Item 1A. Risk Factors.
An investment in our securities is subject to risks inherent to our business. We have described below what we currently believe to be the material risks and uncertainties in our business. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We also face other risks and uncertainties beyond what is described below. This Annual Report on Form 10-K is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of securities, including our common stock, could decline significantly. You could lose all or part of your investment.
Summary of Risk Factors
The following is a summary of the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K. This summary should be read in conjunction with those Risk Factors and should not be relied upon as an exhaustive summary of the material risks facing our business.
Risks Related to our Business and Operations
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● Higher wage and benefit costs could adversely affect our business.
● We face the risk of fraud and cheating.
Risks Related to Development and Growth Opportunities
● We face a number of challenges prior to opening new or upgraded facilities.
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Risks Related to our Indebtedness
Risks Related to our Legal and Regulatory Environment
Risks Related to Technology
General Risks
Risks Related to our Business and Operations
The outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has significantly impacted the global economy, including the gaming industry, and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the efforts to contain it have significantly impacted the global economy, including the gaming industry in the United States and abroad. The ongoing outbreak resulted in extended shutdowns of non-essential businesses around the world, including our own casinos for approximately three months, beginning in March 2020.
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The current circumstances regarding the COVID-19 pandemic are dynamic and the impacts of COVID-19 and its variants on our business operations, including the duration and impact on overall customer demand, is ongoing and uncertain. While case numbers are currently trending lower, COVID-19 and its variants continue to spread. As a result, we may from time to time elect or be required by governmental officials to undergo partial or full closures. Even as vaccines and boosters are readily available, the pandemic may still have the potential to have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows and may exacerbate many of the other risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
A prolonged closure of our casinos would negatively impact our ability to service our debt.
Our casinos are our primary sources of income and operating cash flows, which we rely upon to pay all of our obligations and to remain in compliance with debt covenants under any indebtedness we may incur and meet our obligations when due. Because we operate in several different jurisdictions, we are subject to different legal and market conditions in order to remain open. We have no control over and cannot predict the length of any future operating restrictions or future closures of our casinos and hotels due to the COVID-19 pandemic or any future pandemic. Any required closures may require us to seek to amend our debt agreements, though there is no certainty that we would be successful in such efforts. Additionally, we may be required to seek additional liquidity through the issuance of new debt or equity, or through the sale of certain assets. Our ability to obtain additional financing would depend in part on factors outside of our control.
We face significant competition from other gaming and entertainment operations.
The gaming industry is characterized by an increasingly high degree of competition among a large number of participants. Our casinos and contracted sport wagering businesses compete with other forms of gaming, such as casinos, racetracks, state-sponsored lotteries, sweepstakes, charitable gaming, video gaming terminals at bars, restaurants, taverns and truck stops, illegal slot machines and skill games, fantasy sports and internet or mobile-based gaming platforms, including online gaming and sports betting. Certain state and other jurisdictions are considering expansion of such forms of gaming. Each of these could divert customers from our casinos and services, and thus materially and adversely affect our business.
In most markets, we compete directly with other casino facilities operating in the immediate and surrounding market areas. In some markets, we face competition from nearby markets in addition to direct competition within our market areas. As competing properties and new markets are opened, our operating results may be negatively impacted. In addition, some of our direct competitors in certain markets may have superior facilities and/or operating conditions. We expect each existing or future market in which we participate to be highly competitive. The competitive position of each of our casino properties is discussed in Part I, Item 1. “Business – Competition.”
In a broader sense, our casinos and sports wagering businesses face competition from all manner of leisure and entertainment activities, including other non-gaming resorts and vacation destinations, shopping, athletic events, television and movies, concerts, and travel.
We may face revenue declines if discretionary consumer spending drops due to an economic downturn.
Our revenues are highly dependent upon the volume and spending levels of customers at our properties and, as such, our business has been in the past, and could be in the future, adversely impacted by economic downturns. Decreases in discretionary consumer spending brought about by factors such as, but not limited to, lackluster recoveries from recessions; inflation; pandemics, epidemics, widespread health emergencies, or outbreaks of infectious diseases such as COVID-19; high unemployment levels; higher income taxes; low levels of consumer confidence; weakness or uncertainty in the housing market; cultural and demographic changes; the impact of high energy, fuel, food and healthcare costs; fears of war or actual conflicts, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, civil unrest, terrorism or violence; and increased stock market volatility may negatively impact our revenues and operating cash flow. This could lead to a reduction in discretionary spending by our guests on entertainment and leisure activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, cash flow and results of operations. Furthermore, during periods of economic contraction, our revenues may decrease while many of our costs remain fixed and some costs may increase, resulting in decreased earnings.
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We cannot assure you that any of our contracted sports betting parties, through the use of our permitted website “skins,” will be able to compete effectively, that our contracted sports parties will have the ability and/or willingness to sustain sports betting operations should they experience an extended period of unprofitability, or that we will have the ability to replace existing partners or vendors on similar terms as our existing contractual revenue minimums.
Our contracted sports betting parties, through the use of our permitted website “skins,” compete in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive market against an increasing number of competitors. The success of their sports betting operations is dependent on a number of factors that are beyond their control, and ours, including the ultimate tax rates and license fees charged by jurisdictions across the United States; their ability to gain market share in a newly developing market; the timeliness and the technological and popular viability of their products; their ability to compete with new entrants in the market; changes in consumer demographics and public tastes and preferences; and the availability and popularity of other forms of entertainment. While our current agreements with our contracted sports betting parties provide us with contractual minimums for revenue upon their launch of operations, we cannot assure you that any of our contracted sports parties will be able to compete effectively or that they will have the ability or willingness to sustain sports betting operations for an extended period of unprofitability. Should any of our contracted sports betting parties cease operations, whether due to unprofitability or for other reasons, there can be no assurance that we will be able to replace them on similar terms as our existing agreements. In February 2022, one of our skin operators informed us of their intent to cease operations through one of our skins in Colorado and one of our skins in Indiana on May 15, 2022. We have begun discussions with other companies to replace such operator in both Colorado and Indiana, though there can be no guarantee that any replacement contract will be entered into on similar terms or at all.
Marine transportation is inherently risky, and insurance may be insufficient to cover losses that may occur to our assets or result from our ferry boat operations.
The operation of our ferry boat is subject to various inherent risks, including:
● catastrophic marine disasters and accidents;
● adverse weather conditions or natural disasters;
● mechanical failure or equipment damage;
● hazardous substance spills; and
● navigation and human errors.
The occurrence of any of these events may result in, among other things, damage to or loss of our ferry boat, damage to other vessels and the environment, loss of revenues, short-term or long-term interruption of ferry boat service, termination of our vessel charter or other contracts, fines, penalties or other restrictions on conducting business, damage to our reputation and customer relationships, and death or injury to personnel and passengers. Such occurrences may also result in a significant increase in our operating costs or liability to third parties.
Our Mississippi casino hotel currently generates a significant percentage of our revenues and Adjusted EBITDA. Our ability to meet our operating and debt service requirements is dependent, in part, upon the continued success of that property.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, we generated 50.3% of our revenues and 54.3% of our Adjusted Segment EBITDA from our casino resort in Mississippi. Therefore, until our new developments are operating, our results will be dependent on the regional economies and competitive landscapes at our Mississippi property. Likewise, our ability to meet our operating and debt service requirements is dependent, in part, upon the continued success of this property.
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We derive our revenues and operating income from our properties located in Mississippi, Colorado, Indiana and Nevada, and expect to commence operations in Illinois, and are especially subject to certain risks, including economic and competitive risks, associated with the conditions in those areas and in the states from which we draw patrons.
Because we derive our revenues and operating income from properties concentrated in four states, we are subject to greater risks from regional conditions than a gaming company with operating properties in a greater number of different geographic regions. A decrease in revenues from, or an increase in costs for, one of these locations is likely to have a proportionally greater impact on our business and operations than it would for a gaming company with more geographically diverse operating properties. Risks from regional conditions include the following:
● regional economic conditions;
Some of our operations are located on leased property. If the lessor of the Grand Lodge Casino exercises its buyout rights or if we default on this or certain of our other leases, the applicable lessors could terminate the affected leases and we could lose possession of the affected casino.
We lease certain parcels of land at our Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel in Mississippi, certain land and buildings at Bronco Billy’s Hotel and Casino in Colorado (much of which is to be utilized for Chamonix) and one of the two hotels at our Rising Star Casino Resort in Indiana. We also lease casino space at our Grand Lodge Casino in Nevada. Unless we have a purchase option under such leases and exercise such option, we will have no interest in the improvements thereon at the expiration of the leases. We have purchase options on the leased property at the Silver Slipper, Bronco Billy’s and for the leased hotel at Rising Star, but it is either currently more advantageous for us to continue to lease rather than exercise the buyout option, or we have certain restrictions which only allow us to exercise the purchase option during certain future time periods. The obligations under the Notes and the Credit Facility are collateralized by a security interest in substantially all of our assets. The Notes contain representations and warranties, financial covenants, and restrictions on dividends customary for notes of this type. Mandatory prepayments, in whole or in part, of the Notes will be required upon the occurrence of certain events, including sales of certain assets, upon certain changes of control, or should the Company have certain unused funds in the construction disbursement account following the completion of Chamonix. The Credit Facility contains a number of negative covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, are substantially similar to the covenants contained in the Notes. The Credit Facility also requires compliance with a financial covenant as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, such that Adjusted EBITDA (as defined) for the trailing twelve-month period must equal or exceed the utilized portion of the Credit Facility, if drawn. Under certain circumstances and at the expirations of the underlying leases, we might be forced to exercise our buyout options in order to continue to operate those properties. There is no certainty that the funds could be raised at that time at a reasonable cost, or at all, to exercise some or all of the buyout options. The operating lease at the Grand Lodge Casino, which is set to expire on August 31, 2023, includes certain lessor buyout rights based upon a multiple of EBITDA that, if exercised, could result in the lessor purchasing our leasehold interest and the operating assets on terms that may be less than fair market value or financially unfavorable to us. Since we do not completely control the land, buildings, hotel and space underlying our leased properties, a lessor could take certain actions to disrupt our rights under the long-term leases, which are beyond our control. If the entity owning any leased land, buildings, hotel or space chose to disrupt our use either permanently or for a significant period of time, then the value of our assets could be impaired and our business and operations could be adversely affected. If we were to default on the lease, then the lessor could terminate the affected lease and we could lose possession of the affected land, buildings, hotel or space and any improvements thereon. The loss of the lease through exercise of buyout rights or through termination upon default could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations as we would then be unable to operate all or portions of the affected facilities, which, in turn, may result in a default under our debt agreements.
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Adverse weather conditions, road construction, gasoline shortages and other factors affecting our facilities and the areas in which we operate could make it more difficult for potential customers to travel to our properties and deter customers from visiting our properties.
Our continued success depends upon our ability to draw customers from each of the geographic markets in which we operate. Adverse weather conditions or road construction can deter our customers from traveling to our facilities or make it difficult for them to frequent our properties. In recent years, there were severe cold temperatures that we believe adversely affected our Indiana and Mississippi properties’ financial performance, and historically low snow levels and forest fires in the Lake Tahoe region adversely affected visitation and financial performance at Grand Lodge. Moreover, gasoline shortages or fuel price increases could make it more difficult for potential customers to travel to our properties and deter customers from visiting. Our dockside gaming facility in Indiana, as well as any additional riverboat or dockside casino properties that might be developed or acquired, are also subject to risks, in addition to those associated with land-based casinos, which could disrupt our operations. Although our Indiana casino vessel does not leave its moorings in normal operations, there are risks associated with the movement or mooring of vessels on waterways, including risks of casualty due to river turbulence, flooding, collisions with other vessels and severe weather conditions. Our ferry boat that we operate at Rising Star has similar risks as our Indiana casino vessel, as well as additional risks related to ferry boat operations discussed above.
