exv10w1xdy






Exhibit 10.1(d)




AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT




     THIS AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is made and entered into as of
November 7, 2008, by and between Ameristar Casinos, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”),
and Thomas M. Steinbauer (the “Employee”).



     WHEREAS, the Company and the Employee are parties to an Employment Agreement, dated as of
November 15, 1993, as previously amended by Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement dated as of
October 5, 2001 and by Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement dated as of August 15, 2002 (as so
amended, the “Agreement”); and



     WHEREAS, the Company and the Employee desire to amend the Agreement to conform to the
requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.



     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable
consideration, the Company and the Employee agree as follows:



     1. New Section 10.9. The following new Section 10.9 is hereby added to the end of the
Agreement:



     “10.9 SECTION 409A COMPLIANCE




     (a) A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of
any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon
or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from
service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance
promulgated thereunder (collectively, “Code Section 409A”) and, for purposes of any such
provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or
like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If Employee is deemed on the date of
termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section
409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit (including
any payment pursuant to Section 5.5(b)) that is considered deferred compensation under Code
Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit
shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six
(6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of the Employee
or (ii) the date of Employee’s death (the “Delay Period”). Upon the expiration of the
Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 10.9(a) (whether
they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of
such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to Employee in a lump sum without interest, and any



 









 






remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in
accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.




     (b) With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and
expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, all such payments
shall be made on or before the last day of calendar year following the calendar year in
which the expense occurred.”



     2. Confirmation. Except as amended pursuant to this Amendment, the terms of the
Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.



     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Amendment as of the date first written
above.



	 	 	 	 	 
	AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC.	 	EMPLOYEE:
	 
	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	/s/ Gordon R. Kanofsky
	 	/s/ Thomas M. Steinbauer
	 

	 	 
	 	 
	 

	 	Name: Gordon R. Kanofsky
	 	Thomas M. Steinbauer
	 

	 	Title:   Chief Executive Officer and	 	 
	 

	 	            Vice Chairman	 	 






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