<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This data should be reviewed in conjunction with the financial statements and
and notes included in the 10-Q filing.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000912145
<NAME> AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 15,486
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 1,605
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 3,010
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 32,017
<PP&E> 451,389
<DEPRECIATION> 120,574
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 380,637
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 50,329
<BONDS> 100,000
0
0
<COMMON> 204
<OTHER-SE> 70,302
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 380,637
<SALES> 165,813
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 165,813
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 148,476
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 626
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 13,147
<INCOME-PRETAX> 3,636
<INCOME-TAX> 1,335
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 0
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 2,301
<EPS-BASIC> .11
<EPS-DILUTED> .11
</TABLE>