Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation and Accounting. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Full House and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  All material 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. 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 measurements affect our accounting for net assets acquired in acquisition transactions and certain financial assets and liabilities, such as our common stock warrant liability. Fair value measurements are also used in our periodic assessments of long-lived tangible and intangible assets for possible impairment, including for property and equipment, goodwill, and other intangible assets. Fair value is defined as the expected 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. GAAP categorizes the inputs used for fair value into a three-level hierarchy. “Level 1” inputs are most readily observable, such as quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities; “Level 2” inputs, such as observable inputs for similar assets in less active markets; and “Level 3” inputs, which are unobservable and may include metrics that market participants would use to estimate values, such as revenue and earnings multiples and relative rates of return.

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.

Inventories. Inventories consist primarily of food, beverage and retail items, and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Costs are determined using the first-in, first-out and the weighted average methods.

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 are stated at cost and 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 to 18 years
Buildings and improvements
3 to 44 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
2 to 10 years


Leases. We lease certain property and equipment used in our operations under long-term operating leases some of which include scheduled increases in minimum rents. These operating lease payments are recognized as rent expense with scheduled rent increases recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term. Some of our property and equipment is held under capital leases. These assets are included in property and equipment and amortized over the term of the lease. We do not report rent expense for capital leases. Rather, rental payments under the lease are recognized as a reduction of the capital lease obligation and interest expense.

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. 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 and Debt Discounts. Debt issuance costs and debt discounts incurred in connection with the issuance of debt have been included as a component of the carrying amount 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.  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.  
 
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 liabilities 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.

Revenues are recognized net of certain sales incentives and, accordingly, cash incentives for gambling activity such as cash back and free play have 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 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. The amounts in promotional allowances and the estimated cost of such promotional allowances are noted in the tables below:
Retail Value of Promotional Allowances
 

(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Food and beverage
$
20,602

 
$
18,872

Rooms
7,177

 
7,090

Other incentives
1,227

 
1,458

 
$
29,006

 
$
27,420

 
Costs of Providing Promotional Allowances
 
 
 

(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Food and beverage
$
20,462

 
$
17,324

Rooms
4,584

 
4,426

Other incentives
855

 
975

 
$
25,901

 
$
22,725


 
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. Total advertising costs were $3.7 million and $3.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, our liability for the estimated cost to provide such benefits totaled $1.3 million. Such amounts are included in “other accrued expenses" on the consolidated balance sheets.

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. During 2017, these costs were associated with potential projects in Indiana. During 2016, these costs were related to both the acquisition of Bronco Billy's and potential projects in Indiana.
 
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 forfeitures, which are recognized as they occur.

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. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” (“ASU 2015-17”) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.  This update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. The update allows for retrospective application. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2016, we reclassified the current portion of deferred tax assets of $42,000 and the current portion of deferred tax liabilities of $723,000, to non-current deferred tax liabilities.

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 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.

For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we recorded a net loss. Accordingly, all potentially dilutive securities, totaling 3,497,842 and 3,064,518 shares, were excluded from the loss per share computation, as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Other reclassifications. Certain minor reclassifications have been made to 2016 amounts to conform to the current-period presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported net loss or retained earnings.

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. 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. 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 and 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. 

The Company adopted the accounting standard relating to revenue recognition during the first quarter of 2018 and is in the process of implementing the new guidance and continues to assess the impacts it will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. The Company has identified the following impacts under the new revenue recognition standard as the Company: (i) will no longer be permitted to recognize revenues for complimentary goods and services provided to customers as an inducement to gamble as gross revenue with a corresponding offset to promotional allowances to arrive at net revenues, as the Company expects the majority of such amounts will offset casino revenues, and (ii) will change the manner the Company accrues customer benefits related to its customer loyalty programs as the resulting liabilities will be recorded using the retail value of such benefits. The quantitative effects of these changes along with the transition method are still being analyzed.

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.