,181		$	59,442		$	49,982
Weighted–average total debt outstanding	$	1,917,906		$	1,922,244		$	1,918,799		$	1,931,444
Weighted–average interest rate	6.1		%	5.8		%	6.2		%	5.7		%

For the quarter ended June 30, 2013, consolidated interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, decreased $0.7 million, or 2.4%, from the 2012 second quarter. Year to date, consolidated interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, increased $1.1 million, or 1.9%, from the first six months of 2012. The increase is due primarily to the April 2012 issuance of $240.0 million principal amount of Additional 2021 Notes. In April 2013, we made a $39.0 million interest payment on the 2021 Notes.

Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate was 39.4% for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, compared to 41.5% for the corresponding 2012 period. For the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, the effective income tax rates were 39.2% and 19.7%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was impacted by a $15.7 million cumulative reduction in the income tax provision as a result of certain income tax elections made in the first quarter of 2012. Excluding the impact of these elections, our effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2012 would have been 41.1%. For the remainder of 2013, without giving effect to the completion of the Merger, we expect our quarterly effective income tax rate to be in a range of 39% to 41%.

Net Income

For the three months ended June 30, 2013, we had consolidated net income of $20.0 million, compared to $17.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2012. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, we reported net income of $38.0 million, compared to $59.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012. The year-over-year decline in net income for the six-month period was mostly attributable to the decline in net revenues, the absence of the $15.7 million cumulative reduction in the income tax provision mentioned above that was recognized in the first quarter of 2012 and the $3.4 million Merger-related costs incurred in the current period. Diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 were $0.57 and $1.08, respectively, compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.51 and $1.73 for the corresponding prior-year periods.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows — Summary

Our cash flows consisted of the following:

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2013			2012
	(In Thousands, Unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	120,467		$	115,817
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(135,521		)	(51,375		)
Increase (decrease) in construction contracts payable	24,349			(1,674		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	64			401
Decrease in restricted cash	328			—
Increase in deposits and other non-current assets	(32		)	(463		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(110,812		)	(53,111		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt and other borrowings	43,000			290,200
Principal payments of debt	(44,765		)	(292,947		)
Debt issuance and amendment costs	(20		)	(4,723		)
Cash dividends paid	(8,263		)	(8,241		)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	2,654			3,605
Purchases of treasury stock	(93		)	(792		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(7,487		)	(12,898		)
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	2,168		$	49,808

Our business is primarily conducted on a cash basis. Accordingly, operating cash flows follow trends in our operating income, excluding non-cash items. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, net cash provided by operating activities increased $4.7 million from 2012, mostly as a result of changes in our accounts payable and deferred tax account balances in 2013.

Capital expenditures in the first half of 2013 primarily related to construction of Ameristar Lake Charles, slot machine purchases and the acquisition of long-lived assets relating to various capital maintenance projects at all of our properties. Capital expenditures in the first half of 2012 included slot machine purchases, a Springfield, Massachusetts land purchase, an Ameristar East Chicago hotel room renovation and various capital maintenance projects at all of our properties.

In March 2012, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the equity interests of Creative for $32.5 million. The construction of Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles began on July 20, 2012. We are developing Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles on a leased 243-acre site and the facility will include a casino with approximately 1,600 slot machines and 60 table games, a hotel with approximately 700 guest rooms (including 70 suites), a variety of food and beverage outlets, an 18-hole golf course, a tennis club, a swimming pool, spa and other resort amenities. There will also be approximately 3,000 parking spaces, of which 1,000 will be in a parking garage. The license conditions as revised by the LGCB require us to invest at least $500 million in the project. The cost of the project, inclusive of the purchase price, is expected to be between $570 million and $580 million, excluding capitalized interest and pre-opening expenses. The budget includes $20 million for the portion of certain public highway access improvements near the property that we have agreed to fund and that are expected to be completed at or around the time of the opening of Ameristar Lake Charles. Through June 30, 2013, capital expenditures related to the project totaled approximately $150.8 million (exclusive of the purchase price paid for the acquisition of the equity interests of Creative). We are required to maintain a $25.0 million deposit in a restricted bank account for the benefit of the LGCB, which will become unrestricted and available for use at our discretion upon the timely completion of the project within two years of construction commencement. We anticipate funding the project through a combination of cash from operations and borrowings under our revolving loan facility. But for the acquisition of the Company by Pinnacle and the subsequent divestiture by Pinnacle of the Company’s Lake Charles project to satisfy conditions of the FTC, the Company otherwise expected to complete construction of Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles in the third quarter of 2014. Until the Merger is completed, for accounting purposes, we continue to record the Lake Charles casino-hotel development as an asset held for use.

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Following the acquisition of Creative, on July 18, 2012 we entered into a ground lease agreement with the Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District. Rent payable under the ground lease is $0.7 million per year until the opening of Ameristar Lake Charles. Upon opening, the annual base rent will increase to $1.3 million per year for each of the first five years. The base rent will then be subject to an annual increase, not to exceed 5%, based on changes in a regional consumer price index as defined in the ground lease agreement. In addition to the base rent, upon commencing gaming activity, we will pay monthly additional rent based on a percentage of the property’s net gaming proceeds as defined in the ground lease agreement.

Pursuant to the ground lease agreement, we were required to deposit $5.0 million in a separate bank account to cover the monthly rent payments prior to the commencement of gaming activity. Any remaining balance in the ground lease rent deposit account at the time gaming activity commences will be considered unrestricted and available for use at our discretion. At June 30, 2013, the ground lease deposit bank account had a balance of $4.3 million, of which $0.7 million is expected to be utilized for monthly rent payments over the next 12 months.

In the first quarter of 2012, we spent $16.9 million (including fees and commissions) to purchase approximately 40 acres of land in Springfield, Massachusetts as the site for a possible future casino resort. On November 30, 2012, following lengthy consideration of the potential benefits, risks, costs and uncertainties of the project, we announced the termination of our efforts to pursue this casino license. In the fourth quarter of 2012, we recorded an impairment charge of $8.6 million as a result of an appraisal performed to assess the fair market value of the land.

During the first half of 2013, our Board of Directors declared two quarterly cash dividends of $0.125 per share, which were paid on March 15, 2013 and June 14, 2013. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2012, the Board of Directors declared two quarterly cash dividends of $0.125 per share, which were paid on March 15, 2012 and June 15, 2012.

On September 15, 2011, the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $75 million of our common stock through September 30, 2014. During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, we did not repurchase any shares of common stock in open market transactions. The Merger Agreement prohibits us from repurchasing additional shares under the stock repurchase program without the consent of Pinnacle.

On April 14, 2011, we obtained $2.2 billion of new debt financing (the “Debt Refinancing”), consisting of a $1.4 billion senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) and $800.0 million principal amount of unsecured 7.50% Senior Notes due 2021 (the “Original 2021 Notes”). The Credit Facility consists of (i) a $200 million A term loan that was fully borrowed at closing and matures in 2016, (ii) a $700 million B term loan that was fully borrowed at closing and matures in 2018 and (iii) a $500 million revolving loan facility that matures in 2016. Upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, we have the option to increase the total amount available under the Credit Facility by up to the greater of an additional $200 million or an amount determined by reference to our Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility agreement).

The A term loan and the revolving loan facility bear interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a LIBOR margin that is currently 2.50% per annum or the base rate plus 1.50% per annum, at our option. The B term loan bears interest at LIBOR (subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.0%) plus 3.0% per annum or the base rate (subject to a base rate floor of 2.0%) plus 2.0% per annum, at our option. The LIBOR margin for the A term loan and the revolving loan facility is subject to adjustment based on our Total Net Leverage Ratio as defined in the Credit Facility agreement. We pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving loan facility of 0.50% per annum, which is subject to reduction based on the Total Net Leverage Ratio. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by liens on substantially all of our assets.

