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United States
Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

x      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010

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. 0-22088

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

(775)  335-4600

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 x  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, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “non-accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o  No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. (“Monarch”), a Nevada corporation, was incorporated in 1993.  Monarch’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Golden Road Motor Inn, Inc. (“Golden Road”), operates the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa (the “Atlantis”), a hotel/casino facility in Reno, Nevada.  Monarch’s other wholly owned subsidiaries, High Desert Sunshine, Inc. (“High Desert”) and Golden North, Inc. (“Golden North”), each own separate parcels of land located adjacent to the Atlantis.  Unless stated otherwise, the “Company” refers collectively to Monarch and its subsidiaries.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Monarch, Golden Road, High Desert and Golden North. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.

Interim Financial Statements:

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management of the Company, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation are included.  Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010.

The balance sheet at December 31, 2009 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments has been determined by the Company, using available market information and valuation methodologies.  However, considerable judgment is required to develop the estimates of fair value; thus, the estimates provided herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange.

The carrying amounts of cash, receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

Reclassifications:

Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements for prior years have been reclassified to conform to the 2010 presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported net income.  Revenues and expenses from the spa operations were classified as hotel revenues and expenses, respectively, in 2009 and have been reclassified to other revenues and other expenses, respectively, to conform with the 2010 presentation.

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NOTE 2. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation in accordance with the authoritative guidance requiring the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.

On June 21, 2010, the Company granted 426,709 stock options with an exercise price of $11.15 in exchange for 454,319 underwater stock options surrendered in a stockholder approved exchange offer that expired on June 19, 2010.  The newly granted options have a ten-year contractual term and have one of two vesting terms.  Options issued in exchange for unvested surrendered options vest one year following the anniversary date of surrendered options.  Options issued in exchange for vested surrendered options vest in three equal installments on June 21, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively.  The exchange ratio was calculated based on the fair values of the options surrendered and issued under a value-for-value exchange and incremental compensation expense was not material.

Reported stock based compensation expense was classified as follows:

NOTE 3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing reported net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share reflect the additional dilution for all potentially dilutive securities such as stock options.  The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares (denominator) used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations (shares in thousands):

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Excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share are options where the exercise prices are greater than the market price as their effects would be anti-dilutive in the computation of diluted earnings per share.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010; 1,336,296 and 1,544,963 anti-dilutive options were excluded from the computation.

NOTE 4.  LONG-TERM DEBT

THE CREDIT FACILITY

Until February 20, 2004, the Company had a reducing revolving term loan credit facility with a consortium of banks (the “First Credit Facility”).  On February 20, 2004, the Original Credit Facility was refinanced (the “Second Credit Facility”) for $50 million. The maturity date of the Second Credit Facility was to be April 18, 2009; however, on January 20, 2009, the Second Credit Facility was amended and refinanced (the “New Facility”) for $60 million.  The New Credit Facility may be utilized by the Company for working capital needs, general corporate purposes and for ongoing capital expenditure requirements.

The maturity date of the New Credit Facility is January 20, 2012.  Borrowings are secured by liens on substantially all of the real and personal property of the Atlantis and are guaranteed by Monarch.

The New Credit Facility contains covenants customary and typical for a facility of this nature, including, but not limited to, covenants requiring the preservation and maintenance of Company assets and covenants restricting the Company’s ability to merge, transfer ownership of Monarch, incur additional indebtedness, encumber assets and make certain investments.  The New Credit Facility contains covenants requiring that the Company maintain certain financial ratios and achieve a minimum level of Earnings-Before-Interest-Taxes-Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) on a two-quarter rolling basis.  It also contains provisions that restrict cash transfers between Monarch and its affiliates and contains provisions requiring the achievement of certain financial ratios before the Company can repurchase its common stock or pay dividends. Management does not consider the covenants to restrict normal functioning of day-to-day operations.

As of June 30, 2010, the Company was required to maintain a leverage ratio, defined as consolidated debt divided by EBITDA , of no more than 2.625:1 and a fixed charge coverage ratio (EBITDA divided by fixed charges, as defined) of at least 1.25:1.  As of June 30, 2010, the Company’s leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratios were 1.3:1 and 11.3:1, respectively.  As of June 30, 2009, the Company’s leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratios were 1.95:1 and 9.7:1, respectively.

