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, 2012
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   þ     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 6, 2012, there were 18,679,681 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
   
         
   
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
 
3
         
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2012 (Unaudited), and December 31, 2011
 
4
         
   
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
 
5
         
   
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
 
6
         
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
7
         
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
18
         
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
29
         
PART II.
Other Information
   
         
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
30
         
 
Signatures
 
31
 
 
2

 
 
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
   
Three months
ended September 30,
   
Nine months
ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenues
                       
  Casino
  $ 27,676,298     $ 25,074,330     $ 78,743,906     $ 49,827,965  
  Food and beverage
    1,332,037       1,482,257       4,073,848       3,268,617  
  Management fees
    338,569       6,066,093       6,548,337       18,347,769  
  Other operations
    786,702       845,231       1,934,354       1,496,956  
      30,133,606       33,467,911       91,300,445       72,941,307  
Operating costs and expenses
  Casino
    15,105,847       14,664,824       44,427,942       28,198,738  
  Food and beverage
    1,222,519       1,432,238       3,806,988       3,271,879  
  Other operations
    1,436,333       1,556,295       4,218,206       3,005,609  
  Project development and acquisition costs
    105,446       106,769       376,385       724,636  
  Selling, general and administrative
    7,891,402       8,247,119       24,164,409       16,890,277  
  Depreciation and amortization
    1,348,126       2,083,294       4,735,991       4,987,179  
      27,109,673       28,090,539       81,729,921       57,078,318  
Operating gains (losses)
                               
Gain on sale of joint venture
    --       --       41,200,089       --  
Equity in net income of unconsolidated joint venture, and related guaranteed payments
    --        1,122,004       --       3,306,035  
Impairment losses
    --       (4,919,703 )     --       (4,919,703 )
Unrealized losses on notes receivable, tribal governments
    --       --       --       (7,864 )
      --       (3,797,699 )     41,200,089       (1,621,532 )
 
Operating income
    3,023,933       1,579,673       50,770,613       14,241,457  
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense
    (71,806 )     (887,482 )     (804,956 )     (2,015,961 )
Gain (loss) on derivative instrument
    --       (213,850 )     8,472       (564,193 )
Other income
    3,119       8,790       8,784       7,289  
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    --       --       (1,719,269 )     --  
      (68,687 )     (1,092,542 )     (2,506,969 )     (2,572,865
Income before income taxes
    2,955,246       487,131       48,263,644       11,668,592  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    870,515       (996,627 )     17,416,929       1,867,370  
Net income
    2,084,731       1,483,758       30,846,715       9,801,222  
     Income attributable to non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture
    --       (2,623,251 )     (2,181,172 )     (7,936,751 )
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company
  $ 2,084,731     $ (1,139,493 )   $ 28,665,543     $ 1,864,471  
                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company per common share
  $ 0.11     $ (0.06 )   $ 1.53     $ 0.10  
                                 
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
    18,679,681       18,673,681       18,676,824       18,304,218  
                                 
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 
 
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
   
September 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
ASSETS
           
Current assets
           
Cash and equivalents
  $ 21,467,492     $ 14,707,464  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $995,879 and $1,158,013
    1,736,339       4,865,195  
Prepaid expenses
    3,261,292       2,486,975  
Deferred tax asset
    738,273       750,580  
Deposits and other
    442,158       404,171  
      27,645,554       23,214,385  
                 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $14,769,191 and $11,080,559
    36,806,202       38,668,283  
                 
Long-term assets related to tribal casino projects
               
Note receivable, net of allowance of $0 and $661,600
    --       --  
Contract rights, net of accumulated amortization of $0 and $6,492,981
    --       10,872,605  
      --       10,872,605  
Other long-term assets
               
Goodwill
    7,455,718       7,455,718  
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $850,000 and $425,000
    11,495,620       11,720,727  
Long-term deposits
    9,446,624       142,114  
Loan fees, net of accumulated amortization of $0 and $934,491
    901,906       1,898,492  
Deferred tax asset
    432,487       645,617  
      29,732,355       21,862,668  
    $ 94,184,111     $ 94,617,941  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 1,888,397     $ 1,613,819  
Income tax payable
    2,457,420       2,409,612  
Accrued player club points and progressive jackpots
    1,787,273       1,750,981  
Accrued payroll and related
    3,356,354       4,033,866  
Other accrued expenses
    3,041,056       2,427,197  
Current portion of long-term debt
    --       4,950,000  
      12,530,500       17,185,475  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
    --       21,987,422  
      12,530,500       39,172,897  
Stockholders’ equity
               
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 20,036,276 and 20,030,276 shares issued
    2,004       2,003  
Additional paid-in capital
    44,396,700       43,447,798  
Treasury stock, 1,356,595 common shares
    (1,654,075 )     (1,654,075 )
Retained earnings
    38,908,982       8,507,926  
      81,653,611       50,303,652  
Non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture
    --       5,141,392  
      81,653,611       55,445,044  
    $ 94,184,111     $ 94,617,941  
 
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 
 
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
   
Common stock
   
Additional
paid-in
   
Treasury stock
   
Retained
   
Non-controlling
   
Total
stockholders’
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2012
 
Shares
   
Dollars
   
Capital
   
Shares
   
Dollars
   
earnings
   
Interest
   
equity
 
                                                                 
Beginning balances
    20,030,276     $ 2,003     $ 43,447,798       1,356,595     $ (1,654,075 )   $ 8,507,926     $ 5,141,392     $ 55,445,044  
Previously deferred share-based compensation recognized
    --       --           931,203       --       --       --       --       931,203  
                                                                 
Issuance of common stock
    6,000       1       17,699       --       --       --       --       17,700  
                                                                 
Distribution to non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture
    --       --             --       --       --       --       (3,587,051 )     (3,587,051 )
                                                                 
Sale of interest in joint venture
    --       --       --       --       --       1,735,513       (3,735,513 )     (2,000,000 )
                                                                 
Net income
    --       --       --       --       --       28,665,543       2,181,172       30,846,715  
                                                                 
Ending balances
    20,036,276     $ 2,004     $ 44,396,700       1,356,595     $ (1,654,075 )   $ 38,908,982     $ --     $ 81,653,611  
                                                                 
   
Common stock
   
Additional
paid-in
   
Treasury stock
   
Retained
   
Non-controlling
   
Total
Stockholders’
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2011
 
Shares
   
Dollars
   
Capital
   
Shares
   
Dollars
   
earnings
   
Interest
   
equity
 
                                                                 
Beginning balances
    19,364,276     $ 1,936     $ 42,699,533       1,356,595     $ (1,654,075 )   $ 6,164,927     $ 5,582,526     $ 52,794,847  
Issuance of share based compensation
    660,000       66       (66 )     --       --       --       --       --  
                                                                 
Previously deferred share-based compensation recognized
    --       --             413,871       --       --       --       --       413,871  
                                                                 
Issuance of common stock
    6,000       1       24,059       --       --       --       --       24,060  
                                                                 
Distribution to non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture
    --       --             --       --       --       --       (8,189,702 )     (8,189,702 )
                                                                 
Net income
    --       --       --       --       --       1,864,471       7,936,751       9,801,222  
                                                                 
Ending balances
    20,030,276     $ 2,003     $ 43,137,397       1,356,595     $ (1,654,075 )   $ 8,029,398     $ 5,329,575     $ 54,844,298  
 
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 
 
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
   
Nine months
ended September, 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (389,641 )   $ 20,997,328  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (1,855,363 )     (1,233,284 )
Proceeds from sale of joint venture, less holdback
    49,669,096       --  
Deposits and other costs of Silver Slipper acquisition
    (10,319,012 )     --  
Deposits and other costs of Rising Star acquisition
    --       (19,514,157 )
Other
    (85,100 )     60,047  
          Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    37,409,621       (20,687,394 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Repayment of long term debt and swap
    (26,937,422 )     (3,300,000 )
Proceeds from borrowing
    --       15,103,891  
Distributions to non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture
    (3,322,530 )     (8,189,703 )
Loan fees
    --       (648,792 )
Other
    --       (35,802 )
          Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (30,259,952 )     2,929,594  
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents
               
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period
    6,760,028       3,239,528  
Cash and equivalents, end of period
    14,707,464       13,294,496  
    $ 21,467,492     $ 16,534,024  
                 
      2012       2011  
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 547,147     $ 1,378,383  
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 17,915,291     $ 3,941,118  
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Deposit and other costs of Rising Star acquisition made through term loan
  $ --     $ 17,896,109  
Capital expenditures financed with accounts payable
  $ 8,820     $ --  
Purchases of property and equipment financed with prior year deposit
  $ --     $ 5,000,000  
Non-cash distributions for non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture
  $ 279,374     $ --  
 
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
 
6

 
 
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 (consisting of normal recurring 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 8, 2012, for the year ended December 31, 2011, from which the balance sheet information as of that date was derived. The results of operations for the period ended September 30, 2012, are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012.
 
