MTR Gaming Group Names Robert F. Griffin to Succeed Edson R. Arneault as President And CEO

MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (Nasdaq GS:MNTG) today announced that its Board of Directors has selected Robert F. Griffin as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Griffin brings to MTR more than twenty-five years of experience in the gaming industry, most recently as Senior Vice President of Operations – Corporate for Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., where he was responsible for operations of sixteen casinos and racing facilities in the United States, Grand Bahamas and the United Kingdom. Mr. Griffin will assume his new duties on January 2, 2009 or such earlier date to which the parties may agree.

Robert Blatt, Chairman of MTR’s Succession Committee, commented: "Bob Griffin is an experienced, proven, bottom-line oriented gaming executive. We conducted a national search and met with many talented external and internal candidates and feel confident that Bob’s track record in multiple jurisdictions makes him the best choice to lead our Company as we conclude our development phase and continue to focus on operational efficiencies and debt reduction.”

Edson R. (Ted) Arneault, MTR’s current Chairman, President and CEO, commented, "I think Bob’s operational expertise is a great strategic fit with the current management team and will provide MTR with the best management team to maximize its unique position in its gaming markets.”

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Griffin said: "Ted and his staff have done an excellent job building a regional market gaming company, driving revenue growth and developing a strategic direction for the future. I thank the Board of Directors for their confidence and look forward to leading MTR Gaming Group as we optimize operational excellence, focus on service strategies and improve shareholder value."

The Company has granted Mr. Griffin a ten-year option to purchase 150,000 shares of its common stock at an exercise price equal to the Nasdaq Official Close Price of the stock on September 19, the date of grant, subject to certain vesting and other provisions as agreed upon by Mr. Griffin and the Company.

The Company is working with its current Chairman, President and CEO, Edson Arneault, on agreements to facilitate a smooth transition and avail the Company of Mr. Arneault’s expertise in marketing and government relations. The Company expects to conclude those agreements in the near future.

About MTR Gaming Group

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 90% interest in Jackson Trotting Association, LLC, which operates Jackson Harness Raceway in Jackson, MI, and 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 Company’s plans to enter a consulting arrangement with its current president and CEO as part of a transition. 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 inability of the parties to agree to the terms of such an agreement. 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.