The Credit Facility agreement requires certain mandatory principal repayments prior to maturity for both term loans. The A term loan requires the following principal amortization: 3.75% in 2012; 12.5% in 2013; 18.75% in 2014; 50% in 2015; and the remaining 15% in 2016. The B term loan requires mandatory principal reductions of 1% per annum, with the remaining 93.25% due at maturity. The Credit Facility agreement also requires permanent principal repayments of the term loans equal to 25% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Facility agreement) if our Total Net Leverage Ratio is above 4.75:1 at year-end. Excess Cash Flow repayments are required to be made within 120 days after the last day of each fiscal year, are allocated between both term loans on a pro-rata basis and reduce on a dollar-for-dollar basis future scheduled mandatory principal repayments of the term loans. Our Excess Cash Flow repayment for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $8.6 million. Our Excess Cash Flow repayment for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $14.6 million and was paid in April 2013.

On April 26, 2012, we completed a private placement of $240.0 million principal amount of Additional 2021 Notes. The Additional 2021 Notes were issued under the same indenture pursuant to which we previously issued the Original 2021 Notes. The Additional 2021 Notes were sold at a price of 103% of the principal amount, resulting in a yield to maturity of 6.88%. We received net proceeds from the sale of the Additional 2021 Notes (after initial purchaser discounts and expenses and including the premium and accrued interest) of approximately $244.0 million. We used $236.0 million of the proceeds to repay all amounts outstanding under the revolving loan facility of the Credit Facility (which amounts may be reborrowed from time to time) and the remaining proceeds for general corporate purposes. We issued the Additional 2021 Notes to enhance our borrowing flexibility under the revolving credit facility and better position us for future growth. In connection with issuing the Additional 2021 Notes,

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we paid one-time fees and expenses totaling approximately $4.0 million, most of which was capitalized and will be amortized over the term of the 2021 Notes.

The 2021 Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 7.50% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year. In April 2013, we made a $39.0 million interest payment on the 2021 Notes. The 2021 Notes mature on April 15, 2021.

On April 16, 2012, we amended the Credit Facility agreement. The amendment increased the permitted maximum Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility agreement) for fiscal quarters ending in 2014 from 5.50:1.00 to 5.75:1.00, and for the fiscal quarters ending March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015 from 5.25:1.00 to 5.50:1.00. We paid arrangement and consent fees totaling approximately $1.0 million in connection with the amendment, which were capitalized and will be amortized over the remaining terms of the Credit Facility as interest expense.

Net principal repayments totaled $1.8 million during the first half of 2013. All mandatory principal payments have been made through June 30, 2013. As of June 30, 2013, the amount of the revolving loan facility available for borrowing was $478.6 million, after giving effect to $1.4 million of outstanding letters of credit. The Merger Agreement limits the amount of additional debt we are permitted to incur prior to the closing of the Merger.

In addition to the availability under the Credit Facility, we had $91.6 million of cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2013, approximately $75 million of which were required for daily operations.

Historically, we have funded our daily operations through net cash provided by operating activities and our significant capital expenditures primarily through operating cash flows, bank debt and other debt financing. If our existing sources of cash are insufficient to meet our operations and liquidity requirements, we will be required to seek additional financing that would likely be more expensive than the Credit Facility and/or scale back our capital plans or reduce other expenditures. Any loss from service of our properties for any reason could materially adversely affect us, including our ability to fund daily operations and to satisfy debt covenants.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Certain of our accounting policies, including the estimated useful lives assigned to our assets, asset impairment, health benefit reserves, workers’ compensation and general liability reserves, purchase price allocations made in connection with acquisitions, the determination of bad debt reserves and the calculation of our income tax liabilities, require that we apply significant judgment in defining the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Our judgments are based in part on our historical experience, terms of existing contracts, observance of trends in the gaming industry and information obtained from independent valuation experts or other outside sources. We cannot assure you that our actual results will conform to our estimates. For additional information on critical accounting policies and estimates, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”and the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report contains certain forward-looking statements, including the plans and objectives of management for our business, operations and financial performance and statements concerning the Merger. These forward-looking statements 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,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or words of similar meaning, with reference to us or our management. Similarly, statements that describe our future operating performance, financial results, financial position, plans, objectives, strategies or goals are forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable at the time they are made, these assumptions and the forward-looking statements are subject to various factors, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including but not limited to uncertainties concerning operating cash flow in future periods, our borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility or any replacement financing, our ability to undertake and complete capital expenditure projects in accordance with established budgets and schedules, changes in competitive conditions, regulatory restrictions, changes in regulation or legislation (including gaming tax and anti-smoking laws) that could affect us and risks related to the Merger, including that the Merger may not be completed as scheduled or at all. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statement. In addition to the other risks and uncertainties mentioned in connection with certain forward-looking statements throughout this Quarterly Report, attention is directed to “Item 1A. 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, 2012.

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate risk associated with our Credit Facility. Outstanding amounts borrowed under our Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR (in the case of Eurodollar loans) or the prime interest rate (in the case of base rate loans), plus an applicable margin, or “add-on.” As of June 30, 2013, we had $877.0 million outstanding under the Credit Facility, which represents approximately 46% of our total outstanding debt, bearing interest at variable rates indexed to one-month LIBOR, based on our election. At June 30, 2013, the average interest rate applicable to the Credit Facility debt outstanding was 3.7%. An increase of one percentage point in the interest rate applicable to the Credit Facility debt outstanding at June 30, 2013 would increase our annual interest cost and reduce our pre-tax income by $3.3 million (after giving effect to the LIBOR floor of 1.0% for the B term loan, which comprised 77% of the total Credit Facility balance at June 30, 2013). The remaining 54% of our debt outstanding as of June 30, 2013, consisting of the 2021 Notes, bears interest at fixed rates.

We have used interest rate swap agreements in the past to manage interest rate risk. We may enter into additional swap transactions or other interest rate protection agreements from time to time in the future, although we have no current intention to do so.

Should we elect to use derivative instruments to hedge exposure to changes in interest rates in the future, we again would be exposed to the potential failure of our counterparties to perform under the terms of the agreements. We would seek to minimize this risk by entering into interest rate swap agreements with highly rated commercial banks.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report.

(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

As required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Exchange Act, the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the second fiscal quarter of 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the second fiscal quarter of 2013.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

Reference is made to the stockholder litigation relating to the Merger reported in Item 3 of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in Item 1 of Part II of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. On July 3, 2013, the Company and the other defendants filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings. On August 5, 2013, the plaintiffs filed a stipulation to voluntarily dismiss the action without prejudice, with each party to pay its own attorneys’ fees.

On May 28, 2013, the FTC filed an administrative complaint against Pinnacle and the Company alleging that the Merger would reduce competition and lead to higher prices and lower quality for customers in the St. Louis, Missouri and Lake Charles, Louisiana areas in violation of various provisions of U.S. antitrust laws. Since that time, the parties have made significant progress toward resolving the matter without the need for administrative litigation. Consequently, on August 5, 2013, the Commission granted the FTC’s, Pinnacle’s and the Company’s unopposed joint motion to withdraw the administrative litigation.