The consolidated financial statements include all our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Gaming Entertainment (Indiana) LLC (“Rising Star”), Gaming Entertainment (Nevada) LLC (“Grand Lodge”) and Stockman’s Casino (“Stockman’s”). Gaming Entertainment (Michigan), LLC (“GEM”), our 50%-owned investee was jointly owned by RAM Entertainment, LLC (“RAM”), until March 30, 2012, when the sale of RAM’s and our interest in GEM closed, and was consolidated pursuant to the relevant portions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification™ (“ASC”) Topic 810, “Consolidation”.  We accounted for the investment in Gaming Entertainment (Delaware), LLC (“GED”) (Note 3) using the equity method of accounting until the end of the management agreement in August 2011. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In July 2012, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2012-02, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.  The new guidance allows entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, we are not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless we determine, based on the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The new guidance includes a number of events and circumstances for an entity to consider in conducting the qualitative assessment. The new guidance is effective, for us, beginning with annual and interim impairment tests performed for the reporting period beginning September 15, 2012.   This new guidance currently has no impact on our financial statements.
 
2.
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
 
On June 1, 2011, our compensation committee approved the issuance of 660,000 shares of restricted stock, then valued at the closing price of our stock ($3.88), with no discount.  The majority of the shares (600,000) will vest on June 1, 2013.  The remaining shares have a three year vesting schedule as follows:  20,001 vested on June 1, 2012, 20,001 will vest on June 1, 2013 and 19,998 on June 1, 2014.  Vesting is contingent upon certain conditions, including continuous service of the individual recipients. The unvested grants are viewed as a series of individual awards and the related share-based compensation expense will be amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis as services are provided over the vesting period.
 
 
7

 
 
We recognized stock compensation expense of $0.3 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively, and $0.9 million and $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively. Share based compensation expense related to the amortization of the restricted stock issued is included in selling, general and administrative expense. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had deferred share-based compensation of $0.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
 
3.
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
 
GED.  Our investment in unconsolidated joint venture was comprised of a 50% ownership interest in GED, a joint venture between us and Harrington Raceway Inc. (“HRI”). GED had a management agreement through August 31, 2011 with HRI for the management of Harrington Raceway and Casino (“Harrington”) (formerly known as Midway Slots and Simulcast), which is located in Harrington, Delaware.  Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, as restructured in 2007, we received the greater of 50% of GED’s member distribution as prescribed under the joint venture agreement, or a 5% growth rate in its 50% share of GED’s prior year member distribution through the expiration of the GED management contract on August 31, 2011.  GED was a variable interest entity due to the fact that we had limited exposure to risk of loss. Therefore, we did not consolidate, but accounted for its investment using the equity method.
 
We sold our interest in GED to HRI during the fourth quarter of 2011 and our investment in GED was $0.0 million as of December 31, 2011.   
 
GED had no non-operating income or expenses, was treated as a partnership for income tax reporting purposes and consequently recognized 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 were no material differences between GED’s income for financial and tax reporting purposes.
 
GED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME INFORMATION
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
2012
   
September 30,
2011
   
September 30,
2012
   
September 30,
2011
 
Revenues
  $ --     $ 5,207,935     $ --     $ 21,291,578  
                                 
Net income
    --       752,797       --       3,507,322  
 
GEM.  We directed the day-to-day operational activities of GEM which significantly impacted GEM’s economic performance, prior to the sale of our interest on March 30, 2012, and therefore, we were the primary beneficiary pursuant to the relevant portions of FASB ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation” [ASC 810-10-25 Recognition of Variable Interest Entities, paragraphs 38-39].  As such, the joint venture was a variable interest entity that was consolidated in our financial statements.
 
Management believed the maximum exposure to loss from our investment in GEM was $8.1 million (before tax impact) as of December 31, 2011, which was composed of our share of contract rights and our equity investment that was eliminated in consolidation.  GEM had no debt or long-term liabilities.  As of December 31, 2011 GEM’s current assets were $2.5 million and included the FireKeepers management fee receivable.  Also as of December 31, 2011, Long-term assets included $7.9 million in contract rights.
 
 
8

 
 
An unaudited summary of GEM’s operations follows:
 
GEM CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME INFORMATION
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
2012
   
September 30,
2011
   
September 30,
2012
   
September 30,
2011
 
Revenues
  $ --     $ 6,001,093     $ 5,340,398     $ 18,277,769  
Net income
    --       5,246,502       4,362,345       15,873,502  
 
4.              CONTRACT RIGHTS
 
Contract rights were comprised of the following as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
 
2012 
 
Cost
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Disposal
   
Net
 
FireKeepers project, initial cost
  $ 4,155,213     $ (1,582,938 )   $ (2,572,275 )   $ --  
FireKeepers project, additional
    13,210,373       (5,503,093 )     (7,707,280 )     --  
    $ 17,365,586     $ (7,086,031 )   $ (10,279,555 )   $ --  
 
 
2011 
 
Cost
   
Accumulated
amortization
   
Disposal
   
Net
 
FireKeepers project, initial cost
  $ 4,155,213     $ (1,434,539 )   $ --     $ 2,720,674  
FireKeepers project, additional
    13,210,373       (5,058,442 )     --       8,151,931  
    $ 17,365,586     $ (6,492,981 )   $ --     $ 10,872,605  
 
Amortization over the management contract period (seven years) commenced on the additional contract rights at the opening date of the FireKeepers Casino on August 5, 2009. Of the remaining contract rights, $7.5 million were sold with our interest in GEM, to the FireKeepers Development Authority (“FDA”) on March 30, 2012, and the remaining $2.8 million were expensed.
 
5.              NOTE RECEIVABLE, TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS
 
We had a note receivable related to advances made to, or on behalf of, Nambé Pueblo to fund tribal operations and development expenses related to a potential casino project.  Repayment of this note was conditioned upon the development of the project, and ultimately, the successful operation of the casino.  Subject to such condition, our agreements with the Nambé Pueblo tribe provided for the reimbursement of these advances plus applicable interest, if any, either from the proceeds of any outside financing of the development and the actual operation itself.
 
Management fully reserved the value of the note receivable from the Nambé Pueblo to $0.0 million and recognized the impairment of the note receivable during the third quarter of 2011.  As of September 30, 2012, the Nambé Pueblo note receivable was written off, due to the probability that the project will not be completed and collection is unlikely.
 
 
9

 
 
6.              GOODWILL & OTHER INTANGIBLES
 
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over fair market value of net assets acquired in connection with Stockman’s and Rising Star operations. Goodwill was $5.8 million for Stockman’s and $1.6 million for Rising Star as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  Our review of Stockman’s and Rising Star goodwill as of September 30, 2012, resulted in approximately a 2% and 19% excess, respectively, of estimated fair value over the carrying value of goodwill and related assets using a market approach considering an earnings multiple of 6.25 times. These calculations, which are subject to change as a result of future economic uncertainty, contemplate changes for both current year and future year estimates in earnings and the impact of these changes to the fair value of Stockman’s and the Rising Star, although there is always some uncertainty in key assumptions including projected future earnings growth.
 
We acquired the Rising Star on April 1, 2011 for approximately $19.0 million in cash and $33.0 million drawn from our Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo (as discussed in Note 7). The goodwill of $1.6 million is the excess purchase price over the assets purchased.
 
