Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010
or
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File No. 1-32583
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
  13-3391527
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
4670 S. Fort Apache, Ste. 190
Las Vegas, Nevada

(Address of principal executive offices)
  89147
(Zip Code)
(702) 221-7800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “small reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer o 
Non-Accelerated Filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
As of November 8, 2010, there were 18,007,681 shares of Common Stock, $.0001 par value per share, outstanding.
 
 

 

 


 

FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.
INDEX
         
    Page  
 
       
PART I. Financial Information
       
 
       
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
       
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    6  
 
       
    7  
 
       
    14  
 
       
    23  
 
       
       
 
       
    24  
 
       
    25  
 
       
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2

 

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
    (Unaudited)        
ASSETS
               
Current assets
               
Cash and equivalents
  $ 17,485,006     $ 9,198,399  
Notes receivable related to tribal casino project
          4,682,420  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0 and $1,072
    3,018,642       1,802,100  
Prepaid expenses
    491,408       372,735  
Deferred tax asset
    123,476       136,126  
Deposits and other
    105,723       90,685  
 
           
 
    21,224,255       16,282,465  
 
           
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $6,668,976 and $5,940,540
    7,619,711       7,961,734  
 
           
 
               
Long-term assets related to tribal casino projects
               
Notes receivable, net of allowance of $618,875
    399,349       430,467  
Contract rights, net of accumulated amortization of $3,527,723 and $1,748,570
    13,837,862       15,617,016  
 
           
 
    14,237,211       16,047,483  
 
           
Other long-term assets
               
Goodwill
    10,308,520       10,308,520  
Deposits and other
    1,380,595       985,384  
 
           
 
    11,689,115       11,293,904  
 
           
 
  $ 54,770,292     $ 51,585,586  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
Debt to joint venture affiliate
  $     $ 1,450,087  
Accounts payable
    183,398       136,485  
Income tax payable
    268,104       2,273,777  
Accrued payroll and related
    812,015       723,783  
Other accrued expenses
    332,687       288,443  
 
           
 
    1,596,204       4,872,575  
Deferred tax liability
    1,797,287       1,756,085  
 
           
 
    3,393,491       6,628,660  
 
           
Stockholders’ equity
               
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized; 19,364,276 and 19,358,276 shares issued
    1,936       1,936  
Additional paid-in capital
    42,699,533       42,665,390  
Treasury stock, 1,356,595 common shares
    (1,654,075 )     (1,654,075 )
Retained earnings (deficit)
    4,212,374       (1,504,320 )
 
           
 
    45,259,768       39,508,931  
Non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture
    6,117,033       5,447,995  
 
           
 
    51,376,801       44,956,926  
 
           
 
  $ 54,770,292     $ 51,585,586  
 
           
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 
    Three months     Nine months  
    ended September 30,     ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
Revenues
                               
Casino
  $ 1,576,780     $ 1,703,289     $ 4,863,779     $ 5,458,520  
Food and beverage
    437,568       442,224       1,300,013       1,331,848  
Management fees
    6,518,898       5,753,167       18,699,602       5,753,167  
Other
    103,014       18,803       142,563       58,688  
 
                       
 
    8,636,260       7,917,483       25,005,957       12,602,223  
 
                       
Operating costs and expenses
                               
Casino
    537,719       558,702       1,621,101       1,698,096  
Food and beverage
    518,432       491,838       1,501,336       1,456,511  
Project development costs
    148,310       108,124       283,722       139,138  
Selling, general and administrative
    1,547,855       1,756,191       4,829,910       4,805,159  
Depreciation and amortization
    855,873       662,210       2,576,849       1,233,743  
 
                       
 
    3,608,189       3,577,065       10,812,918       9,332,647  
 
                       
Operating gains (losses)
                               
Equity in net income of unconsolidated joint venture, and related guaranteed payments
    1,531,900       1,459,975       3,623,450       3,551,852  
Unrealized gains (loss) on notes receivable, tribal governments
          248,641       (31,118 )     542,610  
Member agreement modification
          (2,147,327 )           (2,147,327 )
Impairment gain (loss)
          4,669             (25,332 )
 
                       
 
    1,531,900       (434,042 )     3,592,332       1,921,803  
 
                       
Operating income
    6,559,971       3,906,376       17,785,371       5,191,379  
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest and other income
    3,776       112,848       118,061       148,438  
Interest expense
    (3,655 )     (48,408 )     (10,966 )     (195,570 )
 
                       
Income before income taxes
    6,560,092       3,970,816       17,892,466       5,144,247  
Income taxes
    (1,599,610 )     (1,735,797 )     (4,368,021 )     (2,327,022 )
 
                       
Net income
    4,960,482       2,235,019       13,524,445       2,817,225  
(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint venture
    (2,723,520 )     812,989       (7,807,751 )     933,948  
 
                       
Net income attributable to the Company
  $ 2,236,962     $ 3,048,008     $ 5,716,694     $ 3,751,173  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income attributable to the Company per common share
  $ 0.12     $ 0.17     $ 0.32     $ 0.21  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
    18,007,681       18,001,681       18,004,615       18,033,323  
 
                       
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                                                 
                                    Additional     Retained             Total  
Nine months ended   Common stock     Treasury stock     paid-in     earnings     Non-controlling     stockholders’  
September 30, 2010   Shares     Dollars     Shares     Dollars     capital     (deficit)     Interest     equity  
 
                                                               
Beginning balances
    19,358,276     $ 1,936       1,356,595     $ (1,654,075 )   $ 42,665,390     $ (1,504,320 )   $ 5,447,995     $ 44,956,926  
Previously deferred share-based compensation recognized
                            16,683                   16,683  
Issuance of common stock
    6,000                         17,460                   17,460  
 
                                                               
Distribution
                                        (7,138,713 )     (7,138,713 )
 
                                                               
Net income
                                  5,716,694       7,807,751       13,524,445  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Ending balances
    19,364,276     $ 1,936       1,356,595     $ (1,654,075 )   $ 42,699,533     $ 4,212,374     $ 6,117,033     $ 51,376,801  
 
                                               
                                                                 
                                    Additional     Retained             Total  
Nine months ended   Common stock     Treasury stock     paid-in     earnings     Non-controlling     stockholders’  
September 30, 2009   Shares     Dollars     Shares     Dollars     capital     (deficit)     Interest     equity  
 
                                                               
Beginning balances
    19,350,276     $ 1,935       1,210,414     $ (1,502,182 )   $ 42,356,098     $ (6,272,559 )   $ 4,600,068     $ 39,183,360  
Previously deferred share-based compensation recognized
                            255,493                   255,493  
Issuance of common stock
    8,000       1                   20,399                   20,400  
Purchase of treasury stock
                146,181       (151,893 )                       (151,893 )
Net income (loss).
                                  3,751,173       (933,948 )     2,817,225  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Ending balances
    19,358,276     $ 1,936       1,356,595     $ (1,654,075 )   $ 42,631,990     $ (2,521,386 )   $ 3,666,120     $ 42,124,585  
 
                                               
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 
    Nine months  
    ended September, 30,  
    2010     2009  
 
