Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009
or
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File No. 1-32583
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
  13-3391527
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
4670 S. Fort Apache, Ste. 190
Las Vegas, Nevada

(Address of principal executive offices)
  89147
(Zip Code)
(702) 221-7800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “small reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large Accelerated Filer o   Accelerated Filer o   Non Accelerated Filer o   Smaller reporting company þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
As of May 7, 2009, there were 17,993,681 shares of Common Stock, $.0001 par value per share, outstanding.
 
 

 

 


 

FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.
INDEX
         
    Page  
 
       
PART I. Financial Information
       
 
       
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
       
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    6  
 
       
    13  
 
       
    24  
 
       
    24  
 
       
       
 
       
    25  
 
       
    25  
 
       
    26  
 
       
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2

 

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (Unaudited)        
ASSETS
               
Current assets
               
Cash and equivalents
  $ 3,945,527     $ 5,304,755  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $20,000 and $20,000
    362,953       597,848  
Prepaid expenses
    440,181       504,021  
Deferred tax asset
    266,858       293,598  
Assets held for sale
    45,000       45,000  
Deposits and other current assets
    92,552       98,209  
 
           
 
    5,153,071       6,843,431  
 
           
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $5,224,026 and $4,985,766
    8,487,771       8,630,024  
 
           
 
               
Long-term assets related to tribal casino projects
               
Notes receivable
    5,368,516       5,114,767  
Contract rights, net of accumulated amortization of $742,533 and $729,228
    16,782,247       16,795,552  
 
           
 
    22,150,763       21,910,319  
 
           
Other long-term assets
               
Goodwill
    10,308,520       10,308,520  
Deposits and other
    769,431       775,829  
 
           
 
    11,077,951       11,084,349  
 
           
 
  $ 46,869,556     $ 48,468,123  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 229,439     $ 225,224  
Accounts payable
    216,816       239,059  
Accrued expenses
    1,065,099       1,021,817  
 
           
 
    1,511,354       1,486,100  
 
           
Long-term debt due to joint venture affiliate, including accrued interest of $185,860 and $153,610 net of current portion
    3,294,850       3,137,600  
Other long-term debt, net of current portion
    752,510       3,066,639  
 
           
 
    4,047,360       6,204,239  
 
           
Deferred tax liability
    1,675,735       1,594,424  
 
           
 
    7,234,449       9,284,763  
 
           
Stockholders’ equity
               
Non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture
    4,540,888       4,600,068  
 
           
 
               
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized; 19,350,276 shares issued
    1,935       1,935  
Additional paid-in capital
    42,482,713       42,356,098  
Treasury stock, 1,356,595 and 1,210,414 shares at cost
    (1,654,075 )     (1,502,182 )
Deficit
    (5,736,354 )     (6,272,559 )
 
           
 
    35,094,219       34,583,292  
 
           
 
  $ 46,869,556     $ 48,468,123  
 
           
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                 
    Three months  
    ended March 31,  
    2009     2008  
Revenues
               
Casino
  $ 1,868,942     $ 1,965,049  
Food and beverage
    430,734       583,986  
Other operating income
    20,260       20,589  
 
           
 
    2,319,936       2,569,624  
 
           
Operating costs and expenses
               
Casino
    579,910       599,786  
Food and beverage
    480,660       600,273  
Project development costs
    15,695       34,792  
Selling, general and administrative
    1,529,893       1,594,621  
Depreciation and amortization
    290,552       270,542  
 
           
 
    2,896,710       3,100,014  
 
           
Operating gains
               
Equity in net income of unconsolidated joint venture, and related guaranteed payments
    1,252,176       1,162,737  
Unrealized gains on notes receivable, tribal governments
    253,749       1,898,524  
 
           
 
    1,505,925       3,061,261  
 
           
Operating income
    929,151       2,530,871  
Other income (expense)
               
Interest and other income
    22,655       58,748  
Interest expense
    (88,809 )     (179,894 )
Noncontrolling interest in net (income) loss of consolidated joint venture
    59,180       (763,681 )
 
           
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    922,177       1,646,044  
Income taxes
    (385,972 )     (645,295 )
 
           
Income from continuing operations
    536,205       1,000,749  
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes of $23,377 in 2008
          38,141  
 
           
Net income
  $ 536,205     $ 1,038,890  
 
           
 
               
Income from continuing operations per common share
               
Basic and diluted
  $ 0.03     $ 0.05  
 
           
Income from discontinued operations per common share
               
Basic and diluted
  $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
 
           
Net income per common share
               
Basic and diluted
  $ 0.03     $ 0.05  
 
           
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
               
Basic and diluted
    18,103,688       19,342,276  
 
           
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 
    Three months  
    ended March 31,  
    2009     2008  
 
               
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 1,114,790     $ 572,541  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Acquisition of contract rights and other assets
          (10,180 )
Purchase of property and equipment
    (137,211 )     (282,733 )
Advances to tribal governments
          (42,367 )
Net proceeds from sale of hotel
          6,961,720  
Other
          (1,920 )
 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (137,211 )     6,624,520  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Payments on long-term debt
    (2,309,914 )     (8,101,356 )
Proceeds from borrowings from joint venture affiliate
    125,000       127,500  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (151,893 )      
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (2,336,807 )     (7,973,856 )
 
           
 
               
Net decrease in cash and equivalents
    (1,359,228 )     (776,795 )
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period
    5,304,755       7,975,860  
 
           
Cash and equivalents, end of period
  $ 3,945,527     $ 7,199,065  
 
           
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1.  
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The interim consolidated financial statements of Full House Resorts, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) included herein reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. Certain information normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America has been omitted pursuant to the interim financial information rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 27, 2009, for the year ended December 31, 2008, from which the balance sheet information as of that date was derived. Certain minor reclassifications to amounts previously reported have been made to conform to the current period presentation, none of which affected previously reported net income or earnings per share. The results of operations for the period ended March 31, 2009, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2009.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Stockman’s Casino (“Stockman’s”). Gaming Entertainment (Michigan), LLC (“GEM”), a 50%-owned investee of the Company that is jointly owned by RAM Entertainment, LLC (“RAM”), has been consolidated pursuant to the guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. The Company accounts for its investment in Gaming Entertainment (Delaware), LLC (“GED”) (Note 3) using the equity method of accounting because the Company is not the primary beneficiary. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
2.  
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $126,615 and $211,076, respectively, related to the amortization of restricted stock grants in prior years and a stock grant in July 2008, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. At March 31, 2009, the Company had deferred share-based compensation of $178,951, which is expected to be amortized through February 2010 using the straight-line method, by employee. Specifically, the Company expects to recognize share-based compensation expense of $162,268 later in 2009 and $16,683 in 2010.
3.  
INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURE
The Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint venture is comprised of a 50% ownership interest in GED, a joint venture between the Company and Harrington Raceway Inc (“HRI”). GED has a management agreement with Harrington Raceway and Casino (“Harrington”) (formerly known as Midway Slots and Simulcast), which is located in Harrington, Delaware. GED has no non-operating income or expenses, is treated as a partnership for income tax purposes and consequently recognizes no federal or state income tax provision. As a result, income from operations for GED is equal to net income for each period presented, and there are no material differences between its income for financial and tax reporting purposes.
On June 18, 2007, the Company restructured its joint venture agreement with HRI to allow HRI greater flexibility in GED’s management of the facility while providing the Company with guaranteed growth in its share of GED’s net income for the remaining term of the management contract. Under the terms of the restructured joint venture agreement, the Company is to receive the greater of 50% of GED’s net income as currently prescribed under the joint venture agreement, or a 5% growth rate in its 50% share of GED’s prior year net income through the expiration of the GED management contract in August 2011.