Other Intangible Assets:
 
Other intangible assets, net consist of the following:
                               
   
September 30, 2012 (unaudited)
 
       
   
Estimated
Life (years)
   
Gross
Carrying
Value
   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Cumulative Expense / (Disposals)
   
Intangible
Asset, Net
 
Amortizing intangible assets:
                             
Player Loyalty Program - Rising Star
  3     $ 1,700,000     $ (850,000 )   $ --     $ 850,000  
Wells Fargo Bank Loan Fees
  5       2,614,438       (924,336 )     (1,690,102 )     --  
Capital One Bank Loan Fees
  3       901,906       --       --       901,906  
                                       
Non-amortizing intangible assets:
                                     
Gaming License-Indiana
 
Indefinite
      9,900,000       --       --       9,900,000  
Gaming License-Mississippi
 
Indefinite
      171,402       --       --       171,402  
Gaming Licensing Costs - Nevada
 
Indefinite
      541,653       --       --       541,653  
Trademark-Rising Star
 
Indefinite
      32,565       --       --       32,565  
            $ 15,861,964     $ (1,774,336 )   $ (1,690,102 )   $ 12,397,526  
 
 
10

 
 
   
December 31, 2011
 
       
   
Estimated
Life (years)
   
Gross
Carrying
Value
   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Cumulative Expense / (Disposals)
   
Intangible
Assets, Net
 
Amortizing intangible assets:
                             
Player Loyalty Program - Rising Star
  3     $ 1,700,000     $ (425,000 )   $ --     $ 1,275,000  
Nevada State Bank Loan Fees
  15       218,545       (218,545 )     --       --  
Wells Fargo Bank Loan Fees
  5       2,614,438       (715,946 )     --       1,898,492  
                                       
Non-amortizing intangible assets:
                                     
Gaming License - Indiana
 
Indefinite
      9,900,000       --       --       9,900,000  
Gaming Licensing Costs - Nevada
 
Indefinite
      484,676       --       32,131       516,807  
Trademark – Rising Star
 
Indefinite
      26,889       --       2,031       28,920  
            $ 14,944,548     $ (1,359,491 )   $ 34,162     $ 13,619,219  
 
Player Loyalty Program
 
The player loyalty program represents the value of repeat business associated with Rising Star’s loyalty program.  The value of $1.7 million of the Rising Star player loyalty program was determined using a multi-period excess earning method of the income approach, which examines the economic returns contributed by the identified tangible and intangible assets of a company, and then isolates the excess return, which is attributable to the asset being valued, based on cash flows attributable to the player loyalty program.  The valuation analysis for the active rated player was based on projected revenues and attrition rates.  Rising Star maintains historical information for the proportion of revenues attributable to the rated players for gross gaming revenue.
 
Loan Fees
 
Loan fees incurred and paid as a result of debt instruments were accumulated and amortized over the term of the related debt, based on an effective interest method.  Loan fees incurred for Nevada State Bank resulted from the credit facility to purchase Stockman’s Casino in 2007.  In March 2011, the credit facility with Nevada State Bank was terminated and the amortization of the loan fees was accelerated.  We recognized amortization expense of $0.2 million during the first quarter of 2011 as a result of the termination. On October 29, 2010, we entered into a Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo Credit Agreement”). In December 2010, we entered into a Commitment Increase Agreement to increase the funds available under the Wells Fargo Credit Agreement.  Loan fees related to the Wells Fargo debt were $2.6 million and were to be amortized over the five-year term of the loan.  The aggregate amortization was $0.0 million and $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and $0.2 million and $0.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.  We paid off the remaining $25.3 million in debt, which consisted of $24.8 million of our existing long term debt and $0.5 million due on the interest rate swap agreement (“Swap”) related to the Wells Fargo Credit Agreement as of March 30, 2012 and therefore expensed the net remaining loan fees of $1.7 million, after the necessary amortization expense in the first quarter of 2012.  We incurred $0.9 million related to obtaining the First Lien Credit Agreement with Capital One, NA, as administrative agent (“First Lien Credit Agreement”) and obtaining the Second Lien Credit Agreement with ABC Funding, LLC as administrative agent (“Second Lien Credit Agreement”), as discussed in Note 7, which will be amortized over the term of the agreements beginning October, 2012.
 
 
11

 
 
Gaming License
 
Gaming licenses represent the value of the license to conduct gaming in certain jurisdictions, which are subject to highly extensive regulatory oversight and, in some cases, a limitation on the number of licenses available for issuance.  The value of $9.9 million of the Rising Star gaming license was determined using a multi-period excess earning method of the income approach, which examines the economic returns contributed by the identified tangible and intangible assets of a company, and then isolates the excess return, which is attributable to the asset being valued, based on cash flows attributable to the gaming license. The other gaming license values are based on actual costs. Gaming licenses are not subject to amortization as they have indefinite useful lives and are evaluated for potential impairment on an annual basis unless events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the gaming licenses may not be recoverable.  We reviewed existing gaming licenses as of December 31, 2011 and recognized a write down of $0.03 million related to gaming licensing costs pertaining to a former director, who is no longer affiliated with the organization and $0.02 million related to costs for a new license to be obtained. We incurred $0.2 million in costs related to obtaining a Mississippi gaming license for the purchase of all of the outstanding membership interest of Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC which owns and operates the Silver Slipper Casino (“Silver Slipper”).
 
Trademark
 
Trademarks are based on the legal fees and recording fees related to the trademark of the “Rising Star Casino Resort” name, and variations of such name.  Trademarks are not subject to amortization, as they have an indefinite useful life and are evaluated for potential impairment on an annual basis unless events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the trademark may not be recoverable.
 
Current & Future Amortization
 
We amortize definite-lived intangible assets, including player loyalty program and loan fees, over their estimated useful lives.  The aggregate amortization expense was $0.1 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended and $0.6 million and $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively. Total amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ending September 2013 and September 2014 are anticipated to be approximately $0.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively, which includes the amortization on the remaining Rising Star player loyalty program costs.
 
7.              LONG-TERM DEBT
 
At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, long-term debt consists of the following:
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Long-term debt, net of current portion:
           
Term loan agreement, $33.0 million on October 29, 2010, maturing June 30, 2016, interest greater of 1 month LIBOR, or 1.5%, plus margin [4.5%-5.5%], LIBOR rates and margins are adjusted quarterly. (7.0% during the quarter ended March 31, 2012). Paid in full March 30, 2012.
  $ --     $ 26,400,000  
Swap agreement, $20.0 million on January 7, 2011, effective April 1, 2011, maturing April 1, 2016, interest received based on 1 month LIBOR, and paid at a fixed rate of 1.9% through August 31, 2011.  The Swap was re-designated in September 2011 with interest to be received at the greater of 1.5% or 1 month LIBOR, and paid at a fixed rate of 3.06% until maturity. (average net settlement rates during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 were 1.56%). Terminated effective March 30, 2012.
        --           537,422  
Less current portion
    --       ( 4,950,000 )
    $ --     $ 21,987,422  
 
 
12

 
 
Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo. In 2010, we, as borrower, entered into the Wells Fargo Credit Agreement with the financial institutions listed therein (the “Lenders”) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as administrative agent for the Lenders, as collateral agent for the Secured Parties (as defined in the Wells Fargo Credit Agreement), as security trustee for the Lenders, as Letters of Credit Issuer and as Swing Line Lender. The funds available under the original Wells Fargo Credit Agreement as of March 31, 2011 were $38.0 million, consisting of a $33.0 million term loan and a revolving line of credit of $5.0 million.
 
The initial funding date of the Wells Fargo Credit Agreement occurred March 31, 2011, when we borrowed $33.0 million on the term loan which was used to fund our acquisition of Grand Victoria Casino & Resort in Rising Sun, Indiana on April 1, 2011.  In August 2011, the property was renamed the Rising Star Casino Resort.  On March 30, 2012, we used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of our interest in GEM to pay off our remaining outstanding debt of $25.3 million, which consisted of $24.8 million of our existing long term debt and $0.5 million due on the Swap, and to extinguish the credit facility and related interest-rate hedge.
 
Loss on Extinguishment of Wells Fargo Debt. Upon the early $24.8 million repayment and termination of our existing long term debt on March 30, 2012, we recorded a non-cash charge to expense for the remaining unamortized loan fees of $1.7 million and loan administrative fees.
 
First and Second Lien Credit Agreements. On June 29, 2012, we entered into the First Lien Credit Agreement with Capital One.  The First Lien Credit Agreement provides for a term loan in an amount up to $50.0 million and a revolving loan in an amount up to $5.0 million.  On October 1, 2012, we entered into a Second Lien Credit Agreement with ABC Funding, LLC as administrative agent which provides for a term loan in an amount up to $20.0 million. We funded the purchase of the Silver Slipper with the full amount of the $50.0 million term loan under the First Lien Credit Agreement and the full amount of the Second Lien Credit Agreement. The $5.0 million revolving loan under the First Lien Credit Agreement remains undrawn and available. The First and Second Lien Credit Agreements are secured by substantially all of our assets and therefore, our wholly-owned subsidiaries guarantee our obligation under the agreements.  The Second Lien Credit Agreement is subject to the lien of the First Lien Credit Agreement.
 
