10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009
or
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File No. 1-32583
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
  13-3391527
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
4670 S. Fort Apache, Ste. 190
Las Vegas, Nevada

(Address of principal executive offices)
  89147
(Zip Code)
(702) 221-7800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “small reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large Accelerated Filer o   Accelerated Filer o   Non Accelerated Filer o   Smaller Reporting Company þ
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
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 August 10, 2009, there were 18,001,681 shares of Common Stock, $.0001 par value per share, outstanding.
 
 

 

 


 

FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.
INDEX
         
    Page  
 
       
PART I. Financial Information
       
 
       
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
       
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    6  
 
       
    7  
 
       
    16  
 
       
    28  
 
       
    28  
 
       
       
 
       
    28  
 
       
    29  
 
       
    30  
 
       
    31  
 
       
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2

 

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (Unaudited)        
ASSETS
               
Current assets
               
Cash and equivalents
  $ 4,538,364     $ 5,304,755  
Notes receivables related to tribal casino project
    4,480,546        
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,146 and $20,000
    63,383       597,848  
Prepaid expenses
    674,147       504,021  
Deferred tax asset
    170,219       293,598  
Deposits and other
    106,159       143,209  
 
           
 
    10,032,818       6,843,431  
 
           
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $5,465,981 and $4,985,766
    8,319,892       8,630,024  
 
           
 
               
Long-term assets related to tribal casino projects
               
Notes receivable
    927,336       5,114,767  
Contract rights, net of accumulated amortization of $755,889 and $729,228
    16,768,891       16,795,552  
 
           
 
    17,696,227       21,910,319  
 
           
Other long-term assets
               
Goodwill
    10,308,520       10,308,520  
Deposits and other
    916,680       775,829  
 
           
 
    11,225,200       11,084,349  
 
           
 
  $ 47,274,137     $ 48,468,123  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $     $ 225,224  
Accounts payable
    196,396       239,059  
Accrued expenses
    1,094,812       1,021,817  
 
           
 
    1,291,208       1,486,100  
Long-term debt due to joint venture affiliate, including accrued interest of $220,062 and $153,610 net of current portion
    3,509,051       3,137,600  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
    925,264       3,066,639  
Deferred tax liability
    1,692,394       1,594,424  
 
           
 
    7,417,917       9,284,763  
 
           
Stockholders’ equity
               
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized; 19,358,276 and 19,350,276 shares issued
    1,936       1,935  
Additional paid-in capital
    42,598,644       42,356,098  
Treasury stock, 1,356,595 and 1,210,414 shares at cost
    (1,654,075 )     (1,502,182 )
Deficit
    (5,569,393 )     (6,272,559 )
 
           
 
    35,377,112       34,583,292  
Non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture
    4,479,108       4,600,068  
 
           
 
    39,856,220       39,183,360  
 
           
 
  $ 47,274,137     $ 48,468,123  
 
           
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 
    Three months     Six months  
    ended June 30,     ended June 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Revenues
                               
Casino
  $ 1,886,289     $ 1,804,463     $ 3,755,231     $ 3,769,512  
Food and beverage
    458,890       551,828       889,624       1,135,813  
Other operating income
    19,624       30,679       39,885       51,268  
 
                       
 
    2,364,803       2,386,970       4,684,740       4,956,593  
 
                       
Operating costs and expenses
                               
Casino
    559,485       677,550       1,139,394       1,277,336  
Food and beverage
    484,012       555,045       964,672       1,155,318  
Project development costs
    15,319       35,840       31,014       70,632  
Selling, general and administrative
    1,519,075       1,737,469       3,048,969       3,332,090  
Depreciation and amortization
    280,981       324,693       571,533       595,234  
 
                       
 
    2,858,872       3,330,597       5,755,582       6,430,610  
 
                       
Operating gains (losses)
                               
Equity in net income of unconsolidated joint venture, and related guaranteed payments
    839,700       1,032,046       2,091,876       2,194,783  
Unrealized gains (losses) on notes receivable, tribal governments
    40,220       (61,840 )     293,969       1,836,684  
Impairment loss
    (30,000 )     (85,000 )     (30,000 )     (85,000 )
 
                       
 
    849,920       885,206       2,355,845       3,946,467  
 
                       
Operating income (loss)
    355,851       (58,421 )     1,285,003       2,472,450  
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest and other income
    12,936       36,929       35,590       95,677  
Interest expense
    (58,353 )     (118,491 )     (147,162 )     (298,385 )
 
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    310,434       (139,983 )     1,173,431       2,269,742  
Income taxes
    (205,253 )     (15,108 )     (591,225 )     (660,404 )
 
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations net of income taxes
    105,181       (155,091 )     582,206       1,609,338  
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes of $23,377 in 2008
                      38,141  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
    105,181       (155,091 )     582,206       1,647,479  
Plus loss (less net income) attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint venture
    61,780       188,434       120,960       (575,246 )
 
                       
Net income attributable to the Company
  $ 166,961     $ 33,343     $ 703,166     $ 1,072,233  
 
                       
Income from continuing operations attributable to the Company per common share
                               
Basic and diluted
  $ 0.01     $ 0.00     $ 0.04     $ 0.06  
 
                       
Income from discontinued operations attributable to the Company per common share
                               
Basic and diluted
                    $ 0.00  
 
                       
Net income attributable to the Company per common share
                               
Basic and diluted
  $ 0.01     $ 0.00     $ 0.04     $ 0.06  
 
                       
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
                               
Basic and diluted
    17,996,525       19,342,276       18,049,495       19,342,276  
 
                       
 
                               
Amounts attributable to the Company common shareholders:
                               
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
  $ 166,961     $ 33,343     $ 703,166     $ 1,034,092  
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
                      38,141  
 
                       
Net income attributable to the Company
  $ 166,961     $ 33,343     $ 703,166     $ 1,072,233  
 
                       
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                                                 
                                    Additional                     Total  
Six months ended   Common stock     Treasury stock     paid-in             Noncontrolling     stockholders’  
June 30, 2009   Shares     Dollars     Shares     Dollars     capital     Deficit     Interest     equity  
 
                                                               
Beginning balance
    19,350,276     $ 1,935       1,210,414     $ (1,502,182 )   $ 42,356,098     $ (6,272,559 )   $ 4,600,068     $ 39,183,360  
 
                                                               
Previously deferred share-based compensation recognized
                            222,147                   222,147  
Issuance of common stock
    8,000       1                   20,399                   20,400  
Purchase of treasury stock
                146,181       (151,893 )                       (151,893 )
Net income
                                  703,166       (120,960 )     582,206  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Ending balance
    19,358,276     $ 1,936       1,356,595     $ (1,654,075 )   $ 42,598,644     $ (5,569,393 )   $ 4,479,108     $ 39,856,220  
 
                                               
                                                                 
                                    Additional                     Total  
Six months ended   Common stock     Treasury stock     paid-in             Noncontrolling     stockholders’  
June 30, 2008   Shares     Dollars     Shares     Dollars     capital     Deficit     Interest     equity  
 
                                                               
Beginning balance
    19,342,276     $ 1,934                 $ 41,557,043     $ (7,890,849 )   $ 4,232,775     $ 37,900,903  
Previously deferred share-based compensation recognized
                            420,635                   420,635  
Issuance of common stock
                                               
Purchase of treasury stock
                                               
Net income
                                  1,072,233       575,246       1,647,479  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Ending balance
    19,342,276     $ 1,934                 $ 41,977,678     $ (6,818,616 )   $ 4,808,021     $ 39,969,017  
 
                                               
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 
    Six months  
    ended June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
               
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 1,687,055     $ 631,558  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Acquisition of contract rights and other assets
          (2,085,082 )
Purchase of property and equipment
    (236,958 )     (314,746 )
Advances to tribal governments
          (71,336 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
    400       6,961,020  
Proceeds from repayment of tribal advances
          9,253,467  
Other
    854       8,856  
 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (235,704 )     13,752,179  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Payments on long-term debt
    (2,366,599 )     (17,589,021 )
Proceeds from borrowings from joint venture affiliate
    305,000       1,260,112  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (151,893 )      
Loan fees
    (4,250 )      
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (2,217,742 )     (16,328,909 )
 
           
 
               
Net decrease in cash and equivalents
    (766,391 )     (1,945,172 )
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period
    5,304,755       7,975,860  
 
           
Cash and equivalents, end of period
  $ 4,538,364     $ 6,030,688  
 
           
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1.  
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The interim consolidated financial statements of Full House Resorts, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) included herein reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. Certain information normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with 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 the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 27, 2009, for the year ended December 31, 2008, from which the balance sheet information as of that date was derived. Certain minor reclassifications to amounts previously reported have been made to conform to the current period presentation, none of which affected previously reported net income or earnings per share. The results of operations for the periods ended June 30, 2009, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2009. Events through the date the financial statements were issued, August 10, 2009, were evaluated by management to determine if adjustments to or disclosure in these interim consolidated financial statements were necessary.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Stockman’s Casino (“Stockman’s”). Gaming Entertainment (Michigan), LLC (“GEM”), a 50%-owned investee of the Company that is jointly owned by RAM Entertainment, LLC (“RAM”), has been consolidated pursuant to the guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. The Company accounts for its investment in Gaming Entertainment (Delaware), LLC (“GED”) (Note 3) using the equity method of accounting because the Company is not the primary beneficiary. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an Amendment of ARB No. 51, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling or minority interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary, which did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. Among the effects of SFAS No. 160 is the exclusion from net income (loss) of the noncontrolling or minority interest therein and the relocation of such noncontrolling or minority interest to the stockholders’ equity section of the balance sheet. Income taxes remain unchanged; however, the Company’s effective tax rate as calculated from the balances shown on the consolidated statements of operations has changed as net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is no longer included as an adjustment in the determination of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 did not have any other material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, including reported income (loss), income per share or deficit for the periods presented.

