10-Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003

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: 0-22494

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 89109

(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 [X]  No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Yes [X] No [  ]

As of November 7, 2003, 26,549,967 shares of Common Stock of the registrant were issued and outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Item 1. Financial Statements
		CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
		CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
		CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
		NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
	Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
	Item 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
	Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
	Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURE
EXHIBIT 31.1
EXHIBIT 31.2
EXHIBIT 32

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
INDEX

			Page No(s).
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Item 1. Financial Statements:
		A.  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) at December 31, 2002 and September 30, 2003		2
		B.  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2002 and September 30, 2003		3
		C.  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and September 30, 2003		4
		D.  Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		5 - 9
	Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			10 - 18
	Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk			18
	Item 4. Controls and Procedures			19
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
	Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders			20
	Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K			21
SIGNATURE				22

1

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

               Item 1. Financial Statements

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Data)
(Unaudited)

				December 31,			September 30,
				2002			2003
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
		Cash and cash equivalents		$	90,573		$	81,460
		Restricted cash			—			2,650
		Accounts receivable, net			4,952			3,902
		Income tax refund receivable			11,614			1,100
		Inventories			6,585			6,111
		Prepaid expenses			9,413			11,613
		Deferred income taxes			8,545			5,342
		Assets held for sale			335			305
			Total current assets		132,017			112,483
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $186,986 and $230,529, respectively					916,377			916,358
EXCESS OF PURCHASE PRICE OVER FAIR MARKET VALUE OF NET ASSETS ACQUIRED					82,020			81,117
DEPOSITS AND OTHER ASSETS					26,893			25,073
	TOTAL ASSETS			$	1,157,307		$	1,135,031
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
		Accounts payable		$	17,044		$	13,858
		Construction contracts payable			26,510			12,779
		Accrued liabilities			63,343			62,594
		Current obligations under capitalized leases			1,231			3
		Current maturities of long-term debt			36,628			29,530
			Total current liabilities		144,756			118,764
OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITALIZED LEASES, net of current maturities					953			214
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities					759,712			707,528
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES					49,690			64,238
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
		Preferred stock, $.01 par value: Authorized – 30,000,000 shares; issued – None			—			—
		Common stock, $.01 par value: Authorized – 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding – 26,244,985 shares at December 31, 2002 and 26,499,155 shares at September 30, 2003			262			265
		Additional paid-in capital			146,631			149,029
		Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(2,960	)		(1,341	)
		Retained earnings			58,263			96,334
			Total stockholders’ equity		202,196			244,287
	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY			$	1,157,307		$	1,135,031

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

2

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
(Unaudited)

					Three Months						Nine Months
					Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
					2002			2003			2002			2003
REVENUES:
		Casino			$	181,631		$	194,865		$	500,302		$	566,752
		Food and beverage				23,039			26,034			60,722			74,109
		Rooms				6,492			6,602			18,629			18,123
		Other				5,703			5,833			14,343			16,271
						216,865			233,334			593,996			675,255
		Less: Promotional allowances				29,607			31,806			77,652			90,381
				Net revenues		187,258			201,528			516,344			584,874
OPERATING EXPENSES:
		Casino				80,867			89,382			217,093			260,043
		Food and beverage				15,477			15,730			38,512			43,760
		Rooms				2,010			1,651			5,683			4,712
		Other				4,488			3,307			10,403			9,216
		Selling, general and administrative				39,443			41,227			108,953			111,216
		Depreciation and amortization				13,602			15,888			34,024			46,666
		Impairment loss on assets held for sale				1,077			147			5,213			687
		Preopening expenses				4,925			—			6,401			—
			Total operating expenses			161,889			167,332			426,282			476,300
				Income from operations		25,369			34,196			90,062			108,574
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
		Interest income				23			71			108			282
		Interest expense, net				(13,935	)		(15,115	)		(33,931	)		(48,344	)
		Loss on early retirement of debt				—			(415	)		—			(415	)
		Other				(318	)		126			(415	)		160
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION						11,139			18,863			55,824			60,257
		Income tax provision				3,731			6,979			20,337			22,186
NET INCOME					$	7,408		$	11,884		$	35,487		$	38,071
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
	Net income:
		Basic			$	0.28		$	0.45		$	1.36		$	1.44
		Diluted			$	0.28		$	0.44		$	1.34		$	1.41
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
		Basic				26,159			26,489			26,067			26,376
		Diluted				26,367			27,297			26,424			27,025

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

3

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in Thousands)
(Unaudited)

