AZTAR CORP
10-Q, 1998-11-10
MISCELLANEOUS AMUSEMENT & RECREATION
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                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                        Washington, D.C.  20549

                               FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)
                         
(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
    SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the quarterly period ended October 1, 1998
                               ---------------
                             OR
( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE 
    SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from             to 
                               -----------    -----------

Commission file number   1-5440                                
                       ----------------------------------------

                          AZTAR CORPORATION                    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
      (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


       Delaware                               86-0636534       
- -----------------------------------        -------------------
  (State or other jurisdiction of            (I.R.S. Employer
  incorporation or organization)            Identification No.)


 2390 East Camelback Road, Suite 400, Phoenix, Arizona  85016  
- --------------------------------------------------------------
 (Address of principal executive offices)            (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code (602) 381-4100  
                                                  ----------------

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90
days.  Yes   X   No 
           -----    -----

At October 29, 1998, the registrant had outstanding 45,234,478 shares
of its common stock, $.01 par value.

<PAGE>





                   AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES








                     PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION




   Item 1.  Financial Statements
              
                                                                    Page
                                                                    ----

    Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 1, 1998 and
    January 1, 1998                                                   3

    Consolidated Statements of Operations for the quarters and 
    nine months ended October 1, 1998 and October 2, 1997             5

    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months 
    ended October 1, 1998 and October 2, 1997                         7

    Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the 
    nine months ended October 1, 1998 and October 2, 1997             9 

    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                       10
                                                



















 
                                      2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                    AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)
                  ---------------------------------------
                     (in thousands, except share data)
<CAPTION>
                                              October 1,       January 1,
                                                 1998             1998
                                              ----------       ----------
<S>                                           <C>              <C> 
Assets
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                   $   38,207       $   46,129
  Accounts receivable, net                        35,893           44,133
  Inventories                                      6,246            6,779
  Prepaid expenses                                 9,681           10,374
  Deferred income taxes, net                      13,266           11,403
                                              ----------       ----------
    Total current assets                         103,293          118,818

Investments in and advances to 
  unconsolidated partnership                       8,647            9,375
Other investments                                 23,891           22,319

Property and equipment:
  Buildings, riverboats and equipment, net       782,668          802,230
  Land                                            99,095           98,762
  Construction in progress                         3,733            1,215
  Leased under capital leases, net                 7,271              672
                                              ----------       ----------
                                                 892,767          902,879

Deferred income taxes, net                            --              331
Other deferred charges and assets                 37,231           37,774
                                              ----------       ----------

                                              $1,065,829       $1,091,496
                                              ==========       ==========


</TABLE>













[FN]
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




                                     3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                    AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
            CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (continued)
                  ---------------------------------------
                     (in thousands, except share data)
<CAPTION>
                                            October 1,       January 1,
                                               1998             1998   
                                            ----------       ----------
<S>                                         <C>              <C> 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:              
  Accounts payable and accruals             $   54,289       $   56,939
  Accrued payroll and employee benefits         25,579           23,630
  Accrued interest payable                         815           13,167
  Income taxes payable                           4,517              896
  Current portion of long-term debt              2,324           27,166
  Current portion of other long-term 
    liabilities                                  2,926            2,931
                                            ----------       ----------
    Total current liabilities                   90,450          124,729

Long-term debt                                 489,273          491,932
Other long-term liabilities                     23,475           24,204
Deferred income taxes                            3,303               --
Contingencies and commitments
Series B ESOP convertible preferred stock
  (redemption value $7,003 and $6,857)           7,003            6,593

Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock, $.01 par value (45,233,973 
    and 45,198,889 shares outstanding)             491              491
  Paid-in capital                              412,147          412,029
  Retained earnings                             56,813           48,654
  Less: Treasury stock                         (17,126)         (17,126)
        Unearned compensation                       --              (10)
                                            ----------       ----------
    Total shareholders' equity                 452,325          444,038
                                            ----------       ----------

                                            $1,065,829       $1,091,496 
                                            ==========       ==========

</TABLE>











[FN]
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


                                     4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                       AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
            For the periods ended October 1, 1998 and October 2, 1997
         ---------------------------------------------------------------
                      (in thousands, except per share data)
<CAPTION>
                                         Third Quarter        Nine Months     
                                      ------------------   ------------------ 
                                        1998      1997       1998      1997   
                                      --------  --------   --------  -------- 
<S>                                   <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
Revenues
  Casino                              $173,500  $166,689   $504,926  $488,355 
  Rooms                                 14,995    13,096     41,692    39,695 
  Food and beverage                     13,599    13,293     40,251    39,142 
  Other                                  7,995     8,796     23,213    24,825 
                                      --------  --------   --------  -------- 
                                       210,089   201,874    610,082   592,017 
Costs and expenses
  Casino                                75,757    75,650    226,576   224,112 
  Rooms                                  8,616     7,601     24,016    22,854 
  Food and beverage                     13,805    14,024     40,546    41,351 
  Other                                  7,017     6,774     20,043    18,848 
  Marketing                             21,773    23,682     64,991    64,522 
  General and administrative            18,838    16,262     57,250    52,133 
  Utilities                              4,363     4,090     10,373    11,018 
  Repairs and maintenance                5,949     5,963     18,281    17,807 
  Provision for doubtful accounts        4,638     2,056     11,322     7,261 
  Property taxes and insurance           5,688     5,715     17,715    18,072 
  Rent                                   4,697     5,711     14,917    15,493 
  Depreciation and amortization         13,517    13,035     40,173    38,431 
                                      --------  --------   --------  -------- 
                                       184,658   180,563    546,203   531,902 
                                      --------  --------   --------  -------- 
Operating income                        25,431    21,311     63,879    60,115 

  Interest income                          378       514      1,717     1,541 
  Interest expense                     (14,661)  (15,626)   (45,043)  (47,181)
                                      --------  --------   --------  -------- 
Income before other items, income
  taxes and extraordinary items         11,148     6,199     20,553    14,475 

  Equity in unconsolidated 
    partnership's loss                  (1,049)   (1,159)    (3,287)   (3,483)
                                      --------  --------   --------  -------- 
Income before income taxes and 
  extraordinary items                   10,099     5,040     17,266    10,992 

  Income taxes                          (4,472)   (1,797)    (7,302)   (1,643)
                                      --------  --------   --------  -------- 
Income before extraordinary items        5,627     3,243      9,964     9,349 

  Extraordinary items                       --        --     (1,346)       -- 
                                      --------  --------   --------  -------- 
Net income                            $  5,627  $  3,243   $  8,618  $  9,349 
                                      ========  ========   ========  ======== 
</TABLE>
[FN]
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                        5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                       AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)(continued)
            For the periods ended October 1, 1998 and October 2, 1997
         ---------------------------------------------------------------
                      (in thousands, except per share data)
<CAPTION>
                                         Third Quarter        Nine Months     
                                      ------------------   ------------------ 
                                        1998      1997       1998      1997   
                                      --------  --------   --------  -------- 
<S>                                   <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>  
Earnings per common share:
  Income before extraordinary items   $    .12  $    .07   $    .21  $    .20 
  Extraordinary items                       --        --       (.03)       -- 
                                      --------  --------   --------  -------- 
  Net income                          $    .12  $    .07   $    .18  $    .20 
                                      ========  ========   ========  ======== 
Earnings per common share assuming
  dilution:
  Income before extraordinary items   $    .12  $    .07   $    .20  $    .19 
  Extraordinary items                       --        --       (.03)       -- 
                                      --------  --------   --------  -------- 
  Net income                          $    .12  $    .07   $    .17  $    .19 
                                      ========  ========   ========  ======== 