The maximum principal available under the New Credit Facility is reduced by $2.5 million per quarter beginning on December 31, 2009.  At June 30, 2010, the maximum principal available under the New Credit Facility was $52.5 million.  The Company may permanently reduce the maximum principal available at any time so long as the amount of such reduction is at least $500 thousand and a multiple of $50 thousand.  Maturities of the Company’s borrowings for each of the next five years and thereafter as of June 30, 2010 are as follows (amounts in thousands):

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The Company may prepay borrowings under the New Credit Facility without penalty (subject to certain charges applicable to the prepayment of LIBOR borrowings prior to the end of the applicable interest period).  Amounts prepaid may be reborrowed so long as the total borrowings outstanding do not exceed the maximum principal available.

The Company paid various one-time fees and other loan costs upon the closing of the refinancing of the New Credit Facility that will be amortized over the facility’s term using the straight-line method.

At June 30, 2010, the Company had $37.8 million outstanding under the New Facility.  At that time its leverage ratio was such that pricing for borrowings under the New Facility was LIBOR plus 2.375%.  At that time its leverage ratio was such that pricing for borrowings under the First Credit Facility was LIBOR plus 3.125%.  At June 30, 2010 the one-month LIBOR interest rate was 0.30%.  The carrying value of the debt outstanding under the New Facility approximates fair value because the interest fluctuates with the lender’s prime rate or other market rates of interest.

NOTE 5.  INCOME TAXES

For the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company’s effective tax rate was 35.0%. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2010 did not vary from the prior period as the items that impact the effective tax rate are generally consistent from year to year.

NOTE 6. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In January 2010, new accounting guidance was updated regarding fair value measurements and disclosures.  The guidance clarifies and extends the disclosure requirements about recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The Company adopted the new accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2010 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

In April 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance on accruing for jackpot liabilities.  The guidance clarifies that an entity should not accrue jackpot liabilities (or a portion thereof) before a jackpot is won if an entity can avoid paying that jackpot.  Jackpots should be accrued and charged to revenue when an entity has the obligation to pay the jackpot.  This guidance applies to both base jackpot and the incremental portion of the progressive jackpots.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010.  This guidance should be applied by recording a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings in the period of adoption.  The Company is currently determining the impact of the guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

A variety of proposed or otherwise potential accounting standards are currently under consideration by standard-setting organizations and certain regulatory agencies. Because of the tentative and preliminary nature of such proposed standards, the Company has not yet determined the effect, if any, that the implementation of such proposed standards would have on its financial statements.

NOTE 7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The 18.95-acre shopping center (the “Shopping Center”) adjacent to the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is owned by Biggest Little Investments, L.P. (“BLI”).  BLI’s general partner is Maxum, L.L.C. (“Maxum”).  John Farahi, Bob Farahi and Ben Farahi each individually own non-controlling interests in BLI and Maxim.  John Farahi is Co-Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and a Director of Monarch.  Bob Farahi is Co-Chairman of the Board, President, Secretary and a Director of Monarch. Ben Farahi formerly was the Co-Chairman of the Board, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and a Director of Monarch.  Monarch’s board of directors accepted Ben Farahi’s resignation from these positions on May 23, 2006.

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The Company currently rents various spaces in the Shopping Center which it uses as office, storage space and guest parking. The Company paid rent of approximately $13,100 and $26,200 plus common area expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, and approximately $34,800 and $56,600 plus common area expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.

In addition, a driveway that is being shared between the Atlantis and the Shopping Center was completed on September 30, 2004. As part of this project, in January 2004, the Company leased a 37,368 square-foot corner section of the Shopping Center for a minimum lease term of 15 years at an annual rent of $300,000, subject to increase every 60 months based on the Consumer Price Index. The Company began paying rent to the Shopping Center on September 30, 2004. The Company also uses part of the common area of the Shopping Center and pays its proportional share of the common area expense of the Shopping Center. The Company has the option to renew the lease for three five-year terms, and, at the end of the extension periods, the Company has the option to purchase the leased section of the Shopping Center at a price to be determined based on an MAI Appraisal. The leased space is being used by the Company for pedestrian and vehicle access to the Atlantis, and the Company may use a portion of the parking spaces at the Shopping Center. The total cost of the project was $2.0 million.  The Company was responsible for two thirds of the total cost, or $1.35 million. The cost of the new driveway is being depreciated over the initial 15-year lease term.  Some components of the new driveway are being depreciated over a shorter period of time. The Company paid approximately $85,200 and $170,400 plus common area maintenance charges for its leased driveway space at the Shopping Center during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and $75,000 and $150,000 plus common area maintenance charges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009.