			Nine Months
			Ended September 30,
			2002			2003
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net income		$	35,487		$	38,071
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
		Depreciation and amortization		34,024			46,666
		Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discounts		3,459			3,755
		Change in value of interest rate collar agreement		(474	)		(1,013	)
		Net increase in deferred compensation liability		2,110			346
		Impairment loss on assets held for sale		5,213			687
		Net loss on disposition of assets		328			313
		Loss on early retirement of debt		—			415
		Change in deferred income taxes		12,014			19,603
		Increase in restricted cash		—			(2,650	)
		(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable, net		(184	)		1,050
		(Increase) decrease in income tax refund receivable		(4,275	)		10,514
		(Increase) decrease in inventories		(1,344	)		474
		Increase in prepaid expenses		(2,735	)		(2,200	)
		(Increase) decrease in assets held for sale		(1,583	)		30
		Decrease in accounts payable		(2,947	)		(3,186	)
		Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities		3,139			(749	)
	Total adjustments			46,745			74,055
Net cash provided by operating activities				82,232			112,126
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Capital expenditures			(203,083	)		(62,097	)
	Proceeds from sale of assets			8,370			720
	(Increase) decrease in deposits and other non-current assets			(3,694	)		645
Net cash used in investing activities				(198,407	)		(60,732	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			131,236			—
	Principal payments of long-term debt and capitalized leases			(9,710	)		(61,716	)
	Debt issuance costs and amendment fees			(936	)		(160	)
	Proceeds from stock option exercises			1,661			1,369
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities				122,251			(60,507	)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS				6,076			(9,113	)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – BEGINNING OF PERIOD				41,143			90,573
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – END OF PERIOD			$	47,219		$	81,460
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES:
	Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized		$	39,888		$	56,027
	Cash paid for federal and state income taxes (net of refunds received)		$	12,091		$	(9,450	)

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

4

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 - Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation

          The accompanying condensed 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 six casino properties in five markets. The Company’s properties consist of Ameristar Casino St. Charles, located in St. Charles, Missouri serving the St. Louis metropolitan area; Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City, located in Kansas City, Missouri; Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs, located in Council Bluffs, Iowa serving the Omaha, Nebraska/Council Bluffs metropolitan area; Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg, located in Vicksburg, Mississippi; and Cactus Petes Resort Casino and The Horseshu Hotel & Casino, located in Jackpot, Nevada at the Idaho border. 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 accompanying condensed 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 condensed 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 and its results of operations 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 available from 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 in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements, significant accounting policies and the basis 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 also 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, 2002.

          The accompanying condensed 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, 2002.

5

          Certain reclassifications, having no effect on net income, have been made to the prior periods’ condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to the current periods’ presentation. The Company previously recorded expense related to its point-based complimentary goods and services/cash rebates of $5.3 million and $14.4 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2002, respectively, as a reduction of casino revenue. The Company has reclassified these charges as an increase to promotional allowances to be consistent with industry practice.

Note 2 – Long-term debt

          At September 30, 2003, the Company’s principal outstanding long-term debt was composed of $353.6 million under senior credit facilities and $380.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 10.75% senior subordinated notes due 2009. The senior credit facilities consisted of a $75 million revolving credit facility with no outstanding debt and three term loans aggregating $353.6 million in outstanding debt. The borrowing capacity under the senior credit facilities was $68.5 million at September 30, 2003, which consisted of the available borrowings under the $75 million revolving credit facility reduced by $6.5 million of outstanding letters of credit. Each of the facilities bears interest at a variable rate equal to, at the Company’s option, LIBOR (in the case of Eurodollar loans) or the prime rate (in the case of base rate loans), plus an applicable margin. The senior credit facilities and the indenture governing the senior subordinated notes require the Company to comply with various financial and other covenants. At September 30, 2003, the Company was in compliance with all covenants. However, the Company anticipates that capital expenditures for 2003 will exceed the amount currently permitted under the senior credit facilities (approximately $73 million) by approximately $20 million. Accordingly, the Company intends to seek from its lenders a waiver of the capital expenditure limitation under the senior credit facilities prior to the end of 2003.

