Ameristar Casinos (NASDAQ: ASCA) operates eight casino resorts in the Midwestern U.S. Unlike other casino operators such as Wynn Resorts (WYNN) or Las Vegas Sands (LVS) which attract higher-end tourists, Ameristar's main customers are local residents and regional, in-state tourists.^[1] Customers come to Ameristar's casinos to play Vegas-style, low limit slots and a range of table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette and poker. The vast majority of Ameristar's revenues come from slots.

Ameristar's growth strategy has been driven by acquisitions. In September 2007, for example, Ameristar acquired Resorts East Chicago, which is located in northwest Indiana and serves the Chicago area, the third largest commercial gaming market in the U.S.^[2]

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