Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

þ

Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 20192020

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. 001-32583


FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.

(Exact Namename of Registrantregistrant as specified in Its Charter)its charter)


Delaware

13‑339152713-3391527

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

Incorporation or Organization)

Identification No.)

One Summerlin, 1980 Festival Plaza Drive, Suite 680, Las Vegas, Nevada 89135

(Address and zip code of principal executive offices)

(702) 221‑7800221-7800

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class

Trading Symbol

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, $0.0001 per Share

FLL

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

(Title of class)


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  No þ

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes  No þ

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 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes þ No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b‑212b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Emerging growth company

Non-accelerated filer

þ

Smaller reporting company

þ

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b‑212b-2 of the Act). Yes  No þ

The aggregate market value of Registrant’s voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, as of June 28, 201930, 2020 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter), was: $45.1$33.4 million. As of March 26, 2020,10, 2021, there were 27,075,96227,124,292 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, outstanding.

Documents Incorporated Byby Reference

The information required by Part III of this Form 10‑K10-K is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement relating to the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2020,2021, which definitive proxy statement is anticipated to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.2020.


Table of Contents

FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.

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Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1. Business.

Introduction

Formed as a Delaware corporation in 1987, Full House Resorts, Inc. owns, leases, operates, develops, manages, and/or invests in casinos and related hospitality and entertainment facilities. References in this document to “Full House,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Full House Resorts, Inc. and its subsidiaries, except where stated or the context otherwise indicates.

The following table presents selected information concerning our casino resort properties as of December 31, 2019:2020:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Acquisition

    

 

    

Slot

    

Table

    

Hotel

Property

 

Date

 

Location

 

Machines

 

Games

 

Rooms

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

2012

 

Hancock County, MS
(near New Orleans)

 

855

 

24

 

129

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

 

2016

 

Cripple Creek, CO
(near Colorado Springs)

 

828

 

10

 

36

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

2011

 

Rising Sun, IN
(near Cincinnati)

 

825

 

24

 

294

Stockman’s Casino

 

2007

 

Fallon, NV
(one hour east of Reno)

 

219

 

 4

 

 —

Grand Lodge Casino (leased and part of the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino)

 

2011

 

Incline Village, NV
(North Shore of Lake Tahoe)

 

269

 

17

 

*

Property

Location

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

Hancock County, MS
(near New Orleans)

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

Cripple Creek, CO
(near Colorado Springs)

Rising Star Casino Resort

Rising Sun, IN
(near Cincinnati)

Stockman’s Casino

Fallon, NV
(one hour east of Reno)

Grand Lodge Casino

(leased and part of the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino)

Incline Village, NV
(North Shore of Lake Tahoe)

Cripple Creek Casino and Hotel Project (under construction)

Cripple Creek, CO

(near Colorado Springs)

*We have agreements with Hyatt that allow us to provide rooms, as well as other amenities and services, to our guests at mutually agreeable rates to support our operations.

We manage our casinos based on geographic regions within the United States. Accordingly, Stockman’s Casino and Grand Lodge Casino comprise our Northern Nevada business segment, while Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel, Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel, and Rising Star Casino Resort are currently distinct segments. Results related to our sports wagering agreements in Colorado are included in the Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel segment, and results related to our sports wagering agreements in Indiana are included in the Rising Star Casino Resort segment. Our corporate headquarters areis in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Our mission is to maximize shareholderstockholder value. We seek to increase revenues by providing our customers with their favorite games and amenities, high-quality customer service, and appropriate customer loyalty programs. Our customers include nearby residents who represent a high potential for repeat visits, along with drive-in tourist patrons. We continuously focus on improving the operating margins of our existing properties through a combination of revenue growth and expense management efforts. The casino resort industry is capital-intensive, and we rely on the ability of our properties to generate operating cash flow to pay interest, repay debt, and fund maintenance and certain growth-related capital expenditures. We also continually assess the potential impact of growth and development opportunities, including capital investments at our existing properties, the development of new properties, and the acquisition of existing properties.

All of ourOur casino properties are operated by usgenerally operate 24 hours each day, nearly every day of the year with the exception of Christmas morning for four to six hours at Rising Star Casino Resort.365 days per year. We also operate the hotel, and food and beverage, and other on-site operations at Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel (“Silver Slipper”), Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel (“Bronco Billy’s”), Rising Star Casino Resort (“Rising Star”) and Stockman’s Casino.Casino (“Stockman’s”), as well as a golf course, recreational vehicle (RV) park and ferry service at Rising Star and an RV park at Silver Slipper. At Grand Lodge Casino (“Grand Lodge”), the adjoining hotel and the food and beverage outlets are managed by Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino (“Hyatt Lake Tahoe”).

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Operating Properties

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

The Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel (“Silver Slipper”) is situatedthe western-most casino on the west end of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, near Bay St. Louis,midway between Biloxi, Mississippi and in addition to gaming space, includes 129 hotel rooms, a fine-dining restaurant, a buffet, a quick-service restaurant, an oyster bar, a casino bar and a beachfront bar.New Orleans, Louisiana. The property sits at the western end of an approximately eight-mile-long white sand beach, the closest such beach to the New Orleans and Baton Rouge metropolitan areas. Its customers are primarily from communities in southwestern Mississippi and southern Louisiana, including the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain and the New Orleans and Baton Rouge metropolitan areas,areas. In addition to its large, modern casino, the Silver Slipper includes 129 hotel rooms or suites, an on-site sportsbook, a fine-dining restaurant, a buffet, a quick-service restaurant, an oyster bar, a casino bar and southwestern Mississippi.a beachfront pool and bar. The Silver Slipper currently generates the most revenue and operating income of any of our properties. In August 2018, we added a sports book operation to the casino in partnership with a company specializing in race and sports betting.

The primary lease for the Silver Slipper includes approximately 38 acres, consisting of the seven-acre parcel on which the casino and hotel is situated and approximately 31 acres of marshlands. The lease term ends in April 2058. ThroughFrom April 1, 2022 through October 1, 2027, we have the option to purchasebuy out the land site. Management believes that it will be economically favorablelease, but have yet to exercise the buyout option and intends to do so, subject to our financial resources and future capital market conditions.make such determination.

We also manage a nearby 37‑space37-space beachfront RV park under a management contract, which expires on March 31, 2025, unless canceled by either party.party with prior notice of 180 days.

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

Bronco Billy’s Casinois located in Cripple Creek, Colorado, a historical gold mining town located approximately one hour southwest of Colorado Springs and Hotel (“two hours from Denver. Its customers are primarily from the Colorado Springs/Pueblo/Cañon City metropolitan area, the second-largest metropolitan area in Colorado, with a population of approximately 900,000 residents. Its secondary market, the Denver metropolitan area, has a population of approximately four million people. Bronco Billy’s”)Billy’s occupies a significant portion of the key city block of Cripple Creek’s “casino strip” and instrip.” In addition to gaming space, containsit currently offers 36 hotel rooms, a steakhouse and four casual dining outlets. Bronco Billy’s owns much of its real estate, but also leases certain parking lots and buildings, including a portion of the hotel and casino, under a long-term lease. The lease has six renewal options in three-year increments tothrough 2035, and we have the right to buy out the lease at any time during its term. We also commenced a three-year lease in August 2018 for the new Christmas Casino,a key corner on our block, which also includes an option to extend or buy out the lease. Bronco Billy’s customers

We are primarily fromallowed to offer online sports wagering through three sports “skins” in Colorado. Rather than operate these sports skins ourselves, we contracted with three companies to operate such skins under their own brands in exchange for a percentage of revenues, as defined in each contract, subject to annual minimum amounts. For Colorado, the Colorado Springs/Pueblo/Cañsum of the minimum annual amounts is $3.5 million. If our percentage-share of sports revenue exceeds our contractual minimums, then we should receive in excess of $3.5 million on City metropolitan area,an annualized basis. We incur minimal expenses related to these revenues. As of December 31, 2020, two of the second-largest metropolitan areathree skins had begun operations, with the other operator still in Colorado, with a population of approximately 900,000 residents. Cripple Creek is approximately a one-hour drive from Colorado Springs, as well as a two-hour drive from the Denver metropolitan area, which has a population of approximately four million people.regulatory process that must be satisfied in order to operate.

In 2018, we began our expansion ofplanning and design work on a new and distinct, luxury hotel and casino, to be located adjacent to Bronco Billy’s which was designedin Cripple Creek (the “Cripple Creek Project”). Following changes made to be completedthe state’s gaming laws in two phases. Phase OneNovember 2020, including the elimination of betting limits and the approval of new table games, we increased the size of the Bronco Billy’sCripple Creek Project by 67% to approximately 300 luxury guest rooms and suites, from our previously planned 180 guest rooms.  Such plans were approved by the Cripple Creek Historic Preservation Commission and Cripple Creek City Council in January and February 2021. The expected investment to complete the Cripple Creek expansion project includesis $180 million, for which we secured funding in February 2021 through the issuance of our new 8.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes”) (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”). We restarted construction of a 319-space parking garage and connector building,on the purchase of the Imperial HotelCripple Creek Project in June 2018 and certain other nearby parcels of land, and the reopening and rebranding in November 2018 of the Imperial Casino and Imperial Hotel as the Christmas Casino & Inn. In March 2020, in light of the global coronavirus pandemic, we paused construction of the parking garage, which wasFebruary 2021, with completion expected in the early stagesfourth quarter of construction. We do not yet know when or if conditions will warrant the resumption of such construction. Phase Two of the Bronco Billy’s expansion project is expected to include a new luxury hotel tower, spa, convention and entertainment space, two new restaurants, and a substantial remodeling of the casino. However, we do not intend to commence significant construction of Phase Two until Phase One is completed. Additionally, construction of Phase Two is contingent upon receipt of financing on acceptable terms, among other contingencies.2022.

