MTR GAMING GROUP APPOINTS WILLIAM ROBINSON COO OF ITS NEVADA OPERATIONS

CHESTER, WV – April 7, 2006 - MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (Nasdaq National Market:MNTG) today announced that William H. Robinson has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Company's Nevada operations.

Mr. Robinson brings to MTR an impressive 30-year background in gaming. Prior to joining MTR, he was Vice President of Casino Operations at Tropicana Hotel and Resort, where he managed the property's table games, slots, host and junket operations. He also held Senior Vice President positions at Sands Hotel and Casino, where he managed all aspects of casino operations including slots and tables, and at Sun International, where his primary responsibilities were supervising the surveillance and internal control areas of the Atlantis Resort and Casino in the Bahamas and the Resorts International Resort in Atlantic City. Additionally, Mr. Robinson worked as Vice President of Casino Operations at the Golden Nugget Casino and Resort and as Vice President / Casino Manager at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel & Casino, where he managed the facility's table games operations. Earlier in his career, he was a casino dealer for eight years.

Mr. Robinson served as President of Louisiana's land-based Gaming Control Board from 1993 - 1994 and as a Senior Agent in the Audit Division of Nevada's Gaming Control Board from 1976 - 1980. Mr. Robinson holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Journalism from Marshall University and in Accounting from the University of Nevada, and a Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego.

Edson R. (Ted) Arneault, President and CEO of MTR Gaming Group, stated, "We are pleased to welcome Bill to the MTR team. As COO of our Nevada operations, Bill's responsibilities will include improving the operating performance at Binion's, principally lowering expenses and evaluating new marketing initiatives to increase walk-in traffic from Fremont Street, as well as at the Speedway Casino. We are confident that Bill's substantial operating experience at various gaming properties will be a valuable asset to MTR."

About MTR Gaming Group
MTR Gaming Group, Inc., through subsidiaries, owns and operates the Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort in Chester, West Virginia; Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio; the Ramada Inn and Speedway Casino in North Las Vegas, Nevada; Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, and holds a license to build Presque Isle Downs, a thoroughbred racetrack with pari-mutuel wagering in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Company also owns a 90% interest in Jackson Trotting Association, LLC, which operates Jackson Harness Raceway in Jackson, Michigan. Additionally, MTR owns a 50% interest in the North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC, which has a license to construct and operate a harness racetrack 30 miles north of downtown Minneapolis (judicial review pending). The Mountaineer facility, the Company's primary source of revenues, currently encompasses a thoroughbred racetrack with off-track betting and export simulcasting, 3,220 slot machines, 359 hotel rooms, golf course, spa & fitness center, theater and events center, convention center and fine dining and entertainment. MTR is included on the Russell 2000® and Russell® 3000 Indexes. For more information, please visit www.mtrgaming.com.

Except for historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the statements made to be incorrect and/or for actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties are described in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. The cautionary advice in this paragraph is permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

For Additional Information, Please Contact:

MTR Gaming Group, Inc.
Edson R. (Ted) Arneault, President & CEO
(304) 387-8300

Investor Relations Counsel:
The Equity Group Inc.
Lauren Till
212-836-9610
LTill@equityny.com
www.theequitygroup.com