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Item 6.Exhibits

Exhibit Number	Description of Exhibit	Method of Filing
31.1	Certification of Gordon R. Kanofsky, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Filed electronically herewith.
31.2	Certification of Thomas M. Steinbauer, Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Filed electronically herewith.
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Filed electronically herewith.
101	The following information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2013 (unaudited) and December 31, 2012 (audited); (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (unaudited); (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (unaudited); (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (unaudited); and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).	Furnished electronically herewith.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

		AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. Registrant
Date:	August 7, 2013	By:	/s/ Thomas M. Steinbauer
			Thomas M. Steinbauer Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14 AND

15d-14 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Gordon R. Kanofsky, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Ameristar Casinos, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

     (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

     (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

     (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

     (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

     (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

     (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

August 7, 2013

By:	/s/ Gordon R. Kanofsky
	Gordon R. Kanofsky
	Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14 AND

15d-14 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Thomas M. Steinbauer, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Ameristar Casinos, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

     (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

     (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

     (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

     (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

     (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

     (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

August 7, 2013

By:	/s/ Thomas M. Steinbauer
	Thomas M. Steinbauer
	Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Gordon R. Kanofsky, Chief Executive Officer of Ameristar Casinos, Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

1. the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the period ended June 30, 2013, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:	August 7, 2013	/s/ Gordon R. Kanofsky
		Gordon R. Kanofsky
		Chief Executive Officer of Ameristar Casinos, Inc.

I, Thomas M. Steinbauer, Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Ameristar Casinos, Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

1. the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the period ended June 30, 2013, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:	August 7, 2013	/s/ Thomas M. Steinbauer
		Thomas M. Steinbauer
		Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of Ameristar Casinos, Inc.

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of §18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

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Commitments and contingencies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure

Commitments and contingencies

Litigation. Reference is made to the stockholder litigation relating to the Merger reported in Item 3 of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in Item 1 of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. On July 3, 2013, the Company and the other defendants filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings. On August 5, 2013, the plaintiffs filed a stipulation to voluntarily dismiss the action without prejudice, with each party to pay its own attorneys’ fees.

On May 28, 2013, the FTC filed an administrative complaint against Pinnacle and the Company alleging that the Merger would reduce competition and lead to higher prices and lower quality for customers in the St. Louis, Missouri and Lake Charles, Louisiana areas in violation of various provisions of U.S. antitrust laws. Since that time, the parties have made significant progress toward resolving the matter without the need for administrative litigation. Consequently, on August 5, 2013, the Commission granted the FTC’s, Pinnacle’s and the Company’s unopposed joint motion to withdraw the administrative litigation.

From time to time, the Company is a party to other litigation, most of which arises in the ordinary course of business. The Company is not currently a party to any litigation that management believes would be likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

Self-Insurance Reserves. The Company is self-insured for various levels of general liability, workers’ compensation and employee health coverage. Insurance claims and reserves include accruals of estimated settlements for known claims, as well as accrued estimates of incurred but not reported claims. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the estimated liabilities for unpaid and incurred but not reported claims totaled $9.1 million and $8.6 million, respectively. The Company considers historical loss experience and certain unusual claims in estimating these liabilities. The Company believes the use of this method to account for these liabilities provides a consistent and effective way to measure these accruals, which are subject to a high degree of management judgment; however, changes in health care costs, accident or illness frequency and severity and other factors can materially affect the estimate for these liabilities.

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Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Revenues:
Casino	$ 297,723	$ 303,356	$ 601,701	$ 623,063
Food and beverage	31,865	33,250	66,400	67,940
Rooms	19,202	19,485	37,976	38,758
Other	7,178	7,060	13,985	13,967
Gross Revenues	355,968	363,151	720,062	743,728
Less: Promotional allowances	(64,680)	(66,897)	(133,695)	(135,341)
Net revenues	291,288	296,254	586,367	608,387
Operating Expenses:
Casino	127,306	132,254	259,532	269,356
Food and beverage	13,617	13,050	27,319	27,181
Rooms	1,952	1,853	3,695	3,898
Other	2,451	2,531	4,697	4,883
Selling, general and administrative	59,587	59,994	121,539	121,040
Depreciation and amortization	25,283	26,999	50,430	53,520
Impairment of fixed assets	0	0	23	0
Net (gain) loss on disposition of assets	(21)	550	(30)	228
Total operating expenses	230,175	237,231	467,205	480,106
Income from operations	61,113	59,023	119,162	128,281
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	3	12	5	33
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	(28,143)	(28,821)	(56,776)	(55,706)
Other	0	(112)	0	834
Income Before Income Tax Provision	32,973	30,102	62,391	73,442
Income tax provision	12,998	12,480	24,438	14,454
Net Income	$ 19,975	$ 17,622	$ 37,953	$ 58,988
Earnings Per Share:
Basic	$ 0.60	$ 0.53	$ 1.15	$ 1.79
Diluted	$ 0.57	$ 0.51	$ 1.08	$ 1.73
Cash Dividends Declared Per Share	$ 0.125	$ 0.125	$ 0.25	$ 0.25
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic	33,046	33,020	33,012	32,939
Diluted	35,125	34,255	35,004	34,138

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Earnings per share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share

The Company calculates earnings per share in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 260. Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing reported earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the additional dilution from all potentially dilutive securities, such as stock options and restricted stock units. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, all outstanding options with an exercise price lower than the average market price for the period have been included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

The weighted-average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share consisted of the following:

	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	June 30,		June 30,
	2013	2012	2013	2012
	(Amounts in Thousands)
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic earnings per share	33,046	33,020	33,012	32,939
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units	2,079	1,235	1,992	1,199
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted earnings per share	35,125	34,255	35,004	34,138

For the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, the potentially dilutive stock options excluded from the earnings per share computation, as their effect would be anti-dilutive, totaled 1.1 million and 3.1 million, respectively. Anti-dilutive stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 totaled 1.1 million and 2.7 million, respectively.

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Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2013 markets properties	Dec. 20, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of Properties	8
Number of Markets in which Entity Operates	7
Business Acquisition, Share Price		$ 26.50

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Creative Casinos of Louisiana acquisition

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Creative Casinos of Louisiana acquisition [Abstract]

Significant Asset Acquisition [Text Block]

Creative Casinos of Louisiana acquisition

On March 14, 2012, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the equity interests of Creative. Creative, which the Company has renamed Ameristar Casino Lake Charles, LLC, is the developer of a luxury casino resort in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This acquisition included the last remaining riverboat gaming license available in Louisiana under current law. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, the purchase price paid was $32.5 million, inclusive of $5.0 million deposited into an escrow account at closing to secure the seller’s indemnification obligations under the purchase agreement for a period of 18 months.

The acquisition closed on July 16, 2012 and construction commenced on July 20, 2012. The license conditions as revised by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (“LGCB”) require the Company to invest at least $500 million in the project. The cost of the project, inclusive of the purchase price, is expected to be between $570 million and $580 million, excluding capitalized interest and pre-opening expenses. The Company is required by the LGCB license conditions to maintain a $25.0 million deposit in a restricted bank account for the benefit of the LGCB, which will become unrestricted and available for the Company to use at its discretion upon the timely completion of the project within two years of construction commencement. The Company plans to fund the project through a combination of cash from operations and borrowings under the revolving loan facility described in “Note 6 — Long-term debt.”