Rising Star Casino Resort

Rising Star Casino Resort (“Rising Star”) is located on the banks of the Ohio River in Rising Sun, Indiana, approximately one hour from Cincinnati, Ohio, and within two hours of Indianapolis, Indiana, and also within two hours of Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. In addition to its casino, Rising

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Star offers in addition to casino space, a contiguous 190‑room190-guest-room hotel, an adjacent leased 104‑room104-guest-room hotel, a 56‑space56-space RV park, fivefour dining outlets, and an 18‑hole18-hole golf course. The 104‑room104-guest-room hotel is leased pursuant to a finance leasean agreement that expires in 2027 and contains a bargain purchase option, whereby we have the right to purchase the hotel and the landlord has the right to put the hotel to us, in both cases for $1 if exercised upon maturity of the lease. We also own 1.3 acres of vacant land located in Burlington, Kentucky that is used as part of our ferry boat operations, as further described below.

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In the second half of 2018, weWe have completed several capital projects.projects in recent years. In July 2018, we renovated the entry pavilion and the adjoining hotel’s lobby and hallways. We also commenced operations forof a 10‑vehicle ferry boat service in September 2018 that connects the more populous Boone County, Kentucky to our Rising Star property in Indiana. In the second half of 2019, we renovated and rebranded the existinga casual restaurant as the new Ben’s“Ben’s Bistro. During recent years, Rising Star was adversely affected by

We are allowed to offer online sports wagering through three sports “skins” in Indiana. As in Colorado, we contracted with three companies to operate such skins under their own brands in exchange for a percentage of revenues, as defined in each contract, subject to annual minimum amounts. As in Colorado, the legalizationsum of gamingthe minimum annual amounts in Ohio, where several new competitors are now located. AllIndiana is $3.5 million with minimal expected expenses, so that the total between the six contracts and two states is $7 million per year. If our percentage-share of such potential casinossports revenue exceeds our contractual minimums in Ohio are now open.one or more contracts, then we should receive in excess of $7 million on an annualized basis. As of December 31, 2020, one of the three skins in Indiana had begun operations, with the other operators still in the regulatory process that must be satisfied in order to operate.

Northern Nevada

Stockman’s Casino

Stockman’s Casino (“Stockman’s”) is located in Churchill County, Nevada, approximately one hour from Reno, Nevada. Stockman’s primarily serves the local market of Fallon and surrounding areas, including the nearby Naval Air Station, which is the Navy’s premier air training facility, informally referred to as the “Top Gun” school. In addition to gaming space, the facility hasits casino, Stockman’s offers a bar, a fine-dining restaurant and a coffee shop. In 2018, we completed numerous external improvements to the property, including a new porte cochère. In late 2019, we completed a significant renovation and rebranding of the Stockman’s primarily serves the local market of Fallon and surrounding areas, including the nearby Naval Air Station Fallon, the United States Navy’s premier air-to-air and air-to-ground training facility, informally referred to as the “Top Gun” school.steakhouse.

Grand Lodge Casino

We operate the Grand Lodge Casino at the Hyatt Lake Tahoe under a lease with Hyatt Equities, L.L.C. (“Hyatt”), which ends on August 31, 2023.. Grand Lodge Casino is located within the Hyatt Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, Nevada on the north shore of Lake Tahoe and includes approximately 20,990 square feet of leased space. The Hyatt Lake Tahoe is one of three AAA Four Diamond hotels in the Lake Tahoe area. Its customers consist of both locals and tourists visiting the Lake Tahoe area.

Government Regulation

The gaming industry is highly regulated, and we must maintain our licenses and pay gaming taxes to continue our operations. Each of our casinos is subject to extensive regulation under the laws, rules, and regulations of the jurisdiction in which it is located. These laws, rules, and regulations generally concern the responsibility, financial stability, and character of the owners, managers, and persons with financial interests in the gaming operations and include, without limitation, the following conditions and restrictions:

·

Periodic license fees and taxes must be paid to state and local gaming authorities;

·

Certain officers, directors, key employees, and gaming employees are required to be licensed or otherwise approved by the gaming authorities;

·

Individuals who must be approved by athe gaming authorityauthorities must submit comprehensive personal disclosure forms and undergo an extensive background investigation, the costs for which must be borne by the applicant;

·

Changes in any licensed or approved individuals must be reported to and/or approved by the relevant gaming authority;

·

Failure to timely file the required application forms by any individual required to be approved by the relevant gaming authority may result in that individual’s denial and the gaming licensee may be required by the gaming authority to disassociate with that individual; and

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·

If any individual is found unsuitable by a gaming authority, the gaming licensee is required to disassociate with that individual.

Violations of gaming laws in one jurisdiction could result in disciplinary action in other jurisdictions. A summary of the governmental gaming regulations to which we are subject is filed as Exhibit 99.1 and is herein incorporated by reference.

Our businesses are also subject to other various federal, state, and local laws and regulations, in addition to gaming regulations. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, restrictions and conditions concerning alcoholic beverages, smoking, environmental matters, employees, currency transactions, taxation, zoning and building codes, construction, land use, and marketing and advertising. We also deal with significant amounts of cash in our operations and are subject to various reporting and anti-money laundering regulations. Such laws and regulations could change or could be interpreted differently in the future,

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or new laws and regulations could be enacted. Material changes, new laws or regulations, or material differences in interpretations by courts or governmental authorities could adversely affect our operating results. See “Item 1A – Risk Factors” for additional discussion.

Costs and Effects of Compliance with Environmental Laws

We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that govern our operations, including emissions and discharges into the environment, and the handling and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous substances and wastes. For example, our Indiana property is subject to the Indiana Department of Environmental Managementenvironmental regulations for its riverboat, ferry boat and golf club operations, and ouroperations. Our Mississippi property is located near environmental wetlands. In Colorado, we are building a major new casino hotel and such construction must also adhere to certain environmental regulations. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could result in costs for corrective action, penalties or the imposition of other liabilities or restrictions. We also are subject to laws and regulations that impose liability and clean-up responsibility for releases of hazardous substances into the environment. Under certain of these laws and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of the property may be liable for the costs of remediating contaminated soil or groundwater on or from its property, without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or caused, the contamination, and may also incur liability to third parties impacted by such contamination. The presence of contamination, or failure to remediate it properly, may adversely affect our ability to use, sell or rent the property. To date, none of these matters or other matters arising under environmental laws has had a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations; however, we cannot assure you that such matters will not have such an effect in the future.

Competition

The gaming industry is highly competitive. Gaming activities with which we compete include traditional commercial casinos and casino resorts in various states including on tribal lands and at racetracks, riverboat and dockside gaming, state-sponsored lotteries, video poker in restaurants, bars and hotels, pari-mutuel betting on horse and dog racing and jai alai, sports betting and card rooms. Furthermore,We also face competition from Internet lotteries, sweepstakes, and other Internet wagering gaming services, beyond those in which we participate. Internet gaming services allow their customers to wager on a wide variety of sporting events and play Las Vegas-style casino games from home or in non-casino settings,settings. Although there is no evidence to date that this has been the case, this could divert customers from our properties, and thus, adversely affect our business. All of our casinos, as well as other casinos that we may develop or acquire, compete with all these forms of gaming. We also compete with any new forms or jurisdictions of gaming that may be legalized, as well as with other types of entertainment. Some of our competitors have more personnel and greater financial or other resources than we do. The principal methods of competition are: location, with casinos located closer to theirthe feeder markets at an advantage; casino, lodging, entertainment and other hospitality product quality in terms of facilities, customer service and ease of access; breadth of offerings, including the types of casino games and other non-gaming amenities; and marketing, including the amount, quality, and frequency of promotions offered to guests.

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel is the western-most casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and competes with two larger casinos located nearby, one of which completed a significant expansion in mid‑2018. It also competes with casinos in Biloxi, Mississippi and New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Biloxi is one hour east of the Silver Slipper along Interstate 10. New Orleans and Baton Rouge are one and two hours, respectively, west of Silver Slipper.

Silver Slipper is the closest casinocloser to most of St. Tammany Parish, one of the most affluent and fastest-growing parishes in Louisiana.Louisiana, than the several casinos in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Louisiana law permits 15 riverboat casinos, one land-based casino, four casinos at racetracks, and in certain areas, a limited number of slot machines at qualifying truck stops. The legislation permitting riverboat and truck stop casinos requiresrequired a local referendum and, at the time such legalization occurred, it was rejected by St. Tammany Parish voters. At this time, all licenses for riverboat casinos in Louisiana have been granted and areonly one of such

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casinos is not currently in operation, though it is possible for an existing licensee to relocate its casino (subject to state laws and approval in a local referendum).operation. Mississippi which has lower gaming tax rates than Louisiana, does not have a limitation on the number of casino licenses, but requires casinos in certain southern counties to be within approximately 800 feet of the shoreline, as defined by state law. There are occasionally proposals to relocate casinos within Louisiana or to develop new casinos in Mississippi, but there are considerable political and economic constraints on such potential competition, and management does not believe such efforts will be successful in the foreseeable future.