The Company occasionally leases billboard advertising space from affiliates of its controlling stockholders and paid $23,800 and $75,200 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, and paid $7,000 and $17,500 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.

On December 24, 2007, the Company entered into a lease with Triple “J” Plus, LLC (“Triple J”) for the use of a facility on 2.3 acres of land (jointly the “Property”) across Virginia Street from the Atlantis that the Company plans to utilize for administrative staff offices.  The managing partner of Triple J is a first-cousin of John and Bob Farahi, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President, respectively.  The term of the lease was two years requiring monthly rental payments of $20,256.  Contemporaneously with execution of the lease, the Company entered into an agreement that provided the Company with a purchase option on the Property at the expiration of the lease period while also providing Triple J with a put option to cause the Company to purchase the Property during the lease period.  The purchase price of the Property was established by a third party appraisal company.  Lastly, as a condition of the lease and purchase option, the Company entered into a promissory note (the “Note”) with Triple J whereby the Company advanced a $2.7 million loan to Triple J.  The Note required interest only payments at 5.25% and matured on the earlier of i) the date the Company acquires the Property or ii) January 1, 2010.  In November 2009, Triple J exercised its put option causing the Company to complete the purchase transaction on November 12, 2009 in accordance with the terms described above.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Golden Road Motor Inn, Inc. (“Golden Road”), owns and operates the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, a hotel/casino facility in Reno, Nevada (the “Atlantis”).  Monarch’s other wholly owned subsidiaries, High Desert Sunshine, Inc. (“High Desert”) and Golden North, Inc. (“Golden North”), each own a parcel of land located adjacent to the Atlantis.  Monarch was incorporated in 1993 under Nevada law for the purpose of acquiring all of the stock of Golden Road.  The principal asset of Monarch is the stock of Golden Road, which holds all of the assets of the Atlantis.

Our sole operating asset, the Atlantis, is a hotel/casino resort located in Reno, Nevada.  Our business strategy is to maximize the Atlantis’ revenues, operating income and cash flow primarily through our casino, food and beverage and hotel operations.  We capitalize on the Atlantis’ location for tour and travel visitors, conventioneers and local residents by offering exceptional service, quality and value to our guests.  Our hands-on management style focuses on customer service and cost efficiencies.

Unless otherwise indicated, “Monarch,” “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. and its Golden Road, High Desert and Golden North subsidiaries.

OPERATING RESULTS SUMMARY

Below is a summary of our second quarter results for 2010 and 2009:

Amounts in millions, except per share amounts

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The increase in net revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2009 is the second consecutive quarter that our net revenues exceeded that of the prior year’s quarter.  Before the first quarter of 2010, we had not posted a quarterly increase in net revenues over the same prior year quarter since the third quarter of 2007.  Our financial results subsequent to the third quarter of 2007 reflect the effects of a very challenging operating environment that began in the fourth quarter of 2007.  As in many other areas around the country, the economic decline in Reno in the fourth quarter of 2007 deepened throughout 2008 and 2009, and has continued into 2010.  Aggressive marketing programs by our competitors have also negatively impacted us during that time.  Furthermore, based on statistics released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the Reno gaming market has shrunk in the aggregate.  Despite the fact that those negative factors continued into this second quarter of 2010, revenue in each of our operating departments increased compared to the same quarter of 2009 while sales, general and administrative expense decreased.  We believe two of the primary factors that drove the net revenues increase include:

·                  Contribution from our completed expansion, renovation and Atlantis Convention Center Skybridge capital projects (see “CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT” below).  We believe these and other improvements have increased the quality of our facility relative to that of many of our competitors’ who have not upgraded their facilities.

·                  We also believe that we are delivering superior service to our guests while employee layoffs by many of our competitors have negatively impacted the quality of service they are able to deliver to their guests.