 

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As a result of the restructured joint venture agreement, the Company has received or accrued additional guaranteed payments of $327,540 and $72,449 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which are presented together with the Company’s equity in net income of GED in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. As of the balance sheet dates presented, the Company’s assets related to its investment in GED consisted of accounts receivable from HRI of $327,540 and $399,361, included in accounts receivable, and of investment in GED of $59,483 and $59,809, included in deposits and other, and it had no recorded liabilities related to its investment in GED.
Unaudited summary information for GED’s operations is as follows:
                 
    Three months  
    ended March 31,  
    2009     2008  
 
               
Management fee revenues
  $ 1,984,204     $ 2,284,483  
Net income
    1,849,271       2,180,531  
4.  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Company has not elected to adopt the option available under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, to measure any of its eligible financial instruments or other items. Accordingly, the Company continues to measure all of its assets and liabilities on the historical cost basis of accounting except as required under generally accepted accounting principles and disclosed below.
On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the methods of fair value accounting described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”), to value its financial assets that were previously carried at estimated fair value. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 in the first quarter of 2008 did not have any effect on the Company’s previously used fair value estimation methodology or on net income. Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of Financial Asset when the market for that asset is not active, (“FSP FAS 157-3”) was issued in October 2008 and was retroactively effective for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The implementation of FSP FAS 157-3 did not have a material impact on the Company’s valuation techniques, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company’s financial assets that are measured at estimated fair value use inputs from among the three levels of the fair value hierarchy set forth in SFAS No. 157 as follows:
Level 1 inputs: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, which prices are available at the measurement date.
Level 2 inputs: Include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e. interest rates, yield curves, etc.) and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (marked corroborated inputs).
Level 3 inputs: Unobservable inputs that reflect management’s estimates about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Management develops these inputs based on the best information available, including internally-developed data.

 

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The Company has no financial assets that are measured using level 1 or 2 inputs. Due to the absence of observable market quotes on the Company’s notes receivable from tribal governments (Note 5), the Company utilizes valuation models that rely exclusively on Level 3 inputs, including those that are based on management’s estimates of expected cash flow streams, future interest rates, casino opening dates and discount rates.
The estimated casino opening dates used in the valuations take into account project-specific circumstances such as ongoing litigation, the status of required regulatory approvals, construction periods and other factors. Factors considered in the determination of an appropriate discount rate include discount rates typically used by gaming industry investors and appraisers to value individual casino properties outside of Nevada, and discount rates produced by the widely-accepted Capital Asset Pricing Model (“CAPM”). The following key assumptions are used in the CAPM:
   
S&P 500, average benchmark investment returns (medium-term horizon risk premiums);
   
Risk free investment return equal to the trailing 10-year average for 90-day treasury bills;
   
Investment beta factor equal to the average of a peer group of similar entities in the hotel and gaming industry;
   
Project-specific adjustments based on the status of the project (i.e., litigation, regulatory approvals, tribal politics, etc.), and typical size premiums for “micro-cap” and “low-cap” companies.
See also Note 5.
5.  
NOTES RECEIVABLE, TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS
The Company has notes receivable related to advances made to or on behalf of tribes to fund tribal operations and development expenses related to potential casino projects. Repayment of these notes is conditioned upon the development of the projects, and ultimately, the successful operation of the facilities. Subject to such condition, the Company’s agreements with the tribes provide for the reimbursement of these advances plus applicable interest, if any, either from the proceeds of any outside financing of the development, the actual operation itself or in the event that the Company does not complete the development, from the revenues of any tribal gaming operation following completion of development activities undertaken by others.
As of March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2008, notes receivable from tribal governments as follows:
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Contractual (stated) amount (including interest)
               
FireKeepers Development Authority
  $ 5,000,000     $ 5,000,000  
Other
    1,281,329       1,281,329  
 
           
 
  $ 6,281,329     $ 6,281,329  
 
           
Estimated fair value of notes receivable related to tribal casino projects:
               
FireKeepers Development Authority
  $ 4,287,940     $ 4,097,002  
Other
    1,080,576       1,017,765  
 
           
 
  $ 5,368,516     $ 5,114,767  
 
           
On May 6, 2008, the FireKeepers Development Authority (the “Authority”) closed on the sale of $340 million of Senior Secured Notes and a $35 million equipment financing facility to fund the development and construction of the Authority’s FireKeepers Casino in Michigan. On the same date, GEM received a payment of approximately $9.3 million on its notes receivable from the Authority which resulted in an increase in the estimated fair value of the notes receivable of approximately $1.8 million recorded as an unrealized gain in the first quarter of 2008. The remaining $5.0 million is to be paid 180 days following the opening of the casino, subject to there being adequate funds remaining in the construction disbursement account. If there are insufficient funds to repay the remaining balance, the Authority will be obligated to repay the balance in 60 monthly installments beginning 180 days following the opening of the casino, with interest at prime plus 1%.

 

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As of March 31, 2009, management’s estimate of the opening date for the Montana casino remained the third quarter of 2010. The site for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe project was approved for gaming by the Secretary of the Interior as of October 28, 2008; however, the required consent of the Governor of Montana has not yet been obtained. If the Northern Cheyenne Tribe’s gaming compact with the State of Montana is not extended to include the site or a satisfactory site for the project is not approved, then we will be unable to develop the proposed casino and recover the expenses we have already incurred pursuing this project.
In March 2008, management announced that the Company was no longer pursuing the Nambé Pueblo project. However, the Pueblo has affirmed its responsibility to repay reimbursable development advances of approximately $0.7 million plus interest at prime plus 2%, out of any future gaming revenues, if any. Management currently believes that the Nambé Pueblo intends to develop a slot machine operation with approximately 200 devices, which would be attached to its travel center and provide the Pueblo with the financial wherewithal to repay the amounts owed to the Company. In March 2009, the Company entered into an agreement to assist the Nambé Pueblo Tribe in finding suitable financing up to $12 million for their proposed slot parlor. With due consideration to the foregoing factors, management has estimated the fair value of the note receivable from the Nambé Pueblo at $465,747 as of March 31, 2009.
The following table summarizes the changes in the estimated fair value of notes receivable from tribal governments, determined using Level 3 fair value inputs, from January 1, 2009, to March 31, 2009:
                         
            FireKeepers        
            Development        
    Total     Authority     Other tribes  
Balances, January 1, 2009
  $ 5,114,767     $ 4,097,002     $ 1,017,765  
Total advances
                 
