HOUSTON, April 21, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Nevada Gold & Casinos, Inc. (AMEX:UWN) today announced that Gary L. Johnson has been appointed President and General Manager of the Horizon Casino Hotel in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Mr. Johnson's appointment will become effective upon the completion of Nevada Gold's acquisition of the property and after he has been licensed by the Mississippi gaming regulators.
Mr. Johnson most recently served as the Vice President and General Manager of Argosy Casino in Kansas City, Missouri for four years. During his tenure as General Manager he oversaw operations and the complete transformation of the property with the construction of a new 68,000-square foot, highly themed casino; a four story 1,200-stall parking facility, and a 258-room, state-of-the-art hotel and spa complex.
Prior to that, Mr. Johnson served as the Director of Marketing and a member of the Executive Committee at Argosy's Lawrenceburg, Indiana property. As a member of the original opening team, Johnson participated in the opening of both the temporary and permanent facilities in Lawrenceburg. The property ultimately became the most successful riverboat casino in the country entertaining over eight million passengers a year and generating annual revenues approaching a half a billion dollars.
In addition, Johnson also served as a legislative consultant and political representative for Argosy in Louisiana and was a development partner in an independent consortium formed to compete for a gaming license in Virginia.
Mr. Robert B. Sturges, Chief Executive Officer of Nevada Gold, commented, "We are delighted to welcome Gary to the team as the new General Manager of the Horizon Casino and Hotel and look forward to the positive contributions we know he will make. His background and track record are the perfect complement to our strategic commitment of maximizing the gaming experience, improving guest satisfaction levels and building an esprit de corp with the management and staff at the property."
The Horizon Casino is a 297-foot-long, 36,000-square foot riverboat designed in the spirit of the traditional 1800s riverboats historically found on the Mississippi, and is permanently moored in downtown Vicksburg. The casino features over 700 slot and video poker machines, a variety of the most popular table games, the only live poker room in the market and a venue for live entertainment. The property also offers a 117-room hotel and three restaurants including fine dining, a buffet and a sports bar.
Johnson said he cannot wait to get started after seeing the property and all the potential it offers. "This is going to be a great experience for all of us," he commented. "I am really looking forward to getting acquainted with the staff, our customers and the community."
About Nevada Gold & Casinos Nevada Gold & Casinos, Inc. (AMEX:UWN) of Houston, Texas is a developer, owner and operator of gaming facilities and lodging entertainment facilities in Colorado and California. Colorado Grande Casino in Cripple Creek, Colorado is wholly owned and operated by Nevada Gold. The Company recently reached an agreement to acquire the Horizon Casino Hotel in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Company also works with Native American tribes in a variety of capacities. Native American projects consist of a casino to be built in Pauma Valley, California for the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians and a casino to be developed by Buena Vista Development Company, LLC in the city of Ione, California for the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians. For more information, visit www.nevadagold.com
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