FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
|
The interim consolidated financial statements of Full House Resorts, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, “FHR” or the “Company”) included herein reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. Certain information normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America has been omitted pursuant to the interim financial information rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 8, 2012, for the year ended December 31, 2011, from which the balance sheet information as of that date was derived. The results of operations for the period ended June 30, 2012, are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012.
The consolidated financial statements include all our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Gaming Entertainment (Indiana) LLC (“Rising Star”), Gaming Entertainment (Nevada) LLC (“Grand Lodge”) and Stockman’s Casino (“Stockman’s”). Gaming Entertainment (Michigan), LLC (“GEM”), our 50%-owned investee was jointly owned by RAM Entertainment, LLC (“RAM”), until March 30, 2012, when the sale of RAM and our interest in GEM closed, and was consolidated pursuant to the relevant portions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification™ (“ASC”) Topic 810, “Consolidation”. We accounted for the investment in Gaming Entertainment (Delaware), LLC (“GED”) (Note 3) using the equity method of accounting until the end of the management agreement in August 2011. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
2.
|
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
|
On June 1, 2011, our compensation committee approved the issuance of 660,000 shares of restricted stock, then valued at the closing price of our stock ($3.88), with no discount. The majority of the shares (600,000) will vest on June 1, 2013. The remaining shares have a three year vesting schedule as follows: 20,001 vested on June 1, 2012, 20,001 will vest on June 1, 2013 and 19,998 on June 1, 2014. Vesting is contingent upon certain conditions, including continuous service of the individual recipients. The unvested grants are viewed as a series of individual awards and the related share-based compensation expense will be amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis as services are provided over the vesting period.
We recognized stock compensation expense of $0.6 million and $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, respectively. Share based compensation expense related to the amortization of the restricted stock issued is included in selling, general and administrative expense. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had deferred share-based compensation of $1.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
3.
|
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
|
GED. Our investment in unconsolidated joint venture was comprised of a 50% ownership interest in GED, a joint venture between us and Harrington Raceway Inc. (“HRI”). GED had a management agreement through August 31, 2011 with Harrington Raceway and Casino (“Harrington”) (formerly known as Midway Slots and Simulcast), which is located in Harrington, Delaware. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, as restructured in 2007, we received the greater of 50% of GED’s member distribution as prescribed under the joint venture agreement, or a 5% growth rate in its 50% share of GED’s prior year member distribution through the expiration of the GED management contract on August 31, 2011. GED was a variable interest entity due to the fact that we had limited exposure to risk of loss. Therefore, we did not consolidate, but accounted for its investment using the equity method.
We sold our interest in GED to HRI during the fourth quarter of 2011 and our investment in GED was $0 as of December 31, 2011.
GED had no non-operating income or expenses, is treated as a partnership for income tax reporting purposes and consequently recognizes no federal or state income tax provision. As a result, income from operations for GED is equal to its net income for each period presented, and there are no material differences between GED’s income for financial and tax reporting purposes.
GED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME INFORMATION
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
|
June 30,
2012
|
|
|
June 30,
2011
|
|
|
June 30,
2012
|
|
|
June 30,
2011
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
-- |
|
|
$ |
1,471,184 |
|
|
$ |
-- |
|
|
$ |
3,032,728 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
1,332,095 |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
2,754,524 |
|
GEM. We directed the day-to-day operational activities of GEM that significantly impacted GEM’s economic performance, prior to the sale of our interest on March 30, 2012 and therefore, we were the primary beneficiary pursuant to the relevant portions of FASB ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation” [ASC 810-10-25 Recognition of Variable Interest Entities, paragraphs 38-39]. As such, the joint venture was a variable interest entity that was consolidated in our financial statements.
Management believed the maximum exposure to loss from our investment in GEM was $8.1 million (before tax impact) as of December 31, 2011, which was composed of our share of contract rights and our equity investment that was eliminated in consolidation. GEM had no debt or long-term liabilities. GEM’s current assets of $2.5 million included the FireKeepers management fee receivable as of December 31, 2011. Long-term assets included $7.9 million in contract rights as of December 31, 2011.
An unaudited summary of GEM’s operations follows:
GEM CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME INFORMATION
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
|
June 30,
2012
|
|
|
June 30,
2011
|
|
|
June 30,
2012
|
|
|
June 30,
2011
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
-- |
|
|
$ |
5,912,434 |
|
|
$ |
5,340,398 |
|
|
$ |
12,276,676 |
|
Net income
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
5,412,841 |
|
|
|
4,362,345 |
|
|
|
10,627,000 |
|
Contract rights were comprised of the following as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
2012
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
Accumulated
Amortization
|
|
|
Disposal
|
|
|
Net
|
|
FireKeepers project, initial cost
|
|
$ |
4,155,213 |
|
|
$ |
(1,582,938 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,572,275 |
) |
|
$ |
-- |
|
FireKeepers project, additional
|
|
|
13,210,373 |
|
|
|
(5,503,093 |
) |
|
|
(7,707,280 |
) |
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
$ |
17,365,586 |
|
|
$ |
(7,086,031 |
) |
|
$ |
(10,279,555 |
) |
|
$ |
-- |
|
2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FireKeepers project, initial cost
|
|
$ |
4,155,213 |
|
|
$ |
(1,434,539 |
) |
|
$ |
-- |
|
|
$ |
2,720,674 |
|
FireKeepers project, additional
|
|
|
13,210,373 |
|
|
|
(5,058,442 |
) |
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
8,151,931 |
|
|
|
$ |
17,365,586 |
|
|
$ |
(6,492,981 |
) |
|
$ |
-- |
|
|
$ |
10,872,605 |
|
Amortization over the management contract period (seven years) commenced on these additional contract rights at the opening date of the FireKeepers Casino. Of the remaining contract rights, $7.5 million were sold with our interest in GEM, to the FireKeepers Development Authority (“FDA”) on March 30, 2012, and the remaining $2.8 million were expensed.