Weighted-average common shares 
  applicable to:
  Earnings per common share             45,233    45,164     45,219    45,097 
  Earnings per common share assuming
    dilution                            46,404    46,694     46,694    46,686 

</TABLE>























[FN]

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                        6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                       AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
            For the periods ended October 1, 1998 and October 2, 1997
         ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                 (in thousands)
<CAPTION>
                                                            Nine Months   
                                                       ---------------------
                                                          1998       1997   
                                                       ---------   ---------
<S>                                                    <C>         <C> 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income                                             $   8,618   $   9,349 
Adjustments to reconcile net income 
  to net cash provided by operating activities: 
   Depreciation and amortization                          41,937      40,447 
   Provision for losses on accounts receivable            11,322       7,261 
   Loss on reinvestment obligation                           372         751 
   Rent expense                                             (697)       (777)
   Distribution in excess of equity in income 
     of partnership                                          728         748 
   Deferred income taxes                                   1,771       2,437 
   Change in assets and liabilities:
     (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable           (2,072)     (5,972)
     (Increase) decrease in refundable income taxes           --       1,201 
     (Increase) decrease in inventories and 
       prepaid expenses                                      589      (2,009)
     Increase (decrease) in accounts payable,
       accrued expenses and income taxes payable          (9,911)    (24,160)
     Other items, net                                      3,371         503 
                                                       ---------   --------- 
  Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     56,028      29,779 
                                                       ---------   --------- 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Payments received on notes receivable                      1,493       1,310 
Reduction in other investments                               564       2,738 
Purchases of property and equipment                      (19,247)    (17,454)
Additions to other long-term assets                       (6,672)     (5,628)
                                                       ---------   --------- 
  Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities    (23,862)    (19,034)
                                                       ---------   --------- 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                 423,400     171,300 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock                        83         657 
Principal payments on long-term debt                    (459,333)   (191,888)
Principal payments on other long-term liabilities           (964)       (964)
Debt issuance costs                                       (2,246)       (195)
Preferred stock dividend                                    (649)       (689)
Redemption of preferred stock                               (379)       (395)
                                                       ---------   --------- 
  Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities    (40,088)    (22,174)
                                                       ---------   --------- 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents      (7,922)    (11,429)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period          46,129      44,131 
                                                       ---------   --------- 
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period         $  38,207   $  32,702 
                                                       =========   ========= 
</TABLE>
[FN]
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                        7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
         CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)(continued)
           For the periods ended October 1, 1998 and October 2, 1997
        ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                (in thousands)
<CAPTION>
                                                               Nine Months    

                                                          -------------------
                                                            1998       1997   
                                                          --------   --------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Summary of non-cash investing and financing activities:
 Reduction in land and other long-term liabilities        $     --   $  2,000 
 Capital lease obligations incurred for property 
   and equipment                                             8,372        552 
 Tax benefit from stock options and preferred stock
   dividend                                                     70        229 
 Forfeiture of restricted stock                                 --         24 

Cash flow during the period for the following:
 Interest paid, net of amount capitalized                 $ 55,641   $ 56,592 
 Income taxes paid (refunded)                                1,115     (3,314)

</TABLE>





























[FN]
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


                                       8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)
           For the periods ended October 1, 1998 and October 2, 1997
        ---------------------------------------------------------------
                    (in thousands, except number of shares)
<CAPTION>
                                                           Nine Months       
                                                      -------------------- 
                                                        1998        1997   
                                                      --------    -------- 
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>  
Common stock:
 Beginning balance                                    $    491    $    489 
 Stock options exercised for 23,405 and 
   171,348 shares                                           --           2 
                                                      --------    -------- 
   Ending balance                                          491         491 
                                                      --------    -------- 

Paid-in capital:
 Beginning balance                                     412,029     411,158 
 Stock options exercised                                    83         655 
 Tax benefit from stock options exercised                   35         173 
                                                      --------    -------- 
   Ending balance                                      412,147     411,986 
                                                      --------    -------- 
Retained earnings:
 Beginning balance                                      48,654      44,846 
 Preferred stock dividend and losses on redemption, 
   net of income tax benefit of $35 and $56               (459)       (480)
 Net income                                              8,618       9,349 
                                                      --------    -------- 
   Ending balance                                       56,813      53,715 
                                                      --------    -------- 
Treasury stock:
 Beginning balance                                     (17,126)    (17,102)
 Forfeiture of 3,668 shares of restricted stock
   in 1997                                                  --         (24)
                                                      --------    -------- 
   Ending balance                                      (17,126)    (17,126)
                                                      --------    -------- 
Unearned compensation:
 Beginning balance                                         (10)       (117)
 Amortization                                               10          63 
 Forfeiture of restricted stock                             --          24 
                                                      --------    -------- 
   Ending balance                                           --         (30)
                                                      --------    -------- 

                                                      $452,325    $449,036 
                                                      ========    ======== 

</TABLE>



[FN]
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       9
<PAGE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Note 1:  General
- ----------------
The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, such adjust-
ments being normal recurring accruals, which are necessary, in the opinion of
management, for the fair presentation of the results of the interim periods;
interim results, however, may not be indicative of the results for the full
year.  

The notes to the interim consolidated financial statements are presented to
enhance the understanding of the financial statements and do not necessarily
represent complete disclosures required by generally accepted accounting
principles.  There was no interest capitalized during the quarters or nine   
months ended 1998 or 1997.  Capitalized costs related to various development
projects, included in other deferred charges and assets, were $2,561,000 and
$954,000 at October 1, 1998 and January 1, 1998, respectively.  For
additional information regarding significant accounting policies, Las Vegas
Tropicana redevelopment, long-term debt, lease obligations, and other matters
applicable to the Company, reference should be made to the Company's Annual
Report to Shareholders for the year ended January 1, 1998.

Note 2: Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Partnership
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Following are summarized operating results for the Company's unconsolidated
partnership, accounted for using the equity method for the periods ended 
October 1, 1998 and October 2, 1997 (in thousands):
<CAPTION>
                               Third Quarter            Nine Months
                            -------------------    -------------------
                              1998       1997        1998       1997
                            --------   --------    --------   --------
   <S>                      <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
   Revenues                 $  4,020   $  4,165    $ 12,225   $ 12,470
   Operating expenses           (685)      (684)     (2,060)    (2,051)
                            --------   --------    --------   --------
   Operating income            3,335      3,481      10,165     10,419
   Interest expense           (1,163)    (1,360)     (3,695)    (4,093)
                            --------   --------    --------   --------
     Net income             $  2,172   $  2,121    $  6,470   $  6,326
                            ========   ========    ========   ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
The Company's share of the above operating results, after intercompany
eliminations, is as follows (in thousands):
<CAPTION>
                               Third Quarter           Nine Months
                            -------------------    -------------------
                              1998       1997        1998       1997
                            --------   --------    --------   --------
<S>                         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
Equity in unconsolidated
    partnership's loss      $ (1,049)  $ (1,159)   $ (3,287)  $ (3,483)