Our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected by the occurrence of natural disasters, including as a result of climate change, such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, pandemics, epidemics, widespread health emergencies, or outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus pandemic, or other catastrophic events, including war, terrorism and gun violence.
Natural disasters and extreme weather conditions, potentially exacerbated by climate change, such as major hurricanes, tornadoes, typhoons, floods, fires and earthquakes, could adversely affect our business and operating results. Certain of our properties are located in areas that may be subject to extreme weather conditions. Hurricanes are common in the area in which our Mississippi property is located, and the severity of such natural disasters is unpredictable. In October 2020, Hurricane Zeta caused the temporary closure of the Silver Slipper and caused approximately $5 million of damage, most of which was covered by insurance. In 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused significant damage in the Gulf Coast region. Additionally, our Indiana property is at risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Ohio River. Wildfires are also increasing in frequency and intensity, and the Western United States and the Rocky Mountain Region have been experiencing continuing drought conditions. Bronco Billy’s and Grand Lodge were adversely affected by nearby forest fires and the impacts therefrom. Changes in federal, state, and local legislation and regulation based on concerns about climate change could result in increased regulatory costs, which may include capital expenditures at our existing properties to ensure compliance with any new or updated regulations, which may potentially adversely affect our operations. There can be no assurance that the potential impacts of climate change and severe weather will not have a material adverse effect on our properties, operations or business.
If a pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, occurs in the United States or on a global scale, our business may be adversely affected. As described elsewhere in these Risk Factors, such events may result in closures of our properties, a period of business disruption, and/or in reduced operations, any of which could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Catastrophic events, such as terrorist and war activities in the United States and elsewhere, when they occur, have had a negative effect on travel and leisure expenditures, including lodging, gaming and tourism. Gun violence has also occurred at casinos, including a mass shooting at a casino in Las Vegas in 2017. We cannot accurately predict the extent to which such events may affect us, directly or indirectly, in the future. There also can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain or choose to purchase any insurance coverage with respect to occurrences of terrorist and violent acts and any losses that could result from these acts. If there is a prolonged disruption at our properties due to natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other catastrophic events, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
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Several of our properties, including Silver Slipper, Bronco Billy’s and Rising Star, are accessed by our customers via routes that have few alternatives.
The Silver Slipper is located at the end of a dead-end road, with no other access. Bronco Billy’s is accessed by most guests via a mountain pass; if that pass is closed for any reason, the alternative is longer. Rising Star’s primary access from Cincinnati is via a road alongside the Ohio River; if this road were to close, the alternative routes involve a ferry boat or more winding roads through the rolling hills inland from the river. If access to any of these roads is blocked for any significant period, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially affected.
We may incur property and other losses that are not adequately covered by insurance, including adequate levels of Weather Catastrophe Occurrence/Named Windstorm, Flood and Earthquake insurance coverage for our properties.
Although we maintain insurance that our management believes is customary and appropriate for our business, there can be no assurance that insurance will be available at reasonable costs in any given year or adequate to cover all losses and damage to which our business or our assets might be subjected. The lack of adequate insurance for certain types or levels of risk could expose us to significant losses in the event that a catastrophe occurred for which we are uninsured or under-insured. Any losses we incur that are not adequately covered by insurance may decrease our future operating income, require us to find replacements or repairs for destroyed property, and reduce the funds available for payments of our obligations. In addition, certain casualty events, such as labor strikes, nuclear events, acts of war, declines in visitation and loss of income due to fear of terrorism or other acts of violence, loss of electrical power due to catastrophic events, rolling blackouts or otherwise, deterioration or corrosion, insect or animal damage, pandemic-related shutdowns and pollution, may not be covered at all under our policies. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could, therefore, expose us to substantial uninsured losses.
There is no certainty that insurance companies will continue to offer insurance at acceptable rates, or at all, in hurricane-prone areas or other areas affected by extreme weather, including the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Some insurance companies may significantly limit the amount of coverage they will write in these markets and increase the premiums charged for this coverage. Additionally, uncertainty can occur as to the viability of certain insurance companies. While we believe that the insurance companies from which we have purchased insurance policies will remain solvent, there is no certainty that this will be the case.
We depend on our key personnel and our ability to attract and retain employees.
We are highly dependent on the services of our executive management team and other members of our senior management team. Our ability to attract and retain key personnel is affected by the competitiveness of our compensation packages and the other terms and conditions of employment, our continued ability to compete effectively against other gaming companies, and our growth prospects. The loss of the services of any members of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have faced recent increased challenges in attracting and retaining qualified employees, particularly in light of the increase in employee resignations taking place throughout the United States as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If we fail to retain our current employees, it would be difficult and costly to identify, recruit and train replacements needed to continue to conduct and expand our business. There can be no assurance that we will be able to retain and motivate our employees.
Higher wage and benefit costs could adversely affect our business.
While the majority of our employees earn more than the minimum wage in their relative jurisdictions and many receive medical plan benefits from us, changes in federal and state minimum wage laws and other laws relating to employee benefits, including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, have in the past, and could in the future, cause us to incur additional wage and benefits costs. Increased labor costs brought about by changes in either federal or state minimum wage laws, other regulations or prevailing market conditions have recently, and could in the future, further increase our expenses, which could have an adverse impact on our profitability, or decrease the number of employees we are able to employ, which could decrease customer service levels at our gaming facilities and therefore adversely impact revenues.
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Rising operating costs at our gaming properties could have a negative impact on our business.
The operating expenses associated with our gaming properties could increase due to, among other reasons, the following factors:
● inflationary pressures;
● supply chain issues that are beyond our control;
● availability and costs associated with insurance;
● increases in costs of labor;
If our operating expenses increase without any offsetting increase in our revenues, our results of operations would suffer.
We face the risk of fraud and cheating.
Our gaming customers may attempt or commit fraud or cheat in order to increase winnings. Acts of fraud or cheating could involve the use of counterfeit chips or other tactics, possibly in collusion with our employees. Internal acts of cheating could also be conducted by employees directly or through collusion with dealers, surveillance staff, floor managers or other casino or gaming area staff. Failure to discover such acts or schemes in a timely manner could result in losses in our gaming operations. In addition, negative publicity related to such schemes could have an adverse effect on our reputation, potentially causing a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Win rates for our gaming operations depend on a variety of factors, some beyond our control.
The gaming industry is characterized by an element of chance. In addition to the element of chance, win rates are also affected by other factors, including players’ skill and experience, the mix of games played, the financial resources of players, the spread of table limits, the volume of bets played and the amount of time played. Our gaming profits are mainly derived from the difference between our casino winnings and the casino winnings of our gaming customers. Since there is an inherent element of chance in the gaming industry, we do not have full control over our winnings or the winnings of our gaming customers. If our winnings do not exceed the winnings of our gaming customers by enough to cover our operating costs, we may record a loss from our gaming operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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The concentration and evolution of the slot machine manufacturing industry could impose additional costs on us.
A majority of our revenues are attributable to slot machines and related systems operated by us at our gaming facilities. It is important, for competitive reasons, that we offer popular and up-to-date slot machine games to our customers. A substantial majority of the slot machines sold in the U.S. in recent years were manufactured by only a few companies, and there has been recent consolidation activity within the gaming equipment sector. In recent years, slot machine manufacturers have frequently refused to sell slot machines featuring the most popular games, instead requiring participation lease arrangements. Participation slot machine leasing arrangements typically require the payment of a fixed daily rental or a percentage payment of coin-in or net win. Generally, a participation lease is more expensive over the long term than the cost to purchase a new machine. For competitive reasons, we may be forced to purchase new slot machines or enter into participation lease arrangements that are more expensive than our current costs associated with the continued operation of our existing slot machines. If the newer slot machines do not result in sufficient incremental revenues to offset the increased investment and participation lease costs, it could hurt our profitability.
Our business may be adversely affected by legislation prohibiting tobacco smoking.
Legislation in various forms to ban indoor tobacco smoking has been enacted or introduced in jurisdictions in which we operate. Except for our casino in Colorado, the gaming areas of our properties are not currently subject to tobacco restrictions. While gaming areas have generally been exempted from these restrictions, if additional restrictions on smoking are enacted in jurisdictions in which we operate, we could experience a decrease in gaming revenue. This is particularly the case if such restrictions are not applicable to all competitive facilities in that gaming market.
We rely on, among other things, trademarks, licenses, confidentiality procedures, and contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property rights and we may be unable to protect or may not be successful in protecting our intellectual property rights.
Our commercial success depends upon our ability to develop brands and to successfully obtain or acquire proprietary or statutory protection for our intellectual property rights and to implement new or improved technologies purchased or licensed from third parties. We rely on, among other things, trademarks, licenses, confidentiality procedures, and contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property rights. While we enter into license, confidentiality, and non-disclosure agreements to attempt to limit access to, and distribution of, proprietary and confidential information, it is possible that:
● contractual provisions may not be enforceable.
There can be no assurance that we will be successful in protecting our intellectual property rights or that we will become aware of third-party infringements that might be occurring. Inability to protect our intellectual property rights could have a material adverse effect on our prospects, business, financial condition or results of operations.
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Our commercial success depends upon us avoiding the infringement of intellectual property rights owned by others and any such infringements, including those that are inadvertent, may have a material adverse effect on our business.
The industries in which we compete have many participants that own, or claim to own, intellectual property, including participants that own intellectual property similar to our own, and proprietary rights for technologies similar to those used or licensed by us. Some of this intellectual property may provide very broad protection to the third-party owners thereof. Patents in particular can be issued very rapidly and there is often a great deal of secrecy surrounding pending patent applications. We cannot determine with certainty whether any existing third-party intellectual property or the issuance of any new third-party intellectual property would require our partners or suppliers to alter their technologies or services, pay for licenses, challenge the validity or enforceability of the intellectual property, or cease certain activities. Third parties may assert intellectual property infringement claims against us and against our partners and/or suppliers. We may be subject to these types of claims either directly or indirectly through indemnities assuming liability for these claims that we may provide to certain partners or suppliers. There can be no assurance that our attempts to negotiate favorable intellectual property indemnities in favor of us with our partners or suppliers for infringement of third-party intellectual property rights will be successful or that a partner’s or supplier’s indemnity will cover all damages and losses suffered by us and our partners and other suppliers due to infringing products, or that we can secure a license, modification or replacement of a partner’s or supplier’s products with non-infringing products that may otherwise mitigate such damages and losses.
Some of our competitors have, or are affiliated with companies that have, substantially greater resources than us, and these competitors may be able to sustain the costs of complex intellectual property infringement litigation to a greater degree and for longer periods of time than us. Regardless of whether third-party claims of infringement against us have any merit, these claims could:
● adversely affect our relationships with our customers;
● be time-consuming to evaluate and defend;
● result in costly litigation;
● result in negative publicity for us;
● divert our management’s attention and resources;
● cause product and software delivery delays or stoppages;
● subject us to significant liabilities;
● require us to enter into costly royalty or licensing agreements;
In addition to being liable for potentially substantial damages relating to intellectual property following an infringement action against us, we may be prohibited from commercializing certain technologies, or products or services unless we obtain a license from the holder of the applicable intellectual property rights. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain any such license or acquire intellectual property on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If we do not obtain such a license, our prospects, business, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected and we could be required to cease related business operations in some markets and restructure our business to focus on continuing operations in other markets.