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Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel and the New Cripple Creek Casino Hotel

Bronco Billy’s is located in Cripple Creek, Colorado, which is a historichistorical gold mining town located approximately one hour southwest of Colorado Springs, on the west side of Pikes Peak. Cripple Creek is one of only three cities in Colorado where commercial gaming is permitted. The other two cities adjoin each other and are nearapproximately one hour west of Denver. Additionally, twoTwo Native American gaming operations exist in southwestern Colorado and there are tribal casinos in Oklahoma, but these are much further from Colorado Springs than Cripple Creek. There are no federally-recognized Native American tribes in the Colorado Front Range, which includes Denver and Colorado Springs. As of December 31, 2019,2020, we believe that Bronco Billy’s was amongst the largest of the seven gaming facilities operating in Cripple Creek. SeveralOne of those competitors have announced their intentis currently adding a 100-guest-room hotel, expected to expand, principally throughopen in 2021. The Company’s new casino hotel, which just began construction, will be significantly larger and is planned to be higher in quality than any of the addition of new hotel rooms, with one of those projects having broken ground. Gamingexisting casinos in Colorado is “limited stakes,” which restricts any single wager to a current maximum of $100.Cripple Creek.

Rising Star Casino Resort

The Rising Star Casino Resort in Rising Sun, Indiana is one of three riverboat casinos located on the banks of the Ohio River in southeasternRising Sun, Indiana, approximately one hour from Cincinnati, Ohio, and within two hours of Indianapolis, Indiana, and also within two hours of Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. ItsOne of three riverboat casinos in southeastern Indiana, its closest competitors are each approximately 15 miles away, near bridges crossing the Ohio River. There is no bridge at Rising Star, but in September 2018, we commenced a ferry boat service connecting Rising Sun, Indiana, to the more populous Northern Kentucky region. Rising Star also competes with casinos in Ohio; casinos elsewhere in Indiana; and two racetrack casinosa large casino near Indianapolis, Indiana.

A Kentucky Supreme Court decision in 2014 permits horse racing tracks in Northern Kentucky to install slot machine-like devices, although it has not yet done so. We also compete with racetracks in Louisville, and Lexington, Kentucky, that recently installed such machines. In December 2019, our competitor near Louisvillewhich completed a significant investment to transition from itsa dockside riverboat casino to a new land-based casino. Additionally, oncasino in December 2019; casinos in Ohio and elsewhere in Indiana; and slot parlors associated with racetracks in Kentucky. In January 1, 2020, the racetrack casinos near Indianapolis, (whichwhich were previously limited to slot machines)machines, began offering live table games.

Northern Nevada

Stockman’s Casino

Stockman’s Casino is the largest of several casinos in Churchill County, Nevada, which has a population of approximately 25,000 residents. Churchill County is also the home of Naval Air Station Fallon, the United States Navy’s premier air-to-air and air-to-groundair training facility, informally referred to as the “Top Gun” school. While we are not aware of any significant planned expansion to gaming capacity in the Churchill County area, additional competition may adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. Furthermore, while the Navy appears to be currently expanding its base in Fallon, a reduction of its activities at the base has, in the past, and would likely have an adverse effect on Stockman’s results of operations. Fallon is approximately 30 minutes east of the new large Tesla battery factory and other developments in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center. Stockman’s also competes with casinos in other rural communities in the area, as well as with casinos in Reno, some of which are significantly larger and offer more amenities.

Grand Lodge Casino

Grand Lodge Casinois located in Incline Village, Nevada, and is one of four casinos located within a five-mile radius in the North Lake Tahoe area. A fifth casino,hotel five miles away, which has been closed for several years, was sold out of bankruptcy during 2017recently and may re-open in the near future.future, potentially with an additional competing casino.

Grand Lodge Casino also competes with casinos in South Lake Tahoe and Reno. There are also numerous Native American casinos in California serving the Northern California market.

Marketing

Our marketing efforts are conducted through various means, including our customer loyalty programs and specialized marketing campaigns, such as our seasonal “Christmas Casino” event at Rising Star Casino Resort. We advertise through various

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channels, including radio, television, Internet, billboards, newspapers and magazines, direct mail, email and social media. We also maintain websites to inform customers about our properties and utilize social media sites to promote our brands, unique events, and special deals. Our customer loyalty programs include the Silver Slipper Casino PlayersRewards Club, the Bronco Billy’s Mile

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High Rewards Club, the Rising Star Rewards Club™,VIP Club, the Grand Lodge Players Advantage Club®, and the Stockman’s Winner’s Club. Under these programs, customers earn points based on their volume of wagering that may be redeemed for various benefits, such as “free play,” cash back, complimentary dining, and hotel stays.

Our properties do not have coordinated loyalty programs. We do not currently believe that it would be economically advantageous givenprograms, due to the disparate locations of our properties. Instead, our loyalty programs focus on providing each casino’s customers the amenities they most prefer.prefer in each market.

Employees

As of March 1, 2020,2021, we had 1513 full-time corporate employees, three of whom are executive officers and one additional senior management employee.officers. Our casino properties had 1,255911 full-time and 315227 part-time employees as follows:

 

 

 

 

    

Full-time

    

Part-time

    

Full-time

    

Part-time

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

476

 

101

419

83

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

 

253

 

56

148

37

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

347

 

114

228

70

Grand Lodge Casino

 

92

 

38

72

33

Stockman’s Casino

 

87

 

 6

 

44

 

4

Corporate

 

15

 

 —

 

13

 

Total Employees

 

1,270

 

315

 

924

 

227

We believe that our relationship with our employees is excellent. None of our employees are currently represented by labor unions.

Available Information

Our principal executive offices are located at Full House Resorts, Inc., One Summerlin, 1980 Festival Plaza Drive, Suite 680, Las Vegas, Nevada 89135, and our telephone number is (702) 221‑7800.221-7800. Our website address is www.fullhouseresorts.com. We make available, free of charge, on or through our Internet website, our annual report on Form 10‑K,10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10‑Q,10-Q, current reports on Form 8‑K,8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Our Internet website and information contained on our Internet website are not part of this annual report on Form 10‑K10-K and are not incorporated by reference herein.

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10‑K10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) for which the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, representations and intentions and are not historical facts and typically arecan be identified by use of terms such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “intends,” “objectives,” “goals,” “aims,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “future,” “possible,” “seeks,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “might,” “likely,” “enable,” or similar words or expressions, as well as statements containing phrases such as “in our view,” “we cannot assure you,” “although no assurance can be given,” or “there is no way to anticipate with certainty.” Specifically, this Annual Report on Form 10‑K containsExamples of forward-looking statements relating toinclude, among others, statements we make  regarding our plans, beliefs or expectations regarding our growth strategies; the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and our expectations regarding the reopening of casinos and the length of time that state government authorities will require casinos in the respective states to remain closed;pandemic; our development and expansion plans, including a planned expansion of Bronco Billy’s, our budgetthe estimated commencement, completion and ability to obtain financingopening timeline for such expansion and the timing for commencement (or recommencement in the case of Phase One) or completion of each phase of such expansion;new Cripple Creek casino hotel; our investments in capital improvements and other projects, including the amounts of such investments, the timing of commencement or completion of such capital improvements and projects and the resulting impact on our financial results; our sports wageringrevenue agreements with third-party providers, including the expected revenues and expenses duration of terms and the expected timing for launch, in the caselaunch of the Colorado agreements;sports betting “skins” related thereto; the racetrackWaukegan proposal, including our ability to obtain the casino license and, Waukegan proposal;if we are awarded such license, to obtain financing; management’s expectation to exercise its buyout option on the Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel; adequacy of our financial resources to fund operating requirements and planned capital expenditures and to meet our debt and contractual obligations; expected sources of revenue; cash interest expense in 2020; anticipated sources of funds; anticipated or potential legislative pursuits; the operation of our ferry boat service at Rising Star Casino Resort; belief that Bronco Billy’s is amongst the largest of the seven gaming facilities operating in Cripple Creek;actions; beliefs in connection with our marketing efforts; factors that affect the financial performance of our properties; adequacy of our insurance; competitive outlook; outcome of legal matters; impact of recently issued accounting standards; and estimates regarding certain accounting and tax matters, among others.others.

Various factors may affectForward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the operation, performance, development and resultsfuture of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause future outcomesour actual results and financial condition to change significantlydiffer materially from those set forthindicated in ourthe forward-looking statements including risksinclude, among others, the factors as discussed throughout Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and uncertainties about the following:

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repayment of our substantial indebtedness;

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the adverse impact of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak on our business, constructions projects, financial condition and operating results, including on our ability to continue as a going concern;

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actions by government officials at the federal, state or local level with respect to steps to be taken, including, without limitation, temporary shutdowns, travel restrictions, social distancing and shelter-in place orders, in connection with the coronavirus outbreak;

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our ability to effectively manage and control expenses during temporary or extended shutdown periods;

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the impact of temporary or extended shutdowns on our ability to maintain compliance with the terms and conditions of our credit facilities and other material contracts;

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our ability to maintain strong relationships with our regulators, employees, lenders, suppliers, customers, insurance carriers, and other stakeholders;

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the impact of any uninsured losses;

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disruptions in our supply chain;

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disruptions or shortages in our labor supply;

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·

the adverse impact of cancellations and/or postponements of hotel stays and convention and trade shows on our business, market position, growth, financial condition and operating results.

