[5] Neilsen was named "Best Performing CEO" by the American Gaming Association in 2002, and was inducted into the organization's "Hall of Fame" in 2005.

Ray H. Neilsen succeeded his father, serving as co-chairman with John Boushy, who was also promoted from president to CEO at the time of Craig's death.

In 2006, the Ameristar brand debuted after an $80 million renovation and expansion project that included additional covered parking; and announced details of its planned 33-story hotel and spa.

The property's $230 million expansion included a 33-story luxury hotel and day spa, an enclosed rooftop swimming pool, and 15,000 square feet (1,400 m2) of meeting and event space.

An outdoor summer concert series promoted the rebranding, and featured Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and Reba McEntire.

[18] In November 2012, however, Ameristar withdrew its proposal in the face of competing bids from MGM Resorts International and Penn National Gaming,[19] saying that city officials were more likely to endorse a downtown casino.

Ameristar regularly partners with the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation to support the rehabilitation of individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries and disease.

[23][24] Ameristar's properties in Kansas City and St. Charles, Missouri, and Black Hawk, Colorado, benefitted from casino-related regulatory reform approved by voters in 2008–09.

In Missouri, voters repealed the state's loss limit, which had capped players' purchases of table game chips and slot machine credits at $500 every two hours.

In Black Hawk, voters approved a measure that increased betting limits and operating hours and added the games of craps and roulette.