Proposed modifications optimize gaming mix, enhance player convenience

PITTSBURGH—April 29, 2010—Rivers Casino announced today it has filed a petition to expand its gaming floor from 129,083 square feet to 135,969 square feet.  The change would increase total gaming floor size by approximately five percent.  Changes to the gaming floor of more than two percent require approval by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).

Several of the modifications requested are related to the anticipated addition of table games at Rivers Casino later this summer, pending authorization from the PGCB.

Approval of the new petition would allow Rivers Casino to add two satellite cages to its gaming floor, one to be located inside the proposed poker room and the other to be located immediately south of the High Limit area.

"Adding cages near the new table games will be a great convenience for our players," said Rivers Casino General Manger, Todd Moyer.  "It will also help minimize lines and wait times for all Rivers' clientele by providing multiple locations to manage transactions."

Rivers Casino would also like to add a chip bank location, east of the main cage, in an area that's currently used for slot storage.  West of the proposed poker room, Rivers would like to add a dedicated room for card and dice storage, and a separate room for destruction of worn cards and dice.

Lastly, Rivers Casino seeks to relocate one of the ATMs from the Players Club area to a more central location alongside another ATM closer to the parking garage entrance.

Table games at Rivers Casino will bring 458 new and permanent jobs, plus 80 construction positions with the Pittsburgh-based building contractors who are reconfiguring the casino floor.  Added economic benefits include the $16.5 million table license fee and a projected annual tax revenue increase of $7 million.

Slots Reduction Will Increase Net Income

Separate from the modifications proposed to ready Rivers Casino for table games, the casino is requesting permission for a minor decrease in the number of slot machines from 3,000 to 2,874.  This represents a reduction of approximately four percent.  Changes to the slot count of more than two percent require authorization by the PGCB.

Two types of slots are primarily being proposed for removal: select leased slot machines, which are expensive to keep on the floor and do not drive incremental revenue; and select electronic table games, because Rivers does not believe there will be significant demand for those once live table games come to the casino.

"It's the type of games, more so than volume, that has led us to revisit the current slot mix," said Moyer.  "We expect the excitement and human interaction of live table games will shift some of our electronic table players to the real deal."

Rivers Casino will retain two electronic slot-based roulette table games, which will accommodate 24 players; and three other electronic table games, with 30 gaming positions.

Other machines are being suggested for removal due to underutilization or trends that favor different slot themes.  As customer preference evolves, Rivers Casino, with permission of the PGCB, may seek to add slots that service those demands and theme interests.

Slot machines that exceed demand and that are not utilized by the public do not generate additional tax revenue to the Commonwealth, since customer favor and use drives revenue.

Rivers Casino is more than adequate in size and configuration to allow for the addition of table games without removing slot machines.

ABOUT RIVERS CASINO
Rivers Casino, which opened in August 2009, features new and exciting slots, nine distinctive restaurants and bars, a riverside amphitheater, live music performances, free parking and multiple promotions and giveaways daily. Rivers Casino is one of nine operating casinos in Pennsylvania and employs approximately 1,000 people. Already, more than $52 million in jackpots have been awarded to slot players there. For more information, visit www.theriverscasino.com.

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Media Contacts:
George Matta
Rivers Casino
412-566-4500
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Jack Horner
For Rivers Casino
412-600-2295
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