<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>c86353exv99w1.txt
<DESCRIPTION>PRESS RELEASE
<TEXT>
<PAGE>



                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1

                                                      NEWS RELEASE
                                                      LAKES ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
                                                      130 CHESHIRE LANE
[LAKES ENTERTAINMENT, INC. LOGO]                      MINNETONKA, MN 55305
                                                      952-449-9092
                                                      952-449-9353 (fax)
                                                      WWW.LAKESENTERTAINMENT.COM
                                                      TRADED: NASDAQ "LACO"

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Timothy J. Cope 952-449-7030
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, June 23, 2004


                  LAKES ENTERTAINMENT, INC. ANNOUNCES UPDATE ON
                             SHINGLE SPRINGS PROJECT


MINNEAPOLIS, JUNE 23, 2004 -- LAKES ENTERTAINMENT, INC. (NASDAQ "LACO") today
announced that a ruling with respect to the casino development planned by the
Shingle Springs Rancheria was issued June 21, 2004 by the Superior Court of
California, County of Sacramento. The ruling indicates that the addendum
previously provided to the court by the California Department of Transportation
(Caltrans) did not provide a quantitative showing to satisfy the court's earlier
request for a clarification on meeting the state ambient ozone standard. The
addendum was required by the court's December 31, 2003 ruling, which found for
Caltrans on 15 of 16 major issues in this case. The addendum addresses the
remaining issue. The court recognized that the information provided by Caltrans
does qualitatively show that the project may comply with the state standard, but
concluded that is insufficient. Rather the court is requiring a quantitative
analysis and the court recognizes that the methodology for that analysis "is not
readily apparent." In addition, the ruling specifically states, "Moreover such
methodology appears necessary for the CEQA analysis of transportation projects
throughout the state, including transportation projects for which respondents
(i.e. Caltrans) have approval authority."

Caltrans, the Shingle Springs Tribe and Lakes are reviewing the order to
determine the best methods available to respond to the court's order. They are
also evaluating the impact of the ruling, if any, on the anticipated timing of
the opening of the planned casino.

Lakes Entertainment, Inc. currently has development and management agreements
with four separate Tribes for four new casino operations, one in Michigan, two
in California and one with the Nipmuc Nation on the East Coast. Lakes
Entertainment also has agreements for the development of one additional casino
on Indian-owned land in California through a joint venture with MRD Gaming,
which is currently being disputed by the Tribe. Additionally, the Company owns
approximately 80% of World Poker Tour, LLC, a media and entertainment company
principally engaged in development, production and marketing of gaming-themed
televised programming, the licensing and sale of branded products and the sale
of corporate sponsorships.

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Lakes Entertainment, Inc. common shares are traded on the Nasdaq National Market
under the trading symbol "LACO".


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The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor"
for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this press
release (as well as information included in oral statements or other written
statements made or to be made by Lakes Entertainment, Inc.) contains statements
that are forward-looking, such as statements relating to plans for future
expansion and other business development activities as well as other capital
spending, financing sources and the effects of regulation (including gaming and
tax regulation) and competition. Such forward-looking information involves
important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated
results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those
expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.
These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, possible delays
in completion of Lakes' casino projects, including various regulatory approvals
and numerous other conditions which must be satisfied before completion of these
projects; possible termination or adverse modification of management contracts;
continued indemnification obligations to Grand Casinos; highly competitive
industry; possible changes in regulations; reliance on continued positive
relationships with Indian tribes and repayment of amounts owned to Lakes by
Indian tribes; possible need for future financing to meet Lakes' expansion
goals; risks of entry into new businesses; and reliance on Lakes' management.
For more information, review the Company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
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