5.
|
NOTE RECEIVABLE, TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS
|
We have a note receivable related to advances made to, or on behalf of, Nambé Pueblo to fund tribal operations and development expenses related to a potential casino project. Repayment of this note is conditioned upon the development of the project, and ultimately, the successful operation of the casino. Subject to such condition, our agreements with the Nambé Pueblo tribe provide for the reimbursement of these advances plus applicable interest, if any, either from the proceeds of any outside financing of the development, and the actual operation itself.
Management fully reserved the value of the note receivable from the Nambé Pueblo to $0 and recognized the impairment of the note receivable during the third quarter of 2011, as collectability is unlikely in the judgment of management.
6.
|
GOODWILL & OTHER INTANGIBLES
|
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over fair market value of net assets acquired in connection with Stockman’s and Rising Star operations. Goodwill is $5.8 million for Stockman’s and $1.6 million for Rising Star as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Our review of goodwill as of June 30, 2012, resulted in approximately a 18% excess of estimated fair value over the carrying value of Stockman’s goodwill and related assets using a market approach considering an earnings multiple of 6.25 times. These calculations, which are subject to change as a result of future economic uncertainty, contemplate changes for both current year and future year estimates in earnings and the impact of these changes to the fair value of Stockman’s and the Rising Star, although there is always some uncertainty in key assumptions including projected future earnings growth.
We acquired the Rising Star on April 1, 2011 for approximately $19.0 million in cash and $33.0 million drawn from our Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo (as discussed in Note 7). The goodwill of $1.6 million is the excess purchase price over the assets purchased.
Other Intangible Assets:
Other intangible assets, net consist of the following:
|
|
June 30, 2012 (unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated
Life (years)
|
|
|
Gross
Carrying
Value
|
|
|
Accumulated Amortization
|
|
|
Cumulative Expense / Disposals
|
|
|
Intangible
Assets, Net
|
|
Amortizing Intangibles assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Player Loyalty Program - Rising Star
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
1,700,000 |
|
|
$ |
(708,333 |
) |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
991,667 |
|
Wells Fargo Bank Loan Fees
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
2,614,438 |
|
|
|
(924,336 |
) |
|
|
(1,690,102 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Capital One Bank Loan Fees
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
165,265 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
165,265 |
|
Non-amortizing intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gaming License-GEI - Rising Star
|
|
Indefinite
|
|
|
|
9,900,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
9,900,000 |
|
Gaming License- Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC
|
|
Indefinite
|
|
|
|
142,081 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
142,081 |
|
Gaming Licensing Costs - Nevada
|
|
Indefinite
|
|
|
|
516,807 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
516,808 |
|
Trademarks
|
|
Indefinite
|
|
|
|
28,920 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,668 |
|
|
|
31,588 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
15,067,511 |
|
|
$ |
(1,632,669 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,687,433 |
) |
|
$ |
11,747,409 |
|
|
|
December 31, 2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated
Life (years)
|
|
|
Gross Carrying Value
|
|
|
Accumulated Amortization
|
|
|
Cumulative Expense / (Disposals)
|
|
|
Intangible
Assets, Net
|
|
Amortizing Intangibles assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Player Loyalty Program - Rising Star
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
1,700,000 |
|
|
$ |
(425,000 |
) |
|
$ |
-- |
|
|
$ |
1,275,000 |
|
Nevada State Bank Loan Fees
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
218,545 |
|
|
|
(218,545 |
) |
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
-- |
|
Wells Fargo Bank Loan Fees
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
2,614,438 |
|
|
|
(715,946 |
) |
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
1,898,492 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-amortizing intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gaming License-GEI - Rising Star
|
|
Indefinite
|
|
|
|
9,900,000 |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
9,900,000 |
|
Gaming Licensing Costs
|
|
Indefinite
|
|
|
|
484,676 |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
32,131 |
|
|
|
516,807 |
|
Trademarks
|
|
Indefinite
|
|
|
|
26,889 |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
2,031 |
|
|
|
28,920 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
14,944,548 |
|
|
$ |
(1,359,491 |
) |
|
$ |
34,162 |
|
|
$ |
13,619,219 |
|
Player Loyalty Program
The player loyalty program represents the value of repeat business associated with Rising Star’s loyalty program. The value of $1.7 million of the Rising Star player loyalty program was determined using a multi-period excess earning method of the income approach, which examines the economic returns contributed by the identified tangible and intangible assets of a company, and then isolates the excess return, which is attributable to the asset being valued, based on cash flows attributable to the player loyalty program. The valuation analysis for the active rated player was based on projected revenues and attrition rates. Rising Star maintains historical information for the proportion of revenues attributable to the rated players for gross gaming revenue.
