UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.

4670 Fort Apache Road, Suite 190

Las Vegas, Nevada 89147

 

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held on 28th day of May, 2009

 

 

Dear Stockholder:

 

You are invited to attend our Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on the 28th day of May, 2009, at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino, 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89145, for the following purposes:

 

(1) to elect seven members to our board of directors to serve until our next annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified;

 

(2) to ratify the appointment of Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern, Certified Public Accountants, as our independent auditors for 2009;

 

(3) to transact such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting, including any adjournments or postponements thereof.

 

Our board of directors has fixed the close of business on April 17, 2009 as the record date for determining those stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.

 

Whether or not you expect to be present, please sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed pre-addressed envelope as promptly as possible. No postage is required if mailed in the United States.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

 

 

Barth F. Aaron

Secretary

 

Las Vegas, Nevada

April 29, 2009

 

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON. WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO ENSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE MEETING. EVEN IF YOU EXECUTE A PROXY CARD, YOU MAY NEVERTHELESS ATTEND THE MEETING, REVOKE YOUR PROXY AND VOTE YOUR SHARES IN PERSON. PLEASE NOTE, HOWEVER, THAT IF YOUR SHARES ARE HELD OF RECORD BY A BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE, AND YOU WISH TO VOTE AT THE MEETING, YOU MUST OBTAIN FROM THE RECORD HOLDER A PROXY ISSUED IN YOUR NAME.

 

2009 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

OF

FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.

 

 

 

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

 

 

 

This proxy statement contains information relating to our 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on May 28, 2009, at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino, 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89145 and to any adjournments or postponements. This proxy statement and the enclosed form of proxy are first being mailed to stockholders on or about April 29, 2009.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 28, 2009

 

This proxy statement and form of proxy are also available on our website at www.fullhouseresorts.com.

 

ABOUT THE MEETING

 

What Is The Purpose Of The Annual Meeting?

 

At the annual meeting, stockholders will act upon the matters outlined in the accompanying notice of meeting, including

 

 

The stockholders also will transact any other business that properly comes before the meeting.

 

Who Is Entitled To Vote?

 

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on the record date, April 17, 2009, are entitled to receive notice of the annual meeting and to vote the shares of our common stock that they held on that date at the meeting, or any postponement or adjournment of the meeting. Each outstanding share of common stock entitles its holder to cast one vote on each matter to be voted upon.

 

Who Can Attend The Meeting?

 

All stockholders as of the record date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend. Please note that if you hold shares in “street name,” that is, through a broker or other nominee, you will need to bring a copy of a brokerage statement reflecting your stock ownership as of the record date. You will also need a photo ID to gain admission.

 

What Constitutes A Quorum?

 

The presence at the meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of 40% of the total number of shares of our common stock and preferred stock outstanding on the record date will constitute a quorum, permitting the meeting to conduct its business. As of the record date, 17,993,681 shares of our common stock were outstanding and held by approximately 140 stockholders of record. Proxies received but marked as abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in the calculation of the number of shares considered to be present at the meeting for purposes of determining a quorum but will not be counted as votes cast “for” or “against” any given matter.

 

If less than 40% of outstanding shares entitled to vote are represented at the meeting, a majority of the shares present at the meeting may adjourn the meeting to another date, time or place, and notice need not be given of the new date, time or place if the new date, time or place is announced at the meeting before an adjournment is taken.

How Do I Vote?

 

If you complete and properly sign the accompanying proxy card and return it to us, it will be voted as you direct. If you are a registered stockholder and you attend the meeting, you may deliver your completed proxy card in person. “Street name” stockholders who wish to vote at the meeting will need to obtain a proxy from the institution that holds their shares.

 

Prior to the annual meeting, we will select one or more inspectors of election. These inspectors will determine the number of shares of common stock represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, the validity of proxies and will count the ballots and votes and will determine and report the results to us.

 

May I Change My Vote After I Return My Proxy Card?

 

Yes. Even after you have submitted your proxy, you may change your vote at any time before the proxy is exercised by filing with our Secretary either a notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. The powers of the proxy holders will be suspended if you attend the meeting in person and so request, although attendance at the meeting will not by itself revoke a previously granted proxy.

 

What Are The Board’s Recommendations?

