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, 2018
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 material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Except when otherwise required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and disclosed herein, 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 and certain financial assets and liabilities, such as our common stock warrant liability and interest rate cap. 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: Observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: Comparable inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for similar assets or liabilities in less active markets; and
Level 3: Unobservable inputs, which may include metrics that market participants would use to estimate values, such as revenue and earnings multiples and relative rates of return.

The Company utilizes Level 2 inputs when measuring the fair value of its interest rate cap. In order to estimate the fair value of this derivative instrument, the Company obtains valuation reports from the third-party broker that issued the interest rate cap. The report contemplates fair value by using inputs including market-observable data such as interest rate curves, volatilities, and information derived from or corroborated by that market-observable data (see Notes 6 and 12).

The Company utilizes Level 3 inputs when measuring the fair value of net assets acquired in business combination transactions, subsequent assessments for impairment, and most financial instruments, including but not limited to the estimated fair value of common stock warrants at issuance and for recurring changes in the related warrant liability (see Notes 6 and 12).

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.
Inventories
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. 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 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. Property and equipment are stated at cost and are capitalized and depreciated, while normal repairs and maintenance are expensed in the period incurred. A significant amount of the Company’s property and equipment was acquired through business combinations, and therefore, are recognized at fair value measured 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, then we would recognize an impairment loss.

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:
 
Class of Assets
 
Estimated
Useful Lives
Land improvements
 
15 to 18 years
Buildings and improvements
 
3 to 44 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
 
2 to 10 years
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. The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value.

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. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount, then we would recognize an impairment loss.
Debt Issuance Costs and Debt Discounts
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.

Operating Revenues and Related Costs and Expenses
Operating Revenues and Related Costs and Expenses. In January 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) using the modified retrospective method, which applies to all contracts that are written, oral or implied by customary business practices. The Company’s revenues consist primarily of casino gaming, food and beverage, hotel, and other revenues (such as entertainment). The majority of our revenues are derived from casino gaming, principally slot machines.

Gaming revenue is the difference between gaming wins and losses, not the total amount wagered. We account for our gaming transactions on a portfolio basis, as such wagers have similar characteristics and it would not be practical to view each wager on an individual basis.

We sometimes provide discretionary complimentary goods and services (“discretionary comps”). For these types of transactions, we allocate revenue to the department providing the complimentary goods or services based upon its estimated standalone selling price, offset by a reduction in casino revenues.

Some of our customers choose to earn points under our customer loyalty programs. As points are accrued, we defer a portion of our gaming revenue based on the estimated standalone value of loyalty points being earned by the customer. The standalone value of loyalty points is derived from the retail value of food, beverages, hotel rooms, and other goods or services for which such points may be redeemed. Revenue related to these customer loyalty points is deferred and a liability is recorded, net of estimated breakage and other factors, until the customer redeems these points, primarily for “free casino play/cash back,” complimentary dining, or hotel stays. Upon redemption, the related revenue is recognized at retail value within the department providing the goods or services.

Revenue for food and beverage, hotel, and other revenue transactions is typically the net amount collected from the customer for such goods and services, plus the retail value of (i) discretionary comps and (ii) comps provided in return for redemption of loyalty points. We record such revenue as the good or service is transferred to the customer. Additionally, we may collect deposits in advance for future hotel reservations or entertainment, among other services, which represent obligations to the Company until the service is provided to the customer.

Other notable changes of the new revenue recognition standard include:

The Company no longer presents a promotional allowances line item on its consolidated statement of operations, as revenues are now allocated between casino revenue and other revenue categories, net of such allowances.
The Company no longer reclassifies the estimated cost of complimentaries provided to a gaming customer from other expense categories to casino operating expenses.

Since we elected the modified retrospective adoption method, the comparative information for 2017 has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for that period. However, the adoption of ASC 606 for 2018 did not have an aggregate material impact on operating income, net income, or cash flows on an ongoing basis.
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.
Customer Loyalty Programs
Customer Loyalty Programs. We have separate 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 forfeitures, which are recognized as they occur.

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. We classify deferred tax liabilities and assets, along with any related valuation allowance, as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. 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.
Reclassifications

Reclassifications. Certain minor reclassifications have been made to 2017 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
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted. In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASC 842 “Leases (Topic 842)” and subsequent amendments to the initial guidance, which replaces the existing guidance in Topic 840, “Leases” (collectively, “ASC 842”), and requires expanded disclosures about leasing activities. For publicly-traded companies, ASC 842 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. ASC 842 requires a dual approach for lessee accounting under which a lessee would classify and account for leases as either finance leases or operating leases, both of which, will result in the lessee recognizing a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet, as measured on a discounted basis for leases with terms greater than a year. For finance leases, the lessee will recognize interest expense associated with the lease liability and depreciation expense associated with the ROU asset; and for operating leases, the lessee will recognize straight-line rent expense.

By way of contrast, through December 31, 2018, rental payments for certain property and equipment used in our operations under long-term operating leases are recognized as rent expense with scheduled rent increases recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term without recording a lease asset and obligation. Rental payments for other property and equipment held under capital leases are recognized as a reduction of a capital lease obligation and interest expense. The resultant capital lease assets are included in property and equipment and amortized over the term of the lease.

We will use the modified retrospective transition method with the period of adoption on January 1, 2019 as the date of initial application and have elected not to recast comparative period financial information. In addition, we intend to elect the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance to allow us to carry forward historical lease classification, which includes not needing to reassess: (1) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (2) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (3) measurement of initial direct costs for any existing leases. We have also elected the short-term lease recognition exemption, under which the Company will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for leases with a term of twelve months or less, but we have elected not to apply the use-of-hindsight practical expedient. We are currently evaluating whether to elect the exemption to account for leases containing both lease and non-lease components (“embedded leases”) together as a single lease component by asset class, or to allocate contract consideration to the separate lease and non-lease components based on their relative standalone prices.

As of the date of this report, we are still in the process of implementing the new lease guidance, in addition to determining sound accounting policies relating to the new guidance and election of other expedients, among those previously mentioned. As such, we are unable to quantify the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures at this time. However, we expect that the most significant impact will be the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities for operating leases that exist at the Company on the date of adoption, with the most material of such leases being those for land and buildings to be added to the consolidated balance sheet, and to a certain extent, embedded leases involving third-party equipment. However, we do not expect any material impact to net income or cash flows.

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.