<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM JUNE 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>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1999
<CASH>                                          51,134
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    3,794
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,901
<INVENTORY>                                        897
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                85,797
<PP&E>                                         507,644
<DEPRECIATION>                                 115,352
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 546,386
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          102,827
<BONDS>                                        381,764
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           281
<OTHER-SE>                                      21,830
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   546,386
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               281,992
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  227,707
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   675
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              27,786
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 28,202
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,200
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             10,612
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                               (34,760)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (24,148)
<EPS-BASIC>                                      (.88)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.84)