 

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2.  
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
For the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $115,932 and $209,559, respectively, related to the amortization of restricted stock grants in prior years and stock grants in July 2008 and May 2009, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. For the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, share-based compensation expense recognized was $242,547 and $420,635, respectively. At June 30, 2009, the Company had deferred share-based compensation of $83,429.
3.  
INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURE
The Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint venture is comprised of a 50% ownership interest in GED, a joint venture between the Company and Harrington Raceway Inc (“HRI”). GED has a management agreement with Harrington Raceway and Casino (“Harrington”) (formerly known as Midway Slots and Simulcast), which is located in Harrington, Delaware. GED has no non-operating income or expenses, is treated as a partnership for income tax purposes and consequently recognizes no federal or state income tax provision. As a result, income from operations for GED is equal to net income for each period presented, and there are no material differences between its income for financial and tax reporting purposes.
Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, as restructured in 2007, the Company is to receive the greater of 50% of GED’s member distribution as currently 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 in August 2011.
As of the balance sheet dates presented, the Company’s assets and liabilities related to its investment in GED consisted of an account receivable from HRI of $399,361 as of December 31, 2008 and an accrued expense of $107,949 as of June 30, 2009. The investment in GED was $208,505 and $197,705 as of June 30, 2009, and December 31, 2008, respectively, included in deposits and other.
On June 19, 2009, HRI filed a demand for arbitration with the American Arbitration Association disputing the formula used for computing the minimum annual increase in the Company’s share of the management fee (Note 9).
                                 
    Three months     Six months  
    ended June 30,     ended June 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
 
                               
Unaudited summary information for GED’s operations:
                               
Management fee revenues
  $ 2,037,554     $ 1,897,000     $ 4,021,758     $ 4,181,483  
Net income
    1,895,298       1,793,741       3,744,570       3,974,272  
 
                               
Net income attributable to Full House Resorts:
  $ 947,649     $ 896,871     $ 1,872,285     $ 1,987,136  
4.  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the methods of fair value accounting described in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”), to value its financial assets that were previously carried at estimated fair value. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 in the first quarter of 2008 did not have any effect on the Company’s previously used fair value estimation methodology or on net income. Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset when the market for that asset is not active, was issued in October 2008 and was retroactively adopted as required for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, without a material effect on the Company’s valuation techniques, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

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In addition, in April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Assets or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That are Not Orderly. Also in April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FSB FAS 124-2 to amend the other-than-temporary impairment guidance for debt securities and presentation and disclosure requirements relative to other-than-temporary impairments of debt and equity securities held as investments. FSP FAS 157-4, FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2 were adopted in the second quarter of 2009 and also did not have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements.
The Company’s financial assets are measured at estimated fair value using inputs from among the three levels of the fair value hierarchy set forth in SFAS No. 157.
The Company has no financial assets that are measured using Level 1 or 2 inputs. Due to the absence of observable market quotes on the Company’s notes receivable from tribal governments (Note 5), the Company utilizes valuation models that rely exclusively on Level 3 inputs, including those that are based on management’s estimates of expected cash flow streams, future interest rates, casino opening dates and discount rates.
The carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. As discussed above and Note 5, substantially all of the Company’s receivables are carried at estimated fair value (based on Level 3 inputs). The estimated values of the Company’s debt approximate their recorded values based on the interest rates offered to the Company for loans of the same remaining maturities.
The estimated casino opening dates used in the valuations take into account project-specific circumstances such as ongoing litigation, the status of required regulatory approvals, construction periods and other factors. Factors considered in the determination of an appropriate discount rate include discount rates typically used by gaming industry investors and appraisers to value individual casino properties outside of Nevada, and discount rates produced by the widely-accepted Capital Asset Pricing Model (“CAPM”). The following key assumptions are used in the CAPM:
   
S&P 500, average benchmark investment returns (medium-term horizon risk premiums);
   
Risk free investment return equal to the trailing 10-year average for 90-day treasury bills;
   
Investment beta factor equal to the average of a peer group of similar entities in the hotel and gaming industry;
   
Project-specific adjustments based on the status of the project (i.e., litigation, regulatory approvals, tribal politics, etc.), and typical size premiums for “micro-cap” and “low-cap” companies.
5.  
NOTES RECEIVABLE, TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS
The Company has notes receivable related to advances made to, or on behalf of, tribes to fund tribal operations and development expenses related to potential casino projects. Repayment of these notes is conditioned upon the development of the projects, and ultimately, the successful operation of the facilities. Subject to such condition, the Company’s agreements with the tribes provide for the reimbursement of these advances plus applicable interest, if any, either from the proceeds of any outside financing of the development, the actual operation itself or in the event that the Company does not complete the development, from the revenues of any tribal gaming operation following completion of development activities undertaken by others.

 

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As of June 30, 2009, and December 31, 2008, notes receivable from tribal governments were as follows:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Contractual (stated) amount (including interest)
               
FireKeepers Development Authority
  $ 5,000,000     $ 5,000,000  
Other
    1,280,475       1,281,329  
 
           
 
  $ 6,280,475     $ 6,281,329  
 
           
Estimated fair value of notes receivable related to tribal casino projects:
               
FireKeepers Development Authority
  $ 4,480,546     $ 4,097,002  
Other
    927,336       1,017,765  
 
           
 
  $ 5,407,882     $ 5,114,767  
 
           
On May 6, 2008, the FireKeepers Development Authority (the “Authority”) closed on the sale of $340.0 million of Senior Secured Notes and a $35.0 million equipment financing facility to fund the development and construction of the Authority’s FireKeepers Casino in Michigan. On the same date, GEM received a payment of approximately $9.3 million on its notes receivable from the Authority which resulted in an increase in the estimated fair value of the notes receivable of approximately $1.8 million recorded as an unrealized gain in the first quarter of 2008. The remaining $5.0 million is to be paid 180 days following the opening of the casino, subject to there being adequate funds remaining in the construction disbursement account. If there are insufficient funds to repay the remaining balance, the Authority will be obligated to repay the balance in 60 monthly installments beginning 180 days following the opening of the casino, with interest at prime plus 1%. The estimated net realizable value of the Michigan receivable has been classified as short term, as management believes it will be collected within the next twelve months. The FireKeepers Casino opened on August 5, 2009 (Note 11).
As of June 30, 2009, management’s expected opening date for the Montana casino was delayed to the second quarter of 2011. The Northern Cheyenne tribal government has been replaced and the Company is in the process of engaging the tribe in dialogue concerning the proposed project, however this process has taken longer than previously expected. On July 23, 2009, management met with the current tribal leadership to review the status of the project. Management presented them with the best analysis of the size and scope of the project given the current economic climate. The tribe is reviewing our proposal and discussions will continue. The site for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe project was approved for gaming by the Secretary of the Interior as of October 28, 2008; however, the required consent of the Governor of Montana has not yet been obtained. If the Northern Cheyenne Tribe’s gaming compact with the State of Montana is not extended to include the site or a satisfactory site for the project is not approved, then the Company will be unable to develop the proposed casino and recover the expenses we have already incurred pursuing this project.
In March 2008, management announced that the Company was no longer pursuing the Nambé Pueblo project. However, the Pueblo tribe has acknowledged its obligation to repay reimbursable development advances of approximately $661,600 plus interest at prime plus 2%, out of any future gaming revenues, if any. Management currently believes that the Nambé Pueblo intends to develop a slot machine operation with approximately 200 devices, which would be attached to its travel center and provide the Pueblo tribe with the financial wherewithal to repay the amounts owed to the Company. In March 2009, the Company entered into an agreement to assist the Nambé Pueblo in finding suitable financing up to $12.0 million for their proposed slot parlor and financing is expected to be completed by the third quarter of this year. With due consideration to the foregoing factors, management has estimated the fair value of the note receivable from the Nambé Pueblo at $408,755 as of June 30, 2009.
During the second quarter of 2008, management formally approved and began executing a plan to sell land purchased for the development of the Manuelito project. As a result, as of June 30, 2008, the land was classified as a current asset characterized as held for sale and adjusted to its then estimated net realizable value of $45,000, resulting in an impairment loss of $85,000 recognized in the second quarter of 2008. During the second quarter of 2009, the Company recognized an additional $30,000 impairment loss, reflecting a decline of estimated net realizable value.

