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Craig Neilsen founded Ameristar Casinos, Inc. and served as the Company's principal officer from its public inception in 1993 until his death in November 2006. Prior to that time, Craig led the privately held casino hotel organization, consisting of Cactus Petes Resort Casino and the Horseshu. These two original properties, with a nearly 50-year history, created the foundation for the current Ameristar business.
Under Craig's guidance, the Company grew to seven properties in Nevada, Mississippi, Iowa, Missouri and Colorado, and became recognized for its high quality products and diverse range of gaming, dining and entertainment options that provide a total entertainment experience.
Craig was an executive in gaming, real estate development and construction for more than 25 years. In 2002, he was honored as "Best Performing CEO" by the American Gaming Association, and in 2005, he was inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame. In 2006, he was named Outstanding Business Leader by the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. Craig served on the Board of the American Gaming Association.
His desire to help others living with a spinal cord injury led to his establishing The Craig H. Neilsen Foundationin 2003. The foundation continues today as his philanthropic legacy. | 