We are subject to risks related to corporate social responsibility and reputation.
Many factors influence our reputation and the value of our brands, including the perception held by our customers, business partners, other key stakeholders and the communities in which we do business. Our business faces increasing scrutiny related to environmental, social and governance activities and risk of damage to our reputation and the value of our brands if we fail to act responsibly in a number of areas, such as diversity and inclusion, environmental stewardship, climate change, workplace conduct, human rights, philanthropy and support for local communities. Any harm to our reputation could impact employee engagement and retention and the willingness of customers and our partners to do business with us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash flows.
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Risks Related to Development and Growth Opportunities
We are engaged from time to time in one or more construction and development projects, including Chamonix and American Place, and many factors could prevent us from completing them as planned.
We are currently constructing Chamonix in Cripple Creek, Colorado, adjoining and connected to our existing Bronco Billy’s casino. We also intend to open The Temporary and, subsequently, American Place in Waukegan, Illinois.
Construction of these types of projects have certain inherent risks, including the risks of fire, structural collapse, human error and electrical, mechanical and plumbing malfunction. Our development and expansion projects are exposed to significant risks, including:
● shortage of skilled labor or work stoppages;
● unanticipated cost increases or delays in completing the project;
● lack of sufficient funds, or delays in the availability of, financing;
● changes to plans or specifications;
● performance by contractors and subcontractors;
● disputes with contractors;
● personal injuries to workers and other persons;
● structural heights and the required use of cranes;
● other unanticipated circumstances or cost increases.
The occurrence of any of the foregoing could increase the total costs of a project, or delay or prevent its construction, development, expansion or opening. Escalating construction costs may cause us to modify the design and scope of projects from those initially contemplated or cause the budgets for those projects to be increased. We generally carry insurance to cover certain liabilities related to construction, but not all risks are covered, and it is uncertain whether such insurance will provide sufficient payment in a timely fashion even for those risks that are insured and material to us.
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The construction costs for our growth projects, including Chamonix and American Place, may exceed budgeted amounts plus contingencies, which may result in insufficient funds to complete these projects or the need to raise additional capital.
Delays in the completion of the plans and specifications for our growth projects, including Chamonix and American Place, could delay completion of the projects. In addition, completion of the plans and specifications while construction is in progress could cause inefficiencies, and certain items may need to be modified or replaced after they have been purchased, constructed or installed in order to conform to building code requirements or subsequently-developed plans and specifications. The Pre-Construction Services Agreement and Letter of Intent with our general contractor for Chamonix provides that the cost of construction may increase and the deadlines for the contractor’s obligations to complete construction may be adjusted for alterations in the project’s scope. We may enter into similar arrangements with the general contractor for American Place. We can give no assurance that changes in the scope of these projects will not increase the cost of the projects or extend their completion dates. We establish budgets for the projects based, in part, on our estimate of the cost of various construction goods and services for parts of the projects that, in some cases, are not yet fully designed. If the actual cost with respect to these allowance items exceeds the estimated amount, we will be responsible for the payment of those excess amounts out of the cash flow from our other operations and from cash balances. Our cash flow or cash reserves may not be adequate at any given time to address balancing of the construction budgets if there are increased costs. If our contingency, cash flow from operations and anticipated excess liquidity are insufficient to cover any shortfall, we may not have sufficient funds to complete the projects without seeking additional capital or at all.
There is no assurance that our growth projects, including Chamonix and American Place, will not be subject to additional regulatory restrictions, delays, or challenges.
We received approval of the plans for Chamonix from the Cripple Creek Historic Preservation Commission and Cripple Creek City Council in January and February 2021, respectively. Additionally, as part of these approvals, the Cripple Creek City Council voted to amend the prior Development Agreement with Bronco Billy’s regarding the project, as an Amended & Restated Development Agreement. In the Amended & Restated Development Agreement, we are obligated to complete the project by December 31, 2022. If we do not complete the project by that date, the City may exercise its right of reversion for the previously vacated right of way of portions of 2nd Avenue and the alley. If the project is substantially underway at the deadline, it is likely that the City Council would agree to extend the deadline; however, there is no certainty that would be the case. We are still developing our plans related to American Place and the Temporary, and such plans will be subject to regulatory approval. Completion of these projects could also be delayed by weather, labor shortages or other construction delays. There is no assurance that these projects will not be subject to additional restrictions, delays, or challenges, as the projects will also require at least the following administrative approvals: a development plan, approved construction drawings required for a building permit, and a certification of occupancy.
There is no assurance that our growth projects, including Chamonix and American Place, will be successful.
In addition to the construction and regulatory risks associated with the development of our growth projects, including Chamonix and American Place, we cannot assure you that the level of consumer demand for these projects will meet our expectations. The operating results of these projects may be materially different than expected due to, among other factors, consumer spending and preferences in the geographic areas, competition from other markets, or other developments that may be beyond our control. In addition, these projects may be more sensitive than anticipated by management to certain risks, including risks associated with downturns in the economy. Further, these projects may not generate cash flows on our anticipated timeline. We may not be able to successfully implement our growth strategy with respect to these projects, capital investments, and acquisitions. There is no assurance that these projects will result in a more successful business operation, or that these projects will increase clientele or revenues. With respect to Chamonix, there is no assurance that a more modern expansion will attract new visitors to a city with historic architecture. The occurrence of any of these issues could adversely affect our prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
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Failure to comply with the terms of our disbursement agreement related to Chamonix could limit our access to funds.
As of January 2022, we had approximately $221 million deposited in a construction disbursement account for Chamonix. The funds in the construction disbursement account, which will be used to fund the completion of the design, development, construction, equipping and opening costs of Chamonix, will be disbursed pursuant to the terms of our Cash Collateral and Disbursement Agreement. Funds will be distributed from this account only upon satisfaction of certain conditions, including the approval of the disbursements by an independent construction consultant, as contemplated by the Cash Collateral and Disbursement Agreement. If we fail to satisfy draw conditions or the independent construction consultant does not give its approval to construction draws, in each case under our Cash Collateral and Disbursement Agreement, we may not have access to funds when needed to pay such costs, which could cause delays in the construction of Chamonix.
We face a number of challenges prior to opening new or upgraded facilities.
No assurance can be given that, when we endeavor to open new or upgraded facilities, the expected timetables for opening such facilities will be met in light of the uncertainties inherent in the development of the regulatory framework, construction, the licensing process, legislative action and litigation. Delays in opening new or upgraded facilities could lead to increased costs and delays in receiving anticipated revenues with respect to such facilities and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may face disruption and other difficulties in integrating and managing facilities we have recently developed or acquired, or may develop or acquire in the future.
We may face certain challenges as we integrate the operational and administrative systems of recently developed or acquired facilities into our business. As a result, the realization of anticipated benefits may be delayed or substantially reduced. Events outside of our control, including changes in state and federal regulations and laws, as well as economic trends, also could adversely affect our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from the acquisition or future development.
We expect to continue pursuing expansion opportunities. We regularly evaluate opportunities for acquisition and development of new properties. We could face significant challenges in managing and integrating our expanded or combined operations and any other properties we may develop or acquire, particularly in new competitive markets. The integration of properties we may develop or acquire will require the dedication of management resources that may temporarily divert attention from our day-to-day business. The process of integrating properties that we may acquire also could interrupt the activities of those businesses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the development of new properties may involve construction, local opposition, regulatory, legal and competitive risks, as well as the risks attendant to partnership deals on these development opportunities. In particular, in projects where we team up with a joint venture partner, if we cannot reach agreement with such partners, or our relationships otherwise deteriorate, we could face significant increased costs and delays. Local opposition can delay or increase the anticipated cost of a project. Finally, given the competitive nature of these types of limited license opportunities, litigation is possible.
Management of new properties, especially in new geographic areas, may require that we increase our management resources. We cannot assure you that we will be able to manage the combined operations effectively or realize any of the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions. We also cannot assure you that, if acquisitions are completed, the acquired businesses will generate returns consistent with our expectations. Our ability to achieve our objectives in connection with any acquisition we may consummate may be highly dependent on, among other things, our ability to retain the senior-level property management teams of such acquisition candidates. If, for any reason, we are unable to retain these management teams following such acquisitions or if we fail to attract new capable executives, our operations after consummation of such acquisitions could be materially adversely affected. If we make new acquisitions or new investments, we may face additional risks related to our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, ability to satisfy financial covenants and comply with other restrictive covenants under our indenture, and ability to pay or refinance our indebtedness.
The occurrence of some or all of the above-described events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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The construction of Chamonix may inconvenience customers and disrupt business activity at the adjoining Bronco Billy’s casino.
Although we will attempt to minimize disruption of our existing Bronco Billy’s operations, construction of Chamonix will require portions of the adjoining Bronco Billy’s to be closed or disrupted. For example, Chamonix will be built, in part, on surface parking lots currently used by guests of Bronco Billy’s. As a result, we will close such parking lots and relocate guest parking until the Chamonix’s new parking garage is available for use. Similarly, hotel rooms at Bronco Billy’s will be temporarily unavailable during construction. Any significant disruption in operations at Bronco Billy’s could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The permanent American Place facility, additional growth projects or potential enhancements at our properties may require us to raise additional capital.
We may need to access financial institution sources, capital markets, private sources or otherwise obtain additional funds to fund the permanent American Place facility, additional growth projects or potential enhancements we may undertake at our facilities. We do not know when or if financial institution sources, capital markets or private sources will permit us to raise additional funds for such phases and enhancements in a timely manner, on acceptable terms, or at all. Inability to access financial institution sources, capital markets or private sources, or the availability of capital only on less-than-favorable terms, may force us to delay, reduce or cancel our growth projects and enhancement projects.
Our ability to obtain financial institution sources, capital markets or private source financing for future offerings may also be limited by our financial condition, results of operations or other factors, such as our credit rating or outlook at the time of any such financing or offering and the covenants in our existing debt agreements, as well as by general economic conditions and contingencies and uncertainties that are beyond our control. As we seek additional financing, we will be subject to the risks of rising interest rates and other factors affecting the financial markets.
The casino, hotel and resort industry is capital intensive, and we may not be able to finance expansion and renovation projects, which could put us at a competitive disadvantage.
Our properties have an ongoing need for renovations and other capital improvements to remain competitive, including replacement, from time to time, of furniture, fixtures and equipment. We may also need to make capital expenditures at our casino properties to comply with our debt covenants, lease agreements and applicable laws and regulations.
Renovations and other capital improvements at our properties require significant capital expenditures. In addition, renovations and capital improvements usually generate little or no cash flow until the projects are completed. We may not be able to fund such projects solely from existing resources and cash provided from operating activities. Consequently, we may have to rely upon the availability of debt or equity capital to fund renovations and capital improvements, and our ability to carry them out will be limited if we cannot obtain satisfactory debt or equity financing, which will depend on, among other things, market conditions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain additional equity or debt financing or that we will be able to obtain such financing on favorable terms. Our failure to renovate our properties may put us at a competitive disadvantage.
We may face risks related to our ability to receive regulatory approvals required to complete certain acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, and other developments, as well as other potential delays in completing certain transactions.
Our growth may be fueled, in part, by the acquisition of existing gaming and development properties. In addition to standard closing conditions, our material transactions, including but not limited to acquisitions, are often conditioned on the receipt of regulatory approvals and other hurdles that create uncertainty and could increase costs. Such delays could significantly reduce the benefits to us of such transactions and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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If we fail to obtain necessary government approvals in a timely manner, or at all, it can adversely impact our various expansion, development, investment and renovation projects.