          The Company seeks to manage interest rate risk associated with variable rate borrowings through balancing fixed-rate and variable-rate borrowings and, where appropriate, the use of derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges. Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities, with changes in fair value affecting net income or comprehensive income (loss). Under an interest rate swap agreement entered into in April 2001, the interest rate on $100 million of LIBOR-based borrowings under the senior credit facilities is fixed at 5.07% plus the applicable margin. As of September 30, 2003, the liability associated with the swap agreement was $2.0 million. As a result of the interest rate swap agreement, the Company paid $1.0 million and $0.8 million of additional interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and $2.9 million and $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

          Under an interest rate collar agreement entered into in 1998, $50.0 million of LIBOR-based borrowings under the revolving credit/term loan facility and term loan A of the senior credit facilities have a LIBOR floor rate of 5.39% and a LIBOR ceiling rate of 6.75%, plus the applicable margin. The collar agreement terminated on June 30, 2003. At September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the value of the collar agreement was $0 and $1.0 million, respectively. The value of the collar agreement was recorded as a liability in other long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2002. During the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, the Company reduced interest expense by $0 and $0.2 million, respectively, as a result of a decrease in the liability associated with the collar agreement. The collar agreement reduced interest expense by $1.0 million and $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

6

Note 3 – Earnings per share

          Basic earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding over the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of dilutive stock options outstanding using the “treasury stock method.” The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2002		2003		2002		2003
	(Amounts in Thousands)
Shares used in the computation of basic earnings per share		26,159		26,489		26,067		26,376
Dilutive effect of stock options		208		808		357		649
Shares used in the computation of diluted earnings per share		26,367		27,297		26,424		27,025

Note 4 - Commitments and contingencies

          The Company’s employee health care benefits program is self-funded up to a maximum amount per claim. Claims in excess of this maximum amount are fully insured through a stop-loss insurance policy. Accruals are based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported. At December 31, 2002 and September 30, 2003, the Company’s liabilities for unpaid and incurred but not reported claims totaled $3.6 million and $4.0 million, respectively, and are included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. While the total cost of claims incurred depends on future developments, in management’s opinion, recorded reserves are adequate to cover the payment of future claims.

Note 5 - Comprehensive income

          Comprehensive income represents all changes in stockholders’ equity from non-owner sources during each period presented. Comprehensive income includes changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreement described in Note 2 above.

7

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30,					September 30,
	2002			2003		2002			2003
				(Amounts in Thousands)
Net income	$	7,408		$	11,884	$	35,487		$	38,071
Adjustment to fair value of the interest rate swap agreement (net of tax effect)		(791	)		664		(1,217	)		1,619
Comprehensive income	$	6,617		$	12,548	$	34,270		$	39,690

Note 6 - Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

          In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure-an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value-based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results and specifies the form, content and location of those disclosures. The Company adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 148 as of December 31, 2002.

          The Company does not currently plan to transition to the fair value-based method and will continue to account for stock incentive plans in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB No. 25”). Under SFAS No. 123, all employee stock option grants are considered compensatory. SFAS No. 123 provides, among other things, that companies may elect to account for employee stock options using APB No. 25. Had compensation cost for these plans been determined in accordance with the fair value-based method, the Company’s net income and earnings per share would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts in the following table.

8

		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2002			2003			2002			2003
		(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Net income:
	As reported	$	7,408		$	11,884		$	35,487		$	38,071
	Deduct: compensation expense under fair value-based method (net of tax)		(264	)		(450	)		(1,257	)		(1,554	)
	Pro forma	$	7,144		$	11,434		$	34,230		$	36,517
Basic earnings per share:
	As reported	$	0.28		$	0.45		$	1.36		$	1.44
	Pro forma (net of tax)	$	0.27		$	0.43		$	1.31		$	1.38
Diluted earnings per share:
	As reported	$	0.28		$	0.44		$	1.34		$	1.41
	Pro forma (net of tax)	$	0.27		$	0.42		$	1.30		$	1.35

For purposes of computing the pro forma compensation expense, the fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: risk-free interest rates of 3.5% as of September 30, 2003 and 2.5% as of September 30, 2002; no expected dividend yields for the periods presented; expected lives of 6 years as of September 30, 2003 and 4 years as of September 30, 2002; and expected volatility of 52% as of September 30, 2003 and 55% as of September 30, 2002. The estimated weighted-average fair value per share of options granted was $4.79 as of September 30, 2003 and $3.65 as of September 30, 2002.

Note 7- Recently issued accounting standards

               In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 149 that relate to SFAS 133 Implementation Issues on April 1, 2003. The Company adopted the provisions related to contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 on July 1, 2003, and there was no impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

               In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The Company adopted SFAS No. 150 effective July 1, 2003, and there was no impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

9

               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 six properties in operation in Missouri, Iowa, Mississippi and Nevada. Our properties consist of Ameristar Casino St. Charles, located in St. Charles, Missouri serving the St. Louis metropolitan area; Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City, located in Kansas City, Missouri; Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs, located in Council Bluffs, Iowa serving the Omaha, Nebraska/Council Bluffs metropolitan area; Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg, located in Vicksburg, Mississippi; and Cactus Petes Resort Casino and The Horseshu Hotel & Casino, located in Jackpot, Nevada at the Idaho border.