 

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The following table summarizes the changes in the estimated fair value of notes receivable from tribal governments, determined using Level 3 estimated fair value inputs, from January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2009:
                         
            FireKeepers        
            Development        
    Total     Authority     Other tribes  
 
Balances, January 1, 2009
  $ 5,114,767     $ 4,097,002     $ 1,017,765  
Other
    (854 )           (854 )
Unrealized gains included in earnings
    293,969       383,544       (89,575 )
 
                 
 
Balances, June 30, 2009
  $ 5,407,882     $ 4,480,546     $ 927,336  
 
                 
6.  
CONTRACT RIGHTS
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, contract rights consist of the following:
                         
            Accumulated        
June 30, 2009   Cost     Amortization     Carrying value  
FireKeepers project, initial cost
  $ 4,155,213     $     $ 4,155,213  
FireKeepers project, additional
    13,210,373       (755,889 )     12,454,484  
Other projects
    159,194             159,194  
 
                 
 
  $ 17,524,780     $ (755,889 )   $ 16,768,891  
 
                 
                         
            Accumulated        
December 31, 2008   Cost     Amortization     Carrying Value  
FireKeepers project, initial cost
  $ 4,155,213     $     $ 4,155,213  
FireKeepers project, additional
    13,210,373       (729,228 )     12,481,145  
Other projects
    159,194             159,194  
 
                 
 
  $ 17,524,780     $ (729,228 )   $ 16,795,552  
 
                 
7.  
LONG-TERM DEBT
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, long-term debt consists of the following:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Long-term debt, due to joint venture affiliate:
               
Promissory note, expected to mature in 2011, interest at 1% above the prime rate (4.25% at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008)
  $ 3,509,051     $ 3,137,600  
 
           
 
               
Long-term debt, other:
               
Reducing revolving loan, initial $16.0 million limit on January 31, 2007, due January 31, 2022, interest at 2.1% above the five year LIBOR/Swap rate, adjusted annually (7.24% at June 30, 2009 and 7.39% at December 31, 2008)
  $ 925,264     $ 2,469,275  
Promissory note to Peters’ Family Trust, $1.25 million on January 31, 2007, paid in full as of June 30, 2009, interest at a fixed annual rate of 7.44%
          822,588  
 
           
 
    925,264       3,291,863  
Less current portion
          (225,224 )
 
           
 
  $ 925,264     $ 3,066,639  
 
           

 

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Reducing Revolving Loan (the “Revolver”). The maximum committed amount under the Revolver was increased from $8.1 million to $8.9 million, based upon the amendment to the Revolver dated June 25, 2009 and the repayment terms were amended (as discussed below). The maximum amount permitted to be outstanding under the Revolver decreases $312,000 on July 1, 2009 and any outstanding amounts above such reduced maximum must be repaid. Effective January 1, 2010, based upon the amendment to the Revolver, the maximum amount permitted to be outstanding decreases $329,000 semiannually on January 1 and July 1 of each year and any outstanding amounts above such reduced maximum must be repaid on each such date. Draws on the Revolver are payable over 15 years at a variable interest rate based on the five year LIBOR/Swap rate plus 2.1%. This rate adjusts annually based on the funded debt to EBITDA ratio of Stockman’s with adjustments based on the five-year LIBOR/Swap rates. Stockman’s assets are pledged as collateral for the loan. The Revolver also contains certain customary financial representations and warranties and requires that Stockman’s maintain specified financial covenants, including a fixed charge coverage ratio, a funded debt to EBITDA ratio and a minimum tangible net worth. In addition, the Revolver provides restrictions on certain distributions and capital expenditures by Stockman’s, and also provides for customary events of default including payment defaults and covenant defaults. Management is not aware of any covenant violations through the date of this filing.
During the first quarter of 2008, proceeds from the sale of the Holiday Inn Express in Fallon, Nevada were applied against outstanding balances payable on the Revolver. The outstanding balance was reduced from $10.9 million to $3.9 million and the Company’s availability under the Revolver increased to approximately $4.8 million. In addition, periodic payment requirements were reduced on a pro-rata basis. As of June 30, 2009, the Company funded $722,110 from the Revolver to pay off the amount due on the Peters’ Family Trust Promissory Note (details noted below). As of June 30, 2009 there are no additional required principal payments due on the Revolver until July 2021. The Company had $7.9 million of availability under its revolving credit line as of June 30, 2009.
Green Acres. On May 6, 2008, in conjunction with the financing of the FireKeepers Casino, the Company applied the proceeds of the $9.3 million tribal receivable reimbursement to pay off the remaining balance of the $9.5 million Green Acres liability.
Peters’ Family Trust Promissory Note. On June 30, 2009 the Company paid off the Peters’ promissory note of $722,110 plus $4,477 in accrued interest with a drawdown of the Revolver. The original amount of the promissory note was $1.25 million, payable to the seller of Stockman’s in 60 monthly installments of principal and interest and was secured by a second lien in the real estate of Stockman’s. Effective July 9, 2009 the second lien in the real estate of Stockman’s was released.
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt (including obligations to joint venture affiliate) are as follows:
         
Annual periods ending June 30,
2010
  $  
2011
    3,509,051  
2012
     
2013
     
2014
     
Thereafter
    925,264  
 
     
 
  $ 4,434,315  
 
     
The long term debt due to joint venture affiliate is expected to mature in 2011 and there are no required principal payments due on the Revolver until July 2021.
8.  
SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company is composed of three primary business segments. The following tables reflect selected segment information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008. The operations segment includes the Stockman’s Casino operation in Fallon, Nevada, and included the operation of the Holiday Inn Express until February 2008 when it was sold. Accordingly, the operating results of the hotel are reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying statements of operations, and are therefore excluded from the table below. The development/management segment includes costs associated with tribal casino development projects and the Delaware joint venture. The Corporate segment includes general and administrative expenses of the Company.

 

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Selected statement of operations data (from continuing operations) for the three months ended June 30,
                                 
    Casino     Development/              
    Operations     Management     Corporate     Consolidated  
2009
                               
Revenues
  $ 2,364,803     $     $     $ 2,364,803  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    401,892       132,552       984,631       1,519,075  
Depreciation and amortization
    246,778       13,500       20,703       280,981  
Operating gains
          849,920             849,920  
Operating income (loss)
    672,637       690,507       (1,007,293 )     355,851  
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
    673,462       654,345       (1,160,846 )     166,961  
 
                               
2008
                               
Revenues
  $ 2,386,935     $     $ 35     $ 2,386,970  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    517,503       159,287       1,060,679       1,737,469  
Depreciation and amortization
    295,406       9,576       19,711       324,693  
Operating gains
          885,206             885,206  
Operating income (loss)
    341,431       681,030       (1,080,882 )     (58,421 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
    342,648       796,891       (1,106,196 )     33,343  
Selected statement of operations data (from continuing operations) for the six months ended June 30,
                                 
    Casino     Development/              
    Operations     Management     Corporate     Consolidated  
2009
                               
Revenues
  $ 4,684,740     $     $     $ 4,684,740  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    848,558       256,473       1,943,938       3,048,969  
Depreciation and amortization
    503,662       26,950       40,921       571,533  
Operating gains
          2,355,845             2,355,845  
Operating income (loss)
    1,228,452       2,044,068       (1,987,517 )     1,285,003  
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
    1,227,892       1,926,120       (2,450,846 )     703,166  
 
                               
2008
                               
Revenues
  $ 4,956,535     $     $ 58     $ 4,956,593  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    905,516       181,781       2,244,793       3,332,090  
Depreciation and amortization
    539,282       28,728       27,224       595,234  
Operating gains
          3,946,467             3,946,467  
Operating income (loss)
    1,079,082       3,666,645       (2,273,277 )     2,472,450  
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
    1,084,136       2,904,940       (2,954,984 )     1,034,092  

 

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Selected balance sheet data (related to continuing operations) as of June 30,
                                 
    Casino     Development/              
    Operations     Management     Corporate     Consolidated  
2009
                               
Assets
  $ 20,058,534     $ 22,628,158     $ 4,587,445     $ 47,274,137  
Property and equipment, net
    8,152,215       1,106       166,571       8,319,892  
Goodwill
    10,308,520                   10,308,520  
Liabilities
    499,331       3,725,868       3,192,718       7,417,917  
 
                               
2008
                               
Assets
  $ 20,843,467     $ 22,057,472     $ 6,074,874     $ 48,975,813  
Property and equipment, net
    8,748,209       1,731       225,413       8,975,353  
Goodwill
    10,308,520                   10,308,520  
Liabilities
    682,404       2,643,434       5,680,958       9,006,796  
9.  
CONTINGENCIES
   
Economic conditions and related risks and uncertainties. The United States is currently experiencing a widespread recession accompanied by, among other things, weakness in the commercial and investment banking systems, resulting in reduced credit and capital financing availability, and highly curtailed gaming and other recreational activities, and general discretionary consumer spending, and is also engaged in war, all of which are likely to continue to have far-reaching effects on economic conditions in the country for an indeterminate period. The effects and duration of these developments and related risks and uncertainties on the Company’s future operation and cash flows, including its access to capital or credit financing, cannot be estimated at this time, but may likely be significant.
 