Unrealized gains included in earnings
    253,749       190,938       62,811  
 
                 
Balances, March 31, 2009
  $ 5,368,516     $ 4,287,940     $ 1,080,576  
 
                 
6.  
CONTRACT RIGHTS
At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, contract rights consist of the following:
                         
            Accumulated        
March 31, 2009   Cost     Amortization     Carrying value  
FireKeepers project, initial cost
  $ 4,155,213     $     $ 4,155,213  
FireKeepers project, additional
    13,210,373       (742,533 )     12,467,840  
Other projects
    159,194             159,194  
 
                 
 
  $ 17,524,780     $ (742,533 )   $ 16,782,247  
 
                 
                         
            Accumulated        
December 31, 2008   Cost     Amortization     Carrying Value  
FireKeepers project, initial cost
  $ 4,155,213     $     $ 4,155,213  
FireKeepers project, additional
    13,210,373       (729,228 )     12,481,145  
Other projects
    159,194             159,194  
 
                 
 
  $ 17,524,780     $ (729,228 )   $ 16,795,552  
 
                 
In connection with the Authority’s financing of the FireKeepers Casino development in the second quarter of 2008, GEM funded $2,068,690 of financing costs on behalf of the Authority, as required by the management agreement, which was recorded as additional contract rights related to the FireKeepers project. The financing costs paid by GEM were funded equally by the Company and by RAM.

 

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7.  
LONG-TERM DEBT
At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, long-term debt consists of the following:
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Long-term debt, due to joint venture affiliate:
               
Promissory note, expected to mature in 2011, interest at 1% above the prime rate (4.25% at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008)
  $ 3,294,850     $ 3,137,600  
 
           
 
               
Long-term debt, other:
               
Reducing revolving loan, initial $16.0 million limit on January 31, 2007, due January 31, 2022, interest at 2.1% above the five year LIBOR/Swap rate, adjusted annually (7.39% at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008)
  $ 219,275     $ 2,469,275  
Promissory note to Peter’s Family Trust, $1.25 million on January 31, 2007, due February 1, 2012, interest at a fixed annual rate of 7.44%
    762,674       822,588  
 
           
 
    981,949       3,291,863  
Less current portion
    (229,439 )     (225,224 )
 
           
 
  $ 752,510     $ 3,066,639  
 
           
Reducing Revolving Loan (the “Revolver”). The maximum amount permitted to be outstanding under the Revolver decreases $312,000 semiannually on January 1 and July 1 of each year and any outstanding amounts above such reduced maximum must be repaid on each such date. Draws on the Revolver are payable over 15 years at a variable interest rate based on the five year LIBOR/Swap rate plus 2.1%. This rate adjusts annually based on the funded debt to EBITDA ratio of Stockman’s with adjustments based on the five-year LIBOR/Swap rates. Stockman’s assets are pledged as collateral for the loan. The Revolver also contains certain customary financial representations and warranties and requires that Stockman’s maintain specified financial covenants, including a fixed charge coverage ratio, a funded debt to EBITDA ratio and a minimum tangible net worth. In addition, the Revolver provides restrictions on certain distributions and capital expenditures by Stockman’s, and also provides for customary events of default including payment defaults and covenant defaults. Management is not aware of any covenant violations through the date of this filing.
During the first quarter of 2008, proceeds from the sale of the Holiday Inn Express in Fallon, Nevada were applied against outstanding balances payable on the Revolver. The outstanding balance was reduced from $10.9 million to $3.9 million and the Company’s availability under the Revolver increased to approximately $4.8 million. In addition, periodic payment requirements were reduced on a pro-rata basis. As of March 31, 2009 there are no additional required principal payments due on the Revolver until January 2022. The Company had $7.9 million of availability under its revolving credit line as of March 31, 2009.
Green Acres. On May 6, 2008, in conjunction with the financing of the FireKeepers Casino, the Company applied the proceeds of the $9.3 million tribal receivable reimbursement to pay off the remaining balance of the $9.5 million Green Acres liability.
Peters’ Family Trust Promissory Note. The promissory note in the amount of $1.25 million, payable to the seller of Stockman’s, is payable in 60 monthly installments of principal and interest and is secured by a second lien in the real estate of Stockman’s.

 

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Scheduled maturities of long-term debt (including obligations to joint venture affiliate) are as follows:
         
Annual periods ending March 31,
2010
  $ 229,439  
2011
    268,746  
2012
    3,373,479  
2013
     
2014
     
Thereafter
    219,275  
 
     
 
  $ 4,090,939  
 
     
There is no scheduled long-term debt maturing in 2013 and 2014, since the Peters’ promissory note matures in February 2012 and there are no required principal payments due on the Revolver until January 2022.
8.  
SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company is composed of three primary business segments. The following tables reflect selected segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. The operations segment includes the Stockman’s Casino operation in Fallon, Nevada, and included the operation of the Holiday Inn Express until February 2008 when it was sold. Accordingly, the operating results of the hotel are reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying statements of operations, and are therefore excluded from the table below. The development/management segment includes costs associated with tribal casino development projects and the Delaware joint venture. The Corporate segment includes general and administrative expenses of the Company.
Selected statement of operations data (from continuing operations) for the three months ended March 31,
                                 
    Casino     Development/              
    Operations     Management     Corporate     Consolidated  
2009
                               
Revenues
  $ 2,319,936     $     $     $ 2,319,936  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    446,666       123,921       959,306       1,529,893  
Depreciation and amortization
    256,885       13,449       20,218       290,552  
Operating gains
          1,505,925             1,505,925  
Operating income
    555,816       1,353,560       (980,225 )     929,151  
Net income
    554,429       1,271,776       (1,290,000 )     536,205  
 
                               
2008
                               
Revenues
  $ 2,569,601     $     $ 23     $ 2,569,624  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    388,014       22,493       1,184,114       1,594,621  
Depreciation and amortization
    243,877       19,152       7,513       270,542  
Operating gains
          3,061,261             3,061,261  
Operating income
    737,651       2,985,616       (1,192,396 )     2,530,871  
Net income
    741,488       2,108,048       (1,848,787 )     1,000,749  
Selected balance sheet data (related to continuing operations) as of March 31,
                                 
    Casino     Development/              
    Operations     Management     Corporate     Consolidated  
2009
                               
Assets
  $ 20,193,282     $ 22,736,848     $ 3,939,426     $ 46,869,556  
Property and equipment, net
    8,317,881       1,250       168,640       8,487,771  
Goodwill
    10,308,520                   10,308,520  
Liabilities
    473,815       3,376,938       3,383,696       7,234,449  
 
                               
2008
                               
Assets
  $ 21,120,376     $ 29,221,636     $ 7,035,532     $ 57,377,544  
Property and equipment, net
    9,014,736             222,898       9,237,634  
Goodwill
    10,308,520                   10,308,520  
Liabilities
    540,427       10,977,081       5,945,486       17,462,994  

 