The scope of the approvals required for expansion, development, investment or renovation projects can be extensive and may include regulatory approvals, state and local land-use permits, and building and zoning permits. Unexpected changes or concessions required by local, state or federal regulatory authorities could involve significant additional costs and delay the scheduled openings of the facilities. We may not obtain the necessary permits, licenses, entitlements and approvals within the anticipated time frames, or at all.
Insufficient or lower-than-expected results generated from our new developments and acquired properties may negatively affect our operating results and financial condition.
We cannot assure you that the revenues generated from our new developments and acquired properties will be sufficient to pay related expenses if and when these developments are completed; or, even if revenues are sufficient to pay expenses, that the new developments and acquired properties will yield an adequate return or any return on our significant investments. As previously discussed, the development of new properties may involve construction, regulatory, legal and competitive risks or local opposition, any of which can significantly increase the anticipated cost of a project. Our projects, if completed, may not achieve the level of guest acceptance and patronage we anticipate and, for this or other reasons, may take significantly longer than we expect to generate returns, if any. If our new developments or acquired properties do not achieve the financial results anticipated, it could adversely affect our revenues and results of operations. Moreover, lower-than-expected results from the opening of a new facility may make it more difficult to raise capital.
Risks Related to our Indebtedness
Our significant indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations.
As of February 7, 2022, the total principal amount of our indebtedness, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, was $410 million, consisting entirely of the Notes. Our Credit Facility remains undrawn as of this report date and includes a letter of credit sub-facility. The Notes and the Credit Facility are summarized in Part I, Item 1. “Business — Operating Properties — American Place, Including The Temporary.” We also have a finance lease at our Rising Star Casino Resort with an outstanding balance of $3.3 million.
Our debt could, among other things:
Any of these risks could impact our ability to fund our operations or limit our ability to expand our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
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The indenture governing the Notes and the Credit Facility impose restrictive covenants and limitations that could significantly affect our ability to operate our business and lead to events of default if we do not comply with the covenants.
The indenture governing the Notes and the Credit Facility impose restrictive covenants on us and our subsidiaries that may limit our current and future operations. The restrictions that are imposed include, among other obligations, limitations on our and our subsidiaries’ ability to:
● incur additional debt and guarantee indebtedness;
● make payments on subordinated obligations;
● make dividends or distributions and repurchase stock;
● make investments;
● enter into transactions with affiliates;
● grant liens on our property to secure debt;
● sell assets or enter into mergers or consolidations;
● sell equity interest in our subsidiaries;
● make capital expenditures; or
These restrictions could adversely affect our ability to:
● obtain additional financing for our operations;
● make needed capital expenditures;
● make strategic acquisitions or investments or enter into alliances;
Our ability to comply with the covenants under the indenture, the Credit Facility, or in any instrument governing future indebtedness, may be affected by general economic conditions, industry conditions, and other events beyond our control, including delays in the completion of new projects under construction. As a result, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with these covenants. Our failure to comply with the covenants contained under the indenture the Credit Facility, or in any instrument governing future indebtedness, including failure to comply as a result of events beyond our control, could result in an event of default. If there were an event of default and it is not waived by the requisite parties (at their option), the agent, the trustee or holders, as applicable, could cause all the outstanding obligations under the Notes, the Credit Facility or other future indebtedness to be due and payable, subject to applicable grace periods, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results and our financial condition. Additionally, this could trigger cross-defaults under other debt obligations. We cannot assure you that our assets or cash flow would be sufficient to repay our obligations under the Notes, the Credit Facility or any future outstanding debt obligations, if accelerated upon an event of default, or that we would be able to borrow sufficient funds to refinance the Notes, the Credit Facility or any future debt instruments.
To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, and to fund planned capital expenditures and expansion efforts, will depend upon our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors, including the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
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We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations or asset sales, our anticipated growth in operations, including through our expansion efforts, will be realized, or that future borrowings will be available to us in amounts sufficient to enable us to repay the Notes, and any amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility and to fund our other liquidity needs. In addition, as we undertake substantial new developments or facility renovations or if we consummate significant acquisitions in the future, our cash requirements may increase significantly and we may need to obtain additional equity or debt financing or joint venture partners. Any increase in our level of indebtedness could impose additional cash requirements on us in order to support interest payments. If we incur additional debt, the related risks that we now face could intensify.
If we are not able to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to repay the Notes or any amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility, as needed, or to obtain adequate additional financing, we may have to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing or delaying planned expenses and capital expenditures, selling assets, or issuing equity.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to service all of our indebtedness and fund our operating expenses, working capital needs and capital expenditures, and we may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.
Our ability to make scheduled payments on or refinance our indebtedness will depend upon our future operating performance and our ability to generate cash flow in the future, which are subject to general economic, financial, business, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or fund our other liquidity needs. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and could be forced to reduce or delay investment and capital expenditures, dispose of material assets or operations, seek additional debt or equity capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. We may not be able to affect any such alternative measures, if necessary, on commercially reasonable terms or at all and, even if successful, such alternative actions may not allow us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. The indenture governing the Notes and the Credit Facility restrict our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from asset dispositions, and may also restrict our ability to raise debt or equity capital to repay or service our indebtedness. If we cannot make scheduled payments on our debt, we will be in default and, as a result, our lenders could declare all outstanding amounts to be due and payable and foreclose against the collateral securing such debt, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects and could result in you losing your investment in us.
We depend on our subsidiaries for certain dividends, distributions and repayment of our indebtedness, including the Notes and any borrowings under the Credit Facility.
The source of much of our cash flow to pay our obligations under the Notes and any borrowings under the Credit Facility and to make payments on any other indebtedness will be dividends and distributions from our subsidiaries. If our subsidiaries are unable to make dividend payments or distributions to us and sufficient cash or liquidity is not otherwise available, we may not be able to pay interest or principal under the Notes or borrowings under the Credit Facility. Unless they guarantee the Notes and the Credit Facility, our subsidiaries will not have any obligation to pay amounts due under the Notes and the Credit Facility or to make funds available for that purpose. Unless they guarantee the Notes and the Credit Facility, our subsidiaries may not be able to, or be permitted to, make distributions to enable us to make payments in respect of our indebtedness, including the Notes and the Credit Facility. Each of our subsidiaries is a distinct legal entity and, under certain circumstances, legal and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries. In addition, while the indentures governing the Notes and the Credit Facility limit the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to restrict the payment of dividends or make other intercompany payments to us, these limitations will be subject to certain qualifications and exceptions. In the event that we do not receive distributions from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to make required principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, including the Notes and the Credit Facility.
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Our ability to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms may be limited.
Although we believe that our cash, cash equivalents, working capital, future cash from operations, and the capital obtained from the Notes and available borrowing under the Credit Facility will provide adequate resources to fund completion of Chamonix, the Temporary at American Place and ongoing operating requirements, we may need to refinance or seek additional financing to compete effectively or grow our business, including to complete the permanent American Place facility. These financing strategies may not be completed on satisfactory terms, if at all. In addition, certain financing transactions require approval of gaming regulatory authorities. Some requirements may prevent or delay us from obtaining necessary capital. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain any additional financing, refinance our existing debt, or fund our growth efforts. If we are unable to obtain financing on commercially reasonable terms, it could:
● restrict our ability to capitalize on business opportunities;
● place us at a competitive disadvantage.
The obligations under the Notes and the Credit Facility are collateralized by a security interest in substantially all of our assets, so if we default on those obligations, the holders of the Notes and lenders under the Credit Facility could foreclose on our assets. In addition, the existence of these security interests may adversely affect our financial flexibility.
The obligations under the Notes and any borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our assets. As a result, if we default under our obligations under the Notes or the Credit Facility, the holders of the Notes and the lenders under the Credit Facility, acting through their appointed agent, could foreclose on their security interests and liquidate some or all of these assets, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations and could require us to reduce or cease operations. In addition, the pledge of these assets and other restrictions may limit our flexibility in raising capital for other purposes. Because substantially all of our assets are pledged under these financing arrangements, our ability to incur additional secured indebtedness or to sell or dispose of assets to raise capital may be impaired, which could have an adverse effect on our financial flexibility.
We and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt, which could further exacerbate the risks described above.
We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The indentures governing the Notes and the Credit Facility do not fully prohibit us or our subsidiaries from doing so. If new debt is added to our or our subsidiaries’ current debt levels, the related risks that we or they now face could intensify.
Risks Related to our Legal and Regulatory Environment
We face extensive regulation from gaming and other regulatory authorities and the cost of compliance or failure to comply with such regulations may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Licensing. The gaming industry is highly regulated, and we must maintain our licenses and pay gaming taxes to continue our operations. The ownership, management and operation of gaming facilities are subject to extensive state and local regulation in the jurisdiction in which it is located. These laws, rules and regulations generally concern the responsibility, financial stability and character of the owners, managers, and persons with financial interest in the gaming operations. The regulatory authorities in jurisdictions where we operate have broad discretion, and may, for any reason set forth in the applicable legislation, rules and regulations, limit, condition, suspend, fail to renew or revoke a license or registration to conduct gaming operations. Furthermore, because we are subject to regulation in each jurisdiction in which we operate, and because regulatory agencies within each jurisdiction review our compliance with gaming laws in other jurisdictions, it is possible that gaming compliance issues in one jurisdiction may lead to reviews and compliance issues in other jurisdictions.
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Taxation and fees. We believe that the prospect of significant tax revenue is one of the primary reasons that jurisdictions permit legalized gaming. As a result, gaming companies are typically subject to significant revenue-based taxes and fees in addition to normal federal, state, local and provincial income and employment taxes, and such taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time. We pay substantial taxes and fees with respect to our operations. From time to time, federal, state, local and provincial legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, affecting the gaming industry. In addition, any downturn in economic conditions could intensify the efforts of state and local governments to raise revenues through increases in gaming taxes and/or property taxes. It is not possible to determine with certainty the likelihood of changes in tax laws or in the administration of such laws. Any material increase, or the adoption of additional taxes or fees, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Compliance with other laws. In addition to gaming regulations, we are also subject to various federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting businesses in general. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, environmental matters, employment, currency transactions, taxation, construction, zoning, construction and land-use laws, marketing and advertising, smoking, and regulations governing the serving of alcoholic beverages.
The Bank Secrecy Act, enforced by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) of the U.S. Treasury Department, requires us to report currency transactions in excess of $10,000 occurring within a gaming day, including identification of the guest by name and social security number, to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). This regulation also requires us to report certain suspicious activity, including any transaction that exceeds $5,000 that we know, suspect or have reason to believe involves funds from illegal activity or is designed to evade federal regulations or reporting requirements. Periodic audits by the IRS and our internal audit function assess compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, and substantial penalties can be imposed against us if we fail to comply with this regulation. In recent years, the U.S. Treasury Department has increased its focus on Bank Secrecy Act compliance throughout the gaming industry. Recent public comments by FinCEN suggest that casinos should make efforts to obtain information on each customer’s sources of income. This could impact our ability to attract and retain casino guests.
We also deal with significant amounts of cash in our operations and are subject to various reporting and anti-money laundering regulations. Any violations of anti-money laundering laws or regulations by any of our properties could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Such laws and regulations could change or could be interpreted differently in the future, or new laws and regulations could be enacted.
