10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

(X)	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended   April 1, 2004                                                               OR
( )	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                to
Commission file number    1-5440
AZTAR CORPORATION                                         (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware                 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		86-0636534                   (I.R.S. Employer         Identification No.)
2390 East Camelback Road, Suite 400, Phoenix, Arizona            85016        (Address of principal executive offices)                      (Zip Code)
(602) 381-4100                                              (Registrant¢ s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   X   No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes   X   No
At April 29, 2004, the registrant had outstanding 34,537,417 shares of its common stock, $.01 par value.

AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION		PAGE  - ----
Item 1.		Financial Statements
		Consolidated Balance Sheets at April 1, 2004 and January 1, 2004	3
		Consolidated Statements of Operations for the quarters ended April 1, 2004 and April 3, 2003	5
		Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the quarters ended April 1, 2004 and April 3, 2003	6
		Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the quarters ended April 1, 2004 and April 3, 2003	8
		Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	9
Item 2.		Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	16
Item 3.		Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	25
Item 4.		Controls and Procedures	26
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.		Legal Proceedings	27
Item 2.		Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	29
Item 6.		Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K	29

2

AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)
(in thousands, except share data)

Assets
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents
  Accounts receivable, net
  Construction accident receivables, net
  Refundable income taxes
  Inventories
  Prepaid expenses
  Deferred income taxes

    Total current assets

Investments

Property and equipment:
  Buildings, riverboats and equipment, net
  Land
  Construction in progress
  Leased under capital leases, net


Intangible assets
Other assets
April 1, 
    2004    



$   55,579  
16,493  
9,390  
- --  
7,638  
10,377  
    14,945  

114,422  

19,136  


729,786  
216,109  
189,087  
        40  
1,135,022  

34,934  
    50,647  

$1,354,161  
==========  
January 1,
    2004    



$   70,586  
17,043  
3,345  
5,587  
7,576  
10,049  
    14,945  

129,131  

19,586  


738,978  
216,103  
166,544  
        44  
1,121,669  

34,616  
    42,771  

$1,347,773  
==========  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

3

AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)(continued)
(in thousands, except share data)

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accruals
  Accrued payroll and employee benefits
  Accrued interest payable
  Accrued rent
  Income taxes payable
  Current portion of long-term debt
  Current portion of other long-term liabilities

    Total current liabilities

Long-term debt
Other long-term liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Contingencies and commitments
Series B convertible preferred stock
   (redemption value $12,756 and $12,187)

Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock, $.01 par value (34,480,584 and
    34,270,803 shares outstanding)
  Paid-in capital
  Retained earnings
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  Less: Treasury stock

    Total shareholders' equity

April 1, 
    2004    



$   69,163  
25,101  
10,810  
10,755  
12,258  
40,663  
       978  

169,728  

592,070  
20,204  
28,314  


5,143  



529  
446,127  
294,977  
(1,526) 
  (201,405) 

   538,702  

$1,354,161  
==========   January 1,
    2004    



$   65,746  
28,133  
9,478  
10,755  
- --  
16,963  
       981  

132,056  

628,603  
19,825  
27,462  
 
 
5,253  



526  
441,498  
291,573  
(1,526) 
  (197,497) 

   534,574  

$1,347,773  
==========  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

4

AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
For the periods ended April 1, 2004 and April 3, 2003
(in thousands, except per share data)

	First Quarter
Revenues   Casino   Rooms   Food and beverage   Other   Business interruption insurance Costs and expenses   Casino   Rooms   Food and beverage   Other   Marketing   General and administrative   Utilities   Repairs and maintenance   Provision for doubtful accounts   Property taxes and insurance   Rent   Depreciation and amortization Operating income   Interest income   Interest expense Income before income taxes   Income taxes Net income Net income per common share Net income per common share assuming dilution Weighted-average common shares applicable to:   Net income per common share   Net income per common share assuming dilution	2004    $158,949  20,215  13,512  9,090     3,500  205,266  68,406  9,573  12,988  7,345  19,008  20,969  4,221  6,175  333  7,453  2,041    13,023   171,535  33,731  167    (8,674) 25,224   (21,557) $  3,667  ========  $    .10  $    .10  34,322  35,743	2003    $161,506  17,678  14,389  9,443        --  203,016  69,696  9,194  13,674  7,501  19,147  19,020  4,114  6,234  442  7,696  2,079    12,548   171,345  31,671  192    (9,553) 22,310    (8,765) $ 13,545  ========  $    .37  $    .36  36,189  37,440

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

5

AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
For the periods ended April 1, 2004 and April 3, 2003
(in thousands)

	First Quarter
Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash   provided by (used in) operating activities:     Depreciation and amortization     Provision for losses on accounts receivable     Loss on reinvestment obligation     Rent expense     Deferred income taxes     Change in assets and liabilities:       (Increase) decrease in receivables       (Increase) decrease in refundable income taxes       (Increase) decrease in inventories and         prepaid expenses       Increase (decrease) in accounts payable,         accrued expenses and income taxes payable       Other items, net   Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Reduction in investments Purchases of property and equipment Additions to other long-term assets   Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from issuance of common stock Principal payments on long-term debt Principal payments on other long-term liabilities Repurchase of common stock Preferred stock dividend Redemption of preferred stock   Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2004    $   3,667  13,419  333  158  114  852  (5,828) 5,587  (900) 16,084        333     33,819  1,393  (25,322)    (9,216)   (33,145) 59,000  351  (72,696) - --  (1,858) (206)      (272)   (15,681) (15,007)    70,586  $  55,579  =========	2003    $  13,545  12,921  442  2  88  770  138  4,593  (901) 3,652        149     35,399  909  (29,467)    (9,660)   (38,218) 91,600  - --  (74,253) (14) (21,827) (221)      (144)    (4,859) (7,678)    52,896  $  45,218  =========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

6

AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)(continued)
For the periods ended April 1, 2004 and April 3, 2003
(in thousands)

	First Quarter
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures Summary of non-cash investing and financing activities:   Exchange of common stock in lieu of cash payments in     connection with the exercise of stock options Cash flow during the period for the following:   Interest paid, net of amount capitalized   Income taxes paid	2004    $  2,050  $  6,945  629	2003    $     --  $  8,081  - --

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

7

AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)
For the periods ended April 1, 2004 and April 3, 2003
(in thousands, except number of shares)

	First Quarter
Common stock:   Beginning balance   Stock options exercised for 379,833 shares     in 2004     Ending balance Paid-in capital:   Beginning balance   Stock options exercised   Tax benefit from stock options exercised     Ending balance Retained earnings:   Beginning balance   Preferred stock dividend and losses on redemption   Net income     Ending balance Accumulated other comprehensive loss - minimum   pension liability adjustment:     Beginning and ending balance Treasury stock:   Beginning balance   Repurchase of 1,674,800 shares of common stock at     cost in 2003   Repurchase of 170,052 shares of common stock, at     cost, in connection with stock options exercised     in 2004     Ending balance	2004    $     526          3        529  441,498  2,398      2,231    446,127  291,573  (263)     3,667    294,977     (1,526) (197,497) - --     (3,908)  (201,405) $ 538,702  =========	2003    $     524         --        524  439,275  - --         --    439,275  231,420  (165)    13,545    244,800       (612) (155,253) (21,827)        --   (177,080) $ 506,907  =========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

8

AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Note 1:  General

The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, such adjustments being normal recurring accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented; interim results, however, may not be indicative of the results for the full year.