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9.  
CONTINGENCIES
Economic conditions and related risks and uncertainties. The United States is currently experiencing a widespread recession accompanied by, among other things, weakness in the commercial and investment banking systems, resulting in reduced credit and capital financing availability, and highly curtailed gaming, other recreational activities, and general discretionary consumer spending, and is also engaged in war, all of which are likely to continue to have far-reaching effects on economic conditions in the country for an indeterminate period. The effects and duration of these developments and related risks and uncertainties on the Company’s future operation and cash flows, including its access to capital or credit financing, cannot be estimated at this time, but may likely be significant.
Uninsured cash deposits. The Company frequently has cash on deposit substantially in excess of federally-insured limits, and the risk of losses related to such concentrations may be increasing as a result of recent economic developments described in the preceding paragraph. However, the extent of loss, if any, to be sustained as a result of any future failure of a bank or other financial institution is not subject to estimation at this time.
Legal matters. An action by the Company is pending against a bank for refund of $0.1 million deposit on a loan commitment that was not fulfilled. The balance being claimed by the Company is regarded as a contingent asset and not included in our consolidated balance sheet.
10.  
STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN
On July 7, 2008, the Company announced a stock repurchase plan (the “Repurchase Plan”). Under the Repurchase Plan, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1,000,000 of shares of our common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time, in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. On October 14, 2008, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $1,000,000 of the Company’s common stock, and extended the expiration of the Repurchase Plan to April 30, 2009. Through March 31, 2009, the Company had repurchased 1,356,595 shares at a weighted average-price per share of $1.22, costing $1,654,075, (including commissions and other related transaction costs). The Repurchase Plan did not obligate the Company to acquire any number or value of common stock.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation
Safe harbor provision
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, relating to our financial condition, profitability, liquidity, resources, business outlook, market forces, corporate strategies, contractual commitments, legal matters, capital requirements and other matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. We note that many factors could cause our actual results and experience to change significantly from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements. When words and expressions such as: “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “intends,” “objectives,” “goals,” “aims,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “possible,” “seeks,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “might,” “likely,” “enable,” or similar words or expressions are used in this Form 10-Q, as well as statements containing phrases such as “in our view,” “there can be no assurance,” “although no assurance can be given,” or “there is no way to anticipate with certainty,” forward-looking statements are being made.
Various risks and uncertainties may affect the operation, performance, development and results of our business and could cause future outcomes to change significantly from those set forth in our forward-looking statements, including the following factors:
   
our growth strategies;
   
our development and potential acquisition of new facilities;
   
risks related to development and construction activities;
   
anticipated trends in the gaming industries;
   
patron demographics;
   
general market and economic conditions;
   
access to capital and credit, including our ability to finance future business requirements;
   
the availability of adequate levels of insurance;
   
changes in federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including environmental and gaming license legislation and regulations;
   
regulatory approvals;
   
competitive environment;
   
risks, uncertainties and other factors described from time to time in this and our other SEC filings and reports.
We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of future developments, events or conditions. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ significantly from those forecast in any forward-looking statements.
Overview
We develop, manage and/or invest in gaming related opportunities. The Company continues to actively investigate, individually and with partners, new business opportunities. We own and operate Stockman’s Casino in Fallon, Nevada. In addition, we are a non-controlling 50%-investor in Gaming Entertainment Delaware, LLC (“GED”), a joint venture with Harrington Raceway Inc. (“HRI”). GED has a management contract through August 2011 with Harrington Casino at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, Delaware. We also own 50% of Gaming Entertainment Michigan, LLC (“GEM”), a joint venture with RAM Entertainment, LLC (“RAM”), that we control and, therefore, consolidate in our consolidated financial statements. RAM is a privately-held investment company. GEM has a management agreement with the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians for the development and management of the FireKeepers Casino near Battle Creek, Michigan. The FireKeepers casino is currently being constructed, and it is expected to open during the third quarter of 2009. In addition, the Company has a development agreement and a management agreement (subject to National Indian Gaming Commission (“NIGC”) approval), with the Northern Cheyenne Nation of Montana for the development and management of a gaming facility to be built approximately 28 miles north of Sheridan, Wyoming.

 

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

 

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We also consider the status of the regulatory approval process including whether:
   
the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”) recognizes the tribe;
   
the tribe has the right to acquire land to be used as a casino site;
   
the Department of the Interior has put the land into trust as a casino site;
   
the tribe has a gaming compact with the state government;
   
the NIGC has approved a proposed management agreement; and
   
other legal or political obstacles exist or are likely to occur.
The development phase of each relationship commences with the signing of the respective agreements and continues until the casinos open for business. Thereafter, the management phase of the relationship, governed by the management contract, typically continues for a period of between five to seven years. We make advances to the tribes, recorded as notes receivable, primarily to fund certain portions of the projects, which bear no interest or below market interest until operations commence. Repayment of the notes receivable and accrued interest is only required if the casino is successfully opened and distributable profits are available from the casino operations. Under the management agreement, we typically earn a management fee calculated as a percentage of the net income of the gaming facility. In addition, repayment of the loans and the manager’s fees are subordinated to certain other financial obligations of the respective operations. Generally, the order of priority of payments from the casinos’ cash flows is as follows:
   
a certain minimum monthly priority payment to the tribe;
   
repayment of various senior debt associated with construction and equipping of the casino with interest accrued thereon;
   
repayment of various debt with interest accrued thereon due to us;
   
management fee to us;
   
other obligations; and
   
the remaining funds distributed to the tribe.
Notes receivable
We account for and present our notes receivable from and management contracts with the tribes as separate assets. Under the contractual terms, the notes do not become due and payable unless and until the projects are completed and operational. However, if our development activity were to be terminated prior to completion, we generally would retain the right to collect on our notes receivable in the event a casino project is completed by another developer. Because we ordinarily do not consider the stated rate of interest on the notes receivable to be commensurate with the risk inherent in these projects (prior to commencement of operations), the estimated fair value of the notes receivable is generally less than the amount advanced. At the date of each advance, the difference between the estimated fair value of the note receivable and the actual amount advanced is recorded as either an intangible asset (contract rights), or if the rights were acquired in a separate, unbundled transaction, expensed as period costs of retaining such rights.
Subsequent to its effective initial recording at estimated fair value, the note receivable portion of the advance is adjusted to its current estimated fair value at each balance sheet date, using “Level 3 inputs,” which are defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”), as unobservable inputs that reflect management’s estimates about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of Financial Asset when the market for that asset is not active, (“FSP FAS 157-3”) was issued in October 2008 and was retroactively effective for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The implementation of FSP FAS 157-3 did not have a material impact on the Company’s valuation techniques, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Due to the absence of observable market quotes on our notes receivable from tribal governments, management develops inputs based on the best information available, including internally-developed data, such as estimates of future interest rates, discount rates and casino opening dates as discussed below.
The estimated fair value of our notes receivable related to tribal casino projects make up approximately 11.5% of our total assets, and are the only assets in our financial statements that are reported at estimated fair value. Changes in the estimated fair value of our notes receivable are reported as unrealized gains (losses), which affect reported net income, but do not affect cash flows.