               
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 12,761,200     $ 5,092,744  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (358,738 )     (320,447 )
Proceeds from repayment of tribal advances
    5,000,000        
Proceeds from sale of assets
    1,200       400  
Deposits and other capitalized acquisition costs
    (572,854 )      
Other
    44,600       854  
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    4,114,208       (319,193 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Payments on long-term debt to joint venture affiliate
    (1,450,088 )     (2,566,599 )
Proceeds from borrowings from joint venture affiliate
          395,000  
Purchase of treasury stock
          (151,893 )
Loan fees
          (4,250 )
Distributions to non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture
    (7,138,713 )      
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (8,588,801 )     (2,327,742 )
 
           
 
               
Net increase in cash and equivalents
    8,286,607       2,445,809  
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period
    9,198,399       5,304,755  
 
           
Cash and equivalents, end of period
  $ 17,485,006     $ 7,750,564  
 
           
 
               
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 6,414,760     $ 626,485  
 
           
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment financed with prior year deposit
  $ 94,185     $  
 
           
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1.  
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
   
The interim consolidated financial statements of Full House Resorts, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, “FHR” or the “Company”) included herein reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. Certain information normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) has been omitted pursuant to the interim financial information rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
   
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 24, 2010, for the year ended December 31, 2009, from which the balance sheet information as of that date was derived. Certain minor reclassifications of amounts previously reported have been made to conform to the current period presentation, none of which affected previously reported net income or earnings per share. The results of operations for the periods ended September 30, 2010, are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010.
 
   
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Stockman’s Casino (“Stockman’s”). Gaming Entertainment (Michigan), LLC (“GEM”), a 50%-owned investee of the Company that is jointly owned by RAM Entertainment, LLC (“RAM”), has been consolidated pursuant to the relevant portions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification™ (“ASC”) Topic 810, “Consolidation.” The Company accounts for its investment in Gaming Entertainment (Delaware), LLC (“GED”) (Note 3) using the equity method of accounting. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. In addition, on January 1, 2009, the Company retroactively adopted the requirements of ASC Topic 810 for the non-controlling or minority interest in a subsidiary. The adoption of Topic 810 did not have any effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or net income per share attributable to the Company for the periods presented.
2.  
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
   
For the three months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $33,346, related to the amortization of restricted stock grants issued as board compensation in May 2009, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, share-based compensation expense recognized was $16,683 and $275,892, respectively. All stock grants were fully vested as of March 31, 2010.
3.  
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
   
GED. The Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint venture is a 50% ownership interest in GED, a joint venture between the Company and Harrington Raceway Inc. (“HRI”). GED has a management agreement with Harrington Raceway and Casino (“Harrington”) (formerly known as Midway Slots and Simulcast), which is located in Harrington, Delaware. The Company receives the greater of 50% of GED’s net income as currently prescribed under the joint venture agreement, or a 5% growth rate in its 50% share of GED’s prior year net income through the expiration of the GED management contract in August 2011.
 
   
GED is a variable interest entity, but the Company is not the primary beneficiary due to the fact that the Company holds a 50% non-controlling interest in GED and will not absorb or receive over 50% of GED’s profits and losses. This is due to the Management Reorganization Agreement with HRI where the Company obtained a guaranteed growth rate in the cash flow from GED in exchange for lack of involvement in GED’s operations. Due to this agreement, the Company does not have the power to direct the activities of GED that most significantly impact the economic performance. Therefore, the Company does not consolidate but accounts for the investment using the equity method.

 

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The Company believes the maximum exposure to loss is the management fee receivable and the Company’s investment in GED. The Company’s assets related to its investment in GED consisted of a receivable of $0.7 million as of September 30, 2010 and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2009. The equity method carrying value of the Company’s investment in GED was $0.2 million and $0.1 million as of September 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009, respectively, included in long-term deposits and other.
 
   
GED has no non-operating income or expenses, is treated as a partnership for income tax reporting purposes and consequently recognizes no federal or state income tax provision. As a result, income from operations for GED is equal to its net income for each period presented and there are no material differences between GED’s income for financial and tax reporting purposes. An unaudited summary for GED’s financial position and operations are as follows:
GED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Total assets
  $ 622,257     $ 420,907  
Total liabilities
    227,919       205,838  
GED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME INFORMATION
                                 
    Three months ended     Nine months ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
Revenues
  $ 8,473,977     $ 6,202,099     $ 21,351,040     $ 18,379,191  
Net income
    1,639,915       1,691,962       4,974,987       5,436,532  
 
GEM. Due to the Company’s financing arrangement for the development and management of the FireKeepers project through GEM, a 50%-owned joint venture, the Company was exposed to the majority of risk of economic loss from the joint venture’s activities. As of August 2010, FHR’s member payable was paid and therefore, the Company is no longer exposed to the majority of risk of economic loss from the joint venture’s activities. However, the Company possesses the power to direct the activities of GEM, including the direct oversight of FireKeepers Casino, that significantly impact GEM’s economic performance and therefore, considers the Company to be the primary beneficiary. As such, the joint venture continues to be a variable interest entity that requires consolidation in the Company’s financial statements.
 
   
Management believes the maximum exposure to loss is $6.1 million, which is composed of the Company’s equity investment (which is eliminated in consolidation). Currently, GEM has no debt. In addition, as part of the GEM member agreement modification, the GEM members agreed that distributions to the members were to be made on a 50/50 basis to both members until such time RAM’s member payable had been fully repaid and thereafter 70% to the Company and 30% to RAM until such time as the remaining payable to the Company had been repaid. As of March 31, 2010, RAM’s member payable was paid and as of August 2010, FHR’s member payable was also paid. Accordingly, the distributions to the members reverted to a 50/50 split in September 2010.
 
   
GEM’s current assets include the FireKeepers management fee receivable for both dates presented, and December 31, 2009 current assets also includes the $5.0 million note receivable plus interest from Firekeepers Development Authority (the “Authority”). Long-term assets include $10.1 million and $11.4 million in contract rights, net of amortization as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Amounts due to the members related to GEM member agreement are zero and $11.8 million, including $5.6 million reported as equity, for September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. GEM has no long-term liabilities.

 

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An unaudited summary of GEM’s financial position and operations are as follows:
GEM CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Current assets
  $ 2,267,655     $ 6,006,779  
Long-term assets
    10,057,627       11,351,133  
Current liabilities
    91,215       6,461,922  
GEM CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME INFORMATION
                                 
    Three months ended     Nine months ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
Revenues
  $ 6,518,898     $ 5,733,167     $ 18,699,602     $ 5,753,167  
Net income
    5,447,039       (1,625,977 )     15,615,503       (1,867,897 )
4.  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
   
The carrying value of the Company’s cash and equivalents and accounts payable approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. Substantially all of the Company’s notes receivable are carried at estimated fair value determined based on level 3 inputs, as discussed in Note 5. The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt approximates their recorded values as of the balance sheet dates presented, based on level 2 inputs, as defined in ASC Topic 820, consisting of interest rates offered to the Company for loans of the same or similar remaining maturities and bearing similar risks.
 