The notes to the interim consolidated financial statements are presented to enhance the understanding of the financial statements and do not necessarily represent complete disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. The interest that was capitalized during the first quarter ended 2004 was $2,886,000 and during the first quarter ended 2003, it was $1,493,000. Capitalized costs related to development projects, included in other assets, were $14,361,000 and $11,612,000 at April 1, 2004 and January 1, 2004, respectively. For additional information regarding significant accounting policies, long-term debt, lease obligations, stock options, and other matters applicable to the Company, reference should be made to the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended January 1, 2004.

Certain reclassifications have been made in the January 1, 2004 Consolidated Balance Sheet in order to be comparable with the April 1, 2004 presentation.

Equity Instruments

The fair-value-based method of accounting is used for equity instruments issued to nonemployees for goods or services. The intrinsic-value-based method of accounting is used for stock-based employee compensation plans. The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 entitled "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and related Interpretations in accounting for its stock-based employee compensation arrangements because the alternative fair-value-based method of accounting provided for under Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 entitled "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" requires use of option valuation models that were not developed for use in valuing employee stock options.

Under APB 25, because the exercise price of the Company's stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized. There were no stock options granted during the first quarters ended 2004 and 2003.

Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by SFAS 123, and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its stock option plans under the fair-value-based method of that Statement. The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant or modification using a Black-Scholes option pricing model.

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting or trading restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its stock options.

9

AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The pro forma information for the periods ended April 1, 2004 and April 3, 2003 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	First Quarter
Net income, as reported Deduct: Total stock-based employee   compensation expense determined under   the fair-value-based method of   accounting, net of income tax benefit Pro forma net income Net income per common share:   As reported   Pro forma Net income per common share assuming dilution:   As reported   Pro forma	2004    $  3,667      (812) $  2,855  ========  $    .10  $    .08  $    .10  $    .07	2003    $ 13,545      (708) $ 12,837  ========  $    .37  $    .35  $    .36  $    .34

Note 2:  Las Vegas Tropicana Development

The Company's master plan for a potential development of its Las Vegas Tropicana site envisions the creation of two separate but essentially equal and inter-connected sites. The north site would be developed by the Company. The south site would be held for future Company development, joint venture development, or sale for development by another party.

For development of a potential project on the north site, a detailed design has almost been completed. The Company plans to complete construction documents and estimated construction costs by the end of the second quarter of 2004. The Company will decide by the end of the first quarter of 2005 whether to proceed, whether to delay, or whether not to proceed at all with the development of a project on the north site. The amount and timing of any future expenditure, and the extent of any impact on existing operations, will depend on the nature and timing of the development we ultimately undertake, if any. If we decide to abandon any facilities in the development process, we would have to conduct a review for impairment with a possible write-down and review their useful lives with a possible adjustment to depreciation and amortization expense. These reviews could result in adjustments that have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations.

The net book value of the property and equipment used in the operation of the Las Vegas Tropicana, excluding land at a cost of $109,979,000, was $58,690,000 at April 1, 2004. The net book value of accounts receivable, inventories and prepaid expenses at the Las Vegas Tropicana was $7,960,000 at April 1, 2004. It is reasonably possible that the carrying value of some or all of these assets may change.

10

AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

Note 3:  Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):

8 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2007
9% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2011
Revolver; floating rate, 3.0% at April 1, 2004;
  matures June 30, 2005
Term Loan; floating rate, 3.4% at April 1, 2004;
  matures June 30, 2005
Tropicana Enterprises Loan; floating rate, 3.0%
  at April 1, 2004; matures June 30, 2005
Obligations under capital leases

Less current portion   April 1, 
   2004    

$235,000  
175,000  

135,000  

47,625  

39,942  
     166  
632,733  
 (40,663) 
$592,070  
========   January 1,
   2004    

$235,000  
175,000  

146,500  

47,750  

41,116  
     200  
645,566  
 (16,963) 
$628,603  
========  

Note 4:  Other Long-term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

Deferred compensation and retirement plans
Deferred income
Las Vegas Boulevard beautification
  assessment

Less current portion April 1, 
   2004    

$ 18,399  
2,468  

     315  
21,182  
    (978) 
$ 20,204  
========   January 1,
   2004    

$ 17,960  
2,531  

     315  
20,806  
    (981) 
$ 19,825  
========  

Note 5:  Benefit Plans

The components of benefit plan expense are as follows (in thousands):

	Defined Benefit Plans      First Quarter		Deferred Compensation Plan       First Quarter
	2004	2003	2004	2003
Service cost Interest cost Amortization of prior   service cost Recognized net actuarial   loss Cash surrender value   increase net of premium   expense	$ 24    240    29    224      --    $517    ====	$ 24    204    57    109      --    $394    ====	$  3    96    - --    - --     (85)   $ 14    ====	$  3    100    - --    - --     (82)   $ 21    ====

Note 6:  Accounting for the Impact of the October 30, 2003 Construction Accident

An accident occurred on the site of the construction of the parking-garage component of the expansion of the Atlantic City Tropicana on October 30, 2003. The accident resulted in a loss of life and serious injuries, as well as extensive damage to the facilities under construction.

11

AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

Construction has recommenced in the portion of the expansion project unaffected by the accident. Business at the Tropicana Atlantic City continues to suffer adverse impacts from the disruption that followed the accident. One street adjacent to the property remained closed through April 1, 2004, preventing use of the bus terminal and limiting access to the existing parking garages and the porte cochere. Marketing programs focusing on advertising, entertainment and promotions were initiated at the Tropicana Atlantic City to mitigate the business interruption loss caused by the construction accident. At April 1, 2004, Tropicana Atlantic City incurred approximately $2,000,000 of these marketing costs that are reimbursable under the Company's business interruption insurance and are classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as part of the construction accident receivables. During the first quarter of 2004, the Company recorded $3,500,000 of profit recovery under the Company's business interruption insurance applicable to the fourth quarter of 2003. This amount was included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as part of the construction accident receivables at April 1, 2004 and classified as business interruption insurance revenue in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Profit recovery from business interruption insurance is recorded when the amount of recovery is agreed to by the insurers.

During 2003, the Company reduced construction in progress for the estimated asset loss and recorded a receivable of approximately $3,000,000, which is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as part of the construction accident receivables at April 1, 2004. The Company believes it is probable that any additional asset loss will be recovered from first party insurance or from third parties or their insurers. The full extent of additional asset loss, if any, will not be known until debris removal is completed and a full inspection of potential damages is performed. The Company will continue to assess other potential losses and costs it might incur in relation to the construction accident.

Note 7:  Income Taxes

During the first quarter of 2004, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") completed its examination of the Company's income tax returns for the years 2000 through 2002. The only issue in dispute involved the deductibility of a portion of payments on certain liabilities related to the restructuring of Ramada Inc. (the "Restructuring"). During the fourth quarter of 2003, the IRS completed its examination for the years 1994 through 1999 and settled one of the two remaining issues entirely and a portion of the other remaining issue, resulting in a tax benefit of $6,724,000. The issue that was settled entirely involved the deductibility of certain complimentaries provided to customers. The other issue involved the deductibility of a portion of payments on certain liabilities related to the Restructuring, the same issue as described above for the 2000 through 2002 years. For the years 1994 through 2002, the Company has reserved the right to pursue the unagreed portion in court and would receive a refund, if succ essful. The New Jersey Division of Taxation is examining the New Jersey income tax returns for the years 1995 through 1998. Management believes that adequate provision for income taxes and interest has been made in the financial statements.