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changes in guest visitation or spending patterns due to health or other concerns;

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substantial dilution related to our outstanding stock warrants and options;

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our ability to successfully implement our growth strategies, including the Bronco Billy’s expansion, capital investments and potential acquisitions;

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commercial success and financial performance of our Bronco Billy’s expansion, including the Christmas Casino & Inn, and our other capital projects;

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risks related to entering into sports betting operations, including our ability to establish and maintain relationships with key partners or vendors, the ability and/or willingness of our partners to sustain sports betting operations should they experience an extended period of unprofitability, and the ability to replace existing partners or vendors on similar terms as our existing revenue guarantees;

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risks related to entering into the sports wagering agreements, including the ability of the parties to perform their obligations under the respective agreements;

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the impact that any discontinuance, modification or other reform of LIBOR, or the establishment of alternative reference rates, may have on our LIBOR-based debt instruments such as our senior secured notes;

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commerciality of our ferry boat service and risks associated with ferry boat operations;

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the successful integration of acquisitions, if any;

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our ability to continue to comply with the covenants and terms of our debt instruments;

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risks associated with our development and construction activities;

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some of our casinos being on leased property;

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changes to anticipated trends in the gaming industries;

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changes in patron demographics;

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general market and economic conditions, including, but not limited to, the effects of housing and energy conditions on the economy in general and on the gaming and lodging industries in particular;

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access to capital and credit upon reasonable terms, including our ability to finance future business requirements and to repay or refinance debt as it matures;

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dependence on key personnel;

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our ability and the cost to hire, motivate and retain employees, given low unemployment rates and, in some jurisdictions, increases in minimum wages;

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availability of adequate levels of insurance;

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·

changes to federal, state, and local taxation and tax rates, and gaming and environmental laws, regulations and legislation;

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our ability to comply with existing laws and regulations to which we are subject;

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any violations of the anti-money laundering laws;

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cyber-security risks, including misappropriation of customer information or other breaches of information security;

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our ability to obtain and maintain gaming and other licenses, and obtain entitlements and other regulatory approvals for projects;

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impact of severe weather;

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lack of alternative routes to certain of our properties;

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the competitive environment, including increased competition in our target market areas;

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impact of the outcome of litigation matters;

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our ability to successfully estimate the impact of certain accounting and tax matters, including the effect on our company of adopting certain accounting pronouncements; and

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other factors described from time to time in this and our other Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings and reports.

For a more detailed descriptionOperations” of certain Risk Factors affecting our business, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of future developments, events or conditions, except as required by law. New risks 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.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors.

An investment in our securities is subject to risks inherent to our business. We have described below what we currently believe to be the material risks and uncertainties in our business. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10‑K.10-K.

We also face other risks and uncertainties beyond what is described below. This Annual Report on Form 10‑K10-K is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of securities, including our common stock, could decline significantly. You could lose all or part of your investment.

Summary of Risk Factors

The following is a summary of the risk factors discussed in “Item 1A – Risk Factors” in Part I of this Form 10-K.  This summary should be read in conjunction with those Risk Factors and should not be relied upon as an exhaustive summary of the material risks facing our business.

Risks Related to our Business and Operations

The outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus), which has significantly impacted the global economy, including the gaming industry.
A prolonged closure of our casinos would negatively impact our ability to service our debt.
Significant competition from other gaming and entertainment operations.
Revenue declines if discretionary consumer spending drops due to an economic downturn.
The inability of our contracted sports betting parties, through the use of our permitted website “skins,” to compete effectively, their inability and/or unwillingness to sustain sports betting operations should they experience an extended period of unprofitability, and our inability to replace existing partners or vendors on similar terms as our existing revenue guarantees.
Marine transportation is inherently risky, and insurance may be insufficient to cover losses that may occur to our assets or result from our ferry boat operations.
We derive our revenues and operating income from our casino resort properties located in Mississippi, Colorado, Indiana and Nevada, and are especially subject to certain risks, including economic and competitive risks, associated with the conditions in those areas and in the states from which we draw patrons.
If the lessor of Grand Lodge Casino exercises its buyout rights or if we default on this or on certain other leases, the applicable lessors could terminate the affected leases and we could lose possession of the affected casino.
Adverse weather conditions, road construction, gasoline shortages and other factors affecting our facilities and the areas in which we operate could make it more difficult for potential customers to travel to our properties and deter customers from visiting our properties.
The occurrence of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, pandemics, epidemics, widespread health emergencies, or outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus pandemic, or other catastrophic events, including war, terrorism and gun violence.
Several of our properties, including Silver Slipper, Bronco Billy’s and Rising Star, are accessed by our customers via routes that have few alternatives.
We may incur property and other losses that are not adequately covered by insurance.
We depend on our key personnel.
Higher wage and benefit costs, including a potential increase in the federal minimum wage.
Rising operating costs at our gaming properties.
We face the risk of fraud and cheating.
Win rates for our gaming operations depend on a variety of factors, some beyond our control.
The concentration and evolution of the slot machine manufacturing industry could impose additional costs on us.
Our business may be adversely affected by legislation prohibiting tobacco smoking.
We are subject to risks related to corporate social responsibility and reputation.

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Risks Related to Development and Growth Opportunities

We are often involved in one or more construction and development projects, including the new Cripple Creek casino hotel, and many factors could prevent us from completing them as planned.
The construction costs for the new Cripple Creek casino hotel may exceed budgeted amounts plus contingencies, which may result in insufficient funds to complete the project.
There is no assurance that new Cripple Creek casino hotel will not be subject to additional regulatory restrictions, delays, or challenges.
There is no assurance that the new Cripple Creek casino hotel will be successful.
Failure to comply with the terms of our disbursement agreement could limit our access to funds.
We face a number of challenges prior to opening new or upgraded facilities.
We may face disruption and other difficulties in integrating and managing facilities we have recently developed or acquired, or may develop or acquire in the future.
The construction of the new Cripple Creek casino hotel may inconvenience customers and disrupt business activity at the adjoining Bronco Billy’s casino.
Additional growth projects or potential enhancements at our properties may require us to raise additional capital.
The casino, hotel and resort industry is capital intensive and we may not be able to finance expansion and renovation projects, which could put us at a competitive disadvantage.
Our ability to receive regulatory approvals required to complete certain acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, and other developments, as well as other potential delays in completing certain transactions.
Failure to obtain necessary government approvals in a timely manner, or at all.
Insufficient or lower-than-expected results generated from our new developments and acquired properties.

Risks Related to our Indebtedness

Our significant indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations.
Restrictive covenants and limitations in our debt facilities that could significantly affect our ability to borrow additional funds and/or operate our business and could lead to events of default if we do not comply with the covenants.
Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to service our indebtedness and fund our operating expenses, working capital needs and capital expenditures.
We depend on our subsidiaries for certain dividends, distributions and repayment of our indebtedness.
Our ability to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms may be limited.
The obligations under the 2028 Notes are collateralized by a security interest in substantially all of our assets, so if we default on those obligations, the holders of the 2028 Notes could foreclose on our assets.
Our loans under the CARES Act may be subject to regulatory review.
We and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt.

Risks Related to our Legal and Regulatory Environment

We face extensive regulation from gaming and other regulatory authorities and the cost of compliance or failure to comply with such regulations may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Changes in legislation and regulation of our business.
Stockholders may be required to dispose of their shares of our common stock if they are found unsuitable by gaming authorities.
We are subject to environmental laws and potential exposure to environmental liabilities.
We are subject to litigation which, if adversely determined, could cause us to incur substantial losses.
Our ferry boat service is highly regulated, which can adversely affect our operations.

Risks Related to Technology

Our gaming operations rely heavily on technology services and an uninterrupted supply of electrical power, and if we experience damage or service interruptions, we may have to cease some or all of our operations.
Our information technology and other systems are subject to cyber-security risk, misappropriation of customer information and other breaches of information security.

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General Risks

Our ability to utilize our net operating loss, or NOL, carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.
The market price for our common stock may be volatile, and investors may not be able to sell our stock at a favorable price or at all.
The exercise of outstanding options to purchase common stock may result in substantial dilution and may depress the trading price of our common stock.

Risks Related to our Business and Operations

The outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has significantly impacted the global economy, including the gaming industry, and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

The coronavirus pandemic and the efforts to contain it have significantly impacted the global economy, including the gaming industry in the United States and abroad. The ongoing coronavirus outbreak has resulted in extended shutdowns of non-

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essentialnon-essential businesses around the world.world, including our own casinos for approximately three months, beginning in March 2020. While our casinos have reopened from such shutdowns, we currently operate under capacity restrictions, including limitations on the number of guests permitted in our buildings, the number of slot machines and table games that we are permitted to operate, the maximum occupancy in our restaurants, and the hours during which we are permitted to serve alcoholic beverages. We continue to have restrictions on concerts or special events that we have historically used to bring customers to our properties. Furthermore, governments are discouraginghave discouraged all non-essential movement and/or orderingordered social distancing and sheltering-in-place in an effort to help control the transmission of the coronavirus.

