Photo Release -- Mississippi Man Captures HPT Title in Vicksburg

Chris Lane From Brandon, Mississippi, Wins $43,597


VICKSBURG, Miss., Oct. 21, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Graphic designer Chris Lane was almost a "no-show" for his appearance on Heartland Poker Tour Monday, Oct. 20. After making it to the final table at Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg, the Brandon, Mississippi, man struggled to find someone to pick up his son from school. He found last-minute help and made the most of his day. He battled his way through a tough Final Table and claimed the victory for $43,597. "Wow, I can't believe I won," said Lane. "I plan to use the prize money toward the purchase of a new home." The nine players at the final table played for a total prize pool of $145,320.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=28515

The last hand of the table saw some back and forth action between the eventual champion and Jesus Cabrera. Ultimately, both players got all of the chips into the middle with Cabrera's ace-ten trailing Lane's pocket kings. The kings held up and the new champ celebrated as Cabrera walked away as the runner-up with $26,158.

When HPT visited Ameristar Vicksburg in March 2014, county supervisor Jay Bishop topped the field to take home the cash and title. On Monday, Bishop found himself at the nationally-televised Final Table again, poised to repeat his championship. The Pearl, Mississippi, man started the day as the chip leader. Bishop came in third place, earning $17,438 for his efforts.

1st: Chris Lane (Brandon, Mississippi) $43,597
2nd: Jesus Cabrera (Atlanta, Georgia) $26,158
3rd: Jay Bishop (Pearl, Mississippi) $17,438
4th: Jonathan Hart (Jackson, Mississippi) $12,861
5th: Gary Germann (Gillette, Wyoming) $9,664
6th: Shane Lea (Petal, Mississippi) $7,993
7th: Ryan Enis (Corinth, Mississippi) $6,539
8th: Jay Friedman (Eads, Tennessee) $5,086
9th: Marco Moran (Raymond, Mississippi) $3,996

HPT's next series is already underway at Ameristar Casino Resort and Spa St. Charles, Missouri (St. Louis metro area). For information on how to buy-in to the Ameristar St. Charles tournament and for a full schedule of events log on to HPTpoker.com.

About Heartland Poker Tour (HPT)

Founded in 2005, HPT is built on a grass-roots philosophy of "Real People, Unreal Money". HPT is currently filming Season X and is available in over 110 million homes throughout the United States each week, in addition to widespread distribution throughout Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. For more information and a schedule of upcoming events, visit www.HPTPoker.com.

About Ameristar Vicksburg

The casino extends over 70,000 square feet and provides non-stop gaming excitement with the latest slot machine technology. Adding to the property's total entertainment offerings are Bottleneck Blues Bar, with great entertainment in a Delta-style blues club environment; the Star Awards VIP players' lounge; and high definition plasma screens for special event viewing. The property also offers a 149-room deluxe hotel and a variety of dining choices, including Bourbon's BBQ and Steakhouse, Bella's Bakery and Cafe and the Heritage Buffet.

About Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. owns and operates 15 gaming entertainment properties located in Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada and Ohio. The Company also holds a majority interest in the racing license owner, as well as a management contract, for Retama Park Racetrack outside of San Antonio, Texas.

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to responsible gaming.
©2014 Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

For further information or to schedule a media interview:
Lori Burke
Manager, Public Relations
Ameristar Vicksburg
(601)618-1060
lori.burke@pnkmail.com

Media Kit
http://www.hptpoker.com/mediakit/index.html

Chris Lane