The Company has received proposed assessments from the Indiana Department of Revenue ("IDR") in connection with the examination of the Company's Indiana income tax returns for the years 1996 through 2000. The assessments are based on the IDR's position that the Company's gaming taxes that are based on gaming revenue are not deductible for Indiana income tax purposes. The Company filed a petition in Indiana Tax Court for the 1996 and 1997 tax years and oral arguments were heard in April 2001. The Company has filed a formal protest for the years 1998 through 2000. In April 2004, the Indiana Tax Court ruled against the Company. The Company will ask the Indiana courts to review the ruling. If the ruling is not changed, the Company has estimated that it will be obligated to pay approximately $17,300,000 to cover assessments of taxes and interest from 1996 through the end of the first quarter of 2004. This amount would then be deductible for federal income tax purposes, resulting in a net effect of approxim ately $11,300,000, which has been recorded as an increase to income taxes payable and expense in the first quarter of 2004. The

12

AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

effect of this item on net income per common share and net income per common share assuming dilution for the first quarter of 2004 was a decrease of $.33 and $.31, respectively.

Note 8:  Earnings Per Share

Net income per common share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Net income per common share, assuming dilution, is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding after consideration of the dilutive effect of stock options and the assumed conversion of the preferred stock at the stated rate.

The computations of net income per common share and net income per common share, assuming dilution, for the periods ended April 1, 2004 and April 3, 2003, are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	First Quarter
Net income Less: preferred stock dividend and losses on   redemption Income available to common shareholders Plus: income impact of assumed conversion of   dilutive preferred stock Income available to common shareholders plus   dilutive potential common shares Weighted-average common shares applicable to net   income per common share Effect of dilutive securities:   Stock option incremental shares   Assumed conversion of preferred stock Dilutive potential common shares Weighted-average common shares applicable to net   income per common share assuming dilution Net income per common share Net income per common share assuming dilution	2004    $  3,667      (263) 3,404        --  $  3,404  ========  34,322  1,421        --     1,421  35,743  ========  $    .10  ========  $    .10  ========	2003    $ 13,545      (165) 13,380       110  $ 13,490  ========  36,189  668       583     1,251  37,440  ========  $    .37  ========  $    .36  ========

Stock options that were excluded from the earnings per share computations because their effect would have been antidilutive were 1,259,000 at April 3, 2003. No stock options were excluded at April 1, 2004.

At April 1, 2004, the assumed conversion of preferred stock to 544,000 equivalent common shares was excluded from the earnings per share computations because their effect would have been antidilutive.

13

AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

Note 9:  Segment Information

The Company reviews results of operations based on distinct geographic gaming market segments. The Company's segment information is as follows (in thousands):

		First Quarter
Revenues   Tropicana Atlantic City   Tropicana Las Vegas   Ramada Express Laughlin   Casino Aztar Evansville   Casino Aztar Caruthersville     Total consolidated EBITDA (a)   Tropicana Atlantic City   Tropicana Las Vegas   Ramada Express Laughlin   Casino Aztar Evansville   Casino Aztar Caruthersville     Property EBITDA Corporate Depreciation and amortization Operating income Interest income Interest expense Income taxes Net income		2004    $ 99,574  41,001  24,783  33,650     6,258  $205,266  ========  $ 23,448  9,234  7,254  10,194     1,331    51,461  (4,707)  (13,023) 33,731  167  (8,674)  (21,557) $  3,667  ========	2003    $104,101  38,348  24,389  30,150     6,028  $203,016  ========  $ 25,131  6,164  6,673  9,117     1,181    48,266  (4,047)  (12,548) 31,671  192  (9,553)   (8,765) $ 13,545  ========
(a)	EBITDA is net income before income taxes, interest expense, interest income, and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA should not be construed as a substitute for either operating income or net income as they are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Company uses EBITDA as a measure to compare operating results among its properties and between accounting periods. The Company manages cash and finances its operations at the corporate level. The Company manages the allocation of capital among properties at the corporate level. The Company also files a consolidated income tax return. The Company accordingly believes EBITDA is useful as a measure of operating results at the property level because it reflects the results of operating decisions at that level separated from the effects of tax and financing decisions that are managed at the corporate level. The Company also uses EBITDA as the primary operating performance me asure in its bonus programs for executive officers. The Company also believes that EBITDA is a commonly used measure of operating performance in the gaming industry and is an important basis for the valuation of gaming companies. The Company's calculation of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies and, therefore, any such differences must be considered when comparing performance among different companies. While the Company believes EBITDA provides a useful perspective for some purposes, EBITDA has material limitations as an analytical tool. For example, among other things, although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA does not reflect the requirements for such replacements. Interest expense, net of interest income, and income taxes are also not reflected in EBITDA. Therefore, the Company does not consider EBITDA in isolation, and it should not be cons idered as a substitute for measures determined in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of EBITDA with operating income and net income as determined in accordance with GAAP is reflected in the above summary.

14

AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

	April 1,     2004	January 1,    2004
Total assets   Tropicana Atlantic City   Tropicana Las Vegas   Ramada Express Laughlin   Casino Aztar Evansville   Casino Aztar Caruthersville   Corporate     Total consolidated	$  835,681 215,419 113,578 108,720 35,791     44,972 $1,354,161 ==========	$  828,153 219,297 117,490 110,549 36,358     35,926 $1,347,773 ==========

Note 10:  Contingencies and Commitments

The Company agreed to indemnify Ramada Inc. ("Ramada") against all monetary judgments in lawsuits pending against Ramada and its subsidiaries as of the conclusion of the Restructuring on December 20, 1989, as well as all related attorneys' fees and expenses not paid at that time, except for any judgments, fees or expenses accrued on the hotel business balance sheet and except for any unaccrued and unreserved aggregate amount up to $5,000,000 of judgments, fees or expenses related exclusively to the hotel business. Aztar is entitled to the benefit of any crossclaims or counterclaims related to such lawsuits and of any insurance proceeds received. There is no limit to the term or the maximum potential future payment under this indemnification. In addition, the Company agreed to indemnify Ramada for certain lease guarantees made by Ramada. The lease terms potentially extend through 2015 and Ramada guaranteed all obligations under these leases. The Company has recourse against a subsequent purchaser of the operations covered by these leases. The estimated maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnifications is $7,700,000 at April 1, 2004. The Company would be required to perform under this guarantee 1) if monetary judgments and related expenses in lawsuits pending against Ramada and its subsidiaries as of the conclusion of the Restructuring exceeded the above described amount, or 2) if lessees with lease guarantees failed to perform under their leases, the lessee and lessor could not reach a negotiated settlement and the lessor was able to successfully proceed against Ramada, who in turn was able to successfully proceed against the Company. In connection with these matters, the Company's accrued liability was $3,833,000 at both April 1, 2004 and January 1, 2004.