               We recently completed, or are currently undertaking, several capital expenditure projects at our properties. These projects include the following:

•	Introduction of the “All New Ameristar Kansas City.” In September 2003, we completed a substantial renovation and enhancement project at Ameristar Kansas City. This project included a comprehensive renovation of the casino, the widespread implementation of ticket-in, ticket-out slot machines and the addition of new restaurant and entertainment venues, including the Great Plains Cattle Co., Amerisports Brew Pub, Falcon Diner, Depot No. 9 Stage and Bar, Pearl’s Oyster Bar and a food court with three popular national chain outlets. The 330-seat Amerisports Brew Pub has a high-tech video system with seven rear projection screens, each capable of displaying multiple events, along with three large plasma screens and 17 televisions.
	In our renovation of the casino, we opened up large sections of a wall dividing the casino floor, added escalators in the central portions of the casino floor to improve access to the second level, removed a large portion of the wall that separated the casino from the streetscape to improve visibility into the casino, and replaced the carpet and other finishes throughout the casino. In addition, we added slot machines to the half of the mezzanine level that was previously not being used, which brought the total slot count up to approximately 3,000 machines. We have also relocated and renovated the poker room and high-limit area. We believe these changes substantially improve the layout and flow of the casino area, enhance the overall excitement of the casino and improve customer satisfaction.
•	Renovations and Enhancements at Ameristar Vicksburg. We are currently remodeling and expanding the third level of the casino vessel, including constructing a meeting room, completely renovating the Veranda Buffet, expanding and renovating the kitchen area and enhancing the common areas. We commenced construction in July 2003 and anticipate completing the Veranda Buffet and kitchen projects in November 2003 and the meeting room by January 2004.

               Our quarterly and annual operating results may be affected by, among other things, competitive pressures, gaming tax increases, the commencement of new gaming operations, the amount of preopening expenses, charges associated with debt refinancing or property acquisition and disposition transactions, construction at existing facilities and weather conditions affecting our properties. For example, one of our competitors in the Kansas City market plans to complete a major expansion of its facility in December 2003. Consequently, our operating results for any quarter or year are not necessarily comparable and may not be indicative of future periods’ results.

10

Results of Operations

               The following table highlights our consolidated results of operations and certain other financial information for our properties:

AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(Amounts in Thousands)
(Unaudited)

		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2002			2003			2002			2003
Net revenues
	Ameristar St. Charles	$	54,966		$	66,005		$	131,903		$	191,842
	Ameristar Kansas City		55,536			55,480			159,732			159,832
	Ameristar Council Bluffs		36,920			40,285			109,647			116,753
	Ameristar Vicksburg		23,315			23,643			69,161			70,924
	Jackpot Properties		16,521			16,115			45,726			45,523
	Corporate and other		—			—			175			—
	Consolidated net revenues	$	187,258		$	201,528		$	516,344		$	584,874
Operating income (loss) (1)
	Ameristar St. Charles	$	3,900		$	15,644		$	20,845		$	46,301
	Ameristar Kansas City		10,080			9,365			32,776			31,230
	Ameristar Council Bluffs		10,324			12,339			30,225			33,718
	Ameristar Vicksburg		5,469			5,109			18,503			16,301
	Jackpot Properties		2,682			2,462			8,424			7,516
	Corporate and other		(7,086	)		(10,723	)		(20,711	)		(26,492	)
	Consolidated operating income	$	25,369		$	34,196		$	90,062		$	108,574
Operating income margins (1)
	Ameristar St. Charles		7.1	%		23.7	%		15.8	%		24.1	%
	Ameristar Kansas City		18.2	%		16.9	%		20.5	%		19.5	%
	Ameristar Council Bluffs		28.0	%		30.6	%		27.6	%		28.9	%
	Ameristar Vicksburg		23.5	%		21.6	%		26.8	%		23.0	%
	Jackpot Properties		16.2	%		15.3	%		18.4	%		16.5	%
	Consolidated operating income margins		13.5	%		17.0	%		17.4	%		18.6	%

(1) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002, operating income includes impairment charges of $1.1 million and $5.2 million, respectively, primarily related to assets held for sale at St. Charles and preopening expenses of $4.9 million and $6.4 million, respectively, related to the opening of the new St. Charles facility. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, operating income includes impairment charges of $0.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively, related to slot machines held for sale at all properties and expenses of $1.3 million associated with introducing the “All New Ameristar Kansas City.” Operating income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 also includes corporate costs of $0.9 million related to the unsuccessful pursuit of a corporate acquisition. Operating income margin is operating income as a percentage of net revenues.