 

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The following table reflects selected key assumptions and information used to estimate the fair value of the notes receivable for all projects at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Aggregate face amount of the notes receivable (including interest)
  $ 6,281,329     $ 6,281,329  
 
               
Estimated years until opening of casino:
               
FireKeepers
    .50       .75  
Montana
    1.50       1.75  
 
               
Discount rate:
               
FireKeepers
    16 %     17 %
Montana
    22 %     23 %
 
               
Estimated probability of the casino opening as expected:
               
FireKeepers
    96 %     96 %
Montana
    69 %     70 %
For the portion of the notes not repaid prior to the commencement of operations, management estimates that the stated interest rates during the loan repayment terms will be commensurate with the inherent risk at that time. The estimated probability rates have been re-evaluated and modified accordingly, based on project-specific risks such as delays of regulatory approvals for the projects and review of the financing environment. The estimated casino opening dates used in the valuations take into account project-specific circumstances such as ongoing litigation, the status of required regulatory approvals, construction periods and other factors.
Factors that we consider in arriving at a discount rate include discount rates typically used by gaming industry investors and appraisers to value individual casino properties outside of Nevada and discount rates produced by the widely accepted Capital Asset Pricing Model, or CAPM, using the following key assumptions:
   
S&P 500, 10 and 15-year average benchmark investment returns (medium-term horizon risk premiums);
   
Risk-free investment return equal to the trailing 10-year average for 90-day Treasury Bills;
   
Investment beta factor equal to the unlevered five-year average for the hotel/gaming industry; and
   
Project-specific adjustments based on typical size premiums for “micro-cap” and “low-cap” companies using 10 and 15-year averages, and the status of outstanding required regulatory approvals and/or litigation, if any.
Management believes that under the circumstances, essentially three critical dates and events that impact the project specific discount rate adjustment when using CAPM are: (1) the date that management completes its feasibility assessment and decides to invest in the opportunity; (2) the date that construction financing has been obtained after all legal obstacles have been removed; and (3) the date that operations commence.
We do not adjust notes receivable to an estimated fair value that exceeds the face value of the note plus accrued interest, if any. Due to the uncertainties surrounding the projects, no interest income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements during the development period, but changes in estimated fair value of the notes receivable are recorded as unrealized gains or losses in our statement of operations.

 

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Upon opening of the casino, the difference, if any, between the then-recorded estimated fair value of the notes receivable, subject to any appropriate impairment adjustments made pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, and the amount contractually due under the notes would be amortized into income using the effective interest method over the remaining term of the note.
Contract rights
Contract rights are recognized as intangible assets related to the acquisition of the management agreements and periodically evaluated for impairment based on the estimated cash flows from the management contract on an undiscounted basis and amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of seven years or contractual lives of the agreements, typically beginning upon commencement of casino operations. In the event the carrying value of the intangible assets were to exceed the undiscounted cash flow, the difference between the estimated fair value and carrying value of the assets would be charged to operations.
The cash flow estimates for each project were developed based upon published and other information gathered pertaining to the applicable markets. We have many years of experience in making these estimates and also utilize independent appraisers and feasibility consultants to assist management in developing our estimates. The cash flow estimates are initially prepared (and periodically updated) primarily for business planning purposes with the tribes and are secondarily used in connection with our impairment analysis of the carrying value of contract rights, land held for development, and other capitalized costs, if any, associated with our tribal casino projects. The primary assumptions used in estimating the undiscounted cash flow from the projects include the expected number of Class III gaming devices, table games, and poker tables, and the related estimated win per unit per day (“WPUD”). Generally, within reasonably possible operating ranges, our impairment decisions are not particularly sensitive to changes in these assumptions because estimated cash flows greatly exceed the carrying value of the related intangibles and other capitalized costs. We believe that the primary competitors to our Michigan project are the Four Winds Casino in southwestern Michigan, five northern Indiana riverboats and three downtown Detroit casinos, whose published WPUD has consistently averaged above the $168 used in our undiscounted cash flow analysis. In addition, our market analysis assumes the development of another Native American casino of approximately equal size by the Gun Lake Tribe approximately 75 miles to the northwest of our facility. Our Michigan project is located approximately 100 miles west of Detroit and approximately 100 driving miles northeast of Four Winds Casino, which opened in August 2007 near New Buffalo, Michigan.
Summary of assets related to tribal casino projects
At March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2008, long-term assets associated with tribal casino projects are summarized as follows, with notes receivable presented at their estimated fair value:
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Michigan project:
               
Notes receivable, tribal governments
  $ 4,287,940     $ 4,097,002  
Contract rights, net
    16,623,053       16,636,358  
 
           
 
    20,910,993       20,733,360  
 
           
Other projects:
               
Notes receivable, tribal governments
    1,080,576       1,017,765  
Contract rights, net
    159,194       159,194  
 
           
 
    1,239,770       1,176,959  
 
           
 
  $ 22,150,763     $ 21,910,319  
 
           

 

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As previously noted, the FireKeepers project comprises the majority of long-term assets related to Indian casino projects. We have an approved management agreement with the FireKeepers Development Authority, (the “Authority”), for the development and operation of the FireKeepers Casino, which provides that we will receive, only from the operations and financing of the project, reimbursement for all advances we have made to the Authority and a management fee equal to 26% of the net revenues of the casino (defined effectively as net income prior to management fees) for a period of seven years commencing upon opening. The terms of an amended management agreement were approved by the NIGC in April 2008. In May 2008, in connection with the funding of project financing, $9.3 million of the notes receivable was repaid, which resulted in an increase in the estimated fair value of the notes receivable of approximately $1.8 million, which was recorded as an unrealized gain in the first quarter of 2008. The remaining $5 million of the note receivable is expected to be repaid 180 days following opening of the casino, provided there are sufficient funds remaining in the construction disbursement account. If there are insufficient fund remaining in the construction disbursement account, the balance becomes payable in 60 equal monthly installments beginning 180 days after the commencement of operations of the casino, plus interest at prime plus 1%.
In connection with the Authority’s financing of the FireKeepers Casino development, GEM funded its portion of the financing costs totaling $2,068,690 which was recorded as additional contract rights related to the FireKeepers project in the second quarter of 2008. The financing costs were funded equally by the Company and RAM.
In arriving at the estimated opening date for the Michigan project, which we believe will be in the third quarter of 2009, we considered the status of the following conditions and estimated the time necessary to complete the construction:
   
the tribe is federally recognized;
   
adequate land for the proposed casino resort has been placed in trust;
   
the tribe has a valid gaming compact with the State of Michigan;
   
the NIGC approved the management agreement;
   
the BIA issued a record of decision approving the final environmental impact statement in September 2006;
   
project financing was obtained in May 2008;
   
construction commenced in May 2008, with an anticipated construction period of approximately 15 months; and
   