The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority ("CRDA") has issued bonds that are being serviced by its parking fee revenue. A series of these bonds are collateralized by a portion, $446,000 at April 1, 2004, of the Company's CRDA deposits. The portion that serves as collateral is a varying percentage of a portion of CRDA deposits that satisfy the Company's investment obligation based upon its New Jersey casino revenue. In the event that the CRDA's parking fees are insufficient to service its bonds, these deposits can be used for that purpose. To the extent the Company's CRDA deposits are used to service these bonds, the Company would receive credit against future investment obligations. The Company's CRDA deposits serve as collateral for a one-year period, after which they become available for eligible investments. This arrangement continues through 2013. The Company received a fee for this arrangement that is being amortized on a straight-line basis through 2013. The Company's estimate of the maximum potential deposits that could be used to service CRDA bonds is $18,000,000 at April 1, 2004.

The Company is a party to various other claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business or asserted by way of defense or counterclaim in actions filed by the Company. Management believes that its defenses are substantial in each of these matters and that the Company's legal posture can be successfully defended without material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

The Company has severance agreements with certain of its senior executives. Severance benefits range from a lump-sum cash payment equal to three times the sum of the executive's annual base salary and the average of the executive's annual bonuses awarded in the preceding three years plus payment of the value in the executive's outstanding stock options and vesting and distribution of any restricted stock to a lump-sum cash payment equal to one half of the executive's annual base salary. In certain agreements, the termination must be as a result of a change in control of the Company. Based upon salary levels and stock options at April 1, 2004, the aggregate commitment under the severance agreements should all these executives be terminated was approximately $58,000,000 at April 1, 2004.

At April 1, 2004, the Company had commitments of approximately $63,000,000 for the Atlantic City Tropicana expansion project and approximately $3,000,000 for an executive conference center project at Casino Aztar Evansville.

Note 11: Subsequent Event

On April 22, 2004, the Company announced that it has commenced a cash tender offer and consent solicitation (the "Offer") for any and all of its $235,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 8 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2007 (the "Notes").

The Offer is scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Thursday, May 20, 2004, unless extended or earlier terminated (the "Expiration Date"). The consent solicitation will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 (the "Consent Date"). Prior to the Consent Date, Holders tendering their Notes will be required to consent to certain proposed amendments to the indenture governing the Notes, which will eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events-of-default provisions. On May 4, 2004, the Company announced that it received the requisite consents to adopt the proposed amendments to the indenture. The proposed amendments, however, will become operative when the Notes are accepted and payment is made pursuant to the terms of the Offer.

Holders who validly tender their Notes by the Consent Date will receive the total consideration of $1,033.33 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (if such Notes are accepted for purchase). The total consideration includes a consent payment of $30.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes. Holders who validly tender their Notes after the Consent Date and prior to the Expiration Date will receive as payment for the Notes $1,003.33 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (if such Notes are accepted for purchase). In either case, holders who validly tender their Notes also will be paid accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the date of payment for the Notes (if such Notes are accepted for purchase).

The Offer is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the Company's receipt of tenders of Notes representing a majority of the principal amount of the Notes outstanding and the receipt of financing on terms acceptable to the Company in an amount sufficient to consummate the Offer.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis

Financial Condition

During the 2004 three-month period, the outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility decreased to $135 million from $146.5 million at January 1, 2004, leaving $125.6 million available for future borrowing after consideration of outstanding letters of credit. The maximum amount available decreases by $12 million on December 31, 2004, and quarterly thereafter until maturity on June 30, 2005.

As a preliminary step in the possible refinancing of our 8 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2007 (the "Notes"), we commenced a cash tender offer and consent solicitation (the "Offer") during April 2004. Holders who validly tender their Notes by May 5, 2004 will receive $1,033.33 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (if such Notes are accepted for purchase). Holders who validly tender their Notes after May 5, 2004 but before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 20, 2004, unless

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extended or earlier terminated, will receive $1,003.33 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (if such Notes are accepted for purchase). In either case, holders who validly tender their Notes also will be paid accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the date of payment for the Notes (if such Notes are accepted for purchase). The Offer is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the company's receipt of tenders of Notes representing a majority of the principal amount of the Notes outstanding and the receipt of financing on terms acceptable to the company in an amount sufficient to consummate the Offer. We are currently seeking substantially larger senior credit facilities to replace our existing senior credit facilities and additional funds through a private placement of debt securities.

On April 22, 2002, we commenced construction on an expansion of our Tropicana Atlantic City. The expansion includes 502 additional hotel rooms, 20,000 square feet of meeting space, 2,400 parking spaces, and the "Quarter," the project's centerpiece, a 200,000-square-foot dining, entertainment and retail center. On October 30, 2003, an accident occurred on the site of the parking-garage component of the expansion of the Atlantic City Tropicana that brought construction to a halt. Construction has recommenced on portions of the project, but debris removal from the accident area has not yet been completed. In 2003, we reduced construction in progress for the estimated asset loss and recorded a receivable of approximately $3 million. We believe it is probable that any additional asset loss will be recovered from first party insurance or from third parties or their insurers. The full extent of additional asset loss, if any, and a full understanding of the reconstruction tasks and completion timeframe will not be known until debris removal is completed and a full inspection of the adjacent structure is performed. We will continue to assess other potential losses and costs we might incur in relation to the construction accident. Our preliminary schedule calls for the opening of the expansion by the end of September 2004. We are depending on the general contractor to perform under the terms of the contract and to deliver a completed project. We are also depending on the tenants in our dining/entertainment/retail complex to timely perform under the terms of their leases. The cost of the expansion was targeted to be $225 million; we also anticipated providing $20 million of tenant allowances. Due to revised estimates for tenant allowances and incremental project costs resulting from construction delays related to the accident that may not be recoverable under our insurance, the expansion project may cost $15 million to $30 million more than originally estimated. Portions of the incremental delay-related costs m ay be recoverable from third parties and their insurers, but the amount and timing of any such recoveries are unknown at this time. It is also reasonably possible that this estimate could change in the future because there is still uncertainty about the final costs of reconstruction and the prospect of recovery under insurance. Since these issues may not be resolved for some time, and in order to avoid additional delays, we may make payments to the contractor for the estimated amount of work performed but not billed, for change orders from subcontractors for increased costs due to delays, and for the costs of dismantlement and rebuild. Funds for the expansion will come in part from public sector subsides, tax rebates and other credits, the present value of which could be up to $60 million. We are planning that the costs to be borne by us would be funded largely from our operating cash flow, with additional needs met by our revolving credit facility. During the first quarter of 2004, our purchases of prop erty and equipment on an accrual basis, including capitalized interest of $2.9 million, were $17.5 million for this project, and our expenditures for tenant allowances were $0.4 million.

Our master plan for a potential development of our Las Vegas Tropicana site envisions the creation of two separate but essentially equal and inter-connected 17-acre sites. The north site would be developed by us. The south site would be held for our future development, joint venture development, or sale for development by another party. For development of a potential project on the north site, a detailed design has almost been completed. The design concept that we are finalizing calls for 2,500 hotel rooms and suites, 200,000 square feet of dining, entertainment and retail facilities, a 120,000-square-foot casino, a 3,800-car parking garage, and a four-acre rooftop pool recreation deck overlooking the Strip. We plan to complete construction documents and estimated construction costs by the end of the second quarter of 2004. During the first quarter of 2004, we capitalized $2.7 million for

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design development costs included in other assets. We will decide by the end of the first quarter of 2005 whether to proceed, whether to delay, or whether not to proceed at all with development of a project on the north site. The amount and timing of any future expenditure, and the extent of any impact on existing operations, will depend on the nature and timing of the development we ultimately undertake, if any. If we decide to abandon any facilities in the development process, we would have to conduct a review for impairment with a possible write-down and review their useful lives with a possible adjustment to depreciation and amortization expense. These reviews could result in adjustments that have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations. The net book value of the property and equipment used in the operation of the Las Vegas Tropicana, excluding land at a cost of $110 million, was $58.7 million at April 1, 2004. The net book value of accounts receivable, inventories and pr epaid expenses at the Las Vegas Tropicana was $8 million at April 1, 2004.

