ARGOSY GAMING CO
10-Q, 1996-08-13
AMUSEMENT & RECREATION SERVICES
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                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                           WASHINGTON, D.C., 20549
                                  FORM 10-Q

/X/  Quarterly Report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
     of 1934 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1996.

                                      or

/ /   Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
      Exchange Act of 1934

                       Commission File Number 0-21122


                            ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY
           (Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


          Delaware                                         37-1304247
(State or other jurisdiction                           (I.R.S. Employer
      of incorporation)                                 Identification No.)

                               219 Piasa Street
                            Alton, Illinois 62002
                                (618) 474-7500
     (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
          area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)

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 / /

                  APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

  Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes 
of common stock as of the latest practicable date:  24,333,333 shares of 
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, as of August 9, 1996. 

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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<PAGE>

                           ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY
                    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                      (In Thousands, Except Share Data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 JUNE 30,        DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   1996             1995    
                                                                ---------       ------------
                                                                (unaudited)
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
    Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $ 63,890         $ 16,159 
    Other current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          18,465           12,333 
                                                                ---------       ------------
        Total current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          82,355           28,492 
                                                                ---------       ------------

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         284,163          239,480 
                                                                ---------       ------------

OTHER ASSETS:
    Cash and cash equivalents held by Trustee . . . . . .         94,484 
    Goodwill, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         23,222            23,519
    Other, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         25,673            18,391 
                                                                ---------       ------------
        Total other assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        143,379            41,910 
                                                                ---------       ------------
TOTAL ASSETS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       $509,897          $309,882 
                                                                ---------       ------------
                                                                ---------       ------------

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. . . . . . .        $ 24,684         $ 26,941 
    Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           7,290            8,388 
                                                                ---------       ------------
        Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . .          31,974           35,329 
                                                                ---------       ------------

LONG-TERM DEBT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         358,587          169,303 
MINORITY INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED 
    SUBSIDIARIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          21,506            2,543 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           6,158            5,167 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
    Common stock, $.01 par; 60,000,000 shares 
        authorized; 24,333,333 shares issued and 
        outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             243              243 
    Capital in excess of par. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          71,865           71,865 
    Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          19,564           25,432 
                                                                ---------       ------------
        Total stockholders' equity. . . . . . . . . . . .          91,672           97,540 
                                                                ---------       ------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY. . . . . . . .        $509,897         $309,882 
                                                                ---------       ------------
                                                                ---------       ------------

</TABLE>

    See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                          1

<PAGE>

                                 ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                            (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         SIX MONTHS ENDED 
                                                                -------------------------------------
                                                                  JUNE 30,                JUNE 30,
                                                                    1996                    1995
                                                                --------------         --------------
                                                                 (UNAUDITED)            (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                             <C>                    <C>

REVENUES:
    Casino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $118,147                 $117,791 
    Admissions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1,995                    8,344 
    Food, beverage and other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       12,853                    8,136 
                                                                --------------         --------------
                                                                   132,995                  134,271 
    Less:  promotional allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       (7,041)                  (8,735)
                                                                --------------         --------------
Net revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      125,954                  125,536 
                                                                --------------         --------------

COSTS AND EXPENSES:
    Casino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       59,264                   58,753 
    Food, beverage and other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       11,329                    7,977  
    Other operating expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        8,732                    7,802   
    Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . .       26,231                   23,579  
    Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       11,085                   10,038 
    Development and preopening costs. . . . . . . . . . . . .        3,790                    1,138 
    Lease termination costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        3,508                           
                                                                --------------         --------------
                                                                   123,939                  109,287
                                                                --------------         --------------
Income from operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        2,015                   16,249 
                                                                --------------         --------------

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
    Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          640                      214 
    Interest expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      (11,546)                  (7,917)
                                                                --------------         --------------
                                                                   (10,906)                  (7,703)
                                                                --------------         --------------
Income (loss) before income taxes, minority interests
    and extraordinary item. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       (8,891)                   8,546 
Income tax (expense) benefit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        3,200                   (3,711) 
Minority interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          713                      (54)
                                                                --------------         --------------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item . . . . . . . . . . .       (4,978)                   4,781 
Extraordinary loss on extinguishment of debt (net of
    income tax benefit of $594) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (890)                       
                                                                --------------         --------------
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $(5,868)                  $4,781 
                                                                --------------         --------------
                                                                --------------         --------------

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM PER SHARE . . . . . .      $  (.20)                  $  .20
EXTRAORDINARY LOSS ON EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT PER 
    SHARE (NET OF INCOME TAX BENEFIT OF $.02) . . . . . . . .         (.04)                       
                                                                --------------         --------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $  (.24)                  $  .20
                                                                --------------         --------------
                                                                --------------         --------------

</TABLE>

   See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                     2

<PAGE>

                              ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                       (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                         ----------------------------------
                                                                          JUNE 30,                 JUNE 30,
                                                                            1996                     1995
                                                                         ----------               ----------         
                                                                         (UNAUDITED)              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                      <C>                      <C>
REVENUES:
    Casino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            $  59,356                $ 61,198 
    Admissions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                    -                   4,175 
    Food, beverage and other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                6,798                   4,433 
                                                                         ----------               ----------         
                                                                            66,154                  69,806 
    Less:   promotional allowances. . . . . . . . . . . . . .               (2,889)                 (4,644)
                                                                         ----------               ----------         
Net revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               63,265                  65,162 
                                                                         ----------               ----------         

COSTS AND EXPENSES:
    Casino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               30,193                  29,766 
    Food, beverage and other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                6,053                   3,817  
    Other operating expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                4,364                   4,418   
    Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . .               11,913                  11,002  
    Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                5,196                   5,459 
    Development and preopening costs. . . . . . . . . . . . .                1,935                     672 
    Lease termination costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                3,508                           
                                                                         ----------               ----------         
                                                                            63,162                  55,134 
                                                                         ----------               ----------         
Income from operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                  103                  10,028 
                                                                         ----------               ----------         

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
    Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                  550                    116 
    Interest expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               (7,335)                (3,975)
                                                                         ----------               ----------         
                                                                            (6,785)                (3,859)
                                                                         ----------               ----------         
Income (loss) before income taxes, minority interests
    and extraordinary item. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               (6,682)                 6,169 
Income tax (expense) benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             2,333                 (2,778) 
Minority interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                  418                    (79)
                                                                         ----------               ----------         
Income (loss) before extraordinary item . . . . . . . . . . .               (3,931)                 3,312 
Extraordinary loss on extinguishment of debt (net of 
    income tax benefit of $594) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                 (890)   
                                                                         ----------               ----------         
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             $ (4,821)              $  3,312 
                                                                         ----------               ----------         
                                                                         ----------               ----------         

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM PER SHARE . . . . . .             $   (.16)              $    .14 
EXTRAORDINARY LOSS ON EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT PER 
    SHARE (NET OF INCOME TAX BENEFIT OF $.02) . . . . . . . .                 (.04)                       
                                                                         ----------               ----------         
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             $   (.20)              $   0.14 
                                                                         ----------               ----------         
                                                                         ----------               ----------         

