Pinnacle Entertainment Names Sue Ascanio Vice President and General Manager

LAS VEGAS and FLORENCE, Ind., Feb. 7, 2011 - Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: PNK) announced today that Sue Ascanio, 45, has been named Vice President and General Manager of the Company’s Belterra Casino Resort & Spa in southern Indiana, subject to regulatory approval.  In her new role, Ms. Ascanio will manage all operations at the property, which include a 608-guestroom hotel, championship golf course, full-service spa, extensive meeting space and a two-level casino featuring 1,600 slot machines, 46 table games and a live poker room.  Ms. Ascanio fills the position formerly held by Kevin Kaufman, who was recently named General Manager of River Downs Racetrack in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Ms. Ascanio will report directly to Anthony Sanfilippo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Entertainment.

Sue Ascanio brings over 23 years of gaming entertainment management experience in several regional markets and Las Vegas to her new role at Pinnacle.  For the last two years, she served as Assistant General Manager of Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg in southern Indiana.  Prior to that, Ms. Ascanio held senior management positions at several Station Casinos properties in Las Vegas, including as Vice President and General Manager of Texas Station Hotel and Casino from 2007 to 2008, Vice President and General Manager of Sunset Station Hotel and Casino from 2003 to 2006 and Director of Operations and Director of Food and Beverage at Palace Station Hotel and Casino from 1996 to 2003.

Anthony Sanfilippo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Entertainment, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Sue to Pinnacle as she brings a broad range of casino entertainment management skills and relevant experience in the Indiana market to her new role at Belterra.  Throughout her career, Sue has consistently demonstrated an ability to deliver a leading guest experience and improve operating performance.  Her leadership and local market expertise will be instrumental in our ability to continue distinguishing Belterra’s high-quality gaming and resort options and to simultaneously further strengthen operating margins.” 

Sue Ascanio commented on her appointment, “I am excited to join the great team in place at Belterra, which is known for its personalized guest service and world-class amenities.  I look forward to working with Anthony and all of Belterra’s team members as Pinnacle continues its focus on creating unique entertainment experiences for its guests.”

Belterra Casino Resort and Spa, located approximately 45 minutes southwest of Cincinnati, Ohio, opened in October 2000 and features a 38,000-square-foot casino on two levels with over 1,600 slot machines and 46 table games, including a live poker room and high limit slots and tables.  The resort also offers a 608-guestroom hotel, a diverse array of seven casual and fine dining venues, six retail outlets, a spa and salon, the 1,500-seat CenterStage Showroom(TM), an 18-hole, Tom Fazio designed golf course and over 50,000-square-feet of meeting and conference space.

About Pinnacle Entertainment

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. owns and operates a total of seven casinos, located in Louisiana, Missouri, Indiana and Nevada, and a racetrack in Ohio.  The Company is also developing a casino in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that is scheduled to open in December 2011. 

Belterra is a registered trademark of Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. 

SOURCE Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.