</TABLE>





                                      10
<PAGE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

Note 3:  Long-term Debt
- -----------------------
<TABLE>
At October 1, 1998 and January 1, 1998, long-term debt included (in
thousands):
<CAPTION>
                                                  October 1,   January 1,
                                                     1998         1998
                                                  ----------   ----------
    <S>                                            <C>          <C>
    11% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2002         $200,000     $200,000
    13 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2004      178,195      178,061
    Reducing revolving credit note; floating
       rate; matures December 31, 1999                   --      139,000
    Reducing revolving credit note; floating 
       rate, 7.7% at October 1, 1998; matures 
       June 30, 2003                                 55,000           --
    Term loan; floating rate, 8.0% at October 1, 
       1998; matures June 30, 2005                   50,000           --
    Other notes payable; 7% to 14.6%; maturities
       to 2002                                          903        1,213
    Obligations under capital leases                  7,499          824
                                                   --------     --------
                                                    491,597      519,098
    Less current portion                             (2,324)     (27,166)
                                                   --------     --------
                                                   $489,273     $491,932
                                                   ========     ========
</TABLE>
On May 28, 1998, the Company completed a new bank financing consisting of a
$250,000,000 reducing revolving credit note maturing on June 30, 2003 (the
"Credit Facility") and a $50,000,000 term loan maturing on June 30, 2005 (the
"Term Loan") provided largely by institutional lenders.  The funds borrowed
under the Credit Facility were used to prepay the balance outstanding and
extinguish the prior reducing revolving credit note maturing on December 31,
1999 (the "Original Credit Facility").  The funds received under the Term
Loan were used to repay a portion of the Credit Facility.  The Company's
$25,000,000 supplemental reducing revolving loan agreement maturing on March
15, 1999 (the "Supplemental Credit Facility"), was extinguished concurrently
with the extinguishment of the Original Credit Facility.  There were no
borrowings outstanding under the Supplemental Credit Facility from its
inception through the date of extinguishment.

The maximum amount available under the Credit Facility will be reduced
quarterly, commencing on September 30, 2000, in annual amounts of $40,000,000
in each year until maturity.  Interest is computed on the outstanding
principal balance of the Credit Facility based upon, at the Company's option,
a one-, two-, three- or six-month Eurodollar rate plus a margin ranging from
1.00% to 2.25%, or the prime rate plus a margin ranging from zero to 1.00%. 
The applicable margin is dependent upon the Company's outstanding
indebtedness and operating cash flow.  As of October 1, 1998, the margin was
at 0.50% less than the highest level.  The Company incurs a commitment fee
ranging from 0.225% to 0.4375% per annum on the unused portion of the Credit
Facility.

The Term Loan calls for quarterly principal payments of $125,000 beginning on
September 30, 1999 through June 30, 2004, and $11,875,000 beginning on


                                      11
<PAGE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2004 through maturity.  Interest is computed on the Term Loan
based upon, at the Company's option, a one-, two-, three- or six-month
Eurodollar rate plus a margin of 2.5%.

The collateral for the Credit Facility and the Term Loan, shared on a pari
passu basis, is the same as under the Original Credit Facility.  The Credit
Facility imposes various restrictions on the Company similar to those imposed
by the Original Credit Facility.  The restrictions imposed by the Term Loan
are similar to those of the Company's subordinated debt.  The Credit Facility
has certain quarterly financial tests, including a minimum requirement for
operating cash flow, a minimum debt service coverage ratio and ratios of
maximum debt and senior debt to operating cash flow.  At October 1, 1998, the
maximum debt to operating cash flow ratio as calculated under the Credit
Facility was 3.65 to 1 and the allowable ratio was 5.25 to 1.  The maximum
allowable ratio decreases to 5.00 to 1 at June 30, 1999 and continues to
decrease periodically, beginning June 30, 2000, in increments of .25 or .50,
until it is 4.00 to 1 at June 30, 2002 and thereafter.  At October 1, 1998,
the maximum senior debt to operating cash flow ratio as calculated under the
Credit Facility was 1.17 to 1 and the allowable ratio was 3.50 to 1.  The
maximum allowable ratio decreases to 3.00 to 1 at June 30, 1999 and
thereafter.

Note 4:  Other Long-term Liabilities 
- -------------------------------------
<TABLE>
At October 1, 1998 and January 1, 1998, other long-term liabilities consisted
of (in thousands):
<CAPTION>
                                                  October 1,   January 1,
                                                     1998         1998  
                                                  ----------   ----------
    <S>                                           <C>          <C>
    Deferred compensation and retirement plans    $ 11,703     $ 10,776
    Accrued rent expense                            10,630       11,327
    Obligation to City of Evansville and
      other civic and community organizations        3,613        4,550 
    Las Vegas Boulevard beautification assessment      455          482
                                                  --------     --------
                                                    26,401       27,135
    Less current portion                            (2,926)      (2,931)
                                                  --------     --------
                                                  $ 23,475     $ 24,204
                                                  ========     ========
</TABLE>
Note 5:  Income Taxes 
- ----------------------
The Company is responsible, with certain exceptions, for the taxes of Ramada
Inc. ("Ramada") through December 20, 1989.  The Internal Revenue Service
("IRS") has completed its examinations of the income tax returns for the
years 1988 through 1991 and has settled for all but one issue.  Income taxes
for the 1997 nine-month period included a non-recurring tax benefit of
$2,323,000 in the first quarter of 1997, primarily related to cash received
as a result of the settlement agreement between the IRS and Ramada.  The IRS
is examining the income tax returns for the years 1992 through 1996. 
Management believes that adequate provision for income taxes and interest has
been made in the financial statements.


                                      12
<PAGE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

Note 6:  Extraordinary Items
- ----------------------------
In May 1998, the Company expensed the remaining unamortized deferred
financing costs in connection with the early extinguishment of the Original
Credit Facility and the Supplemental Credit Facility.  This item was
reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months
ended 1998, as an extraordinary loss of $1,346,000, which was net of an
income tax benefit of $725,000.

Note 7:  Earnings Per Share
- -----------------------------
Earnings per common share and earnings per common share, assuming dilution,
are computed based on the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings per Share
("SFAS 128"), which superseded and simplified the standards for computing
earnings per share previously found in Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 15, Earnings per Share ("APB 15").  SFAS 128 replaced the presentation of
earnings per common and common equivalent share under APB 15 with a
presentation of earnings per common share.  Earnings per common share
excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income applicable to common
shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. 
Earnings per common share, assuming dilution, is computed similarly under
SFAS 128 as it was under APB 15 and is based on the weighted-average number
of common shares outstanding after consideration of the dilutive effect of
stock options and the assumed conversion of the preferred stock at the stated
rate.  In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 128, the Company has
restated the earnings per share data for the quarter and nine months ended
1997.
<TABLE>
The computations under SFAS 128 of earnings per common share and earnings 
per common share, assuming dilution, for the periods ended October 1, 1998
and October 2, 1997, are as follows:
<CAPTION>
                                       Third Quarter       Nine Months 
                                    ------------------  ------------------
                                      1998      1997      1998      1997
                                    --------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                                 <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Income before extraordinary items   $  5,627  $  3,243  $  9,964  $  9,349 

Deduct: preferred stock dividends 
  and losses on redemption (net of 
  income tax benefits of $10, $17,
  $35 and $56, credited to retained 
  earnings)                             (157)     (152)     (459)     (480)
                                    --------  --------  --------  -------- 
Income before extraordinary items 
  applicable to computations           5,470     3,091     9,505     8,869 