   
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-6, “Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements,” which requires reporting entities to make new disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair-value measurements including significant transfers into and out of level 1 and level 2 fair value measurements, also, as defined in ASC Topic 820, and information on purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2010-6 was effective for 2010, except for level 3 reconciliation disclosures, which will become effective for 2011. The adoption of ASU 2010-6 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements or disclosures for the three months ended September 30, 2010, and it is not expected that the adoption of level 3 reconciliation disclosures will have a material effect in 2011.
 
   
Due to the absence of observable market quotes on the Company’s notes receivable from tribal governments (Note 5), tribal notes receivable are recorded and subsequently re-measured and adjusted periodically to estimated fair value based only on level 3 inputs. These level 3 inputs are based primarily on management’s estimates of expected cash flow streams, based on factors such as future interest rates, casino opening dates and discount rates.
 
   
The estimated casino opening dates used in the valuations take into account project-specific circumstances such as ongoing litigation, the status of required regulatory approvals, construction periods and other factors. Factors considered in the determination of an appropriate discount rate include discount rates typically used by gaming industry investors and appraisers to value individual casino properties in the appropriate regions, and discount rates produced by the widely-accepted Capital Asset Pricing Model (“CAPM”). The following key assumptions are used in the CAPM:

 

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S&P 500, average benchmark investment returns (medium-term horizon risk premiums);
 
   
Risk free investment return equal to the trailing 10-year average for 90-day treasury bills;
 
   
Investment beta factor equal to the average of a peer group of similar entities in the hotel and gaming industry;
 
   
Project-specific adjustments based on the status of the project (i.e., litigation, regulatory approvals, tribal politics, etc.), and typical size premiums for “micro-cap” and “low-cap” companies.
5.  
NOTES RECEIVABLE, TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS
   
The Company has notes receivable related to advances made to, or on behalf of, tribes to fund tribal operations and development expenses related to potential casino projects. Repayment of these notes is conditioned upon the development of the projects, and ultimately, the successful operation of the facilities. Subject to such condition, the Company’s agreements with the tribes provide for the reimbursement of these advances plus applicable interest, if any, either from the proceeds of any outside financing of the development, the actual operation itself or in the event that the Company does not complete the development, from the revenues of any tribal gaming operation following completion of development activities undertaken by others.
 
   
As of September 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009, notes receivable from tribal governments were as follows:
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Contractual (stated) amount
               
FireKeepers Development Authority
  $     $ 5,000,000  
Northern Cheyenne
    618,875       618,875  
Nambe Pueblo
    661,600       661,600  
 
           
 
  $ 1,280,475     $ 6,280,475  
 
           
Estimated fair value of notes receivable related to tribal casino projects:
               
FireKeepers Development Authority
  $     $ 4,682,420  
Northern Cheyenne
           
Nambe Pueblo
    399,349       430,467  
 
           
 
  $ 399,349     $ 5,112,887  
 
           
   
The $5.0 million due from the Authority at December 31, 2009, including interest at prime plus 1% accrued from August 5, 2009, was paid in February 2010.
 
   
In 2008, management announced that the Company was no longer pursuing the Nambé Pueblo project. The Nambé Pueblo tribe has acknowledged its obligation to repay reimbursable development advances of approximately $0.7 million plus interest at prime plus 2%, from future gaming revenues, if any. Management has been advised and therefore, currently believes that the Nambé Pueblo expects to develop a slot machine operation with approximately 200 devices, which when constructed, to be adjacent to its travel center and provide the Nambé Pueblo tribe with the financial wherewithal to repay the amounts owed to the Company. The Company has been advised that the Nambé Pueblo continues to work with potential financing sources to fund the gaming development. Based on information available about the current status of the financing effort, the Company’s management believes funding may be completed in the first quarter of 2011 with the expected facility opening during the fourth quarter of 2011, which represents a three month delay from prior estimates. With due consideration to the foregoing factors, management has estimated the fair value of the note receivable from the Nambé Pueblo at $0.4 million as of September 30, 2010, and adjusted its carrying value accordingly. There can be no assurance that the facility will be opened or that the receivable will be paid.

 

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The following table summarizes changes in the estimated fair value of notes receivable from tribal governments, which consisted of the Nambé Pueblo project, determined using level 3 estimated fair value inputs, from January 1, 2010, to September 30, 2010:
         
    Nambe Pueblo  
    Project  
Balances, January 1, 2010
  $ 430,467  
Unrealized loss included in earnings
    (31,118 )
 
     
Balances, September 30, 2010
  $ 399,349  
 
     
6.  
GOODWILL
   
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over fair market value of net assets acquired in connection with the Stockman’s casino operation. The Company’s review of goodwill as of September 30, 2010 resulted in a 6.2% excess of estimated fair value over the carrying amount of Stockman’s goodwill and related assets using an income approach considering an earnings multiple of 6.5 times. The calculation contemplates changes for both current year and future year estimates in earnings and the impact of these changes to the fair value of Stockman’s, although there is some uncertainty in key assumptions including projected future earnings growth. Management believes Stockman’s could sustain a further 10% decline in current year projected earnings or a future year 1% decline in projected earnings growth without impairment.
7.  
DEBT
   
At September 30, 2010, there was no long-term debt outstanding. At December 31, 2009, current portion of long-term debt consisted of $1.5 million debt due to joint venture affiliate (“RAM”).
 
   
Debt to joint venture affiliate. On October 9, 2009, effective September 30, 2009, an agreement was reached between the Company and RAM (“GEM Financial Resolution”) clarifying the treatment of the following items:
   
Reimbursable and non-reimbursable advances funded by the members, before RAM acquired its interest in GEM.
 
   
Repayments of disproportionate advances by the Company as prior agreements were unclear as to the treatment.
   
As a result of the GEM Financial Resolution, payables due from GEM to each member were adjusted to reflect a total payable due to RAM of $8.5 million, including $2.7 reported as equity, and a total payable due to FHR of $11.9 million, including $2.7 reported as equity, resulting in the recognition of a net pre-tax gain of $1.4 million, which was recorded in September 2009. The net pre-tax gain is distributed gross on the statements of operations for the periods ended September 30, 2009, as a $2.1 million charge characterized as a member agreement modification offset by a $3.5 million credit attributable to the non-controlling interest.
 
   
Reducing Revolving Loan (the “Revolver”). Effective January 1, 2010, based upon an amendment to the Revolver, the maximum amount permitted to be outstanding decreases $329,000 semiannually on January 1 and July 1 of each year and any outstanding amounts above such reduced maximum must be repaid on each such date. Draws on the Revolver are payable over 15 years at a variable interest rate based on the five year LIBOR/Swap rate plus 2.1%. This rate adjusts annually based on the funded debt to EBITDA ratio of Stockman’s with adjustments based on the five-year LIBOR/Swap rates. Stockman’s assets are pledged as collateral for the loan. The Revolver also contains certain customary financial representations and warranties and requires that Stockman’s maintain specified financial covenants, including a fixed charge coverage ratio, a funded debt to EBITDA ratio and a minimum tangible net worth. In addition, the Revolver provides restrictions on certain distributions and capital expenditures by Stockman’s, and also provides for customary events of default including payment defaults and covenant defaults. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, there were no amounts drawn on the Revolver, and the Company was in full compliance with the debt covenants. The Company had $7.9 million of availability under its revolving credit line as of September 30, 2010.