Loan Fees
Loan fees incurred and paid as a result of debt instruments were accumulated and amortized over the term of the related debt, based on an effective interest method. Loan fees incurred for Nevada State Bank resulted from the credit facility to purchase Stockman’s Casino in 2007. In March 2011, the credit facility with Nevada State Bank was terminated and the amortization of the loan fees was accelerated. We recognized amortization expense of $0.2 million during the first quarter of 2011 as a result of the termination. On October 29, 2010, we entered into a Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. In December 2010, we entered into a Commitment Increase Agreement to increase the funds available under the Wells Fargo Credit Agreement. Loan fees related to the Wells Fargo debt were $2.6 million and were to be amortized over the five-year term of the loan. The aggregate amortization was $0.0 million and $0.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. We paid off the remaining $25.3 million in debt, which consisted of $24.8 of our existing long term debt and $0.5 million due on the interest rate swap agreement (“Swap”) related to the Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo as of March 30, 2012 and therefore expensed the net remaining loan fees of $1.7 million, after the necessary amortization expense in the first quarter of 2012. We incurred $0.2 million related to obtaining the First Lien Credit Agreement with Capital One, NA, as administrative agent (“Capital One Credit Agreement”), as discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.
Gaming License
Gaming licenses represent the value of the license to conduct gaming in certain jurisdictions, which are subject to highly extensive regulatory oversight and, in some cases, a limitation on the number of licenses available for issuance. The value of $9.9 million of the Rising Star gaming license was determined using a multi-period excess earning method of the income approach, which examines the economic returns contributed by the identified tangible and intangible assets of a company, and then isolates the excess return, which is attributable to the asset being valued, based on cash flows attributable to the gaming license. The other gaming license values are based on actual costs. Gaming licenses are not subject to amortization as they have indefinite useful lives and are evaluated for potential impairment on an annual basis unless events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the gaming licenses may not be recoverable. We reviewed existing gaming licenses as of December 31, 2011 and recognized a write down of $0.03 million related to gaming licensing costs pertaining to a former director, who is no longer affiliated with the organization and $0.02 million related to costs for a new license to be obtained. We incurred $0.1 million in costs related to pursing a Mississippi gaming license for the purchase of all of the outstanding membership interest of Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC and the Silver Slipper Casino (“Silver Slipper”).
Trademark
Trademarks are based on the legal fees and recording fees related to the trademark of the “Rising Star Casino Resort” name, and variations of such name. Trademarks are not subject to amortization, as they have an indefinite useful life and are evaluated for potential impairment on an annual basis unless events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the trademark may not be recoverable.
Current & Future Amortization
We amortize definite-lived intangible assets, including player loyalty program and loan fees, over their estimated useful lives. The aggregate amortization expense was $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended and $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, respectively. Total amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ending June 2013 and June 2014 are anticipated to be approximately $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively, which represents the amortization on the remaining Rising Star player loyalty program costs, but does not include the amortization for the Capital One Bank loan fees, as these cannot be estimated at this time.
7. LONG-TERM DEBT
At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, long-term debt consists of the following:
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
Long-term debt, net of current portion:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Term loan agreement, $33.0 million on October 29, 2010, maturing June 30, 2016, interest greater of 1 month LIBOR, or 1.5%, plus margin [4.5%-5.5%], LIBOR rates and margins are adjusted quarterly. (7.0% during the quarter ended March 31, 2012). Paid in full March 30, 2012.
|
|
$ |
-- |
|
|
$ |
26,400,000 |
|
Swap agreement, $20.0 million on January 7, 2011, effective April 1, 2011, maturing April 1, 2016, interest received based on 1 month LIBOR, and paid at a fixed rate of 1.9% through August 31, 2011. The swap was re-designated in September 2011 with interest to be received at the greater of 1.5% or 1 month LIBOR, and paid at a fixed rate of 3.06% until maturity. (average net settlement rates during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 were 1.56%). Terminated effective March 30, 2012.
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
537,422 |
|
Less current portion
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
( 4,950,000 |
) |
|
|
$ |
-- |
|
|
$ |
21,987,422 |
|
Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo. In 2010, we, as borrower, entered into a Credit Agreement, as amended, (the “Wells Fargo Credit Agreement”) with the financial institutions listed therein (the “Lenders”) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as administrative agent for the Lenders, as collateral agent for the Secured Parties (as defined in the Wells Fargo Credit Agreement), as security trustee for the Lenders, as Letters of Credit Issuer and as Swing Line Lender. The funds available under the original Wells Fargo Credit Agreement as of March 31, 2011 were $38.0 million, consisting of a $33.0 million term loan and a revolving line of credit of $5.0 million.
The initial funding date of the Wells Fargo Credit Agreement occurred March 31, 2011, when we borrowed $33.0 million on the term loan which was used to fund our acquisition of Grand Victoria Casino & Resort in Rising Sun, Indiana on April 1, 2011. In August 2011, the property was renamed the Rising Star Casino Resort (“Rising Star”). On March 30, 2012, we used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of our interest in GEM to pay off our remaining outstanding debt of $25.3 million, which consisted of $24.8 of our existing long term debt and $0.5 million due on the Swap, and to extinguish the credit facility and related interest-rate hedge.
Loss on Extinguishment of Wells Fargo Debt. Upon the early $24.8 million repayment and termination of our existing long term debt on March 30, 2012, we recorded a non-cash charge to expense for the remaining unamortized loan fees of $1.7 million and loan administrative fees.