Following the Company’s acquisition of Creative, on July 18, 2012 the Company entered into a ground lease agreement with the Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District. Cash rent payments under the ground lease will be $0.7 million per year until the opening of Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles. Upon opening, the annual cash base rent payments will increase to $1.3 million per year for each of the first five years. The base rent will then be subject to an annual increase, not to exceed 5%, based on changes in a regional consumer price index as defined in the ground lease agreement. In addition to the base rent, upon commencing gaming activity, the Company will pay monthly additional rent based on a percentage of the property’s net gaming proceeds as defined in the ground lease agreement. Annual rent expense reflected in the consolidated statements of income is $1.3 million, with the difference between cash rent payments and rent expense recorded as a deferred rent liability.

Pursuant to the ground lease agreement, the Company was required to deposit $5.0 million in a separate bank account to cover the monthly rent payments prior to the commencement of gaming activity. Any remaining balance in the ground lease rent deposit account at the time gaming activity commences will be considered unrestricted and available for the Company to use at its discretion. At June 30, 2013, the ground lease deposit bank account had a balance of $4.3 million, of which $0.7 million is expected to be utilized for monthly rent payments over the next 12 months. In the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, the current portion of the deposit account is included in restricted cash. The remaining long-term portion of the ground lease rent deposit, as well as the $25.0 million deposit required to be held until construction completion, are included in deposits and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

During the third quarter of 2012, a valuation of the gaming right associated with Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles was performed. The valuation of the gaming right was necessary in completing the asset purchase price allocation of the $32.5 million paid to acquire all the equity interests of Creative. Based on the valuation, the Company recorded the purchase price allocation of the gaming right at $29.8 million and the design plans and fees at $2.7 million.

As discussed in “Note 13 - Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger,” Pinnacle has reached an agreement with the staff of the FTC to permit the consummation of the Merger subject to, among other conditions, Pinnacle agreeing to sell the Company’s Lake Charles project, which sale is expected to be completed following the closing of the Merger. But for the Merger and the subsequent divestiture by Pinnacle of the Company’s Lake Charles project, the Company otherwise expected to complete construction of Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles in the third quarter of 2014.

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Creative Casinos of Louisiana acquisition (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jul. 18, 2012	Jul. 16, 2012	Mar. 14, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013
Creative Casinos of Louisiana acquisition [Abstract]
Significant Asset Acquisition, Project Completion Deposit				$ 25.0
Ground Lease Obligation, Rent Payable Prior to Property Opening				0.7
Ground Lease Obligation, Rent Payable Subsequent to Property Opening				1.3
Ground Lease Obligation, Maximum Annual Increase Percentage				5.00%
Ground Lease Obligation, Annual Rent Expense Amount				1.3
Ground Lease Obligation, Required Deposit Amount				5.0
Ground Lease Obligation, Total Deposit Amount at Balance Sheet Date				4.3
Ground Lease Obligation, Current Deposit Amount at Balance Sheet Date				0.7
Significant Asset Acquisition, Acquisition Cost				32.5
Significant Asset Acquisition, Indemnification Obligations Escrow Deposit				5.0
Significant Asset Acquisition, License Conditions Investment Amount				500
Significant Asset Acquisition, Expected Project Cost Minimum				570
Significant Asset Acquisition, Expected Project Cost Maximum				580
Ground Lease Obligation, Deposit Monthly Rent Payments Time Period				12 months
Significant Asset Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation of Design Plans and Fees				2.7
Significant Asset Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation of Gaming Right				$ 29.8
Significant Asset Acquisition, Period of Agreement			18 months
Significant Asset Acquisition, Length of Project		2 years
Ground Lease Obligation, Term of Lease	5 years

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Long-term debt Schedule of Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 26, 2012	Apr. 14, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt				$ 1,400,000
Unsecured Debt			240,000	800,000
Other Long-term Debt	98	100
Long-term Debt	1,916,165	1,917,979
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(32,505)	(37,047)
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	1,883,660	1,880,932
Revolving Loan Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt	20,000	0		500,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.70%	0.00%
Term Loan 'A' Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt	182,500	192,500		200,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.70%	2.80%
Term Loan 'B' Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt	673,291	684,937		700,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	1,251	1,368
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.00%	4.00%
7.5% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Debt	1,040,276	1,040,442
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	$ (276)	$ (442)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.50%	7.50%
9.25% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.25%	9.25%

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Earnings per share (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	33,046,000	33,020,000	33,012,000	32,939,000
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment	2,079,000	1,235,000	1,992,000	1,199,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	35,125,000	34,255,000	35,004,000	34,138,000
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,100,000	3,100,000	1,100,000	2,700,000

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Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Disclosures (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 3.8	$ 3.7	$ 7.5	$ 9.0
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	22.8		22.8
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition			2 years 4 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value			$ 1.7	$ 1.9

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Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 6.86	$ 5.70	$ 6.76	$ 5.85
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate	33.80%	47.10%	34.00%	47.30%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.40%	0.80%	1.10%	0.80%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	5 years	4 years 9 months 18 days	5 years	4 years 9 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	1.90%	2.80%	1.90%	2.70%

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Stockholders' equity (deficit) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent			$ (22,259)
Net income	19,975	17,622	37,953	58,988
Dividends, Common Stock			(8,263)
Share-based compensation			7,531	9,010
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			2,654	3,605
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method			(93)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	$ 17,523		$ 17,523

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 37,953	$ 58,988
Depreciation and amortization	50,430	53,520
Amortization of debt issuance costs, discounts and premiums	2,684	2,823
Stock-based compensation expense	7,531	9,010
Impairment of fixed assets	23	0
Net (gain) loss on disposition of assets	(30)	228
Net change in deferred income taxes	17,985	7,899
Net change in deferred compensation liability	0	2,493
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(358)	(26)
Income tax refunds receivable	6,213	(5,667)
Inventories	46	416
Prepaid expenses	(3,558)	(6,266)
Accounts payable	(5,278)	(15,900)
Income taxes payable	3,933	0
Accrued liabilities	2,893	8,299
Net cash provided by operating activities	120,467	115,817
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(135,521)	(51,375)
Increase (decrease) in construction contracts payable	24,349	(1,674)
Proceeds from sale of assets	64	401
Decrease in restricted cash	328	0
Increase in deposits and other non-current assets	(32)	(463)
Net cash used in investing activities	(110,812)	(53,111)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt and other borrowings	43,000	290,200
Principal payments of debt	(44,765)	(292,947)
Debt issuance and amendment costs	(20)	(4,723)
Cash dividends paid	(8,263)	(8,241)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	2,654	3,605
Purchases of treasury stock	(93)	(792)
Net cash used in financing activities	(7,487)	(12,898)
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	2,168	49,808
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period	89,392	85,719
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period	91,560	135,527
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	59,442	49,982
Cash (received) paid for federal and state income taxes	$ (3,689)	$ 12,151

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Accounting pronouncements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]

Accounting pronouncements

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, in February 2013. This topic adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The update requires that an entity present, either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this Topic did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists

The FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, in July 2013. This topic provides guidance and standardization on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of this Topic to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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Goodwill and other intangible assets

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure

Goodwill and other intangible assets

As required under ASC Topic 350, the Company performs an annual assessment of its goodwill and other intangible assets to determine if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Additionally, the guidance requires an immediate impairment assessment if a change in circumstances can materially negatively affect the fair value of the intangible assets. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, there were no impairment charges relating to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company will perform its annual review of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter of 2013.

The Company utilizes Level 3 inputs as described in “Note 7 — Fair value measurements” to determine fair value relating to goodwill and intangible assets for the assessments described above.