We have elected to pay interest on the First Lien Credit Agreement based on a one month LIBOR rate as set forth in the agreement.  LIBOR rate means a rate per annum equal to the quotient (rounded upward if necessary to the nearest 1/16 of one percent) of (a) the greater of (1) 1.00% and (2) the rate per annum referenced to as the BBA (British Bankers Association) LIBOR divided by (b) one minus the reserve requirement set forth in the First Lien Credit Agreement for such loan in effect from time to time.  We will pay interest on the Second Lien Credit Agreement at the rate of 13.25% per annum.
 
The First and Second Lien Credit Agreements contain customary negative covenants for transactions of this type, including, but not limited to, restrictions on our and our subsidiaries’ ability to: incur indebtedness; grant liens; pay dividends and make other restricted payments; make investments; make fundamental changes; dispose of assets; and change the nature of their business.  The First and Second Lien Credit Agreements require that we maintain specified financial covenants, including a total leverage ratio, a first lien leverage ratio, a fixed charge coverage ratio and a capital expenditures ratio each as set forth in the agreements. The First and Second Lien Credit Agreements also include customary events of default, including, among other things: non-payment; breach of covenant; breach of representation or warranty; cross-default under certain other indebtedness or guarantees; commencement of insolvency proceedings; inability to pay debts; entry of certain material judgments against us or our subsidiaries; occurrence of certain ERISA events; re-purchase of our own stock and certain changes of control.
 
We are required to make prepayments under the First Lien Credit Agreement, under certain conditions defined in the agreement, in addition to the scheduled principal installments for any fiscal year ending December 31, 2012 and thereafter. Prepayment penalties will be assessed in the event that prepayments are made on the Second Lien Credit Agreement prior to the discharge of the First Lien Credit Agreement.
 
 
13

 
 
8.              DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
 
We were subject to interest rate risk to the extent we borrowed against credit facilities with variable interest rates as described above.  We had potential interest rate exposure with respect to the $33.0 million original outstanding balance on our variable rate term loan under the Wells Fargo Credit Agreement.  During January 2011, we reduced our exposure to changes in interest rates by entering into the Swap with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which became effective on April 1, 2011.  The Swap exchanged a floating rate for fixed interest payments periodically over the life of the Swap without exchange of the underlying $20.0 million notional amount.  The interest payments under the Swap were settled on a net basis.
 
Effective March 30, 2012 the Swap was terminated and $0.5 million was paid, which reflected the fair value on that date, therefore, we no longer recognized the derivative as a liability on the balance sheet in long-term debt. Prior to the pay-off of the Swap, the derivative was marked to fair value and the adjustment of the derivative was recognized as income during the first quarter of 2012.
 
During the first quarter of 2012, we paid interest on the hedged portion of the debt ($18.0 million) at an average net rate of 8.56% and paid interest on the non-hedged portion of the debt ($13.0 million) at a rate of 7.0%.  The weighted average cash interest rate paid on the debt was 8.16%, including Swap interest and loan interest.
 
The net effect of our floating-to-fixed interest rate Swap resulted in an increase in interest expense of $0.07 million during the first quarter of 2012, as compared to the contractual rate of the underlying hedged debt for the period.
 
9.              SEGMENT REPORTING
 
The following tables reflect selected information for our reporting segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. The casino operation segments include the Rising Star’s operation in Rising Sun, Indiana, the Grand Lodge’s operation in Lake Tahoe, Nevada and Stockman’s operation in Fallon, Nevada. We have included regional information for segment reporting and aggregated casino operations in the same region. The development / management segment includes costs associated with casino development and management projects, including the management agreement with the Pueblo of Pojoaque to advise on the operations of the Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the Michigan and Delaware joint ventures. The Corporate segment includes our general and administrative expenses.
 
 
14

 
 
           Selected statement of operations data for the three months ended September 30:
 
   
Casino Operations
Nevada
   
Casino
Operations
Mid-west
   
Development/ 
Management
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
2012
                             
Revenues
  $ 7,442,752     $ 22,252,285     $ 438,569     $ --     $ 30,133,606  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    1,524,595       5,085,082       --       1,281,725       7,891,402  
Depreciation and amortization
    218,430       1,127,707       --       1,989       1,348,126  
Operating gains
    --       --       --       --       --  
Operating income (loss)
    2,382,096       1,592,428       425,897       (1,376,488 )     3,023,933  
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
    1,573,110       1,500,692       (33,714 )     (955,357 )     2,084,731  
 
   
Casino Operations
Nevada
   
Casino
Operations
Mid-west
   
Development/ 
Management
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
2011
                             
Revenues
  $ 3,340,887     $ 24,060,931     $ 6,066,093     $ --     $ 33,467,911  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    895,864       5,848,882       163,077       1,339,296       8,247,119  
Depreciation and amortization
    248,928       1,238,588       593,052       2,726       2,083,294  
Operating gains (losses)
    (4,500,000 )     --       702,301       --       (3,797,699 )
Operating income (loss)
    (4,148,282 )     1,164,480       5,969,188       (1,405,713 )     1,579,673  
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
    (2,737,802 )     743,425       2,509,532       (1,654,648 )     (1,139,493 )
 
Selected statement of operations data for the nine months ended September 30:
 
   
Casino Operations
Nevada
   
Casino
Operations
Mid-west
   
Development/ 
Management
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
2012
                             
Revenues
  $ 17,508,229     $ 67,143,879     $ 6,648,337     $ --     $ 91,300,445  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    4,661,737       14,746,887       136,386       4,619,399       24,164,409  
Depreciation and amortization
    706,814       3,429,735       593,052       6,390       4,735,991  
Operating gains
    --       --       41,200,089       --       41,200,089  
Operating income (loss)
    3,462,683       5,191,119       46,985,732       (4,868,921 )     50,770,613  
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
    2,282,395       1,913,151       29,924,892       (5,454,895 )     28,665,543  
 
   
Casino Operations
Nevada
   
Casino
Operations
Mid-west
   
Development/ 
Management
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
2011
                             
Revenues
  $ 7,341,965     $ 47,251,568     $ 18,347,774     $ --     $ 72,941,307  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    1,841,926       11,052,326       446,275       3,549,750       16,890,277  
Depreciation and amortization
    723,878       2,458,771       1,779,395       25,135       4,987,179  
Operating gains (losses)
    (4,500,000 )     --       2,878,468       --       (1,621,532 )
Operating income (loss)
    (3,608,860 )     3,149,266       18,475,417       (3,774,366 )     14,241,457  
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
    (2,381,619 )     1,213,457       7,226,438       (4,193,805 )     1,864,471  
 
 
15

 
 
Selected balance sheet data as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
   
Casino Operations
Nevada
   
Casino
Operations
Mid-west
   
Development/ Management
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
2012
                             
Total assets
  $ 16,881,939     $ 52,231,566     $ 4,896     $ 25,065,710     $  94,184,111  
Property and equipment, net
    7,099,033       29,690,820       --       16,349       36,806,202  
Goodwill
    5,808,520       1,647,198       --       --       7,455,718  
Liabilities
    2,220,384       6,310,155       --       3,999,961       12,530,500  
 
   
Casino Operations
Nevada
   
Casino
Operations
Mid-west
   
 
Development/
Management
   
 
 
Corporate
   
 
 
Consolidated
 
2011
                             
Total assets
  $ 18,488,888     $ 54,923,492     $ 13,192,504     $ 8,013,057     $ 94,617,941  
Property and equipment, net
    7,350,840       31,296,224       --       21,219       38,668,283  
Goodwill
    5,808,520       1,647,198       --       --       7,455,718  
Liabilities
    4,604,218       9,649,198       102,709       24,816,772       39,172,897  
 
10.
ACQUISITION OF SILVER SLIPPER CASINO
 
On March 30, 2012, we entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC to acquire all of the outstanding membership interest of the entity operating the Silver Slipper Casino in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The purchase price was approximately $70.0 million, exclusive of estimated cash, net working capital balances, fees and expenses and other adjustments as customary, as of October 1, 2012.
 
On October 1, 2012, we closed on the acquisition of all of the equity membership interests in Silver Slipper Casino Venture LLC dba Silver Slipper Casino located in Bay St. Louis, Hancock County, Mississippi. The purchase price of approximately $70.0 million, exclusive of cash and working capital in the amount $6.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively, was funded by a $50.0 million first lien term loan provided by Capital One Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and the lenders identified in the First Lien Credit Agreement dated June 29, 2012 and a $20.0 million second lien term loan provided by ABC Funding LLC as administrative agent and the lenders identified in the Second Lien Credit Agreement dated October 1, 2012, as discussed in Note 7.  The $5.0 million revolving loan under the First Lien Credit Agreement remains undrawn and available.  The First and Second Lien Credit Agreements are secured by substantially all of our assets and therefore, our wholly-owned subsidiaries guarantee our obligation under the agreements.  The Second Lien Credit Agreement is subject to the lien of the First Lien Credit agreement.
 