Extraordinary items                       --        --    (1,346)       -- 
                                    --------  --------  --------  -------- 
Net income applicable to 
  computations                      $  5,470  $  3,091  $  8,159  $  8,869 
                                    ========  ========  ========  ======== 
</TABLE>

                                      13
<PAGE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Third Quarter       Nine Months 
                                    ------------------  ------------------
                                      1998      1997      1998      1997
                                    --------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                                   <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Weighted-average common shares 
  applicable to earnings per 
  common share                        45,233    45,164    45,219    45,097 

Effect of dilutive securities:
  Stock option incremental shares        319       629       610       674 
  Assumed conversion of preferred 
   stock                                 852       901       865       915 
                                    --------  --------  --------  -------- 
                                       1,171     1,530     1,475     1,589 
                                    --------  --------  --------  -------- 
Weighted-average common shares 
  applicable to earnings per 
  common share assuming dilution      46,404    46,694    46,694    46,686 
                                    ========  ========  ========  ======== 
Earnings per common share:
  Income before extraordinary items $    .12  $    .07  $    .21  $    .20 
  Extraordinary items                     --        --      (.03)       -- 
                                    --------  --------  --------  -------- 
  Net income                        $    .12  $    .07  $    .18  $    .20 
                                    ========  ========  ========  ======== 
Earnings per common share
  assuming dilution:
  Income before extraordinary items $    .12  $    .07  $    .20  $    .19 
  Extraordinary items                     --        --      (.03)       -- 
                                    --------  --------  --------  -------- 
  Net income                        $    .12  $    .07  $    .17  $    .19 
                                    ========  ========  ========  ======== 
</TABLE>
Note 8:  Contingencies and Commitments
- --------------------------------------
The Company agreed to indemnify Ramada against all monetary judgments in
lawsuits pending against Ramada and its subsidiaries as of the conclusion of
the restructuring of Ramada (the "Restructuring") on December 20, 1989, as
well as all related attorneys' fees and expenses not paid at that time,
except for any judgments, fees or expenses accrued on the hotel business
balance sheet and except for any unaccrued and unreserved aggregate amount up
to $5,000,000 of judgments, fees or expenses related exclusively to the hotel
business.  Aztar is entitled to the benefit of any crossclaims or
counterclaims related to such lawsuits and of any insurance proceeds
received.  In addition, the Company agreed to indemnify Ramada for various
lease guarantees made by Ramada relating to the restaurant business conducted
through its Marie Callender Pie Shops, Inc. subsidiary.  In connection with
these matters, the Company has an accrued liability of $3,898,000 and
$3,905,000 at October 1, 1998 and January 1, 1998, respectively.





                                      14
<PAGE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

The Company is a party to various other claims, legal actions and complaints
arising in the ordinary course of business or asserted by way of defense or
counterclaim in actions filed by the Company.  Management believes that its
defenses are substantial in each of these matters and that the Company's
legal posture can be successfully defended without material adverse effect on
its consolidated financial statements.

The Tropicana Las Vegas lease agreement contains a provision that requires
the Company to maintain an additional security deposit with the lessor of
$21,000,000 in cash or a letter of credit if the Tropicana Las Vegas
operation fails to meet certain financial tests.  A determination was made
for the period ended October 1, 1998, that the additional security deposit
would be required by December 30, 1998; however, the lessor has waived the
requirement.  The Company has a 50% partnership interest in the lessor.

The Company has severance agreements with certain of its senior executives. 
Severance benefits range from a lump-sum cash payment equal to three times
the sum of the executive's annual base salary and the average of the
executive's annual bonuses awarded in the preceding three years plus payment
of the value in the executive's outstanding stock options and vesting and
distribution of any restricted stock to a lump-sum cash payment equal to the
executive's annual base salary.  In certain agreements, the termination must
be as a result of a change in control of the Company.  Based upon current
salary levels and stock options, the aggregate commitment under the severance
agreements should all these executives be terminated was approximately
$9,000,000 at October 1, 1998.





























                                      15
<PAGE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis

Financial Condition

On May 28, 1998, the Company completed a new bank financing consisting of a
$250 million reducing revolving credit note maturing on June 30, 2003 (the
"Credit Facility") and a $50 million term loan maturing on June 30, 2005 (the
"Term Loan") provided largely by institutional lenders.  In addition, the
maturity date of a $63 million term loan among Tropicana Enterprises and a
group of banks was extended to June 30, 2003 from December 31, 1999.  The
Company has a noncontrolling partnership interest of 50% in Tropicana
Enterprises, a Nevada general partnership that owns the real property and
certain personal property that the Company leases in the operation of the Las
Vegas Tropicana.

The maximum amount available under the Credit Facility will be reduced
quarterly, commencing on September 30, 2000, in annual amounts of $40 million
in each year until maturity.  The funds borrowed under the Credit Facility
were used to prepay the balance outstanding and extinguish the prior reducing
revolving credit note maturing on December 31, 1999 (the "Original Credit
Facility").  The balance outstanding under the Original Credit Facility at
the time of prepayment was $135 million.  The funds received under the Term
Loan were used to repay a portion of the Credit Facility.  As of October 1,
1998, the Credit Facility had an outstanding balance of $55 million.  The
Company's $25 million supplemental reducing revolving loan agreement maturing
on March 15, 1999 (the "Supplemental Credit Facility"), was extinguished
concurrently with the extinguishment of the Original Credit Facility.  There
were no borrowings outstanding under the Supplemental Credit Facility from
its inception through the date of extinguishment.

At October 1, 1998, the maximum debt to operating cash flow ratio as
calculated under the Credit Facility was 3.65 to 1 and the allowable ratio
was 5.25 to 1.  The maximum senior debt to operating cash flow ratio as
calculated under the Credit Facility was 1.17 to 1 at October 1, 1998 and the
allowable ratio was 3.50 to 1.

The Tropicana Las Vegas lease agreement contains a provision that requires
the Company to maintain an additional security deposit with the lessor of $21
million in cash or a letter of credit if the Tropicana Las Vegas operation
fails to meet certain financial tests.  A determination was made for the
period ended October 1, 1998, that the additional security deposit would be
required by December 30, 1998; however, the lessor has waived the
requirement. 

Results of Operations

Nine Months Ended October 1, 1998 Compared to Nine Months Ended October 2,
1997

The Company's consolidated revenues in the 1998 nine-month period were $610.1
million, a 3% increase over $592.0 million in the 1997 nine-month period. 
Consolidated operating income improved by 6% to $63.9 million in the 1998
nine-month period from $60.1 million in the 1997 nine-month period.



                                      16
<PAGE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated interest expense was 5% or $2.1 million lower in the 1998 versus
1997 nine-month period primarily as a result of lower levels of debt
outstanding.

For a discussion of income taxes and extraordinary items, refer to "Note 5:
Income Taxes" and "Note 6: Extraordinary Items", respectively.

TROPICANA ATLANTIC CITY  Total revenues at Tropicana Atlantic City were
$317.8 million in the 1998 nine-month period, up 5% from $302.5 million in
the 1997 nine-month period.  Casino revenue was 5% higher in the 1998 versus
1997 nine-month period, primarily reflecting an 11% increase in games revenue
combined with a 3% increase in slot revenue.  The increase in games revenue
was a result of increases in the hold percentage and the volume of play.  The
increase in slot revenue was attained in spite of a 4% reduction in coin
offers to slot players.