   
Uninsured cash deposits. The Company frequently has cash on deposit substantially in excess of federally-insured limits, and the risk of losses related to such concentrations may be increasing as a result of recent economic developments described in the preceding paragraph. However, the extent of loss, if any, to be sustained as a result of any future failure of a bank or other financial institution is not subject to estimation at this time.
 
   
Legal matters. On June 19, 2009, HRI initiated arbitration against the Company regarding their Management Reorganization Agreement dated June 18, 2007. The dispute arises over the proper calculation of the member distribution to the Company under the agreement. Specifically, HRI seeks a ruling that the quarterly calculation of the baseline member distribution payable to the Company should be based on the prior year’s management fee paid to the Company, exclusive of the multiplier set forth in the agreement. Management is contesting the claim. In accordance with the applicable requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 5, Accounting for Contingencies, at this stage of the dispute, the Company is unable to predict the likelihood of any outcome or estimate the minimum amount of potential loss, if any, and accordingly, has made no provision.
10.  
STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN
   
In July 2008, the Company announced a stock repurchase plan (the “Repurchase Plan”). Under the Repurchase Plan, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1,000,000 of shares of our common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time, in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. In October 2008, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $1,000,000 of the Company’s common stock, and extended the expiration of the Repurchase Plan to April 30, 2009. Through June 30, 2009, the Company had repurchased 1,356,595 shares for the treasury at a weighted average-price per share of $1.22, costing $1,654,075, (including commissions and other related transaction costs). The Repurchase Plan did not obligate the Company to acquire any specified number or value of common stock, and it has expired.

 

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11.  
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On August 5, 2009, the FireKeepers Casino commenced operations. FireKeepers Casino is located at Exit 104 directly off Interstate 94 in Battle Creek, Michigan. FireKeepers has a 107,000 square foot gaming floor with 2,680 slot machines, 78 table games, a 120-seat poker room and a bingo hall. In addition, the property features five restaurants — including a 70-seat fine dining signature restaurant — a 300-seat buffet and 150-seat 24-hour cafe, as well as approximately 3,000 parking spaces including an enclosed 2,080-space parking garage attached to the casino.
On August 5, 2009, the Company made a $200,000 voluntary principal payment on its revolving credit line. After this transaction and the $312,000 scheduled reduction of availability on the Revolver, the availability under the revolving credit line is $7.8 million.

 

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Item 2.  
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Safe harbor provision
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, relating to our financial condition, profitability, liquidity, resources, business outlook, market forces, corporate strategies, contractual commitments, legal matters, capital requirements and other matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. We note that many factors could cause our actual results and experience to change significantly from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements. When words and expressions such as: “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “intends,” “objectives,” “goals,” “aims,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “possible,” “seeks,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “might,” “likely,” “enable,” or similar words or expressions are used in this Form 10-Q, as well as statements containing phrases such as “in our view,” “there can be no assurance,” “although no assurance can be given,” or “there is no way to anticipate with certainty,” forward-looking statements are being made.
Various risks and uncertainties may affect the operation, performance, development and results of our business and could cause future outcomes to change significantly from those set forth in our forward-looking statements, including the following factors:
   
our growth strategies;
 
   
our development and potential acquisition of new facilities;
 
   
risks related to development and construction activities;
 
   
anticipated trends in the gaming industries;
 
   
patron demographics;
 
   
general market and economic conditions;
 
   
access to capital and credit, including our ability to finance future business requirements;
 
   
the availability of adequate levels of insurance;
 
   
changes in federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including environmental and gaming license legislation and regulations;
 
   
regulatory approvals;
 
   
competitive environment;
 
   
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 risk factors 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 forecast in any forward-looking statements.
Overview
We develop, manage and/or invest in gaming related opportunities. The Company continues to actively investigate, individually and with partners, new business opportunities. We own and operate Stockman’s Casino in Fallon, Nevada. In addition, we are a non-controlling 50%-investor in Gaming Entertainment Delaware, LLC (“GED”), a joint venture with Harrington Raceway Inc. (“HRI”). GED has a management contract through August 2011 with Harrington Casino at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, Delaware. We also own 50% of Gaming Entertainment Michigan, LLC (“GEM”), a joint venture with RAM Entertainment, LLC (“RAM”), that we control and, therefore, consolidate in our consolidated financial statements. RAM is a privately-held investment company. GEM has a 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 commenced construction in May 2008 and opened on August 5, 2009. In addition, the Company has a development agreement and a management agreement (subject to National Indian Gaming Commission (“NIGC”) approval), with the Northern Cheyenne Nation of Montana for the development and management of a gaming facility to be built approximately 28 miles north of Sheridan, Wyoming.

 

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Critical accounting estimates and policies
Although our financial statements necessarily make use of certain accounting estimates by management, we believe that, except as discussed below, no matters that are the subject of such estimates are so highly uncertain or susceptible to change as to present a significant risk of a material impact on our financial condition or operating performance.
The significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our financial statements primarily include management’s fair value estimates related to notes receivable from tribal governments, and the related evaluation of the recoverability of our investments in contract rights. Various assumptions, principally affecting the timing and, to a lesser extent, the probability of completing our various projects under development and getting them open for business, and other factors underlie the determination of these significant estimates. The process of determining significant estimates is fact-and project-specific and takes into account factors such as historical experience and current and expected legal, regulatory and economic conditions. We regularly evaluate these estimates and assumptions, particularly in areas, if any, where changes in such estimates and assumptions could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position and, generally to a lesser extent, cash flows. Where recoverability of these assets or planned investments are contingent upon the successful development and management of a project, we evaluate the likelihood that the project will be completed, the prospective market dynamics and how the proposed facilities should compete in that setting in order to forecast future cash flows necessary to recover the recorded value of the assets or planned investment. In most cases, we engage independent valuation consultants to assist management in preparing and periodically updating market and/or feasibility studies for use in the preparation of forecasted cash flows. We review our conclusions as warranted by changing conditions.
Assets related to tribal casino projects
We account for the advances made to tribes as in-substance structured notes at estimated fair value in accordance with the guidance contained in EITF Issue No. 96-12, Recognition of Interest Income and Balance Sheet Classification of Structured Notes.
Because our right to recover our advances and development costs with respect to Indian gaming projects is limited to, and contingent upon, the future net revenues of the proposed gaming facilities, we evaluate the financial opportunity of each potential service arrangement before entering into an agreement to provide financial support for the development of an Indian project. This process includes (1) determining the financial feasibility of the project assuming the project is built, (2) assessing the likelihood that the project will receive the necessary regulatory approvals and funding for construction and operations to commence, and (3) estimating the expected timing of the various elements of the project including commencement of operations. When we enter into a service or lending arrangement, management has concluded, based on feasibility analyses and legal reviews, that there is a high probability that the project will be completed and that the probable future economic benefit is sufficient to compensate us for our efforts in relation to the perceived financial risks. In arriving at our initial conclusion of probability, we consider both positive and negative evidence. Positive evidence ordinarily consists not only of project-specific advancement or progress, but the advancement of similar projects in the same and other jurisdictions, while negative evidence ordinarily consists primarily of unexpected, unfavorable legal, regulatory or political developments such as adverse actions by legislators, regulators or courts. Such positive and negative evidence is reconsidered at least quarterly. No asset, including notes receivable or contract rights, related to an Indian casino project is recorded on our books unless it is considered probable that the project will be built and will result in an economic benefit sufficient for us to recover the asset.
In initially assessing the financial feasibility of the project, we analyze the proposed facilities and their location in relation to market conditions, including customer demographics and existing and proposed competition for the project. Typically, independent consultants are also hired to prepare market and financial feasibility reports. These reports are reviewed by management and updated periodically as conditions change.