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Stockholders' equity (deficit)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure

Stockholders’ equity (deficit)

Changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit) for the six months ended June 30, 2013 were as follows:

	(Amounts in Thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(22,259	)
Net income	37,953
Dividends	(8,263		)
Stock-based compensation	7,531
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,654
Purchases of treasury stock	(93		)
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	17,523

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Long-term debt Long-term debt disclosure (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 26, 2012	Apr. 16, 2012	Apr. 14, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					$ 2,200,000,000
Secured Debt					1,400,000,000
Incremental Bank Facility Debt Maximum					200,000,000
Yield to Maturity Percentage			6.88%
Amount of Net Proceeds Received			244,000,000
Amount of Net Proceeds Used			236,000,000
Unsecured Debt			240,000,000		800,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.50%
Excess Cashflow Repayment Percantage	25.00%
Total Net Leverage Ratio, Excess Cash Flow Repayments	4.75
Excess Cash Flow Payment Expected Amount		14,600,000
Excess Cash Flow Repayment Requirement	120 days
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	478,600,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	1,400,000
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs		4,000,000
Total Net Leverage Ratio Required	6.00
Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio Required	3.50
Total Net Leverage Ratio	5.21	5.08
Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio	2.24	2.19
Interest Expense Coverage Ratio Required	2.00
Interest Expense Coverage Ratio	3.07	3.52
Total Net Leverage Ratio Required Prior to Amendment for 2014				5.50
Total Net Leverage Ratio Required Subsequent to Amendment for 2014				5.75
Total Net Leverage Ratio Required Prior to Amendment for 2015				5.25
Total Net Leverage Ratio Required Subsequent to Amendment for 2015				5.50
Payments of Debt Restructuring Costs		1,000,000
Change of Control Repurchase Price	101.00%
Term Loan 'A' Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt	182,500,000	192,500,000			200,000,000
Principal Amortization Percentage in 2012	3.75%
Principal Amortization Percentage in 2013	12.50%
Principal Amortization Percentage in 2014	18.75%
Principal Amortization Percentage in 2015	50.00%
Principal Amortization Percentage in 2016	15.00%
Term Loan 'B' Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt	673,291,000	684,937,000			700,000,000
Debt Purchase Price Percent of Debt Principal Amount					99.75%
Principal Amortization Percentage Per Annum	1.00%
Principal Amortization Percentage Due at Maturity	93.25%
Revolving Loan Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt	20,000,000	0			500,000,000
7.5% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Purchase Price Percent of Debt Principal Amount			103.00%		99.125%
Unsecured Debt	$ 1,040,276,000	$ 1,040,442,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.50%	7.50%
9.25% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.25%	9.25%
LIBOR [Member] | Term Loan 'A' Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.50%
LIBOR [Member] | Term Loan 'B' Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.00%
Debt Instrument, Floor Interest Rate	1.00%
Base Rate [Member] | Term Loan 'A' Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Base Rate [Member] | Term Loan 'B' Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Debt Instrument, Floor Interest Rate	2.00%

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Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Share Activity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number	3,668	3,690
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 17.74	$ 17.69
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Grants in Period	23
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 26.30
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Vested in Period	(12)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 17.92
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Forfeited in Period	(33)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 20.69

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Commitments and contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Reported and Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims	$ 9.1	$ 8.6

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	61,547,863	61,366,859
Common stock, shares outstanding	33,075,092	32,897,642
Treasury Stock, Shares	28,472,771	28,469,217

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Stock-based compensation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments

Stock-based compensation

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718. Stock-based compensation expense totaled $3.8 million and $3.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. During the first six months of 2013 and 2012, stock-based compensation expense was $7.5 million and $9.0 million, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, no associated future income tax benefit was recognized. As of June 30, 2013, there was approximately $22.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s stock incentive plans. This unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.

The fair value of each time-vested option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model, while the fair value of market performance-based stock options is calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility trends as well as implied future volatility observations as determined by independent third parties. In determining the expected life of the option grants, the Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination behavior. The expected life represents an estimate of the time options will remain outstanding. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. treasury yield in effect at the time of grant.

The following table sets forth fair value per share information, including related assumptions, used to determine compensation cost for the Company’s non-qualified stock options consistent with the requirements of ASC Topic 718.

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Weighted-average fair value per share of options granted during the period	$	6.86		$	5.70		$	6.76		$	5.85
Weighted-average assumptions:
Expected stock price volatility	33.8		%	47.1		%	34.0		%	47.3		%
Risk-free interest rate	1.4		%	0.8		%	1.1		%	0.8		%
Expected option life (years)	5.0			4.8			5.0			4.8
Expected annual dividend yield	1.9		%	2.8		%	1.9		%	2.7		%

Stock option activity during the six months ended June 30, 2013 was as follows:

	Options (In Thousands)		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In Thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	6,958		$	19.94
Granted	23		26.30
Exercised	(164	)	15.70
Forfeited or expired	(33	)	20.69
Outstanding at June 30, 2013	6,784		$	20.06	6.4	$	47,356
Exercisable at June 30, 2013	3,107		$	22.80	3.8	$	15,717

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value that would have been realized by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on June 30, 2013. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 was $1.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively. The intrinsic value of a stock option is the excess of the Company’s closing stock price on that date over the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares subject to the option.

The following table summarizes the Company’s unvested stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2013:

	Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price (per Share)
	(Amounts in thousands)
Unvested at December 31, 2012	3,690		$	17.69
Granted	23		26.30
Vested	(12	)	17.92
Forfeited	(33	)	20.69
Unvested at June 30, 2013	3,668		$	17.74

The following table summarizes the Company’s unvested restricted stock unit activity for the six months ended June 30, 2013:

	Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value (per Unit)
	(Amounts in thousands)
Unvested at December 31, 2012	1,446		$	18.61
Granted	7		26.29
Vested	(13	)	17.93
Forfeited	(13	)	18.77
Unvested at June 30, 2013	1,427		$	18.65

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net income	$ 19,975	$ 17,622	$ 37,953	$ 58,988
Other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 19,975	$ 17,622	$ 37,953	$ 58,988

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 91,560	$ 89,392
Restricted cash	6,581	6,581
Accounts receivable, net	5,179	4,821
Income tax refunds receivable	0	6,213
Inventories	5,848	5,894
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,485	12,927
Deferred income taxes	12,246	10,348
Total current assets	137,899	136,176
Property and Equipment, at cost:
Buildings and improvements	1,952,050	1,946,051
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	616,416	603,571
Buildings, improvements and equipment, gross	2,568,466	2,549,622
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,023,264)	(976,629)
Property, plant and equipment excluding land and construction in progress, net	1,545,202	1,572,993
Land	91,715	91,715
Construction in progress	189,640	76,815
Total property and equipment, net	1,826,557	1,741,523
Goodwill	69,167	69,769
Other intangible assets	42,400	42,400
Deposits and other assets	81,397	84,406
TOTAL ASSETS	2,157,420	2,074,274
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	18,071	23,349
Construction contracts payable	40,479	16,130
Income taxes payable	3,933	0
Accrued liabilities	119,966	117,073
Current maturities of long-term debt	32,505	37,047
Total current liabilities	214,954	193,599
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	1,883,660	1,880,932
Deferred income taxes	38,952	18,786
Other long-term liabilities	2,331	3,216
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit):
Preferred stock, $.01 par value: Authorized - 30,000,000 shares; Issued - none	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value: Authorized - 120,000,000 shares; Issued - 61,547,863 and 61,366,859 shares; Outstanding - 33,075,092 and 32,897,642 shares	615	614
Additional paid-in capital	343,522	333,338
Treasury stock, at cost (28,472,771 and 28,469,217 shares)	(501,908)	(501,815)
Retained earnings	175,294	145,604
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	17,523	(22,259)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)	$ 2,157,420	$ 2,074,274

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Fair value measurements Fair value disclosure (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Deferred Compensation Plan, Final Distribution of Plan Liabilities	$ 14,000,000
Deferred Compensation Plan, Full Surrender Value of Rabbi-Trust Owned Life Insurance Policies	16,200,000
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets		0	0
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current		0	0
Long-term Debt, Fair Value		1,960,000,000	2,024,000,000
Long-term Debt		$ 1,916,165,000	$ 1,917,979,000

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Stock-based compensation (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

The following table sets forth fair value per share information, including related assumptions, used to determine compensation cost for the Company’s non-qualified stock options consistent with the requirements of ASC Topic 718.