Tropicana Atlantic City had operating income of $51.9 million in the 1998
nine-month period, a 27% improvement over $40.8 million in the 1997 nine-
month period.  Utilities expense was $1.0 million lower in the 1998 versus
1997 nine-month period primarily due to a favorable electrical contract that
began in November 1997.  The provision for doubtful accounts was $4.2 million
higher in the nine months ended 1998 versus 1997 due to an increase in the
allowance for potential uncollectible markers associated with the property's
ongoing emphasis on the games segment of the business.  Operating income is
after rent and depreciation and amortization expenses.  Rent expense was $3.9
million in the 1998 nine-month period compared to $5.1 million in the 1997
nine-month period.  Depreciation and amortization was $18.1 million in the
nine months ended 1998 compared to $16.5 million in the nine months ended
1997.

TROPICANA LAS VEGAS  At Tropicana Las Vegas, total revenues were $115.9
million in the 1998 nine-month period, a 3% decrease from $119.3 million in
the 1997 nine-month period.  Casino revenue was 7% lower in the 1998 versus
1997 nine-month period, primarily due to a 24% decrease in games revenue that
was partially offset by a 9% increase in slot revenue.  The decrease in games
revenue was attributable in part to a decline in baccarat revenue in the 1998
versus 1997 nine-month period.  The decrease in baccarat revenue was a result
of decreases in the volume of play and the hold percentage.

Tropicana Las Vegas had an operating loss of $8.1 million in the 1998 nine-
month period compared to an operating loss of $2.1 million in the 1997 nine-
month period.  Operating loss is after rent and depreciation and amortization
expenses.  Rent expense was $7.4 million in the 1998 nine-month period
compared to $7.3 million in the 1997 nine-month period.  Depreciation and
amortization was $7.2 million in the 1998 nine-month period compared to $7.0
million in the 1997 nine-month period.

RAMADA EXPRESS  At Ramada Express, total revenues were $62.9 million in the
1998 nine-month period, up slightly from $62.3 million in the 1997 nine-month
period.  Operating income was $7.2 million in the nine months ended 1998
compared to $8.3 million in the nine months ended 1997.  Operating income is
after rent and depreciation and amortization expenses.  Rent expense was $0.4
million in both periods.  Depreciation and amortization was $5.0 million in
the 1998 nine-month period compared to $5.4 million in the 1997 nine-month
period.

                                      17
<PAGE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

AZTAR CASINO EVANSVILLE  Total revenues at Casino Aztar Evansville were $94.9
million in the 1998 nine-month period, a 6% increase over $89.5 million in
the 1997 nine-month period. Operating income was $24.1 million in the 1998
nine-month period, a 4% improvement over $23.1 million in last year's nine-
month period.  Operating income is after rent and depreciation and
amortization expenses.  Rent expense was $2.9 million in the 1998 nine-month
period compared to $2.4 million in the 1997 nine-month period.  Depreciation
and amortization was $7.3 million in the 1998 nine-month period compared to
$6.9 million in the 1997 nine-month period.

CASINO AZTAR CARUTHERSVILLE  Total revenues at Casino Aztar Caruthersville
were $18.6 million in the 1998 nine-month period compared to $18.4 million in
the 1997 nine-month period.  Casino Aztar Caruthersville had an operating
loss of $1.1 million in the nine months ended 1998 compared to $2.1 million
in the nine months ended 1997.  Operating loss is after depreciation and
amortization of $2.4 million in the 1998 nine-month period compared to $2.5
million in the 1997 nine-month period.

Quarter Ended October 1, 1998 Compared to Quarter Ended October 2, 1997

The Company's consolidated revenues in the 1998 third quarter were $210.1
million, a 4% increase over $201.9 million in the 1997 third quarter. 
Consolidated operating income was $25.4 million in the third quarter of 1998,
a 19% improvement over $21.3 million in the third quarter of 1997.

Consolidated interest expense was 6% or $1.0 million lower in the 1998 versus
1997 third quarter primarily as a result of lower levels of debt outstanding.

For a discussion of income taxes, refer to "Note 5: Income Taxes".

TROPICANA ATLANTIC CITY  Total revenues at Tropicana Atlantic City were
$113.5 million in the 1998 third quarter, up 5% from $108.6 million in the
1997 third quarter.  Casino revenue was 5% higher in the 1998 versus 1997
third quarter due, in large part, to a strong market growth rate of 4% in the
Atlantic City market during the 1998 third quarter.  Rooms revenue was $0.7
million or 19% higher in the 1998 versus 1997 third quarter due to an
increase in the average daily room rates as well as an increase in the number
of occupied rooms.

Tropicana Atlantic City had operating income of $22.1 million in the 1998
third quarter, a 19% improvement over $18.6 million in the 1997 third
quarter.  Rooms cost was 17% higher in the 1998 versus 1997 third quarter as
a result of increased direct costs.  The provision for doubtful accounts was
$1.9 million higher in the 1998 versus 1997 third quarter due to an increase
in the allowance for potential uncollectible markers associated with the
property's ongoing emphasis on the games segment of the business.  Operating
income is after rent and depreciation and amortization expenses.  Rent
expense decreased to $0.9 million in the 1998 third quarter from $2.0 million
in the 1997 third quarter due to a decreased number of operating leases. 
Depreciation and amortization was $6.3 million in the third quarter of 1998
compared to $5.6 million in the third quarter of last year.

TROPICANA LAS VEGAS  At Tropicana Las Vegas, total revenues were $37.7
million in the 1998 third quarter, a 1% increase from $37.2 million in the
1997 third quarter.  Casino revenue was 5% lower in the 1998 versus 1997 

                                      18
<PAGE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

third quarter, primarily due to a 28% decrease in games revenue that was
partially offset by an 11% increase in slot revenue.  Rooms revenue was 15%
higher in the 1998 versus 1997 third quarter primarily as a result of an
increase in the number of occupied rooms.

Tropicana Las Vegas had an operating loss of $3.5 million in the 1998 third
quarter compared to an operating loss of $3.0 million in the 1997 third
quarter.  Rooms cost was 15% higher in the 1998 versus 1997 third quarter as
a result of increased direct costs.  Operating loss is after rent and
depreciation and amortization expenses.  Rent expense was $2.4 million in the
1998 third quarter compared to $2.5 million in the 1997 third quarter. 
Depreciation and amortization was $2.4 million in both periods.

RAMADA EXPRESS  At Ramada Express, total revenues were $20.2 million in the
1998 third quarter, up 6% from $19.1 million in the 1997 third quarter. 
Operating income was $1.8 million in the 1998 third quarter, a 106%
improvement over $0.9 million in the 1997 third quarter.  Operating income is
after rent and depreciation and amortization expenses.  Rent expense was $0.2
million in the 1998 third quarter compared to $0.1 million in the 1997 third
quarter.  Depreciation and amortization was $1.5 million in the 1998 third
quarter compared to $1.8 million in the 1997 third quarter.

CASINO AZTAR EVANSVILLE  Total revenues at Casino Aztar Evansville were $32.5
million in the 1998 third quarter, a 6% increase over $30.7 million in last
year's third quarter.  Operating income was $8.0 million in the 1998 third
quarter, an 8% increase from $7.4 million in the 1997 third quarter.
Operating income is after rent and depreciation and amortization expenses. 
Rent expense was $1.1 million in the third quarter of 1998 compared to $1.0
million in the third quarter of 1997.  Depreciation and amortization was $2.5
million in the 1998 third quarter compared to $2.4 million in last year's
third quarter.