 

The enclosed proxy is solicited on behalf of our board of directors. Unless you give other instructions on your proxy card, the persons named as proxy holders on the proxy card will vote in accordance with the recommendations of our board of directors. The recommendation of the board of directors is set forth with the description of each item in this proxy statement. In summary, the board of directors recommends a vote:

 

 

The board of directors does not know of any other matters that may be brought before the meeting nor does it foresee or have reason to believe that the proxy holders will have to vote for substitute or alternate board nominees. In the event that any other matter should properly come before the meeting or any nominee is not available for election, the proxy holders will vote as recommended by the board of directors or, if no recommendation is given, in accordance with their best judgment.

 

What Vote Is Required To Approve Each Item?

 

Election Of Directors.  A plurality of the votes cast at the meeting is required for the election of directors. A properly executed proxy marked “WITHHOLD AUTHORITY” with respect to the election of one or more directors will not be voted with respect to the director or directors indicated, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum. Stockholders do not have the right to cumulate their votes for directors.

 

Ratification of Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern.  An affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting is required for the ratification of the independent auditor. A properly executed proxy marked “ABSTAIN” with respect to ratification will not be voted with respect to ratification, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.

 

Other Items.  For any other item which may properly come before the meeting, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting, either in person or by proxy, and voting will be required for approval, unless otherwise required by law. A properly executed proxy marked “ABSTAIN” with respect to any of those matters will not be voted, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.

 

If you hold your shares in “street name” through a broker or other nominee, your broker or nominee may not be permitted to exercise voting discretion with respect to some items that may be acted upon. Thus, if you do not give your broker or nominee specific instructions, your shares may not be voted on those matters and will not be counted in determining the number of shares necessary for approval. Shares represented by these “broker non-votes” will, however, be counted in determining whether there is a quorum.

Who Pays For The Preparation Of The Proxy Statement?

 

We will pay the cost of preparing, assembling and mailing the proxy statement, notice of meeting and enclosed proxy card. In addition to the use of mail, our employees or authorized agents may solicit proxies personally and by telephone. Our employees will receive no compensation for soliciting proxies other than their regular salaries. We may request banks, brokers and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward copies of the proxy material to their principals and to request authority for the execution of proxies and we may reimburse those persons for their expenses incurred in connection with these activities. We will compensate only independent third party agents that are not affiliated with us but solicit proxies. At this time, we do not anticipate that we will be retaining a third party solicitation firm, but should we determine, in the future, that it is in our best interests to do so, we will retain a solicitation firm and pay for all costs and expresses associated with retaining this solicitation firm.

 

You should review the information provided in this proxy statement in conjunction with our 2008 Annual Report to Stockholders, which accompanies this proxy statement. Our principal executive offices are located 4670 South Fort Apache Road, Suite 190, Las Vegas, Nevada 89147 and our telephone number is (702) 221-7800. A list of stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting will be available at our offices for a period of ten days prior to the meeting and at the meeting itself for examination by any stockholder.

 

Do I have dissenter’s or appraisal rights?

 

You have no dissenter’s or appraisal rights in connection with any of the proposals described herein.

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP

 

The following table sets forth information as of the record date concerning the beneficial ownership of our common stock by:

 

 

Unless otherwise listed above, the address for each of our officers and directors is c/o Full House Resorts, 4670 South Fort Apache Road, Suite 190, Las Vegas, Nevada 89147.

 

 

 

 

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors and executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent of our outstanding common stock, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock. These persons are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all such reports they file.

 

To our knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that all Section 16(a) reports were timely filed by our officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners, except for the following, which were not filed timely.

 

 

PROPOSAL ONE: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Our bylaws provide that the number of directors constituting our board of directors shall be fixed from time to time by the board. Our board of directors currently consists of seven directors. The nominees to be voted on by stockholders at this meeting are Kenneth R. Adams, Carl G. Braunlich, Kathleen M. Caracciolo, Andre M. Hilliou, Lee A. Iacocca, Mark Miller and J. Michael Paulson.

 

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE NOMINEES.

 

All nominees have consented to be named and have indicated their intent to serve if elected. We have no reason to believe that any of these nominees are unavailable for election. However, if any of the nominees become unavailable for any reason, the persons named as proxies may vote for the election of such person or persons for such office as our board of directors may recommend in the place of such nominee or nominees. It is intended that proxies, unless marked to the contrary, will be voted in favor of the election of Kenneth R. Adams, Carl G. Braunlich, Kathleen Caracciolo, Andre M. Hilliou, Lee A. Iacocca, Mark J. Miller and J. Michael Paulson.