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Weighted-average fair value per share of options granted during the period	$	6.86		$	5.70		$	6.76		$	5.85
Weighted-average assumptions:
Expected stock price volatility	33.8		%	47.1		%	34.0		%	47.3		%
Risk-free interest rate	1.4		%	0.8		%	1.1		%	0.8		%
Expected option life (years)	5.0			4.8			5.0			4.8
Expected annual dividend yield	1.9		%	2.8		%	1.9		%	2.7		%

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

Stock option activity during the six months ended June 30, 2013 was as follows:

	Options (In Thousands)		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In Thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	6,958		$	19.94
Granted	23		26.30
Exercised	(164	)	15.70
Forfeited or expired	(33	)	20.69
Outstanding at June 30, 2013	6,784		$	20.06	6.4	$	47,356
Exercisable at June 30, 2013	3,107		$	22.80	3.8	$	15,717

Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the Company’s unvested stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2013:

	Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price (per Share)
	(Amounts in thousands)
Unvested at December 31, 2012	3,690		$	17.69
Granted	23		26.30
Vested	(12	)	17.92
Forfeited	(33	)	20.69
Unvested at June 30, 2013	3,668		$	17.74

Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the Company’s unvested restricted stock unit activity for the six months ended June 30, 2013:

	Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value (per Unit)
	(Amounts in thousands)
Unvested at December 31, 2012	1,446		$	18.61
Granted	7		26.29
Vested	(13	)	17.93
Forfeited	(13	)	18.77
Unvested at June 30, 2013	1,427		$	18.65

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Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Apr. 25, 2013	Dec. 20, 2012
Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Share Price			$ 26.50
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Transaction Costs	$ 3.4
Stockholder Merger Approval, Outstanding Share Percentage		81.60%

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Stock repurchases (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Repurchases [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 75,000,000
Purchases of treasury stock				700,000
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock		93,000	792,000	11,500,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Average Cost Per Share				$ 16.87
Treasury Stock, Shares		28,472,771		28,469,217
Treasury Stock, Value		$ 501,908,000		$ 501,815,000
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Since Inception		$ 17.63

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Federal and state income taxes (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 3.4		$ 3.4		$ 4.3
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	1.2		1.2		1.8
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	1.0		1.0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalities and Interest Accrued that Would Impact the Effective Tax Rate	0.7		0.7
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	39.40%	41.50%	39.20%	19.70%
Income Tax Election Impact, Amount				15.7
Effective Income Tax Rate, Excluding Income Tax Election Impact				41.10%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations			$ 1.1
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Change in Next Twelve Months			12 months

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Fair value measurements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair value measurements

As of June 30, 2013, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate carrying values due to the short maturity of these items.

The Company measured the fair value of its deferred compensation plan assets and liabilities on a recurring basis pursuant to ASC Topic 820. ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:

Level 1:  Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2:  Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value driver is observable.

Level 3:  Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data is available, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

In April 2011, ACI’s Board of Directors terminated the Company’s deferred compensation plan, effective as of December 31, 2011. A partial distribution of plan assets was made to participants in May 2011 and a final distribution of all liabilities due to participants of $14.0 million was paid out to participants in May 2012. In connection with the termination of the deferred compensation plan, certain rabbi trust-owned life insurance policies were surrendered and their full surrender value of $16.2 million was reimbursed to the Company at that time. As a result of the termination of the deferred compensation plan, and final distribution of plan liabilities and reimbursement of plan assets occurring in 2012, the balances for both the plan assets and plan liabilities were zero at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Fair value of long-term debt

The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt at June 30, 2013 was approximately $1.960 billion, versus its book value of $1.916 billion. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt at December 31, 2012 was approximately $2.024 billion, versus its book value of $1.918 billion. The estimated fair value of the outstanding 2021 Notes and the term loan facility debt was based on Level 2 inputs using quoted market prices on or about June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

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Stock-based compensation (Details) (USD $) Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 3,800,000	$ 3,700,000	$ 7,500,000	$ 9,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	6,784		6,784		6,958
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 20.06		$ 20.06		$ 19.94
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term			6 years 4 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	47,356,000		47,356,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross			23
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price			$ 26.30
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period			(164)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price			$ 15.70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period			(33)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price			$ 20.69
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	3,107		3,107
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 22.80		$ 22.80
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term			3 years 9 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$ 15,717,000		$ 15,717,000

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Income taxes

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure

Federal and state income taxes

At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, unrecognized tax benefits totaled $3.4 million and $4.3 million, respectively. The total amount of unrecognized benefits that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized was $1.2 million at June 30, 2013 and $1.8 million at December 31, 2012. As of June 30, 2013, accrued interest and penalties totaled $1.0 million, of which $0.7 million would affect the effective tax rate if recognized.

The effective income tax rate was 39.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2013, compared to 41.5% for the same period in 2012. For the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, the effective income tax rates were 39.2% and 19.7%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was impacted by a $15.7 million cumulative reduction in the income tax provision as a result of certain income tax elections made in the first quarter of 2012. Excluding the impact of these income tax elections, the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2012 would have been 41.1%.

The Company files income tax returns in numerous jurisdictions. The statutes of limitations vary by jurisdiction, with certain of these statutes expiring without examination each year. The Company anticipates that the net amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by $1.1 million within the next 12 months, none of which would affect the effective tax rate if recognized.

The Company believes it has adequately reserved for its uncertain tax positions; however, there is no assurance that the taxing authorities will not propose adjustments that are different from the Company’s expected outcome and impact the provision for income taxes.

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Long-term debt

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-term debt

Long-term debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Senior credit facility, secured by first priority security interests in substantially all real and personal property assets of ACI and its subsidiaries, consisting of the following:
Revolving loan facility, at variable interest (2.7% at June 30, 2013); principal due April 14, 2016	$	20,000		$	—
Term loan A facility, at variable interest (2.7% at June 30, 2013 and 2.8% at December 31, 2012); principal due April 14, 2016 subject to certain amortization requirements	182,500			192,500
Term loan B facility, at variable interest (4.0% at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012); principal due April 14, 2018 subject to certain amortization requirements (net of $1,251 and $1,368 discount at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)	673,291			684,937
Senior notes, unsecured, 7.5% fixed interest, payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15, principal due April 15, 2021 (net of $276 and $442 net premium at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)	1,040,276			1,040,442
Other	98			100
	1,916,165			1,917,979
Less: Current maturities	(32,505		)	(37,047		)
	$	1,883,660		$	1,880,932

On April 14, 2011, ACI obtained $2.2 billion of new debt financing (the “Debt Refinancing”), consisting of a $1.4 billion senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) and $800.0 million principal amount of unsecured 7.50% Senior Notes due 2021 (the “Original 2021 Notes”). The Credit Facility consists of (i) a $200 million A term loan that was fully borrowed at closing and matures in April 2016, (ii) a $700 million B term loan that was fully borrowed at closing and matures in April 2018 and (iii) a $500 million revolving loan facility that matures in April 2016. The Original 2021 Notes were sold at a price of 99.125% of the principal amount, and the $700.0 million B term loan was sold at a price of 99.75% of the principal amount. Upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, ACI has the option to increase the total amount available under the Credit Facility by up to the greater of an additional $200 million or an amount determined by reference to the Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility agreement).