Credit Agreement with Capital One. On June 29, 2012, we entered into the Capital One Credit Agreement. The Capital One Credit Agreement provides for a term loan in an amount up to $50.0 million and a revolving loan in an amount up to $5.0 million. The $50.0 million term loan will be drawn under the Capital One Credit Agreement and used to purchase the outstanding membership interest of Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC and the Silver Slipper. The acquisition and initial funding of the Capital One Credit Agreement is expected to occur early in the fourth quarter of 2012. On or prior to the initial funding date, the Capital One Credit Agreement will be secured by substantially all of our assets and therefore, our subsidiaries will guarantee our obligation under the agreement.
Once funding occurs, we will pay interest at either the Base Rate or LIBOR as set forth in the Capital One Credit Agreement. The Base Rate means, on any day, the greatest of (a) the prime rate (as published in the Wall Street Journal) in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on the business day prior to such day plus 0.50% and (c) the One Month LIBOR for such day (determined on a daily basis as set forth in the Capital One Credit Agreement) plus 1.00%. LIBOR means a rate per annum equal to the quotient (rounded upward if necessary to the nearest 1/16 of one percent) of (a) the greater of (1) 1.00% and (2) the rate per annum referenced to as the BBA (British Bankers Association) LIBOR divided by (b) one minus the reserve requirement set forth in the Capital One Credit Agreement for such loan in effect from time to time.
The Capital One Credit Agreement contains customary negative covenants for transactions of this type, including, but not limited to, restrictions on our and our subsidiaries’ ability to: incur indebtedness; grant liens; pay dividends and make other restricted payments; make investments; make fundamental changes; dispose of assets; and change the nature of their business. The negative covenants are subject to certain changes of control.
On April 17, 2012, we received a commitment from Summit Partners Credit Advisors LP to provide at least $20.0 million in a Senior Secured Second Lien Credit Facility for the acquisition of the Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC.
The closing of the Silver Slipper acquisition and the initial funding of the Capital One Credit Agreement are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, including, among other things the receipt of all applicable gaming approvals and the closing of our committed $20.0 million second lien credit facility. We anticipate having regulatory approvals to accommodate a closing near the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2012, although the transaction is subject to several contingencies and may not occur.
8. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
We were subject to interest rate risk to the extent we borrowed against credit facilities with variable interest rates as described above. We had potential interest rate exposure with respect to the $33.0 million original outstanding balance on our variable rate term loan. During January 2011, we reduced our exposure to changes in interest rates by entering into an interest rate swap agreement (“Swap”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which became effective on April 1, 2011. The Swap contract exchanged a floating rate for fixed interest payments periodically over the life of the Swap without exchange of the underlying $20.0 million notional amount. The interest payments under the Swap were settled on a net basis.
Effective March 30, 2012 the Swap was terminated, and $0.5 million was paid, which reflected the fair value on that date, therefore, we no longer recognized the derivative as a liability on the balance sheet in long-term debt. Prior to the pay-off of the Swap, the derivative was marked to fair value and the adjustment of the derivative was recognized as income during the first quarter of 2012.
During the first quarter of 2012, we paid interest on the hedged portion of the debt ($18.0 million) at an average net rate of 8.56% and paid interest on the non-hedged portion of the debt ($13.0 million) at a rate of 7.0%. The weighted average cash interest rate paid on the debt was 8.16%, including Swap interest and loan interest.
The net effect of our floating-to-fixed interest rate swap resulted in an increase in interest expense of $0.07 million during the first quarter of 2012, as compared to the contractual rate of the underlying hedged debt for the period.
9. SEGMENT REPORTING
The following tables reflect selected information for our reporting segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. The casino operation segments include the Rising Star’s operation in Rising Sun, Indiana, the Grand Lodge Casino operation in Lake Tahoe, Nevada and Stockman’s Casino operation in Fallon, Nevada. We have included regional information for segment reporting and aggregated casino operations in the same region. The development/management segment includes costs associated with casino development and management projects, including the management agreement with the Pueblo of Pojoaque to advise on the operations of the Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the Michigan and Delaware joint ventures. The Corporate segment includes our general and administrative expenses.