Our riverboat, as well as our ferry boat operations, at Rising Star must comply with certain federal and state laws and regulations with respect to boat design, on-board facilities, equipment, personnel and safety. In addition, we are required to have third parties periodically inspect and certify our casino riverboat for safety, stability and single compartment flooding integrity. All of our casinos also must meet local fire safety standards. We could incur additional costs if our gaming facilities are not in compliance with one or more of these regulations.
Changes in legislation and regulation of our business could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Regulations governing the conduct of gaming activities and the obligations of gaming companies in any jurisdiction in which we have or in the future may have gaming operations are subject to change and could impose additional operating, financial, competitive or other burdens on the way we conduct our business.
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In particular, certain areas of law governing new gaming activities, such as the federal and state law applicable to sports betting, are new or developing in light of emerging technologies. New and developing areas of law may be subject to the interpretation of the government agencies tasked with enforcing them. In some circumstances, a government agency may interpret a statute or regulation in one manner and then reconsider its interpretation at a later date. No assurance can be provided that government agencies will interpret or enforce new or developing areas of law consistently, predictably, or favorably. Moreover, legislation to prohibit, limit or add burdens to our business may be introduced in the future in states where gaming has been legalized. In addition, from time to time, legislators and special interest groups have proposed legislation that would expand, restrict or prevent gaming operations or which may otherwise adversely impact our operations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Any expansion of gaming or restriction on or prohibition of our gaming operations or enactment of other adverse regulatory changes could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. For example, in January 2019, legal counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) issued a legal opinion on the Interstate Wire Act of 1961 (“Wire Act”), which stated that the Wire Act bans any form of online gambling if it crosses state lines and reversed a 2011 DOJ legal opinion that stated that the Wire Act only applied to interstate sports betting. The validity of the 2019 DOJ legal opinion and the conflicting interpretations of the Wire Act by DOJ is presently the subject of ongoing litigation.
Stockholders may be required to dispose of their shares of our common stock if they are found unsuitable by gaming authorities.
While gaming authorities generally focus on stockholders with more than 5% and often 10% of a company’s shares, such authorities generally can require that any beneficial owner of our common stock and other securities file an application for a finding of suitability. If a gaming authority requires a record or beneficial owner of our securities to file a suitability application, the owner must apply for a finding of suitability within 30 days or at an earlier time prescribed by the gaming authority. The gaming authority has the power to investigate an owner’s suitability and the owner must pay all costs of the investigation. If the owner is found unsuitable, then the owner may be required by law to dispose of our securities. Our certificate of incorporation also provides us with the right to repurchase shares of our common stock from certain beneficial owners declared by gaming regulators to be unsuitable holders of our equity securities. The price we may pay to any such beneficial owner may be below the price such beneficial owner would otherwise accept for his or her shares of our common stock.
We are subject to environmental laws and potential exposure to environmental liabilities.
We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that govern our operations, including emissions and discharges into the environment, and the handling and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous substances and wastes. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in costs for corrective action, penalties or the imposition of other liabilities or restrictions. We also are subject to laws and regulations that impose liability and clean-up responsibility for releases of hazardous substances into the environment. Under certain of these laws and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of property may be liable for the costs of remediating contaminated soil or groundwater on or from its property, without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or caused, the contamination, as well as incur liability to third parties impacted by such contamination. The presence of contamination, or failure to remediate it properly, may adversely affect our ability to use, sell or rent property. There can be no assurances that these matters or other matters arising under environmental laws will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations in the future.
We are subject to litigation which, if adversely determined, could cause us to incur substantial losses.
From time to time during the normal course of operating our businesses, we are subject to various litigation claims and legal disputes. Some of the litigation claims may not be covered under our insurance policies, or our insurance carriers may seek to deny coverage. As a result, we might also be required to incur significant legal fees, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial position. In addition, because we cannot accurately predict the outcome of any action, it is possible that, as a result of current and/or future litigation, we will be subject to adverse judgments or settlements that could significantly reduce our earnings or result in losses.
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Our ferry boat service is highly regulated, which can adversely affect our operations.
Our ferry boat service at the Rising Star Casino Resort is subject to stringent local, state and federal laws and regulations governing, among other things, the health and safety of our passengers and personnel, and the operation and insurance of our vessel. Many aspects of our ferry boat service are subject to regulation by a wide array of agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal authorities, the State of Indiana and Commonwealth of Kentucky authorities, as well as local authorities in Ohio County, Indiana and Boone County, Kentucky. In addition, we are required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain, maintain and periodically renew certain permits, licenses and certificates with respect to our ferry boat service. Compliance with or the enforcement of applicable laws and regulations can be costly. In addition, failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions or, in certain cases, the suspension or termination of our ferry boat service.
Risks Related to Technology
Our gaming operations rely heavily on technology services and an uninterrupted supply of electrical power. If we experience damage or service interruptions, we may have to cease some or all of our operations, which will result in a decrease in revenue.
Our gaming operations rely heavily on technology services and an uninterrupted supply of electrical power. Our security system and all of our slot machines are controlled by computers and reliant on electrical power to operate. A loss of electrical power or a failure of the technology services needed to run the computers could make us unable to run all or parts of our gaming operations. Any unscheduled interruption in our technology services or interruption in the supply of electrical power is likely to result in an immediate, and possibly substantial, loss of revenue due to a shutdown of our gaming operations. Although we have designed our systems around industry-standard designs to reduce downtime in the event of outages or catastrophic occurrences, they remain vulnerable to damage or interruption from floods, fires, power loss, telecommunication failures, terrorist attacks, computer viruses, computer denial-of-service attacks and similar events. Additionally, substantial increases in the cost of electricity and natural gas could negatively affect our results of operations.
Our information technology and other systems are subject to cyber-security risk, misappropriation of customer information and other breaches of information security.
We rely extensively on our computer systems to process customer transactions, manage customer data, manage employee data and communicate with third-party vendors and other third parties, and we may also access the Internet to use our computer systems. Our operations require that we collect and store customer data, including credit card numbers and other personal information, for various business purposes, including marketing and promotional purposes. We also collect and store personal information about our employees. Breaches of our security measures or information technology systems or the accidental loss, inadvertent disclosure or unapproved dissemination of proprietary information or sensitive personal information or confidential data about us, or our customers, or our employees including the potential loss or disclosure of such information as a result of hacking or other cyber-attack, computer virus, fraudulent use by customers, employees or employees of third party vendors, trickery or other forms of deception or unauthorized use, or due to system failure, could expose us, our customers, our employees or other individuals affected to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, result in litigation and potential liability for us, damage our reputation or brand names or otherwise harm our business. Additionally, disruptions in the availability of our computer systems, through cyber-attacks or otherwise, could impact our ability to service our customers and adversely affect our sales and the results of operations. We rely on proprietary and commercially available systems, software, tools and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmission and storage of customer information, such as payment card, employee information and other confidential or proprietary information. Our data security measures are reviewed and evaluated regularly; however, they might not protect us against increasingly sophisticated and aggressive threats. The cost and operational consequences of implementing further data security measures could be significant and there is no certainty that such measures, if purchased, could thwart all threats. Additionally, while we maintain cyber risk insurance to assist in the cost of recovery from a significant cyber event, such coverage may not be sufficient.
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Additionally, the collection of customer and employee personal information imposes various privacy compliance related obligations on our business and increases the risks associated with a breach or failure of the integrity of our information technology systems. The collection and use of personal information are governed by privacy laws and regulations enacted in the United States and other jurisdictions around the world. Privacy regulations continue to evolve and on occasion may be inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another. Compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations may increase our operating costs and/or adversely impact our ability to market our products, properties and services to our customers. In addition, non-compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations by us (or in some circumstances non-compliance by third party service providers engaged by us) may also result in damage of reputation, result in vulnerabilities that could be exploited to breach our systems and/or subject us to fines, payment of damages, lawsuits or restrictions on our use or transfer of personal information.
General Risks
Our ability to utilize our net operating loss, or NOL, carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.
Our ability to utilize our NOL carryforwards to offset potential future taxable income and related income taxes that would otherwise be due is dependent upon our generation of future taxable income before the expiration dates, if applicable, of the NOL carryforwards, and we cannot predict with certainty when, or whether, we will generate sufficient taxable income to use all of our NOL carryforwards.
Under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” generally defined as a greater than 50 percentage point change (by value) in its equity ownership by certain stockholders over a three-year period, the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change NOL carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes (such as research and development tax credits) to offset its post-change income or taxes may be limited. We have experienced ownership changes in the past, and we may experience ownership changes in the future and/or subsequent shifts in our stock ownership (some of which may be outside our control). As a result, if we earn net taxable income, our ability to use our pre-change NOL carryforwards to offset U.S. federal taxable income may be subject to limitations under Section 382, which could potentially result in increased future tax liability to us. In addition, at the state level, there may be periods during which the use of NOL carryforwards is suspended or otherwise limited, which could accelerate or permanently increase state taxes owed.
The market price for our common stock may be volatile, and investors may not be able to sell our stock at a favorable price or at all.
Many factors could cause the market price of our common stock to rise and fall, including:
● actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly results of operations;
● the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our business;
● change in market valuations of companies in our industry;
● change in expectations of future financial performance;
● regulatory changes;
● fluctuations in stock market prices and volumes;
● issuance of common stock market prices and volumes;
● the addition or departure of key personnel; and
In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to companies’ operating performance, for example, as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. Broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, stockholder derivative lawsuits and/or securities class-action litigation has sometimes been instituted against that company. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources.
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The exercise of outstanding options to purchase common stock may result in substantial dilution and may depress the trading price of our common stock.
If our outstanding options to purchase shares of our common stock are exercised and the underlying shares of common stock issued upon such exercise are sold, our stockholders may experience substantial dilution and the market price of our shares of common stock could decline. Further, the perception that such securities might be exercised could adversely affect the trading price of our shares of common stock. During the time that such securities are outstanding, they may adversely affect the terms on which we could obtain additional capital.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
Not applicable.
Item 2. Properties.
Substantially all of our assets collateralize our indebtedness, as discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” The majority of our facilities are subject to leases of the underlying real estate assets, which, among other things, includes the land underlying the facility and the buildings used in business operations, as discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” See Part I, Item 1. “Business — Operating Properties”for additional discussions.
Owned Leased
Land Land Slot Table Hotel
Colorado
Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel Cripple Creek, CO 5.77 4.27 407 7 14
Illinois
American Place (under development) Waukegan, IL (b) (b) ─ ─ ─
Indiana
Mississippi
Nevada
Grand Lodge Casino Incline Village, NV ─ 0.48 269 9 (c)
Stockman’s Casino Fallon, NV 4.73 ─ 186 (d) ─
__________
(c) Leased and part of the Hyatt Lake Tahoe, which offers 422 rooms.
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Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
A discussion of our legal proceedings is contained in Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “FLL.”
On March 11, 2022, we had 74 “registered holders” of record of our common stock. We believe that a substantial number of stockholders hold their common stock in “street name” or are otherwise beneficial holders whose shares of record are held by banks, brokers, and other financial institutions. Such holders are not included in the number of “registered holders” above.
Dividend Policy
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock to date. The payment of dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be contingent upon our revenues and earnings, if any; the terms of our indebtedness; our capital requirements; growth opportunities; and general financial condition. Our debt covenants restrict the payment of dividends and it is the present intention of our board of directors to retain all earnings, if any, for use in our business operations, debt reduction and growth initiatives, reinvesting such earnings on behalf of stockholders. Accordingly, we do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.