construction to date has progressed on schedule.
At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the sensitivity of changes in the key assumptions (discussed in greater detail below) related to the FireKeepers project are illustrated by the following increases (decreases) in the estimated fair value of the note receivable:
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
• Discount rate increases 2.5%
  $ (91,399 )   $ (106,972 )
• Discount rate decreases 2.5%
    95,453       112,245  
• Forecasted opening date delayed one quarter
    (157,257 )     (157,696 )
• Forecasted opening date accelerated one quarter
    163,252       164,009  
Presently, we are not obligated to fund the construction phase of our Northern Cheyenne project in Montana. The recent unprecedented global contraction in available credit significantly decreases the likelihood that financing could be obtained on favorable terms if at all for the Montana project this year. However, we believe that credit markets will improve sufficiently in order for the Montana tribe to fund the project when we are expected to commence construction later this year. However, if the Montana tribe is unable to obtain funding on acceptable terms, we believe we could either sell our rights to the Montana project, find a partner with funding, or abandon the Montana project and have our receivables reimbursed from the gaming operations, if any, developed by another party. However, if we were to discontinue the Montana project, the related receivables and intangibles would then be evaluated for impairment. At March 31, 2009, the notes receivable from Indian tribes have been discounted approximately $0.9 million below the contractual value of the notes (including accrued interest) and the related contract rights are valued substantially below the anticipated cash flow from the management fees of the projects.
In March 2008, we announced that we are no longer pursuing the Nambé Pueblo project. No tribal advances or payment of costs have been made since January 2008. Pursuant to the terms of the development agreement, the Pueblo has recognized its obligation to reimburse all of the Company’s development advances for the project. To date, we have advanced $662,453 for the development of the project, all of which is expected to be reimbursed by the Pueblo on yet to be negotiated terms. The estimated fair value of the receivable from the Pueblo is now based on the assumption that the Pueblo will develop a smaller scope project and will repay the advances over a five-year period after the project opens with interest at prime plus 2%. However, the collectability ultimately depends on the successful development and operation of the project, which we have no influence over, and accordingly, we have discounted the payment stream using a 20% discount rate. In March 2009, the Company entered into an agreement to assist the Nambé Pueblo in finding suitable financing up to $12 million for their proposed slot parlor.

 

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Advances to tribes are expected to be repaid prior to commencement of operations, or within the repayment term of typically between five and seven years, commencing 30 to 180 days after the opening of the project. At March 31, 2009, we estimate the following potential exposure resulting from a project not reaching completion:
                                 
                    Northern        
March 31, 2009   FireKeepers     Nambé Pueblo     Cheyenne Tribe     Total  
Notes receivable
  $ 4,287,940     $ 465,747     $ 614,829     $ 5,368,516  
Contract rights
    16,623,053             159,194       16,782,247  
 
                       
Total
  $ 20,910,993     $ 465,747     $ 774,023     $ 22,150,763  
 
                       
Amortization of contract rights is expected to be provided on a straight-line basis over the contractual lives of the assets. The contractual lives may include, or not begin until after a development period and/or the term of the subsequent management agreement. Because the development period may vary based on evolving events, the estimated contractual lives may require revision in future periods. The contract rights are owned solely by us and are expected to be assigned to the appropriate operating subsidiary when the related project is operational and, therefore, the contract rights are not currently included in the balance of non-controlling interests.
Due to our current financing arrangement for the development of the Michigan project through a 50%-owned joint venture, we believe we are exposed to the majority of risk of economic loss from the joint venture’s activities. Therefore, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46 (Revised), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, we consider the joint venture to be a variable interest entity that requires consolidation in our financial statements.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Assets or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That are Not Orderly. FSP 157-4 provides guidance in the application of FASB 157 when the volume and level of activity for an assets or liability have significantly decreased and when circumstances indicate that a transaction is not orderly. Also in April 2009, the FASB issued FSP 115-2 and FSB 124-2 to amend the other-than-temporary impairment guidance for debt securities and presentation and disclosure requirement of other-than-temporary impairments of debt and equity securities. These accounting changes will be effective for the Company’s second quarter, 2009. Management does not expect these accounting pronouncements will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Results of continuing operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2009, Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
Operating revenues. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, total operating revenues from continuing operations decreased by $249,688, or 9.7%, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in food and beverage revenues of $153,252, or 26.2% and a decrease in casino revenue, due to continued economic weakness in the United States, generally, and Nevada, specifically. We believe the significant decrease in food and beverage activity is also consistent with the general economic weakness and increased competition.
Operating costs and expenses. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, total operating costs and expenses decreased $203,304, or 6.6%, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in Stockman’s food and beverage expenses of $119,613, or 19.9%, and a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses of $64,728 or 4.1%, primarily due to reductions of expenses at the corporate level.

 

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Project development costs. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, project development costs decreased $19,097 or 54.9%, as compared to the prior year, due to lower project development expenses related to GEM which included government relations and travel expenses.
Selling, general and administrative expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $64,728, or 4.1%, as compared to the 2008 period mainly due to decreased selling, general and administrative expenses at the corporate level of $224,808, or 19.0%, offset by an increase of $106,200 in expenses in GEM and $58,653 or 15.1% at Stockman’s. The decrease in corporate expenses was due to a decrease in bonus expense of $218,987, or 91.3%, and a decrease in stock compensation of $84,461, or 40.0%, as compared to the prior year period. The increase in GEM expenses is due to personnel costs related to the General Manager for the FireKeepers development project which did not begin until the second quarter of 2008. 100% of these costs are reflected in our corporate expenses, but 50% of the costs are being paid by our joint venture partner RAM. RAM’s share of these costs is reflected in noncontrolling interest in net (income) loss of consolidated joint venture.
Operating gains. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, operating gains decreased by $1.6 million, or 50.8%. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in unrealized gain on notes receivable of $1.6 million, or 86.6%, offset by an increase in the equity in net income of unconsolidated joint venture and related guaranteed payments in GED due to the restructuring of the related joint venture agreement discussed elsewhere in this report. The unrealized gain on notes receivables was lower than last year, due to a gain for GEM in the prior year of $1.9 million, as a result of repayment of $9.3 million of the tribal receivable.
Other income (expense). For the three months ended March 31, 2009, other income increased by $877,853, or 99.2% primarily due to decreased noncontrolling interest in net income of consolidated joint venture of $822,861. This decrease in the current year was due to the non-controlling interest in the prior year, which was affected by the unrealized gain on notes receivable for GEM of $763,681, which is related to the repayment of the $9.3 million of the tribal receivable, as noted above. The decrease of interest expense of $91,085 is due to the reduction in interest expense related to the reduction of outstanding debt on the Company’s revolving line of credit.
Income taxes. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the effective income tax rate is approximately 42%, compared to 39% for the same period in 2008. The increase in the effective tax rate from the prior year is due primarily to State income tax.
Liquidity and capital resources
The Delaware joint venture and Stockman’s Casino operation are currently our primary source of recurring income and significant positive cash flow. Distributions from the Delaware operation are governed by the terms of the applicable joint venture agreement and management reorganization agreement. We will continue to receive management fees as currently prescribed under the joint venture agreement, with a minimum guaranteed growth factor over the prior year of 5% in years 2009 through August 2011.
On a consolidated basis for the three months ended March 31, 2009, cash provided by operations increased by $542,249 from the same period in 2008. Cash provided by investing activities decreased by $6,761,731 from the same three-month period of last year, primarily due to the cash proceeds generated from the sale of the Holiday Inn Express in February 2008 of $6,961,720. In the prior-year period, the primary use of cash for investing activities related to the acquisition of Stockman’s Casino. Cash used in financing activities decreased $5,637,049, primarily due to the increased repayment of long-term debt in 2008 also associated with the sale of the Holiday Inn Express. As of March 31, 2009, the Company had approximately $3.9 million in cash and availability on its revolving credit facility of $7.9 million.
Our future cash requirements include funding the remaining near and long-term cash requirements of our development expenses for the Michigan and Montana projects, selling, general and administrative expenses, capital expenditures primarily at Stockman’s and debt service. Subject to the economic uncertainties discussed in the previous paragraph, we believe that adequate financial resources will be available to execute our current growth plan from a combination of operating cash flows and external debt and equity financing. However, continued downward pressure on cash flow from operations due to, among other reasons, the adverse effects of the current economic environment and/or the lack of available funding sources due to, among other reasons, the recent unprecedented global contraction in available credit increases uncertainty with respect to our development and growth plans.