CASINO AZTAR CARUTHERSVILLE  Total revenues at Casino Aztar Caruthersville
were $6.2 million in the 1998 third quarter compared to $6.3 million in the
1997 third quarter.  Casino Aztar Caruthersville had an operating loss of
$0.3 million in the third quarter of 1998 compared to $0.7 million in the
third quarter of 1997.  Operating loss is after depreciation and amortization
of $0.8 million in both periods.

Other Matters

In April 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position No.
98-5 entitled "Reporting on the Costs of Start-up Activities" ("SOP").  The
SOP stipulates that all costs that meet its definition of start-up
activities, which the Company has referred to as preopening costs, must be
expensed as incurred.  The provisions of the SOP are effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1998.  Upon adoption, entities are
required to write off all capitalized start-up costs as a cumulative effect
of a change in accounting principle.  Entities are not required to report the
pro forma effect of retroactive application.  The Company will adopt this SOP
when required.  The Company's policy is, and has been, to capitalize these
costs as incurred and to expense them in the period the related facility
commences operations.  Adoption of the SOP will have only a prospective 
effect on the Company's financial statements as there are no capitalized

                                      19
<PAGE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

preopening costs at October 1, 1998 and the Company is not, nor does it plan
to be, engaged in start-up activities in 1998.

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") adopted
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ("SFAS 133"), which establishes
accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging
activities.  It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either
assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure
those instruments at fair value.  If certain conditions are met, a derivative
may be specifically designated as a hedge of certain financial exposures. 
The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the
intended use of the derivative and, if it is used in hedging activities, it
depends on its effectiveness as a hedge.  SFAS 133 is effective for all
fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999.  SFAS 133
should not be applied retroactively to financial statements of prior periods. 
The Company will adopt SFAS 133 when required.  The effect, if any, of
adopting SFAS 133 has not been determined.

Year 2000

A. Background

In the past, many computer software programs were written using two digits
rather than four to define the applicable year.  As a result, date-sensitive
computer software may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900  rather
than the year 2000.  This is generally referred to as the Year 2000 issue. 
If this situation occurs, the potential exists for computer system failures
or miscalculations by computer programs, which could disrupt operations.

The Company utilizes computer systems in virtually all aspects of its
business.  In particular, Year 2000 problems in the hotel or casino systems
at the Company's properties could disrupt operations at the affected
properties and have a material adverse impact upon the Company's operating
results.  The Company is also exposed to the risk that one or more of its
suppliers could experience Year 2000 problems that impact the ability of such
suppliers to provide goods and services.  Though this is not considered as
significant a risk with respect to the suppliers of goods, due to the
availability of alternative suppliers, the disruption of certain services,
such as utilities, could, depending upon the extent of the disruption, have a
material adverse impact on the Company's operations.

B. Approach

The Company has established a coordinated effort between its corporate level
and responsible parties at each of its properties to address the Company's
response to Year 2000 issues.  Among the efforts underway to monitor Year
2000 readiness include each property's monthly submission to the corporate
office of a Year 2000 status report, which is then reviewed with each
property.  The status of each property's Year 2000 readiness is in turn
discussed at least quarterly with the Audit Committee of the Company's Board
of Directors.  The Company has established a program for the Year 2000 issue
that consists of the following phases:



                                      20
<PAGE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

     Phase 1    Compilation of an inventory of information technology (IT)
                and non-IT systems that may be sensitive to the Year 2000
                problem.

     Phase 2    Identification and prioritization of the critical systems
                from the systems inventory compiled in Phase 1 and inquiries
                of third parties with whom the Company does significant
                business (i.e., vendors and suppliers) as to the state of
                their Year 2000 readiness.

     Phase 3    Analysis of critical systems to determine which systems are
                not Year 2000 compliant and evaluation of the costs to repair
                or replace those systems.

     Phase 4    Repair or replace noncompliant systems and testing of those
                systems for which representation as to Year 2000 compliance
                has not been received or for which representation was
                received but has not been confirmed.
C. Status

     1.   IT Systems
          
          The Company utilizes software purchased from vendors in virtually
          all critical technology systems at its properties.  In certain
          instances, such vendor-supplied software is modified through the
          use of internal programming to enhance these systems.  In many
          cases, the solution to the Year 2000 issue is simply to install a
          vendor-tested software upgrade ("Upgrade") and further test the
          Upgrade through internally generated test data. In other cases, the
          Company is purchasing and installing new vendor software
          ("Conversion") that is Year 2000 compliant.  The cost and effort to
          install and test new software systems is more extensive than the
          aforementioned Upgrade and therefore these Conversions contain more
          risks to the Company.

          The Company is currently in Phase 4 on all critical IT systems at
          all properties.  The following chart shows for each critical IT
          system at each of its properties whether an Upgrade or Conversion
          is underway and the date when installation and testing of such
          systems is expected to be completed.  In addition, the chart
          identifies those IT systems where internal programming is required
          and the extent of such programming requirements.  The more
          programming required, the greater the risk to the Company's Year
          2000 readiness.












                                      21
<PAGE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


              TROPICANA
              ATLANTIC    TROPICANA    RAMADA    CASINO AZTAR   CASINO AZTAR 
 SYSTEM        CITY       LAS VEGAS    EXPRESS    EVANSVILLE   CARUTHERSVILLE
- ---------    ----------   ---------  ----------- ------------  --------------
Casino       Conversion    Upgrade     Upgrade      Upgrade        Upgrade   
                 *           **    
                4/99        12/98        3/99         3/99           3/99    

Slots         Upgrade      Upgrade    Conversion    Upgrade        Upgrade   
                             **           *     
               12/98        12/98        9/99        12/98          12/98    

Hotel        Conversion    Upgrade    Conversion    Upgrade          N/A     
                 **      
               12/98        12/98       12/98        12/98   

Financial    Conversion    Upgrade     Upgrade      Upgrade        Upgrade   
               12/98        12/98        3/99         3/99           3/99    

Point of
 Sale/        Upgrade      Upgrade    Conversion    Upgrade        Upgrade   
Inventory      12/98        12/98        6/99         4/99           4/99    

   *  Indicates more significant internal programming also required
  **  Indicates minor internal programming also required

     2.   Non-IT Systems

          The Company utilizes embedded technology such as microcontrollers
          or date sensitive computer chips in its facilities including fire
          safety and security systems, elevators, heating and cooling
          monitoring systems and surveillance systems ("Non-IT Systems"). 
          The Company is in Phase 3 and 4 in the process of ensuring Year
          2000 readiness in these Non-IT Systems.  Procedures being utilized
          include: vendor letters to critical Non-IT Systems providers asking
          for the Year 2000 status for each embedded chip or technology;
          meetings with vendors who provide maintenance for these Non-IT
          Systems to assess Year 2000 readiness; and testing of such systems
          using test data wherever possible.  The Company expects to have
          completed Year 2000 compliance on Non-IT Systems by March 1999.

D. Costs

The total cost to the Company of making its systems Year 2000 compliant is
estimated to be approximately $7.5 million.  Approximately $7.0 million of
this amount relates to the acquisition of new computer hardware and software 
systems as follows:  new hardware and software at Tropicana Atlantic City
($5.7 million); new software at Ramada Express ($0.9 million) and personal
computer upgrades companywide ($0.4 million).  These costs will be
capitalized and depreciated over their expected useful lives.