At Casino Aztar Evansville, we are adding an executive conference center that is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion during 2004. During the first quarter of 2004, our purchases of property and equipment on an accrual basis were $0.9 million related to this project.

Effective January 3, 2003, we established the Aztar Corporation Nonqualified Retirement Plan Trust for the benefit of employees covered by one of our nonqualified defined benefit pension plans. We contributed approximately $2.0 million to this trust in March 2004. We will make periodic contributions to the trust so that funds in the trust equal the benefit obligation. The funds in the trust continue to be assets of Aztar.

We accepted 89,207 shares of our common stock in the first quarter of 2004 in lieu of cash due to the company in connection with the exercise of stock options. We also accepted an additional 80,845 shares in satisfaction of the related $1.9 million tax obligation that was paid by the company during the 2004 first quarter. Such shares of common stock are stated at cost and held as treasury shares to be used for general corporate purposes.

We have received proposed assessments from the Indiana Department of Revenue in connection with the examination of our Indiana income tax returns for the years 1996 through 2000. The assessments are based on the IDR's position that our gaming taxes that are based on gaming revenue are not deductible for Indiana income tax purposes. We filed a petition in Indiana Tax Court for the 1996 and 1997 tax years and we filed a formal protest for the 1998 through 2000 tax years. In April 2004, in response to our filed petition, the Indiana Tax Court upheld the IDR's position. We will ask the Indiana courts to review the ruling. If the ruling is not changed, we have estimated that we will be obligated to pay approximately $17.3 million to cover assessments of taxes and interest from 1996 through the end of the first quarter of 2004. This amount would then be deductible for federal income tax purposes, resulting in a net effect of approximately $11.3 million, which has been recorded as an increase to income taxes p ayable and expense in the first quarter of 2004.

We have severance agreements with certain of our senior executives. Severance benefits range from a lump-sum cash payment equal to three times the sum of the executive's annual base salary and the average of the executive's annual bonuses awarded in the preceding three years plus payment of the value in the executive's outstanding stock options and vesting and distribution of any restricted stock to a lump-sum cash payment equal to one half of the executive's annual base salary. In certain agreements, the termination must be as a result of a change in control of Aztar. Based upon salary levels and stock options at April 1, 2004, the aggregate commitment under the severance agreements should all these executives be terminated was approximately $58 million at April 1, 2004.

At April 1, 2004, we had commitments of approximately $63 million for the Tropicana Atlantic City expansion project and approximately $3 million for the executive conference center project at Casino Aztar Evansville.

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, in millions, our revenues and EBITDA on a consolidated basis and the portions thereof generated by each of our five casino properties.

		First Quarter
Revenues   Tropicana Atlantic City   Tropicana Las Vegas   Ramada Express Laughlin   Casino Aztar Evansville   Casino Aztar Caruthersville     Total consolidated EBITDA (a)   Tropicana Atlantic City   Tropicana Las Vegas   Ramada Express Laughlin   Casino Aztar Evansville   Casino Aztar Caruthersville   Corporate     Total consolidated Depreciation and amortization Operating income Interest income Interest expense Income taxes Net income		2004    $   99.6  41.0  24.8  33.6       6.3  $  205.3  ========  $   23.5  9.2  7.2  10.2  1.3      (4.7) 46.7     (13.0) 33.7  0.2  (8.7)    (21.5) $    3.7  ========	2003    $  104.1  38.3  24.4  30.2       6.0  $  203.0  ========  $   25.1  6.2  6.6  9.1  1.2      (4.0) 44.2     (12.5) 31.7  0.2  (9.6)     (8.8) $   13.5  ========
(a)	EBITDA is net income before income taxes, interest expense, interest income, and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA should not be construed as a substitute for either operating income or net income as they are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Management uses EBITDA as a measure to compare operating results among our properties and between accounting periods. We manage cash and finance our operations at the corporate level. We manage the allocation of capital among properties at the corporate level. We also file a consolidated income tax return. Management accordingly believes EBITDA is useful as a measure of operating results at the property level because it reflects the results of operating decisions at that level separated from the effects of tax and financing decisions that are managed at the corporate level. We also use EBITDA as the primary operating performance measure in our bonus programs for executive of ficers. Management also believes that EBITDA is a commonly used measure of operating performance in the gaming industry and is an important basis for the valuation of gaming companies. Our calculation of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies and, therefore, any such differences must be considered when comparing performance among different companies. While management believes EBITDA provides a useful perspective for some purposes, EBITDA has material limitations as an analytical tool. For example, among other things, although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA does not reflect the requirements for such replacements. Interest expense, net of interest income, and income taxes are also not reflected in EBITDA. Therefore, management does not consider EBITDA in isolation, and it should not be considered as a substitute for measures determined in accordanc e with GAAP. A reconciliation of EBITDA with operating income and net income as determined in accordance with GAAP is reflected in the above summary.

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Quarter Ended April 1, 2004 Compared to Quarter Ended April 3, 2003

Consolidated rooms revenue was $20.2 million in the 2004 first quarter, up 14% from $17.7 million in the 2003 first quarter. The increase was attributable primarily to the Tropicana Las Vegas, where the average daily rate increased 24% during the 2004 first quarter compared to the 2003 first quarter. The increase in the average daily rate was primarily attributable to increased tourism to the Las Vegas market.

Business interruption insurance revenue was $3.5 million in the 2004 first quarter. This revenue reflects a profit recovery at the Atlantic City Tropicana applicable to the fourth quarter of 2003 resulting from the October 30, 2003 construction accident. The amount recognized represents only the portion of business interruption claims that have been agreed to by our insurer.

Consolidated general and administrative expenses were $21 million in the 2004 first quarter, up $1.9 million or 10% from the 2003 first quarter. The increase was due to increases at corporate and each of our operating properties. The overall increase is not attributable to any one significant factor but instead due to the combination of many smaller factors including rising employee benefit and salary costs.

Consolidated interest expense was $8.7 million in the first quarter of 2004 compared with $9.6 million in the first quarter of 2003. The decrease in interest expense was primarily a result of an increase in capitalized interest relating to the Atlantic City Tropicana expansion, partially offset by increased interest due to a higher level of debt outstanding. Capitalized interest was $1.4 million higher in the 2004 versus 2003 first quarter.

