Herbst Gaming, Inc. Announces Appointment of New President Ferenc Szony

LAS VEGAS, March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Herbst Gaming, Inc. (the "Company") today announced that the Board of Directors has named Ferenc Szony as the Company's new President, effective as of March 5, 2008, in addition to his current position as Chief Operating Officer. Edward Herbst will continue as the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Szony first joined the Company in connection with the Company's acquisition of The Sands Regent in January 2007. Mr. Szony had been the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Sands Regent since 1997. Prior to joining The Sands Regent, Mr. Szony served in several executive positions with the Hilton Hotel Corporation, last serving as President at the Reno Hilton Resort from 1994 to 1997.

"My brothers and I are excited to have Ferenc working with us in this expanded role. Ferenc's past operational experience with both The Sands Regent and Hilton Hotels makes him the ideal choice to assume the role of President of Herbst Gaming, Inc.," said Mr. Herbst. As President & Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Szony's duties will include, among others, direct oversight of all revenue generating business activities of the Company.

About Herbst Gaming

Herbst Gaming is an established casino and slot route operator in the State of Nevada. Additional information is available in the "Investors Relations" section of the Company's website at www.herbstgaming.com.

This press release may be deemed to contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the business, financial condition, and results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries which involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, financial market risks, economic conditions, regulatory matters and litigation and other risks described in the filings of the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as the Company "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates," or other words or phrases of similar import. Such forward- looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. For more information, review the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Source: Herbst Gaming, Inc.

CONTACT: Mary Beth Higgins, Herbst Gaming, +1-702-740-4576

Web site: http://www.herbstgaming.com/

2008-03-13 16:55:18 0312384 PRNEWSWIRE