11

     Consolidated net revenues for the third quarter of 2003 increased $14.3 million, or 7.6%, from the third quarter of 2002. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, net revenues increased $68.5 million, or 13.3%, from the corresponding 2002 period. These increases were in substantial part due to the operations of the new St. Charles facility, which opened in August 2002. The increases were also driven by an improvement in net revenues at Ameristar Council Bluffs.

      We believe our operations continue to benefit from the success of our business model and operating strategies, including maintaining high quality facilities and executing targeted marketing and cost management strategies. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, consolidated operating income increased 34.8% and 20.6%, respectively, compared to the corresponding 2002 periods. Consolidated operating margins also improved to 17.0% and 18.6% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, from 13.5% and 17.4% for the same periods in 2002. These improvements were achieved despite charges of $1.3 million related to the introduction of the “All New Ameristar Kansas City,” $0.9 million associated with the unsuccessful pursuit of a corporate acquisition and other increases in corporate expenses in 2003.

     Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.3 million and $12.6 million, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increases were primarily due to a substantial increase in depreciable assets resulting from the completion of the new St. Charles facility in August 2002 and the significant enhancement and improvement projects at Kansas City in September 2003.

     Consolidated net interest expense increased to $15.1 million and $48.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, from $13.9 million and $33.9 million in the same periods in 2002, due to the cessation of capitalized interest on the new St. Charles facility. Total interest cost before capitalization of interest decreased to $15.5 million and $49.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, from $17.4 million and $51.4 million for the same periods in 2002. Interest cost decreased due to a lower-weighted average debt balance in 2003 as a result of mandatory and accelerated reductions of our long-term debt during 2003. Interest cost also decreased due to lower average interest rates associated with our senior credit facilities and a $1.4 million adjustment to our interest accrual on our senior subordinated notes recorded in the third quarter of 2003.

     As a result of the foregoing factors, our consolidated net income increased to $11.9 million in the 2003 third quarter from $7.4 million in the third quarter of 2002. Our nine-month results also improved, from $35.5 million for 2002 to $38.1 million for 2003. Net income in the 2003 periods includes a charge of $0.4 million related to the prepayment of $20.0 million of debt under our senior credit facilities.

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     Ameristar St. Charles

     Ameristar St. Charles again posted record results. Net revenues increased 20.1% to $66.0 million and 45.4% to $191.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2002. Gaming revenues increased 22.8% and 44.7%, respectively, and food and beverage revenues increased 33.2% and 112.2%, respectively, for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the prior-year periods. The increases for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2003 were due to a full period of operations from the new gaming, restaurant and entertainment facilities. Our market share increased to 31.8% for the third quarter of 2003 compared to 26.8% in the third quarter of 2002.1 Ameristar St. Charles has been the market share leader in the greater St. Louis market in each of the four quarters since the new facility opened.

     Operating income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002 includes impairment charges and preopening expenses of $4.9 million and $10.3 million, respectively. Excluding these charges, operating income increased by 78.3% and 48.9% for the three and nine-month periods in 2003 compared to the same periods in 2002.

     Ameristar Kansas City

     On September 12-14, 2003, we introduced the new renovations and enhancements at our Kansas City property with a free public concert, fireworks and other festivities. The enhanced facility includes a completely renovated casino with the widespread implementation of ticket-in, ticket-out slot machine technology and a casino cabaret featuring live Las Vegas-style entertainment. The property also features seven new food and entertainment venues. Despite construction disruption, net revenues at Kansas City remained stable at $55.5 million and $159.8 million, respectively, in the third quarter and nine months of 2003 compared to $55.5 million and $159.7 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2002. Ameristar Kansas City’s market share increased by approximately 1.0% for the third quarter of 2003 compared to the third quarter of 2002.

     Operating income was $9.4 million and $31.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, compared to $10.1 million and $32.8 million for the same periods in 2002. In 2003, operating income was negatively impacted by $1.3 million of costs incurred to open the new venues and to advertise, market and promote the introduction of the “All New Ameristar Kansas City.” Operating income was also impacted by increases in depreciation expense of $0.3 million and $0.6 million for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, compared to the 2002 periods, due to newly constructed assets being placed in service. Operating margins in 2003 declined from 2002 levels, as increases in fixed costs were not matched by revenue growth.