</TABLE>

    See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                      3

<PAGE>

                            ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                               (In Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   SIX MONTHS ENDED    
                                                         -------------------------------
                                                          JUNE 30,            JUNE 30,
                                                            1996                1995  
                                                         ----------          -----------
                                                         (UNAUDITED)         (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                      <C>                 <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
    Net (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . .          $  (5,868)          $   4,781  
    Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to 
      net cash provided by operating activities:                                                             
    Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . .             11,909              10,444 
    Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . .             (3,198)                896 
    Minority interests. . . . . . . . . . . . .               (713)                 54 
    Extraordinary item. . . . . . . . . . . . .                890                         
    Lease termination costs . . . . . . . . . .              3,151 
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities,
     net of the effects of the purchase of Jazz
     Enterprises, Inc.:
      Other current assets  . . . . . . . . . .             (1,442)                (30)
       Accounts payable and accrued        
        liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              1,386               8,382 
                                                         ----------          -----------
          Net cash provided by operating 
          activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . .              6,115              24,527
                                                         ----------          -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
    Increase in notes receivable. . . . . . . .                                   (349)
    Purchases of property and equipment . . . .            (62,083)            (24,157)
    Deposits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               (656)               (220)
    Goodwill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                                 (9,388)
    Increase in cash and cash equivalents
      held by trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . .            (94,484)      
                                                         ----------          -----------
          Net cash used in investing activities           (157,223)            (34,114)
                                                         ----------          -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
    Proceeds from line of credit. . . . . . . .             44,500              14,000 
    Repayment of line of credit . . . . . . . .            (90,000)             (2,000)
    Proceeds from sale of first mortgage notes             235,000                          
    Payments on long-term debt and
      installment contracts . . . . . . . . . .               (752)             (4,656)
    Capital contributions from partner. . . . .             19,676           
    Increase in other assets    . . . . . . . .             (9,585)             (2,037)
                                                         ----------          -----------
          Net cash provided by 
             financing activities . . . . . . .            198,839               5,307 
                                                         ----------          -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents        47,731              (4,280)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.             16,159              18,291        
                                                         ----------          -----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period. . . .           $ 63,890            $ 14,011 
                                                         ----------          -----------
                                                         ----------          -----------
                                                                                                                    
</TABLE>

     See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                        4

<PAGE>


                               ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY
                NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                    (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

    Argosy Gaming Company (collectively with its subsidiaries, "Argosy" or 
"Company") is engaged in the business of providing casino style gaming and 
related entertainment to the public and, through its subsidiaries, operates 
riverboat casinos in Alton, Illinois; Riverside, Missouri; Baton Rouge, 
Louisiana; and Sioux City, Iowa.  Also, Indiana Gaming Company, L.P., a 
limited partnership in which the Company is general partner and holds a 57.5% 
partnership interest, holds a preliminary certificate of suitability from the 
Indiana Gaming Commission and is developing a riverboat casino and related 
entertainment and support facilities in Lawrenceburg, Indiana ("Lawrenceburg 
Project").  

    The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements 
have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and 
Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the 
information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting 
principles for complete financial statements.  Interim results may not 
necessarily be indicative of results which may be expected for any other 
interim period or for the year as a whole.  For further information, refer to 
the financial statements and footnotes thereto for the year ended December 
31, 1995, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 
0-21122).  The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial 
statements contain all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, 
necessary to present fairly the financial position and the results of 
operations for the periods indicated.  Such adjustments include only normal 
recurring accruals.  Certain 1995 amounts have been reclassified to conform 
to the 1996 financial statement presentation.

                                        5

<PAGE>

2.  LONG TERM DEBT                

    Long term debt consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          JUNE 30,             DECEMBER 31,  
                                                                            1996                   1995      
                                                                        ----------            --------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                   <C>
          First mortgage notes due June 1, 2004 interest payable 
             semiannually at 13 1/4%. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $235,000

          Senior secured line of credit . . . . . . . . . . . . .                                $ 45,500

          Convertible subordinated notes due June 1, 2001,
             convertible into common stock at $17.70 per
             share, interest payable semi-annually at 12% . . . .         115,000                 115,000

          Notes payable, principal and interest payments due
             quarterly through September 2015, discounted 
             at 10.5% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           9,202                   9,202
                                                                        ----------            --------------
                                                                          359,202                 169,702
          Less:  Current maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             615                     399
                                                                        ----------            --------------

          Long-term debt, less current maturities . . . . . . . .        $358,587               $ 169,303
                                                                        ----------            --------------
                                                                        ----------            --------------

</TABLE>

      On June 5, 1996 the Company issued $235,000 of First Mortgage Notes due 
2004 ("Mortgage Notes").  The Mortgage Notes are senior obligations of the 
Company secured by substantially all of its assets, except for the assets of 
the Company's joint venture, Indiana Gaming Company, L.P.

      The Mortgage Notes contain certain restrictions on the payment of 
dividends on the Company's common stock and the occurrence of additional 
indebtedness, as well as other covenants customary in senior secured 
financing.  In addition, $94,300 of the proceeds of the Mortgage Notes were 
placed in a disbursement account which can only be used to fund the company's 
obligations for the construction of the Lawrenceburg Project.

      The Company used a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the 
Mortgage Notes to repay and terminate its senior secured line of credit 
("Line of Credit").  In connection with this early termination of the Line of 
Credit, the Company expensed approximately $1,484 of deferred finance costs 
($890 net of tax).

      The convertible subordinated notes ("Convertible Notes") are 
convertible into common stock at any time and may be redeemed by the Company 
on or after June 1, 1997, in whole or in part at specified percentages of 
principal plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.  The 
Convertible Notes are subordinated to prior payment in full of all senior 
indebtedness, including the Mortgage Notes and senior indebtedness incurred 
in the future.

                                         6

<PAGE>


3.    ACQUISITION OF JAZZ ENTERPRISES, INC.

      Effective May  30, 1995 the Company acquired 100% of the stock of Jazz 
Enterprises, Inc. ("Jazz"), formerly a 10% partner in the Company's Baton 
Rouge, Louisiana riverboat casino.  The acquisition was accounted for as a 
purchase.  

      The table below sets forth the pro forma operating results of the 
Company for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 1996 and 
1995 giving effect to the acquisition as if the acquisition occurred on 
January 1, 1995.  The pro forma operating results for the three months ended 
June 30, 1996 and 1995 were prepared using the Company's historical operating 
results and Jazz's operating results for the applicable periods through May 
30, 1995 (the effective date which Jazz became a wholly owned subsidiary of 
the Company). 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   SIX MONTHS ENDED                                  THREE MONTHS ENDED
                          -------------------------------------            -------------------------------------
                          JUNE 30, 1966           JUNE 30, 1995            JUNE 30, 1996           JUNE 30, 1995
                          -------------           ------------             -------------           -------------
<S>                       <C>                     <C>                      <C>                     <C>
Net Revenues                $125,954               $125,564                  $63,265                 $65,162 
                          -------------           ------------             -------------           -------------
                          -------------           ------------             -------------           -------------

Net Income (loss) 
before extraordinary  item    (4,978)              $  3,540                   (3,931)                  2,284 
                          -------------           ------------             -------------           -------------
                          -------------           ------------             -------------           -------------

Net Income (loss) 
    before extraordinary
    item per share              (.20)                   .15                     (.16)                    .12 
                          -------------           ------------             -------------           -------------
                          -------------           ------------             -------------           -------------

</TABLE>

    The unaudited pro forma condensed statements of operations are not 
necessarily indicative of either future results of operations or results that 
might have been achieved if the foregoing transactions had been consummated 
as of the indicated dates.  

4.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

    LAWRENCEBURG, INDIANA DEVELOPMENT -- On June 30, 1995 Indiana Gaming 
Company, L.P. (the "Indiana Partnership") was awarded a preliminary 
suitability certificate from the Indiana Gaming Commission to develop a 
riverboat casino project on the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.  The 
Company is a 57.5% general partner in the Indiana Partnership.  The renewal 
of the Indiana Partnership's preliminary certificate of suitability will be 
considered at a hearing of the Indiana Gaming Commission to be held on 
August 20, 1996.