The Silver Slipper features 37,000 square feet of gaming space, including approximately 1,000 slots, 26 tables, a poker room, three restaurants and two bars. The property draws heavily from the New Orleans metropolitan area and other communities in southern Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi.
 
Through September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had incurred $0.1 million and $0.0 million in Silver Slipper acquisition related expenses, respectively, which are included in project development and acquisition expense.  In conjunction with closing on the First Lien Credit Agreement, we incurred $0.9 million in financing related fees, which are located on the balance sheet under loan fees.
 
As of September 30, 2012, we had $9.2 million in long-term deposits, which represented our cash payment held in escrow related to the purchase of the Silver Slipper, included in the long-term deposits line item on the balance sheet. 
 
The initial accounting for this purchase which was closed on October 1, 2012 is not yet complete.  The amounts below are provisional amounts based on drafts of a valuation study which has not yet been finalized and is subject to adjustment and estimated purchase price adjustments. The purchase price is expected to be allocated in the fourth quarter of 2012 as follows (in millions):
 
Building
  $ 42.2  
Land improvements
    0.5  
Equipment
    4.5  
Intangibles
    1.4  
Player loyalty program
    5.9  
Goodwill (excess purchase price over the assets purchased)
    15.5  
Working capital
    2.8  
    $ 72.8  
 
 
16

 
 
The fair values of these acquired identifiable assets are expected to be finalized upon receipt of the final valuation and adjustments. The goodwill is the excess purchase price over the assets purchased and includes the assembled workforce of the Silver Slipper.  The valuation above estimates a net working capital amount of $2.8 million, although the purchase agreement states the seller and purchaser will have up to 60 days to review the closing net working capital and therefore, changes in the working capital may be made.
 
The following unaudited, condensed consolidated pro forma data summarizes our results of operations for the periods indicated as if the acquisitions had occurred as of January 1, 2011.  This unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is not necessarily indicative of what our actual results would have been had the acquisition been completed on that date, or of future financial results.  The estimated net income attributable to the Company and the net income per share have been adjusted for Silver Slipper’s effective tax rate in the State of Mississippi.
 
In thousands, except for
per share amounts
 
Three months ended Sept 30,
   
Nine months ended Sept 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net revenues
  $ 43,615     $ 47,709     $ 134,036     $ 116,921  
Depreciation and amortization
    3,072       3,763       9,916       10,016  
Operating income
     3,115       2,427        53,398       18,024  
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company
    (230     (4,172 )     23,889       (3,498 )
Net income (loss) per share
  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.22 )   $  1.28     $ (0.19 )
 
 
17

 
 
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect our future results. Unless otherwise noted, transactions, trends and other factors significantly impacting our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity are discussed in order of magnitude. In addition, unless expressly stated otherwise, the comparisons presented in this MD&A refer to the same period in the prior year. Our MD&A is presented in seven sections:
     
 
Overview
 
Results of continuing operations
 
Liquidity and capital resources
 
Off-balance-sheet arrangements
 
Seasonality
 
Regulation and taxes
 
Critical accounting estimates and policies
 
Overview
 
We own, develop, manage, and/or invest in gaming-related enterprises. We continue to actively investigate, individually and with partners, new business opportunities and our long-term strategy is to transition to primarily an operating company and to drive revenues from owned operations rather than management fees.
 
Specifically, we own and operate the Rising Star Casino Resort in Rising Sun, Indiana (“Rising Star”), Stockman’s Casino (“Stockman’s”) in Fallon, Nevada and we lease and operate the Grand Lodge Casino (“Grand Lodge”) in Incline Village, Nevada. We also have a management agreement with the Pueblo of Pojoaque in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which became effective September 23, 2011. As of October 1, 2012, we acquired and now operate the Silver Slipper Casino in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
 
On April 1, 2011, we acquired all of the operating assets of Grand Victoria Casino & Resort, L.P. through Gaming Entertainment (Indiana) LLC, our wholly-owned subsidiary. In August 2011, the property was renamed Rising Star Casino Resort.  In May 2011, we entered into a three-year agreement with the Pueblo of Pojoaque, which has been approved by the NIGC as a management contract, to advise on the operations of the Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort in Santa Fe, New Mexico along with the Pueblo’s Cities of Gold and Sports Bar casino facilities. Our management and related agreements with the Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort became effective on September 23, 2011.  As of September 1, 2011, we own the operating assets of the Grand Lodge Casino, and have a 5-year lease with Hyatt Equities LLC for the casino space in the Hyatt Regency Resort, Spa and Casino in Incline Village, Nevada on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Until August 31, 2011, we were a non-controlling 50%-investor in Gaming Entertainment (Delaware), LLC (“GED”), a joint venture with Harrington Raceway Inc. (“HRI”). GED had a 15-year management contract through August 2011 with Harrington Casino at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, Delaware.
 
On March 30, 2012, we entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC to acquire all of the outstanding membership interest of the entity operating the Silver Slipper Casino in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The purchase was closed on October 1, 2012, for a price of approximately $70.0 million and $6.7 million in cash, exclusive of net working capital balances, fees and expenses and other adjustments. We entered into the First Lien Credit Agreement (“First Lien Credit Agreement”) with Capital One on June 29, 2012 and the Second Lien Credit Agreement (“Second Lien Credit Agreement”) with ABC Funding, LLC on October 1, 2012, as discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, and we used the debt to fund the approximately $70.0 million Silver Slipper (“Silver Slipper”) purchase price. We also paid approximately $6.7 million in cash for the property working capital and cash balances.
 
 
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Management believes the acquisition of the Silver Slipper is consistent with our long-stated growth strategy and will create long-term shareholder value. The Silver Slipper, which opened in November 2006, is on the far west end of the Mississippi Gulf Coast (22 miles west of Gulfport, 34 miles from Biloxi) and is approximately one hour (56 miles) from New Orleans (versus 90mi/1.5hrs to the Beau Rivage). The property has over 37,000 square feet of gaming space, approximately 1,000 slot and video poker machines, 26 table games, a poker room and the only live keno game on the Gulf Coast. The property includes a fine dining restaurant, buffet, quick service restaurant and two casino bars. The property draws heavily from the New Orleans metropolitan area and other communities in southern Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi.
 
The Gulf Coast is one of the country’s largest gaming markets and its proximity to southern Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle, as well as ample non-gaming amenities and a seasonal draw, make the market attractive.
 
Until March 30, 2012, we owned 50% of Gaming Entertainment (Michigan), LLC (“GEM”), a joint venture with RAM Entertainment, LLC (“RAM”), where we were the primary beneficiary and, therefore, consolidated GEM in our consolidated financial statements. On March 30, 2012, we, along with our 50% joint venture partner RAM, entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement (‘the GEM Sale Agreement”) and closed on the $97.5 million sale of our limited liability company interests in GEM and the FireKeepers management agreement to the FireKeepers Development Authority (“FDA”), $48.8 million to RAM and $48.8 million to us.  The gross proceeds were paid, less a $0.2 million holdback amount which the FDA may use to satisfy any liabilities arising before the sale date which are paid subsequently, or to satisfy any indemnification obligations of us and RAM under the sale agreement. The holdback receivable, less any amounts used to satisfy such liabilities, will be paid to RAM and us on December 31, 2012 in equal amounts. The FDA paid $48.7 million to us and also $48.6 million to RAM, on March 30, 2012, which reflected the deduction of the hold back amount split between RAM and us and $0.03 million of buyer transaction expenses deducted from RAM’s portion. GEM had 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.
 
In addition to the $97.5 million, the FDA paid RAM and us $1.2 million each, equal to the management fee that would have been earned under the management agreement for April 2012, which was defined as the ‘wind up fee’ less $0.3 million, which was split between RAM and us.  The wind up fee was received in May 2012, and was $0.4 million more than estimated at March 31, 2012; therefore the gain on sale was increased from $40.8 million to $41.2 million during the second quarter.  During the first quarter, we used a portion of the sale proceeds to pay-off our remaining outstanding debt of $25.3 million to Wells Fargo, which consisted of $24.8 million of our existing long term debt and $0.5 million due on the interest rate swap agreement (“Swap”) related to the Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo, to extinguish the credit facility and related interest-rate hedge. The Wells Fargo Credit Agreement, which was scheduled to mature on June 30, 2016, was terminated without the incurrence of any early termination penalties or fees.
 