We believe that these factors were the primary drivers of:

·                  Increases of 3.7%, 6.1%, 13.5% and 5.6% in our casino, food and beverage, hotel and other revenues, respectively, resulting in a net revenues increase of 4.9%;

·                  An increase in income from operations and diluted earnings per share of 36.4% and 45.5%, respectively;

·                  An increase in our operating margin by 2.7 points or 28.1%.

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We anticipate that the economic decline, combined with the aggressive marketing programs of our competitors, will continue to apply downward pressure on revenue.  Despite the fact that we overcame those negative factors in the first six months of 2010 to grow revenues over the same period in 2009, there is no assurance that we will be able to increase revenues in future periods, particularly if the negative macroeconomic factors persist.

CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT

We seek to continuously upgrade and maintain the Atlantis facility in order to present a fresh, high quality product to our guests.

In June 2007, we broke ground on an expansion project, several phases of which we completed and opened in the second half of 2008.  New space was added to the first floor casino level, the second and third floors and the basement level totaling approximately 116,000 square feet.  The existing casino floor was expanded by over 10,000 square feet, or approximately 20%.  The first floor casino expansion includes a redesigned, updated and expanded race and sports book of approximately 4,000 square feet and an enlarged poker room.  The expansion also included the new “Manhattan deli”, a New York deli-style restaurant.  The second floor expansion created additional ballroom and convention space of approximately 27,000 square feet, doubling the existing facilities.  We constructed and opened a pedestrian skywalk over Peckham Lane that connects the Reno-Sparks Convention Center directly to the Atlantis.  In January 2009, we opened the final phase of the expansion project, the new Spa Atlantis featuring an atmosphere, amenities and treatments that are unique from any other offering in our market.  Additionally, many of the pre-expansion areas of the Atlantis were remodeled to be consistent with the upgraded look and feel of the new facilities.  The total cost of these projects (the “Capital Projects”) was approximately $80.0 million.

With the opening of the new skywalk, the Atlantis became the only hotel-casino to be physically connected to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.  The Reno-Sparks Convention Center offers approximately 500,000 square feet of leasable exhibition, meeting room, ballroom and lobby space.

Capital expenditures at the Atlantis totaled approximately $2.6 million and $5.1 million during the first six months of 2010 and 2009, respectively.  During the six month period ended June 30, 2010, our capital expenditures consisted primarily of costs related to the renovation of our Atlantis Steakhouse restaurant and rest rooms, the acquisition of gaming equipment to upgrade and replace existing equipment and continued renovation and other general upgrades to the Atlantis facility.  For the six months period ended June 30, 2009, our capital expenditures consisted primarily of construction costs associated with the Capital Projects, the acquisition of gaming equipment to upgrade and replace existing equipment and continued renovation and upgrades to the Atlantis facility.

STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

When used in this report and elsewhere by management from time to time, the words “believes”, “anticipates” and “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and our business including our expansion, development activities, legal proceedings and employee matters.  Certain important factors, including but not limited to, competition from other gaming operations, factors affecting our ability to compete, acquisitions of gaming properties, leverage, construction risks, the inherent uncertainty and costs associated with litigation and governmental and regulatory investigations, and licensing and other regulatory risks, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements.  Further information on potential factors which could affect our financial condition, results of operations and business including, without limitation, our expansion, development activities, legal proceedings and employee matters are included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements,

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which speak only as of the date thereof.  We undertake no obligation to publicly release any revisions to such forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three-Month Periods Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009

For the three-month period ended June 30, 2010, our net income was $2.7 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, on net revenues of $36.2 million, an increase from net income of $1.8 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, on net revenues of $34.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009. Income from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2010 totaled $4.5 million, a 36.4% increase when compared to $3.3 million for the same period in 2009.  Net revenues increased 4.9%, and net income increased 50.0%, when compared to last year’s second quarter.

Casino revenues totaled $25.0 million in the second quarter of 2010, a 3.7% increase from $24.1 million in the second quarter of 2009, which was primarily due to increased slot revenues.  Casino operating expenses as a percentage of casino revenue increased to 38.1% as compared to 36.8% in the prior year’s second quarter primarily due to the cost of increased complimentary food, beverages and other services provided to casino patrons (“Complimentaries”).  Complimentaries expense increased primarily due to the higher revenues combined with increased promotional and discount programs in response to the challenging economic environment and greater competitor promotional and discount programs.