 

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We also consider the status of the regulatory approval process including whether:
   
the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”) recognizes the tribe;
 
   
the tribe has the right to acquire land to be used as a casino site;
 
   
the Department of the Interior has put the land into trust as a casino site;
 
   
the tribe has a gaming compact with the state government;
 
   
the NIGC has approved a proposed management agreement; and
 
   
other legal or political obstacles exist or are likely to occur.
The development phase of each relationship commences with the signing of the respective agreements and continues until the casinos open for business. Thereafter, the management phase of the relationship, governed by the management contract, typically continues for a period of between five to seven years. We make advances to the tribes, recorded as notes receivable, primarily to fund certain portions of the projects, which bear no interest or below market interest until operations commence. Repayment of the notes receivable and accrued interest is only required if the casino is successfully opened and distributable profits are available from the casino operations. Under the management agreement, we typically earn a management fee calculated as a percentage of the net income of the gaming facility. In addition, repayment of the loans and the manager’s fees are subordinated to certain other financial obligations of the respective operations. Generally, the order of priority of payments from the casinos’ cash flows is as follows:
   
a certain minimum monthly priority payment to the tribe;
 
   
repayment of various senior debt associated with construction and equipping of the casino with interest accrued thereon;
 
   
repayment of various debt with interest accrued thereon due to us;
 
   
management fee to us;
 
   
other obligations; and
 
   
the remaining funds distributed to the tribe.
Notes receivable
We account for and present our notes receivable from and management contracts with the tribes as separate assets. Under the contractual terms, the notes do not become due and payable unless and until the projects are completed and operational. However, if our development activity were to be terminated prior to completion, we generally would retain the right to collect on our notes receivable in the event a casino project is completed by another developer. Because we ordinarily do not consider the stated rate of interest on the notes receivable to be commensurate with the risk inherent in these projects (prior to commencement of operations), the estimated fair value of the notes receivable is generally less than the amount advanced. At the date of each advance, the difference between the estimated fair value of the note receivable and the actual amount advanced is recorded as either an intangible asset (contract rights), or if the rights were acquired in a separate, unbundled transaction, expensed as period costs of retaining such rights.
Subsequent to its effective initial recording at estimated fair value using “Level 3 inputs,” which are defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”), as unobservable inputs that reflect management’s estimates about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, the note receivable portion of the advance is adjusted to its current estimated fair value at each balance sheet date, also using Level 3 inputs. Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of Financial Asset when the market for that asset is not active, (“FSP FAS 157-3”) was issued in October 2008 and was retroactively effective for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The implementation of FSP FAS 157-3 did not have a material impact on the Company’s valuation techniques, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Due to the absence of observable market quotes on our notes receivable from tribal governments, management develops inputs based on the best information available, including internally-developed data, such as estimates of future interest rates, discount rates and casino opening dates as discussed below.

 

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The estimated fair value of our notes receivable related to tribal casino projects make up approximately 11.4% of our total assets, and are the only assets in our financial statements that are reported at estimated fair value. Changes in the estimated fair value of our notes receivable are reported as unrealized gains (losses), which affect reported net income, but do not affect cash flows.
The following table reflects selected key assumptions and information used to estimate the fair value of the notes receivable for all projects at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
                 
    June 30, 2009     December 31, 2008  
Aggregate face amount of the notes receivable (including interest)
  $ 6,280,475     $ 6,281,329  
 
               
Estimated years until opening of casino:
               
FireKeepers
    .10       .75  
Montana
    2.00       1.75  
 
               
Discount rate:
               
FireKeepers
    19 %     17 %
Montana
    26 %     23 %
 
               
Estimated probability of the casino opening as expected:
               
FireKeepers
    99 %     96 %
Montana
    70 %     70 %
For the portion of the notes not repaid prior to the commencement of operations, management estimates that the stated interest rates during the loan repayment terms will be commensurate with the inherent risk at that time. The estimated probability rates have been re-evaluated and modified accordingly, based on project-specific risks such as delays of regulatory approvals for the projects and review of the financing environment. The estimated casino opening dates used in the valuations take into account project-specific circumstances such as ongoing litigation, the status of required regulatory approvals, construction periods and other factors.
Factors that we consider in arriving at a discount rate include discount rates typically used by gaming industry investors and appraisers to value individual casino properties outside of Nevada and discount rates produced by the widely accepted Capital Asset Pricing Model, or CAPM, using the following key assumptions:
   
S&P 500, 10 and 15-year average benchmark investment returns (medium-term horizon risk premiums);
 
   
Risk-free investment return equal to the trailing 10-year average for 90-day Treasury Bills;
 
   
Investment beta factor equal to the unlevered five-year average for the hotel/gaming industry; and
 
   
Project-specific adjustments based on typical size premiums for “micro-cap” and “low-cap” companies using 10 and 15-year averages, and the status of outstanding required regulatory approvals and/or litigation, if any.
Management believes that under the circumstances, essentially three critical dates and events that impact the project specific discount rate adjustment when using CAPM are: (1) the date that management completes its feasibility assessment and decides to invest in the opportunity; (2) the date that construction financing has been obtained after all legal obstacles have been removed; and (3) the date that operations commence.
We do not adjust notes receivable to an estimated fair value that exceeds the face value of the note plus accrued interest, if any. Due to the uncertainties surrounding the projects, no interest income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements during the development period, but changes in estimated fair value of the notes receivable are recorded as unrealized gains or losses in our statement of operations.

 

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Upon opening of the casino, the difference, if any, between the then-recorded estimated fair value of the notes receivable, subject to any appropriate impairment adjustments made pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, and the amount contractually due under the notes would be amortized into income using the effective interest method over the remaining term of the note.
Contract rights
Contract rights are recognized as intangible assets related to the acquisition of the management agreements and periodically evaluated for impairment based on the estimated cash flows from the management contract on an undiscounted basis and amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of seven years or contractual lives of the agreements, typically beginning upon commencement of casino operations. In the event the carrying value of the intangible assets were to exceed the undiscounted cash flow, the difference between the estimated fair value and carrying value of the assets would be charged to operations.
The cash flow estimates for each project were developed based upon published and other information gathered pertaining to the applicable markets. We have many years of experience in making these estimates and also utilize independent appraisers and feasibility consultants to assist management in developing our estimates. The cash flow estimates are initially prepared (and periodically updated) primarily for business planning purposes with the tribes and are secondarily used in connection with our impairment analysis of the carrying value of contract rights, land held for development, and other capitalized costs, if any, associated with our tribal casino projects. The primary assumptions used in estimating the undiscounted cash flow from the projects include the expected number of Class III gaming devices, table games, and poker tables, and the related estimated win per unit per day (“WPUD”). Generally, within reasonably possible operating ranges, our impairment decisions are not particularly sensitive to changes in these assumptions because estimated cash flows greatly exceed the carrying value of the related intangibles and other capitalized costs. We believe that the primary competitors to our Michigan project are the Four Winds Casino in southwestern Michigan, five northern Indiana riverboats and three downtown Detroit casinos, whose published WPUD has consistently averaged above the $255 used in our undiscounted cash flow analysis. In addition, our market analysis assumes the development of another Native American casino of approximately equal size by the Gun Lake Tribe approximately 75 miles to the northwest of our facility. Our Michigan project is located approximately 100 miles west of Detroit and approximately 100 driving miles northeast of Four Winds Casino, which opened in August 2007 near New Buffalo, Michigan.
Summary of assets related to tribal casino projects
At June 30, 2009, and December 31, 2008, long-term assets associated with tribal casino projects are summarized as follows, with notes receivable presented at their estimated fair value:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
 
               
Michigan project:
               
Notes receivable, tribal governments
  $ 4,480,546     $ 4,097,002  
Contract rights, net
    16,609,697       16,636,358  
 
           
 
    21,090,243       20,733,360  
 
           
Other projects:
               
Notes receivable, tribal governments
  $ 927,336       1,017,765  
Contract rights, net
    159,194       159,194  
 
           
 
    1,086,530       1,176,959  
 
           
 
  $ 22,176,773     $ 21,910,319  
 
           

 