Performance Graph
The following performance graph compares the performance of our common stock with the performance of the Nasdaq Composite Index and the Dow Jones U.S. Gambling Total Stock Market Index, during the five years ended December 31, 2021. The graph plots the changes in value of an initial $100 investment over the indicated time period, assuming all dividends are reinvested. Past stock price performance, including the stock price performance in this graph, is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
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Cumulative Total Return
December 31,
The performance graph should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other of our filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent we specifically incorporate the performance graph by reference therein.
Item 6. [Reserved]
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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition should be read together with the other financial information and consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the periods reflected herein are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for future periods. Full House Resorts, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, may be referred to as “Full House,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us.”
Executive Overview
Our primary business is the ownership and/or operation of casino and related hospitality and entertainment facilities, which includes offering casino gambling, hotel accommodations, dining, golfing, RV camping, sports betting, entertainment and retail outlets, among other amenities. We currently own or operate five casino properties in four states – Mississippi, Colorado, Indiana and Nevada. We view our Mississippi, Colorado and Indiana properties as distinct operating segments and both of our Nevada properties as one operating segment. We also benefit from six permitted sports “skins” that we are allowed to operate, three in Colorado and three in Indiana. We have contracted with other companies to operate these online sports wagering sites under their own brands in exchange for a percentage of revenues, as defined, subject to annual minimum amounts.
Construction continues for a sixth property, Chamonix, which will be located adjacent to the Company’s existing Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel in Cripple Creek, Colorado. It is expected to open in the second quarter of 2023 and will be included in our Colorado segment. We are also developing American Place in Waukegan, Illinois, including a temporary casino facility named The Temporary that we intend to open in the summer of 2022. We expect to include American Place as its own segment.
Our portfolio consists of the following:
Property Location
Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel Hancock County, MS(near New Orleans)
Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel Cripple Creek, CO(near Colorado Springs)
Rising Star Casino Resort Rising Sun, IN(near Cincinnati)
Stockman’s Casino Fallon, NV(one hour east of Reno)
American Place (under development) Waukegan, IL(northern suburb of Chicago)
Our financial results are dependent upon the number of patrons that we attract to our properties and the amounts those guests spend per visit. While we provide credit at some of our casinos where permitted by gaming regulations, most of our revenues are cash-based, through customers wagering with cash or paying for non-gaming services with cash or credit cards. Our revenues are primarily derived from slot machines, but also include other gaming activities, including table games, keno and sports betting. In addition, we derive a significant amount of revenue from our hotels and our food and beverage outlets. We also derive revenues from our golf course and ferry boat service at Rising Star, our recreational vehicle parks (“RV parks”) owned at Rising Star and managed at Silver Slipper, and retail outlets and entertainment.
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We set minimum and maximum betting limits for our slot machines and table games based on market conditions, customer demand and other factors. Our gaming revenues are derived from a broad base of guests that includes both high- and low-stakes players. At Silver Slipper, our sports book operations are in partnership with a company specializing in race and sports betting. At both Rising Star and Bronco Billy’s, we have contracted with other companies to operate our on-site and online sports wagering skins under their own brands in exchange for a percentage of revenues, as defined, subject to annual minimum amounts. Our operating results may also be affected by, among other things, overall economic conditions affecting the disposable income of our guests, weather conditions affecting access to our properties, achieving and maintaining cost efficiencies, taxation and other regulatory changes, and competitive factors, including but not limited to, additions and improvements to the competitive supply of gaming facilities, as well as pandemics, epidemics, widespread health emergencies, or outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus.
We may experience significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to seasonality, variations in gaming hold percentages and other factors. Consequently, our operating results for any quarter or year are not necessarily comparable and may not be indicative of results in future periods.
Our market environment is highly competitive and capital-intensive. We rely on the ability of our properties to generate operating cash flow to pay interest, repay debt, and fund maintenance and certain growth-related capital expenditures. We continuously focus on improving the operating margins of our existing properties through a combination of revenue growth and expense management. We also assess growth and development opportunities, which include capital investments at our existing properties, the development of new properties, and the acquisition of existing properties.
Recent Developments
COVID-19 Pandemic. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus as a pandemic (“COVID-19”). Although COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the U.S. and the world, vaccines designed to inhibit the severity and the spread of COVID-19 are now being distributed. At the start of the pandemic, COVID-19 resulted in the implementation of significant, government-imposed measures to prevent or reduce its spread, including travel restrictions, business restrictions, closing of borders, “shelter-in-place” orders and business closures. In March 2020, pursuant to state government orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we temporarily closed all of our casino properties. As a result, we experienced a material decline in our revenues until our properties began reopening when permitted by local authorities. We reopened the Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel on May 21, 2020, Grand Lodge Casino and Stockman’s Casino on June 4, 2020, and Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel and Rising Star Casino Resort on June 15, 2020. During the shutdown period, we evaluated labor, marketing and other costs at our businesses so that, upon reopening, our properties could reopen with significantly lower operating costs. As a result, our operating performance since reopening in mid-2020 has been stronger than pre-pandemic levels, despite capacity restrictions throughout our facilities for portions of 2020 and 2021. The extent to which our financial and operating results in future periods may be affected by COVID-19 will largely depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted. Significant uncertainties include the ability to operate; new information which may emerge concerning new strains or variants of COVID-19 and their severity; any additional actions imposed by governmental authorities to contain COVID-19 or minimize its impact; increased operating costs in light of social distancing requirements as a result of COVID-19; and general economic conditions, among others.
We believe we have a strong balance sheet and sufficient liquidity in place. As of December 31, 2021, we had total cash and cash equivalents of $265.3 million, which includes $176.6 million of restricted cash reserved to fund the construction of Chamonix, and an undrawn revolver. As noted below, we further augmented our liquidity in February 2022 through the issuance of $100.0 million of Additional Notes and an increase in the size of our Credit Facility from $15.0 million to $40.0 million.
American Place. In December 2021, we were selected by the IGB to develop and operate American Place, our proposal for a casino and entertainment destination in Waukegan, Illinois. The permanent American Place facility is expected to include a world-class casino with a state-of-the-art sportsbook; a premium boutique hotel comprised of twenty luxurious villas, each ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet with full butler service; a 1,500-seat live entertainment venue; and various food and beverage outlets. While we construct the permanent American Place facility, we will operate a temporary casino facility named The Temporary by American Place. The Temporary is expected to include approximately 1,000 slot machines, 50 table games, a fine-dining restaurant, two additional restaurants, and a center bar. We intend to open The Temporary in Summer 2022, pending customary regulatory approvals.
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Debt Financing. Subsequent to year-end, we successfully completed our funding of The Temporary, which is intended to open in Summer 2022. On February 7, 2022, we closed on our private offering of $100.0 million in Additional Notes. The Additional Notes were sold at a price of 102.0% of the principal amount and were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of February 12, 2021, under which we previously issued $310.0 million in 2028 Notes. Also in February 2022, we amended our Credit Facility to, among other things, increase its size from $15.0 million to $40.0 million, all of which is currently available to draw upon.
Key Performance Indicators
We use several key performance indicators to evaluate the operations of our properties. These key performance indicators include the following:
Gaming revenue indicators:
Slot coin-in is the gross dollar amount wagered in slot machines and table game drop is the total amount of cash or credit exchanged into chips at table games for use by our customers. Slot coin-in and table game drop are indicators of volume.
Slot win is the difference between customer wagers and customer winnings on slot machines. Table game hold is the difference between the amount of money or markers exchanged into chips at the tables and customer winnings paid. Slot win and table game hold percentages represent the relationship between slot win and coin-in and table game win and drop.
Room revenue indicators:
Hotel occupancy rate is an indicator of the utilization of our available rooms. Complimentary room sales, or the retail value of accommodations furnished to customers free of charge, are included in the calculation of the hotel occupancy rate.
Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Segment EBITDA and Adjusted Segment EBITDA Margin:
Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of our performance. For a description of Adjusted EBITDA see “Non-GAAP Measure.” We utilize Adjusted Segment EBITDA as the measure of segment profitability in assessing performance and allocating resources at the reportable segment level. For information regarding our operating segments, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” Additionally, we use Adjusted Segment EBITDA Margin, which is calculated by dividing Adjusted Segment EBITDA by the property’s revenues.
Results of Operations — 2021 Compared to 2020
Consolidated operating results
The following summarizes our consolidated operating results for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and reflects the mandatory closure of all of our properties for approximately three months beginning in March 2020 due to the pandemic.
Year Ended
(In thousands) December 31,
Interest and other non-operating expenses, net 25,413 10,421 143.9 %
Income tax expense (benefit) 435 (92) 572.8 %
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Year Ended
(In thousands) December 31,
Casino revenues
Non-casino revenues, net
The following discussion is based on our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, unless otherwise described. Because all of our operations were closed due to COVID-19 government mandates from mid-March 2020 through much of the second quarter of 2020, the comparisons for these years are not particularly meaningful. The periods of closure were:
● Rising Star Casino Resort ― closed from March 16, 2020 until June 15, 2020.
Revenues. Consolidated revenues increased by 43.5% in 2021, reflecting approximately three months of closure due to the pandemic in 2020. Growth in 2021 was due to a full year of operations, a gradual relaxation of pandemic-related restrictions, stronger operational performance at Silver Slipper, and contributions from our six contracted sports wagering agreements (compared to three that were live in 2020). “Other Non-casino Revenues” includes $5.9 million of revenue related to our contracted sports wagering agreements in 2021, compared to $2.2 million in 2020. See “Operating Results — Reportable Segments” below for details.
Operating expenses. Consolidated operating expenses increased 23.9% in 2021, primarily due to a partial year of operations during the 2020 period and variable costs that increased along with increases in guest volumes. Such variable costs included higher gaming taxes due to additional gaming revenue, and higher food costs related to additional restaurant covers, which altogether accounted for more than half of the increase in operating expenses in 2021. The remaining increase was from selling, general, and administrative expenses, reflecting additional professional fees, a gradual resumption of activities following the closure period in late 2020, an increase in accrued bonus compensation, and $2.1 million of expenses related to corporate initiatives that are not expected to recur in 2022.
While our operating costs increased in 2021, overall operating margins improved. Upon reopening in mid-2020, we improved operating efficiencies at all of our properties, in part by better matching customer demand with the operating hours of our food and beverage and table games departments. We also significantly reduced our marketing expenses upon reopening, benefiting from analytics provided by new slot marketing systems installed in late 2019. These changes affected marketing, payroll and related expenses across all departments at the Company.
See further information within our reportable segments described below.
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Interest and other non-operating expense, net.
Interest Expense
(In thousands) Year Ended
December 31,
Interest cost (excluding loan fee amortization) $ 24,179 $ 9,400
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discount 1,349 1,276
Capitalized interest (1,871) (853)
Interest expense increased primarily due to an increase in our debt levels. In February 2021, we refinanced all $106.8 million of our outstanding Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (the “Prior Notes”) with $310.0 million of 2028 Notes, in part to fund our Chamonix project (see Part I, Item 1. “Business — Operating Properties — Chamonix Casino Hotel”). See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a more detailed discussion.
Other non-operating expense, net
We incurred $1.8 million in 2021 and $0.6 million in 2020 of other non-operating expense, primarily from fair value adjustments of our common stock warrant liability. During the period that the warrants were outstanding, increases in our share price resulted in increases in the value of the warrants, causing non-cash expense; conversely, decreases in our share price resulted in decreases in the value of the warrants, causing non-cash income. In 2021, the final fair value adjustment to our outstanding warrants of $1.3 million was made when such warrants were repurchased in February 2021. Using a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the 2028 Notes, we retired all outstanding warrants for $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2021.