Food and beverage revenues totaled $10.4 million in the second quarter of 2010, a 6.1% increase from $9.8 million in the second quarter of 2009, due primarily to a 1.5% increase in covers served combined with a 5.3% increase in the average revenue per cover.  Food and beverage operating expenses as a percentage of food and beverage revenue decreased to 44.9% for the second quarter compared to 46.2% in the second quarter of the prior year primarily due to the higher revenue combined with lower food commodity costs.

Hotel revenues were $5.9 million for the second quarter of 2010, an increase of 13.5% from the $5.2 million reported in the 2009 second quarter.  This increase was driven by higher average daily room rate (“ADR”), higher occupancy and revenue from a $10 per day resort fee, paid by our hotel guests, which we implemented effective June 1, 2009.  During the second quarter of 2010, the Atlantis experienced an 86.4% occupancy rate, as compared to 85.2% during the same period in 2009. The Atlantis’ ADR was $71.34 in the second quarter of 2010 compared to $65.77 in the second quarter of 2009.  Hotel operating expenses as a percent of hotel revenues decreased to 27.3% in the 2010 second quarter from 31.7% in the 2009 second quarter due to the increase in hotel revenue combined with relatively flat hotel operating expense.

Promotional allowances were $7.0 million in the second quarter of 2010 and $6.5 million in the second quarter of 2009.  Promotional allowances as a percentage of gross revenues increased to 16.3% during the second quarter of 2010 from 16.0% in the second quarter of 2009.  This increase was primarily the result of increased promotional and discount programs in response to the challenging economic environment and ongoing competitor promotional and discount programs.

Depreciation and amortization expense remained relatively flat at $3.2 million in the second quarter of 2010 as compared to $3.1 million for the second quarter of 2009.

SG&A expense totaled $11.9 million in the second quarter of 2010, a 3.3% decrease from $12.3 million in the second quarter of 2009. The decrease was primarily due to lower legal expenses of approximately $340 thousand, payroll and benefits expense of approximately $180 thousand and utilities expense of approximately $140 thousand partially offset by higher marketing expense of approximately $210 thousand and miscellaneous expense of approximately $50 thousand.  SG&A expense as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 33.0% for the second quarter of 2010 as compared to 35.7% in the second quarter of 2009.  This decrease is the result of the higher net revenue combined with the lower expenses.

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During the three month period ended June 30, 2010, we paid down the balance outstanding under our credit facility by $3.2 million, which decreased the outstanding balance of the credit facility from $41.0 million at March 31, 2010 to $37.8 million at June 30, 2010.  Because of the lower average borrowing balance in the second quarter of 2010 as compared the second quarter of 2009, interest expense decreased during the second quarter of 2010 to $366 thousand from $571 thousand in the second quarter of 2009.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Six-Month Periods Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.

For the six months ended June 30, 2010, our net income was $5.1 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, on net revenues of $70.5 million, an increase from net income of $2.7 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, on net revenues of $67.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2009. Income from operations for the 2010 six-month period totaled $8.7 million, compared to $5.2 million for the same period in 2009. Net revenues increased 5.2%, and net income increased 88.9% when compared to the six-month period ended June 30, 2009.

Casino revenues for the first six months of 2010 totaled $49.2 million, a 4.7% increase from $47.0 million for the first six months of 2009.  Casino operating expenses amounted to 38.3% of casino revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to 38.0% for the same period in 2009, the increase was primarily due to the cost of increased complimentary food, beverages and other services provided to casino patrons (“Complimentaries”).  Complimentaries expense increased primarily due to the higher revenues combined with increased promotional and discount programs in response to the challenging economic environment and greater competitor promotional and discount programs.

Food and beverage revenues totaled $20.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, an increase from the $19.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, due to a 1.5% increase in the number of covers served combined with a 5.3% increase in the average revenue per cover.  Food and beverage operating expenses amounted to 44.3% of food and beverage revenues during the 2010 six-month period, a decrease when compared to 47.2% for the same period in 2009.  This decrease was primarily the result of the higher revenue combined with lower food commodity costs and lower payroll and benefits expense.