 

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The United States is currently experiencing a widespread recession accompanied by, among other things, instability in the investment and commercial banking systems, reduced credit availability and highly curtailed gaming and other recreational activities, and it is also engaged in war. The effects and duration of these developments and related risks and uncertainties on the Company’s future operations and cash flows cannot be estimated at this time but may be significant.
Subject to the foregoing uncertainty about credit availability and a significant national downward trend in casino gaming activity due to recent economic developments, we believe that our casino development projects currently in progress will likely be constructed and ultimately, will achieve profitable operations; however, no assurance can be made that this will occur or how long it will take. If our casino development projects currently in progress are not completed, or upon completion, if we fail to successfully compete within a reasonable timeframe in the highly competitive and currently declining market for gaming activities, we may lack the funds to compete for and develop future gaming or other business opportunities.
On May 6, 2008, the Authority closed on the sale of $340 million of Senior Secured Notes and a $35 million equipment financing facility to fund the development and construction of the tribe’s FireKeepers Casino in Michigan. On the same date, GEM received a payment of approximately $9.3 million on its notes receivable from the Authority, with the remaining $5.0 million to be paid 180 days following the opening of the casino, subject to there being adequate funds remaining in the construction disbursement account. If there are insufficient funds to repay the remaining balance, the Authority will be obligated to repay the balance in 60 monthly installments beginning 180 days following the opening of the casino, plus interest at prime plus 1%. On the same day, GEM funded $2,068,690 in financing costs on behalf of the Authority, as required by the management agreement, which was recorded as additional gaming rights related to the Michigan project. The Company and RAM each contributed one-half of the funds to GEM for GEM to make this funding.
Long-term debt includes a reducing revolving loan from Nevada State Bank. The maximum amount permitted to be outstanding under the reducing revolving loan decreases $312,000 semiannually on January 1 and July 1, and any outstanding amounts above such reduced maximum must be repaid on each such date. The reducing revolving loan is payable over 15 years at a variable interest rate based on the five-year LIBOR/Swap rate plus 2.1%. This rate, which was 7.39% per annum as of March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, adjusts annually based on the funded debt to EBITDA ratio of Stockman’s, with adjustments based on the five-year LIBOR/Swap rate occurring every five years. With the sale of the Holiday Inn Express in February 2008, the balance on the loan was reduced from $10.9 million to $3.9 million. In addition, periodic payment requirements were reduced on a pro-rate basis, with no required principal payments until January 2022. The Company had $7.9 million of availability under its revolving credit line as of March 31, 2009.
The loan agreement with Nevada State Bank also contains customary financial representations and warranties and requires that Stockman’s maintain specified financial covenants, including a fixed charge coverage ratio, a funded debt to EBITDA ratio and a minimum tangible net worth. In addition, the loan agreement limits the amount of distributions from and capital expenditures by Stockman’s. The loan agreement also provides for customary events of default including payment defaults and covenant defaults.
The promissory note payable to the seller of Stockman’s bears interest at 7.44% per annum, is payable in 60 monthly installments of principal and interest and is secured by a second interest in the real estate of Stockman’s.
On July 7, 2008, the Company announced a stock repurchase plan (the “Repurchase Plan”). Under the Repurchase Plan, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1,000,000 of shares of our common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time, in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. On October 14, 2008, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $1,000,000 of the Company’s common stock, and extended the expiration of the Repurchase Plan to April 30, 2009. Through March 31, 2009, the Company had repurchased 1,356,595 shares at a weighted-average price per share of $1.22, costing $1,654,075, (including commissions and other related transaction costs). The Repurchase Plan did not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and expired on April 30th without any further purchases.

 

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As of March 31, 2009, the Company held $2.1 million in a U. S. Government money market account, included in total cash of $3.9 million. On September 29, 2008 the US Treasury announced a Temporary Guarantee Program for US Registered Money Market Funds. Under this new Treasury Department program, investments in a money market fund as of September 19, 2008, will be temporarily insured to enable shareholders to receive a net asset value of $1.00 per share if the fund is liquidated. The program is designed to address current market conditions and will initially exist only for a three-month period. The Treasury Department can extend the program for up to an additional nine months, as needed. We believe it is unlikely that the insurance will be necessary for our U.S. Government money market fund, as investments in the fund continue to adhere to strict credit quality, liquidity and diversification guidelines.
FireKeepers project
GEM, our FireKeepers Casino joint venture, has the exclusive right to arrange the financing and provide casino management services to the Michigan tribe in exchange for a management fee of 26% of net revenues (defined effectively as net income before management fees) for seven years commencing upon opening of the FireKeepers Casino. The terms of our management agreement were approved by the NIGC in December 2007 and a revised management agreement was approved in April 2008 to incorporate the terms of the project financing.
In 2007, GEM acquired all of Green Acres’ interests in the FireKeepers project for $10.0 million. GEM’s members equally funded an initial deposit of $500,000 in the second quarter of 2007, and the remaining balance was paid in May 2008. The repayment was funded with $9.3 million of proceeds received from a partial payment on the notes receivable related to the FireKeepers project, which was tied to the construction financing for the project. The remaining $5 million of notes receivable from the Authority are now expected to be paid from the construction disbursement account 180 days after the opening of the casino. However, if there are insufficient funds in the construction disbursement account, the Authority is obligated to repay the $5 million in 60 equal monthly installments, with interest at prime plus 1%, beginning 180 days after the casino opens.
In 2002, in exchange for funding a portion of the development costs, RAM advanced us $2,381,260, which was partially convertible into a capital contribution to the GEM joint venture upon federal approval of the land into trust application and federal approval of the management agreement with the Authority, subsequently, RAM exercised its conversion option on its $2.4 million loan to the Company. As a result, $2.0 million of the loan was converted to a capital contribution to the GEM joint venture, and the loan balance of $0.4 million, plus $0.6 million of accrued interest on the original loan, became a liability of GEM. At March 31, 2009, GEM’s total long-term liabilities to RAM including accrued interest were approximately $3.3 million, which bear interest at prime plus 1%, and are expected to mature in 2011. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, both we and RAM loaned $125,000 to GEM to fund current operating expenses.
Other projects
In 2005, we entered into development and management agreements with the Montana tribe for a proposed casino to be built approximately 28 miles north of Sheridan, Wyoming. The Montana tribe currently operates the Charging Horse casino in Lame Deer, Montana, consisting of 100 gaming devices, a 300-seat bingo hall and restaurant. As part of the agreements, we have committed on a best efforts basis to arrange financing for the costs associated with the development and furtherance of this project up to $16.0 million. The site for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe project was approved for gaming by the Secretary of the Interior as of October 28, 2008, however, the consent of the Governor of Montana is required which has not yet been obtained. As of March 31, 2009, our advances to the Northern Cheyenne Tribe total $0.6 million. Our agreements with the tribe provide for the reimbursement of these advances either from the proceeds of the financing of the development, the actual operation itself or, in the event that we do not complete the development, from the revenues of the tribal gaming operation undertaken by others. The management agreement and related contracts have been submitted to the NIGC for approval.

