Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation and Accounting
Principles of Consolidation and Accounting. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Full House and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. 

Except when otherwise required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), we measure all of our assets and liabilities on the historical cost basis of accounting.

Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP.  These principles require the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value and the Fair Value Input Hierarchy
Fair Value and the Fair Value Input Hierarchy. Fair value measurements affect our accounting for net assets acquired in acquisition transactions, share-based compensation, and certain financial assets and liabilities such as our common stock warrant liability. Our periodic assessments of long-lived tangible and intangible assets for possible impairment, including for property and equipment, goodwill, and other intangible assets, may also be affected by fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and is measured according to a hierarchy that includes: “Level 1” inputs, such as quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities; “Level 2” inputs, which are observable inputs for similar assets; or “Level 3” inputs, which are unobservable inputs.

Cash Equivalents
Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents include cash involved in operations and cash in excess of daily requirements that is invested in highly liquid, short-term investments with initial maturities of three months or less when purchased.
Restricted cash
Restricted cash. At December 31, 2015 the Company was required to maintain $0.6 million in a segregated construction trust account related to the construction of the hotel at Silver Slipper. During June 2016, all of the proceeds were released to the Company.
Inventories
Inventories. Inventories consist primarily of food, beverage and retail items, and are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Costs are determined using the first-in, first-out and the weighted average methods.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable consist primarily of casino, hotel and other receivables, are typically non-interest bearing, and are carried, net of an appropriate collection allowance to approximate fair value. Allowances for doubtful accounts are estimated based on specific review of customer accounts including the customers' willingness and ability to pay and nature of any collateral, if any, as well as historical collection experience and current economic and business conditions.  Accounts are written off when management deems the account to be uncollectible and recoveries of accounts previously written off are recorded when received. 
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment. We define a fixed asset as a unit of property that: (a) has an economic useful life that extends beyond 12 months; and (b) was acquired or produced for a cost greater than $2,500 for a single asset, or greater than $5,000 for a group of assets, for a specific capital project. Fixed assets are capitalized and depreciated while normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense. A significant amount of the Company’s property and equipment was acquired through business combinations and therefore recognized at fair value at the acquisition date.  Gains or losses on dispositions of property and equipment are included in operating expenses, effectively as adjustments to depreciation estimates. 

Certain events or changes in circumstances may indicate that the recoverability of the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment should be assessed, including, among others, a significant decrease in market value, a significant change in the business climate in a particular market, or a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with historical losses or projected future losses. When such events or changes in circumstances are present, we estimate the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset (or asset group) and its eventual disposition. These estimated future cash flows are consistent with those we use in our internal planning. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount, we recognize an impairment loss. The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value.

Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the term of the lease, whichever is appropriate under the circumstances. We determine the estimated useful lives based on our experience with similar assets, estimated usage of the asset, and industry practice. Whenever events or circumstances occur which change the estimated useful life of an asset, we account for the change prospectively.  Depreciation and amortization is provided over the following estimated useful lives:
 
Land improvements
15 years
Buildings and improvements
3 to 44 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
2 to 10 years
Capitalized Interest
Capitalized Interest. The interest cost associated with major development and construction projects is capitalized and included in the cost of the project.  Interest expense is capitalized using the Company's weighted-average borrowing rates of interest, the rate of specific borrowings for the subject, or a combination of the two. Interest capitalization ceases once a project is substantially complete or no longer undergoing activities to prepare it for its intended use.
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel, Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel, Rising Star Casino Resort and Stockman’s Casino over the estimated fair value of their net tangible and other intangible assets on the acquisition date, net of subsequent impairment charges. Our other indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily include certain license rights to conduct gaming in certain jurisdictions and trade names. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are periodically tested for impairment and the appropriateness of remaining estimated useful lives.  

These tests for impairment are performed annually during the fourth quarter or when a triggering event occurs.
Finite-lived Intangible Assets
Finite-lived Intangible Assets. Our finite-lived intangible assets include customer loyalty programs, land lease acquisition costs and water rights. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over the shorter of their contractual or economic lives.  We periodically evaluate the remaining useful lives of these intangible assets to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization and the possible need for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
Debt Issuance Costs
Debt Issuance Costs. In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” (“ASU 2015-03”), which is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. ASU 2015-03 requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. The amortization of such costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. Accordingly, the Company has adopted this accounting standard and reclassified the prior-period amounts to conform to the current-period presentation.

Debt issuance costs include costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt and are amortized over the contractual term of the debt to interest expense using the effective interest method. When our existing debt agreements are modified, we amortize such costs to interest expense using the effective interest method over the terms of the modified debt agreement.