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As previously noted, the FireKeepers project comprises the majority of long-term assets related to Indian casino projects. We have an approved management agreement with the FireKeepers Development Authority, (the “Authority”), for the development and operation of the FireKeepers Casino, which provides that we will receive, only from the operations and financing of the project, reimbursement for all advances we have made to the Authority and a management fee equal to 26% of the net revenues of the casino (defined effectively as net income prior to management fees) for a period of seven years commencing upon opening. The terms of an amended management agreement were approved by the NIGC in April 2008. In May 2008, in connection with the funding of project financing, $9.3 million of the notes receivable was repaid, which resulted in an increase in the estimated fair value of the notes receivable of approximately $1.8 million, which was recorded as an unrealized gain in the first quarter of 2008. The remaining $5.0 million of the note receivable is expected to be repaid 180 days following opening of the casino, provided there are sufficient funds remaining in the construction disbursement account. If there are insufficient fund remaining in the construction disbursement account, the balance becomes payable in 60 equal monthly installments beginning 180 days after the commencement of operations of the casino, plus interest at prime plus 1%. The net realizable value of the Michigan receivable has been classified as short term, as management believes it is collectible within the next twelve months.
In connection with the Authority’s financing of the FireKeepers Casino development, GEM funded its portion of the financing costs totaling $2.1 million which was recorded as additional contract rights related to the FireKeepers project in the second quarter of 2008. The financing costs were funded equally by the Company and RAM.
The FireKeepers Casino commenced operations on August 5, 2009.
Presently, we are not obligated to fund the construction phase of our Northern Cheyenne project in Montana. The recent unprecedented global contraction in available credit significantly decreases the likelihood that financing could be obtained on favorable terms if at all for the Montana project this year. However, we believe that credit markets will improve sufficiently in order for the Montana tribe to fund the project when we are expected to commence construction in the second quarter of 2010. The Northern Cheyenne Tribal government has been replaced and we are in the process of engaging them in dialogue concerning the proposed project. It has taken much longer than expected to engage the new tribal government in revitalizing the project. We recently met with the new tribal leadership on July 23, 2009. If the Montana tribe is unable to obtain funding on acceptable terms, we believe we could either sell our rights to the Montana project, find a partner with funding, or abandon the Montana project and have our receivables reimbursed from the gaming operations, if any, developed by another party. However, if we were to discontinue the Montana project, the related receivables and intangibles would then be evaluated for impairment. At June 30, 2009, the notes receivable from Indian tribes have been discounted approximately $872,593 below the contractual value of the notes (including accrued interest) and the related contract rights are valued substantially below the anticipated cash flow from the management fees of the projects.
In March 2008, we announced that we are no longer pursuing the Nambé Pueblo project. No tribal advances or payment of costs have been made since January 2008. Pursuant to the terms of the development agreement, the Pueblo has recognized its obligation to reimburse all of the Company’s development advances for the project. To date, we have advanced $661,600 for the development of the project, all of which is expected to be reimbursed by the Pueblo on yet to be negotiated terms. The estimated fair value of the receivable from the Pueblo is now based on the assumption that the Pueblo will develop a smaller scope project and will repay the advances over a five-year period after the project opens with interest at prime plus 2%. However, the collectability ultimately depends on the successful development and operation of the project, which we have no influence over, and accordingly, we have discounted the payment stream using a 23% discount rate. In March 2009, the Company entered into an agreement to assist the Nambé Pueblo in finding suitable financing up to $12.0 million for their proposed slot parlor. The financing effort is underway and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of this year.
During the second quarter of 2008, management formally approved and began executing a plan to sell land purchased for the development of the Manuelito project. As a result, as of June 30, 2008, the land was classified as a current asset held for sale and adjusted to its then estimated net realizable value of $45,000, resulting in an impairment loss of $85,000 recognized in the second quarter of 2008. During the second quarter of 2009, the Company recognized an additional $30,000 impairment loss as a result of the decline in the estimated net realizable value.

 

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Advances to tribes are expected to be repaid prior to commencement of operations, or within the repayment term of typically between five and seven years, commencing 30 to 180 days after the opening of the project. At June 30, 2009, we estimate the following potential exposure resulting from a project not reaching completion:
                                 
                    Northern        
June 30, 2009   FireKeepers     Nambé Pueblo     Cheyenne Tribe     Total  
Notes receivable
  $ 4,480,546     $ 408,755     $ 518,581     $ 5,407,882  
Contract rights
    16,609,697             159,194       16,768,891  
 
                       
Total
  $ 21,090,243     $ 408,755     $ 677,775     $ 22,176,773  
 
                       
Amortization of contract rights is expected to be provided on a straight-line basis over the contractual lives of the assets. The contractual lives may include, or not begin until after a development period and/or the term of the subsequent management agreement. Because the development period may vary based on evolving events, the estimated contractual lives may require revision in future periods. The contract rights are owned solely by us and are expected to be assigned to the appropriate operating subsidiary when the related project is operational and, therefore, the contract rights are not currently included in the balance of non-controlling interests. The FireKeepers casino opened on August 5, 2009, and as a result the contract rights associated with the FireKeepers project will begin being amortized by GEM in the third quarter of 2009 on a straight-line basis over the seven year term of the GEM management agreement.
Due to our current financing arrangement for the development of the Michigan project through a 50%-owned joint venture, we believe we are exposed to the majority of risk of economic loss from the joint venture’s activities. Therefore, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46 (Revised), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, we consider the joint venture to be a variable interest entity that requires consolidation in our financial statements.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification™ and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles — a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162. The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) will become the authoritative source of U.S. accounting standards and is effective in the third quarter of 2009. The Codification changes the referencing of U.S. accounting standards but is not intended to change existing U.S. accounting standards.
Results of continuing operations
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009, Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2008
Operating revenues. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, total operating revenues from continuing operations decreased $22,167 or 0.9%, as compared to the prior year. Casino revenues increased $81,826 or 4.5% with an offsetting decrease in food and beverage revenues of $92,938 and other operating income of $11,055, a decrease of 16.8% and 36.0%, respectively. The increase in casino revenue was primarily due to a more favorable hold percentage in slots during the quarter however, we continue to experience weakness in food and beverage activity consistent with the general economic weakness and increased competition.
Operating costs and expenses. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, total operating costs and expenses decreased $471,725, or 14.2%, as compared to the prior year. Casino and food and beverage expenses declined $189,098 due to lower revenue and general cost reduction efforts. Selling, general and administrative expenses declined $218,394 as discussed below.
Project development costs. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, project development costs decreased $20,521 or 57.3%, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to reduced activity related to GEM and include a reduction in travel and other related expenses.

 

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Selling, general and administrative expense. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $218,394, or 12.6%, as compared to the 2008 period consisting of reductions at Stockman’s of $115,611 and the corporate level of $76,048, or 22.3% and 7.2%, respectively. The decrease in Stockman’s expenses was due to a decrease in real estate property taxes of $24,629 due to a reimbursement of real estate taxes and decreases related to general cost control efforts. The decrease in corporate expenses was due to lower stock compensation expense of $93,627, or 44.7% as compared to the prior year period.
Operating gains. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, operating gains decreased by $35,286, or 4.0%. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in equity in net income of unconsolidated joint venture and related guaranteed payments in GED of $192,346, or 18.6%, offset by an increased unrealized gain on notes receivable of $102,060 or 165%. The increase in unrealized gain on notes receivable is due to an unrealized gain of $211,318 related to GEM which was partially offset by unrealized losses incurred for the other projects of $109,258. The Company expects to continue receiving a 5% increase in distributions over the prior year related to GED. The reduced income is attributable to the decreased net income of GED which the Company recognizes under the equity method. GED’s reduced net income is mostly attributable to increased competition and higher costs including recently enacted tax increases. The unrealized gain on notes receivable related to GEM has increased due to the opening of FireKeepers Casino on August 5, 2009.
Other income (expense). For the three months ended June 30, 2009, other income decreased by $36,145, or 44.3% primarily due the decrease of interest expense of $60,138, due to the reduction of outstanding debt on the Company’s revolving line of credit.
Income taxes. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, the effective income tax rate is approximately 55%, compared to 31% for the same period in 2008. The increase in the effective tax rate from the prior year is due primarily to the vesting of stock compensation, where the difference in the Company’s stock price between the grant date and vesting date of stock increased the federal income tax.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009, Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2008
Operating revenues. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, total operating revenues from continuing operations decreased $271,853 or 5.5%, exclusive of hotel results, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to the $246,189, or 21.7% decrease in food and beverage revenues. We continue to experience weakness in food and beverage activity consistent with the general economic weakness and increased competition. Casino revenues decreased $14,281, or 0.4% which is also primarily due to a decreased volume over the prior year.
Operating costs and expenses. For the six months ended June 30 2009, total operating costs and expenses decreased $675,028, or 10.5%, exclusive of hotel results, as compared to the prior year. Casino and food and beverage expenses declined $328,588 or 13.5% due to lower revenue and general cost reduction efforts. Selling and general and administrative expenses declined $283,121 or 8.5% as discussed below.
Project development costs. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, project development costs decreased $39,618 or 56.1%, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to lower project development expenses related to GEM which includes a reduction in government relations as well as travel and other related expenses.
Selling, general and administrative expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $283,121, or 8.5%, as compared to the 2008 period mainly due to a $300,855 or 13.4% reduction in corporate level expenses. The decrease in corporate expenses was due to lower incentive compensation of $217,231, or 56.2% and a decrease in stock compensation of $178,088, or 42.3%, as compared to the prior year period. Stockman’s selling, general and administrative expense also decreased $56,958 or 6.3%, offset by an increase in GEM of $83,634 or 49.4%.
Operating gains. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, operating gains decreased by $1.6 million, or 40.3%, primarily due to a decrease in unrealized gain on notes receivable of $1.5 million, or 84.0%. The unrealized gain on notes receivables was lower than last year, due to a gain for GEM in the prior year of $1.8 million, as a result of repayment of $9.3 million of the tribal receivable.