The estimated costs related to internal programming modifications and the
Company's administration of its Year 2000 project are approximately $0.5
million, and such costs are being expensed as incurred.

                                      22
<PAGE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

As of October 1, 1998, approximately $5 million has been spent on Year 2000
issues.  The Year 2000 issue has not caused other Company IT system projects
to be deferred; in fact, it has accelerated the spending on IT systems
overall.

E. Risk Assessment

The greatest risk to the Company is if one or more of its properties'
critical IT systems, such as casino or hotel, or Non-IT Systems, such as
cooling or heating, experience problems due to Year 2000 issues which cause
business interruptions or customer service problems.  The Company believes
that any Year 2000 problems, should they arise, would be short-term in nature
and not affect the Company's liquidity or financial condition.  However,
because New Year's week is a very busy period for the Company's properties,
Year 2000 problems at a given property could negatively impact first-quarter
2000 results.

F. Contingency Plans

The Company has had general discussions regarding contingency plans should
Year 2000 problems arise, including the possibility of utilizing other Aztar
properties' systems should a problem arise at a given property.  However, a
formal contingency plan has not been completed.  

Contingency plans will be assessed, by property, considering risk levels of
non-compliance as the Year 2000 implementation and testing process continues. 
On an on-going basis, each property maintains certain emergency manual
procedures and back-up plans.  These alternatives will be considered as each
property assesses its formal Year 2000 contingency plan.

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

Certain information included in Aztar's Form 10-K for 1997, this Form 10-Q
and other materials filed or to be filed by the company with the Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC")(as well as information included in oral
statements or other written statements made or to be made by the Company
including those made in Aztar's 1997 annual report) contains statements that
are forward-looking.  These include forward-looking statements relating to
the following activities, among others: operation and expansion of existing
properties, including future performance; redevelopment of the Las Vegas
Tropicana and financing and/or concluding an arrangement with a partner for
such redevelopment; other business development activities; refinancing of the
Company's indebtedness; arrangement of new credit facilities and the Year
2000 issue.  These activities involve important factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-
looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.  These include, but
are not limited to, the following factors as well as other factors described
from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the SEC: construction
and development factors, including zoning issues, environmental restrictions,
soil conditions, weather and other hazards, site access matters and building
permit issues; factors affecting leverage and debt service, including
sensitivity to fluctuation in interest rates; access to available and
feasible financing; regulatory and licensing approvals; third-party consents,
approvals and representations, and relations with partners, owners, suppliers
and other third parties; reliance on key personnel; business and economic 

                                      23
<PAGE>
                      AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

conditions; litigation, judicial actions and political uncertainties,
including gaming legislation and taxation; and the effects of competition, 
including locations of competitors and operating and marketing competition. 
Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and, as such, speak only as of the date made.

                          PART - II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings 

(a)  In connection with Case No. CV-S-94-1126-DAE(RJJ)-BASE FILE (the
     "Poulos/Ahearn Case"), Case No. CV-S-95-00923-LDG(RJJ)(the "Schreier
     Case") and Case No. CV-S-95-936 LDG(RLH)(the "Cruise Ship Case"),
     (collectively, the "Consolidated Cases"), as reported under Part I, Item
     3 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 1998, the
     plaintiffs, as reported under Part II, Item 1(a) of the Company's Form
     10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 1998, filed a motion on March 18,
     1998, for class certification.  On March 19, 1998, the Magistrate Judge
     granted defendants' motion seeking to bifurcate discovery into "class"
     and "merits" phases, and to stay "merits" discovery pending a decision
     on plaintiffs' motion for class certification.  "Class" discovery, as 
     reported under Part II, Item 1(a) of the Company's Form 10-Q for the
     quarter ended July 2, 1998, was completed on July 17, 1998; however,
     plaintiffs have filed a motion to compel further discovery from the
     defendants.  If that motion is granted, defendants could be required to
     provide additional documents and information to plaintiffs.  The
     defendants have filed their opposition to the motion for class
     certification.  The plaintiffs have filed a reply memorandum and the
     matter has been submitted for decision.  The stay of merits discovery
     remains in effect until the court decides the motion for class
     certification.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 (a) Exhibits                                                       Page No. 
                                                                   ----------
      10.1  Amendment No. 1, dated October 8, 1998, to
            Amended and Restated Reducing Revolving Loan
            Agreement, dated as of May 28, 1998, among
            Aztar Corporation and the lenders therein
            named; Bankers Trust Company and Societe
            Generale, as documentation agents; Bank of
            Scotland, Credit Lyonnais Los Angeles Branch
            and PNC Bank, National Association, as co-
            agents; and Bank of America National Trust and
            Savings Association, as administrative agent.              *

      27.   Financial Data Schedule.                                   *

      *     See exhibit index at page E-1 of this report for a
            listing of exhibits filed with this report.

            All other exhibits have been omitted because the
            information is either not required or not applicable.


                                       24
<PAGE>
                   AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 6.     Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (continued)

 (b) Reports on Form 8-K

        The Company did not file any report on Form 8-K during the quarter
        ended October 1, 1998.


















































                                   25
<PAGE>




               AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.




                                       AZTAR CORPORATION       
                                 ------------------------------
                                         (Registrant)





Date  November 10, 1998              By  ROBERT M. HADDOCK     
     --------------------------     ---------------------------
                                    Robert M. Haddock
                                    Executive Vice President and
                                    Chief Financial Officer





























                               26
<PAGE>

                AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Exhibit Index
- -------------

10.1  Amendment No. 1, dated October 8, 1998, to Amended and Restated
      Reducing Revolving Loan Agreement, dated as of May 28, 1998,
      among Aztar Corporation and the lenders therein named; Bankers
      Trust Company and Societe Generale, as documentation agents;
      Bank of Scotland, Credit Lyonnais Los Angeles Branch and PNC
      Bank, National Association, as co-agents; and Bank of America
      National Trust and Savings Association, as administrative
      agent.

27.   Financial Data Schedule.









































                                 E-1



               AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED 
                   REDUCING REVOLVING LOAN AGREEMENT

          This Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Reducing
Revolving Loan Agreement (this "Amendment") dated as of October 8, 1998
is entered into with reference to the Amended and Restated Reducing
Revolving Loan Agreement dated as of May 28, 1998 among Aztar
Corporation ("Borrower"), the Banks party thereto, Bankers Trust Company
and Societe Generale, as Documentation Agents, Bank of Scotland, Credit
Lyonnais Los Angeles Branch and PNC Bank, National Association, as Co-
Agents, and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, as
Administrative Agent (the "Loan Agreement").  Capitalized terms used but
not defined herein are used with the meanings set forth for those terms
in the Loan Agreement.

          Borrower and the Administrative Agent, acting with the consent
of the Requisite Banks pursuant to Section 11.2 of the Loan Agreement,
agree as follows:

          1.   Section 1.1.  Section 1.1 of the Loan Agreement is
amended by revising the definition of "Basket Expenditures" to read as
follows:

               "Basket Expenditures" means (a) Capital
               Expenditures permitted by Sections
               6.15(c), 6.15(d) and 6.15(e), (b) the
               Acquisition Expenditures permitted by
               Section 6.16(l) and 6.16(m), (c) the
               aggregate purchase or redemption prices
               paid in respect of Subordinated
               Obligations permitted by Section
               6.1(b)(ii) and (d) the aggregate purchase
               price paid in respect of repurchases of
               Common Stock permitted by Section 6.5(d).