 

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8.  
SEGMENT REPORTING
   
The Company is composed of three primary business segments. The following tables reflect selected segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. The operations segment includes the Stockman’s Casino operation in Fallon, Nevada. The development/management segment includes costs associated with tribal casino development projects, the Michigan and Delaware joint ventures and other minor projects. The Corporate segment includes general and administrative expenses of the Company.
 
   
Selected statement of operations data for the three months ended September 30:
                                 
    Casino     Development/              
    Operations     Management     Corporate     Consolidated  
2010
                               
Revenues
  $ 2,032,056     $ 6,604,204     $     $ 8,636,260  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    428,937       191,985       926,933       1,547,855  
Depreciation and amortization
    237,302       593,197       25,374       855,873  
Operating gains
          1,531,900             1,531,900  
Operating income (loss)
    309,666       7,350,922       (1,100,617 )     6,559,971  
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
    206,600       2,758,909       (728,547 )     2,236,962  
 
                               
2009
                               
Revenues
  $ 2,164,316     $ 5,753,167     $     $ 7,917,483  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    436,448       138,400       1,181,343       1,756,191  
Depreciation and amortization
    240,039       399,886       22,285       662,210  
Operating loss
          (434,042 )           (434,042 )
Operating income (loss)
    437,289       4,758,586       (1,289,499 )     3,906,376  
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
    288,860       3,616,670       (857,522 )     3,048,008  
   
Selected statement of operations data for the nine months ended September 30:
                                 
    Casino     Development/              
    Operations     Management     Corporate     Consolidated  
2010
                               
Revenues
  $ 6,221,049     $ 18,784,908     $     $ 25,005,957  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    1,289,763       593,200       2,946,947       4,829,910  
Depreciation and amortization
    723,375       1,779,586       73,888       2,576,849  
Operating gains
          3,592,332             3,592,332  
Operating income (loss)
    1,085,475       20,003,113       (3,303,217 )     17,785,371  
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
    719,436       7,177,779       (2,180,521 )     5,716,694  
 
                               
2009
                               
Revenues
  $ 6,849,056     $ 5,753,167     $     $ 12,602,223  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    1,285,006       394,873       3,125,280       4,805,159  
Depreciation and amortization
    743,701       426,836       63,206       1,233,743  
Operating gains
          1,921,803             1,921,803  
Operating income (loss)
    1,665,741       6,802,654       (3,277,016 )     5,191,379  
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
    1,099,268       4,850,661       (2,198,756 )     3,751,173  

 

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Selected balance sheet data as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
                                 
    Casino     Development/              
    Operations     Management     Corporate     Consolidated  
2010
                               
Total assets
  $ 19,535,617     $ 17,603,658     $ 17,631,017     $ 54,770,292  
Property and equipment, net
    7,520,089       385       99,237       7,619,711  
Goodwill
    10,308,520                   10,308,520  
Liabilities
    1,300,120       1,122,607       970,764       3,393,491  
 
                               
2009
                               
 
                               
Total assets
  $ 19,800,305     $ 22,790,171     $ 8,995,110     $ 51,585,586  
Property and equipment, net
    7,834,951       818       125,965       7,961,734  
Goodwill
    10,308,520                   10,308,520  
Liabilities
    1,125,099       2,871,553       2,632,008       6,628,660  
9.  
CONTINGENCIES
   
Economic conditions and related risks and uncertainties. The United States has experienced a severe and widespread recession accompanied by, among other things, weakness in consumer spending including gaming activity and reduced credit and capital financing availability, and is also engaged in war, all of which are likely to continue to have far-reaching effects on economic conditions in the country for an indeterminate period. The Company’s operations are currently concentrated in northern Nevada, Delaware and Michigan. Accordingly, future operations could be affected by adverse economic conditions particularly in those areas and their key feeder markets in neighboring states. The effects and duration of these conditions and related risks and uncertainties on the Company’s future operations and cash flows, including its access to capital or credit financing, cannot be estimated at this time, but may likely be significant.
 
   
Acquisition. On September 13, 2010, the Company announced that it had entered into definitive agreements with Grand Victoria Casino & Resort, LP to acquire all of the operating assets of the Grand Victoria Casino & Resort, located in Rising Sun, Indiana on the Ohio River. The purchase price is $43.0 million, exclusive of estimated cash and net working capital balances of $8.0 million and fees and expenses as of the closing date. The Company entered into a credit agreement with Wells Fargo National Association, as administrative agent for the lenders named in the credit agreement, on October 29, 2010 and regulatory approvals are expected to be obtained to accommodate a closing in the first quarter of 2011. The credit agreement provides for a term loan in an amount up to $31.3 million and a revolving loan to the Company in an amount up to $4.7 million. The Company anticipates applying approximately $19.0 million of cash on hand to the purchase price. The term loan’s interest rate is expected to be LIBOR plus 550 basis points and it will fully amortize over the five-year term of the facility. The credit agreement will be secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets.
 
   
Through September 30, 2010, the Company incurred $84,072 in acquisition related expenses which are included in project development expense. On September 10, 2010 the Company deposited the $0.5 million initial deposit toward the $43.0 million purchase price with an escrow agent and an additional $4.5 million was deposited on October 29, 2010. In conjunction with closing on the financing commitment, the Company paid $1.8 million in financing related fees.
   
IRS examination. Effective May 1, 2010, the Company is under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the year ended December 31, 2008. As of the date of this filing, no issues have been presented which would necessitate an adjustment to prior periods.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Safe harbor provision
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, relating to our financial condition, profitability, liquidity, resources, business outlook, market forces, corporate strategies, contractual commitments, legal matters, capital requirements and other matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. We note that many factors could cause our actual results and experience to change significantly from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements. When words and expressions such as: “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “intends,” “objectives,” “goals,” “aims,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “possible,” “seeks,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “might,” “likely,” “enable,” or similar words or expressions are used in this Form 10-Q, as well as statements containing phrases such as “in our view,” “there can be no assurance,” “although no assurance can be given,” or “there is no way to anticipate with certainty,” forward-looking statements are being made.
Various risks and uncertainties may affect the operation, performance, development and results of our business and could cause future outcomes to change significantly from those set forth in our forward-looking statements, including the following risks:
   
our growth strategies;
 
   
our development and potential acquisition of new facilities;
 
   
risks related to development and construction activities;
 
   
anticipated trends in the gaming industries;
 
   
patron demographics;
 
   
general market and economic conditions;
 
   
access to capital and credit, including our ability to finance future business requirements;
 
   
the availability of adequate levels of insurance;
 
   
changes in federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including environmental and gaming license legislation and regulations;
 
   
regulatory approvals;
 
   
competitive environment;
 
   
availability of financing, required gaming approvals and all other conditions required for closing will occur and that the Grand Victoria Casino and Resort will be acquired;
 
   
Firekeepers Casino will continue to generate the levels of business and sustain the financial performance it has to date;
 
   
Stockman’s Casino will continue to generate the levels of business and sustain the financial performance it has to date;
 
   
risks, uncertainties and other factors described from time to time in this and our other SEC filings and reports.
We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of future developments, events or conditions. New risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all such risks, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ significantly from those forecast in any forward-looking statements.
Overview
We own, manage and/or invest in gaming-related opportunities. We continue to actively investigate, individually and with partners, new business opportunities. We own and operate Stockman’s Casino in Fallon, Nevada. We also own 50% of Gaming Entertainment Michigan, LLC (“GEM”), a joint venture with RAM Entertainment, LLC (“RAM”), where we are the primary beneficiary and, therefore, consolidate in our consolidated financial statements. RAM is a privately-held investment company. GEM has a 7-year management agreement with the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians for the development and management of the FireKeepers Casino near Battle Creek, Michigan. The FireKeepers Casino opened on August 5, 2009, which triggered the commencement of the 7-year management agreement term. We are also a non-controlling 50%-investor in Gaming Entertainment Delaware, LLC (“GED”), a joint venture with Harrington Raceway Inc. (“HRI”). GED has a management contract through August 11, 2011 with Harrington Casino at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, Delaware.