Our gain on the sale of joint venture, related to the sale of our interest in GEM, was $41.2 million and allocated as follows (in millions):
 
Gross proceeds, before $0.1 million holdback receivable
  $ 48.8  
Plus:  April 2012 ‘Wind up’ fee received, net of $0.03 million deduction
    0.9  
      49.7  
Less:  Net basis of contract rights expensed
    (2.8 )
Less:  Our interest in joint venture
    (5.7 )
Gain on sale of joint venture
  $ 41.2  
 
 
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Results of continuing operations
 
A significant portion of our revenue had been generated from our management agreements with the FireKeepers Casino in Michigan, the Harrington Casino in Delaware and Buffalo Thunder in New Mexico.  The Delaware agreement expired on August 31, 2011. The FireKeepers management agreement ended March 30, 2012, with the sale of our interest in GEM and the New Mexico agreement ends in September 2014.  There can be no assurance that the New Mexico management agreement will be extended.  Additionally, our 2012 and 2011 results of continuing operation were significantly impacted by our newly acquired Rising Star on April 1, 2011 and Grand Lodge on September 1, 2011.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, our revenues from the FireKeepers management agreement were $5.3 million and $18.3 million, respectively, which represent a significant amount of our total annual operating income. Management fees represented 6% and 25% of total revenues for the years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as we have executed our strategy to transition to primarily an operating company and drive revenue from owned operations rather than management fees.  We funded the acquisition of the Silver Slipper with the First and Second Lien Credit Agreements totaling $70.0 million on October 1, 2012.  We believe the impact of the lost revenues from the sale of our interest in GEM and the FireKeepers management agreement will be diminished with the acquisition of the Silver Slipper, as well as a full year of operations at the Rising Star and Grand Lodge.
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012, Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Revenues. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, total revenues decreased $3.3 million (10%) as compared to 2011, primarily due to a $5.6 million (93%) and $1.8 million (8%) decrease in our development / management and casino operations Mid-west segments, respectively, offset by a $4.1 million increase (123%) in our casino operations Nevada segment.
 
The $5.6 million decrease in revenues in our development / management segment is related to lower management fees, comprised mainly of a $6.0 million decrease and a $0.2 million increase in management fees related to FireKeepers and Buffalo Thunder, respectively.  FireKeepers management fees were lower due to the sale of our interest in GEM and the FireKeepers management agreement which closed March 30, 2012.  Buffalo Thunder management fees are higher in the current year as the management contract began in September 2011.
 
The $1.8 million decrease in revenues in our casino operations Mid-west segment is related to Rising Star operations.  The lower Rising Star casino revenues were largely due to both lower slot and table games revenue caused by a decline in slot volume as well as lower table game win percentages in the current year period.  Rising Star slot coin-in decreased approximately 7% over the prior year period.  Rising Star table games volume increased 6%, however the hold percentage declined approximately 300 basis points year over year.  The primary reasons for the shortfalls against prior year are due to weakness in the Southeastern Indiana gaming market. The weakness is a result of increased competition from Scioto Downs Racino in Columbus, Ohio. This racino opened up in early June 2012 and has impacted the play from the Columbus, Ohio market. Other factors include a stagnant economy that has negatively affected most of the gaming properties across the Mid-west and the United States.
 
The $4.1 million increase in revenues in our casino operations Nevada segment was predominantly attributable to the lease of the Grand Lodge on September 1, 2011.  For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Grand Lodge’s casino revenues increased $4.2 million over the prior year, as the prior year period only includes operations for the month of September 2011.
 
Operating costs and expenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, total operating costs and expenses decreased $1.0 million (3%), as compared to 2011, primarily due to decreases in our casino operations Mid-west and development / management segments of $2.2 million (10%) and $.8 million (98%), respectively, offset by a $2.1 million (69%) increase in our casino operations Nevada segment.
 
 
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The $2.2 million decrease in our casino operations Mid-west operating expenses were largely due to lower expenses at the Rising Star, mostly related to lower gaming taxes, marine operating costs and other employee related costs in the current year period.  The decrease in our development / management operating costs was largely due to a $0.4 million (100%) decrease in amortization, related to the sale of the Michigan gaming rights on March 30, 2012.
 
The $2.1 million increase in our casino operations Nevada operating expenses was attributable to the lease of the Grand Lodge on September 1, 2011.  For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Grand Lodge’s operating expenses increased $2.3 million, as the prior year period only includes operations for the month of September, offset by a $0.2 million (11%) decrease at Stockman’s Casino.   The decrease at Stockman’s Casino was mostly related to a decrease in depreciation expense, as assets have become fully depreciated.
 
Project development and acquisition costs. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, project development costs were flat as compared to 2011, and included $0.01 million of Silver Slipper acquisition costs, as compared to $0.04 million of Grand Lodge acquisition costs in the prior year period.  Project development and acquisition costs are allocated to our development / management operations segment.
 
Selling, general and administrative expense. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.4 million (4%) as compared to 2011 primarily due to a $0.8 million (13%) decrease in our casino operations Mid-west segment and a $0.1 million (4%) decrease in our corporate operations segment, offset by a $0.6 million  (70%) increase in our casino operations Nevada segment.
 
The a $0.8 million decrease in our casino operations Mid-west segment selling, general and administrative costs was predominantly attributable to lower Rising Star benefit expenses and marine operating costs in the current year period. The $0.6 million increase in our casino operations Nevada segment selling, general and administrative costs was related to the Grand Lodge, due to the lease and operation of the Grand Lodge effective September 1, 2011.  The $0.1 million decrease in our corporate operation’s segment selling, general and administrative expenses was largely due to lower benefit expenses.
 
Operating gains (losses). For the three months ended September 30, 2012, operating gains increased by $3.8 million (100%), due to $4.9 million of impairment losses recorded in the prior year period, related to a $4.5 million Stockman’s goodwill impairment and $0.4 million Nambé Pueblo note receivable impairment, and a $1.1 million decrease in equity in net income of unconsolidated joint venture.  The GED management contract was terminated August 2011, as discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.  These operating gains (losses) are allocated to our development / management operations segment.
 
Other income (expense). For the three months ended September 30, 2012, other expense decreased by $1.0 million (94%),  primarily due to $0.9 million of interest expense and $0.2 million loss on derivative instrument in the prior year period. The interest expense and loss on derivative in the prior year period were related to long term debt which was funded March 31, 2011, when we borrowed $33.0 million on the term loan to fund our acquisition of the Rising Star.  On March 30, 2012, we used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of our interest in GEM to pay off our remaining outstanding debt of $25.3 million, as discussed in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. The interest expense in the current year period was related to Capital One Bank, N.A. commitment fees on the First Lien Credit Agreement.  Interest expense and other income (expense) related to derivative instruments are allocated to our corporate operations segment.
 
 
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Income taxes. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, the estimated effective annual income tax rate applied for the current year period is approximately 29%, compared to a prior year benefit effective annual income tax rate of (205%) and compared to the prior quarters estimated effective annual income tax rate of 49%. The prior year’s rate benefited from the impairment losses during the quarter, as well as a 2010 GEM state tax refund, as GEM’s filing status changed from filing as a stand-alone entity to filing unitarily with Full House Resorts, Inc. during the prior year period.  Also, the current periods rate benefited from a change in estimates related to Indiana state taxes. There is no allowance on the current deferred tax asset of $0.7 million and the long-term deferred tax asset of $0.4 million as of September 30, 2012, and we believe the deferred tax assets are fully realizable.
 
Noncontrolling interest. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, the net income attributable to non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture decreased by $2.6 million (100%), as we no longer own the 50% interest in GEM, effective March 30, 2012.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012, Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Revenues. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, total revenues increased $18.4 million (25%) as compared to 2011, primarily due to a $20.0 million (42%) and $10.2 million (138%) increase in our casino operations Mid-west and Nevada segment’s revenues, respectively, offset by an $11.7 million decrease (64%) in our development / management segment revenues. The $20.0 million increase in revenues in our casino operations Mid-west segment was largely due to the acquisition of the Rising Star on April 1, 2011. The $10.2 million increase in revenues in our casino operations Nevada segment is related to the lease and operations of the Grand Lodge.
 
The $11.7 million decrease in our development / management segment revenues was predominantly attributable to the $12.9 million (71%) decrease in FireKeepers management fees, offset by a $1.1 million increase in Buffalo Thunder management fees. FireKeepers management fees were lower due to the sale of our interest in GEM and the FireKeepers management agreement which closed March 30, 2012. Our management agreement with the Buffalo Thunder Casino & Resort became effective September 2011.
 
