Nov. 4--Regional gaming operator Ameristar Casinos kept its net income relatively flat in the third quarter despite nearly 7 percent decline in revenues.

Las Vegas-based Ameristar reported net income of $14.5 million in the quarter that ended Sept. 30, which translated into 25 cents a share. A year ago, the company reported net income of $14.3 million, also 25 cents per share.

Companywide revenue was $299.4 million in the quarter, a 6.8 percent decline compared with $321.4 million.

Ameristar said a bright spot was the company's Ameristar Black Hawk in Colorado, where revenues grew 24.2 percent ahead of opening a hotel and casino expansion. Company executives said the Black Hawk casino benefited from a loosening of Colorado's gaming laws.

"In the third quarter, Ameristar once again demonstrated its ability to produce solid financial results during challenging economic conditions," said Ameristar Chief Executive Officer Gordon Kanofsky.

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