    Capital contributions to the Indiana Partnership, up to a total project 
cost of $225 million, will be made on the same basis as the partners' equity 
ownership with any excess project cost being the responsibility of the 
Company.  Funding for the Indiana Partnership is expected to be provided by 
capital contributions and capital loans by the partners.  The Indiana 
Partnership's estimate for the development and construction costs for the 
Lawrenceburg Project is $210 million.

                                      7

<PAGE>

    Additionally, under terms of the Lawrenceburg partnership agreement, 
after the third anniversary date of commencement of operations at the 
Lawrenceburg casino, each limited partner has the right to sell its interest 
to the other partners (pro rata in accordance with their respective 
percentage interests).

    This proposed gaming project is subject to the satisfaction of numerous 
conditions.  Before gaming can commence, the Company must obtain numerous 
permits and licenses, including licensing for its employees as well as final 
licensing from the gaming commission of the State.  In addition, the Company 
must construct gaming facilities.  There can be no assurance that this 
proposed gaming project will become operational.

    OTHER --  A predecessor entity to the Company ("Predecessor"), as a 
result of a certain shareholder loan transaction, could be subject to federal 
and certain state income taxes (plus interest and penalties, if any) if it is 
determined that it failed to satisfy all of the requirements of the 
S-Corporation provisions of the Internal Revenue Code ("Code") relating to 
the prohibition concerning a second class of stock.

    An audit is currently being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service 
("IRS") of the Company's federal income tax returns for the 1992 and 1993 tax 
years and the IRS has asserted the S-Corporation status as one of the issues 
although the IRS has yet to make a formal claim of deficiency.  If the IRS 
successfully challenges the Predecessor's S-Corporation status, the Company 
would be required to pay federal and certain state income taxes on the 
Predecessor's taxable income from the commencement of its operations until 
February 25, 1993 (plus interest and penalties, if any, thereon until the 
date of payment).  If the Predecessor was required to pay federal and state 
income taxes on its taxable earnings through February 25, 1993, such payments 
could amount to approximately $12,000, including interest through June 30, 
1996, but excluding penalties, if any.  While the Company believes the 
Predecessor has legal authority for its position that it is not subject to 
federal and certain state income taxes because it met the S-Corporation 
requirements, no assurances can be given that the Predecessor's position will 
be upheld.  This contingent liability could have a material adverse effect on 
the Company's results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.  No 
provision has been made for this contingency in the accompanying condensed 
consolidated financial statements.

    On April 19, 1996, the Louisiana legislature approved legislation 
mandating local option elections to determine whether to prohibit specified 
individual types of gaming, including riverboat gaming, in Louisiana on a 
parish-by-parish basis.  The referendum will be brought before the Louisiana 
voters in November, 1996.  There can be no assurance that the voters of East 
Baton Rouge Parish will not vote to prohibit riverboat gaming.  If such a 
vote to prohibit riverboat gaming occurs, the Company will be required to 
discontinue gaming activity in East Baton Rouge Parish upon the expiration of 
its current gaming license in September 1999.  The discontinuance of gaming 
operations in East Baton Rouge Parish would have a material adverse effect on 
the Company, both in terms of the loss of revenues and cash flow generated by 
the Belle of Baton Rouge and the impairment of the significant capital 
investment that the Company has in its riverboat casino and related 
facilities, including the Catfish Town development.  The Company would be 
required, under the indenture provisions of the Mortgage Notes, to offer to 
repurchase a defined amount of the Mortgage Notes in the event that it 
discontinued gaming operations in Baton Rouge.

    The Company is subject, from time to time, to various legal and 
regulatory proceedings, in the ordinary course of business.  The Company 
believes that these proceedings will not have a material effect on the 
financial condition of the Company.

                                      8

<PAGE>

                               ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY
                MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL 
                         CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                                    OVERVIEW

    The Company opened its first riverboat casino, the Alton Belle Casino, in 
Alton, Illinois in September 1991. Subsequently, the Company opened the 
Argosy Casino in Riverside, Missouri in June 1994; the Belle of Baton Rouge 
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in September 1994; and the Belle of Sioux City in 
Sioux City, Iowa in October 1994.  In addition, the Company, through its 
57.5% equity interest in Indiana Gaming L.P., is developing in Lawrenceburg, 
Indiana a casino project which the Company anticipates opening with a 
temporary gaming facility in the fourth quarter of 1996 and with a permanent 
gaming facility not later than 12 months thereafter.  There can be no 
assurance that the projected opening date will be met, as the opening is 
subject to numerous conditions, including licensing, permitting and 
construction.

    The Company's results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 
1996 were adversely affected by increased competition at its Alton and 
Riverside properties and the Company expects to face further increased 
competition in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas as new riverboat casinos 
are expected to open in these markets. Accordingly, the Company believes that 
it may be more difficult in the future to sustain historical levels of 
operating revenues and profitability at certain of its properties.  
Increasing competitive pressures have also resulted in the Company 
eliminating, in January 1996, admissions fees at its current gaming 
operations. In addition, the Company is incurring significant costs and 
capital expenditures in developing the Lawrenceburg casino project.  These 
increased costs, and the increased interest expense associated with the 
Mortgage Notes, will continue to adversely affect the Company's results of 
operations until such time as the Lawrenceburg casino is opened and 
generating revenues.  

                                      9    
    
<PAGE>

    The following table highlights the results of operations for the 
Company's operating Casinos (amounts in thousands):    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   SIX MONTHS ENDED               THREE MONTHS ENDED 
                                               -----------------------        -------------------------
                                               JUNE 30,       JUNE 30,        JUNE 30,         JUNE 30,
                                                 1996           1995            1996             1995 
                                               --------     ---------         ---------       ---------
              <S>                               <C>          <C>               <C>             <C>
GROSS REVENUES                                                                            
    Alton Belle Casino  . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 41,135     $ 44,125          $ 20,845        $ 23,285 
    Argosy Casino Riverside . . . . . . . . .    51,339       53,486            24,725          27,181 
    Belle of Baton Rouge Casino . . . . . . .    29,769       25,517            15,299          13,597 
    Belle of Sioux City Casino. . . . . . . .    10,497       11,058             5,280           5,659 
                                               --------     ---------         ---------       ---------
      Total Properties. . . . . . . . . . . .  $132,740     $134,186          $ 66,149        $ 69,722 
                                               --------     ---------         ---------       ---------
                                               --------     ---------         ---------       ---------
    
NET REVENUE                                               
    Alton Belle Casino  . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 39,942     $ 42,578          $ 20,279        $ 22,438 
    Argosy Casino Riverside . . . . . . . . .    47,329       47,306            23,425          23,953 
    Belle of Baton Rouge Casino . . . . . . .    28,274       24,742            14,479          13,168 
    Belle of Sioux City Casino. . . . . . . .    10,167       10,831             5,083           5,520 
                                               --------     ---------         ---------       ---------
      Total Properties. . . . . . . . . . . .  $125,712     $125,457          $ 63,266        $ 65,079 
                                               --------     ---------         ---------       ---------
                                               --------     ---------         ---------       ---------
    