Revenue Recognition and Promotional Allowances
Revenue Recognition and Promotional Allowances.  Casino revenue is the aggregate net difference between gaming wins and losses, with certain liabilities recognized including progressive jackpots, earned customer-loyalty incentives, funds deposited by customers before gaming play occurs and for chips and tokens in the customers’ possession.  Key performance indicators related to gaming revenue are slot coin-in and table game drop (volume indicators) and “win” or “hold” percentage.
 
Hotel, food and beverage, entertainment and other operating revenues are recognized as these services are performed. Advance deposits on rooms and advance ticket sales are recorded as deferred revenue until services are provided to the customer without regard to whether they are refundable. Sales and similar revenue-linked taxes collected from customers on behalf of, and submitted to, taxing authorities are also excluded from revenue and recorded as a current liability.

Net revenues are recognized net of certain sales incentives and, accordingly, cash incentives for gambling activity such as cash back and free play has been netted against gross revenues. The retail value of hotel accommodations, food and beverage items and entertainment provided to guests without charge is included in gross revenues and then deducted as promotional allowances to arrive at net revenues. The estimated costs of providing these promotional allowances are primarily included in casino operating expenses.
Advertising Costs
Advertising Costs.  Costs for advertising are expensed as incurred or the first time the advertising takes place and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Derivative Instruments - Interest Rate Cap Agreement
Derivative Instruments – Interest Rate Cap Agreement. We adopted the accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities (ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging), as amended, to account for our interest rate cap agreement. Our interest rate cap agreement is classified as a risk management instrument and management elected not to apply hedge accounting.
Customer Loyalty Programs
Customer Loyalty Programs. We have customer loyalty programs at each of our properties – the Silver Slipper Casino Players Club, Bronco Billy’s MVP “Most Valuable Players” Club, Rising Star Rewards Club™, Grand Lodge Players Advantage Club® and Stockman’s Winner’s Club.  Under these programs, customers earn points based on their volume of wagering that may be redeemed for various benefits, such as free play, cash back, complimentary dining, or hotel stays, among others, depending on each property’s specific offers. Unredeemed points are forfeited if the customer becomes and remains inactive for a specified period of time.
Project Development and Acquisition Costs
Project Development and Acquisition Costs. Project development and acquisition costs consist of amounts expended on the pursuit of new business opportunities and acquisitions, which are expensed as incurred.
Share-based Compensation
Share-based Compensation. Share-based compensation costs are measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for stock options, and based on the closing share price of the Company's stock on the grant date for other share-based awards. The cost is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the employee's requisite service period (the vesting period of the award) net of estimated forfeitures.

Legal Defense Costs
Legal Defense Costs. We do not accrue for estimated future legal and related defense costs, if any, to be incurred in connection with outstanding or threatened litigation and other disputed matters. Instead, we record such costs as period costs when the related services are rendered.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that included the enactment date. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is deemed more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized within a reasonable time period.
 
Our income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and other tax authorities. Positions taken in tax returns are sometimes subject to uncertainty in the tax laws and may not ultimately be accepted by the IRS or other tax authorities.  We assess our tax positions using a two-step process. A tax position is recognized if it meets a “more likely than not” threshold, and is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized.  Additionally, we recognize accrued interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
Earnings (loss) per share
Earnings (loss) per share. Earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the additional dilution for all potentially-dilutive securities, including stock options and warrants using the treasury stock method.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” (“ASU 2016-02”), which replaces the existing guidance in ASC 840, Leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. ASU 2016-02 requires a dual approach for lessee accounting under which a lessee would account for leases as finance leases or operating leases. Both finance leases and operating leases will result in the lessee recognizing a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition model, ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 has been amended by ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-11 and ASU 2016-12, which the FASB issued in August 2015, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016 and May 2016, respectively. ASU 2014-09 outlines a new, single, comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including gaming industry specific guidance. ASU 2014-09 also provides a five-step analysis in determining how and when the revenue is recognized. ASU 2014-09 will require revenue recognition to represent the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Revenues are defined as inflows or other enhancements of assets of an entity or settlements of its liabilities (or a combination of both) from delivering or producing goods, rendering services, or other activities that constitute the entity’s ongoing major or central operations. As a result, revenues will be presented net of the retail value of goods and services provided to customers on a complimentary basis.The effective date for the amended ASU 2014-09 is for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company does not plan to early adopt and is currently evaluating the implementation approach to be used which will assist with the analysis and disclosure of the effect of the adoption of the amended ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.

Management believes that there are no other recently issued accounting standards not yet effective that are likely to have a material impact on our financial statements.