Consolidated income taxes were $21.5 million in the first quarter of 2004 compared with $8.8 million in first quarter of 2003. The increase of $12.7 million was largely due to an increase in our Indiana income tax provision. In connection with a review of our Indiana income tax returns for the years 1996 through 2000, the Indiana Department of Revenue took the position that our gaming taxes that are based on gaming revenue are not deductible for Indiana income tax purposes. In response to the position taken by the Indiana Department of Revenue, we filed a petition with the Indiana Tax Court for the 1996 and 1997 tax years and we filed a formal protest for the 1998 through 2000 tax years. In April 2004, the Indiana Tax Court ruled in favor of the Indiana Department of Revenue. We will ask the Indiana courts to review the ruling. If the ruling is not changed, we have estimated that we will be obligated to pay approximately $17.3 million to cover assessments of taxes and interest from 1996 through the end of the first quarter of 2004. This amount would then be deductible for federal income tax purposes, resulting in a net effect of approximately $11.3 million, which has been recorded as an increase to income taxes payable and expense in the first quarter of 2004. The effect of this item on net income per common share and net income per common share assuming dilution for the first quarter of 2004 was a decrease of $.33 and $.31, respectively.

TROPICANA ATLANTIC CITY

Casino revenue decreased $6.6 million or 7% in the 2004 first quarter from $92.5 million in the 2003 first quarter. The decrease in casino revenue consisted of a $4.8 million decrease in slot revenue and a $1.8 million decrease in table games revenue. The decrease in casino revenue was primarily attributable to business interruption resulting from the October 30, 2003 construction accident and to the July 3, 2003 opening of the Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa. Casino costs decreased $1.6 million in the 2004 first quarter compared to the 2003 first quarter primarily due to a decrease in casino revenue.

Business interruption insurance revenue of $3.5 million was recognized in the 2004 first quarter. As noted above, our operations were interrupted as a result of the October 30, 2003 construction accident. The business interruption insurance revenue recognized during the 2004 first quarter represents profit recovery applicable to the fourth quarter of 2003 that our insurer has agreed to pay.

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TROPICANA LAS VEGAS

Rooms revenue increased $2.8 million in the first quarter of 2004, up 27% from $10.4 million in the first quarter of 2003. The increase was attributable to a 24% increase in the average daily rate and a 3% increase in rooms occupied on a non-complimentary basis. The increased average daily rate and higher occupancy during the first quarter of 2004 are due primarily to increased tourism to the Las Vegas market. The increase in rooms revenue was offset slightly by a $0.3 million increase in rooms cost.

CASINO AZTAR EVANSVILLE

Casino revenue was $30.8 million in the first quarter of 2004, up 12% from $27.4 million in the first quarter of 2003. The casino revenue increase was primarily due to an increase in the total number of patrons visiting our riverboat and to a lesser extent an increase in the gaming win per patron. Mild weather conditions during the 2004 first quarter contrasted with severe weather during the 2003 first quarter contributed to the increased number of patrons.

Casino costs were $1.4 million or 13% higher in the 2004 versus 2003 first quarter. Casino costs were higher due to an increase in gaming taxes that are based on casino revenue. Gaming taxes, which are calculated on a graduated basis, increased in the 2004 first quarter due to higher casino revenue coupled with an increase in our effective gaming tax rate. Marketing costs were $0.6 million or 23% higher in the 2004 versus 2003 first quarter due to a combination of increased advertising costs, higher salary costs attributable to the hiring of additional marketing personnel and an expansion of promotional activities.
Critical Accounting Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America that require us to make estimates and assumptions about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts and disclosures in our consolidated financial statements. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such difference may be material to the financial statements. Of our accounting estimates, we believe the following may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.

Property and equipment - At April 1, 2004, we have property and equipment of $1.1 billion, representing 84% of our total assets. We exercise judgment with regard to property and equipment in the following areas: (1) determining whether an expenditure is eligible for capitalization or if it should be expensed as incurred, (2) estimating the useful life and determining the depreciation method of a capitalized asset, and (3) if events or changes in circumstances warrant an assessment, determining if and to what extent an asset has been impaired. The accuracy of our judgments impacts the amount of depreciation expense we recognize, the amount of gain or loss on the disposal of these assets, whether or not an asset is impaired and, if an asset is impaired, the amount of the loss related to the impaired asset that is recognized. Our judgments about useful lives as well as the existence and degree of asset impairments could be affected by future events, such as property expansions, property developments, obsolesc ence, new competition, new regulations and new taxes, and other economic factors. Historically, there have been no events or changes in circumstances that have warranted an impairment review and our other estimates as they relate to property and equipment have not resulted in significant changes. With the exception of a possible impairment review with regard to the Tropicana Las Vegas development discussed below, we don't anticipate that our current estimates are reasonably likely to change in the future.

Expenditures associated with the repair or maintenance of a capital asset are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that are expected to provide future benefits to the company or that extend the useful life of an existing asset are capitalized. The useful lives that we assign to property and equipment represent the estimated number of years that the property and equipment is expected to contribute to the

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revenue generating process based on our current operating strategy. We believe that the useful lives of our property and equipment expire evenly over time. Accordingly, we depreciate our property and equipment on a straight-line basis over their useful lives.

When events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable, we group assets to the level where we can identify future cash flows and estimate the undiscounted future cash flows that the assets are expected to generate. In the event that the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount, we would recognize an impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying value over the fair value. Such an impairment loss would be recognized as a non-cash component of operating income. Our ability to determine and measure an impaired asset depends, to a large extent, on our ability to properly estimate future cash flows. Our master plan for a potential development of our Las Vegas Tropicana site envisions the creation of two separate but essentially equal and inter-connected 17-acre sites. The north site would be developed by us. The south site would be held for our future development, joint venture development, or sale for development by anoth er party. For development of a potential project on the north site, a detailed design has almost been completed. We plan to complete construction documents and estimated construction costs by the end of the second quarter of 2004. We will decide by the end of the first quarter of 2005 whether to proceed, whether to delay, or whether not to proceed at all with development of a project on the north site. The amount and timing of any future expenditure, and the extent of any impact on existing operations, will depend on the nature and timing of the development we ultimately undertake, if any. If we decide to abandon any facilities in the development process, we would have to conduct a review for impairment with a possible write-down and review their useful lives with a possible adjustment to depreciation and amortization expense. These reviews could result in adjustments that have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations. The net book value of the property and equipment used in t he operation of the Las Vegas Tropicana, excluding land at a cost of $110 million, was $58.7 million at April 1, 2004. The net book value of accounts receivable, inventories and prepaid expenses at the Las Vegas Tropicana was $8 million at April 1, 2004.

Development costs - At April 1, 2004, capitalized development costs, included as part of other assets, totaled $14.4 million. These costs relate primarily to expenditures incurred in connection with the master plan for a potential development of our Las Vegas Tropicana site, including a detailed design plan and construction documents. We will decide by the end of the first quarter of 2005 whether to proceed, whether to delay, or whether not to proceed at all with the project development. If we ultimately decide to abandon the project and there is no other use for our plans, we would write off these development costs. Our final decision could be impacted by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, changing market conditions, an inability to obtain the necessary financing, an act of terror, new regulations and new laws, the estimated construction costs, etc.

Income tax liabilities - We are subject to federal income taxes and state income taxes in those jurisdictions in which our properties operate. We exercise judgment with regard to income taxes in the following areas: (1) interpreting whether expenses are deductible in accordance with federal income tax and state income tax codes, (2) estimating annual effective federal and state income tax rates and (3) assessing whether deferred tax assets are, more likely than not, expected to be realized. The accuracy of these judgments impacts the amount of income tax expense we recognize each period.