 

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Other income (expense). For the six months ended June 30, 2009, other income increased by $91,136, or 45.0% primarily due to lower interest expense of $151,223 due to the reduction of outstanding debt on the Company’s revolving line of credit.
Income taxes. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the effective income tax rate is approximately 46%, compared to 39% for the same period in 2008. The increase in the effective tax rate from the prior year is due primarily to the vesting of stock compensation, where the difference in the Company’s stock price between the grant date and vesting date of stock increased the federal income tax.
Liquidity and capital resources
The Delaware joint venture and Stockman’s Casino operation are currently our primary source of recurring income and significant positive cash flow. We expect to begin receiving management fees from FireKeepers Casino in the third quarter of 2009. Distributions from the Delaware operation are governed by the terms of the applicable joint venture agreement and management reorganization agreement. We expect to continue receiving management fees as currently prescribed under the joint venture agreement, with a minimum guaranteed growth factor over the prior year of 5% in years 2009 through August 2011.
On a consolidated basis for the six months ended June 30, 2009, cash provided by operations increased by $1.1 million from the same period in 2008. Cash provided by investing activities decreased by $14.0 million from the same six-month period of last year, primarily due to the cash proceeds generated from the sale of the Holiday Inn Express in February 2008 of $7.0 million and the $9.3 million payment received by GEM on its notes receivable from the Authority in May 2008, offset by $2.1 million used to acquire contract rights related to GEM. Cash used in financing activities decreased $14.1 million, primarily due to the repayment of long-term debt in 2008, also associated with the sale of the Holiday Inn Express. As of June 30, 2009, the Company had approximately $4.5 million in cash and availability on its revolving credit facility of $7.9 million.
Our future cash requirements include funding the remaining near and long-term cash requirements of our development expenses for the Montana project, selling, general and administrative expenses, capital expenditures primarily at Stockman’s and debt service. Subject to the economic uncertainties discussed above, we believe that adequate financial resources will be available to execute our current growth plan from a combination of operating cash flows and external debt and equity financing. However, continued downward pressure on cash flow from operations due to, among other reasons, the adverse effects of the current economic environment and/or the lack of available funding sources due to, among other reasons, the recent unprecedented global contraction in available credit increases uncertainty with respect to our development and growth plans.
The United States is currently experiencing a widespread recession accompanied by, among other things, instability in the investment and commercial banking systems, reduced credit availability and highly curtailed gaming and other recreational activities, and it is also engaged in war. The effects and duration of these developments and related risks and uncertainties on the Company’s future operations and cash flows cannot be estimated at this time but may be significant.
Subject to the future unknown effects of the foregoing uncertainty about credit availability and other economic factors affecting casino gaming activity, we believe that our casino development projects currently in progress will likely be constructed and ultimately, will achieve profitable operations; however, no assurance can be made that this will occur or how long it will take. If our casino development projects currently in progress are not completed, or upon completion, if we fail to successfully compete within a reasonable timeframe in the highly competitive and currently declining market for gaming activities, we may lack the funds to compete for and develop future gaming or other business opportunities.

 

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On May 6, 2008, the Authority closed on the sale of $340.0 million of Senior Secured Notes and a $35.0 million equipment financing facility to fund the development and construction of the tribe’s FireKeepers Casino in Michigan. On the same date, GEM received a payment of approximately $9.3 million on its notes receivable from the Authority, with the remaining $5.0 million to be paid 180 days following the opening of the casino, subject to there being adequate funds remaining in the construction disbursement account. If there are insufficient funds to repay the remaining balance, the Authority will be obligated to repay the balance in 60 monthly installments beginning 180 days following the opening of the casino, plus interest at prime plus 1%. On the same day, GEM funded $2.1 million in financing costs on behalf of the Authority, as required by the management agreement, which was recorded as additional gaming rights related to the Michigan project. The Company and RAM each contributed one-half of the funds to GEM for GEM to make this funding. The FireKeepers Casino commenced operations on August 5, 2009.
Long-term debt includes a reducing revolving loan from Nevada State Bank. The maximum committed amount under the Revolver was increased from $8.1 million to $8.9 million, based upon the amendment to the Revolver dated June 25, 2009 and the repayment terms were amended (as discussed below). The maximum amount permitted to be outstanding under the Revolver decreases $312,000 on July 1, 2009 and any outstanding amounts above such reduced maximum must be repaid. Effective January 1, 2010, based upon the amendment to the Revolver, the maximum amount permitted to be outstanding decreases $329,000 semiannually on January 1 and July 1 of each year and any outstanding amounts above such reduced maximum must be repaid on each such date. The reducing revolving loan is payable over 15 years at a variable interest rate based on the five-year LIBOR/Swap rate plus 2.1%. This rate, which was 7.24% and 7.39% per annum as of June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008, adjusts annually based on the funded debt to EBITDA ratio of Stockman’s, with adjustments based on the five-year LIBOR/Swap rate occurring every five years. The balance on the loan as of June 30, 2009 was $925,264. In addition, periodic payment requirements were reduced on a pro-rate basis, with no required principal payments until July 2021. The Company had $7.9 million of availability under its revolving credit line as of June 30, 2009.
The loan agreement with Nevada State Bank also contains customary financial representations and warranties and requires that Stockman’s maintain specified financial covenants, including a fixed charge coverage ratio, a funded debt to EBITDA ratio and a minimum tangible net worth. In addition, the loan agreement limits the amount of distributions from and capital expenditures by Stockman’s. The loan agreement also provides for customary events of default including payment defaults and covenant defaults.
On June 30, 2009 the Company paid off the Peters’ promissory note of $722,110 plus $4,477 in accrued interest with a drawdown of the Revolver. The original amount of the promissory note was $1.25 million, payable to the seller of Stockman’s, was payable in 60 monthly installments of principal and interest and was secured by a second lien in the real estate of Stockman’s. Effective July 9, 2009 the second lien in the real estate of Stockman’s was released.
As of June 30, 2009, the Company held $3.8 million with Nevada State Bank, a subsidiary of Zions Bancorporation, including balances of $2.4 million which sweep into an outside U. S. Government money market account. Zions’ is considered “Well Capitalized”, the highest capital health rating by regulatory standards.
FireKeepers project
GEM, our FireKeepers Casino joint venture, has the exclusive right to arrange the financing and provide casino management services to the Michigan tribe in exchange for a management fee of 26% of net revenues (defined effectively as net income before management fees) for seven years commencing upon opening of the FireKeepers Casino. The terms of our management agreement were approved by the NIGC in December 2007 and a revised management agreement was approved in April 2008 to incorporate the terms of the project financing.
In 2007, GEM acquired all of Green Acres’ interests in the FireKeepers project for $10.0 million. GEM’s members equally funded an initial deposit of $500,000 in the second quarter of 2007, and the remaining balance was paid in May 2008. The repayment was funded with $9.3 million of proceeds received from a partial payment on the notes receivable related to the FireKeepers project, which was tied to the construction financing for the project. The remaining $5.0 million of notes receivable from the Authority are now expected to be paid from the construction disbursement account 180 days after the opening of the casino. However, if there are insufficient funds in the construction disbursement account, the Authority is obligated to repay the $5.0 million in 60 equal monthly installments, with interest at prime plus 1%, beginning 180 days after the casino opens. The net realizable value of the Michigan receivable has been classified as short term, as the Company believes it is collectible within the next twelve months.

 

