EXHIBIT 99.1 AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. 100 South Bedford Road Mount Kisco, New York 10549 914-242-7700 Fax - 914-242-9282 CONTACT: John P. Saldarelli Secretary and Treasurer (914) 242-7700 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --------------------- AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. ----------------------------------- DECLARES ANNUAL PAY-IN-KIND DISTRIBUTION ---------------------------------------- ON ITS PREFERRED UNITS ---------------------- PAYABLE SOLELY IN ADDITIONAL PREFERRED UNITS -------------------------------------------- CUSIP # 029169 20 8 STOCK SYMBOL: ACP PR - ------------------- -------------------- Mount Kisco, New York, February 25, 2004 - American Real Estate Partners, L.P. (NYSE: ACP PR) today announced that it has declared its scheduled annual preferred unit distribution, payable solely in additional preferred units, on its 5% cumulative pay-in-kind redeemable preferred units representing limited partnership interests which have a liquidation preference of $10.00 per unit. The in-kind preferred unit distribution is based upon a rate of 5% of the liquidation preference and is payable on March 31, 2004 to holders of record as of the close of business on March 12, 2004. American Real Estate Partners, L.P. is a master limited partnership. 3