Operating costs and expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, total operating costs and expenses increased $25.0 million (43%), as compared to 2011, primarily due to a $17.9 million (40%) and $7.6 million (118%) increase in our casino operations Mid-west and Nevada segment’s operating costs, respectively, offset by an $1.9 million decrease (69%) in our development / management segment operating costs.
 
The $17.9 million and $7.6 million increases in our casino operations Mid-west and Nevada segment’s operating expenses, respectively, were largely due to the acquisition of the Rising Star and Grand Lodge. The $1.9 million decrease in our development / management segments operating costs was attributable to the sale of our interest in GEM and the FireKeepers Management agreement which closed March 30, 2012.
 
Project development and acquisition costs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, project development costs decreased $0.3 million (48%), as compared to 2011, primarily due to $0.5 million of acquisition expenses for the Rising Star in the prior year, offset by $0.1 million of acquisition expenses for the Silver Slipper in the current year. Project development and acquisition costs are allocated to our development / management operations segment.
 
Selling, general and administrative expense. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $7.3 million (43%) as compared to 2011 primarily due to a $3.7 million (33%) increase in our casino operations Mid-west segment and a $2.8 million increase in our casino operations Nevada segment, due to the acquisition of the Rising Star and the Grand Lodge, and a $1.1 million (30%) increase in our corporate operations segment.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Rising Star’s and Grand Lodge’s selling, general and administrative expenses increased $3.7 million (33%) and $2.9 million, respectively.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased at the corporate level by $1.1 million, mostly related to a $0.9 million increase in payroll and related costs, comprised principally of a $0.5 million increase in stock compensation expense related to the issuance of 660,000 shares of restricted stock as discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements and a $0.2 million increase in incentive compensation, related to the sale of our interest in GEM. Selling, general and administrative expenses also increased at the corporate level due to a $0.2 million increase in Delaware franchise taxes, related to a larger number of authorized shares.
 
 
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Operating gains (losses). For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, operating gains increased by $42.8 million consisting primarily of the gain on sale of the joint venture of $41.2 million, related to the sale of our interest in GEM, and the $4.9 million of impairment losses in the prior year period, related to a $4.5 million goodwill impairment and $0.4 million Nambé Pueblo note receivable impairment, offset by a $3.3 million (100%) decrease in equity in net income of unconsolidated joint venture.  The GED management contract was terminated August 2011, as discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. These operating gains (losses) are allocated to our development / management operations segment.
 
Other income (expense). For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, other expense decreased by $0.07 million (3%),  primarily due to a $1.7 million loss on extinguishment of debt related to the write-off of the Wells Fargo loan costs, due to the payoff of the debt which is discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, offset by a $1.2 million (60%) decrease in interest expense and a $0.6 million (102%) decrease in the loss on derivative instrument related to long term debt which was funded March 31, 2011, when we borrowed $33.0 million on the term loan to fund our acquisition of the Rising Star.  These other income (expense) items are allocated to our corporate operations segment.
 
Income taxes. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the estimated effective annual income tax rate applied for the current year period is approximately 38%, compared to 16% for the same period in 2011.  The lower tax rate in the prior year was primarily due to the tax benefit of the impairment losses during the prior year, as well as a 2010 GEM state tax refund, as GEM’s filing status changed from filing as a stand-alone entity to filing unitarily with Full House Resorts, Inc. during the third quarter of 2011. There is no allowance on the current deferred tax asset of $0.7 million and the long-term deferred tax asset of $0.4 million as of September 30, 2012, and we believe the deferred tax assets are fully realizable.
 
Noncontrolling interest. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the net income attributable to non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture decreased by $5.8 million (73%), as the current year non-controlling interest only represents the first quarter’s 50% interest in GEM. Our interest in GEM was sold on March 30, 2012.
 
Liquidity and capital resources
 
Economic conditions and related risks and uncertainties
 
The United States and the world has experienced a widespread and severe economic slowdown accompanied by, among other things, weakness in consumer spending including gaming activity and reduced credit and capital financing availability, all of which have far-reaching effects on economic conditions in the country for an indeterminate period. Our operations are currently concentrated in Indiana, northern Nevada, New Mexico and the Gulf Coast. Accordingly, future operations could be affected by adverse economic conditions and increased competition particularly in those areas and their key feeder markets in neighboring states. Prior to March 30, 2012, our operations included the FireKeepers Casino in Michigan, and prior to September 1, 2011, our operations also included the Harrington Casino in Delaware. The effects and duration of these conditions and related risks and uncertainties on our future operations and cash flows, including our access to capital or credit financing, cannot be estimated at this time, but may be significant.
 
The Rising Star, Grand Lodge, Stockman’s and Silver Slipper operations and the Buffalo Thunder management agreement are currently our primary sources of recurring income and significant positive cash flow. Our management agreement for the Harrington Casino in Delaware ended on August 31, 2011 and our interest in GEM and the management agreement for the FireKeepers Casino was sold on March 30, 2012. There can be no assurance that the Buffalo Thunder management agreement ending in September 2014, will be extended beyond its term.  Future cash flow is expected to be positively impacted by our acquisition on October 1, 2012 of the Silver Slipper.
 
 
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The Rising Star is one of three riverboat casinos located on the Ohio River in southeastern Indiana.  Its closest competitor is the Hollywood Casino, approximately a twenty minute drive, which is larger with 150,000 square feet of casino space, over 3,000 slot machines, 84 table games, poker room and five dining options. To the south is the Belterra Casino, approximately thirty minutes away, with 1,550 slot machines and 41 table games. Ohio has recently authorized legalized gambling and the new Scioto Downs Racino and Hollywood Casino opened in Columbus, Ohio in June and October 2012, respectively. The Scioto Downs Racino includes over 2,100 slots and live horse racing.  The Ohio Hollywood Casino includes over 3,000 slots, 70 table games and a poker room. The Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati is currently being built and is expected to open in the spring of 2013 and will feature approximately 100,000 square feet of casino space, 2,000 slot machines, 85 table games and a poker room.  There are also two proposed racinos nearby in the Cincinnati area. Each of these facilities is within the general market of Rising Star and is expected to provide competition to our Rising Star operation in 2014. While Kentucky has limited legal gaming, the cities of Lexington and Louisville are within the market of the Rising Star and there is a possibility that Kentucky will expand legalized gaming in the near future.
 
On a consolidated basis, cash provided by operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased $21.4 million over the same prior year period, partially attributable to the approximately $11.6 million in taxes paid related to the gain on sale of our interest in GEM. The decrease in cash provided by operations was also attributable to a $14.4 million decrease in net income, exclusive of the $41.2 million gain on sale of our interst in GEM in the current year, primarily due to the sale of our interest in FireKeepers, offset by Rising Star and Grand Lodge operations. Cash provided by investing activities increased $58.1 million from the prior year period primarily due to the $49.7 million of proceeds from the sale of our interest in GEM and the $19.5 million of deposits and other costs of the Rising Star acquisition in the prior year, offset by $10.3 million in deposits and other costs related to the Silver Slipper acquisition.  Cash used in financing activities increased $33.2 million from the prior year mostly due to the $26.9 million repayment of long term debt and the Swap liability.  As of September 30, 2012, we had approximately $21.5 million in cash, of which approximately $3.9 million will be used to satisfy our remaining GEM sale tax liability and $12.0 million is dedicated to on-going operations.
 
Our future cash requirements include selling, general and administrative expenses, project development costs, capital expenditures, taxes and possibly funding any negative cash flow of our casino operations as well as potential acquisitions.
 
In October 2011, the Rising Sun/Ohio County First, Inc. (RSOCF) and the Rising Sun Regional Foundation, Inc. teamed up to develop a new 100-room hotel on land currently owned by us at Rising Star.  On June 13, 2012, the City of Rising Sun Advisory Plan Commission (Plan Commission) provided a favorable recommendation to the City Council of Rising Sun, Indiana, regarding a revised amendment to the plan of development, which was adopted by the City Council on July 5, 2012. On August 13, 2012, the Plan Commission approved the detailed plan of development. The parties entered into a real estate sale agreement dated May 2, 2012, for RSOCF to purchase  approximately 3.0 acres of land on which the hotel will be developed for $30,000 per acre with a closing to follow the approval of final project documents by the parties. Construction is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2012, and the hotel is expected to open in late 2013 or early 2014. We believe that the added hotel room inventory in proximity to the casino facility will favorably impact revenues and visitor counts.
 
Subject to the effects of 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 on gaming activity of the current economic environment, increased competition and a generally tight credit environment, increases the uncertainty with respect to our development and growth plans.
 