As a matter of law, we are subject to examination by federal and state taxing authorities. We have estimated and provided for income taxes in accordance with settlements reached with the Internal Revenue Service in prior audits. Although we believe that the amounts reflected in our tax returns substantially comply with the applicable federal and state tax regulations, both the IRS and the various state taxing authorities can and have taken positions contrary to ours based on their interpretation of the law. A tax position that is challenged by a taxing authority could result in an adjustment to our income tax liabilities and related tax provision.

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During the first quarter of 2004, the IRS completed its examination of the company's income tax returns for the years 2000 through 2002. The only issue in dispute involved the deductibility of a portion of payments on certain liabilities related to the restructuring of Ramada Inc. During the fourth quarter of 2003, the IRS completed its examination for the years 1994 through 1999 and settled one of the two remaining issues entirely and a portion of the other remaining issue, resulting in a tax benefit of $6.7 million. The issue that was settled entirely involved the deductibility of certain complimentaries provided to customers. The other issue involved the deductibility of a portion of payments on certain liabilities related to the restructuring, the same issue as described above for the 2000 through 2002 years. We have reserved the right to pursue the unagreed portion of this issue in court for the years 1994 through 2002 and we would receive a refund, if successful.

On July 2, 2002, the State of New Jersey enacted the Business Tax Reform Act. We have provided for New Jersey income taxes based on our best estimate of the effect of this law. Certain provisions of the Act are subject to future rules and regulations and the discretion of the Director. We believe our interpretation of the law is reasonable and we don't expect material adjustments; however, we are unable to determine the discretion of the Director. The New Jersey Division of Taxation is examining the New Jersey income tax returns for the years 1995 through 1998. We believe that adequate provision for income taxes and interest has been made in the financial statements.

Ramada indemnification - We have agreed to indemnify Ramada against all monetary judgments in lawsuits pending against Ramada and its subsidiaries as of the conclusion of the Restructuring on December 20, 1989, as well as all related attorney's fees and expenses not paid at that time, except for any judgments, fees or expenses accrued on the hotel business balance sheet and except for any unaccrued and unreserved aggregate amount up to $5.0 million of judgments, fees or expenses related exclusively to the hotel business. Aztar is entitled to the benefit of any crossclaims or counterclaims related to such lawsuits and of any insurance proceeds received. There is no limit to the term or the maximum potential future payment under this indemnification. In addition, we agreed to indemnify Ramada for certain lease guarantees made by Ramada. The lease terms potentially extend through 2015 and Ramada guaranteed all obligations under these leases. We have recourse against a subsequent purchaser of the operations covered by these leases. The estimated maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnifications is $7.7 million at April 1, 2004. We would be required to perform under this guarantee 1) if monetary judgments and related expenses in lawsuits pending against Ramada and its subsidiaries as of the conclusion of the Restructuring exceeded the above described amount, or 2) if lessees with lease guarantees failed to perform under their leases, the lessee and lessor could not reach a negotiated settlement and the lessor was able to successfully proceed against Ramada, who in turn was able to successfully proceed against the company. In connection with these matters, our accrued liability was $3.8 million at April 1, 2004 and no events or circumstances have occurred to require us to change the estimate.

Impact of the October 30, 2003 construction accident - An accident occurred on the site of the construction of the parking-garage component of the expansion of the Atlantic City Tropicana. In 2003, we reduced construction in progress for the estimated asset loss and recorded a receivable of approximately $3 million. We believe it is probable that any additional asset loss will be recovered from first party insurance or from third parties or their insurers. The full extent of additional asset loss, if any, and a full understanding of the reconstruction tasks and completion timeframe will not be known until debris removal is completed and a full inspection of the adjacent structure is performed. We will continue to assess other potential losses and costs we might incur in relation to the construction accident. We are depending on the general contractor to perform under the terms of the contract and to deliver a completed project. We are also depending on the tenants in our dining/entertainment/retail com plex to timely perform under the terms of their leases. The cost of the expansion was targeted to be $225 million; we also anticipated providing $20 million of tenant allowances. Due to revised estimates for tenant allowances and incremental project costs resulting from construction

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delays related to the accident that may not be recoverable under our insurance, the expansion project may cost $15 million to $30 million more than originally estimated. Portions of the incremental delay-related costs may be recoverable from third parties and their insurers, but the amount and timing of any such recoveries are unknown at this time. It is also reasonably possible that this estimate could change in the future because there is still uncertainty about the final costs of reconstruction and the prospect of recovery under insurance.

Stock Option Accounting

As permitted under generally accepted accounting principles, we have elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 entitled "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and related Interpretations in accounting for our stock-based employee compensation arrangements because the alternative fair-value-based method of accounting provided for under Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 entitled "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" requires use of option valuation models that were not developed for use in valuing employee stock options. Under APB 25, because the exercise price of our stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized. Under SFAS 123, the estimated fair value of our stock options would be amortized to expense over their vesting period.

Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share as if we had accounted for our stock options under the fair-value-based method of accounting for the periods ended April 1, 2004 and April 3, 2003 is as follows (in millions, except per share data):

	First Quarter
	2004	2003
Net income, as reported Deduct: Total stock-based employee   compensation expense determined under   the fair-value-based method of   accounting, net of income tax benefit Pro forma net income Net income per common share:   As reported   Pro forma Net income per common share assuming dilution:   As reported   Pro forma	$    3.7      (0.8) $    2.9  ========  $    .10  $    .08  $    .10  $    .07	$   13.5      (0.7) $   12.8  ========  $    .37  $    .35  $    .36  $    .34

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Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

Certain information included in Aztar's Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2004, this Form 10-Q and other materials filed or to be filed with, or furnished or to be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by us, including those made in Aztar's 2003 annual report) contains statements that are forward-looking. These include forward-looking statements relating to the following activities, among others: operation and expansion of existing properties, in particular the Atlantic City Tropicana, including future performance; development of the Las Vegas Tropicana and financing and/or concluding an arrangement with a partner for such development; other business development activities; uses of free cash flow; stock repurchases; debt repayments; possible future debt refinancings; and use of derivatives. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as we "believe," "expec t," "anticipate," "foresee," "forecast," "estimate," "target," or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals are also forward-looking statements.

Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following factors as well as other factors described from time to time in Aztar's reports filed with or furnished to the SEC: those factors relating to terrorism and the uncertainty of war and other factors affecting discretionary consumer spending; uncertainties related to the extent and timing of our recoveries from our insurance carriers for our various losses suffered in connection with the accident on October 30, 2003; the extent to which our existing operations will continue to be adversely affected by the ongoing effects of the accident on October 30, 2003; uncertainties related to the extent and effects of the delay in the construction and completion of the Tropicana Atlan tic City expansion, which could be significantly greater and longer than we currently anticipate; uncertainties in connection with the renegotiation of our collective bargaining agreements; our ability to execute our development plans, estimates of development costs and returns on development capital; construction and development factors, including zoning and other regulatory issues, environmental restrictions, soil conditions, weather, fire, flood and other natural hazards, site access matters, shortages of material and skilled labor, labor disputes and work stoppages, and engineering and equipment problems; factors affecting leverage and debt service, including sensitivity to fluctuation in interest rates; access to available and feasible financing; regulatory and licensing matters; third-party consents, approvals and representations, and relations with partners, owners, suppliers and other third parties; reliance on key personnel; business and economic conditions; the ongoing benefit of dockside gaming in Indiana; the cyclical nature of the hotel business and the gaming business; the effects of weather; market prices of our common stock; litigation outcomes, judicial actions, legislative matters and referenda including the potential legalization of gaming in Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania, and taxation including potential tax increases in Indiana, Missouri, Nevada and New Jersey; the impact of new competition on our operations including the Borgata, which opened in Atlantic City in July 2003; and the effects of other competition, including locations of competitors and operating and marketing competition. Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and speak only as of the date made.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

For current information that affects information incorporated by reference in Item 7A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2004 see "Note 3: Long-term Debt" and "Note 11: Subsequent Event" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q under Item 1.

