ST. LOUIS, May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. (Nasdaq: ISLE) announced today that Virginia McDowell, president and chief operating officer was honored last night at the Southern Gaming Summit as "Executive of the Year" by Casino Journal magazine, citing her leadership within the industry and the community during unprecedented economic challenges. The full news release from Casino Journal is below.

Las Vegas, May 5 -- Virginia McDowell, President & Chief Operating Officer of Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., has been selected by Casino Journal as the magazine's "2009 Gaming Executive of the Year."

With more than 25 years in the gaming industry, McDowell has most recently played a leadership role in developing and implementing Isle of Capri's strategic plan, which has already achieved success in strengthening the company's capital position, consolidating its brands and growing revenue in the midst of very challenging economic times. Her leadership has been a key to Isle's ability to maintain its standing as one of the top multi-jurisdictional casino operators in the United States.

"There are a lot of stellar executives in this industry, and every year this award presents us with some tough choices, but this year was easy," said Charles Anderer, publisher of Casino Journal. "Virginia is not only one of the ablest and most respected executives we have, she also gives generously of her time and her skills on behalf of the community. And as the only woman to head a major publicly traded casino company, she's been a role model for so many people pursuing careers in gaming and in the business world at large."

Past recipients of Casino Journal's "Gaming Executive of the Year" award, now in its 10th year, include Wynn Resorts Chairman Steve Wynn, Boyd Gaming Chairman William S. Boyd, Philip G. Satre, former chairman and CEO of Harrah's Entertainment, and Penn National Chairman and CEO Peter Carlino.

McDowell will receive the award on Wednesday evening at a dinner reception at the Southern Gaming Summit, which is being held this week (May 6-7) at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center in Biloxi, Miss.

This year marks the first time the award will be presented at the Summit, the largest annual gaming industry trade show in the United States outside Las Vegas.

Southern Gaming Summit is co-produced by BNP Media Gaming Group, publishers of Casino Journal, and the Mississippi Casino Operators Association.

Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., founded in 1992, is dedicated to providing its customers with an exceptional gaming and entertainment experience at each of its 17 casino properties. The Company owns and operates casinos domestically in Biloxi, Lula and Natchez, Mississippi; Lake Charles, Louisiana; Bettendorf, Davenport, Marquette and Waterloo, Iowa; Boonville, Caruthersville and Kansas City, Missouri, two casinos in Black Hawk, Colorado, and a casino and harness track in Pompano Beach, Florida. More information is available at the Company's website, www.islecorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements which are subject to change. These forward-looking statements may be significantly impacted, either positively or negatively by various factors, including without limitation, licensing and other regulatory conditions, the economy, financing sources, development and construction activities, costs and delays, weather, permits, competition and business conditions in the gaming industry. The forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements herein.

Additional information concerning potential factors that could affect the Company's financial condition and results of operations is included in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year. This and other information is available through the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov, or through the Company's website, www.islecorp.com.

    CONTACTS:    Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.,          Dale Black, Chief Financial Officer-314.813.9327          Jill Haynes, Senior Director of Corporate Communication-314.813.9368

SOURCE Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.