¹ All market share information in this Quarterly Report is based on gross gaming revenues.

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     Ameristar Council Bluffs

     Ameristar Council Bluffs posted solid results for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2003. Net revenues increased 9.1% to $40.3 million and 6.5% to $116.8 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same periods in 2002. Net revenues were driven by improvements in slot revenues of 5.9% and 7.1%, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same periods in 2002. The increases in slot revenues were due to an increase in the number of slot machines and favorable adjustments to the mix of slot machines. Ameristar Council Bluffs increased its market share to 39.4% in the third quarter of 2003 from 38.0% in the prior-year period. The property has now been the market share leader for 25 consecutive months.

     Operating income at Ameristar Council Bluffs grew to $12.3 million, an increase of 19.5%, and $33.7 million, an increase of 11.6%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. Operating margins also improved to 30.6% and 28.9%, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2003 from 28.0% and 27.6%, respectively, for the 2002 periods.

     Ameristar Vicksburg

     Despite continuing softness in the Vicksburg gaming market, Ameristar Vicksburg reported increases in net revenues of 1.4% to $23.6 million and 2.6% to $70.9 million, respectively, for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same periods in 2002. Food and beverage revenues were negatively impacted by the renovation of the Veranda Buffet. Ameristar Vicksburg continued to maintain its long-time market leadership position, with a 40.1% share in the third quarter of 2003.

     Operating income decreased 6.6% to $5.1 million and 11.9% to $16.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. The decline in operating income was in substantial part due to higher health insurance costs resulting from a significant increase in the number of large claims.

     Jackpot Properties

     Net revenues at the Jackpot Properties decreased $0.4 million, or 2.5%, and $0.2 million, or 0.4%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same periods in 2002. Entertainment revenues decreased in 2003 as a result of a decrease in the number of performances. Hotel revenues also decreased in 2003 due to lower occupancy. The Jackpot Properties continue to be negatively impacted by a sluggish Southern Idaho economy and also face increased competition from an Idaho Native American gaming facility which is closer to a portion of our primary market area.

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     Operating income at the Jackpot Properties decreased $0.2 million, or 8.2%, and $0.9 million, or 10.8%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same periods in 2002. In addition to lower revenues, our operating income in 2003 was impacted by higher general and administrative expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Net cash provided by operations was $112.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to $82.2 million for the same period in 2002 due to improvements in our operating results, as discussed under “Results of Operations” above.

     For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, net cash used in investing activities was $60.7 million, compared to $198.4 million in the 2002 period. The total cash outlay for capital expenditures during the first nine months of 2003 was $62.1 million and included expenditures related to the renovation and enhancement projects at Ameristar Kansas City, our continued implementation of ticket-in, ticket-out slot machines, information technology projects and general capital maintenance at all properties. During the first nine months of 2002, we incurred $203.1 million in capital expenditures for the new casino, dining and entertainment facilities at Ameristar St. Charles, the parking garage at Ameristar Kansas City and general capital maintenance at all properties.

     Net cash used in financing activities was $60.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2003. During this period, we repaid $61.7 million of long-term debt, including $34.1 million of prepayments of our senior credit facilities and other debt. Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 was $122.3 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2002, we borrowed $131.2 million under our senior credit facilities and made $9.7 million of mandatory principal payments.

     At September 30, 2003, our total debt was $737.3 million and we had approximately $68.5 million of available borrowing capacity under our senior credit facilities. Our principal long-term debt consists of $353.6 million outstanding under the senior credit facilities and $380.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 10.75% senior subordinated notes due 2009.

     During the fourth quarter of 2003, we will make approximately $6.0 million of mandatory principal payments on our long-term debt. Additionally, we intend to prepay up to $20.0 million of long-term debt during the fourth quarter.

     At September 30, 2003, we had $81.5 million of cash and cash equivalents, approximately $45 million of which was required for daily operations.

     Capital expenditures for 2003 will exceed the amount currently permitted under our senior credit facilities (approximately $73 million) by approximately $20 million due to the acceleration of our implementation of “coinless” slots at our properties and the expanded scope of the renovation and improvement projects recently completed at Ameristar Kansas City. Accordingly, we expect to seek from our lenders a waiver of the capital expenditure limitation under our senior credit facilities prior to the end of the year.

