Atlantis Executive Nominated for Leader of the Year

RENO, NV–(Marketwire – September 14, 2010) –  Monarch Casino and Resort, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCRI) — Atlantis General Manager & Executive Vice President Darlyne Sullivan is one of eight Leader of the Year Award finalists in the inaugural International Women in Gaming Awards! The Women in Gaming Awards (“WiG’s”) was created to highlight exceptional women working in the gaming industry and to recognize role models who offer proof that the industry provides exciting career opportunities for females throughout the world. Many women throughout the gaming world earned nominations, though only 25 made the list of nominees for WiG’s Leader of the Year Award, and Ms. Sullivan’s achievements have earned her a spot with seven other finalists for the award. Over the course of more than three decades, Darlyne has directly contributed to the success of Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, and has dedicated herself to making Atlantis one of the most stable gaming properties in the United States. The Leader of the Year Award will be presented at the International Women in Gaming Awards in London, England on September 24, 2010! To see the full list of nominees and finalists, go to http://www.gaming-awards.com/wigfinalists.html.

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is wholly owned by Monarch Casino and Resort, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCRI) and is located on the strip at the corner of South Virginia and Peckham Lane, in the heart of Reno’s new shopping and dining district. Atlantis offers eight award-winning restaurants, world-class casino action, live entertainment, complimentary valet service and acres of free self-parking. Visit www.AtlantisCasino.com for information on events, tournaments, dining specials, online reservations and more. For more information call (775) 825-4700 or toll-free at (800) 723-6500.