Selected statement of operations data for the three months ended June 30:
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino Operations
|
|
|
Operations
|
|
|
Development/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nevada
|
|
|
Mid-west
|
|
|
Management
|
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
5,179,224 |
|
|
$ |
22,261,377 |
|
|
$ |
399,898 |
|
|
$ |
-- |
|
|
$ |
27,840,499 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expense
|
|
|
1,569,599 |
|
|
|
4,644,795 |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
1,497,985 |
|
|
|
7,712,379 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
246,693 |
|
|
|
1,273,862 |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
2,015 |
|
|
|
1,522,570 |
|
Operating gains
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
438,084 |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
438,084 |
|
Operating income (loss)
|
|
|
722,701 |
|
|
|
1,536,388 |
|
|
|
748,564 |
|
|
|
(1,584,474 |
) |
|
|
1,423,179 |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
|
|
|
475,649 |
|
|
|
1,450,433 |
|
|
|
(150,200 |
) |
|
|
(1,043,403 |
) |
|
|
732,479 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino Operations
|
|
|
Operations
|
|
|
Development/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nevada
|
|
|
Mid-west
|
|
|
Management
|
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
2,021,239 |
|
|
$ |
23,190,637 |
|
|
$ |
5,912,294 |
|
|
$ |
-- |
|
|
$ |
31,124,170 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expense
|
|
|
484,098 |
|
|
|
5,203,444 |
|
|
|
130,958 |
|
|
|
1,170,950 |
|
|
|
6,989,450 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
236,135 |
|
|
|
1,220,183 |
|
|
|
593,147 |
|
|
|
2,676 |
|
|
|
2,052,141 |
|
Operating gains
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
661,270 |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
661,270 |
|
Operating income (loss)
|
|
|
255,590 |
|
|
|
1,984,787 |
|
|
|
5,849,459 |
|
|
|
(1,259,685 |
) |
|
|
6,830,151 |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
|
|
|
168,773 |
|
|
|
470,033 |
|
|
|
2,426,110 |
|
|
|
(1,668,396 |
) |
|
|
1,396,520 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selected statement of operations data for the six months ended June 30:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino Operations
|
|
|
Operations
|
|
|
Development/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nevada
|
|
|
Mid-west
|
|
|
Management
|
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
10,065,477 |
|
|
$ |
44,891,594 |
|
|
$ |
6,209,768 |
|
|
$ |
-- |
|
|
$ |
61,166,839 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expense
|
|
|
3,137,142 |
|
|
|
9,661,805 |
|
|
|
136,386 |
|
|
|
3,337,674 |
|
|
|
16,273,007 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
488,384 |
|
|
|
2,302,028 |
|
|
|
593,052 |
|
|
|
4,401 |
|
|
|
3,387,865 |
|
Operating gains
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
41,200,089 |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
41,200,089 |
|
Operating income (loss)
|
|
|
1,080,587 |
|
|
|
3,598,691 |
|
|
|
46,559,835 |
|
|
|
(3,492,433 |
) |
|
|
47,746,680 |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
|
|
|
709,285 |
|
|
|
412,459 |
|
|
|
29,958,606 |
|
|
|
(4,499,538 |
) |
|
|
26,580,812 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino Operations
|
|
|
Operations
|
|
|
Development/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nevada
|
|
|
Mid-west
|
|
|
Management
|
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
4,001,078 |
|
|
$ |
23,190,637 |
|
|
$ |
12,276,681 |
|
|
$ |
-- |
|
|
$ |
39,468,396 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expense
|
|
|
946,062 |
|
|
|
5,203,444 |
|
|
|
283,197 |
|
|
|
2,210,455 |
|
|
|
8,643,158 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
474,950 |
|
|
|
1,220,183 |
|
|
|
1,186,343 |
|
|
|
22,409 |
|
|
|
2,903,885 |
|
Operating gains
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
2,181,167 |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
2,181,167 |
|
Operating income (loss)
|
|
|
539,421 |
|
|
|
1,984,787 |
|
|
|
12,988,307 |
|
|
|
(2,850,731 |
) |
|
|
12,661,784 |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to Company
|
|
|
356,184 |
|
|
|
470,033 |
|
|
|
5,035,078 |
|
|
|
(2,857,331 |
) |
|
|
3,003,964 |
|
Selected balance sheet data as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
|
|
Casino Operations
Nevada
|
|
|
Casino
Operations
Mid-west
|
|
|
Development/ Management
|
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
17,229,790 |
|
|
$ |
54,907,011 |
|
|
$ |
4,896 |
|
|
$ |
23,506,554 |
|
|
$ |
95,648,251 |
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
7,113,172 |
|
|
|
30,394,284 |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
18,339 |
|
|
|
37,525,795 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
5,808,520 |
|
|
|
1,647,198 |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
7,455,718 |
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
2,270,447 |
|
|
|
7,994,324 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,125,001 |
|
|
|
16,389,772 |
|
|
|
Casino Operations
Nevada
|
|
|
Casino
Operations
Mid-west
|
|
|
Development/
Management
|
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
18,488,888 |
|
|
$ |
54,923,492 |
|
|
$ |
13,192,504 |
|
|
$ |
8,013,057 |
|
|
$ |
94,617,941 |
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
7,350,840 |
|
|
|
31,296,224 |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
21,219 |
|
|
|
38,668,283 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
5,808,520 |
|
|
|
1,647,198 |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
-- |
|
|
|
7,455,718 |
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
4,604,218 |
|
|
|
9,649,198 |
|
|
|
102,709 |
|
|
|
24,816,772 |
|
|
|
39,172,897 |
|
On March 30, 2012, we entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (“Silver Slipper Agreement”) with Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC to acquire all of the outstanding membership interest of the entity operating the Silver Slipper in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The purchase price is $70.0 million, exclusive of estimated cash, net working capital balances, fees and expenses and other adjustments as customary, as of the closing date. The Silver Slipper Agreement provides for a closing by January 31, 2013, which may be extended under certain circumstances and is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. On March 30, 2012, we deposited $2.5 million in escrow related to the potential Silver Slipper acquisition, which is recorded in long-term deposits on our balance sheet.
The Silver Slipper features almost 1,000 slots, 26 tables, a poker room, three restaurants and two bars. The property draws heavily from the New Orleans metropolitan area and other communities in southern Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi. We plan to fund the acquisition of the Silver Slipper with two new credit facilities and cash on hand.
On June 29, 2012, we entered into a First Lien Credit Agreement with Capital One, NA, as administrative agent. The Capital One Credit Agreement provides for a term loan in an amount up to $50.0 million and a revolving loan in an amount up to $5.0 million. The $50.0 million term loan will be drawn under the Capital One Credit Agreement and used to purchase the outstanding membership interest of Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC and the Silver Slipper. The acquisition and initial funding of the Capital One Credit Agreement is expected to occur early during the fourth quarter of 2012.
On April 17, 2012, we received a commitment from Summit Partners Credit Advisors LP to provide at least $20.0 million in a Senior Secured Second Lien Credit Facility for the acquisition of Silver Slipper Casino Venture LLC.