Hotel revenues for the first six months of 2010 increased slightly to $11.1 million from $10.0 million for the first six months of 2009.  This increase was due to a slight increase in hotel occupancy combined with an increase in the average daily room rate (“ADR”) and revenue from a $10 per day resort fee, paid by our hotel guests, which we implemented on June 1, 2009.  Hotel revenues for the first five months of 2009 include a $3 per occupied room energy surcharge.  This surcharge was eliminated when we implemented the $10 per day resort fee on June 1, 2009. ADR during the 2010 six-month period increased to $70.23 from $66.32 for the same period in 2009.  The occupancy rate increased slightly to 82.4% for the six-month period in 2010, from 82.0% for the same period in 2009.  Hotel operating expenses as a percentage of hotel revenues in the first six months of 2010 decreased to 27.5% from 31.8% for the same period in 2009. This decrease is primarily due to the higher revenues and lower hotel operating expense due primarily to lower payroll and benefits expense.

Promotional allowances increased to $14.0 million for the first six months of 2010 from $12.9 million for the same period in 2009.  Promotional allowances as a percentage of gross revenues increased to 16.5% for the first six months of 2010 compared to 16.1% for the same period in 2009.  This increase was primarily the result of increased promotional and discount programs in response to the challenging economic environment and ongoing competitor promotional and discount programs.

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Depreciation and amortization expense was $6.5 million in the first six months of 2010, slightly higher than the $6.3 million in the same period last year.  This increase is the result of the completion of our Capital Projects (see further discussion of the Capital Projects in the “CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT” section above).

SG&A expense decreased 3.8% to $23.0 million in the first six months of 2010, compared to $23.9 million in the first six months of 2009, primarily as a result lower legal expense of approximately $540 thousand, bad debt expense of approximately $465 thousand, utilities expense of approximately $310 thousand and payroll and benefits expense of approximately $140 thousand all partially offset by higher marketing expense of approximately $400 thousand and higher miscellaneous expense of $155 thousand.  As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expenses decreased to 32.6% in the 2010 six-month period from 35.7% in the same period in 2009. This decrease is the result of the effect of the higher net revenue combined with the lower expenses.

Other income for the first six months of 2010 totaled $16 thousand, compared to $136 thousand for the same period of the prior year. The difference reflects lower interest bearing cash and cash equivalents during the first six months of 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009.

Because of a lower average borrowing balance in the first six months of 2010 as compared to the same period of 2009, interest expense decreased during the first six months of 2010 to $824 thousand from $1.1 million for the same period of 2009.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

For the six months ended June 30, 2010, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $8.8 million, an increase of $1.2 million or 15.8% compared to the same period last year.  This increase was primarily the result of greater net income partially offset by the collection of a lower amount of accounts receivable and the payment of a greater amount of accounts payable and federal income taxes during the first six months of 2010 as compared to the first six months of the prior year.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $2.6 million and $10.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This $7.8 million decrease was primarily the result of less cash used to pay for construction costs associated with the completed expansion phase of the Atlantis (see further discussion of the Capital Projects in the “CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT” section above) and less cash used in the acquisition of property and equipment.

We used $10.7 million of net cash in financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $2.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  During the first six months of 2010, we paid $10.7 million of the outstanding balance under our Credit Facility (see “THE CREDIT FACILITY” below) while we borrowed a net amount of $2.1 million during the first six months of 2009.

We believe that our existing cash balances, cash flow from operations and borrowings available under the Credit Facility will provide us with sufficient resources to fund our operations, meet our debt obligations, and fulfill our capital expenditure plans; however, our operations are subject to financial, economic, competitive, regulatory, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow, we could be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing, delaying or eliminating planned capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital.

