SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ------------ FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 11, 2002 PINNACLE ENTERTAINMENT, INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) Delaware 0-10619 95-3667491 (State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer of Incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) 330 N. Brand Boulevard, Suite 1100, Glendale, California 91203 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (818) 662-5900 Item 5. Other Events. On April 11, 2002, Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. issued a press release, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference. Item 7. Exhibits. 99.1 Press Release dated April 11, 2002. 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 hereunto duly authorized. PINNACLE ENTERTAINMENT, INC. Date: April 11, 2002 By: /s/ Bruce C. Hinckley --------------------------------- Bruce C. Hinckley Chief Financial Officer 2 Exhibit Index Exhibit Description - ------- ----------- 99.1 Press Release dated April 11, 2002. 3