 

The names, ages and positions of all our nominees for director and executive officers are listed below, followed by a brief account of their business experience during the past five years.

 

 

J. Michael Paulson has been our Chairman and one of our directors since March 2004. Mr. Paulson has been involved in the real estate development and investment business since 1986 as the Founder, Owner and President of Nevastar Investments Corp. and Construction Specialist of Nevada, Inc. Mr. Paulson has been a director, president and general manager of Gold River Resort and Casino, Inc. and Gold River Operating Corporation since 2000. Mr. Paulson also serves as a director or officer of various businesses involving thoroughbred racing and breeding operations, oil exploration and real estate, gaming and equity investments. Mr. Paulson worked in the aerospace industry for 17 years, including 11 years with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.

 

Kenneth R. Adams joined our Board in January 2007. Mr. Adams is a principal in the gaming consulting firm, Ken Adams Ltd., which he founded in 1990. He is also an editor of the Adams’ Report monthly newsletter, the Adams’ Daily Report daily electronic newsletter and the Adams Review, each of which focus on the gaming industry. Since August 1997, Mr. Adams has been a partner in Johnny Nolon’s Casino in Cripple Creek Colorado, a limited stakes casino with a restaurant and bar. From 2001 until 2008, he served on the Board of Directors of Vision Gaming & Technology, Inc., a privately-held gaming machine company, and he currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Downtown Improvement Agency for Reno, Nevada.

 

Kathleen M. Caracciolo joined our Board in January 2007. Ms. Caracciolo has also been appointed the Chairperson of our Audit Committee. Ms. Caracciolo is a certified public accountant who since October 2008 has served as Director of Business Development of Global Connect, LLC a web-based voice messaging company. Prior to that, from July 2003 through August 2008 served as Vice President of Finance for Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Co. Inc., which designs, manufactures and distributes electronic gaming devices. Between January and June 2003, Ms. Caracciolo worked as a consultant. From April 1999 to December 2002, she served as Vice President of Finance for the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority, a government agency responsible for enhancing the economy of the region with coordination of the operations of the Atlantic City Convention Center. Prior to that, Ms. Caracciolo held various finance positions with several Atlantic City Casinos, including Atlantic City Showboat, Inc. and Caesars Atlantic City, Inc.

 

Dr. Carl G. Braunlich has been one of our directors since May 2005. Since August 2006, he has been an Associate Professor at University of Nevada Las Vegas. Dr. Braunlich holds a Doctor of Business Administration in International Business from United States International University, San Diego, CA. Prior to joining the faculty of University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Dr. Braunlich was a Professor of Hotel Management at Purdue University since 1990. Previously he was on the faculty at United States International University. Dr Braunlich has held executive positions at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ and at Paradise Island Hotel and Casino, Nassau, Bahamas. He has been a consultant to Wynn Las Vegas, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., Showboat Hotel and Casino, Bellagio Resort and Casino, International Game Technology, Inc., Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation and the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling. He was on the Board of Directors of the National Council on Problem Gambling and has served on several Problem Gambling Committees, including those of the Nevada Resort Association and the American Gaming Association.

 

Lee A. Iacocca has been one of our directors since April 1998. Mr. Iacocca currently serves as the President of Iacocca & Associates, a consulting firm. In 1997, he founded EV Global Motors, to design, market and distribute

the next generation of electric vehicles. Mr. Iacocca is former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Chrysler Corporation, retiring from those positions in 1992. He retired as a Chrysler Director in September 1993 and continued to serve as a consultant to Chrysler until 1994. He is Chairman of the Iacocca Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to educational projects and the advancement of diabetes research, and is Chairman of the Committee for Corporate Support of Joslin Diabetes Foundation. Mr. Iacocca is also Chairman Emeritus of the Statue of Liberty — Ellis Island Foundation and serves on the Advisory Board of Reading Is Fundamental, the nation’s largest reading motivation program.