 

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On September 13, 2010, we announced that we had entered into definitive agreements with Grand Victoria Casino & Resort, LP to acquire all of the operating assets of the Grand Victoria Casino & Resort, located in Rising Sun, Indiana on the Ohio River. The purchase price is $43.0 million, exclusive of estimated cash and net working capital balances of $8.0 million and fees and expenses as of the closing date. We entered into a credit agreement with Wells Fargo National Association, as administrative agent for the lenders named in the credit agreement, on October 29, 2010 and regulatory approvals are expected to be obtained to accommodate a closing in the first quarter of 2011. The credit agreement provides for a term loan in an amount up to $31.3 million and a revolving loan to us in an amount up to $4.7 million. We anticipate applying approximately $19.0 million of cash on hand to the purchase price. The term loan’s interest rate is expected to be LIBOR plus 550 basis points and it will fully amortize over the five-year term of the facility. The credit agreement will be secured by substantially all of the our assets.
Through September 30, 2010, we incurred $84,072 in acquisition related expenses which are included in project development expense. On September 10, 2010, we deposited the $0.5 million initial deposit toward the $43.0 million purchase price with an escrow agent and an additional $4.5 million was deposited on October 29, 2010. In conjunction with closing on the financing commitment, we paid $1.8 million in financing related fees.
Critical accounting estimates and policies
Although our financial statements necessarily make use of certain accounting estimates by management, we believe that no matters that are the subject of such estimates are so highly uncertain or susceptible to change as to present a significant risk of a material impact on our financial condition or operating performance, except as discussed in the following paragraphs.
The significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our financial statements primarily include management’s fair value estimates related to notes receivable from tribal governments, the related evaluation of the recoverability of our investments in contract rights and the valuation of Stockman’s goodwill. Various assumptions, principally affecting the timing and, to a lesser extent, the probability of completing our various projects under development and getting them open for business with successful operations, and other factors underlie the determination of these significant estimates. The process of determining significant estimates is fact-and project-specific and takes into account factors such as historical experience and current and expected legal, regulatory and economic conditions. We regularly evaluate these estimates and assumptions, particularly in areas, if any, where changes in such estimates and assumptions could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position and, generally to a lesser extent, cash flows. Where recoverability of these assets or planned investments are contingent upon the successful development and management of a project, we evaluate the likelihood that the project will be completed, the prospective market dynamics and how the proposed facilities should compete in that setting in order to forecast future cash flows necessary to recover the recorded value of the assets or planned investment. We review our conclusions as warranted by changing conditions.
We have two variable interest entities, GED and GEM. Our investment in unconsolidated joint venture is a 50% ownership interest in GED, a joint venture between Harrington Raceway Inc. (“HRI”) and us. GED has a management agreement with Harrington Raceway and Casino (“Harrington”) (formerly known as Midway Slots and Simulcast), which is located in Harrington, Delaware. We receive the greater of 50% of GED’s net income as currently prescribed under the joint venture agreement, or a 5% growth rate in its 50% share of GED’s prior year net income through the expiration of the GED management contract in August 2011. GED is a variable interest entity but we are not the primary beneficiary due to the fact that we hold a 50% non-controlling interest in GED and will not absorb or receive over 50% of GED’s profits and losses. Therefore, we do not consolidate but account for our investment using the equity method. We believe the maximum exposure to loss is the account receivable and investment in GED as GED carries no loans.

 

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Due to our financing arrangement for the development and management of the FireKeepers project through a 50%-owned joint venture, GEM, we believed we were exposed to the majority of risk of economic loss from the joint venture’s activities. As of August 2010, our member payable was paid and therefore, we believe we are no longer exposed to the majority of risk of economic loss from the joint venture’s activities. However, we possess the power to direct the activities of GEM that significantly impact GEM’s economic performance and therefore, we consider ourselves to be the primary beneficiary. As such, the joint venture continues to be a variable interest entity that requires consolidation in our financial statements.
Management believes the maximum exposure to loss is $6.1 million, which is composed of our equity investment, which is eliminated in consolidation. Currently, GEM has no debt. In addition, as part of the GEM member agreement modification, the GEM members agreed that distributions to the members were to be made on a 50/50 basis to both members until such time RAM’s member payable had been fully repaid and thereafter 70% to us and 30% to RAM until such time as the remaining payable to us had been repaid. As of March 31, 2010, RAM’s member payable was paid and as of August 2010, FHR’s member payable also had been paid. Accordingly, GEM began paying a 50/50 split on distributions to the Company and RAM in September 2010.
In April 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-16, Entertainment—Casinos (Topic 924): Accruals for Casino Jackpot Liabilities. This ASU will require that an entity not accrue jackpot liabilities, or portions thereof, before a jackpot is won if the entity can avoid paying the jackpot and that jackpots be accrued and charged to revenue when an entity has the obligation to pay the jackpot. ASU 2010-16 will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010. We will adopt ASU 2010-16 on January 1, 2011 and it is not expected that the adoption will have a material effect upon adoption.
Assets related to tribal casino projects
We account for the advances made to tribes as in-substance structured notes at estimated fair value in accordance with the guidance contained in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 320, “Investments-Debt and Equity Securities” and Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”.
Notes receivable
We account for and present our notes receivable and management contracts with the tribes as separate assets. Under the contractual terms, the notes do not become due and payable unless and until the projects are completed and operational. However, if our development activity is terminated prior to completion, we generally would retain the right to collect on our notes receivable in the event a casino project is completed by another developer. Because we ordinarily do not consider the stated rate of interest on the notes receivable to be commensurate with the risk inherent in these projects (prior to commencement of operations), the estimated fair value of the notes receivable is generally less than the amount advanced. At the date of each advance, the difference between the estimated fair value of the note receivable and the actual amount advanced is recorded as either an intangible asset (contract rights), or if the rights were acquired in a separate, unbundled transaction, expensed as period costs of retaining such rights.
Subsequent to its effective initial recording at estimated fair value using “level 3 inputs,” which are defined in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“Topic 820”), as unobservable inputs that reflect management’s estimates about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, the note receivable portion of the advance is adjusted to its current estimated fair value at each balance sheet date, also using level 3 inputs. Due to the absence of observable market quotes on our notes receivable from tribal governments, management develops inputs based on the best information available, including internally-developed data, such as estimates of future interest rates, discount rates and casino opening dates as discussed below.