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS
    Alton Belle Casino(1) . . . . . . . . . .  $  7,965     $ 11,380          $  4,046        $  6,061 
    Argosy Casino Riverside(2). . . . . . . .     6,252       12,437             3,764           6,326 
    Belle of Baton Rouge Casino(3). . . . . .     3,658         (264)            1,349           1,132 
    Belle of Sioux City Casino(1) . . . . . .       578        2,066               164           1,073 
                                               --------     ---------         ---------       ---------
      Total Properties. . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 18,453     $ 25,619          $  9,323        $ 14,592 
                                               --------     ---------         ---------       ---------
                                               --------     ---------         ---------       ---------
    
EBITDA(4) 
    Alton Belle Casino(1) . . . . . . . . . .  $ 10,036     $ 13,446          $  5,085        $  7,098 
    Argosy Casino Riverside(2). . . . . . . .    10,504       15,938             5,518           8,266 
    Belle of Baton Rouge Casino(3). . . . . .     6,387        2,459             2,721           2,553 
    Belle of Sioux City Casino(1) . . . . . .       961        2,201               362           1,174 
                                               --------     ---------         ---------       ---------
      Total Properties. . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 27,888     $ 34,044          $ 13,686        $ 19,091 
                                               --------     ---------         ---------       ---------
                                               --------     ---------         ---------       ---------

</TABLE>

(1) Income from operations and EBITDA for the Belle of Sioux City Casino and 
    the Alton Belle Casino are presented before consideration of the Company's 
    management fee and in the case of the Belle of Sioux City before 
    the 30% minority interest.

(2) Excludes $3,508 for the six months and three months ended June 30, 1996 
    related to lease termination costs in connection with assets formerly 
    used at the Riverside temporary facility.

(3) Excludes operating loss of approximately $1,260 and $353 for the six 
    months ended June 30, 1996, and 1995, respectively and $726 and $353 for 
    the three months ended June 30, 1996, and 1995, respectively primarily 
    depreciation, amortization and operating expenses related to the Catfish 
    Town land based development in Baton Rouge.

(4) "EBITDA" is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and 
    amortization and is presented before any management fees paid to Argosy. 
    EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to operating income, or 
    net income (as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
    principles) as an indicator of the Company's operating performance, or as 
    an alternative to cash flows generated by operating, investing and 
    financing activities (as determined in accordance with generally accepted 
    accounting principles) as an indicator of cash flow or a measure of 
    liquidity.  EBITDA is presented solely as a supplemental disclosure 
    because management believes that it is a widely used measure of operating 
    performance in the gaming industry and for companies with a significant 
    amount of depreciation and amortization.  The Company has other 
    significant uses of cash flows, including capital expenditures, which are 
    not reflected in EBITDA.

                                        10

<PAGE>

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995

    CASINO-- Casino revenues for the six months ended June 30, 1996 increased 
to $118.1 million from $117.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 1995. 
Alton casino revenues decreased from $40.5 million to $37.4 million due to 
severe weather conditions in January and February 1996.  The decrease is also 
attributed to flooding in 1995 as Alton benefitted when two competing 
riverboat casinos were temporarily closed in the St. Louis area.  Riverside 
casino revenues increased from $42.9 million to $44.0 million due to the 
opening of the Company's permanent land based entertainment pavilion on 
January 15, 1996, offset by the severe weather conditions experienced in 
January and February 1996 and additional competition in the Kansas City 
market.  Baton Rouge casino revenues increased $3.0 million from $24.0 
million to $27.0 million.  Sioux City casino revenues decreased  $.7 million 
to $9.7 million due to severe weather conditions in January and February 
1996 and the effects of increased competition from two riverboat casinos 
which opened in January 1996.

    Casino expenses increased from $58.8 million for the six months ended 
June 30, 1995 to $59.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 1996 
primarily related to increases in gaming taxes and admission taxes which 
increased proportionately with the increases in casino revenues and customer 
boardings respectively.

    ADMISSIONS-- Admissions revenue (net of complimentary admissions) 
decreased from $3.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 1995 to $.2 
million for the six months ended June 30, 1996.  This decrease is due to the 
Company's elimination of admission fees in January 1996 in Riverside in 
reaction to competitive pressures in the Kansas City market.

    FOOD AND BEVERAGE-- Food, beverage and other revenues increased $4.8 
million to $12.9 million for the six month period ended June 30, 1996 
primarily due to increased food, beverage and other sales at the expanded 
Riverside and Baton Rouge facilities.  Riverside revenues increased from $2.3 
million to $5.3 million while Baton Rouge revenues increased from $1.3 
million to $2.5 million.  Alton's food, beverage and other revenues remained 
stable with the six month period ending June 30, 1995 while Sioux City's 
food, beverage and other revenues increased .2 million over the prior six 
month period.  Food beverage and other net profit improved $1.3 million to 
$1.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 1996 due primarily to improved 
operating efficiencies in the Company's food and beverage operations.

    OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES--Other operating expenses increased $.9 million 
to $8.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 1996.  This increase is 
primarily due to the opening of the permanent land based entertainment 
pavilion at Riverside, the addition of expanded entertainment facilities in 
Sioux City and the additional services needed for the severe weather 
conditions in January and February 1996 experienced at the Alton, Riverside 
and Sioux City casinos.

    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE--Selling, general and administrative 
expenses increased $2.6 million to $26.2 million for the three months ended 
June 30, 1996. Increases of $1.8 million and $.9 million, respectively, in 
Alton and Riverside relate primarily to increases in advertising and 
promotional expenses due to increased competition and the opening of the 
Riverside permanent facility. Additionally, the Company recorded a charge of 
approximately $1.5 million, in 1996, in professional and other fees related 
to its response to a Marion County, Indiana grand jury document subpoena and 
the related termination of a private placement of first mortgage notes. These 
increases were offset somewhat by lower general and administrative costs in 
Baton Rouge.

                                     11

<PAGE>


    DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION--Depreciation and amortization increased 
$1.1 million from $10.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 1995 to 
$11.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 1996.  This increase is 
primarily due to increased depreciation in Riverside in connection with the 
Company's land based entertainment pavilion which opened on January 15, 1996 
at an approximate cost of $45 million.

    Development and Preopening costs--Development and preopening costs 
increased from $1.1 million for the six month period ending June 30, 1995 to 
$3.8 million for the six month period ending June 30, 1996.  The primary 
increase is due to expenses related to developing the casino in Lawrenceburg, 
Indiana, which has an anticipated opening date of the fourth quarter of 1996.

    INTEREST EXPENSE--Net interest expense increased $3.2 million to $10.9 
million for the six months ended June 30, 1996.  The increase is attributable 
to interest expense on the increased borrowings, used to fund the Company's 
expansion and development program,  on the $100 million Line of Credit 
through June 5, 1996 and interest expense related to the $235 million First 
Mortgage Notes issued June 5, 1996. 

    NET INCOME (LOSS) -- Net income decreased from $4.8 million for the six 
months ended June 30, 1995 to a net loss of $5.9 million for the six months 
ended 1996 primarily for the reasons discussed above.  In addition the 
Company recorded a pretax charge of $3.5 million related to lease termination 
costs in connection with assets formerly used at its temporary facility in 
Riverside.  Further, the company recorded an extraordinary loss of $.9 
million (net of tax) related to the write off of deferred finance costs 
associated with extinguishment of its revolving secured line of credit in 
1996.

THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995

    CASINO-- Casino revenues for the three months ended June 30, 1996 
decreased to $59.4 from $61.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 
1995.  Alton casino revenues decreased from $21.3 million to $18.9 million.  
The decrease is attributable to increased competition in the St. Louis market 
as well as Alton benefitting from flooding which temporarily closed two 
competing riverboat casinos in the St. Louis area in 1995.  Riverside casino 
revenues remained the same at $21.8 million due to the opening of the 
Company's permanent land based entertainment pavilion on January 15, 1996 
offset by additional competition in the Kansas City area.  Baton Rouge casino 
revenues increased $1.1 million from $12.7 million to $13.8 million due 
primarily to the opening of a permanent land based entertainment facility in 
April 1996.  Sioux City casino revenues decreased  $.5 million to $4.8 
million.

    Casino expenses increased from $29.8 million for the three months ended 
June 30, 1995 to $30.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 1996.  
Gaming taxes decreased to $11.7 million for the three month period ended June 
30, 1996 from $12.0 million in 1995 which is proportionate with the decrease 
in casino revenues, while admissions taxes increased to $4.8 million in 1996 
from $4.3 million in 1995 due to an increase in customer boardings.  Other 
casino operating expenses remained approximately the same in 1996 as in 1995.

    ADMISSIONS-- Admissions revenue (net of complimentary admissions) 
decreased from $1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 1995 to $0 
for the three months ended June 30, 1996.  This decrease is due to the 
Company's elimination of admission fees in Riverside in January 1996 in 
reaction to competitive pressures in the Kansas City market.

                                   12

<PAGE>


    FOOD AND BEVERAGE-- Food, Beverage and other revenues increased $2.4 
million to $6.8 million for the three month period ended June 30, 1996 
primarily due to increased food, beverage and other sales at the expanded 
Riverside and Baton Rouge facilities.  Riverside revenues increased from $1.2 
million to $2.9 million while Baton Rouge revenues increased from $.7 million 
to $1.5 million.  Food beverage and other net profit remained approximately 
the same for the three months ended June 30, 1996.

    OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES--Other operating expenses remained the same at 
$4.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 1996 and the six months 
ended June 30, 1995.  

    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE--Selling, general and administrative 
expenses increased $.9 million from the three months ended June 30, 1995  to 
$11.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 1996. Increases of $.6 
million at Alton and $.2 million at Riverside relate primarily to increases 
in advertising and promotional expenses due both to increased competition and 
the opening of the Riverside permanent facility.  

    DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION--Depreciation and amortization decreased 
$.3 million from $5.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 1995 to 
$5.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 1996.  This decrease is 
primarily due to decreased depreciation associated with the Riverside 
temporary facility offset by increased depreciation in Riverside and Baton 
Rouge in connection with the Company's land based entertainment facilities 
which have longer lives.

    DEVELOPMENT AND PREOPENING COSTS--Development and preopening costs 
increased from $.7 million for the three month period ending June 30, 1995 to 
$1.9 million for the three month period ending June 30, 1996.  The primary 
increase is due to expenses related to developing the casino in Lawrenceburg, 
Indiana, which has an anticipated opening date of the fourth quarter of 1996.

    INTEREST EXPENSE--Net interest expense increased $2.9 million to $6.8 
million for the three months ended June 30, 1996.  The increase is 
attributable to interest expense on increased borrowings, used to fund the 
Company's expansion and development program, on the $100 million Line of 
Credit which was terminated on June 5, 1996 and interest expense related to 
the $235 million First Mortgage Notes issued June 5, 1996. 

    NET INCOME (LOSS) -- Net income decreased from $3.3 million for the three 
months ended June 30, 1995 to a net loss of $4.8 million for the three months 
ended 1996 primarily for the reasons discussed above.  In addition the 
Company recorded a pretax charge of $3.5 million related to lease termination 
costs in connection with assets formerly used at its temporary facility in 
Riverside.  Further, the company recorded an extraordinary loss of $.9 
million (net of tax) related to the write off of deferred finance costs 
associated with extinguishment of its revolving secured line of credit in 
1996.

COMPETITION

    The Company's Alton Casino faces competition from three other riverboat 
casinos currently operating in the St. Louis area and expects increasing 
levels of competition in the future. An additional casino complex is under 
construction which will include two independently owned facilities, each of 
which are expected to operate two dockside vessels.  This casino complex is 
expected to open in the first quarter of 1997.  The Company's Riverside 
Casino faces competition from two casinos in the Kansas City area that offer 
dockside gaming, one of which includes a second gaming vessel.  Two 
additional casino operators have commenced construction of gaming facilities 
in Kansas City, both of which are expected to open in the second half of 
1996.  The Company's Baton Rouge Casino faces competition from one casino 
located in downtown Baton Rouge, a nearby native American casino and multiple 
casinos throughout Louisiana.  Currently, the Company faces competition in 
Sioux City, Iowa, from two land-based Native American casinos, slot machines 
at a Pari-Mutual Race Track in Council Bluffs, Iowa and from two riverboat 
casinos in the Council Bluffs, Iowa/Omaha, Nebraska market, which opened in 
January 1996.  The Company expects each market in which it participates, both 
current and prospective, to be highly competitive.

                                       13

<PAGE>


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

    In the six months ended June 30, 1996 the Company generated cash flows 
from operating activities of $6.1 million compared to $24.5 million for the 
same period in 1995.  The decrease in cash flow is primarily attributed to 
decreased operating margins and increased preopening and development expenses 
in 1996 compared to 1995 and, additionally, to the timing of expenditures 
related to operating accounts payable.  
    
    In the six months ended June 30, 1996, the Company used cash flows for 
investing activities of $157.2 million versus $34.1 million for the six 
months ended June 30, 1995.  The primary uses of funds in 1996 were the 
placement of $94.3 million of the proceeds from the Company's First Mortgage 
Note offering into a disbursement account, for the Lawrenceburg casino 
project, and the investment of $62.1 million in property, plant and equipment. 
Riverside, Lawrenceburg and the Catfish Town facility at Baton Rouge had 
capital expenditures of $17.9 million, $28.2 million and $12.1 million, 
respectively, for the six month period ended June 30, 1996.  The primary use 
of funds for the six month period ended June 30, 1995 were capital 
expenditures of $24.1 million and goodwill associated with the purchase of 
Jazz of $9.4 million.

    During the six months ended June 30, 1996, the Company generated $198.8 
million in cash flows from financing activities compared $5.3 million of cash 
flows from financing activities for the same period in 1995.  The primary 
sources of cash flows in 1996 were $235 million of proceeds from the 
Company's First Mortgage Note Offering and $19.7 million in capital 
contributions from the Company's partner in Lawrenceburg offset by the 
repayment of $90 million on the company's senior secured line of credit.
    
    As of June 30, 1996, the Company had approximately $63.9 million of cash 
and cash equivalents and $1.9 million of marketable securities which can be 
used for general working capital purposes.  In addition the Company has $94.5 
million in a disbursement account to be used to fund the Company's portion of 
the remaining Lawrenceburg construction costs.  The $94.5 million cannot be 
used for any other purposes.  On June 5, 1996 the Company issued $235 million 
of first mortgage notes which are due June 2004.  $91 million of the proceeds 
of the first mortgage note offering were used to retire the Company's senior 
secured line of credit and accrued interest. $94.3 million were placed in the 
Indiana disbursement account with the balance used to pay expenses of the 
offering and available for general corporate purposes.  The Company has $115 
million of Convertible Subordinated Notes outstanding which were issued in 
June 1994 and are due June 2001.