The coronavirus can be detected in individuals. The testing kits and tools have not been widely available and it is uncertain as to when they will become widely available. It is also possible to test for antibodies to COVID-19, a sign that an individual may have had the disease and may be less susceptible to contracting it again. Such testing is not yet widely available and it is not clear when it might become widely available. Eventually, medical professionals expect that there will be a vaccine for COVID-19, but the availability of that vaccine may be months or even years away. There have been similar outbreaks in the recent past (SARS, Ebola, MERS, and H1N1, for example, as well as various other strains of the flu) and there could be other pandemics in the future that could be similar or worse than COVID-19.

As a precautionary measure against the ongoing spread of the coronavirus, various state governments ordered the temporary closure of all casinos in their respective states, including all the states in which we have casino operations. As previously disclosed, Rising Star Casino Resort temporarily suspended operations on March 16, 2020 until further notice, Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel temporarily suspended operations on March 17, 2020 until further notice, Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel temporarily suspended operations on March 17, 2020 until April 30, 2020, and Grand Lodge Casino and Stockman's Casino temporarily suspended operations on March 18, 2020 for a period of 30 days. While these closures are expected to be temporary, the current circumstances are dynamic and the impacts of the coronavirus on our business operations, including the duration and impact on overall customer demand, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. However, we anticipate this could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial positionis ongoing and cash flows.

Afteruncertain. For example, since our casinos are eventuallyhave been allowed to reopen, some guests may choose for a period of timehave chosen to not to travel or visit our properties for health concerns, which could leadhas led to lower occupancy and lower room rates at our hotels, potential hotel closures, or additionalhotels. Additional closures or disruptions in our casino business any of which couldwould likely have a negative impact on our business and operating results. IfAs the coronavirus continues to spread in the United States, we may elect on a voluntary basis to again close (after their reopening) certain of our properties or portions thereof, or governmental officials may order additional closures or impose further restrictions on travel or on our operations, including the number of people allowed in our casino or perhaps sitting at any specific table game or bank of slot machines. ThereEven as vaccines are becoming more readily available, the pandemic may also be restrictionsstill have the potential to have a material adverse impact on concerts or special events that we have historically used to bring customers to our properties. business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Any of these events could result in significant disruptions to our operations and a drop in demand for our hotel-casino properties and could have a material adverse effect on us. Moreover, ourOur operations could also be negatively affected if employees elect to stay home or are quarantined as the result of exposure to the virus. In addition, our reliance on third-party suppliers for food and other services, as well as construction materials and construction labor, exposes us to volatility in the prices and availability of these and similar goods and services. Such operational disruptions could increase our costs, further decrease our operating efficiencies and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Furthermore, any reductions in marketing or labor expenses as a result of limited operations may not continue following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. The extent to which the coronavirus impacts our results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, including the duration and impact on overall customer demand, the timing of the reopening of our casinos, new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus, and the actions to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact, among others.

A prolonged closure of our casinos would negatively impact our ability to remain in compliance withservice our debt covenants, which would raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.debt.

Our casinos are our primary sources of income and operating cash flows which we rely upon to remain in compliance with debt covenants under our senior secured notes due 2024 (the “Notes”)any indebtedness we may incur and meet our obligations when due. As noted above, due to the coronavirus pandemic, our operations at our casinos and hotels have been temporarily suspendedare currently operating at reduced capacity, after approximately three months of temporary closures approximately a year ago, and there is uncertainty as to when weif additional closures will be permitted to reopen them.occur.  Because we operate in several different jurisdictions, we may be ableare subject to reopen some, but not all, of our casinos within a certain time frame.different legal and market conditions in order to remain open.  Although we believe we have sufficient resources to fund our currently-reduced operations for a period of time, that lasts substantially beyond the currently mandated closure periods, we have no control over and cannot predict the length of the closurecurrent operating restrictions or future closures of our casinos and hotels due to the pandemic.  If we are unable to generate revenues from our casinos due to anew and prolonged periodperiods of closure or experience significant declines in business volumes, upon reopening, this would negatively impact our ability to remain in compliance with our debt covenants and meet our payment obligations.  In

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such an event, we would eithercould seek covenant waivers or attempt to amend our covenants,debt agreements, though there is no certainty that we would be successful in such efforts.  Additionally, we could seek additional liquidity through the issuance of new debt or equity, or through the sale of certain assets.  Our ability to obtain additional financing would depend in part on factors outside of our control.  If there is a prolonged closure of our casinos and hotels, or we are unable to obtain

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additional capital, we may not be able to meet our debt covenants or pay our obligations as they become due and could risk default under our indebtedness, including the 2028 Notes, upon which the amountamounts outstanding could be accelerated, which would raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements do not include adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

If we fail to maintain compliance with the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market, we could be delisted and the price of our common stock and our ability to access the capital markets could be negatively impacted.

Our common stock is currently listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market. To maintain the listing of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market, we are required to meet certain continued listing requirements, which include, among others, a minimum closing bid price requirement of $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive trading days and any of: (i) a minimum stockholders’ equity of $2.5 million; (ii) a market value of listed securities of at least $35.0 million; or (iii) net income from continuing operations of $500,000 in the most recently completed fiscal year or in the two of the last three fiscal years. As of March 27, 2020, our bid price was $1.09 as a result of the unprecedented market disruptions caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Such bid price was in compliance with the continued listing requirements. 

In the event that the closing bid price of our common stock were below $1.00 for 30 consecutive trading days, we could receive a notice from Nasdaq that we are not in compliance with its continued listing requirements.  In connection with the market disruptions following September 11, 2001, Nasdaq temporarily suspended its minimum bid price and market float requirements in an effort to help companies remain listed in view of the extraordinary market conditions.  There can be no assurance, however, that Nasdaq would provide similar temporary relief for companies failing to meet these requirements today.

 If we fail to satisfy the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market, Nasdaq may take steps to delist our common stock, which could have a materially adverse effect on our ability to raise additional funds as well as the price and liquidity of our common stock. Such a delisting could have a negative effect on the price of our common stock and could impair our stockholders’ ability to sell or purchase our common stock when they wish to do so.

In addition, the delisting of our common stock from a national exchange could have a material adverse effect on our access to capital markets, and any limitation on market liquidity or reduction in the price of our common stock as a result of that delisting could adversely affect our ability to raise capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

The indenture governing our senior secured notes imposes restrictive covenants and limitations that could significantly affect our ability to operate our business and lead to events of default if we do not comply with our covenants.

Our indenture governing the senior secured notes due 2024 (the “Notes”) impose restrictive covenants on us and our subsidiaries that may limit our current and future operations. The restrictions that are imposed under the indenture include, among other obligations, limitations on our and our subsidiaries’ ability to:

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incur additional debt and guarantee indebtedness;

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make payments on subordinated obligations;

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make dividends or distributions and repurchase stock;

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make investments;

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enter into transactions with affiliates;

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grant liens on our property to secure debt;

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sell assets or enter into mergers or consolidations;

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sell equity interest in our subsidiaries;

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make capital expenditures; or

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amend or modify our subordinate indebtedness without obtaining consent from the holders of our senior indebtedness.

These restrictions could adversely affect our ability to:

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obtain additional financing for our operations;

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·

make needed capital expenditures;

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make strategic acquisitions or investments or enter into alliances;

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withstand a continued and sustained downturn in our business or the economy in general;

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engage in business activities, including future opportunities, that may be in our interest; and

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plan for or react to market conditions or otherwise execute our business strategies.

In addition, our indenture governing the Notes requires us, among other obligations, to maintain a total leverage ratio. Our ability to comply with the covenants in the indenture may be affected by general economic conditions, industry conditions, and other events beyond our control, including delay in the completion of new projects under construction. As a result, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with these covenants. Our failure to comply with the covenants contained in the indenture, or in any instrument governing future indebtedness, including failure to comply as a result of events beyond our control, could result in an event of default. If there were an event of default and it is not waived by the requisite holders (at their option), the trustee or holders could cause all outstanding Notes to be due and payable, subject to applicable grace periods, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results and our financial condition. Additionally, this could trigger cross-defaults under our other debt obligations. We cannot assure you that our assets or cash flow would be sufficient to repay our obligations under the Notes, or any future outstanding debt obligations, if accelerated upon an event of default, particularly in light of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our business, cash flows and liquidity, or that we would be able to borrow sufficient funds to refinance the Notes or any future debt instruments.

To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, and to fund planned capital expenditures and expansion efforts, will depend upon our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors,  including the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations or asset sales, our anticipated growth in operations, including through our expansion efforts, will be realized, or that future borrowings will be available to us in amounts sufficient to enable us to repay the Notes and to fund our other liquidity needs. In addition, as we undertake substantial new developments or facility renovations or if we consummate significant acquisitions in the future, our cash requirements may increase significantly and we may need to obtain additional equity or debt financing or joint venture partners. Any increase in our level of indebtedness could impose additional cash requirements on us in order to support interest payments. If we incur additional debt, the related risks that we now face could intensify.