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OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

A driveway was completed and opened on September 30, 2004, that is being shared between the Atlantis and a shopping center (the “Shopping Center”) directly adjacent to the Atlantis. The Shopping Center is controlled by an entity whose owners include our controlling stockholders. As part of this project, in January 2004, we leased a 37,368 square-foot corner section of the Shopping Center for a minimum lease term of 15 years at an annual rent of $300,000, subject to increase every 60 months based on the Consumer Price Index. We also use part of the common area of the Shopping Center and pay our proportional share of the common area expense of the Shopping Center. We have the option to renew the lease for three five-year terms, and at the end of the extension periods, we have the option to purchase the leased section of the Shopping Center at a price to be determined based on an MAI Appraisal. The leased space is being used by us for pedestrian and vehicle access to the Atlantis, and we may use a portion of the parking spaces at the Shopping Center. The total cost of the project was $2.0 million; we were responsible for two thirds of the total cost, or $1.35 million. The cost of the new driveway is being depreciated over the initial 15-year lease term; some components of the new driveway are being depreciated over a shorter period of time. We paid approximately $170,400 in lease payments for the leased driveway space at the Shopping Center during the six months ended June 30, 2010.

Critical Accounting Policies

A description of our critical accounting policies and estimates can be found in Item 7 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (“2009 Form 10-K”). For a more extensive discussion of our accounting policies, see Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2009 Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2010.

OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING CURRENT AND FUTURE RESULTS

The economy in northern Nevada and our feeder markets, like many other areas around the country, are experiencing the effects of several negative macroeconomic trends, including a broad economic recession, higher home mortgage defaults and declining residential real estate values.  These negative trends could adversely impact discretionary incomes of our target customers, which, in turn could adversely impact our business.  We believe that as recessionary pressures increase or continue for an extended period of time, target customers may further curtail discretionary spending for leisure activities and businesses may reduce spending for conventions and meetings, both of which would adversely impact our business.  Management continues to monitor these trends and intends, as appropriate, to adopt operating strategies to attempt to mitigate the effects of such adverse conditions.  We can make no assurances that such strategies will be effective.

The constitutional amendment approved by California voters in 1999 allowing the expansion of Native American casinos in California has had an impact on casino revenues in Nevada in general, and many analysts have continued to predict the impact will be more significant on the Reno-Lake Tahoe market.  If other Reno-area casinos continue to suffer business losses due to increased pressure from California Native American casinos, such casinos may intensify their marketing efforts to northern Nevada residents as well, greatly increasing competitive activities for our local customers.

Higher fuel costs may deter California and other drive-in customers from coming to the Atlantis.

We also believe that unlimited land-based casino gaming in or near any major metropolitan area in the Atlantis’ key feeder market areas, such as San Francisco or Sacramento, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Other factors that may impact current and future results are set forth in detail in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our 2009 Form 10-K.

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Our contractual cash obligations as of June 30, 2010 and the next five years and thereafter are as follow:

(1) Operating leases include $370,000 per year in lease and common area expense payments to the shopping center adjacent to the Atlantis.

(2) The amount represents outstanding draws against our Credit Facility (see “THE CREDIT FACILITY” below) as of June 30, 2010.

(3) Purchase obligations represent approximately $754 thousand of commitments related to capital projects and approximately $1.7 million of materials and supplies used in the normal operation of our business.  Of the total purchase order and construction commitments, approximately $1.7 million are cancelable by us upon providing a 30-day notice.

(4) Because interest payments under our Credit Facility are subject to factors that in our judgment vary materially, the amount of future interest payments is not presently determinable.  These factors include: 1) future short-term interest rates; 2) our future leverage ratio which varies with EBITDA and our borrowing levels and 3) the speed with which we deploy capital and other spending which in turn impacts the level of future borrowings.  The interest rate under our Credit Facility is LIBOR, or a base rate (as defined in the Credit Facility agreement), plus an interest rate margin ranging from 2.00% to 3.375% depending on our leverage ratio.  The interest rate is adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio which is calculated using operating results over the previous four quarters and borrowings at the end of the most recent quarter.  At June 30, 2010 our leverage ratio was such that pricing for borrowings was LIBOR plus 2.375%.

THE CREDIT FACILITY

Until February 20, 2004, we had a reducing revolving term loan credit facility with a consortium of banks (the “First Credit Facility”).  On February 20, 2004, the Original Credit Facility was refinanced (the “Second Credit Facility”) for $50 million. The maturity date of the Second Credit Facility was to be April 18, 2009; however, on January 20, 2009, the Second Credit Facility was amended and refinanced (the “New Facility”) for $60 million.  The New Credit Facility may be utilized by the Company for working capital needs, general corporate purposes and for ongoing capital expenditure requirements.