                                            14

<PAGE>


    The Company has made a significant investment in property and equipment 
and plans to make significant additional investments at certain of its 
existing properties and into additional jurisdictions, particularly 
Lawrenceburg, Indiana.  As a result of its June 1995 acquisition of Jazz, the 
Company is now the developer of the Catfish Town real estate project in Baton 
Rouge, Louisiana.  The Company estimates that the completion of the Catfish 
Town project will cost an additional approximately $5 million (primarily 
tenant allowance) as of June 30, 1996.  Further, if the Predecessor's status 
as an S Corporation, which has been asserted as an issue by the IRS during an 
ongoing audit, is successfully challenged, the Company currently estimates 
that it would require up to approximately $12 million (excluding penalties) 
to fund the potential income tax liability.  

    The Company estimates that the total costs of opening a temporary gaming 
facility and completing the permanent Lawrenceburg Casino and entertainment 
project is approximately $210 million.  As of June 30, 1996, approximately 
$44 million had been expended by the partnership, on the project.  Of the 
remaining $166 million in Lawrenceburg construction costs, approximately $25 
million is anticipated to be funded through equipment financing from third 
party lenders and approximately $141 million will be funded by the Company 
and a partner, 57.5% of which will be funded by the Company and 42.5% of 
which will be funded by its partner.  In the event project costs exceed the 
budgeted $210 million total project cost the Company and its partner will 
fund such costs on the same percentages to a total project cost of $225 
million.  Any project costs in excess of $225 million must be funded by the 
Company.  

    The Company believes that as a result of its recent offering of Mortgage 
Notes, cash on hand will be sufficient to fund its current operations and its 
obligations with respect to the Lawrenceburg casino development.

                                     15
  
<PAGE>

                            ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY
                             OTHER INFORMATION

PART II.     Other Information

Item 1.      LEGAL PROCEEDINGS - 

             During the quarter ended June 30, 1996 the following developments 
             occurred with respect to Legal Proceedings.

             MARION COUNTY, INDIANA GRAND JURY DOCUMENT SUBPOENA

             On or after March 15, 1996, the Company, its partners in the 
             Lawrenceburg casino project and certain other individuals and 
             entities were served with document request subpoenas issued by 
             the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of Marion County, 
             Indiana in connection with a grand jury investigation entitled: 
             STATE OF INDIANA V. ORIGINAL INVESTIGATION-OFFICIAL 
             MISCONDUCT.  Indiana law requires that at the time a target of 
             an investigation is determined, that entity or person must be 
             so advised by the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.  On March 
             23, 1996 the Company was advised by the Marion County 
             prosecutor that no target subpoenas had been issued by the 
             grand jury in its investigation as of that date.  However, there 
             can be no assurance that targets will not be identified as 
             further information and documents are obtained and considered 
             by the grand jury.  Due to the confidential nature of grand 
             jury proceedings, the Company is not aware of the specific 
             subject matter or matters of the investigation.  The Company 
             believes it has fully complied with its subpoena, and has been 
             informed by its partners that they will do the same.

             The subpoenas request information regarding the current or prior 
             ownership interest in the Company and the partners of the Indiana 
             Partnership by the individuals or entities described below.  The 
             subpoenas also request that the Company and its partners produce 
             a broad category of documents including documents regarding 
             employment and other agreements, gifts, payments and 
             correspondence between the Company and any of its partners on 
             the one hand and several business entities and individuals, 
             including an Indiana state legislator, certain Indiana 
             lobbyists, and certain Lawrenceburg, Indiana city officials and 
             businessmen on the other hand.  The Company has learned that 
             this legislator has served as an employee of a subsidiary of 
             Conseco, Inc., the parent company of the 29% limited partner in 
             the Indiana Partnership, since September 1995.  Additionally, the 
             Company has learned that such state legislator has served since 
             September 1993 as a consultant to a major Indiana engineering 
             firm that is engaged in many state and local government funded 
             construction projects. That engineering firm also serves as lead 
             engineer for the Lawrenceburg casino project.  On May 24, 1996, 
             the Indiana House Legislative Ethics Committee voted to 
             reprimand, but take no further action against, this legislator 
             for failing to properly report the foregoing employment and 
             consulting arrangements on his 1993, 1994 and 1995 statements of 
             economic interests.  On June 27, 1996 the legislator announced 
             his resignation as chairman of the Indiana House Ways and Means 
             Committee and that he would not seek reelection in November 1996.

             The Company believes that neither it nor any entity controlled 
             by or person employed by the Company has engaged, and has been 
             informed by representatives of its partners that they have not 
             engaged, in any unlawful conduct in the pursuit by or granting 
             to the Indiana Partnership of the Lawrenceburg gaming license.  
             Because the grand jury proceedings are unlikely to be concluded 
             quickly, on March 25, 1996, a former U.S. Attorney and his law 
             firm were retained to conduct, as special independent counsel 
             (the "special independent counsel"), an internal investigation 
             into the 

                                             16

<PAGE>
                                  ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY
                                    OTHER INFORMATION
                                       (continued)

             activities and actions of the Company and the entities 
             controlled by any person employed by the Company with respect to 
             (i) the hiring by Conseco, Inc. and the Indiana engineering firm 
             of the state legislator, (ii) the endorsement of the Indiana 
             Partnership by the city of Lawrenceburg and the financial 
             affairs of certain Lawrenceburg officials with respect to such 
             endorsement and the awarding of the certificate of suitability 
             by the Indiana Gaming Commission, and (iii) their lobbying 
             efforts in furtherance of the Indiana legislature's  enactment 
             of legislation authorizing gaming and limiting gaming licenses 
             to one per county.  A special committee of independent directors 
             of the Company has been appointed to supervise and coordinate 
             the special independent counsel's investigation.  The special 
             independent counsel has not investigated Conseco, Inc. but is 
             currently in the process of investigating the other 
             limited partners of the Indiana Partnership. The company 
             has been advised that Conseco, Inc., with the assistance of 
             outside counsel, has conducted its own internal investigation of 
             matters that may be the subject of the grand jury proceedings 
             and such investigation found no wrongdoing by Conseco, Inc. or 
             any person or entity it controls, or is controlled by.  Conseco 
             has retained its own special independent counsel to conduct an 
             investigation.  This investigation is currently in process.

             From March 25 to April 15, 1996, the special independent counsel 
             conducted its investigation and issued an interim report in 
             which it concluded that it found no evidence that the Company or 
             any entity controlled by or person employed by the Company had 
             any involvement in, or knowledge of, the relationship between 
             the state legislator and Conseco, Inc. or the Indiana 
             engineering firm, or attempted  to improperly influence any City 
             of Lawrenceburg official, state legislator or Indiana Gaming 
             Commission member or staff member in connection with the 
             endorsement of the partnership by the City of Lawrenceburg and 
             the awarding of the certificate of suitability to the Indiana 
             Partnership. With regard to lobbying, including the lobbying 
             with respect to one gaming license per county legislation, the 
             special independent counsel found no evidence that the Company 
             or any entity controlled by or person employed by the Company 
             attempted to unduly influence any legislator in any way.  
             However, no investigation was made of any lobbyist's records, 
             activities or expenditures, nor were any outside lobbyists 
             interviewed.  The special independent counsel also audited the 
             Company's compliance with the lobbying disclosure statute in 
             Indiana and found only technical errors in the Company's 
             lobbying disclosure statements. No evidence was found that these 
             technical errors were intentional or designed to hide any 
             lobbying activity.  In conducting its investigation, the special 
             independent counsel, among other things, reviewed numerous boxes 
             of  documents produced by the executive and Lawrenceburg offices 
             of the Company and extensively interviewed the nine Company 
             officers and employees most closely related to the Lawrenceburg 
             Casino project, as well as the principal of R.J. Investments, 
             Inc., a 4% limited partner of the Indiana Partnership.

