BILOXI - On December 26, Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. reopened its land-based casino at the Isle of Capri Casino Resort in this Mississippi Gulf Coast city following Hurricane Katrina.

The casino, the first land-based casino to open since the change in Mississippi gaming legislation passed in October, includes 950 slot machines, a poker room with nine poker tables, 27 table games, two restaurants and 550 hotel rooms. Plans call for a new European spa and additional hotel rooms to open in the near future.

"Reopening the Isle-Biloxi marks a major milestone for the state of Mississippi, as well as our company. This casino was originally the first casino to open in the market back in 1992 and we are the first land-based Gulf Coast casino to open today following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Our goal was to put our team members back to work as quickly as possible and I am happy to say that we have succeeded. Our team members are excited to get back to the business of welcoming guests in Isle Style," said Isle president and COO Tim Hinkley.

In a separate item, Isle of Capri has signed a joint development agreement with the Lemieux Group, LP, which includes a provision for Isle to fund a new multi-purpose arena and pursue a gaming license in Pittsburgh. Other terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

If awarded the Pittsburgh gaming license, Isle of Capri anticipates that the construction, phase of the project would begin in early 2007, with the prospect of a temporary casino being a possibility. The transaction contemplated under the definitive agreement and development of this project are subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary licenses, approvals and permits.