Vegas comes to Blackhawk

Ameristar Casinos, Inc. celebrated the opening of its 33-story, 536-room luxury hotel and spa in Black Hawk this morning during a ceremony held at the Las Vegas-style gaming and entertainment destination. The new hotel is the tallest structure between Denver and Salt Lake City.

“Ameristar remains very enthusiastic about Black Hawk,” said Ameristar Chief Executive Officer Gordon Kanofsky. “Our $235 million investment in this expansion will generate more local economic development by attracting guests who would be spending their leisure dollars elsewhere. We look forward to introducing Ameristar’s exceptional guest service, gaming, luxury amenities and food and beverage offerings to an even broader range of guests.”

The expansion makes Ameristar one of Gilpin County’s largest employers, with more than 720 Team Members. In 2008, Ameristar Casino Black Hawk had a payroll of more than $22 million, and it has increased current staffing levels by approximately 45 percent over the previous year to accommodate the larger facilities and increased guest traffic.

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter spoke Thursday, at the grand opening of the all-new Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in Black Hawk to a crowd of 200. The first destination resort in Black Hawk hopes to stimulate the economy, provide more jobs, and fund community colleges through Amendment 50.