15

While we do not currently anticipate any difficulties in obtaining the waiver, we cannot give any assurances that we will be able to do so.

     Our actual capital expenditures may vary based on budget modifications, construction schedule changes and other factors, including the limitation on capital expenditures under our senior credit facilities. We historically have funded our daily operations through operating cash flows and our significant capital expenditures primarily through operating cash flows, bank debt and other debt financing. We believe that our cash flows from operations, cash and cash equivalents and availability under our senior credit facilities will support our operations and liquidity requirements, including current capital expenditure plans, for the foreseeable future.

     Our effective income tax rates were 37% and 37%, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to 34% and 36%, respectively, for the same periods in 2002. The federal income tax statutory rate was 35% in both years. The differences from the statutory rate are due to the effects of state income tax expense and certain expenses we incurred that are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

     We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Release No. 33-8182.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

     We prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Certain of our accounting policies, including the estimated useful lives assigned to our assets, asset impairment, health benefit 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 available from 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, 2002.

16

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

     In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” We adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 149 that relate to SFAS 133 Implementation Issues on April 1, 2003. We adopted the provisions related to contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 on July 1, 2003, and there was no impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

     In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. We adopted SFAS No. 150 effective July 1, 2003, and there was no impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

     In June 2003, the SEC issued Release No. 33-8238, “Management’s Reports on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Certification of Disclosure in Exchange Act Periodic Reports,” pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The rules of the SEC require that we assess and report annually on our internal control over financial reporting and require that our independent public accountants attest to our assessment. We will be required to issue our first report on internal control over financial reporting in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2004. We have developed a formal plan to achieve compliance with these requirements and we are proceeding with the implementation of this plan.

Forward-Looking Statements

     This Quarterly Report contains certain forward-looking statements, including the plans and objectives of management for our business, operations and economic performance. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the context of the statement or the use of words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “expects,” “plans,” or words of similar meaning, in relation to us or our management. Similarly, statements that describe our future operating performance, financial results, plans, objectives, strategies or goals are forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, 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 senior credit facilities or any replacement financing, our properties’ future operating performance, our ability to undertake and complete capital

17

expenditure projects, changes in competitive conditions, regulatory restrictions and changes in regulation or legislation (including gaming tax laws) that could affect us. 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 1. Business — 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, 2002 for a discussion of the factors, risks and uncertainties that could affect our future results.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     As of September 30, 2003, we had $353.6 million outstanding under the senior credit facilities bearing interest at variable rates (as described more fully in Note 2 of Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). Of this amount, $100.0 million is covered by an interest rate swap agreement that fixes the interest rate thereon. Other than the borrowings under the senior credit facilities that are not covered by the interest rate swap agreement and $1.1 million in other long-term debt outstanding at September 30, 2003 (collectively, the “Variable Rate Debt”), all of our long-term debt bears interest at fixed rates. The senior credit facilities bear interest equal to LIBOR (in the case of Eurodollar loans) or the prime rate (in the case of base rate loans), plus an applicable margin. At September 30, 2003, the weighted average interest rate applicable to the Variable Rate Debt was 3.9%. An increase of one percentage point in the weighted average interest rate applicable to the Variable Rate Debt outstanding at September 30, 2003 would increase our annual interest cost by approximately $2.5 million. We continue to monitor interest rate markets and may enter into interest rate collar or swap agreements for additional amounts of principal under the senior credit facilities as market conditions warrant.

     Although we manage our short-term cash assets with a view to maximizing return with minimal risk, we do not invest in market rate-sensitive instruments for trading or other purposes and we have no material exposure to foreign currency exchange risks or commodity price risks.

18

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

     We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer and other members of management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to us (including our consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     No changes in our internal control over financial reporting have come to management’s attention during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

19

     PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

     Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

(a)	Our 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on July 18, 2003.
(b) and (c)	The following table shows the tabulation of votes for all matters put to vote at our 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

								Broker Non-
Matters Put to Vote		For		Against/Withheld		Abstentions		votes
Election of Class B Directors:
	Thomas M. Steinbauer		22,943,332		2,885,413		0		0
	Leslie Nathanson Juris		25,356,584		472,161		0		0
Proposal to approve an amendment to the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance thereunder to 5,500,000			20,958,731		4,862,736		7,278		0

20

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

     Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     (a) Exhibits

Exhibit
Number	Description of Exhibit	Method of Filing
10.1	Ameristar Casinos, Inc. Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan	Incorporated by reference to Appendix C to the definitive Proxy Statement filed by Ameristar Casinos, Inc. on April 30, 2003
31.1	Certification of Craig H. Neilsen, Chairman, President and 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	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

     (b) Reports on Form 8-K

On July 29, 2003, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K in which we furnished, pursuant to Items 9 and 12, our press release regarding our results of operations for the second quarter of 2003.