 

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The estimated fair value of our notes receivable related to tribal casino projects make up less than 1% of our total assets. Changes in the estimated fair value of our notes receivable are reported as unrealized gains (losses), which affect reported net income but do not affect cash flows. The key assumptions and information used to estimate the fair value of the notes receivable for all projects at September 30, 2010, included a total aggregate face amount of the notes receivable of $0.7 million. The estimated years until opening and discount rate for the Nambe project were 1.25 years and 22%, respectively. As of December 31, 2009, the estimated fair value of the $0.6 million face amount Northern Cheyenne note receivable was written down to zero value as we believe that the project assets are impaired and collectability is doubtful.
As a matter of policy, we do not adjust notes receivable to an estimated fair value in excess of the face value of the note plus accrued interest, if any. Due to the uncertainties surrounding the projects, no interest income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements during the development period, but changes in estimated fair value of the notes receivable are recorded as unrealized gains or losses in our statement of operations. Upon opening of the casino, the difference, if any, between the then-recorded estimated fair value of the notes receivable, subject to any appropriate impairment adjustments made pursuant to relevant portions of ASC Topic 310, "Receivables", and the amount contractually due under the notes would be amortized into income using the effective interest method over the remaining term of the note.
Contract rights
Contract rights are recognized as intangible assets related to the acquisition of the management agreements and periodically evaluated for impairment based on the estimated cash flows from the management contract on an undiscounted basis and amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of contractual or estimated useful lives of the agreements, typically beginning upon commencement of casino operations. In the event the carrying value of the intangible assets were to exceed the undiscounted cash flow, the difference between the estimated fair value and carrying value of the assets would be charged to operations. The FireKeepers casino opened on August 5, 2009, and as a result, the remaining portion of the $17.4 million in contract rights associated with the FireKeepers project began being amortized in the third quarter of 2009 on a straight-line basis over the seven year term of the GEM management agreement.
The primary assumptions used in estimating the undiscounted cash flow from the projects include the expected number of Class III gaming devices, table games, and poker tables, and the related estimated win per unit per day (“WPUD”). Generally, within reasonably possible operating ranges, our impairment decisions are not particularly sensitive to changes in these assumptions because estimated cash flows greatly exceed the carrying value of the related intangibles and other capitalized costs. We believe that the primary competitors to our Michigan project are the Four Winds Casino in southwestern Michigan, five northern Indiana riverboats, three downtown Detroit casinos and another Native American casino by the Gun Lake Tribe approximately one hour northwest of our facility which is expected to open mid-February 2011.
Results of operations
A significant portion of our revenue is generated from our management agreements with the Harrington Casino in Delaware and the FireKeepers Casino in Michigan. The Delaware contract ends in August 2011 and the Michigan contract ends in August 2016. There can be no assurance that either contract will be extended.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010, Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
Operating revenues. For the three months ended September 30, 2010, total operating revenues from continuing operations increased $0.7 million, or 9.0%, as compared to the prior year. The increase is primarily due to $0.8 million of management fees from FireKeepers. Management fees commenced with the opening of the casino on August 5, 2009 and benefited from strong grand opening volumes while this year’s 3rd quarter benefited from a full 3 month period of operations. The increase in management fee income was partially offset by a decrease in casino and food and beverage revenues at Stockman’s of $0.1 million or 6.1%, primarily due to continued economic weakness in the northern Nevada market, resulting in decreased slot handle.

 

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Operating costs and expenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2010, total operating costs and expenses increased $0.03 million, or .01%, as compared to the prior year. The increase primarily consists of an increase in amortization of $0.2 million, or 29% and an increase in project development costs of $0.04 million, or 37%. The increase is offset by a $0.2 million decrease in selling, general and administrative costs, as explained below. The increase in amortization was due to GEM gaming rights amortization, which increased with the FireKeepers’ August 5, 2009 opening.
Project development costs. For the three months ended September 30, 2010, project development costs increased $0.04 million or 37%, as compared to the prior year quarter, related to the definitive agreement with Grand Victoria Casino & Resort, LP to acquire all of the operating assets of the Grand Victoria Casino & Resort. Through September 30, 2010, the Company has incurred $84,072 in acquisition related expenses which are included in project development expense.
Selling, general and administrative expense. For the three months ended September 30, 2010, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.2 million, or 12% primarily due to lower incentive compensative expense for the current quarter. The prior year incentive compensative related to the opening of FireKeepers.
Operating gains (losses). For the three months ended September 30, 2010, operating gains (losses) increased by $2.0 million, or 453% primarily due to the $2.1 million member agreement modification loss in the third quarter of 2009.
Other income (expense). For the three months ended September 30, 2010, other income decreased by $0.06 million, or 100% primarily due to the decreased interest income of $0.1 million, or 97%. The interest income in the prior year quarter was related accrued interest on the $5.0 million FireKeepers Development Authority (the “Authority”) tribal receivable, which ceased accruing interest when it was collected in February 2010.
Income taxes. For the three months ended September 30, 2010, the estimated effective income tax rate is approximately 42%, compared to 36% for the same period in 2009. The effective tax rate from the prior year was low primarily due to the member agreement modification of $2.1 million during the third quarter 2009. In addition, the 2010 effective tax rate increased due to state income taxes on management fees received subsequent to the opening of the FireKeepers casino in August of 2009.
Non-controlling interest. For the three months ended September 30, 2010, the net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture increased by $3.5 million. The increase is attributable to the increased net income in GEM over the prior year period of $7.1 million, 50% of which is the noncontrolling interest portion. The GEM net income increased as the result of management fees received subsequent to the opening of the FireKeepers casino in August of 2009.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010, Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
Operating revenues. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, total operating revenues from continuing operations increased $12.4 million, or 98%, as compared to the prior year. The increase is primarily due to $12.9 million of management fees from FireKeepers, and is offset by a decrease in casino and food and beverage revenues at Stockman’s of $0.6 million or 9%, primarily due to continued economic weakness, inclement weather in the Northern Nevada market during the first quarter and decreased slot handle and a weak slot hold percentage during the second and third quarters.
Operating costs and expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, total operating costs and expenses increased $1.5 million, or 16%, as compared to the prior year, primarily consisting of an increase in depreciation and amortization of $1.3 million, or 109% and project development expenses of $0.1 million, or 104%. The increase in depreciation and amortization was due to GEM gaming rights amortization, which increased with the FireKeepers opening.