Other non-operating expense in 2021 also includes a net loss of $0.4 million from the extinguishment of debts in 2021. This amount consists of a $6.1 million extinguishment loss related to the February 2021 refinancing of our Prior Notes, and a $5.7 million gain due to the forgiveness of principal and interest in December 2021 for CARES Act loans made to certain qualifying subsidiaries.
See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a more detailed discussion.
Income taxes. Our effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was 3.6% and (167.3)%, respectively. Our tax rate differs from the statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to the effects of changes in tax law, changes in valuation allowance, and items that are permanently treated differently for GAAP and tax purposes. During 2021, we continued to provide a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets (“DTAs”), net of any available deferred tax liabilities. In future years, if it is determined that we meet the “more likely than not” threshold of utilizing our DTAs, then we may reverse some or all of our valuation allowance against our DTAs.
We do not expect to pay any federal income taxes or receive any federal tax refunds related to our 2021 results. We expect to use net operating loss carryforwards from previous years to offset all taxable income generated in 2021. Due to the level of uncertainty regarding sufficient prospective income as measured under GAAP, we maintain a valuation allowance against our DTAs, as mentioned above.
See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a more detailed discussion.
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Operating results — reportable segments
We manage our casinos based primarily on geographic regions within the United States. Our 2021 results reflect a change in our operating segments. We now break out our on-site and online sports wagering skins in Colorado and Indiana as a standalone segment, Contracted Sports Wagering. Certain reclassifications were made to 2020 amounts to conform to current-period presentation for enhanced comparability. Such reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported results of operations or financial position. See Part I, Item 1. “Business — Introduction” for additional discussion.
The following table presents detail by segment of our consolidated revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. Management uses Adjusted Segment EBITDA as its measure of segment profit.
(In thousands) Year Ended
December 31,
Revenues
Adjusted Segment EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted Segment EBITDA Margin
Contracted Sports Wagering 99.5 % 94.6 % 4.9 pts
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The following table summarizes the consolidated results of our casino activity by key performance indicators as previously defined:
Year Ended
December 31,
Slot hold percentage(1) 7.6 % 7.4 % 0.2 pts
Table game hold percentage(1) 17.9 % 17.7 % 0.2 pts
__________
Mississippi
Our Mississippi segment consists of the Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel. Pursuant to a pandemic-related order from the state gaming commission, we temporarily suspended operations for a portion of the prior year, from March 16, 2020 through May 21, 2020. During 2021, we saw the gradual relaxation of various pandemic-related business restrictions. As a result, revenues increased by 45.0% during 2021. Casino revenue increased by 48.5%, driven mainly by higher slot volumes, accompanied by increases to table games volume and hold.
Non-casino revenue increased by 37.5% during 2021, also due to the gradual lifting of pandemic-related business restrictions. The majority of our non-casino revenue is from our food and beverage outlets. Food and beverage revenues rose by 39.4%, due to additional buffet covers and strategic buffet promotions. Hotel revenues increased by 26.5%, wherein total occupied room-nights increased by 33.5% to 42,743 room-nights for 2021, despite lower average daily room rates as compared to 2020.
Adjusted Segment EBITDA increased by 103.4%, reflecting a focus on marketing and labor improvements. During the shutdown period, we reexamined our cost structure, specifically focusing on labor and marketing efficiencies company-wide. Upon reopening, we ensured that the hours of operations of our amenities were appropriately matched to our business levels. Additionally, Silver Slipper’s operational performance reflects the benefit of numerous investments in the property in recent years. Such investments included a substantial renovation of the casino and the buffet, a renovated porte cochère and other sense-of-arrival improvements, the Beach Club, the Oyster Bar, and the introduction of on-site sports betting.
Indiana
Our Indiana segment consists of Rising Star Casino Resort. Pursuant to a pandemic-related order from the state gaming commission, we temporarily suspended operations for a portion of the prior year, from March 16, 2020 through June 15, 2020. Reflecting the gradual relaxation of pandemic-related business restrictions, revenues increased by 40.3% during 2021. Casino revenue rose by 46.3%, with slot revenues increasing by 53.0% and table games revenues increasing by 34.8%. Both our slot and table games departments benefited from relatively flat hold percentages on higher volumes during 2021.
Non-casino revenue increased by 27.1% during 2021 due to higher guest volumes, especially as capacity and operating restrictions continued to ease in 2021. Hotel revenues drove much of this increase, up 35.4%, reflecting an increase in daily average room rates and a 27.9% rise in total occupied room-nights to 51,951 room-nights in 2021. Food and beverage revenues increased by 31.4% during 2021 from increased covers.
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Adjusted Segment EBITDA increased by 257.4%, reflecting our focus on controlling costs and our revamped marketing approach, as well as capital investments made in recent years. Such capital investments included commencement of our ferry boat service, renovations of the pavilion and much of the hotel, conversion of a deli into a new restaurant, the RV park and a new slot machine management system. Efforts to control costs included reducing staff, decreasing marketing expenses, and replacing our buffet with more efficient food and beverage service options. Additionally, new Indiana gaming legislation went into effect on July 1, 2021, including a reduction in certain gaming taxes for Rising Star.
Colorado
Our Colorado segment includes Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel and the Chamonix project. Pursuant to pandemic-related state orders, we temporarily closed Bronco Billy’s for a portion of the prior year, from March 17, 2020 through June 15, 2020. Upon reopening, we resumed construction of Chamonix, which adjoins and will be connected to Bronco Billy’s. Such construction has resulted in the loss of all of Bronco Billy’s on-site parking, many of its hotel rooms, and some of its casino and restaurant space. To alleviate the lack of on-site parking, we introduced complimentary valet parking, as well as a free shuttle service to an off-site parking lot. Additionally, with the gradual relaxation of pandemic-related business restrictions and elimination of betting limits, revenues increased by 20.6% during 2021. Casino revenue increased by 18.8%, with slot revenues rising by 17.3% and table games revenues increasing by 109.4%. Both the slot and table games departments had relatively flat hold percentages on higher volumes during 2021.
Non-casino revenue increased by 33.4% during 2021 due to higher guest volumes, especially as capacity and operating restrictions continued to ease in 2021. Food and beverage revenues drove much of this increase, up by 36.9% during 2021 due to increased covers and the reopening of our steakhouse. Hotel revenues followed with an increase of 23.7%, as higher average daily room rights offset the gradual loss of guestrooms due to Chamonix’s construction during 2021 and the impact of the closure period.
Adjusted Segment EBITDA increased by 46.3%, reflecting an improved customer experience and analytics from Bronco Billy’s new slot marketing system and labor controls that were partially offset by certain labor expenses related to the pandemic. Results also benefited from the increase in capacity and operations as described above.
Nevada
The Nevada segment consists of the Grand Lodge and Stockman’s casinos. Our Nevada operations are seasonal, with the summer months accounting for a disproportionate share of annual revenues. Winter is a secondary peak season, as Grand Lodge Casino is located near several ski resorts, including Alpine Meadows, Northstar and Palisades Tahoe. We typically benefit from a “good” snow year, resulting in extended periods of operation at the nearby ski areas.
This business segment was more negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic than our other business segments, as pandemic-related restrictions at the nearby ski resorts in late 2020 and early 2021 affected destination travel to the region. Pursuant to pandemic-related state orders, we temporarily closed both Grand Lodge Casino and Stockman’s Casino for a portion of the prior year, from March 17, 2020 through June 4, 2020. Reflecting the gradual relaxation of pandemic-related restrictions, revenues increased by 57.8% during 2021. Casino revenue accounted for most of this increase, rising by 59.0%. Slot revenue increased by 68.2% during 2021 and table games revenues rose by 19.7%, both due to higher slot and table games volumes at Grand Lodge. While we resumed table games operations starting in the third quarter of 2020 at Grand Lodge, such operations remained closed at Stockman’s during 2021. Electronic table games have been installed as an alternative to meet this demand at Stockman’s.
Adjusted Segment EBITDA increased by 986.6%. As restrictions eased in Nevada, both properties improved revenues while continuing to maintain control of overall expenses. Similar to our other properties, we focused on labor efficiencies at Grand Lodge and Stockman’s upon reopening in mid-2020.
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Contracted Sports Wagering
The Contracted Sports Wagering segment consists of our on-site and online sports wagering skins in Colorado and Indiana. Revenues and Adjusted Segment EBITDA were both $5.9 million during 2021, resulting in respective increases of 168.4% and 182.4%, as compared to 2020. Our fourth and fifth sports wagering skins commenced operations on April 1 and April 23, 2021, respectively, resulting in sequential growth in both revenues and Adjusted Segment EBITDA. Our sixth skin contractually went live on December 1, 2021, and subsequently received gaming approval on February 28, 2022. As a result, all of our six permitted sports wagering skins were in operation in the fourth quarter of 2021. We receive a percentage of defined revenues of each skin, subject to annual minimums. Such minimums total $7 million of revenue on an annualized basis under our current agreements, with minimal related expenses.
In February 2022, one of our contracted parties for sports wagering informed us of its intent to cease operations on May 15, 2022, which will create one available skin in each of Colorado and Indiana. We are currently negotiating with other companies to be the replacement operator for such skins. However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to enter into any replacement contract on similar terms or at all.
Additionally, we expect to have an available sports skin in Illinois, as we were recently chosen by the IGB to develop and operate a casino in Waukegan, Illinois. Illinois law allows one sports skin for each physical casino license, which results in fewer total sports skins than in each of Colorado and Indiana. Illinois is also the sixth most populous state in the country, with approximately 12.8 million residents. As a result, we expect to receive better terms for our expected Illinois skin than for any of our individual skins in Colorado or Indiana. However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to enter into a contract related to such skin, either on better terms than our other skins or at all.
Corporate
Corporate expenses increased by 104.1% in 2021, primarily due to $2.1 million of expenses related to corporate initiatives that are not expected to recur in 2022. Corporate expenses also increased due to additional professional fees, a gradual resumption of activities in late 2020 following the closure period, and an increase in accrued bonus compensation, reflecting our improved operating results. In Spring 2020, when our casinos were closed, we temporarily reduced our corporate staff to a small group of employees.
In 2020, we began allocating certain costs to the properties. Previously, such costs were carried at the corporate level. For 2021, a total of $1.9 million was allocated, compared to $0.8 million in 2020. We believe that such allocations are appropriate, as the corporate team provides additional support to each of our properties, and that such allocations make our segment results more comparable to other casino companies.
Non-GAAP Measure
“Adjusted EBITDA” is earnings before interest and other non-operating income (expense), taxes, depreciation and amortization, preopening expenses, impairment charges, asset write-offs, recoveries, gain (loss) from asset disposals, project development and acquisition costs, and non-cash share-based compensation expense. Adjusted EBITDA information is presented solely as supplemental disclosure to measures reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) because management believes this measure is (i) a widely used measure of operating performance in the gaming and hospitality industries and (ii) a principal basis for valuation of gaming and hospitality companies. In addition, a version of Adjusted EBITDA (known as Consolidated Cash Flow) is utilized in the covenants within our credit facility, although not necessarily defined in the same way as above. Adjusted EBITDA is not, however, a measure of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP. Accordingly, this measure should be considered supplemental and not a substitute for net income (loss) or cash flows as an indicator of our operating performance or liquidity.