21

SIGNATURE

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: November 13, 2003	By:	/s/ Thomas M. Steinbauer
		Thomas M. Steinbauer
		Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief
		Financial Officer and Treasurer

22 EX-31.1 3 v94489exv31w1.htm EXHIBIT 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, Craig H. Neilsen, 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)) for the registrant and have:

(a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such controls 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; and

(b)  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

(c)  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 registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

1

(a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to 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.

November 13, 2003	By:	/s/ Craig H. Neilsen by C. Wilson
		Craig H. Neilsen
		President and Chief Executive Officer

On this 13^th day of November 2003, Craig H. Neilsen directed Connie Wilson, in his presence as well as our own, to sign the foregoing document as “Craig H. Neilsen.” Upon viewing the signature as signed by Connie Wilson, and in our presence, Craig H. Neilsen declared to us that he adopted it as his own signature.

		/s/ Janet Catron
		Witness
		/s/ Beth Bellaro
		Witness
STATE OF NEVADA	)
	:ss
COUNTY OF CLARK	)

     I, Margene M. Otten, Notary Public in and for said county and state, do hereby certify that Craig H. Neilsen personally appeared before me and is known or identified to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument in his capacity as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ameristar Casinos, Inc. Craig H. Neilsen, who being unable due to physical incapacity to sign his own name or offer his mark, did direct Connie Wilson, in his presence, as well as my own, to sign the foregoing document as “Craig H. Neilsen.” Craig H. Neilsen, after viewing his name as signed by Connie Wilson, thereupon adopted it as his own by acknowledging to me his intention to so adopt it as if he had personally executed the same, and further acknowledged to me that he executed the same as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Ameristar Casinos, Inc.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal this 13^th day of November, 2003.

/s/ Margene M. Otten

Notary Public

Residing at: Las Vegas

My Commission Expires:

July 23, 2006

2 EX-31.2 4 v94489exv31w2.htm EXHIBIT 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)) for the registrant and have:

(a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such controls 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; and

(b)  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

(c)  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 registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

1

(a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to 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.

November 13, 2003	By:	/s/ Thomas M. Steinbauer
		Thomas M. Steinbauer
		Senior Vice President of Finance,
		Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

2 EX-32 5 v94489exv32.htm EXHIBIT 32

Exhibit 32

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, Craig H. Neilsen, President and 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 September 30, 2003, 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: November 13, 2003	/s/ Craig H. Neilsen by C. Wilson Craig H. Neilsen
	President and Chief Executive Officer of Ameristar Casinos, Inc.

On this 13th day of November 2003, Craig H. Neilsen directed Connie Wilson, in his presence as well as our own, to sign the foregoing document as “Craig H. Neilsen.” Upon viewing the signature as signed by Connie Wilson, and in our presence, Craig H. Neilsen declared to us that he adopted it as his own signature.

		/s/ Janet Catron
		Witness
		/s/ Beth Bellaro
		Witness
STATE OF NEVADA	)
	:ss
COUNTY OF CLARK	)

     I, Margene M. Otten, Notary Public in and for said county and state, do hereby certify that Craig H. Neilsen personally appeared before me and is known or identified to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument in his capacity as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ameristar Casinos, Inc. Craig H. Neilsen, who being unable due to physical incapacity to sign his own name or offer his mark, did direct Connie Wilson, in his presence, as well as my own, to sign the foregoing document as “Craig H. Neilsen.” Craig H. Neilsen, after viewing his name as signed by Connie Wilson, thereupon adopted it as his own by acknowledging to me his intention to so adopt it as if he had personally executed the same, and

1

further acknowledged to me that he executed the same as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Ameristar Casinos, Inc.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal this 13^th day of November, 2003.

	/s/ Margene M. Otten
	Notary Public
	Residing at: Las Vegas
My Commission Expires:
July 23, 2006

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 September 30, 2003, 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: November 13, 2003	/s/ Thomas M. Steinbauer Thomas M. Steinbauer
	Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial
	Officer and Treasurer 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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EX-31.1

Ameristar Casinos, Inc. Exhibit 31.1

EX-31.2

Ameristar Casinos, Inc. Exhibit 31.2

EX-32

Ameristar Casinos, Inc. Exhibit 32