Under the terms of our former Second Lien Credit Agreement, the holders of certain warrants have registration rights and redemption rights which require us to repurchase approximately 1.0 million shares of our common stock. If the holders exercise their redemption rights for all or a portion of their warrants, we have the option to pay them in cash or with a four-year note, or to register and sell the shares related to the warrants through a public offering.

If we are not able to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to repay the Notes and satisfy our obligations under the former Second Lien Credit Agreement, as needed, or to obtain adequate additional financing, we may have to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing or delaying planned expenses and capital expenditures or selling assets.

Our ability to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms may be limited.

Although we believe that our cash, cash equivalents and working capital, as well as future cash from operations will provide adequate resources to fund ongoing operating requirements over the next twelve months, we may need to refinance or seek additional financing to compete effectively or grow our business. These financing strategies may not be completed on satisfactory terms, if at all. In addition, certain states’ laws to undertake certain financing transactions require approval of gaming regulatory authorities. Some requirements may prevent or delay us from obtaining necessary capital. We cannot assure you that

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we will be able to obtain any additional financing, refinance our existing debt, or fund our growth efforts. If we are unable to obtain financing on commercially reasonable terms, it could:

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reduce funds available to us for purposes such as working capital, capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;

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restrict our ability to capitalize on business opportunities;

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increase our vulnerability to economic downturns and competitive pressures in the markets in which we operate; and

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place us at a competitive disadvantage.

Our obligations to the holders of the Notes are collateralized by a security interest in substantially all of our assets, so if we default on those obligations, the holders of the Notes could foreclose on our assets. In addition, the existence of these security interests may adversely affect our financial flexibility.

Our obligations under the Notes and the transaction documents relating to the Notes are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our assets. As a result, if we default under our obligations under the Notes or the transaction documents, the holders of the Notes, acting through their appointed agent, could foreclose on their security interests and liquidate some or all of these assets, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations and could require us to reduce or cease operations. In addition, the pledge of these assets and other restrictions may limit our flexibility in raising capital for other purposes. Because substantially all of our assets are pledged under these financing arrangements, our ability to incur additional secured indebtedness or to sell or dispose of assets to raise capital may be impaired, which could have an adverse effect on our financial flexibility.

Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase.

An increase in market interest rates would increase our interest expense arising on our existing and future floating rate indebtedness. Pursuant to the terms of our indenture governing the Notes, the Notes bear interest at the greater of the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or 1.0%, plus a margin rate of 7.0%. As a result, we are exposed to interest rate risk. Interest rates, including LIBOR, have recently increased and are expected to continue to increase in future periods. If interest rates continue to increase, our debt service obligations on our variable rate indebtedness will increase even though the amount borrowed remains the same, and our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, will correspondingly decrease. Furthermore, in an environment of increasing interest rates, it is likely that any future refinancing of our indebtedness will be either at fixed interest rates higher than our current fixed interest rates or at variable rates. We have purchased an interest rate cap that expires on March 31, 2021 to minimize the effect of interest rate increases on approximately half of our outstanding borrowings with a notional amount of $50 million and strike rate of 3.00%, which resets every three months at the end of March, June, September, and December. However, we do not maintain interest rate caps with respect to all of our variable rate indebtedness, and our interest rate cap may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk.

Uncertainty relating to the likely phasing out of LIBOR by 2021 may result in us paying increased interest under our debt instruments, such as our senior secured notes.

On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced its intention to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. As a result, the continuation of LIBOR on its current basis is not guaranteed after 2021, and currently, it appears likely that LIBOR will be discontinued or substantially modified by 2021. If LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to renegotiate our debt agreements. The discontinuation or modification of LIBOR could result in significant increases in benchmark interest rates, substantially higher financing costs or a shortage of available debt financing, any of which could have an adverse effect on our operating results.

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We and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt, which could further exacerbate the risks described above.

We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of the indenture governing the Notes do not fully prohibit us or our subsidiaries from doing so. If new debt is added to our, or our subsidiaries’, current debt levels, the related risks that we or they now face could intensify.accelerated.

We face significant competition from other gaming and entertainment operations.

The gaming industry is characterized by an increasingly high degree of competition among a large number of participants, including riverboat casinos, dockside casinos, land-based casinos, racetrack casinos, sports betting, video lottery, poker machines not located in casinos, Native American gaming, social gaming and other forms of gaming. Furthermore, competition from Internet lotteries, sweepstakes, and other Internet wagering gaming services, which allow their customers to wager on a wide variety of sporting events and play Las Vegas-style casino games from home or in non-casino settings, including those offered by companies affiliated with us, could divert customers from our properties and thus materially and adversely affect our business. Such Internet wagering services are often illegal under federal law, but operate from overseas locations and are, nevertheless, sometimes accessible to domestic gamblers. Additionally, there are often proposals to further legalize Internet poker and other varieties of Internet gaming in a number of states and at the federal level. Several states, including Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware and Delaware,Pennsylvania, have enacted legislation authorizing intrastate Internet gaming and Internet gaming operations have begun in these states. Expansion of Internet gaming in other jurisdictions (both legal and illegal) could further compete with our traditional operations, which could have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

In a broader sense, our gaming operations face competition from all manner of leisure and entertainment activities, including other non-gaming resorts and vacation destinations, shopping, athletic events, television and movies, concerts, and travel. Legalized gaming is currently permitted in various forms throughout the U.S., in several Canadian provinces and on various lands taken into trust for the benefit of certain Native Americans in the U.S. and Canada. OtherNew jurisdictions that border our operational locations, such as Ohio, have recently legalizedmay legalize gaming and implemented gaming. In addition, established gaming jurisdictions could award additional gaming licenses or permit the expansion or relocation of existing gaming operations. New, relocated or expanded operations by other persons could increase competition for our gaming operations and could have a material adverse impact on us. Gaming competition is intense in most of the markets where we operate. In most markets, we compete directly with other casino facilities operating in the immediate and surrounding market areas. In some markets, we face competition from nearby markets in addition to direct competition within our market areas. As competing properties and new markets are opened, our operating results may be negatively impacted. In addition, some of our direct competitors in certain markets may have superior facilities and/or operating conditions. We expect each existing or future market in which we participate to be highly competitive. The competitive position of each of our casino properties is discussed in “Item 1. Business – Competition”.

We may face revenue declines if discretionary consumer spending drops due to an economic downturn.

Our revenues are highly dependent upon the volume and spending levels of customers at our properties and, as such, our business has been in the past, and could be in the future, adversely impacted by economic downturns. Decreases in discretionary consumer spending brought about by weakened general economic conditions such as, but not limited to, lackluster recoveries from recessions, pandemics, epidemics, widespread health emergencies, or outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus, high unemployment levels, higher income taxes, low levels of consumer confidence, weakness in the housing market, cultural and demographic changes, and increased stock market volatility may negatively impact our revenues and operating cash flow. For example, the coronavirus is expected to have indeterminable adverse effects on the global economy, including the United States, such as an economic slowdown and it is possible that it could cause a global recession. This could lead to a reduction in discretionary spending by our guests on entertainment and leisure activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, cash flow and results of operations. Furthermore, during periods of economic contraction, our revenues may decrease while many of our costs remain fixed and some costs may increase, resulting in decreased earnings.

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We cannot assure you that any of our contracted sports betting parties, through the use of our permitted website “skins,” will be able to compete effectively, that our contracted sports parties will have the ability and/or willingness to sustain sports betting operations should they experience an extended period of unprofitability, or that we will have the ability to replace existing partners or vendors on similar terms as our existing revenue guarantees.

Our contracted sports betting parties, through the use of our permitted website “skins,” compete in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive market against an increasing number of competitors. The success of their sports betting operations is dependent on a number of factors that are beyond our and their control, including the ultimate tax rates and license fees charged by jurisdictions across the United States; their ability to gain market share in a newly developing market; the timeliness and the technological and popular viability of their products; their ability to compete with new entrants in the market; changes in consumer demographics and public tastes and preferences; and the availability and popularity of other forms of entertainment. While our current agreements with our contracted sports betting parties provide us with contractual minimums for revenue upon their launch of operations, we cannot assure you that any of our contracted sports parties will be able to compete effectively or that they will have the ability or willingness to sustain sports betting operations for an extended period of unprofitability.  Should any of our contracted sports betting parties cease operations, whether due to unprofitability or for other reasons, there can be no assurance that we will be able to replace them on similar terms as our existing agreements.

Marine transportation is inherently risky, and insurance may be insufficient to cover losses that may occur to our assets or result from our ferry boat operations.

The operation of our vessel is subject to various inherent risks, including:

catastrophic marine disasters and accidents;
adverse weather conditions or natural disasters;
mechanical failure or equipment damage;
hazardous substance spills; and
navigation and human errors.

The occurrence of any of these events may result in, among other things, damage to or loss of our vessel, damage to other vessels and the environment, loss of revenues, short-term or long-term interruption of ferry boat service, termination of our vessel charter or other contracts, fines, penalties or other restrictions on conducting business, damage to our reputation and customer relationships, and death or injury to personnel and passengers. Such occurrences may also result in a significant increase in our operating costs or liability to third parties.

