American Vantage adds new board members

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- American Vantage Companies ("AVCS" or the "Company") (OTCBB: AVCS.OB) today announced that the Board of Directors approved the recommendation of the Nominating Committee to appoint Douglas R. Sanderson and Brian T. Seager to the Board of Directors. Mr. Sanderson is appointed as a Class A director to fill the seat vacated by the death of Audrey K. Tassinari and Mr. Seager is appointed as a Class B director to fill the seat vacated by Randolph C. Read. Mr. Sanderson's term expires in December 2007 and Mr. Seager's term expires in 2009.

"Doug has exceptional experience in the gaming industry and will provide additional depth to an already strong, independent board," said Ronald J. Tassinari, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AVCS. "Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the real estate and commercial development industries as the Board and management continue to strategize on further opportunities related to the Carson Valley GoldTown Casino and Hotel and Big Sandy Rancheria projects and concepts."

Mr. Tassinari continues, "The Carson Valley GoldTown Casino and Hotel and Big Sandy Rancheria projects are each to be developed on land parcels of approximately 45 acres. Each hotel and casino site will occupy about fifteen acres of these individual parcels leaving approximately 30 acres per site for mixed-use development of amenities to enhance and complement their individual communities. Our new directors will be valuable to the Company in the design and continuing development of these exciting projects."

Mr. Sanderson served on the Company's Board of Directors from 1992 to 1997 and currently is President of La Jolla Gaming. La Jolla Gaming specializes in server-based technology and offers a line of gaming software through its offices in Las Vegas, San Diego, London and San Jose, Costa Rica. Mr. Sanderson has formerly served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the publicly-traded company Fortune Entertainment Corporation, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sega Gaming Technology, Inc., and Vice-President of Worldwide Sales for Bally Gaming, Inc. Mr. Sanderson has also been named the Las Vegas Muscular Dystrophy Association Humanitarian of the Year and currently is the Chairman and Tournament Manager for the Las Vegas Champions & Celebrities Celebration, a charity golf event that benefits various charities.

Mr. Seager is currently President of Brilor, Inc. Brilor, Inc. has acquired, developed and/or planned over 4,000 acres of land in Nevada, Arizona, Idaho and Utah. As the former President of Avante Homes, from 1998 to 2001, Mr. Seager was responsible for all aspects of the company including acquiring land, planning and entitlements, development and construction of several master plan communities. Mr. Seager holds contractors' licenses in Nevada, Utah and Arizona, is a member of the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association and a Board of Trustee for the Leid Institute of Real Estate.