The maturity date of the New Credit Facility is January 20, 2012.  Borrowings are secured by liens on substantially all of the real and personal property of the Atlantis and are guaranteed by Monarch.

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The New Credit Facility contains covenants customary and typical for a facility of this nature, including, but not limited to, covenants requiring the preservation and maintenance of our assets and covenants restricting our ability to merge, transfer ownership of Monarch, incur additional indebtedness, encumber assets and make certain investments.  The New Credit Facility contains covenants requiring that we maintain certain financial ratios and achieve a minimum level of Earnings-Before-Interest-Taxes-Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) on a two-quarter rolling basis.  It also contains provisions that restrict cash transfers between Monarch and its affiliates and contains provisions requiring the achievement of certain financial ratios before we can repurchase our common stock or pay dividends. Management does not consider the covenants to restrict normal functioning of day-to-day operations.

As of June 30, 2010, we were required to maintain a leverage ratio, defined as consolidated debt divided by EBITDA , of no more than 2.625:1 and a fixed charge coverage ratio (EBITDA divided by fixed charges, as defined) of at least 1.25:1.  As of June 30, 2010, our leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratios were 1.3:1 and 11.3:1, respectively.  As of June 30, 2009, our leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratios were 1.95:1 and 9.7:1, respectively.

The maximum principal available under the New Credit Facility is reduced by $2.5 million per quarter beginning on December 31, 2009.  At June 30, 2010, the maximum principal available under the New Credit Facility was $52.5 million.  We may permanently reduce the maximum principal available at any time so long as the amount of such reduction is at least $500 thousand and a multiple of $50 thousand.

We may prepay borrowings under the New Credit Facility without penalty (subject to certain charges applicable to the prepayment of LIBOR borrowings prior to the end of the applicable interest period).  Amounts prepaid may be reborrowed so long as the total borrowings outstanding do not exceed the maximum principal available

We paid various one-time fees and other loan costs upon the closing of the refinancing of the New Credit Facility that will be amortized over the facility’s term using the straight-line method.

At June 30, 2010, we had $37.8 million outstanding under the New Facility.  At that time our leverage ratio was such that pricing for borrowings under the New Facility was LIBOR plus 2.375%.  At June 30, 2010 the one-month LIBOR interest rate was 0.30% .

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market risks and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices.  We do not have any cash or cash equivalents as of June 30, 2010 that are subject to market risk.  As of June 30, 2010 we had $37.8 million of outstanding debt under our New Credit Facility that was subject to credit risk.  A 1% increase in the interest rate on the balance outstanding under the New Credit Facility at June 30, 2010 would result in a change in our annual interest cost of approximately $378,000.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, (the “Evaluation Date”), an evaluation was carried out by our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined by Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon the evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

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There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

As previously disclosed, litigation was filed against Monarch on January 27, 2006, by Kerzner International Limited (“Kerzner”) owner of the Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas in the United States District Court, District of Nevada.  The case number assigned to the matter is 3:06-cv-00232-ECR (RAM).  The complaint seeks declaratory judgment prohibiting Monarch from using the name “Atlantis” in connection with offering casino services other than at Monarch’s Atlantis Casino Resort Spa located in Reno, Nevada, and particularly prohibiting Monarch from using the “Atlantis” name in connection with offering casino services in Las Vegas, Nevada; injunctive relief enforcing the same; and other relief. Monarch believes Kerzner’s claims to be entirely without merit and is defending vigorously against the suit. Further, Monarch has filed a counterclaim against Kerzner seeking to cancel Kerzner’s registration of the Atlantis mark for casino services and to obtain declaratory relief on these issues.  Upon conclusion of discovery, various motions were filed by the parties.  On December 14, 2009, the court ruled on the pending motions, significantly narrowing the issues for trial.  Kerzner next filed a Request for Certification of Interlocutory Appeal as to the court’s December 14, 2009 Orders.  Kerzner’s Request was rejected by the court in its Order issued February 25, 2010, and the parties are proceeding with pre-trial preparation.  No trial date has been set as of this filing.

We are party to other claims that arise in the normal course of business.  Management believes that the outcomes of such claims will not have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

A description of our risk factors can be found in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.  There were no material changes to those risk factors during the three months ended June 30, 2010.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits

* Filed herewith.

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SIGNATURES

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

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