We derive our revenues and operating income from our casino resort properties located in Mississippi, Colorado, Indiana and Nevada, and are especially subject to certain risks, including economic and competitive risks, associated with the conditions in those areas and in the states from which we draw patrons.

Because we derive our revenues and operating income from properties concentrated in four states, we are subject to greater risks from regional conditions than a gaming company with operating properties in a greater number of different geographic regions. A decrease in revenues from, or an increase in costs for, one of these locations is likely to have a proportionally greater impact on our business and operations than it would for a gaming company with more geographically diverse operating properties. Risks from regional conditions include the following:

regional economic conditions;
regional competitive conditions, including legalization or expansion of gaming in Mississippi, Colorado, Indiana, Nevada, or in neighboring states;
allowance of new types of gaming, such as the introduction of live table games at Indiana racinos or Internet gaming;
reduced land or air travel due to increasing fuel costs or transportation disruptions; and,
increase in our vulnerability to economic downturns and competitive pressures in the markets in which we operate.

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Some of our casino resort operations are located on leased property. If the lessor of the Grand Lodge Casino exercises its buyout rights or if we default on this or certain of our other leases, the applicable lessors could terminate the affected leases and we could lose possession of the affected casino.

We lease certain parcels of land at our Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel in Mississippi, certain land and buildings at Bronco Billy’s Hotel and Casino in Colorado (much of which is to be utilized for the new Cripple Creek casino hotel) and one of the two hotels at our Rising Star Casino Resort in Indiana. We also lease casino space at our Grand Lodge Casino in Nevada. As a lessee, we have the right to use the leased land, hotel or space, as applicable; however, we do not hold fee ownership. Accordingly, unless we have a purchase option and exercise such option, we will have no interest in the improvements thereon at the expiration of the leases. We have such purchase options on the leased property at the Silver Slipper, Bronco Billy’s and for the leased hotel at Rising Star, but it is either currently more advantageous for us to continue to lease rather than exercise the buyout option, or we have certain restrictions which only allow us to exercise the purchase option during certain future time periods. Under certain circumstances and at the expirations of the underlying leases, we might be forced to exercise our buyout options in order to continue to operate those properties. There is no certainty that the funds could be raised at that time at a reasonable cost, or at all, to exercise some or all of the buyout options. The operating lease at the Grand Lodge Casino, which is set to expire on August 31, 2023, includes certain lessor buyout rights based upon a multiple of EBITDA that, if exercised, could result in the lessor purchasing our leasehold interest and the operating assets on terms that may be less than fair market value or financially unfavorable to us. Since we do not completely control the land, buildings, hotel and space underlying our leased properties, a lessor could take certain actions to disrupt our rights under the long-term leases which are beyond our control. If the entity owning any leased land, buildings, hotel or space chose to disrupt our use either permanently or for a significant period of time, then the value of our assets could be impaired and our business and operations could be adversely affected. If we were to default on the lease, the lessor could terminate the affected lease and we could lose possession of the affected land, buildings, hotel or space and any improvements thereon. The loss of the lease through exercise of buyout rights or through termination upon default could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations as we would then be unable to operate all or portions of the affected facilities, which, in turn, may result in a default under our debt agreements.

Adverse weather conditions, road construction, gasoline shortages and other factors affecting our facilities and the areas in which we operate could make it more difficult for potential customers to travel to our properties and deter customers from visiting our properties.

Our continued success depends upon our ability to draw customers from each of the geographic markets in which we operate. Adverse weather conditions or road construction can deter our customers from traveling to our facilities or make it difficult for them to frequent our properties. In recent years, there were severe cold temperatures that we believe adversely affected our Indiana and Mississippi properties’ financial performance and historically low snow levels in the Lake Tahoe region adversely affected visitation and financial performance at Grand Lodge. Bronco Billy’s in recent years was adversely affected by nearby forest fires, as well as the subsequent flooding of its access roads due to lack of vegetation (from the forest fires) on hills above such roads. Moreover, gasoline shortages or fuel price increases could make it more difficult for potential customers to travel to our properties and deter customers from visiting. Our dockside gaming facility in Indiana, as well as any additional riverboat or dockside casino properties that might be developed or acquired, are also subject to risks, in addition to those associated with land-based casinos, which could disrupt our operations. Although our Indiana casino vessel does not leave its moorings in normal operations, there are risks associated with the movement or mooring of vessels on waterways, including risks of casualty due to river turbulence, flooding, collisions with other vessels and severe weather conditions. Our ferry boat that we operate at Rising Star has similar risks as our Indiana casino vessel, as well as additional risks related to ferry boat operations discussed above.

Our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected by the occurrence of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, pandemics, epidemics, widespread health emergencies, or outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus pandemic, or other catastrophic events, including war, terrorism and gun violence.

Natural disasters, such as major hurricanes, tornadoes, typhoons, floods, fires and earthquakes, could adversely affect our business and operating results. Hurricanes are common in the area in which our Mississippi property is located, and the severity of such natural disasters is unpredictable. In October 2020, Hurricane Zeta caused the temporary closure of the Silver Slipper and caused approximately $5 million of damage, most of which was covered by insurance.  In 2005, Hurricanes Katrina

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and Rita caused significant damage in the Gulf Coast region. Additionally, our Indiana property is at risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Ohio River.

If a pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease, such as the recent coronavirus pandemic, occurs in the United States or on a global scale, our business may be adversely affected. As described elsewhere in these Risk Factors, such events may result in closures of our properties, a period of business disruption, and/or in reduced operations, any of which could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Catastrophic events, such as terrorist and war activities in the United States and elsewhere, when they occur, have had a negative effect on travel and leisure expenditures, including lodging, gaming and tourism. Gun violence has also occurred at casinos, including a mass shooting at a casino in Las Vegas in 2017. We cannot accurately predict the extent to which such events may affect us, directly or indirectly, in the future. There also can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain or choose to purchase any insurance coverage with respect to occurrences of terrorist and violent acts and any losses that could result from these acts. If there is a prolonged disruption at our properties due to natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other catastrophic events, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Several of our properties, including Silver Slipper, Bronco Billy’s and Rising Star, are accessed by our customers via routes that have few alternatives.

The Silver Slipper is located at the end of a dead-end road, with no other access. Bronco Billy’s is accessed by most guests via a mountain pass; if that pass is closed for any reason, the alternative is longer. Rising Star’s primary access from Cincinnati is via a road alongside the Ohio River; if this road were to close, the alternative routes involve more winding roads through the rolling hills inland from the river or a ferry boat. If access to any of these roads is blocked for any significant period, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially affected.

We may incur property and other losses that are not adequately covered by insurance, including adequate levels of Weather Catastrophe Occurrence/Named Windstorm, Flood and Earthquake insurance coverage for our properties.

Although we maintain insurance that our management believes is customary and appropriate for our business, there can be no assurance that insurance will be available at reasonable costs in any given year or adequate to cover all losses and damage to which our business or our assets might be subjected. The lack of adequate insurance for certain types or levels of risk could expose us to significant losses in the event that a catastrophe occurred for which we are uninsured or under-insured. Any losses we incur that are not adequately covered by insurance may decrease our future operating income, require us to find replacements or repairs for destroyed property, and reduce the funds available for payments of our obligations. In addition, certain casualty events, such as labor strikes, nuclear events, acts of war, declines in visitation and loss of income due to fear of terrorism or other acts of violence, loss of electrical power due to catastrophic events, rolling blackouts or otherwise, deterioration or corrosion, insect or animal damage, pandemic-related shutdowns and pollution, may not be covered at all under our policies. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could, therefore, expose us to substantial uninsured losses.

There is no certainty that insurance companies will continue to offer insurance at acceptable rates, or at all, in hurricane-prone areas, including the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Some insurance companies may significantly limit the amount of coverage they will write in these markets and increase the premiums charged for this coverage. Additionally, uncertainty can occur as to the viability of certain insurance companies. While we believe that the insurance companies from which we have purchased insurance policies will remain solvent, there is no certainty that this will be the case.

We depend on our key personnel.

We are highly dependent on the services of our executive management team and other members of our senior management team. Our ability to attract and retain key personnel is affected by the competitiveness of our compensation packages and the other terms and conditions of employment, our continued ability to compete effectively against other gaming companies, and our growth prospects. The loss of the services of any members of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Higher wage and benefit costs could adversely affect our business.

While the majority of our employees earn more than the minimum wage in their relative jurisdictions and many receive medical plan benefits from us, changes in federal and state minimum wage laws and other laws relating to employee benefits, including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, have in the past, and could in the future, cause us to incur additional wage and benefits costs. Increased labor costs brought about by changes in either federal or state minimum wage laws, other regulations or prevailing market conditions have recently, and could in the future, further increase our expenses, which could have an adverse impact on our profitability, or decrease the number of employees we are able to employ, which could decrease customer service levels at our gaming facilities and therefore adversely impact revenues. For example, the state of Colorado increased its minimum wage to $11.10 in January 2019, $12.00 in January 2020 and again to $12.32 in January 2021. Thereafter it will be adjusted annually for cost-of-living increases, as measured by the Consumer Price Index used for Colorado. There is also the potential for an increase in the federal minimum wage, including a recent proposal to gradually increase it to $15.00.

