Ameristar Casinos’ Board Chairman announces plans for resignation

"It is now time for me to shift my attention to The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation established by my father and significantly expand my work on its programs focused on spinal cord injury (SCI) scientific research, quality-of-life for SCI patients and adult literacy and education," said Neilsen. "I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life, and I know I am leaving the Company in the hands of talented and capable people."

Ray Neilsen joined Ameristar's original Jackpot properties in 1991 after completing his M.B.A. and held several management positions in food and beverage before being promoted to Senior Vice President and General Manager of Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs and later Senior Vice President and General Manager of Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg.

He was later named Corporate Vice President of Operations and Special Projects before being promoted to Co-Chairman and then Chairman of the Board. Among his many accomplishments over the years were leading Ameristar Council Bluffs to become the first riverboat casino-hotel property to earn the American Automobile Association's prestigious Four Diamond Award and the spearheading of Ameristar Vicksburg's growth project that included the permanent dry-docking of the casino to facilitate its expansion from 44,500 to 70,000 square feet, a 1,000-space parking garage and additional food and beverage outlets.

"The Company has never been more successful than it is today," said Gordon R. Kanofsky, Ameristar's CEO. "Ameristar owes much to Ray and his family, who over the last 45 years helped transform two small casinos in Jackpot, Nevada into a leading Las Vegas-based gaming and entertainment company.

Ray's knowledge and insight of the gaming industry and his passion for Ameristar invaluably contributed to our success. We will deeply miss him and wish him well."