The closing of the Silver Slipper acquisition and the initial funding of the Capital One Credit Agreement are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, including, among other things the receipt of all applicable gaming approvals and the closing of our committed $20.0 million second lien credit facility. We anticipate having regulatory approvals to accommodate a closing near the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2012, although the transaction is subject to several contingencies and may not occur.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect our future results. Unless otherwise noted, transactions, trends and other factors significantly impacting our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity are discussed in order of magnitude. In addition, unless expressly stated otherwise, the comparisons presented in this MD&A refer to the same period in the prior year. Our MD&A is presented in seven sections:
|
|
|
Overview
|
|
Results of continuing operations
|
●
|
Liquidity and capital resources
|
|
Off-balance-sheet arrangements
|
● |
Seasonality |
● |
Regulation and taxes
|
●
|
Critical accounting estimates and policies
|
Overview
We own, develop, manage, and/or invest in gaming-related enterprises. We continue to actively investigate, individually and with partners, new business opportunities and our long-term strategy has been to transition to primarily an operating company and to drive revenues from owned operations rather than management fees.
Specifically, we own and operate the Rising Star Casino Resort in Rising Sun, Indiana, Stockman’s Casino (“Stockman’s”) in Fallon, Nevada and we lease and operate the Grand Lodge Casino (“Grand Lodge”) in Incline Village, Nevada. We also have a management agreement with the Pueblo of Pojoaque in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which became effective September 23, 2011.
On April 1, 2011, we acquired all of the operating assets of Grand Victoria Casino & Resort, L.P. through Gaming Entertainment (Indiana) LLC, our wholly-owned subsidiary. In August 2011, the property was renamed Rising Star Casino Resort (“Rising Star”). In May 2011, we entered into a three-year agreement with the Pueblo of Pojoaque, which has been approved by the NIGC as a management contract, to advise on the operations of the Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort in Santa Fe, New Mexico along with the Pueblo’s Cities of Gold and Sports Bar casino facilities. Our management and related agreements related to the Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort became effective on September 23, 2011. As of September 1, 2011, we own the operating assets of the Grand Lodge Casino, and have a 5-year lease with Hyatt Equities LLC for the casino space in the Hyatt Regency Resort, Spa and Casino in Incline Village, Nevada on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Until August 31, 2011, we were a non-controlling 50%-investor in Gaming Entertainment (Delaware), LLC (“GED”), a joint venture with Harrington Raceway Inc. (“HRI”). GED had a 15-year management contract through August 2011 with Harrington Casino at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, Delaware.
Until March 30, 2012, we owned 50% of Gaming Entertainment (Michigan), LLC (“GEM”), a joint venture with RAM Entertainment, LLC (“RAM”), where we were the primary beneficiary and, therefore, consolidated GEM in our consolidated financial statements. On March 30, 2012, we, along with our 50% joint venture partner RAM, entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement (‘the GEM Sale Agreement”) and closed on the $97.5 million sale of our limited liability company interests in GEM and the FireKeepers management agreement to the FireKeepers Development Authority (“FDA”), $48.8 million to RAM and $48.8 million to us. The gross proceeds were paid, less a $0.2 million holdback amount which the FDA will use to satisfy any liabilities arising before the sale date which are paid subsequently, or to satisfy any indemnification obligations of us and RAM under the sale agreement. The holdback receivable, less any amounts used to satisfy such liabilities, will be paid to RAM and us on December 31, 2012 in equal amounts. The FDA paid $48.7 million to us and also $48.6 to RAM, on March 30, 2012, which reflected the deduction of the hold back amount split between RAM and us and $0.03 million of buyer transaction expenses deducted from RAM’s portion. GEM had a 7-year management agreement with the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians for the development and management of the FireKeepers Casino near Battle Creek, Michigan. The FireKeepers Casino opened on August 5, 2009, which triggered the commencement of the 7-year management agreement term.
In addition to the $97.5 million, the FDA paid RAM and us $1.2 million each, equal to the management fee that would have been earned under the management agreement for April 2012, which was defined as the ‘wind up fee’ less $0.3 million, which was split between RAM and us. The wind up fee was received in May 2012, and was $0.4 million more than estimated at March 31, 2012; therefore the gain on sale was increased from $40.8 million to $41.2 million during the second quarter. During the first quarter, we used a portion of the sale proceeds to pay-off our remaining outstanding debt of $25.3 million to Wells Fargo, which consisted of $24.8 of our existing long term debt and $0.5 million due on the Swap, to extinguish the credit facility and related interest-rate hedge. The Wells Fargo Credit Agreement, which was scheduled to mature on June 30, 2016, was terminated without the incurrence of any early termination penalties or fees.
Our gain on the sale of joint venture, related to the sale of our interest in GEM, was $41.2 million and calculated as follows (in millions):
Gross proceeds, before $0.1 million holdback receivable
|
|
$ |
48.8 |
|
Plus: April 2012 ‘Wind up’ fee received, net of $0.03 million deduction
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
|
49.7 |
|
Less: Net basis of contract rights expensed
|
|
|
(2.8 |
) |
Less: Our interest in joint venture
|
|
|
(5.7 |
) |
Gain on sale of joint venture
|
|
$ |
41.2 |
|
On March 30, 2012, we entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (“Silver Slipper Agreement”) with Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC to acquire all of the outstanding membership interest of the entity operating the Silver Slipper Casino in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The purchase price is $70.0 million, exclusive of estimated cash, net working capital balances, fees and expenses and other adjustments as customary, as of the closing date. The Silver Slipper Agreement provides for a closing by January 31, 2013, which may be extended under certain circumstances.