 

Andre M. Hilliou became President and Chief Executive Officer of Full House in March 2004 and has been one of our directors since May 2005. From 2001 until joining us, he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vision Gaming and Technology. Mr. Hilliou held executive positions with various companies including Chief Executive Officer of American Bingo and Gaming, Inc. and Chief Executive Officer of Aristocrat, Inc. He also spent approximately 11 years with the Showboat Corporation, reaching the level of Senior Vice President of Operations for its Atlantic City, New Jersey property, and Chief Executive Officer of Showboat’s Sydney Harbour Casino.

 

Mark J. Miller became Chief Financial Officer on February 19, 2007. He was one of our directors from May 2005 until the announcement of his employment with us in January 2007. He rejoined the board of directors on May 31, 2007. From September 2003 until December 2006, Mr. Miller served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Aero Products International, a leading maker of premium, air-filled bedding products. From December 1998 until May 2003, Mr. Miller was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and then, Chief Operating Officer of American Skiing Company, owner and operator of nine well-known ski resorts located in New England, Colorado, California and Utah. From 1994 until 1998, he was an Executive Vice President of Showboat, Inc. with operational support responsibility for new casino development. Previously, Mr. Miller served in various positions within the Showboat organization, including President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic City Showboat, Inc. Mr. Miller holds a Master Degree in Accountancy from Brigham Young University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

T. Wesley Elam became our Vice President of Operations and Project Management in April 2005. Prior to joining us, he served as general manager of the Argosy Casino in Baton Rouge, Louisiana beginning in December 1998. From September 1994 until August 1998 he served as chief operating officer for the Star City Casino in Sydney, Australia, responsible for the openings and operations of both the temporary and permanent casino/hotel. Prior to that, he served as controller for Casino Windsor, Ontario, Canada, overseeing the construction and opening of the temporary casino, which was a six-month fast track project. Previously, he served in various executive positions with responsibilities for opening and operations of the Trump Taj Mahal Casino, Showboat Casino, Trump Castle Casino and Tropicana Casino. Mr. Elam holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Nevada — Reno.

 

Barth F. Aaron was appointed as our Secretary in March 2004. He has served as our General Counsel since March 2004. From April 2002 until May 2005, Mr. Aaron was General Counsel of Vision Gaming and Technology, Inc. From January 2001 until April 2002, Mr. Aaron served as Corporate Director of Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management for Penn National Gaming, Inc. From August 1996 until May 2000, Mr. Aaron was Corporate General Counsel for Aristocrat, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Australia’s largest slot machine manufacturer, where he was a legal consultant from May 2000 until January 2001. Mr. Aaron has been a Deputy Attorney General with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and is admitted to practice law in the states of Nevada, New Jersey and New York.

 

James D. Meier was named Vice President of Finance in February 2007. Previously, Mr. Meier served as our Chief Financial Officer since January 2005 and as our Controller from July 2004 until January 2005. Prior to joining us, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Capital One, LLC, a gaming development and finance company. From 2001 to 2003, he served as the Controller/Chief Financial Officer of Phoenix Leisure Corporation and prior to that he was financial reporting manager Ameristar Casinos, Inc. beginning in 2000. He has held financial and accounting position at Nevada Palace Hotel and Casino and until 1999 was an auditor with Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern. Mr. Meier is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant with a Master’s Degree in Hotel Administration from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Minnesota State University.

The term of office of each director ends at the next annual meeting of stockholders or when his successor is elected and qualified. Our officers serve at the discretion of the board of directors.

 

Director Compensation

 

For service as a director, each non-executive director receives cash compensation of $20,000 per year plus $1,000 for each meeting attended in excess of four meetings. The chairperson of each committee of the board, other than the nominating committee receives cash compensation of $10,000 per year for such service and each committee member receives $1,000 for each committee meeting attended. In addition, non-executive directors also receive 2,000 shares of fully vested common stock per annum.

 

The table below summarizes the compensation paid by us to our non-employee directors for services rendered for 2008. Directors who are employed by us do not receive additional compensation for serving as directors.

