Pinnacle Entertainment Names Ginny Shanks Chief Marketing Officer

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: PNK) announced today that Ginny Shanks has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, subject to customary regulatory approvals.  Ms. Shanks, whose appointment is effective immediately, will report directly to Pinnacle Entertainment's President and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Sanfilippo.

As Chief Marketing Officer, Ms. Shanks will be responsible for Pinnacle's company-wide marketing strategies, including the continued development of distinct brand positioning for all of the Company's gaming entertainment properties and overall corporate branding strategies.  In addition, Ms. Shanks will be responsible for developing Pinnacle's database marketing efforts, evolving Pinnacle's mychoice customer loyalty culture, and establishing new processes for enhancing the guest experience and more effectively communicating with guests.  Pinnacle's public relations and information technology departments will also report to Ms. Shanks.

Ms. Shanks brings to Pinnacle Entertainment over 27 years of experience in regional and casino resort marketing, including the implementation of nationwide casino promotions, product development, sports and entertainment marketing, strategic alliances, consumer insights, retail, and public relations.  Prior to her recent two-year tenure as Chief Marketing Officer for Multimedia Games, Inc., Ginny Shanks held senior executive positions for over 25 years at the property, division and corporate levels of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., the world's largest casino company and provider of branded casino entertainment.  As Harrah's Senior Vice President of Brand Management, Ms. Shanks was responsible for maximizing the value of Harrah's key strategic brands: Caesars, Harrah's, and Horseshoe casinos; the Total Rewards player loyalty program; and the World Series of Poker.  In 2008, Ms. Shanks was the recipient of the Casino Marketing Lifetime Achievement award, the first woman to be honored with this distinction.

Anthony Sanfilippo commented, "We are in the early stages of implementing new strategies to ensure that our portfolio of premier casinos, hotels and resorts provide memorable, market-leading experiences for our guests.  Ginny is a terrific leader, a world-class marketer and the ideal choice to expand the scope of our marketing efforts.  She will be a valuable addition to our executive team as we further execute on initiatives to be the most innovative and guest-focused casino entertainment company.  In this regard, Ginny's track record of industry success will enable us to optimize the value of Pinnacle's mychoice player reward program and establish new channels to communicate the benefits of being a loyal Pinnacle Entertainment guest."  

Ginny Shanks commented on her appointment, "I am delighted to join Anthony and the entire Pinnacle team.  Our collective efforts will be focused on ensuring our marketing programs clearly distinguish and elevate Pinnacle's portfolio of leading entertainment destinations, while simultaneously improving guest experiences and achieving company-wide operating excellence."

About Pinnacle Entertainment

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. owns and operates casinos in Louisiana, Missouri, Indiana, and Nevada.  In March 2010, Pinnacle opened its newest casino, River City, in south St. Louis County, Missouri.  Pinnacle is also developing a casino and hotel in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that is expected to open in December 2011.

All statements included in this press release, other than historical information or statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that could significantly affect future results. For more information on the potential factors that could affect the Company's financial results and business, review the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K.

River City is a registered trademark of Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.  All rights reserved.

SOURCE Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.