[Randy Brown]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 23, 2002


CASINO EXECUTIVE WILLIAM G. BENNETT DIES AT 78

Las Vegas, Nevada - William G. Bennett, owner of the Sahara Hotel and Casino died Sunday at Desert Springs Hospital. He was 78.

Bennett began his legendary career in Las Vegas more than 30 years ago when he began working with Del Webb. Through innovative management techniques, he worked his way from the ground level to one of the company’s top executive posts in Nevada.

In 1974 Bennett made a move that would change the face of gaming when he and a partner Bill Pennington purchased Circus Circus. They revolutionized the industry by increasing the role of slot machines and providing quality food, lodging and entertainment with a premium on value. During his 20 years as chairman of Circus Circus Enterprises, Bennett opened, among other properties, the Excalibur Hotel and Casino and Luxor Las Vegas. With the success of the Excalibur and Luxor, Bennett helped create the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip as we know it today and broke new ground in themed entertainment.

When Bennett purchased the Sahara Hotel and Casino in 1995, he set his sights on rejuvenating the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip. Bennett immediately embarked on a renovation plan that returned the grandeur to one of Las Vegas' first resorts. The Sahara now has fresh entertainment, dining and gaming options offered with the value standard, which Bennett helped to create in Las Vegas.

“Our priority is, and always has been, to provide quality and value to our customers--and to listen to what they really want,” Bennett once said. “We will continue to bring modern entertainment and provide the amenities today’s traveler expects with the nostalgic flair only the Sahara can deliver.”

The Sahara Hotel and Casino opened on the Las Vegas Strip in 1952, and quickly established itself as one of Las Vegas’ most exciting destinations. Bennett sought to combine the amenities and services expected by today’s travelers with the glamour, style and charm that established the property as a Las Vegas icon. Today, the Moroccan-themed hotel and casino features 1,720 guest rooms, an 85,000-square-foot casino.

The Sahara property will continue under normal operations.

Along with his wife Lynn, Bennett is survived by a daughter, Diana, a son William A., a step-daughter, Laura Lynn, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bennett Foundation, an organization that supports charities throughout the Las Vegas community (i.e., UNLV and other educational development foundations). Donations may be mailed to the Bennett Foundation at 2535 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Germaine Thompson
Entertainment and Publicity Department
Telephone: (702) 737-2503