WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Gaming Association (AGA) has announced that Penn National Gaming, Inc., owner and operator of casinos, racetracks and off-track wagering facilities in three states, will join the national trade association as its newest member.

“With its acquisition of two casinos in Mississippi and its expanding slot operations, Penn National’s involvement in our industry has grown significantly,” said AGA President and CEO Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr. “Adding a company of Penn National’s reputation and size - with expected revenues this year of $400 million and more than a thousand employees - is important to the AGA because it gives our arguments about jobs, taxes and other issues of concern to our membership even greater weight on Capitol Hill. It also brings the AGA another step closer to representing all operators with a large presence in our business, which enables our industry to speak with one voice.”

Penn National Chairman and CEO Peter M. Carlino added, “With our expansion and growth in the casino side of the gaming industry, it is increasingly important that the interests of our company, our employees and our shareholders are represented at the federal level. The AGA is taking a leadership role on behalf of the industry in Washington and nationwide, and we are delighted to be aligned with their efforts.”

Based in Wyomissing, Penn., Penn National Gaming, Inc. (PENN: Nasdaq) owns and operates two Mississippi casinos - the Casino Magic hotel, casino, golf resort and marina in Bay St. Louis and the Boomtown Biloxi casino in Biloxi - as well as three racetracks and 11 off-track wagering (OTW) facilities located in Pennsylvania (two tracks and 11 OTWs) and West Virginia (one track). The West Virginia track, Charles Town Races, presently features 1,974 gaming machines that will soon be increased to 2,000. Penn National intends (subject to certain conditions) to complete its previously announced acquisition of CRC Holdings, Inc. and the minority interest in Louisiana Casino Cruises, Inc. (LCCI) not owned by CRC. LCCI owns and operates the Casino Rouge, a riverboat gaming facility in Baton Rouge, La., and CRC has a management contract for Casino Rama located in Canada on the Chippewas of Mnjikaning First Nation land.

The American Gaming Association represents the commercial casino industry by addressing federal legislative and regulatory issues. It also serves as a clearinghouse for information, develops educational and advocacy programs, and provides leadership by addressing issues of public concern.