CHESTER,WV – MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (NasdaqGS: MNTG) announced today that it reduced its workforce at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort by 8.6 percent. The reduction impacted both salary and hourly employees.

Mountaineer's President & General Manager Jack Sours said the downsizing was necessary to ensure Mountaineer's long-term viability as it faces a struggling economy with limited discretionary dollars and increased competition from Pennsylvania.

"As the largest employer in Hancock County, it's vital that we act to ensure that Mountaineer is profitable and that we continue to provide jobs for residents and revenue to our County and the State of West Virginia," said Sours.

MTR Gaming Group, Inc., through subsidiaries, owns and operates Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in Chester, WV; Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie, PA; and Scioto Downs in Columbus, OH. The Company also owns a 50% interest in the North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC, which operates Running Aces Harness Park in Minneapolis, MN. For more information, please visit www.mtrgaming.com.

Except for historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the viability and profitability of the Company and certain related employment and revenue matters. 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. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to ensure its long term viability and profitability, its ability to continue to provide jobs and generate revenue, and other factors 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.

Contacts

MTR Gaming Group, Inc.
Tamara Pettit, Director of Public Relations
304-387-8335, tpettit@mtrgaming.com