<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 FORM 10-Q OF ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1999
<CASH>                                          37,702
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    3,949
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,685
<INVENTORY>                                        966
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                72,974
<PP&E>                                         513,251
<DEPRECIATION>                                 122,970
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 529,771
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          106,236
<BONDS>                                        320,577
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           282
<OTHER-SE>                                      32,541
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   529,771
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               438,562
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  349,723
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   754
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              38,518
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 52,707
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,800
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             24,930
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                               (38,420)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (13,490)
<EPS-BASIC>                                      (.49)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.47)