We plan to fund the acquisition of the Silver Slipper Casino (“Silver Slipper”) with two new credit facilities and cash on hand. On June 29, 2012, we entered into a First Lien Credit Agreement (“Capital One Credit Agreement”) with Capital One, NA, as administrative agent. The Capital One Credit Agreement provides for a term loan in an amount up to $50.0 million and a revolving loan in an amount up to $5.0 million. The $50.0 million term loan will be drawn under the Capital One Credit Agreement and used to purchase the outstanding membership interest of Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC and the Silver Slipper. The acquisition and initial funding of the Capital One Credit Agreement is expected to occur early during the fourth quarter of 2012.
Management believes the acquisition of the Silver Slipper is consistent with our long-stated growth strategy and will create long-term shareholder value. The Silver Slipper, which opened in November 2006, is on the far west end of the Mississippi Gulf Coast (22 miles west of Gulfport, 34 miles from Biloxi) and is approximately one hour (56 miles) from New Orleans (versus 90mi/1.5hrs to the Beau Rivage). The property has 37,000 square feet of gaming space, almost 1,000 slot and video poker machines, 26 table games, a poker room and the only live keno game on the Gulf Coast. The property includes a fine dining restaurant, buffet, quick service restaurant and two casino bars. The property draws heavily from the New Orleans metropolitan area and other communities in southern Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi.
The Gulf Coast is one of the country’s largest gaming markets and its proximity to southern Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle, as well as ample non-gaming amenities and a seasonal draw, make the market attractive.
On April 17, 2012, we received a commitment from Summit Partners Credit Advisors LP to provide at least $20.0 million in a Senior Secured Second Lien Credit Facility for the acquisition of Silver Slipper Casino Venture LLC.
The closing of the Silver Slipper acquisition and the initial funding of the Capital One Credit Agreement are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, including, among other things the receipt of all applicable gaming approvals and the closing of our committed $20.0 million second lien credit facility. We anticipate having regulatory approvals to accommodate a closing near the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2012, although the transaction is subject to several contingencies and may not occur.
Results of continuing operations
A significant portion of our revenue has been generated from our management agreements with the FireKeepers Casino in Michigan, the Harrington Casino in Delaware, and Buffalo Thunder in New Mexico. The Delaware agreement expired on August 31, 2011. The Michigan agreement ended March 30, 2012, with the sale of our interest in GEM and the New Mexico agreement ends in September 2014. There can be no assurance that the New Mexico management agreement will be extended. Additionally, our 2012 and 2011 results of continuing operation were significantly impacted by our newly acquired Rising Star on April 1, 2011 and Grand Lodge Casino on September 1, 2011.
For the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, our revenues from the FireKeepers management agreement were $5.3 million and $12.3 million, respectively, which represent a significant amount of our total annual operating income. Management fees represented 9% and 31% of total revenues for the years ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as we have executed our strategy to transition to primarily an operating company and drive revenue from owned operations rather than management fees. Management plans to fund the acquisition of the Silver Slipper with new first and second lien term loans and cash on hand and we expect the potential acquisition to close early in the fourth quarter of this year. Management believes the impact of the lost revenues from the sale of its interest in GEM and the FireKeepers management contract will be diminished if the acquisition of the Silver Slipper closes as expected, as well as a full year of operations at the Rising Star and Grand Lodge.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012, Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
Revenues. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, total revenues decreased $3.3 million (11%) as compared to 2011, primarily due to a $5.9 million decrease in FireKeepers management fees, offset by $0.4 million of Buffalo Thunder management fees which commenced in September 2011. The lower FireKeepers management fees are due to the sale of our interest in GEM and the FireKeepers Management agreement which closed March 30, 2012. The decrease in management fees was offset by a $2.1 million (9%) increase in casino revenues which is primarily attributable to the lease of the Grand Lodge on September 1, 2011. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, Grand Lodge’s casino revenues were $3.2 million, offset by $1.0 million and $0.1 million in lower Rising Star and Stockman’s casino revenues, respectively. The lower Rising Star casino revenues were due to both lower slot and table games revenue caused by a decline in both volume as well as lower table game win percentages in the current year period.
Operating costs and expenses. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, total operating costs and expenses increased $1.9 million (8%), as compared to 2011, primarily due to a $1.5 million (12%) increase in casino expenses and a $0.7 million (10%) increase in selling, general and administrative costs, offset by a $0.5 million (26%) decrease in depreciation and amortization. The increase in casino expenses is primarily attributable to the lease of the Grand Lodge on September 1, 2011. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, Grand Lodge’s casino expenses were $1.7 million, offset by $0.1 million (1%) in lower Rising Star casino expenses. The lower Rising Star casino expenses are primarily related to lower gaming taxes in the current year period. The lower depreciation and amortization is related to the sale of the Michigan gaming rights on March 30, 2012. The discussion related to the increase in selling, general and administrative costs is below.
Project development and acquisition costs. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, project development costs increased $0.1 million (102%), as compared to 2011, primarily due to acquisition expenses for the Silver Slipper in the current year period.