The A term loan and the revolving loan facility bear interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a LIBOR margin that is currently 2.50% per annum or the base rate plus 1.50% per annum, at ACI’s option. The B term loan bears interest at LIBOR (subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.0%) plus 3.0% per annum or the base rate (subject to a base rate floor of 2.0%) plus 2.0% per annum, at ACI’s option. The LIBOR margin for the A term loan and the revolving loan facility is subject to adjustment based on the Company’s Total Net Leverage Ratio as defined in the Credit Facility agreement. ACI pays a commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving loan facility of 0.50% per annum, which is subject to reduction based on the Total Net Leverage Ratio.

The Credit Facility agreement requires certain mandatory principal repayments prior to maturity for both term loans. The A term loan requires the following principal amortization: 3.75% in 2012; 12.5% in 2013; 18.75% in 2014; 50% in 2015; and the remaining 15% in 2016. The B term loan requires mandatory principal reductions of 1% per annum, with the remaining 93.25% due at maturity. The Credit Facility agreement also requires permanent principal repayments of the term loans equal to 25% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Facility agreement) if the Company’s Total Net Leverage Ratio is above 4.75:1 at year-end. Excess Cash Flow repayments are required to be made within 120 days after the last day of each fiscal year, are allocated between both term loans on a pro-rata basis and reduce on a dollar-for-dollar basis future scheduled mandatory principal repayments of the term loans. The Company’s Excess Cash Flow repayment for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $14.6 million and was paid in April 2013.

On April 26, 2012, ACI completed a private placement of $240.0 million principal amount of additional 7.50% Senior Notes due 2021 (the “Additional 2021 Notes” and, collectively with the Original 2021 Notes, the “2021 Notes”). The Additional 2021 Notes were issued under the same indenture dated as of April 14, 2011 pursuant to which ACI previously issued the Original 2021 Notes (the “Indenture”). The Additional 2021 Notes were sold at a price of 103% of the principal amount, resulting in a yield to maturity of 6.88%. ACI received net proceeds from the sale of the Additional 2021 Notes (after initial purchaser discounts and expenses and including the premium and accrued interest) of approximately $244.0 million. ACI used $236.0 million of the proceeds to repay all amounts outstanding under the revolving loan facility of the Credit Facility (which amounts may be reborrowed from time to time) and the remaining proceeds for general corporate purposes. In connection with issuing the Additional 2021 Notes, ACI paid one-time fees and expenses totaling approximately $4.0 million, most of which was capitalized and will be amortized over the term of the 2021 Notes as interest expense.

At June 30, 2013, the principal debt outstanding under the Credit Facility consisted of $20.0 million under the revolving loan facility, $182.5 million under the A term loan facility and $673.3 million (net of discount) under the B term loan facility. All mandatory principal repayments have been made through June 30, 2013. As of June 30, 2013, the amount of the revolving loan facility available for borrowing was $478.6 million, after giving effect to $1.4 million of outstanding letters of credit.

In connection with obtaining the Credit Facility, certain of ACI’s subsidiaries, including each of its material subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”), entered into a guaranty (the “Guaranty”) pursuant to which the Guarantors guaranteed ACI’s obligations under the Credit Facility. The obligations of ACI under the Credit Facility, and of the Guarantors under the Guaranty, are secured by substantially all of the assets of ACI and the Guarantors.

The terms of the 2021 Notes are governed by the Indenture. The 2021 Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 7.5% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The 2021 Notes mature on April 15, 2021. The 2021 Notes and the guarantees of the 2021 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of ACI and the Guarantors, respectively, and rank, in right of payment, equally with or senior to all existing or future unsecured indebtedness of ACI and each Guarantor, respectively, but are effectively subordinated in right of payment to the Credit Facility indebtedness and any future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness.

The Guarantors have jointly and severally, and fully and unconditionally, guaranteed the 2021 Notes. Each of the Guarantors is a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ACI, and the Guarantors constitute substantially all of ACI’s direct and indirect subsidiaries. ACI is a holding company with no operations or material assets independent of those of the Guarantors and, other than its investment in the Guarantors, the aggregate assets, liabilities, earnings and equity of the Guarantors are substantially equivalent to the assets, liabilities, earnings and equity of the Company on a consolidated basis. Separate financial statements and certain other disclosures concerning the Guarantors are not presented because, in the opinion of management, such information is not material to investors. Other than customary restrictions imposed by applicable statutes, there are no restrictions on the ability of the Guarantors to transfer funds to ACI in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.

Debt covenants

The agreement governing the Credit Facility requires the Company to comply with various affirmative and negative financial and other covenants, including restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, restrictions on dividend payments and other restrictions and requirements to maintain certain financial ratios and satisfy certain tests. As of June 30, 2013, the Company was required to maintain a Total Net Leverage Ratio, calculated as consolidated debt (net of certain cash and cash equivalents) divided by EBITDA, as defined in the Credit Facility agreement, of no more than 6.00:1, and a Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio, calculated as senior secured debt (net of certain cash and cash equivalents) divided by EBITDA, of no more than 3.50:1. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s Total Net Leverage Ratio was 5.21:1 and 5.08:1, respectively. The Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was 2.24:1 and 2.19:1, respectively. Under the Credit Facility agreement, as of June 30, 2013, the Company was required to maintain an Interest Expense Coverage Ratio, calculated as EBITDA divided by cash interest expense, of at least 2.00:1. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Interest Expense Coverage Ratio was 3.07:1 and 3.52:1, respectively. On April 16, 2012, the Company entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility agreement to increase the maximum permitted Total Net Leverage Ratio for fiscal quarters ending in 2014 from 5.50:1 to 5.75:1 and for the fiscal quarters ending March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015 from 5.25:1 to 5.50:1. The Company paid arrangement and consent fees totaling approximately $1.0 million in connection with the amendment, which were capitalized and will be amortized over the remaining terms of the Credit Facility as interest expense.

The Indenture contains covenants that limit ACI’s and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ (as defined in the Indenture) ability to, among other things, (i) pay dividends or make distributions, repurchase equity securities, prepay subordinated debt or make certain investments, (ii) incur additional debt or issue certain disqualified stock or preferred stock, (iii) create liens on assets, (iv) merge or consolidate with another company or sell all or substantially all assets and (v) enter into transactions with affiliates. In addition, pursuant to the Indenture, if ACI experiences certain changes of control, each holder of the 2021 Notes can require ACI to repurchase all or a portion of such holder’s outstanding 2021 Notes at a price of 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date. The repurchase obligation has been waived with respect to the Pinnacle Merger.

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants under the Credit Facility agreement and the Indenture.

Refer to “Note 13 - Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger” for further information on certain restrictions imposed by the Merger Agreement.

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Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure

Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ameristar Casinos, Inc. (“ACI”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). Through its subsidiaries, the Company owns and operates eight casino properties in seven markets. The Company views each property as an operating segment and all such operating segments have been aggregated into one reporting segment. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

The Company’s portfolio of casinos consists of: Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles (serving the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area); Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City (serving the Kansas City metropolitan area); Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs (serving the Omaha, Nebraska metropolitan area and southwestern Iowa); Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk (serving the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area); Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg (serving Jackson, Mississippi and Monroe, Louisiana); Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago (serving the Chicagoland area); and Cactus Petes Resort Casino and The Horseshu Hotel and Casino in Jackpot, Nevada (serving Idaho and the Pacific Northwest).

