Ameristar Casinos Inc. has announced that its board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $75 million of its outstanding common stock.

The shares may be repurchased through Sept. 30, 2014, in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions at the company’s discretion.

Ameristar chief executive officer Gordon Kanofsky said the decision to initiate the stock repurchase program is the result of the company’s confidence in its current business activity and growth prospects.

Ameristar operates eight properties, including one in Vicksburg, on Washington Street.