Selling, general and administrative expense. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.7 million (10%) as compared to 2011 primarily due to the lease and operation of the Grand Lodge. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, the Grand Lodge’s selling, general and administrative expenses were $1.1 million, offset by $0.6 million (11%) in lower selling, general and administrative expenses at Rising Star due to lower marine operating costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses also increased at the corporate level by $0.3 million, (28%) primarily due to stock compensation expense of $0.2 million related to the issuance of 660,000 shares of restricted stock as discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements and costs associated with the GEM sale.
Operating gains (losses). For the three months ended June 30, 2012, operating gains decreased by $0.2 million (33.8%) consisting primarily of the gain on sale of the joint venture of $0.4 million, related to the sale of our interest in GEM, offset by a $0.7 million decrease in equity in net income of unconsolidated joint venture. The GED management contract was terminated August 2011, as discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. The $0.4 million gain on sale of joint venture was an adjustment to the April 2012 estimated wrap-up fee and the gain on sale of our interest in GEM, which occurred during the first quarter.
Other income (expense). For the three months ended June 30, 2012, other expense decreased by $1.3 million (100%), primarily due to $0.9 million of interest expense and $0.4 million loss on derivative instrument in the prior year period. The interest expense and loss on derivative in the prior year period were related to long term debt which was funded March 31, 2011, when we borrowed $33.0 million on the term loan to fund our acquisition of the Rising Star. On March 30, 2012, we used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of our interest in GEM to pay off our remaining outstanding debt of $25.3 million, as discussed in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.
Income taxes. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, the estimated effective annual income tax rate applied for the current year period is approximately 49%, compared to 51% for the same period in 2011. The higher tax rate in the prior year period was primarily due to a higher state tax rate in Michigan. There is no allowance on the current deferred tax asset of $0.7 million and the long-term deferred tax asset of $0.4 million as of June 30, 2012, and management believes the deferred tax assets are fully realizable.
Noncontrolling interest. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, the net income attributable to non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture decreased by $2.7 million, as we no longer own the 50% interest in GEM, effective March 30, 2012.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012, Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
Revenues. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, total revenues increased $21.7 million (55%) as compared to 2011, primarily due to the acquisition of the Rising Star and the lease and operations of the Grand Lodge, as well as $0.8 million of Buffalo Thunder management and success fees and a $0.1 million (2%), increase in Stockman’s casino revenue. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Rising Star’s and Grand Lodge’s operating revenues were $44.9 million and $6.0 million, respectively. The prior year period also included three months of Rising Star operating revenues of $23.2 million. Stockman’s revenue increase is primarily due to increased slot win over the prior year period. The increase in revenues was offset by a $6.9 million (57%) decrease in FireKeepers management fees. Our management agreement with the Buffalo Thunder Casino & Resort became effective September 2011.
Operating costs and expenses. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, total operating costs and expenses increased $25.6 million (88%), as compared to 2011, primarily due to the acquisition of the Rising Star and Grand Lodge. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Rising Star’s and Grand Lodge’s operating costs and expenses were $41.4 million and $5.8 million, respectively. The prior year period also included three months of Rising Star operating expenses of $21.2 million. The increases were offset by a $0.3 million (56.3%) decrease in project development and acquisition costs, explained below.
Project development and acquisition costs. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, project development costs decreased $0.3 million (56%), as compared to 2011, primarily due to $0.5 million of acquisition expenses for the Rising Star in the prior year. For the three months ended June 30, 2012 project development costs included $0.1 million in costs related to the Silver Slipper potential acquisition.
Selling, general and administrative expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $7.6 million (88%) as compared to 2011 primarily due to the acquisition of the Rising Star and the Grand Lodge. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Rising Star’s and Grand Lodge’s selling, general and administrative expenses were $9.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively. The prior year period also included three months of Rising Star selling, general and administrative expenses of $5.2 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased at the corporate level by $1.1 million (51%) primarily due to stock compensation expense of $0.5 million related to the issuance of 660,000 shares of restricted stock as discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements and a $0.4 million increase in incentive compensation, primarily due to the sale of our interest in GEM, and a $0.2 million increase in Delaware franchise taxes, related to a larger number of authorized shares.
Operating gains (losses). For the six months ended June 30, 2012, operating gains increased by $39.0 million consisting primarily of the gain on sale of the joint venture of $41.2 million, related to the sale of our interest in GEM, offset by a $2.2 million decrease in equity in net income of unconsolidated joint venture. The GED management contract was terminated August 2011, as discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
Other income (expense). For the six months ended June 30, 2012, other expense increased by $1.0 million (65%), primarily due to a $1.7 million loss on extinguishment of debt related to the write-off of the Wells Fargo loan costs, due to the payoff of the debt which is discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, offset by a $0.4 million (35%) decrease in interest expense and a $0.4 million (102%) decrease in the loss on derivative instrument related to long term debt which was funded March 31, 2011, when we borrowed $33.0 million on the term loan to fund our acquisition of the Rising Star.
Income taxes. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the estimated effective annual income tax rate applied for the current year period is approximately 38%, compared to 49% for the same period in 2011. The lower tax rate in the current year period was primarily due to the $41.2 million gain on sale of joint venture, related to the sale of our interest in GEM, which is only subject to federal tax. There is no allowance on the current deferred tax asset of $0.7 million and the long-term deferred tax asset of $0.4 million as of June 30, 2012, and management believes the deferred tax assets are fully realizable.
Noncontrolling interest. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the net income attributable to non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture decreased by $3.1 million (59%), as the current year non-controlling interest only represents the first quarter’s 50% interest in GEM. Our interest in GEM was sold effect March 30, 2012.