PHOENIX, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aztar Corporation reported that the Missouri Gaming Commission yesterday determined that the licensing of Fortunes Entertainment, LLC, the previously announced buyer of Aztar's riverboat gaming operation in Caruthersville, Missouri, will not occur on or before November 19, 2006, the deadline for obtaining the necessary licenses to complete the sale of the gaming operation under Aztar's agreement with Fortunes Entertainment. In addition, the Commission directed its staff to take the necessary legal steps for the appointment of a supervisor of Casino Aztar Caruthersville to avoid closure of the gaming operation, which closure was contemplated by the previously announced merger agreement with Wimar Tahoe Corporation d/b/a Columbia Entertainment, the gaming affiliate of Columbia Sussex Corporation, in the event such a sale was not completed by November 19, 2006. Based on currently available information, Aztar does not expect the Commission's action to significantly impact the timing of the closing of the merger with Columbia Entertainment, which is presently expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2006. Aztar previously announced that it had signed a definitive agreement on August 17, 2006 with Fortunes Entertainment under which Fortunes Entertainment would acquire Casino Aztar Caruthersville, subject to approval of the Missouri gaming authorities and other customary closing conditions. About Aztar Corporation Aztar is a publicly traded company that operates Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Tropicana Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ramada Express Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada, Casino Aztar in Caruthersville, Missouri, and Casino Aztar in Evansville, Indiana. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. Such statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, including statements regarding Columbia Entertainment's pending acquisition of Aztar, are based on current expectations of management of Aztar and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that could significantly affect future results. Accordingly, Aztar cautions that the forward-looking statements contained herein are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected by such statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (a) the risk that Columbia Entertainment may be unable to obtain regulatory approvals required for the transaction with Aztar; (b) the risk that conditions to the closing of the transaction may not be satisfied or the merger agreement with Columbia Entertainment may be terminated prior to closing; and (c) other risks, including those as may be detailed from time to time in Aztar's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). For more information on the potential factors that could affect Aztar's financial results and business, review Aztar's filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K. Contact: Joe Cole Aztar Corporation 602-381-4111 DATASOURCE: Aztar Corporation CONTACT: Joe Cole, Aztar Corporation, +1-602-381-4111

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