On May 2, 2012, Ameristar Casinos, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter of 2012. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed to be "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

(d) Exhibits. Each of the exhibits listed below is incorporated herein in its entirety.

Exhibit                                Description
99.1      May 2, 2012 Press Release of the Registrant announcing financial
          results for the first quarter of 2012.