             No assurance can be given, however, that the nature and scope of 
             the investigation conducted by the special independent counsel, 
             which among other things was conducted under severe time 
             pressure and was limited to the Company and the entities 
             controlled by and persons employed by the Company, was 
             sufficient to uncover conduct that might be considered unlawful. 
             Further, no assurance can be given that the special independent 
             counsel investigation of Conseco and the other partners when 
             completed will not find wrongdoing by the subjects of such 
             investigations.  In the event that the Company, any entity 
             controlled by the Company, any person employed by the Company, 
             the Indiana Partnership or any of its partners is found by the 
             Marion County prosecutor to have engaged in unlawful conduct, 
             there is no assurance what effect such action would have on the 
             Indiana Partnership's certificate of suitability or, after 
             issuance, the Indiana gaming license.  In the event Conseco or one
             of the Company's other partners in the Lawrenceburg casino project
             is determined by the Indiana Gaming Commission to be unsuitable 
             for the ownership of a gaming license or to 

                                           17

<PAGE>
                                   ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY
                                     OTHER INFORMATION
                                       (continued)

             have engaged in unlawful conduct, the terms of the Indiana 
             Partnership's partnership agreement provide that the Indiana 
             Partnership shall redeem 100% of such unsuitable partner's 
             interest in the partnership for an amount equal to such 
             partner's capital account.  In the event that a partner is 
             determined by the Indiana Gaming Commission to be unsuitable for 
             ownership after the issuance of the gaming license, the terms of 
             the Indiana Partnership's partnership agreement provide that the 
             Indiana Partnership shall redeem 100% of such unsuitable 
             partner's interest for an amount equal to 90% of the "appraised 
             value" of that partner's interest, determined in accordance with 
             the terms of the partnership agreement.  The purchase price is 
             payable in five annual installments, only from available cash 
             flow or sale or financing proceeds of the partnership, and bears 
             interest at "prime."  If such event were to occur with respect 
             to Conseco prior to the completion of the Lawrenceburg casino 
             project, the Company would have to fund any remaining 
             construction costs of the Lawrenceburg casino project which were 
             to have been funded by Conseco.  No assurance can be given that 
             the Company would be able t obtain funds sufficient for this 
             purpose.  Also, there can be no assurance that the Indiana 
             Gaming Commission will not take other actions such as 
             suspending, revoking or failing to renew the Indiana 
             Partnership's certificate of suitability, delaying the issuance 
             of or failing to issue the Indiana Partnership a gaming license 
             or, after issuance, revoking or suspending such gaming license.  
             Renewal of the Indiana Partnership's certificate of suitability is
             being considered by the Indiana Gaming Commission at a hearing to 
             be held on August 20, 1996 and no assurances can be given that 
             such certificate will be renewed.  Therefore, there can be no 
             assurance that the grand jury investigation will not lead to 
             events having a material adverse effect on the Company.  

             DISPUTE WITH FORMER SHAREHOLDERS OF JAZZ ENTERPRISES, INC.

             On March 15, 1996, a judgment for approximately $2.2 million 
             plus continuing interest, attorney's fees and court costs was 
             rendered against Jazz in the cause of action entitled MARTHA 
             MYATT BOWLUS ET. AL. V. JAZZ ENTERPRISES, INC. filed in the 
             Nineteenth Judicial District Court, Parish of East Baton Rouge, 
             State of Louisiana ("Bowlus Lawsuit").  The plaintiffs sued Jazz 
             to recover amounts due under a promissory note issued by Jazz 
             and secured by a mortgage on certain property owned by Jazz 
             located several miles south of Catfish Town.  The delay for 
             filing for a new trial in the Bowlus Lawsuit has elapsed and 
             under Louisiana law a suspensive appeal from a judgment must be 
             filed within 30 days thereafter and any such appeal requires the 
             posting of an appeal bond in an amount at least equal to the 
             amount of the judgment.  The judgment rendered in the Bowlus 
             Lawsuit has been recorded in the mortgage records of East Baton 
             Rouge Parish, and therefore the judgment now constitutes a 
             judicial mortgage on Jazz's immovable property located in East 
             Baton Rouge Parish.

             Pursuant to the definitive acquisition documents any and all 
             amounts due by Jazz under the Bowlus Lawsuit are the obligations 
             of the Former Jazz Shareholders.  Prior to March 31, 1996, the 
             Company requested, in writing, that the Former Jazz Shareholders 
             satisfy the obligations and satisfy the judgment.  Thereafter, 
             Jazz was advised that the Former Jazz Shareholders hoped to 
             settle the Bowlus Lawsuit prior to the expiration of the 
             suspensive appeal delay and if not so settled, they intended to 
             suspensively appeal the judgment.  As a result of the Former 
             Jazz Shareholders' obligations, one of the Former Jazz 
             Shareholders, Mr. Steve Urie, has posted an unsecured personal 
             appeal bond in the amount of $2,246,187.31, and a suspensive 
             appeal has been filed.  Under Louisiana law, if it is determined 
             that this suspensive appeal is proper and that the suspensive 
             appeal bond is valid, sufficient and proper, then after a 
             contradictory hearing the court may order the judgement 
             cancelled from the mortgage records during the pendency of the 
             suspensive appeal.  The Bowlus plaintiffs have filed pleadings 
             to contest the validity, sufficiency, and propriety of the 
             suspensive appeal bond, and Jazz is not able to predict what 
             ruling the court 

                                           18

<PAGE>


                                  ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY
                                   OTHER INFORMATION
                                      (continued)


             may make on that issue.  Accordingly, since the former Jazz 
             Shareholders have allowed the judgment to be entered against 
             Jazz, and have allowed said judgment to remain in the mortgage 
             records, such that the judgment creates a judicial mortgage on 
             Jazz's immovable property, the Company withheld scheduled 
             payments of $337,500 each to the Former Jazz Shareholders 
             representing the March 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996 quarterly 
             installments of the deferred purchase price.  The Company 
             believes that withholding such payment, as well as withholding 
             future payments, until the Former Jazz Shareholders satisfy the 
             Bowlus Lawsuit is within the Company's rights as provided for in 
             the definitive acquisition documents.

             In response to the Company's withholding of the March 31, 1996 
             payment, Mr. Steve Urie has filed an action in District Court of 
             East Baton Rouge seeking payment of the withheld amount and has 
             threatened, among other things, to file a class action on behalf 
             of the shareholders of the Company against the Company and its 
             directors and officers for mismanagement.  The Company believes 
             such threatened claims are without merit and would vigorously 
             pursue the defense of any lawsuit filed by the Former Jazz 
             Shareholders.

             In July, 1996, the court ruled Mr. Urie's bond insufficient and 
             the Company paid the $2.2 judgement on behalf of the former 
             shareholders of Jazz and will offset future payments against 
             this amount.

             CHALLENGE TO CERTIFICATE OF SUITABILITY FOR LAWRENCEBURG CASINO 
             BY UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANT

             On March 6, 1996 Indiana Gaming Company received a letter from 
             counsel to Schilling Casino Corporation, d/b/a Empire Casino & 
             Resort ("Empire") advising the Company that Empire intended to 
             take legal action to seek a revocation or cancellation of the 
             certificate of suitability issued by the Indiana Gaming 
             Commission to the Indiana Partnership on June 30, 1995 to 
             develop and operate the Lawrenceburg Casino.  Empire was one of 
             the unsuccessful applicants competing for the Lawrenceburg 
             gaming license.  Empire advised the Indiana Partnership that it 
             intended to file an application with the Indiana Gaming 
             Commission seeking revocation of the certificate of suitability 
             and that if such application is unsuccessful, Empire has stated 
             that it intends to file a civil action challenging the Indiana 
             Gaming Commission's authority to issue the certificate of 
             suitability and finally, if any such civil action is 
             unsuccessful, to file an appeal from the denial of Empire's 
             application, which denial Empire deems to occur upon the 
             issuance of the gaming license to the Indiana Partnership. 

