Pinnacle Entertainment Announces $82 Million Expansion at River City Casino in St. Louis

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: PNK) today announced a planned $82 million expansion at its River City Casino in south St. Louis County which will further extend the propertys market-distinct guest amenities and entertainment offerings.  River City, which opened in March 2010, will add a 200-room hotel, a 10,000 square-foot multi-purpose event center and a covered parking structure with approximately 1,700-spaces. Construction on the expansion project is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2012 with an expected completion in the second half of 2013. The $82 million project will create nearly 100 permanent jobs and 350 construction-related jobs.

Since River Citys opening 18 months ago, we have continued to garner very favorable guest responses for the gaming, dining, entertainment and other guest amenities featured at the property, said Neil Walkoff, Pinnacles Senior Vice President responsible for River City Casino and its sister property, Lumiere Place Casino & Hotels. The addition of a hotel, multi-purpose event center and covered parking highlights our commitment to distinguishing the property, will further elevate the level of leading guest amenities offered at River City, and benefits our efforts to grow our customer base in the market.

Our River City and Lumiere Place facilities each offer distinct entertainment options in the greater St. Louis market and appeal to a broad base of consumers in the region that are increasingly choosing Pinnacles properties as their destination of choice for gaming, dining and entertainment, said Pinnacle Entertainment President and CEO Anthony Sanfilippo. This investment in River City reflects the importance of this market to Pinnacle and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to ensure we can continue to meet the long-term needs of current and potential new guests. The addition of a hotel and multi-purpose event center at River City are important new features for the property that will increase the level of guest satisfaction through an expansion of entertainment offerings.  In addition, the covered parking structure will provide a new guest convenience that will make visiting River City an even better experience.  We believe this investment will promote the growth of tourism in this market, specifically in south St. Louis County and the city of Lemay. This will provide new economic benefits to local community residents and businesses.

South County has seen tangible, direct benefits since River City opened, said St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley.  We have seen good jobs, new infrastructure and a renewed vitality in this area. By delivering on River Citys commitment to expand, Pinnacle is demonstrating they are good partners to St. Louis County and good neighbors in Lemay.

About River City Casino

River City Casino, which opened in March 2010, is St. Louis newest gateway to an exciting entertainment experience.  Located approximately 10 miles south of downtown St. Louis, in the community of Lemay, the multi-use complex includes a 90,000-square-foot casino with more than 2,100 slot machines and 55 table games, including poker, several restaurants, and other amenities. An expansion, scheduled for completion in the second half of 2013, will include a 200-room hotel, a 10,000 square-foot multi-purpose center and a covered parking structure with approximately 1,700 spaces.

About Pinnacle Entertainment

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. owns and operates seven casinos, located in Louisiana, Missouri, Indiana and Nevada, and a racetrack in Ohio.  The Company is also developing LAuberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge, which is scheduled to open in the summer of 2012.  In August 2011, Pinnacle acquired a 26% ownership stake in Asian Coast Development (Canada) Ltd. (ACDL), an international development and real estate company currently developing Vietnams first large-scale integrated resort.