 

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Project development costs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, project development costs increased $0.1 million or 104%, as compared to the prior year, related to the definitive agreement with Grand Victoria Casino & Resort, LP to acquire all of the operating assets of the Grand Victoria Casino & Resort.
Selling, general and administrative expense. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, selling, general and administrative expenses remained relatively flat as compared to the prior period. The increased was $0.02 million, or less than 1%.
Operating gains (losses). For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, operating gains (losses) increased by $1.7 million, or 87% primarily due to the $2.1 million member agreement modification loss in the third quarter of 2009, partially offset by a $0.6 million decrease in the unrealized gains on notes receivable, tribal governments. The unrealized gain in the prior year was mostly attributable to the Authority’s tribal receivable that was received in February 2010. In addition, the Montana notes receivable was impaired during the fourth quarter of 2009. As a result, the only project remaining in 2010 recognizing unrealized gains and losses is the Nambe Pueblo project which had a current period loss due to the extension of the project to the fourth quarter of 2011.
Other income (expense). For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, other income increased by $0.2 million, or 327% primarily due the decreased interest expense of $0.2 million, or 94% and the decrease of interest income of $0.03 million, or 20%. The decrease in interest expense is related to the reduction of outstanding debt on our revolving line of credit and debt to joint venture affiliate and the increase in interest income results from the Authority’s tribal receivable.
Income taxes. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the estimated effective annual income tax rate applied to the year is approximately 43%, compared to 38% for the same period in 2009. The effective tax rate from the prior year was low primarily due to the member agreement modification of $2.1 million during the third quarter 2009. In addition, the 2010 effective tax rate increased due to state income taxes on management fees received subsequent to the opening of the FireKeepers casino in August of 2009. There is no allowance on the deferred tax asset of $123,476 as of September 30, 2010, and management believes the deferred tax asset is fully realizable.
Non-controlling interest. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture increased by $8.7 million. The increase is attributable to the increased net income in GEM over the prior year of $17.5 million, 50% of which is the noncontrolling interest portion. The GEM net income increased as the result of management fees received subsequent to the opening of the FireKeepers casino in August of 2009.
Liquidity and capital resources
Economic conditions and related risks and uncertainties
The United States has experienced a severe and widespread recession accompanied by, among other things, weakness in consumer spending including gaming activity and reduced credit and capital financing availability and is also engaged in war, all of which are likely to continue to have far-reaching effects on economic conditions in the country for an indeterminate period. Our operations are currently concentrated in northern Nevada, Delaware and Michigan. Accordingly, future operations could be affected by adverse economic conditions particularly in those areas and their key feeder markets in neighboring states. The effects and duration of these conditions and related risks and uncertainties on our future operations and cash flows, including its access to capital or credit financing, cannot be estimated at this time, but may likely be significant.
The FireKeepers Casino, Harrington Casino and Stockman’s Casino operations are currently our primary sources of recurring income and significant positive cash flow. GEM began earning management fees from FireKeepers Casino in the third quarter of 2009, with the first payments being made in September. The $5.0 million due from the Authority, including interest at prime plus 1% accrued from August 5, 2009, was paid in February, 2010. Distributions from the Harrington Casino are governed by the terms of the applicable joint venture agreement and management reorganization agreement. We expect to continue receiving management fees as currently prescribed under the joint venture agreement, with a minimum guaranteed growth factor over the prior year of 5% in years 2009 through August 2011 when the agreement terminates.

 

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Net cash provided by operating activities of $12.8 million is a result of $13.5 million consolidated net income for the year ended September 30, 2010, plus $2.6 million of depreciation and amortization, less the change in income tax payable and accounts receivable of $2.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively, from December 31, 2009, plus other non-cash and working capital items of $0.2 million. On a consolidated basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, cash provided by operations increased by $7.7 million from the same period in 2009 due to an increase in income as a result of the FireKeeper’s Casino management fee. Operating cash flow exceeds net income primarily due to the agreement with GEM where Full House received 70% of GEM distributions until GEM’s member payable to Full House was repaid in August 2010. Cash provided by investing activities increased by $4.4 million from the same nine-month period of last year, primarily due to the proceeds from the repayment of tribal advances. Cash used in financing activities increased $6.3 million, primarily due to the distribution of income from GEM to RAM and repayment of joint venture debt. As of September 30, 2010, we had approximately $17.5 million in cash and $7.9 million of availability on our revolving credit facility.
Our future cash requirements include selling, general and administrative expenses, project development costs, capital expenditures primarily at Stockman’s and the costs related to the acquisition of the Grand Victoria Casino and Resort. Subject to the economic uncertainties discussed above, we believe that adequate financial resources will be available to execute our current growth plan from a combination of operating cash flows and external debt and equity financing. However, continued downward pressure on cash flow from operations due to, among other reasons, the adverse effects of the current economic environment and/or the lack of available funding sources due to the recent unprecedented global contraction in available credit increases uncertainty with respect to our development and growth plans.
Effective January 1, 2010, the maximum amount permitted to be outstanding on our reducing revolving loan from Nevada State Bank (“NSB”), decreases $329,000 semiannually on January 1 and July 1 of each year and any outstanding amounts above such reduced maximum must be repaid on each such date. The reducing revolving loan is payable over 15 years at a variable interest rate based on the five-year LIBOR/Swap rate plus 2.1%. This rate, which was 7.24% per annum as of September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, respectively, adjusts annually based on the funded debt to EBITDA ratio of Stockman’s, with adjustments based on the five-year LIBOR/Swap rate occurring every five years. The balance on the loan was fully paid as of November 23, 2009. We had $7.9 million of availability under its revolving credit line as of September 30, 2010.
The loan agreement with NSB also contains customary financial representations and warranties and requires that Stockman’s maintain specified financial covenants, including a fixed charge coverage ratio, a funded debt to EBITDA ratio and a minimum tangible net worth. In addition, the loan agreement limits the amount of distributions from and capital expenditures by Stockman’s. The loan agreement also provides for customary events of default including payment defaults and covenant defaults.
As of September 30, 2010, we held $15.9 million in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured non-interest bearing account and $0.3 million in a U.S. Government money market account with NSB, the institution where we hold the $7.9 million line of credit. NSB is a subsidiary of Zions Bancorporation. Weiss Ratings rated Zions ‘D’ (weak financial strength) in the September 17, 2010 report meaning that this institution demonstrates significant weaknesses which could negatively impact depositors or creditors. FDIC insurance ensures the full NSB cash balance is secure in the event of further bank weakness.
FireKeepers project
On August 5, 2009, the FireKeepers Casino commenced operations. The casino is a first-class gaming facility in Emmett Township near Battle Creek, Michigan on a portion of the tribe’s 78-acre federally recognized Indian reservation. The casino is easily accessible and visible from the adjacent and heavily traveled Interstate 94 and near the interchange with Interstate 69. The FireKeepers Casino is an approximately 237,000 square-foot facility featuring approximately 106,900 square-feet of gaming space, including 2,700

 

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Class III slot machines and 78 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat, 12 poker tables and a high-limit gaming area with a VIP lounge. The casino also has five distinctive and diverse dining options, including a 70-seat signature fine dining restaurant, a 150-seat 24-hour coffee shop, a 300-seat buffet, a 110-seat quick service restaurant and a grab-and-go outlet, as well as three bar areas. The bar areas include a sports bar with high definition flat screen televisions, a 113-seat lounge with cabaret and live entertainment and a lounge within our fine dining area. The casino also has an approximately 4,000 square-foot multi-function room used for special events and bingo, a gift shop with branded merchandise, an attached multi-level parking garage that accommodates approximately 2,100 vehicles, surface parking for an additional 917 vehicles and an area for bus and recreational vehicle parking.
On October 9, 2009, effective September 30, 2009, an agreement was reached between RAM and us (“GEM Financial Resolution”) clarifying the treatment of the following items:
   
Reimbursable and non-reimbursable advances funded by the members, before RAM acquired its interest in GEM.
 