 

 

 

 

Independent Directors

 

Under the corporate governance standards of the NYSE Amex at least 50% of our board of directors and all of the members of our audit committee, compensation committee and the nominating committee must meet the test of independence as defined by the listing requirements of NYSE Amex. Our board of directors, in the exercise of its reasonable business judgment, has determined that J. Michael Paulson, Kenneth R. Adams, Carl G. Braunlich, and Kathleen M. Caracciolo qualify as independent directors pursuant to the NYSE Amex and SEC rules and regulations. Our board of directors had determined that Mr. Miller was an independent director prior to his agreement to serve as our chief financial officer and that Mr. Iacocca was an independent director prior to entering into a consulting agreement with us. In making the determination of independence, our board considered whether an independent director has a material relationship with Full House, either directly or as a partner or shareholder of an organization that has a relationship with Full House or any other relationships that, in our board’s judgment, would interfere with the director’s independence. As described below under the heading “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” our board considered the negotiations regarding payments with respect to transactions from 2001 between us and a trust of which Mr. Paulson is the trustee, and determined that these matters did not cause Mr. Paulson to not be independent. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Messrs. Hilliou and Miller and Ms. Caracciolo were employed by Showboat, Inc. or a subsidiary thereof and were professionally associated through such employment.

 

Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors

 

Meetings.  During fiscal year 2008, the board of directors held four regular meetings and one special meeting. Each of our directors attended at least 80% of the aggregate of the number of meetings of the board of directors

which were held during the period such person served on the board of directors and the number of meetings of committees of the board of directors held during the period that such person served on such committee. We have no specific requirements regarding the attendance at the annual meeting of stockholders by our directors. In 2008, all of our directors except Mr. Iacocca attended the annual meeting in person.

 

We have four standing committees: the audit committee, the nominating committee, the compensation committee and the regulatory compliance committee.

 

Audit Committee

 

Our audit committee was comprised of three members, Ms. Caracciolo, Dr. Braunlich and Mr. Adams. Ms. Caracciolo serves as Chair and financial expert on the Committee. Our board had determined that Ms. Caracciolo is an audit committee financial expert as defined by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our board of directors in its reasonable judgment has determined that each member of the audit committee is independent as defined under the applicable NYSE Amex listing standards and federal law. Our audit committee held four meetings in 2008.

 

The audit committee’s functions include overseeing and monitoring the activities of our financial reporting process, our systems of internal controls over financial reporting and the integrity of our financial statements, the independent auditors’ qualifications, independence and performance, and to assist our board of directors in ensuring our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in our financial reporting process. Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the audit committee setting out the functions that it is to perform. The text of the charter is available on our website at www.fullhouseresorts.com.

 

Please refer to the audit committee report, which is set forth on pages 15-16, for a further description of our audit committee’s responsibilities and its recommendations with respect to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The compensation committee is comprised of three members, Mr. Paulson, Ms. Caracciolo, and Dr. Braunlich. Dr. Braunlich acts as chair of the compensation committee. Our board of directors, in its reasonable judgment has determined that each member of the compensation committee is independent as defined under the applicable NYSE Amex listing standards. Our compensation committee held two meetings in 2008.

 

The compensation committee’s functions include reviewing and making recommendations to the board of directors regarding all forms of compensation to be provided to our executive officers and directors. Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the compensation committee setting out the functions that it is to perform and has recently amended the charter. The text of the charter is available on our website at www.fullhouseresorts.com.

 

Management provides recommendations to the committee on the amount and type of executive compensation as well as individual performance objectives for bonuses and incentive compensation, and the committee reviews these recommendations along with the information provided by the executive employment consultant to formulate the committee’s recommendations to the board of directors. The compensation committee determines the fulfillment of the individual performance objectives and recommends individual bonus and incentive compensation amounts to the board of directors.

 

Independent director compensation was based on recommendations provided by management in 2005 which recommendations were determined by management to be at the low end of comparably sized companies in the gaming industry but recommended as a needed retention incentive.

 

Nominating Committee

 

Our nominating committee is comprised of three members, Mr. Paulson, Ms. Caracciolo and Dr. Braunlich. Mr. Paulson acts as chair of the nominating committee. Each member of the nominating committee is independent as defined under the applicable NYSE Amex listing standards. The nominating committee did not meet during 2008 but the board as a whole approved the slate of nominees standing for election by the shareholders.

Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the nominating committee setting out the functions that it is to perform. The text of the charter is available on our website at www.fullhouseresorts.com.