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The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA:
(In thousands) Year Ended
December 31,
Income tax expense (benefit) 435 (92)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized 23,657 9,823
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net 409 —
Adjustment to fair value of warrants 1,347 598
Project development costs 782 423
Preopening costs 17 —
Depreciation and amortization 7,219 7,666
Loss on disposal of assets, net 676 684
Stock-based compensation 966 405
The following tables present reconciliations of operating income (loss) to Adjusted Segment EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021
(In thousands)
Adjusted
Segment
Operating Depreciation Loss on Project Stock- EBITDA and
Income and Disposal Development Preopening Based Adjusted
(Loss) Amortization of Assets Costs Costs Compensation EBITDA
Reporting segments
Contracted Sports Wagering 5,890 — — — — — 5,890
Other operations
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For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
(In thousands)
Adjusted
Segment
Operating Depreciation Loss on Project Stock- EBITDA and
Income and Disposal Development Based Adjusted
(Loss) Amortization of Assets Costs Compensation EBITDA
Reporting segments
Contracted Sports Wagering 2,086 — — — — 2,086
Other operations
Operating expenses deducted to arrive at operating income (loss) in the above tables include facility rents related to: (i) Mississippi of $2.3 million in 2021 and $1.6 million in 2020, (ii) Nevada of $1.8 million in both 2021 and 2020, and (iii) Colorado of $0.6 million in both 2021 and 2020. Finance lease payments of $0.7 million in both 2021 and 2020 related to Rising Star’s smaller hotel within the Indiana segment are not deducted, as such payments are accounted for as interest expense and amortization of debt related to the finance obligation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
As of December 31, 2021, we had $265.3 million of cash and equivalents, including $176.6 million of restricted cash dedicated to the construction of Chamonix. We currently estimate that between $7 million and $9 million of cash is required for our day-to-day operations, including for on-site cash in our slot machines, change and redemption kiosks, and cages. We believe that current cash balances, together with the available borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility and cash flows from operating activities, will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital resource needs for the next 12 months of operations.
Cash flows – operating activities. On a consolidated basis, cash provided by operations during 2021 was $29.5 million, compared to $9.0 million in 2020. Trends in our operating cash flows tend to follow trends in operating income, excluding non-cash charges, but are also affected by changes in working capital accounts, such as receivables, prepaid expenses, and payables. Compared to 2020, the increase in our operating cash flows during 2021 was primarily due to our strong operating performance. Such results were brought on by a combination of higher volumes reflecting the gradual relaxation of pandemic-related business restrictions during the 2021 period, as well as more higher operating margins from the reexamination of our cost structure, specifically focusing on labor and marketing efficiencies company-wide.
Cash flows – investing activities. On a consolidated basis, cash used in investing activities during 2021 was $37.2 million, compared to $2.6 million 2020. Capital expenditures in 2021 primarily related to our Chamonix construction project, which continued to progress in 2021, and real estate purchases in Cripple Creek. This amount also includes approximately $2.0 million for capital expenditures made in 2021 at Silver Slipper to repair damage caused by Hurricane Zeta. Cash used in investing activities during 2020 were primarily related to capital expenditures for Chamonix.
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Cash flows – financing activities. On a consolidated basis, cash provided by financing activities during 2021 was $235.3 million, while cash provided by financing activities during 2020 was $1.5 million. In February and March 2021, respectively, we received $310.0 million of gross proceeds from the issuance of our 2028 Notes and $46.0 million of gross proceeds from our underwritten equity offering. These cash inflows in 2021 were partially offset by the payoff of the Prior Notes (including the related prepayment premiums), as well as expenses related to our debt and offerings. Cash provided by financing activities in 2020 primarily reflect $5.6 million of unsecured loans under the CARES Act, which were forgiven in full in accordance with their terms by the U.S. Small Business Administration in December 2021.
Other Factors Affecting Liquidity
We have significant outstanding debt and contractual obligations, in addition to planned capital expenditures related to the construction of Chamonix and American Place. Our principal debt matures in February 2028. Certain planned capital expenditures designed to grow the Company, such as the permanent American Place facility and the potential expansion of Silver Slipper, may require additional financing and/or temporarily reduce the Company’s ability to repay debt.
Our operations are subject to financial, economic, competitive, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Such factors include the potential effects of COVID-19 and its variants. The extent to which our liquidity in future periods may be affected by COVID-19 and its variants may largely depend on future developments. Such future developments are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted at this time, as discussed under “Recent Developments.”
Long-Term Debt. At December 31, 2021, we had $310.0 million of principal indebtedness outstanding under the 2028 Notes, and no drawn amounts under the Credit Facility or outstanding letters of credit. In December 2021, our qualifying subsidiaries’ $5.6 million of CARES Act Loans were forgiven in full per the terms of such loans. We also owe $3.3 million related to our finance lease of a hotel at Rising Star.
See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for details on our debt obligations.
Hyatt Option to Purchase our Leasehold Interest and Related Assets. Our lease with Hyatt to operate the Grand Lodge Casino currently has an option for Hyatt to purchase our leasehold interest and related casino operating assets. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for further information about this option and related rental commitments that could affect our liquidity and capital resources.
Capital Investments. In 2021, we resumed construction of Chamonix after temporarily suspending all capital investments in March 2020 after the pandemic-related closure of our properties. Our capital investments are designed to drive revenue and income growth, to improve the guest experience at our properties, and to drive increased visitation.
Chamonix - As previously discussed above in “Operating Properties — Chamonix Casino and Hotel” under Part I, Item 1. “Business,” we increased the size of the Chamonix project’s hotel capacity by 67%, to approximately 300 luxury guest rooms and suites from our previously planned 180 guest rooms. We also revised our construction budget for Chamonix in January 2022, increasing it from $180 million to approximately $250 million to reflect supply chain issues, inflation, and a difficult construction environment. To fund Chamonix’s construction, we issued our 2028 Notes and placed a portion of such proceeds into a restricted cash account dedicated to Chamonix’s construction (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”). As of February 28, 2022, the balance of such restricted cash account was approximately $221.4 million. We expect to invest approximately half of such amount in 2022 and the remainder in 2023, with an expected opening of Chamonix in the second quarter of 2023.
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American Place - As discussed above in the “Executive Overview,” we were selected by the IGB to develop and operate American Place in Waukegan, Illinois. While the larger permanent facility is under construction, we will operate a temporary casino named The Temporary by American Place. During 2022, we plan to invest approximately $100 million in The Temporary, which includes significant upfront gaming license payments and the purchase of slot machines that are expected to be transferred to the permanent casino once opened. To fund such construction, in February 2022, we issued $100.0 million of Additional Notes and increased the size of our revolving credit facility to $40.0 million, all of which is currently available to draw upon (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”). We intend to open The Temporary in Summer 2022, pending customary regulatory approvals.
Other Capital Expenditures - Additionally, we may fund various other capital expenditure projects, depending on our financial resources. Our capital expenditures may fluctuate due to decisions regarding strategic capital investments in new or existing facilities, and the timing of capital investments to maintain the quality of our properties. No assurance can be given that any of our planned capital expenditure projects will be completed or that any completed projects will be successful. Our annual capital expenditures typically include some number of new slot machines and related equipment; to some extent, we can coordinate such purchases to match our resources.
We evaluate projects based on a number of factors, including profitability forecasts, length of the development period, the regulatory and political environment, and the ability to secure the funding necessary to complete the development or acquisition, among other considerations. No assurance can be given that any additional projects will be pursued or completed or that any completed projects will be successful.
Principal Debt Arrangements
See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for more information.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies
Our consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Certain of our accounting policies require that we apply significant judgment in defining the appropriate assumptions for calculating estimates that affect reported amounts and disclosures. By their nature, judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty, and therefore, actual results may differ from our estimates. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets, Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles
Our long-lived assets include property and equipment, goodwill, and indefinite-lived intangibles, and are evaluated at least annually (and more frequently when circumstances warrant) to determine if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Examples of such events or changes in circumstances that might indicate impairment testing is warranted might include, as applicable, an adverse change in the legal, regulatory or business climate relative to gaming nationally or in the jurisdictions in which we operate, or a significant long-term decline in historical or forecasted earnings or cash flows or the fair value of our property or business, possibly as a result of competitive or other economic or political factors. In evaluating whether a loss in value is other than temporary, we consider: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value or market value has been less than cost; (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the casino property, including any specific events which may influence the operations; (iii) our intent related to the asset and ability to retain it for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value; (iv) the condition and trend of the economic cycle; (v) historical and forecasted financial performance; and (vi) trends in the general market.
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We review the carrying value of our property and equipment used in our operations whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable from estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is indicated. If the undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, then an impairment is recorded based on the fair value of the asset. Fair value is typically measured using a discounted cash flow model whereby future cash flows are discounted using a weighted-average cost of capital, developed using a standard capital-asset pricing model, based on guideline companies in our industry.
We test our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or when a triggering event occurs. For our 2021 and 2020 annual impairment tests, we utilized the option to perform a qualitative analysis for our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles and concluded it was more likely than not that the fair values of such intangibles exceeded their carrying values. Any impairment charges incurred are not reversed if a subsequent evaluation concludes a higher valuation than the carrying value.
Fixed Asset Capitalization and Depreciation Policies
We define fixed assets as certain property and equipment with economic useful lives that extend beyond a year. Such fixed assets are stated at cost. For the majority of our property and equipment, cost was determined at the acquisition date based on estimated fair values. We acquired Bronco Billy’s in May 2016, Silver Slipper in October 2012, Rising Star in April 2011 and Stockman’s in January 2007. Project development costs, which are amounts expended on the pursuit of new business opportunities, and acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Maintenance and repairs that neither materially add to the value of the property nor appreciably prolong its life are also expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization are provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. When we construct assets, we capitalize direct costs of the project, including fees paid to architects and contractors and property taxes. Salaries are capitalized only for employees working directly on the project. In addition, interest cost associated with major development and construction projects is capitalized as part of the cost of the project. Interest is typically capitalized on amounts expended on the project using the weighted-average cost of our outstanding borrowings. Capitalization of interest starts when construction activities begin and ceases when construction is substantially complete or development activity is suspended for more than a brief period.
We must make estimates and assumptions when accounting for capital expenditures. Whether an expenditure is considered a maintenance expense or a capital asset is sometimes a matter of judgment. When constructing or purchasing assets, we must determine whether existing assets are being replaced or otherwise impaired, which also may be a matter of judgment. In addition, our depreciation expense is highly dependent on the assumptions we make about our assets’ estimated useful lives. We determine the estimated useful lives based on our experience with similar assets, engineering studies, and our estimate of the usage of the asset. Whenever events or circumstances occur, which would change the estimated useful life of an asset, we account for the change prospectively.
Income Taxes
We are subject to federal and state taxes in the United States. Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation allowance recorded against our net DTAs. We make these estimates and judgments about our future taxable income that are based on assumptions that are consistent with our future plans. Tax laws, regulations, and administrative practices may be subject to change due to economic or political conditions, including fundamental changes to the applicable tax laws.
Our income tax returns are subject to examination by the IRS and other tax authorities. Positions taken in tax returns are sometimes subject to uncertainty in the tax laws and may not ultimately be accepted by the IRS or other tax authorities. We assess our tax positions using a two-step process. A tax position is recognized if it meets a “more likely than not” threshold. It is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized. Additionally, we recognize accrued interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
As a smaller reporting company during the year ended December 31, 2021, as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Financial Statements: Page
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 60
Financial Statement Schedule:
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 88
The financial information included in the financial statement schedule should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements. All other financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the stockholders and the Board of Directors of Full House Resorts, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Full House Resorts, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021 of the Company and our report dated March 15, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 15, 2022
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