<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM JUNE 30,
2000 FORM 10-Q 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-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 45,312
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 3,156
<ALLOWANCES> 1,459
<INVENTORY> 1,246
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 60,111
<PP&E> 541,486
<DEPRECIATION> 144,107
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 523,804
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 77,177
<BONDS> 289,302
0
0
<COMMON> 283
<OTHER-SE> 78,108
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 523,804
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 348,242
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 274,853
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 646
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 19,512
<INCOME-PRETAX> 34,570
<INCOME-TAX> 13,400
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 21,170
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> (1,154)
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 20,016
<EPS-BASIC> .71
<EPS-DILUTED> .69
</TABLE>