 

Our nominating committee’s functions include assisting our board of directors with respect to nominating new directors. To fulfill its responsibilities and duties, the committee, among other things;

 

 

The nominating committee will consider stockholder recommendations for director candidates and will do so in the same manner that it considers all director candidates. There are no specific, minimum qualifications that must be met by a director nominee recommended by a stockholder except as provided for by applicable law. A stockholder wishing to recommend a prospective director nominee for consideration should send notice to Full House Resorts, Inc., Attention: Nominating Committee c/o Secretary, 4670 Fort Apache Road, Suite 190, Las Vegas, Nevada 89147. To be included in our proxy for our next annual meeting, the notice of recommendation must be made in writing and received by our Secretary by January 4, 2010. Although the committee’s charter permits the committee to engage a search firm to identify director candidates, we did not pay any third parties a fee to assist in the process of identifying or evaluating director candidates in 2008.

 

Regulatory Compliance Committee

 

The regulatory compliance committee is comprised of three members, Mr. Adams, Ms. Caracciolo, and Dr. Braunlich. Mr. Adams acts as chair of the regulatory compliance committee. The regulatory compliance committee’s functions include reviewing and making recommendations to the board of directors regarding compliance with gaming laws and regulations. The regulatory compliance committee held four meetings in 2008.

 

Code of Conduct and Ethics

 

Our board of directors has adopted a code of conduct and ethics applicable to each of our directors, officers and employees. In addition, our board of directors has adopted a separate code of ethics applicable to the Chief Executive Officer and senior financial officers. The full text of the code of conduct and ethics and the code of ethics are available at our website at www.fullhouseresorts.com.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

No executive officer of Full House serves as a member of the compensation committee of the board of directors of any entity one or more of whose executive officers serves as a member of our board of directors.

 

Communications with the Board of Directors

 

Our board of directors believes it important that interested parties have the opportunity to communicate their concerns directly to our board of directors. Stockholders may contact or communicate with an individual director or our board of directors as a group, including the non-employee directors as a group, by addressing that letter to Full House Resorts, Inc., Attention: Board of Directors c/o Company Secretary, 4670 Fort Apache Road, Suite 190, Las Vegas, Nevada 89147. Each communication should specify the applicable addressee or addressees to be contacted.

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

In accordance with the SEC’s proxy disclosure rules, “total compensation” in 2008 is defined as the sum of the following:

 

 

Summary Executive Compensation Table

 

The following table summarizes the “total compensation” of our Chief Executive Officer, and our two highest paid executives other than our Chief Executive Officer, or, collectively, the named executive officers, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

 

 

 

During 2008, the Compensation Committee approved and the executive officers were paid the salaries, incentive compensation, and restricted stock awards reported in the above table, which were determined to be at the low end of executive compensation for equivalent positions for companies of similar size and status.

Employment Agreements

 

In April 20, 2007, we entered into an employment agreement with each of Messrs. Hilliou, Miller and Elam and on July 17, 2007, the Company and Mr. Hilliou and Mr. Miller amended their agreements. The term of each of these agreements is one year beginning, with automatic successive renewals unless either we or the relevant executive provides notice of termination at least 90 days prior to the end of the then current term. The agreements set an initial annual base salary of $250,000 for Mr. Hilliou, $250,000 for Mr. Miller and $200,000 for Mr. Elam, in each case subject to increase by our board of directors at the beginning of each calendar year. In addition, Mr. Miller and Mr. Elam each are eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus equal to up to 100% (200% for Mr. Hilliou) of his base salary subject to the achievement of annual objectives established by our compensation committee. In addition to the shares of restricted stock previously granted to each executive, each executive may receive additional grants as determined by our compensation committee. The agreement further provides that we will maintain a policy of term life insurance on each executive for the benefit of beneficiaries designated by the executive. The amount of such policy shall be determined by us, but shall not be less than two years of the executive’s base compensation. In the event of termination of any of these employment agreements upon the death of the executive or by us because of illness or incapacity of the executive that continues for 90 days, in addition to all amounts owed through the date of termination, we shall pay to the executive an amount equal to his prior year’s annual bonus pro-rated through the date of termination. In the event the agreement is terminated by us for “cause”, or by the executive without “good reason”, we shall only be obligated to pay the executive all base salary and benefits accrued through the date of termination and the executive shall forfeit any unvested shares of restricted stock. In the event the agreement is terminated by us without “cause” or by the executive for “good reason”, in addition to amounts owed through the date of termination, we shall:

 

 