             On July 19, 1996, Empire filed with the Indiana Gaming 
             Commission an Application for Revocation of the certificate of 
             suitability awarded to the Indiana Partnership for a riverboat 
             owners license for Lawrenceburg, Indiana.  Among the grounds 
             stated by Empire in their application as filed were:  (i) the 
             application process followed by the Indiana Gaming Commission 
             did not afford Empire due process and violated Indiana law; (ii) 
             the Indiana Partnership has failed to comply with the conditions 
             in the Certificate because the temporary vessel has not opened 
             and certain permits have not been obtained; (iii) the Indiana 
             Partnership made misrepresentations to the Indiana Gaming 
             Commission during the licensing hearings; (iv) the Indiana 
             Gaming Commission could not lawfully extend the Certificate 
             beyond June 30, 1996 without reconsidering all other 
             applications; and (v) the endorsement of the Indiana Partnership 
             by the City of Lawrenceburg was without legal authority.

                                        19

<PAGE>


                                ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY
                                  OTHER INFORMATION
                                    (continued)

             The renewal of the Indiana Partnership's Certificate will be 
             considered by the Indiana Gaming Commission at a hearing to be 
             held on August 20, 1996.  The Company believes that the grounds 
             alleged by Empire are without merit and intends with the 
             Indiana Partnership to vigorously challenge any of the 
             aforementioned actions taken by Empire.

             Additionally, the Company and the Indiana Partnership intend to 
             pursue their respective legal remedies against Empire and its 
             representatives for any damages either may suffer as a result of 
             any wrongful action of Empire.  There can be no assurances, 
             however, that any actions of Empire will not result in a delay 
             in the opening of the temporary gaming facility in Lawrenceburg 
             presently scheduled for the fourth quarter of 1996 or the 
             opening of the permanent gaming facility scheduled twelve months 
             later.  Any such delay could have a material adverse effect on 
             the Company.  Additionally, the Company cannot predict the 
             response of the Indiana Gaming Commission or City of 
             Lawrenceburg to any such actions of Empire.

             H. STEVEN NORTON V. JOHN T. CONNORS, ET AL.

             In September, 1993, H. Steven Norton, who was then and is now 
             the President of the Company, filed a cause of action against 
             John T. Connors, a significant shareholder of the Company and a 
             former officer of J. Connors Group Inc., a predecessor entity of 
             the Company ("JCG"), seeking $50 million in damages.  Mr. Norton 
             alleged that Mr. Connors failed to fulfill his promise made in 
             the summer of 1991 to establish a partnership with Mr. Norton in 
             which each would have an equal 50% interest in JCG, which had a 
             25% partnership interest in the Company's predecessor entity 
             that owned the Alton Belle casino.  As a result of the 
             reorganization effected immediately prior to its initial public 
             offering, the Company succeeded to all the rights, properties 
             and assets, and assumed all the liabilities, of all of its 
             predecessor entities, including JCG.  Subsequent to filing the 
             lawsuit, Mr. Connors advised the Company that his dealings with 
             Mr. Norton, which are the subject of the litigation, were in his 
             capacity as an officer of JCG, and that the Company should 
             assume the defense and reimburse Mr. Connors for the 
             approximately $130,000 spent to date on legal fees, and that any 
             liability resulting from the litigation was assumed by the 
             Company as a result of the Company's reorganization.  The 
             Company responded to Mr. Connors that it believed that his 
             actions and dealings with Mr. Norton were solely in his 
             individual capacity as a shareholder of JCG, and the Company 
             declined to assume the defense or reimburse him for previously 
             incurred legal fees, and the Company denied that it has any 
             liability with respect to such matter.  If, however, JCG were to 
             have been found liable to Mr. Norton as a result of the actions 
             of Mr. Connors, then the Company could under certain 
             circumstances be liable to Mr. Norton for any damages awarded 
             against JCG.

             In April 1995, Mssrs. Norton and Connors agreed to voluntarily 
             dismiss the lawsuit without prejudice. However, on May 22, 1996, 
             Mr. Norton refiled the suit against Mr. Connors and is again 
             seeking $50 million in damages.  The Company believes that Mr. 
             Connors will again seek to cause the Company to indemnify and 
             reimburse him from liability thereunder.  Therefore, there can 
             be no assurance that the lawsuit will not lead to events having 
             a material adverse effect on the Company.

                                          20
<PAGE>


                                ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY
                                  OTHER INFORMATION
                                    (continued)

             GAMING INDUSTRY CLASS ACTIONS

             The Company has been named, along with two gaming equipment 
             suppliers, 41 of the country's largest gaming operators and four 
             gaming distributors (the "Gaming Industry Defendants") in three 
             class action lawsuits pending in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The suits 
             allege that the Gaming Industry Defendants violated the 
             Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act ("RICO") by 
             engaging in a course of fraudulent and misleading conduct 
             intended to induce people to play their gaming machines based 
             upon a false belief concerning how those gaming machines 
             actually operate, as well as the extent to which there is 
             actually an opportunity to win on any given play.  The suits 
             sought unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.  On April 
             17, 1996 the court granted the defendants motion to dismiss one 
             of the complaints; however, the plaintiffs amended their 
             complaint to cure certain pleading defects in the prior 
             complaint.  The Company is unable at this time to determine what 
             effect, if any, the suit would have on its business or 
             operations.

Item 2:      CHANGES IN SECURITIES - NONE

Item 3:      DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES - NONE

Item 4:      SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 VOTES          VOTES          WITHHELD/         BROKER
                                                  FOR          AGAINST          ABSTAIN         NON-VOTES
                                              ----------       -------         ---------        ---------
<S>                                           <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>
                Election of Directors

                   J. Thomas Long             20,688,209             0          32,074                   0
                   William F. Cellini         20,689,409             0          30,874                   0
               
                   William McEnery            20,689,509             0          30,774                   0

</TABLE>

Item 5:      OTHER INFORMATION-NONE

Item 6:      EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

             (a)   Exhibits

                       27--Financial Data Schedule

             (b)   Reports on Form 8-K 

                   1.  Report on Form 8-K dated June 5, 1996 filed with the 
                       Securities and Exchange Commission incorporating the 
                       press release issued by Argosy Gaming Company 
                       announcing the private placement of its $235 
                       million 13 1/4% First Mortgage Notes due 2004.

                                    21

<PAGE>

                            ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirement 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.

                                               ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY
                                                    Registrant


Date:  August 13, 1996                             /s/ Joseph G. Uram
                                                ------------------------------
                                                       Joseph G. Uram
                                                   Executive Vice President
                                                   Chief Financial Officer
                                                (Principal Accounting Officer)

                                          22


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM JUNE 30,
1996 10Q OF ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE
TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                           63890
<SECURITIES>                                      1884
<RECEIVABLES>                                     1510
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 82355
<PP&E>                                          330348
<DEPRECIATION>                                   46185
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  509897
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            31974
<BONDS>                                         350000
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           243
<OTHER-SE>                                       91429
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    509897
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                125954
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   123939
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               11546
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 (8891)
<INCOME-TAX>                                    (3200)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             (4978)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                  (890)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    (5868)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.24)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.24)
        

</TABLE>


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