          2.   Section 6.5.  Section 6.5 of the Loan Agreement is
amended by striking the word "and" in the sixth line thereof, inserting
a comma at that place and adding a new Subsection (d) in the seventh
line thereof immediately after the word "Stock" to read as follows:

               and (d) Distributions in the form of
               repurchases of Common Stock for which the
               aggregate purchase price does not exceed
               either (i) $30,000,000 or (ii) when
               aggregated with all other Basket
               Expenditures made since the Closing Date,
               $300,000,000;
<PAGE>
          3.   Conditions Precedent.  The effectiveness of this
Amendment shall be conditioned upon the receipt by the Administrative
Agent of all of the following, each properly executed by a Responsible
Official of each party thereto and dated as of the date hereof:

                    (a)  Counterparts of this Amendment executed by all
          parties hereto;

                    (b)  Written consent of each of the Significant
          Subsidiaries to the execution, delivery and performance
          hereof, substantially in the form of Exhibit A to this
          Amendment; and

                    (c)  Written consent of the Requisite Banks as
          required under Section 11.2 of the Loan Agreement in the form
          of Exhibit B to this Amendment.

          4.   Representation and Warranty.  Borrower represents and
warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Banks that no Default or
Event of Default has occurred and remains continuing.

          5.   Confirmation.  In all other respects, the terms of the
Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents are hereby confirmed.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower and the Administrative Agent have
executed this Amendment as of the date first written above by their duly
authorized representatives.

AZTAR CORPORATION

By:     R. HADDOCK
     -----------------------------
     Robert M. Haddock
     Executive Vice President &
     Chief Financial Officer



BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL 
TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, 
as Administrative Agent


By:    JANICE HAMMOND
     -----------------------------
     Janice Hammond
     Vice President
<PAGE>
                        Exhibit A to Amendment

                   CONSENT OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS

          Reference is hereby made to that certain Amended and Restated
Reducing Revolving Loan Agreement dated as of May 28, 1998 among Aztar
Corporation ("Borrower"), the Banks party thereto, Bankers Trust Company
and Societe Generale, as Documentation Agents, Bank of Scotland, Credit
Lyonnais Los Angeles Branch and PNC Bank, National Association, as Co-
Agents, and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, as
Administrative Agent (the "Loan Agreement").

          Each of the undersigned hereby consents to the execution,
delivery and performance by Borrower and the Administrative Agent of
Amendment No. 1 to the Loan Agreement.

          Each of the undersigned represents and warrants to the
Administrative Agent and the Banks that there is no defense,
counterclaim or offset of any type or nature to the Subsidiary Guaranty,
and that the same remains in full force and effect.

Dated: October 8, 1998


HOTEL RAMADA OF NEVADA

By:       R. HADDOCK
          Robert M. Haddock
Title:    Vice President & Treasurer


AZTAR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

By:       R. HADDOCK
          Robert M. Haddock
Title:    President


AZTAR INDIANA GAMING CORPORATION

By:       R. HADDOCK
          Robert M. Haddock
Title:    Vice President & Treasurer


AZTAR MISSOURI GAMING CORPORATION

By:       R. HADDOCK
          Robert M. Haddock
Title:    Vice President & Treasurer


RAMADA NEW JERSEY, INC.

By:       R. HADDOCK
          Robert M. Haddock
Title:    Vice President

<PAGE>
ATLANTIC-DEAUVILLE INC.

By:       R. HADDOCK
          Robert M. Haddock
Title:    Vice President


ADAMAR GARAGE CORPORATION

By:       R. HADDOCK
          Robert M. Haddock
Title:    Vice President


RAMADA NEW JERSEY HOLDINGS CORPORATION

By:       R. HADDOCK
          Robert M. Haddock
Title:    Vice President


MANCHESTER MALL, INC.

By:       R. HADDOCK
          Robert M. Haddock
Title:    Vice President


RAMADA EXPRESS, INC.

By:       R. HADDOCK
          Robert M. Haddock
Title:    Vice President & Treasurer


ADMAR OF NEW JERSEY, INC.

By:       R. HADDOCK
          Robert M. Haddock
Title:    Vice President

<PAGE>
                        Exhibit B to Amendment

                            CONSENT OF BANK

          Reference is hereby made to that certain Amended and Restated
Reducing Revolving Loan Agreement dated as of May 28, 1998 among Aztar
Corporation ("Borrower"), the Banks party thereto, Bankers Trust Company
and Societe Generale, as Documentation Agents, Bank of Scotland, Credit
Lyonnais Los Angeles Branch and PNC Bank, National Association, as Co-
Agents, and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, as
Administrative Agent (the "Loan Agreement").

          The undersigned Bank hereby consents to the execution and
delivery of Amendment No. 1 to the Loan Agreement by the Administrative
Agent on its behalf, substantially in the form of the most recent draft
thereof presented to the undersigned Bank.


Date: October 5, 1998

BANK OF AMERICA

By:       SCOTT FABER
          Scott Faber
Title:    Vice President


Date: September 24, 1998

ABN AMRO BANK N.V.

By:       JEFFREY A. FRENCH
          Jeffrey A. French
Title:    Group Vice President & Director

By:       M.M. VALENTINE
          Michael M. Valentine
Title:    Vice President


Date: September 25, 1998

BANK OF SCOTLAND

By:       JANET TAFFE
          Janet Taffe
Title:    Asst. Vice President


Date: October 8, 1998

CREDIT LYONNAIS LOS ANGELES

By:       DIANNE M. SCOTT
          Dianne M. Scott
Title:    First Vice President and Manager

<PAGE>
Date: September 13, 1998

IMPERIAL BANK

By:       STEVEN K. JOHNSON
          Steven K. Johnson
Title:    Senior Vice President


Date: September 29, 1998

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By:       MARY K. YOUNG
          Mary K. Young
Title:    Commercial Banking Officer


Date: October 1, 1998

THE MITSUBISHI TRUST AND BANKING CORPORATION

By:       Y. SATOMI
          Yasushi Satomi
Title:    Senior Vice President and Chief Manager


Date: October 7, 1998

PNC BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By:       G.W. WESSELS
          Gary W. Wessels
Title:    Vice President


Date: October 7, 1998

SOCIETE GENERALE

By:       DONALD L. SCHUBERT
          Donald L. Schubert
Title:    Managing Director


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Balance Sheet at October 1, 1998 and the Consolidated Statement of
Operations for the year-to-date period ended October 1, 1998 and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                OCT-1-1998
<CASH>                                          38,207
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   60,759
<ALLOWANCES>                                    24,866
<INVENTORY>                                      6,246
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               103,293
<PP&E>                                       1,199,572
<DEPRECIATION>                                 306,805
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,065,829
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           90,450
<BONDS>                                        489,273
                            7,003
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           491
<OTHER-SE>                                     451,834
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,065,829
<SALES>                                         40,251
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               610,082
<CGS>                                           40,546
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  311,181
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                28,654
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                11,322
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              45,043
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 20,553
<INCOME-TAX>                                     7,302
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              9,964
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                 (1,346)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     8,618
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .18
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .17
        

</TABLE>


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