For purposes of the employment agreements, “cause” means (1) the executive’s material fraud, dishonesty, willful misconduct, or willful and continuing failure in the performance of his duties under the employment agreement; (2) the executive’s breach of any material provision of the employment agreement which has not been cured within 30 days following the notice thereof, or (3) the commission by the executive of any felony criminal act or the commission of any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral corruptness, including denial or removal of the executive’s licensing from any governmental gaming agency or licensing authority. For purposes of the employment agreements “good reason” means (1) our failure to comply with any material provision of the employment agreement which has not been cured within 30 days following the notice thereof, or (2) our direction to the executive to do, perform, or omit to perform any act, or the executive’s knowledge of such acts or omissions performed by our other employees without appropriate redress, which acts or omissions are known to be fraudulent, illegal or could otherwise materially impact negatively upon the executive’s personal and professional reputation.

 

Change of Control Provisions

 

Each of the employment agreements provides that upon a change of control, the executive may terminate his employment agreement only if the change of control materially affects his position and compensation under the agreement. To the extent any executive so terminates his agreement, or in the event the executive is not retained under contract following a change of control:

 

 

 

For purposes of the employment agreements, a “change of control” means (1) a person, entity or group acquires beneficial ownership of 50% or more of our then outstanding voting securities, (2) individuals who constitute our board as of April 17, 2009 and directors whose nominations are approved by a majority of such incumbent board members cease to constitute a majority of our board of directors, or (3) approval by our stockholders of (A) a business combination in which our shareholders prior to the transaction do not own at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of combined business and at least a majority of our incumbent board comprises a majority of the board of the combined business, (B) a liquidation or dissolution of our company, or (C) a sale of all or substantially all of our assets.

 

The following describes the amounts payable upon termination of employment of the named executive officers as if such employment terminated on December 31, 2008.

 

 

 

 

Restricted Stock

 

Upon stockholder approval of our 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan in May 2006, we granted 275,000 shares of restricted stock to Andre Hilliou which vests in four equal annual amounts beginning on the grant date of May 31, 2006 and then in January of the succeeding three years. We also granted 35,000 restricted shares to T. Wesley Elam, vesting in three equal annual installments beginning in January 2007. In addition, in March of 2007, we granted 110,000 shares of restricted stock to Mark Miller which vests in three annual amounts beginning on February 19, 2008. The following table sets forth Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End, or December 31, 2008, for our named executive officers.

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END FOR 2008

 

 

 

 

2006 Incentive Compensation Plan

 

On May 29, 2006, our stockholders approved our 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan. The 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan is administered by our compensation committee. In consideration of their services, officers, directors, employees and consultants of us or a related entity are eligible to receive a variety of awards under the plan, including, incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock, dividend equivalents, bonus stock and performance awards. The total number of shares issuable under the plan is 1,200,000. As of December 31, 2008, we had issued 1,106,000 shares of stock and restricted stock under the plan to our executive officers and directors, including the issuance of shares to Mr. Iacocca in connection with his consulting agreement.

 

Prior Stock Option Plans

 

The Company’s ability to issue options under its earlier plans expired on June 30, 2002, and all options granted were fully vested prior to 2006. A summary of the status of Full House’s stock option plan as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and changes during the years then ended are presented below:

 

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

During the second quarter of 2007, management wrote-off a receivable from a related party, which was fully reserved. The receivable originated in 2001, when the Company made a $125,000 payment for architectural drawings relating to a development project in Mississippi on behalf of the Allen E. Paulson Living Trust, of which J. Michael Paulson, chairman of our board, is trustee.

 

In September 2006, we entered into a consulting agreement with Lee Iacocca, one of our directors, under the terms of which Mr. Iacocca will provide consulting services to us related to marketing and advertising for a period of

three years. In consideration of these services, we granted to Mr. Iacocca 300,000 restricted shares of our common stock valued at $1,119,000 based on the closing price on the grant date with no discount, which vest in equal amounts over the three year term of the agreement or immediately on his death. The grant to Mr. Iacocca was initially recorded as deferred compensation, reported as a reduction of stockholder’s equity and will subsequently be amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis as services are provided over the three year vesting period.

 

PROPOSAL TWO: RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern was retained as our independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2008.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF PIERCY BOWLER TAYLOR & KERN AS OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2009.

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR MATTERS

 

Independent Auditors

 

Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern audited Full House’s annual consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007. Representatives of Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern are expected to attend the meeting by telephone, and be available to answer questions. We do not expect them to make a statement.