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In 2002, in exchange for funding a portion of the development costs, RAM advanced us $2.4 million, which was partially convertible into a capital contribution to the GEM joint venture upon federal approval of the land into trust application and federal approval of the management agreement with the Authority, subsequently, RAM exercised its conversion option on its $2.4 million loan to the Company. As a result, $2.0 million of the loan was converted to a capital contribution to the GEM joint venture, and the loan balance of $381,260, plus $611,718 of accrued interest on the original loan, became a liability of GEM. At June 30, 2009, GEM’s total long-term liabilities to RAM including accrued interest were approximately $3.5 million, which bear interest at prime plus 1%, and are expected to mature in 2011. As of June 30, 2009, FHR had loaned $848,400 and RAM had loaned $888,400 to GEM to fund current operating expenses.
The FireKeepers Casino commenced operations on August 5, 2009. FireKeepers Casino is located at Exit 104 directly off Interstate 94 in Battle Creek, Michigan. FireKeepers has a 107,000 square foot gaming floor with 2,680 slot machines, 78 table games, a 120-seat poker room and a bingo hall. In addition, the property features five restaurants — including a 70-seat fine dining signature restaurant — a 300-seat buffet and 150-seat 24-hour cafe, as well as approximately 3,000 parking spaces including an enclosed 2,080-space parking garage attached to the casino.
Other projects
In 2005, we entered into development and management agreements with the Montana tribe for a proposed casino to be built approximately 28 miles north of Sheridan, Wyoming. The Montana tribe currently operates the Charging Horse casino in Lame Deer, Montana, consisting of 100 gaming devices, a 300-seat bingo hall and restaurant. As part of the agreements, we have committed on a best efforts basis to arrange financing for the costs associated with the development and furtherance of this project up to $14.0 million. The site for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe project was approved for gaming by the Secretary of the Interior as of October 28, 2008, however, the consent of the Governor of Montana is required which has not yet been obtained. As of June 30, 2009, our advances to the Northern Cheyenne Tribe total $672,082. Our agreements with the tribe provide for the reimbursement of these advances either from the proceeds of the financing of the development, the actual operation itself or, in the event that we do not complete the development, from the revenues of the tribal gaming operation undertaken by others. The management agreement and related contracts have been submitted to the NIGC for approval. As of June 30, 2009, management’s estimate of the opening date for the Montana casino was delayed to the second quarter of 2011. The Northern Cheyenne Tribal government has been replaced and we are in the process of engaging them in dialogue concerning the proposed project. It has taken longer than expected to engage the new tribal government regarding the project.
In 2005, we signed gaming development and management agreements with the Nambé Pueblo of New Mexico to develop a 50,000 square foot facility including gaming, restaurants, entertainment and other amenities as part of the Pueblo’s multi-phased master plan of economic development. In March 2008, management announced that the Company was no longer pursuing the Nambé Pueblo project. Pursuant to the terms of the development agreement, the Pueblo has recognized the obligation to reimburse all of the Company’s development advances for the project. The Company currently has advanced $661,600 for the development of the project, all of which is expected to be reimbursed by the Pueblo on yet to be negotiated terms. The receivable from the Pueblo is valued based on the present value of a five-year collection period and a 23% discount rate. The collectability ultimately depends on the quality and timing of the project development, which we are monitoring but have no influence over. In March 2009, the Company entered into an agreement to assist the Nambé Pueblo in finding suitable financing up to $12.0 million for their proposed slot parlor. The financing effort is underway, has taken longer than previously expected, but is expected to be completed by the third quarter of this year.
During the second quarter of 2008, management formally approved and began executing a plan to sell land purchased for the development of the Manuelito project. As a result, as of June 30, 2008, the land was classified as a current asset characterized as held for sale and adjusted to its then estimated net realizable value of $45,000, resulting in an impairment loss of $85,000 recognized in the second quarter of 2008. During the second quarter of 2009, the Company recognized an additional $30,000 impairment loss as a result of the decline in the estimated net realizable value.

 

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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. As part of our agreements for tribal developments, we typically fund costs associated with projects which may include legal, civil engineering, environmental, design, training, land acquisition and other related advances while assisting the tribes in securing financing for the construction of the project. The majorities of these costs are advanced to the tribes and are reimbursable to us, pursuant to management and development agreements, as part of the financing of the project’s development. While each project is unique, we forecast these costs when determining the feasibility of each opportunity. Such agreements to finance costs associated with the development and furtherance of projects are typical in this industry and have become expected of tribal gaming developers.
Our agreements with the various Indian tribes contain limited waivers of sovereign immunity and, in many cases, provide for arbitration to enforce the agreements. Generally, our only recourse for collection of funds under these agreements is from revenues, if any, of prospective casino operations.
Presently, we are not obligated to fund the construction phase of our Northern Cheyenne project in Montana. The FireKeepers casino development financing has been secured by the Tribe. The recent unprecedented global contraction in available credit significantly decreases the likelihood that financing could be obtained on favorable terms if at all for the Montana project this year. However, we believe that credit markets will improve sufficiently in order for the Montana tribe to fund the project when we are expected to commence construction in the second quarter of 2010. The Northern Cheyenne Tribal government has been replaced and we are in the process of engaging them in dialogue concerning the proposed project. If the Montana tribe is unable to obtain funding on acceptable terms, we believe we could either sell our rights to the Montana project, find a partner with funding, or abandon the Montana project and have our receivables reimbursed from the gaming operations, if any, developed by another party. However, if we were to discontinue the Montana project, the related receivables and intangibles would then be evaluated for impairment. At June 30, 2009, the notes receivable from Indian tribes have been discounted approximately $872,593 below the contractual value of the notes (including accrued interest) and the related contract rights are valued substantially below the anticipated cash flow from the management fees of the projects.
Seasonality
We believe that our casino operations will be affected by seasonal factors, including holidays, weather and travel conditions. Our cash flow from GED is affected by our management agreement with Harrington where GED’s second quarter cash flow has been reduced by a rebate of management fees which forms the basis of GED’s on-going cash flow according to the amended management agreement.
Regulation and taxes
We and our casino projects are subject to extensive regulation by state and tribal gaming authorities. We will also be subject to regulation, which may or may not be similar to current state regulations, by the appropriate authorities in any jurisdiction where we may conduct gaming activities in the future. Changes in applicable laws or regulations could have an adverse effect on us.
The gaming industry represents a significant source of tax revenues to regulators. From time to time, various federal legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax law, or in the administration of such law, affecting the gaming industry. It is not possible to determine the likelihood of possible changes in tax law or in the administration of such law. Such changes, if adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our future financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
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.

 

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Item 3.  
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk
Market risk is the risk of loss from changes in market rates or prices, such as interest rates and commodity prices. We are exposed to market risk in the form of changes in interest rates and the potential impact such changes may have on our variable rate debt. We have not invested in derivative based financial instruments.
Our cash and cash equivalents are not subject to significant interest rate risk due to the short maturities of these instruments. As of June 30, 2009, the carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value. However, we have cash on deposit with financial institutions substantially in excess of federally-insured limits, and the risk of losses related to such concentrations may be increasing as a result of economic developments.
Of our total outstanding debt of approximately $4.2 million at June 30, 2009, excluding interest, the entire balance is subject to variable interest rates, which averaged 4.9% during the current quarter. The applicable interest rates are based on the prime lending rate or the five-year LIBOR/Swap rate; and therefore, the interest rate will fluctuate as the index lending rates change. Based on our outstanding variable rate debt at June 30, 2009, a hypothetical 100 basis point (1%) change in rates would result in an annual interest expense change of approximately $42,143. At this time, we do not anticipate that either inflation or interest rate variations will have a material impact on our future operations.
Item 4(T).  
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures — As of June 30, 2009, we completed an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable assurance level in timely alerting them to material information relating to us which is required to be included in our periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting — There have been no changes during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.  
Legal Proceedings.
On June 19, 2009, Harrington Raceway, Inc. filed a demand for arbitration, disputing the formula for computing the minimum payment of our share of the management fee pursuant to the Management Reorganization Agreement dated June 18, 2007. The demand for arbitration does not contain a traditional claim for relief, commonly called a “Prayer for Relief”, and does not specify whether it seeks damages, a specific dollar amount, or whether it seeks merely a declaration concerning the formula. No formal response is required; however, through legal counsel we have appeared in the matter and intend to vigorously defend the proceeding. It is too early in the proceedings in light of the lack of a demand for a remedy in the demand for arbitration to determine whether there is or the extent of any liability.

 

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Item 4.  
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
We held our annual meeting on May 28, 2009 at which Kenneth R. Adams, Carl G. Braunlich, Kathleen M. Caracciolo, Andre M. Hilliou, Lee A. Iacocca, Mark J. Miller and J. Michael Paulson were elected to our board of directors. Stockholders ratified the appointment of Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern, Certified Public Accountants and Business Advisors, a Professional Corporation (PBTK), as our independent registered public accounting firm. No other proposals were presented at the 2009 annual meeting.
At the meeting the votes were cast as follows:
                 
    In Favor     Withheld  
 
               
Election of Kenneth R. Adams
    13,297,115       179,882  
 
               
Election of Carl G. Braunlich
    13,295,237       181,760  
 
               
Election of Kathleen M. Caracciolo
    13,290,729       186,268  
 
               
Election of Andre M. Hilliou
    13,142,258       334,739  
 
               
Election of Lee A. Iacocca
    13,100,661       376,336  
 
               
Election of Mark J. Miller
    13,144,910       332,087  
 
               
Election of J. Michael Paulson
    12,873,330       603,667  
                         
    In Favor     Against     Abstain  
 
                       
Ratification of PBTK as independent registered public accounting firm
    13,354,715       70,972       51,309  

 

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Item 6.  
Exhibits
         
  10.1    
Amendment to Reducing Revolving Loan Agreement dated as of the 25th day of June, 2009, by and between the Company and Nevada State Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1, to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2009.
       
 
  10.2    
Amendment to Reducing Revolving Promissory Note dated as of the 25th day of June, 2009, by and between the Company and Nevada State Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2, to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2009.
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
       
 
  32.1    
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
       
 
  32.2    
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
     
*  
Filed herewith

 

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         


Date: August 10, 2009  
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.

 
 
  By:   /s/ MARK MILLER    
    Mark Miller   
    Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
(on behalf of the Registrant and
as principal financial officer) 
 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
         
  10.1    
Amendment to Reducing Revolving Loan Agreement dated as of the 25th day of June, 2009, by and between the Company and Nevada State Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1, to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2009.
       
 
  10.2    
Amendment to Reducing Revolving Promissory Note dated as of the 25th day of June, 2009, by and between the Company and Nevada State Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2, to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2009.
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
       
 
  32.1    
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
       
 
  32.2    
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
     
*  
Filed herewith