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AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

We carried out an evaluation as of April 1, 2004, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the desired control objectives were achieved.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended April 1, 2004, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On March 30, 2004, the Company and its affiliate Adamar of New Jersey, Inc. were named as defendants to an action in the United States District Court, District of New Jersey. The action arises out of the October 30, 2003 collapse of a portion of a parking garage under construction at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The action was brought by Zurich American Insurance Company, which issued a policy of "Completed Value Builders Risk" insurance covering the construction of the garage and related improvements at the Tropicana. The action seeks declaratory relief with respect to certain items of loss for which claims have been made or may be made by the Company or the general contractor on the project, Keating Building Corporation. Specifically, the action seeks a judicial declaration of the meaning and application of the insurance policy to losses on account of "debris removal," "mold damage" and "water damage." Zurich has advanced or paid in excess of $16 million under its policy on account of other claimed losses associated with the collapse and has not contested the validity of its policy or that the collapse was generally an insured event under the policy, but does contest its obligations to pay all or portions of the categories of loss identified in its complaint. The Company disagrees with Zurich's positions as set forth in its complaint and intends to contest the action vigorously. The Company has not yet responded to the complaint, and no trial date or other schedule has yet been established by the court.

On April 21, 2004, the Company filed an action in the Superior Court of the State of Arizona, Maricopa County, against Lexington Insurance Company; U.S. Fire Insurance Company; Westchester Surplus Lines Insurance Company; Essex Insurance Company; Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London; Hartford Fire Insurance Company and Zurich American Insurance Company. The action also arises out of the garage collapse. The Company filed the action seeking declaratory relief and damages for breach of contract under policies of insurance issued by the defendant insurers in connection with losses claimed by the Company on account of the collapse, including losses for business interruption at the Tropicana due to the collapse and the resulting impairment of the Company's hotel, restaurant, casino and related operations there, which the defendant insurers have refused to pay in full. The Company seeks a declaration establishing its right to coverage for its business interruption losses and extra expenses inc urred on account of the loss, payment of such losses and expenses, including its "loss adjustment" expenses up to $1 million, its attorneys' fees in connection with the action, and other relief that may be available. The insurers have not yet responded to the action, and no trial date or other schedule has yet been established by the court.

On December 29, 2003, the Company and the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City were named as defendants to an action in the Superior Court of New Jersey in Atlantic County. The action also arises out of the garage collapse. The plaintiff, Mr. Govathlay Givens, was present at the site as an employee of Fabi Construction, Inc., a subcontractor to the general contractor, Keating Building Corporation. The plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages of unspecified amounts in connection with personal injuries suffered in the collapse. Also named as defendants are various companies involved with the project, including Keating Building Corporation; Wimberly, Allison, Tong & Goo; SOSH Architects; DeSimone Consulting Engineers; Mid-State Filigree Systems; and Site-Blauvelt Engineers. The Company disagrees with the allegations against it and the Tropicana Casino and Resort set forth in the complaint and intends to contest the action vigorously. The Company has filed an answer to the complaint and has brought crossclaims for contribution, common law indemnification and contractual indemnification against each of the other co-defendants.

On March 10, 2004, the Company and its affiliates Adamar of New Jersey, Inc. and the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City were named as defendants to an action in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.  The plaintiff, Scannicchio's Restaurant, is located in the vicinity of the garage collapse. The lawsuit purports to be a class action on behalf of Scannicchio's Restaurant and all

27

AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

neighboring businesses for damages to buildings and loss of profits. The action seeks compensatory and punitive damages in unspecified amounts for negligence and for private and public nuisance. The Company disagrees with the allegations against it and its affiliated entities set forth in the complaint and intends to contest the action vigorously. The Company has filed petitions with the court for dismissal of the action based on lack of jurisdiction.

The Company and certain of its affiliates were also named as defendants in wrongful death actions on behalf of the estates of two individuals who were killed in the garage collapse and also in actions by three other individuals for compensatory and punitive damages for personal injuries suffered in the collapse. These actions, which were filed in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, have been dismissed for lack of jurisdiction and are no longer pending. The Company anticipates that these plaintiffs may now file similar actions in courts in the State of New Jersey.

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AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 2. Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity
        Securities

The following table provides information for the first quarter ended April 1, 2004 with respect to the Company's purchases of equity securities.

Period	(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased	(b)Average Price Paid per Share	(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	(d) Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Month #1 January 2, 2004 to January 29, 2004	- --	- --	- --	794,224*
Month #2 January 30, 2004 to March 4, 2004	- --	- --	- --	794,224*
Month #3 March 5, 2004 to April 1, 2004	170,052**	$22.98	- --	794,224*

*	In December 2002, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to make discretionary repurchases up to 4,000,000 shares of its common stock. There is no expiration date under this authority. There were 2,922,576 and 283,200 shares repurchased under this program in 2003 and 2002, respectively.
**	The Company accepted 170,052 shares of its common stock in March 2004 from an employee in lieu of cash due to the Company in connection with the exercise of stock options.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)	Exhibits
	31.1	Certification of CEO.
	31.2	Certification of CFO.
	32	Certification of CEO and CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(b)	Reports on Form 8-K
		On April 21, 2004, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K under Items 7. and 12. to furnish a press release as Exhibit 99 announcing the Company's financial results for its first quarter ended April 1, 2004.

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AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: May 5, 2004                 


             AZTAR CORPORATION           
               (Registrant)          





    ROBERT M. HADDOCK                    
    Robert M. Haddock
    President and Chief Financial Officer

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AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number	Description
31.1	Certification of CEO.
31.2	Certification of CFO.
32	Certification of CEO and CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31

EX-31

EXHIBIT 31.1 CERTIFICATION OF CEO I, Paul E. Rubeli, the Chief Executive Officer of Aztar Corporation, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Aztar Corporation; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and (c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 5, 2004

PAUL E. RUBELI                    Paul E. Rubeli     Chairman of the Board and     Chief Executive Officer

EX-31

EXHIBIT 31.2 CERTIFICATION OF CFO I, Robert M. Haddock, the Chief Financial Officer of Aztar Corporation, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Aztar Corporation; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and (c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 5, 2004

ROBERT M. HADDOCK                 Robert M. Haddock     President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32

EXHIBIT 32

Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Aztar Corporation (the "Company") for the quarterly period ended April 1, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Paul E. Rubeli, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Robert M. Haddock, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

     (1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

     (2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

PAUL E. RUBELI
Name:	Paul E. Rubeli
Title:	Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Date:	May 5, 2004
ROBERT M. HADDOCK
Name:	Robert M. Haddock
Title:	President and Chief Financial Officer
Date:	May 5, 2004

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Aztar Corporation and will be retained by Aztar Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.