 

During fiscal years 2008 and 2007, Full House retained Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern to provide services in the following categories and amounts:

 

Audit Fees

 

Fees in connection with the audit of our financial statements and the reviews of the financial statements included in each of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB was $181,000 and $221,450 in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Audit Related Fees

 

Audit related fees were $21,108 and $21,512 in 2008 and 2007, respectively. Fees in 2008 and 2007 relate primarily to Nevada Gaming Commission regulatory reporting and fees in 2007 include internal control reviews required by Sarbanes-Oxley.

 

Tax Fees

 

We did not engage Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern for any tax related professional services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 or December 31, 2007.

 

All Other Fees

 

Other services fees were $15,600 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and $0 for December 31, 2007.

 

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

The audit committee’s policy is to review and pre-approve any engagement of our independent auditor to provide any audit or permissible non-audit service to us. All of the services provided by our independent auditors were approved by our audit committee and the audit committee believes that the provision of these services is consistent with maintaining the accountants’ independence.

 

Audit Committee Report

 

The following report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any of Full House’s filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate such report by reference.

 

The Audit Committee oversees Full House’s financial reporting process. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the financial reporting process including the system of internal controls.

 

In fulfilling our oversight responsibilities, we reviewed and discussed the financial statements with management. In addition, we discussed with the independent auditors matters deemed significant by the independent auditors, including those matters required to be discussed pursuant to Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees), as amended.

 

The independent auditors also provided us with the written disclosures and the letter required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), and we discussed with the independent auditors matters relating to their independence and considered whether their provision of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining their independence.

 

Based on our review with management and the independent auditors of Full House’s audited consolidated financial statements and the independent auditors’ report on such financial statements, and based on the discussions and written disclosures described above and our business judgment, we recommended that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in Full House’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2008 for filing with the SEC.

 

Kathleen M. Caracciolo
Carl G. Braunlich
J. Michael Paulson

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Other Matters.  Our Board of Directors does not intend to present any matter for action at the annual meeting other than the matters described in this proxy statement. If any other matters properly come before the annual meeting, it is intended that the holders of the proxies hereby solicited will act in respect to such matters in accordance with their best judgment.

 

Information Concerning Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations.  Any stockholder satisfying the Securities and Exchange Commission requirements and wishing to submit a proposal to be included in the proxy statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders should submit the proposal in writing to the Corporate Secretary, Full House Resorts, Inc., 4670 South Fort Apache Road, Suite 190, Las Vegas Nevada 89147. We must receive a proposal by January 5, 2010 in order to consider it for inclusion in the proxy statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

Stockholders who wish to present director nominations or any other business at the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are required to notify the Corporate Secretary of their intent no later than January 5, 2010. We retain discretion to vote proxies we receive with respect to proposals received after March 23, 2010.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

Barth F. Aaron

Secretary

 

Las Vegas, Nevada

April 20, 2009

PROXY
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.

 

This Proxy is Solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors

 

KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a stockholder in Full House Resorts, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Full House”), hereby appoints Andre M. Hilliou and Carl G. Braunlich, and each of them acting jointly, if more than one be present, to be the true and lawful attorneys and proxies for the undersigned, to vote all shares of Full House as the undersigned is entitled to vote, with all powers the undersigned would possess if personally present, at the annual meeting of stockholders of Full House to be held on May 28, 2009 or any adjournment thereof, on the following matters and, in their discretion, on such other matters as may properly come before the meeting. This proxy will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned stockholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR the following Proposals.

 

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.

 

MAY 28, 2009

 

PROPOSAL ONE: Election of Directors.

 

 

A VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES IS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
NOMINEES ARE:

 

 

 

Exceptions:

 

 

PROPOSAL TWO: Ratification of Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern as independent auditors of Full House for 2009.

 

A VOTE FOR RATIFICATION IS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

 

 

 

OTHER MATTERS: Granting the proxies discretionary authority to vote upon any other unforeseen matters which are properly brought before the meeting as management may recommend.

The undersigned hereby revokes any and all other proxies heretofore given by the undersigned and hereby ratifies all that the above-named proxies may do at such meeting or any adjournments thereof, by virtue hereof.

 

 

Note: When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such and also state the name of the stockholder of record for whom you act. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer.

 

PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.