 
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Banking Relationships
 
On October 29, 2010, we, as borrower, entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Wells Fargo Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. On December 17, 2010, we entered into a Commitment Increase of the Wells Fargo Credit Agreement and a related Assignment Agreement increasing the loan commitment from $36.0 million to $38.0 million, consisting of a $33.0 million term loan and a revolving line of credit of $5.0 million.
 
The initial funding date of the Wells Fargo Credit Agreement occurred March 31, 2011 when we borrowed $33.0 million on the term loan which was used to fund our acquisition of the Rising Star. The purchase occurred on April 1, 2011. The Wells Fargo Credit Agreement was secured by substantially all of our assets. We paid off the remaining $25.3 million remaining debt related to the Wells Fargo Credit Agreement and extinguished the facility on March 30, 2012, which consisted of $24.8 million of our existing long term debt and $0.5 million due on the Swap, from proceeds from the sale of our interest in GEM and the FireKeepers management agreement.
 
 As of September 30, 2012, we held $9.2 million in escrow related to the Silver Slipper acquisition, which is included in long-term deposits on our balance sheet.  The Silver Slipper features approximately 1,000 slots, 26 tables, a poker room, three restaurants and two bars. The property draws heavily from the New Orleans metropolitan area and other communities in southern Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi.
 
 On October 1, 2012, we closed on the acquisition of all of the equity membership interests in Silver Slipper Casino Venture LLC dba Silver Slipper Casino located in Bay St. Louis, Hancock County, Mississippi. The purchase price of approximately $70.0 million, exclusive of cash and working capital in the amount $6.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively, was funded by a $50.0 million first lien term loan provided by Capital One Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and the lenders identified in the First Lien Credit Agreement dated June 29, 2012 and a $20.0 million second lien term loan provided by ABC Funding LLC as administrative agent and the lenders identified in the Second Lien Credit Agreement dated October 1, 2012. The $5.0 million revolving loan under the First Lien Credit Agreement remains undrawn and available.  The First and Second Lien Credit Agreements are secured by substantially all of our assets and therefore, our wholly-owned subsidiaries guarantee our obligation under the agreements.  The Second Lien Credit Agreement is subject to the lien of the First Lien Credit agreement.
 
We have elected to pay interest on the First Lien Credit Agreement based on a one month LIBOR rate as set forth in the agreement.  LIBOR rate means a rate per annum equal to the quotient (rounded upward if necessary to the nearest 1/16 of one percent) of (a) the greater of (1) 1.00% and (2) the rate per annum referenced to as the BBA (British Bankers Association) LIBOR divided by (b) one minus the reserve requirement set forth in the First Lien Credit Agreement for such loan in effect from time to time.  We will pay interest on the Second Lien Credit Agreement at the rate of 13.25% per annum.
 
The First and Second Lien Credit Agreements contain customary negative covenants for transactions of this type, including, but not limited to, restrictions on our and our subsidiaries’ ability to: incur indebtedness; grant liens; pay dividends and make other restricted payments; make investments; make fundamental changes; dispose of assets; and change the nature of their business.  The First and Second Lien Credit Agreements require that we maintain specified financial covenants, including a total leverage ratio, a first lien leverage ratio, a fixed charge coverage ratio and a capital expenditures ratio each as set forth in the agreements. The First and Second Lien Credit Agreements also include customary events of default, including, among other things: non-payment; breach of covenant; breach of representation or warranty; cross-default under certain other indebtedness or guarantees; commencement of insolvency proceedings; inability to pay debts; entry of certain material judgments against us or our subsidiaries; occurrence of certain ERISA events; re-purchase of our own stock and certain changes of control.
 
We are required to make prepayments under the First Lien Credit Agreement, under certain conditions defined in the agreement, in addition to the scheduled principal installments for any fiscal year ending December 31, 2012 and thereafter. Prepayment penalties will be assessed in the event that prepayments are made on the Second Lien Credit Agreement prior to the discharge of the First Lien Credit Agreement.
 
 
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In September 2012, we opened Federal Deposit Insurance (“FDIC”) insured noninterest bearing accounts with Capital One Bank, NA (“Capital One”).  As of September 30, 2012, we had $4.0 million in these insured noninterest bearing accounts. Bankrate.com’s Safe & Sound® service rated Capital One Bank (USA), NA in Virginia a “4 Star” as of June 30, 2012, which is defined as a “sound” ranking of relative financial strength and stability.
 
In March 2011, we opened FDIC insured noninterest bearing accounts with Wells Fargo.  As of September 30, 2012, we had $6.0 million in these insured noninterest bearing accounts.  Bankrate.com’s Safe & Sound® service rated Wells Fargo Financial, NA in Las Vegas, NV a “5 Star” as of June 30, 2012, which is the highest award rating and is defined as a “superior” ranking of relative financial strength and stability. As of September 30, 2012, we held $2.2 million in an FDIC insured noninterest bearing account with Nevada State Bank (NSB). NSB is a subsidiary of Zion’s Bancorporation.
 
 FireKeepers Casino
 
GEM, our FireKeepers Casino joint venture through March 30, 2012, had the exclusive right to provide casino management services to the Michigan Tribe in exchange for a management fee, after certain other distributions were paid to the Tribe, of 26% of net revenues (defined effectively as net income before management fees) for seven years which commenced upon the opening of the FireKeepers Casino on August 5, 2009. On December 2, 2010, the FDA entered into a hotel consulting services agreement with GEM, as the consultant, related to the FireKeepers Casino phase II development project, which includes development of a hotel, multi-purpose/ballroom facility, surface parking and related ancillary support spaces and improvements.  GEM was to perform hotel consulting services for a fixed fee of $12,500 per month, continuing through to the opening of the project, provided the total fee for services did not exceed $0.2 million in total.  On May 22, 2012, we signed an amendment to the hotel consulting services agreement with the FDA stating we agree to assume the GEM agreement for a fixed monthly amount of $12,500 per month and specific reimbursable expenses for June through November, 2012.
 
On February 17, 2012, GEM signed a letter of intent with the FDA to propose terms of a potential sale of GEM’s management rights and responsibilities under the current management agreement and allow the FireKeepers casino to become self-managed by the FDA, in return for $97.5 million.  The sale closed March 30, 2012 and effectively terminated the existing management agreement, which was scheduled to run through August 2016.  We used a portion of the proceeds to pay-off our remaining outstanding debt.  We received a $1.2 million wind-up fee equivalent to what our management fee would have been for the month of April 2012.
 
Other projects
 
        Additional projects are considered based on their forecasted profitability, development period, regulatory and political environment and the ability to secure the funding necessary to complete the development, among other considerations.
 
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.
 
Seasonality
 
We believe that our casino operations, management contracts and our estimates of completion for projects in development are affected by seasonal factors, including holidays, adverse weather and travel conditions. Accordingly, our results of operations may fluctuate during the year or from year to year and the results for any year may not be indicative of results for future years.
 
 
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Regulation and taxes
 
We, and our casino operations, 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 state governments. From time to time, various federal or state 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.
 
Critical accounting estimates and policies
 
We describe our critical accounting estimates and policies in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 2011. We also discuss our critical accounting estimates and policies in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. There has been no significant change in our critical accounting estimates or policies since the end of 2011.
 
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;
 
successful integration of acquisitions;
 
risks related to development and construction activities; including weather, labor, supply and other unforeseen interruptions, including development of hotel or other amenities in conjunction with the Silver Slipper and Rising Star;
 
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 licenses or added types of gaming legislation, regulations and taxes;
 
ability to obtain and maintain gaming and other governmental licenses;
 
regulatory approvals;
 
 
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competitive environment, including increased competition from existing and new jurisdictions, such as Ohio, Illinois, California, Kentucky, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi and new forms of gaming such as internet gaming;
 
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 risk factors, 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 forecasted in any forward-looking statements.
 
 
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures — As of September 30, 2012, 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 — On September 1, 2011, we acquired the operational assets of Grand Lodge Casino.  With respect to this acquisition, Management has assessed the effectiveness of the newly acquired property’s internal controls, and has deemed the controls over financial reporting to be effective as of September 1, 2012.
 
There have been no other changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 6.  Exhibits
 
 
10.1
Second Lien Credit Agreement dated as of October 1, 2012, by and among Full House Resorts, Inc. as borrower, the Lenders named therein and ABC Funding, LLC as Administrative Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Full House’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2012.)
 
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
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance*
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema*
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation*
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition*
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels*
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation*
 

* XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.
 
 
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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 6, 2012    
     
  By: /s/ MARK J. MILLER
  Mark J. Miller
  Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
  (on behalf of the Registrant and as principal financial officer)
 
 
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