On December 20, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement and plan of merger (as subsequently amended, the “Merger Agreement”) with Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (“Pinnacle”) and certain of Pinnacle’s subsidiaries pursuant to which Pinnacle will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of the Company for $26.50 per share in cash (the “Merger”). For further discussion, see “Note 13 - Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger.”

On July 16, 2012, the Company completed the purchase of all of the equity interests of Creative Casinos of Louisiana, L.L.C. (now known as Ameristar Casino Lake Charles, LLC) (“Creative”), the license holder for a planned casino resort in Lake Charles, Louisiana. On July 20, 2012, the Company commenced construction of Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles. As discussed in “Note 13 - Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger,” Pinnacle has reached an agreement with the staff of the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) to permit the consummation of the Merger subject to, among other conditions, Pinnacle agreeing to sell the Company’s Lake Charles project, which sale is expected to be completed following the closing of the Merger. But for the Merger and the subsequent divestiture by Pinnacle of the Company’s Lake Charles project, the Company otherwise expected to complete construction of Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Lake Charles in the third quarter of 2014. This property will serve southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas, including the Houston metropolitan area.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. However, they do contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods included therein. The interim results reflected in these financial statements are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

Certain of the Company’s accounting policies require that the Company apply significant judgment in defining the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. The Company’s judgments are based in part on its historical experience, terms of existing contracts, observance of trends in the gaming industry and information obtained from independent valuation experts or other outside sources. There is no assurance, however, that actual results will conform to estimates. To provide an understanding of the methodology the Company applies, significant accounting policies and bases of presentation are discussed where appropriate in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Quarterly Report. In addition, critical accounting policies and estimates are discussed in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the notes to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

As required, the Company has evaluated certain events and transactions occurring after June 30, 2013 and determined that none met the definition of a subsequent event for purposes of recognition or disclosure in its accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the period ended June 30, 2013.

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Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Units, Nonvested, Number	1,427	1,446
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Units, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 18.65	$ 18.61
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Units, Grants in Period	7
Share-based Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Units, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 26.29
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Units, Vested in Period	(13)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Units, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 17.93
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Units, Forfeited in Period	(13)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Units, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 18.77

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Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger (Notes)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger [Abstract]

Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block]

Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger

On December 20, 2012, the Company entered into the Merger Agreement with Pinnacle and certain of Pinnacle’s subsidiaries pursuant to which Pinnacle will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of the Company for $26.50 per share in cash. The Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, required regulatory approvals and approval by the Company’s stockholders. The transaction is expected to close in August 2013. In connection with the pending Merger, the Company incurred professional fees and other expenses totaling approximately $3.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013. The Merger-related costs are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

On May 28, 2013, the FTC filed an administrative complaint alleging that the Merger would reduce competition and lead to higher prices and lower quality for customers in the St. Louis, Missouri and Lake Charles, Louisiana areas in violation of U.S. antitrust laws. On June 17, 2013, Pinnacle publicly announced that it had reached an agreement in principle with the Bureau of Competition staff of the FTC that, subject to negotiation of a consent order, FTC approval and gaming regulatory approvals, would permit the consummation of the Merger. If the agreement is finalized and approved by the Commission, after the closing of the Merger, Pinnacle intends to complete the sale of the Company’s casino-hotel development project in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Pinnacle’s Lumière Place Casino, HoteLumière and the Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, subject to gaming regulatory approvals. Until the Merger is completed, for accounting purposes, the Company continues to record the Lake Charles casino-hotel development as an asset held for use.

On April 25, 2013, the Company’s stockholders approved the Merger Agreement by a vote of approximately 81.6% of the outstanding shares. All gaming regulatory approvals necessary prior to the consummation of the Merger have been received. Completion of the Merger remains subject to certain conditions, including approval of the consent order by the FTC. No assurance can be given that the Merger will be completed.

The Merger Agreement restricts, among other things, the amount of dividends the Company may pay, the amount of capital expenditures the Company may commit to and the amount of additional debt the Company may incur prior to the closing of the Merger. The Merger Agreement also generally prohibits the Company from repurchasing additional shares of its stock without the consent of Pinnacle.

On April 2, 2013, the Company completed the solicitation of consents from holders of the 2021 Notes for waivers of and amendments to certain provisions of the Indenture and entered into a supplemental indenture to the Indenture to effect these waivers and amendments. The Company made the consent solicitation at the request and expense of Pinnacle in connection with the pending Merger. The waivers and amendments do not affect the terms of the 2021 Notes prior to the completion of the Merger.

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Stock Repurchases

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Stock Repurchases [Abstract]

Treasury Stock [Text Block]

Stock repurchases

On September 15, 2011, ACI’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $75 million of ACI’s common stock in a stock repurchase program. The program provides that the shares may be repurchased by the Company through September 30, 2014 in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors. The Company expects to fund repurchases using available cash and borrowings under its Credit Facility. The Company is not obligated to purchase any shares under the stock repurchase program, and purchases may be discontinued, or the stock repurchase program may be modified or terminated, at any time. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company repurchased 0.7 million shares under the stock repurchase program for $11.5 million at an average price of $16.87 per share, exclusive of commissions paid. During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not repurchase any shares of common stock in open market transactions.

The Company additionally received treasury shares in satisfaction of employees’ income tax withholding liability with respect to the settlement of certain restricted stock units.

As of June 30, 2013, a total of 28.5 million treasury shares had been acquired at an aggregate cost of $501.9 million, an average of $17.63 per share.

Refer to “Note 13 - Pending Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. merger” for further information on certain restrictions imposed by the Merger Agreement.

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Long-term debt (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Senior credit facility, secured by first priority security interests in substantially all real and personal property assets of ACI and its subsidiaries, consisting of the following:
Revolving loan facility, at variable interest (2.7% at June 30, 2013); principal due April 14, 2016	$	20,000		$	—
Term loan A facility, at variable interest (2.7% at June 30, 2013 and 2.8% at December 31, 2012); principal due April 14, 2016 subject to certain amortization requirements	182,500			192,500
Term loan B facility, at variable interest (4.0% at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012); principal due April 14, 2018 subject to certain amortization requirements (net of $1,251 and $1,368 discount at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)	673,291			684,937
Senior notes, unsecured, 7.5% fixed interest, payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15, principal due April 15, 2021 (net of $276 and $442 net premium at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)	1,040,276			1,040,442
Other	98			100
	1,916,165			1,917,979
Less: Current maturities	(32,505		)	(37,047		)
	$	1,883,660		$	1,880,932

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Stockholders' equity (deficit) (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]

Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]

Changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit) for the six months ended June 30, 2013 were as follows:

	(Amounts in Thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(22,259	)
Net income	37,953
Dividends	(8,263		)
Stock-based compensation	7,531
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,654
Purchases of treasury stock	(93		)
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	17,523

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Document and Entity Information Document	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Aug. 01, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	AMERISTAR CASINOS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000912145
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		33,102,407

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Earnings per share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

The weighted-average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share consisted of the following:

	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	June 30,		June 30,
	2013	2012	2013	2012
	(Amounts in Thousands)
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic earnings per share	33,046	33,020	33,012	32,939
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units	2,079	1,235	1,992	1,199
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted earnings per share	35,125	34,255	35,004	34,138