   
Repayments of disproportionate advances by us as prior agreements were unclear as to the treatment.
As a result, payables due from GEM to each member were adjusted to reflect a total payable due to RAM of $8.5 million, including $2.7 million reported as equity, and a total payable due to FHR of $11.9 million, including $2.7 million reported as equity, resulting in the recognition of a net pre-tax gain $1.4 million, which was recorded in September 2009. In addition, the GEM members agreed that distributions to the members would be made on a 50/50 basis to both members until such time RAM’s member payable was fully repaid and thereafter 70% to us and 30% to RAM until such time as the remaining payable to us was repaid. Thereafter, distributions to members were made on a 50/50 basis. Also, no further interest accruals were made on any member’s payables. As of March 31, 2010, RAM’s member payable had been paid and as of August 30, 2010, FHR’s member payable had also been paid.
In addition, our market analysis assumes the development of another Native American casino by the Gun Lake Tribe approximately one hour northwest of our facility. The project is being developed on approximately 147 acres, approximately 25 miles south of Grand Rapids, Michigan and 27 miles north of Kalamazoo, Michigan. The approximately $165.0 million project is expected to open in mid-February 2011 and include approximately 1,400 slot machines, 28 table games and various dining options. Construction of the project includes the conversion of a portion of an existing 192,000 square-foot building into support space for the casino and entertainment facility. Our Michigan project is located approximately 100 miles west of Detroit and approximately 100 driving miles northeast of Four Winds Casino, which opened in August 2007 near New Buffalo, Michigan.
Other projects
On September 13, 2010, we announced that we had entered into definitive agreements with Grand Victoria Casino & Resort, LP to acquire all of the operating assets of the Grand Victoria Casino & Resort, located in Rising Sun, Indiana on the Ohio River. The purchase price is $43.0 million, exclusive of estimated cash and net working capital balances of $8.0 million and fees and expenses as of the closing date. We entered into a credit agreement with Wells Fargo National Association, as administrative agent for the lenders named in the credit agreement, on October 29, 2010 for a term loan in an amount up to $31.3 million and a revolving loan in an amount up to $4.7 million. We expect regulatory approvals will be obtained to accommodate a closing late in the first quarter of 2011. We anticipate applying approximately $19.0 million of cash on hand to the purchase price and funding the balance with available funds under the credit agreement. Through September 30, 2010, we have incurred $84,072 in acquisition related expenses which are included in project development expense. On September 10, 2010, we deposited the $0.5 million initial deposit toward the $43.0 million purchase price with an escrow agent and an additional $4.5 million was deposited on October 29, 2010. The closing of the Grand Victoria Casino and Resort acquisition and the initial funding under the credit agreement are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, including among other things the receipt of all applicable gaming approvals. No assurance can be given that such conditions will be satisfied or that the acquisition will close.
Since 2005, we have been party to development and management agreements with the Montana tribe for a proposed casino to be built approximately 28 miles north of Sheridan, Wyoming. The Montana tribe currently operates the Charging Horse casino in Lame Deer, Montana, consisting of 100 gaming devices, a 300-seat bingo hall and restaurant. As part of the agreements, we have committed on a best efforts basis to arrange financing for the costs associated with the development and furtherance of this project up to $15.0 million. As of September 30, 2010, our advances to the Northern Cheyenne Tribe total $0.7 million.

 

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We are not obligated to fund the construction phase of our Northern Cheyenne project in Montana. The recent economic recession and resulting impact on credit availability has significantly decreased the likelihood that financing could be obtained on favorable terms, if at all, for the Montana project in the foreseeable future. We intend to continue working with the Northern Cheyenne Tribe to pursue the development of a casino near Lame Deer, Montana, however, based on current economic conditions we have determined that both the timing and feasibility of this project have become more difficult to determine. As a result, the notes receivable originally valued at $0.6 million and contract rights originally valued at $0.1 million related to the project were written down to zero value as of December, 2009, which resulted in an $0.7 million impairment loss.
In March 2008, we announced that we were no longer pursuing the Nambé Pueblo project. The Nambé Pueblo tribe has acknowledged its obligation to repay reimbursable development advances of approximately $0.7 million plus interest at prime plus 2%, from future gaming revenues, if any. We have been advised and therefore, currently believe that the Nambé Pueblo intends to develop a slot machine operation with approximately 200 devices, which when constructed, will be adjacent to its travel center and provide the Nambé Pueblo tribe with the financial wherewithal to repay the amounts owed to us. We have been advised that the Nambé Pueblo continues to work with potential financing sources to fund the gaming development. Based on information available about the current status of the financing effort, we believe funding may be completed in the first quarter of 2011 with the expected facility opening during the fourth quarter of 2011, which represents a three month delay from prior estimates. With due consideration to the foregoing factors, we have estimated the fair value of the note receivable from the Nambé Pueblo at $0.4 million as of September 30, 2010. There can be no assurance that the facility will be opened or that the receivable will be paid.
Our agreements with the various Indian tribes contain limited waivers of sovereign immunity and, in many cases, provide for arbitration to enforce the agreements. Generally, our only recourse for collection of funds under these agreements is from revenues, if any, of prospective casino operations.
Seasonality
We believe that our casino operations, including Stockman’s and FireKeepers Casino, and our estimates of completion for projects in development may be affected by seasonal factors, including holidays, adverse weather and travel conditions. Our cash flow from GED is affected by our management agreement with Harrington where GED’s second quarter cash flow has been reduced by a rebate of management fees which forms the basis of GED’s on-going cash flow according to the amended management agreement. Accordingly, our results of operations may fluctuate from year to year and the results for any year may not be indicative of results for future years.
Regulation and taxes
We, and our casino projects, are subject to extensive regulation by state and tribal gaming authorities. We will also be subject to regulation, which may or may not be similar to current state regulations, by the appropriate authorities in any jurisdiction where we may conduct gaming activities in the future. Changes in applicable laws or regulations could have an adverse effect on us.
The gaming industry represents a significant source of tax revenues to regulators. From time to time, various federal legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax law, or in the administration of such law, affecting the gaming industry. It is not possible to determine the likelihood of possible changes in tax law or in the administration of such law. Such changes, if adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our future financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

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Off-balance sheet arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures — As of September 30, 2010, we completed an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable assurance level in timely alerting them to material information relating to us which is required to be included in our periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting — There have been no changes during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits
  2.1  
Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Grand Victoria Casino & Resort, L.P. and Full House Resorts, Inc., dated as of September 10, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Full House’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 13, 2010. )
 
31.1  
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
31.2  
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
32.1  
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
32.2  
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
     
*  
Filed herewith

 

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
  FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.
 
 
Date: November 8, 2010  By:   /s/ MARK MILLER    
    Mark Miller   
    Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
(on behalf of the Registrant and
as principal financial officer) 
 

 

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