 

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In 2005, we signed gaming development and management agreements with the Nambé Pueblo of New Mexico to develop a 50,000 square foot facility including gaming, restaurants, entertainment and other amenities as part of the Pueblo’s multi-phased master plan of economic development. In March 2008, management announced that the Company was no longer pursuing the Nambé Pueblo project. Pursuant to the terms of the development agreement, the Pueblo has recognized the obligation to reimburse all of the Company’s development advances for the project. The Company currently has advanced $662,453 for the development of the project, all of which is expected to be reimbursed by the Pueblo on yet to be negotiated terms. The receivable from the Pueblo is valued based on the present value of a five-year collection period and a 20% discount rate. The collectability ultimately depends on the quality and timing of the project development, which we are monitoring but have no influence over. In March 2009, the Company entered into an agreement to assist the Nambé Pueblo in finding suitable financing up to $12 million for their proposed slot parlor.
Additional projects are considered based on their forecasted profitability, development period, regulatory and political environment and the ability to secure the funding necessary to complete the development, among other considerations. As part of our agreements for tribal developments, we typically fund costs associated with projects which may include legal, civil engineering, environmental, design, training, land acquisition and other related advances while assisting the tribes in securing financing for the construction of the project. The majorities of these costs are advanced to the tribes and are reimbursable to us, pursuant to management and development agreements, as part of the financing of the project’s development. While each project is unique, we forecast these costs when determining the feasibility of each opportunity. Such agreements to finance costs associated with the development and furtherance of projects are typical in this industry and have become expected of tribal gaming developers.
Our agreements with the various Indian tribes contain limited waivers of sovereign immunity and, in many cases, provide for arbitration to enforce the agreements. Generally, our only recourse for collection of funds under these agreements is from revenues, if any, of prospective casino operations.
Presently, we are not obligated to fund the construction phase of our Northern Cheyenne project in Montana. The FireKeepers casino development financing has been secured by the Tribe. The recent unprecedented global contraction in available credit significantly decreases the likelihood that financing could be obtained on favorable terms if at all for the Montana project this year. However, we believe that credit markets will improve sufficiently in order for the Montana tribe to fund the project when we are expected to commence construction later this year. However, if the Montana tribe is unable to obtain funding on acceptable terms, we believe we could either sell our rights to the Montana project, find a partner with funding, or abandon the Montana project and have our receivables reimbursed from the gaming operations, if any, developed by another party. However, if we were to discontinue the Montana project, the related receivables and intangibles would then be evaluated for impairment. At March 31, 2009, the notes receivable from Indian tribes have been discounted approximately $0.9 million below the contractual value of the notes (including accrued interest) and the related contract rights are valued substantially below the anticipated cash flow from the management fees of the projects.
Seasonality
We believe that our casino operations will be affected by seasonal factors, including holidays, weather and travel conditions. Our cash flow from GED is affected by our management agreement with Harrington where GED’s second quarter cash flow has been reduced by a rebate of management fees which forms the basis of GED’s on-going cash flow according to the amended management agreement.

 

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Regulation and taxes
We and our casino projects are subject to extensive regulation by state gaming authorities. We will also be subject to regulation, which may or may not be similar to current state regulations, by the appropriate authorities in any jurisdiction where we may conduct gaming activities in the future. Changes in applicable laws or regulations could have an adverse effect on us.
The gaming industry represents a significant source of tax revenues to regulators. From time to time, various federal legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax law, or in the administration of such law, affecting the gaming industry. It is not possible to determine the likelihood of possible changes in tax law or in the administration of such law. Such changes, if adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our future financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Item 3. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk
Market risk is the risk of loss from changes in market rates or prices, such as interest rates and commodity prices. We are exposed to market risk in the form of changes in interest rates and the potential impact such changes may have on our variable rate debt. We have not invested in derivative based financial instruments.
Our cash and cash equivalents are not subject to significant interest rate risk due to the short maturities of these instruments. As of March 31, 2009, the carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value. However, we have cash on deposit with financial institutions substantially in excess of federally-insured limits, and the risk of losses related to such concentrations may be increasing as a result of economic developments.
Of our total outstanding debt of approximately $4.1 million at March 31, 2009, $3.3 million is subject to variable interest rates, which averaged 4.5% during the current quarter. The applicable interest rates are based on the prime lending rate or the five-year LIBOR/Swap rate; and therefore, the interest rate will fluctuate as the index lending rates change. Based on our outstanding variable rate debt at March 31, 2009, a hypothetical 100 basis point (1%) change in rates would result in an annual interest expense change of approximately $33,283. At this time, we do not anticipate that either inflation or interest rate variations will have a material impact on our future operations.
Item 4(T). Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures — As of March 31, 2009, we completed an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable assurance level in timely alerting them to material information relating to us which is required to be included in our periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting — There have been no changes during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Unregistered sales of equity securities and use of proceeds
                                 
                            Approximate dollar  
                    Total number of shares     value of shares that  
    Total number     Weighted-     purchased as part of     may yet be purchased  
    of shares     average price     publicly announced plan     under the plans or  
Period   purchased     paid per share     (1)     programs  
 
                               
01/01/2009 – 01/31/2009
    10,700     $ 1.07       10,700     $ 520,500  
02/01/2009 – 02/28/2009
    12,666     $ 1.04       12,666     $ 507,311  
03/01/2009 – 03/31/2009
    122,815       1.00       122,815     $ 384,547  
 
                       
Total
    146,181     $ 1.04       146,181          
     
(1)  
On July 7, 2008, the Company announced a stock repurchase plan (the “Repurchase Plan”). Under the Repurchase Plan, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1,000,000 worth of shares of our common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time, in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The Repurchase Plan does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and the plan may be suspended at any time at management’s discretion. On October 14, 2008, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $1,000,000 worth of shares of the Company’s common stock and extended the expiration of the Repurchase Plan until April 30, 2009.
Item 6. Exhibits
         
  31.1    
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
       
 
  32.1    
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
       
 
  32.2    
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
     
*  
Filed herewith

 

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


Date: May 8, 2009
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.


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

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
         
Exhibit    
No.   Description
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
       
 
  32.1    
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
       
 
  32.2    
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
     
*  
Filed herewith

 

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