Rising operating costs at our gaming properties could have a negative impact on our business.

The operating expenses associated with our gaming properties could increase due to, among other reasons, the following factors:

changes in federal, state or local tax or regulations, including state gaming regulations or gaming taxes, could impose additional restrictions or increase our operating costs;
aggressive marketing and promotional campaigns by our competitors for an extended period of time could force us to increase our expenditures for marketing and promotional campaigns in order to maintain our existing customer base or attract new customers;
as our properties age, we may need to increase our expenditures for repairs, maintenance, and to replace equipment necessary to operate our business in amounts greater than what we have spent historically;
our reliance on slot play revenues and any additional costs imposed on us from slot machine vendors;
availability and cost of the many products and services we provide our customers, including food, beverages, retail items, entertainment, hotel rooms, spa and golf;
availability and costs associated with insurance;
increases in costs of labor;
our properties use significant amounts of electricity, natural gas and other forms of energy, and energy price increases may adversely affect our cost structure;
our properties use significant amounts of water, and a water shortage may adversely affect our operations; and
at Grand Lodge, we rely on Hyatt Lake Tahoe to provide certain items at reasonable costs, including food, beverages, parking and rooms. Any change in its pricing or the availability of such items may affect our ability to compete.

If our operating expenses increase without any offsetting increase in our revenues, our results of operations would suffer.

We face the risk of fraud and cheating.

Our gaming customers may attempt or commit fraud or cheat in order to increase winnings. Acts of fraud or cheating could involve the use of counterfeit chips or other tactics, possibly in collusion with our employees. Internal acts of cheating could also be conducted by employees directly or through collusion with dealers, surveillance staff, floor managers or other casino or gaming area staff. Failure to discover such acts or schemes in a timely manner could result in losses in our gaming operations. In addition, negative publicity related to such schemes could have an adverse effect on our reputation, potentially causing a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Win rates for our gaming operations depend on a variety of factors, some beyond our control.

The gaming industry is characterized by an element of chance. In addition to the element of chance, win rates are also affected by other factors, including players’ skill and experience, the mix of games played, the financial resources of players, the spread of table limits, the volume of bets played and the amount of time played. Our gaming profits are mainly derived from the difference between our casino winnings and the casino winnings of our gaming customers. Since there is an inherent element of

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chance in the gaming industry, we do not have full control over our winnings or the winnings of our gaming customers. If our winnings do not exceed the winnings of our gaming customers by enough to cover our operating costs, we may record a loss from our gaming operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The concentration and evolution of the slot machine manufacturing industry could impose additional costs on us.

A majority of our revenues are attributable to slot machines and related systems operated by us at our gaming facilities. It is important, for competitive reasons, that we offer popular and up-to-date slot machine games to our customers. A substantial majority of the slot machines sold in the U.S. in recent years were manufactured by only a few companies, and there has been recent consolidation activity within the gaming equipment sector. In recent years, slot machine manufacturers have frequently refused to sell slot machines featuring the most popular games, instead requiring participation lease arrangements. Participation slot machine leasing arrangements typically require the payment of a fixed daily rental or a percentage payment of coin-in or net win. Generally, a participation lease is more expensive over the long term than the cost to purchase a new machine.  For competitive reasons, we may be forced to purchase new slot machines or enter into participation lease arrangements that are more expensive than our current costs associated with the continued operation of our existing slot machines. If the newer slot machines do not result in sufficient incremental revenues to offset the increased investment and participation lease costs, it could hurt our profitability.

Our business may be adversely affected by legislation prohibiting tobacco smoking.

Legislation in various forms to ban indoor tobacco smoking has been enacted or introduced in jurisdictions in which we operate. Except for our casino in Colorado, the gaming areas of our properties are not currently subject to tobacco restrictions. While gaming areas have generally been exempted from these restrictions, if additional restrictions on smoking are enacted in jurisdictions in which we operate, we could experience a decrease in gaming revenue. This is particularly the case if such restrictions are not applicable to all competitive facilities in that gaming market.

We are subject to risks related to corporate social responsibility and reputation.

Many factors influence our reputation and the value of our brands, including the perception held by our customers, business partners, other key stakeholders and the communities in which we do business. Our business faces increasing scrutiny related to environmental, social and governance activities and risk of damage to our reputation and the value of our brands if we fail to act responsibly in a number of areas, such as diversity and inclusion, environmental stewardship, climate change, workplace conduct, human rights, philanthropy and support for local communities. Any harm to our reputation could impact employee engagement and retention and the willingness of customers and our partners to do business with us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash flows.

Risks Related to Development and Growth Opportunities

We are engaged from time to time in one or more construction and development projects, including the new Cripple Creek casino hotel, and many factors could prevent us from completing them as planned.

Construction of major buildings has certain inherent risks, including the risks of fire, structural collapse, human error and electrical, mechanical and plumbing malfunction. In addition, projects entail additional risks related to structural heights and the required use of cranes. Our development and expansion projects are exposed to significant risks, including:

shortage of materials;
shortage of skilled labor or work stoppages;
unforeseen construction scheduling, engineering, excavation, environmental or geological problems;
increases in the cost of steel and other raw materials for construction, driven by U.S. tariffs on imports, demand, higher labor and construction costs and other factors, may cause price increases beyond those anticipated in the budgets for our development projects;
natural disasters, hurricanes, weather interference, changes in river levels, floods, fires, earthquakes, the impacts of pandemic such as coronavirus, or other casualty losses or delays;

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unanticipated cost increases or delays in completing the project;
delays in obtaining, or inability to obtain or maintain, necessary license or permits;
lack of sufficient, or delays in the availability of, financing;
changes to plans or specifications;
performance by contractors and subcontractors;
disputes with contractors;
personal injuries to workers and other persons;
disruption of our operations caused by diversion of management’s attention to new development projects and construction at our existing properties;
remediation of environmental contamination at some of our proposed construction sites, which may prove more difficult or expensive than anticipated in our construction budgets;
failure to obtain and maintain necessary gaming regulatory approvals and licenses, or failure to obtain such approvals and licenses on a timely basis;
requirements or government-established “goals” concerning union labor or requiring that a portion of the project expenditures be through companies controlled by specific ethnic or gender groups, goals that may not be obtainable, or may only be obtainable at additional project cost; and
other unanticipated circumstances or cost increases.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could increase the total costs of a project, or delay or prevent its construction, development, expansion or opening. Escalating construction costs may cause us to modify the design and scope of projects from those initially contemplated or cause the budgets for those projects to be increased. We generally carry insurance to cover certain liabilities related to construction, but not all risks are covered, and it is uncertain whether such insurance will provide sufficient payment in a timely fashion even for those risks that are insured and material to us.

Construction of our development projects exposes us to risks of cost overruns due to typical construction uncertainties associated with any project or changes in the designs, plans or concepts of such projects. For these and other reasons, construction costs may exceed the estimated cost of completion.

We intend to construct an approximately 300-guest-room hotel in Cripple Creek, Colorado, adjoining and connected to our existing Bronco Billy’s casino. This expansion is expected to include a spa, rooftop pool, parking garage, convention and entertainment space, new restaurant, and an expanded and renovated casino, and this expansion is subject to all of the foregoing risks.

In addition to the risk factors noted above, our development of the new Cripple Creek casino hotel is exposed to the following significant risks:

risks associated with the failure of completing the project on budget or on time;
risks of having insufficient funds to complete any significant portion of the new Cripple Creek casino hotel in the event construction costs exceed budgeted amounts plus contingencies;
failure to comply with the terms of our disbursement agreement under our indenture could limit our access to funds for the new Cripple Creek casino hotel;
mechanic’s liens on real property collateral may have priority over the liens securing the 2028 Notes; and
there is no assurance that the new Cripple Creek casino hotel will not be subject to additional regulatory delays or challenges as a “certificate of appropriateness as a project of special merit,” “building height variance” and via the amending of the existing Development Agreement.

The construction costs for the new Cripple Creek casino hotel may exceed budgeted amounts plus contingencies, which may result in insufficient funds to complete the expansion of Bronco Billy’s.

We do not have final plans and specifications for construction of the new Cripple Creek casino hotel. Delays in the completion of those plans and specifications could delay completion of the new Cripple Creek casino hotel. In addition, completion of the plans and specifications while construction is in progress could cause inefficiencies, and certain items may need to be modified or replaced after they have been purchased, constructed or installed in order to conform to building code

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requirements or subsequently-developed plans and specifications. The Pre-Construction Services Agreement and Letter of Intent with our general contractor provides that the cost of construction may increase and the deadlines for the contractor’s obligations to complete construction may be adjusted for alterations in the project’s scope.  We can give no assurance that changes in the scope of the expansion project will not increase the cost of the project or extend its completion date. We have established the total project budget based, in part, on our estimate of the cost of various construction goods and services for parts of the building that, in some cases, are not yet fully designed.  If the actual cost with respect to these allowance items exceeds the estimated amount, we will be responsible for the payment of those excess amounts out of the cash flow from our other operations and from cash balances.  Our cash flow or cash reserves may not be adequate at any given time to address balancing of the construction budget if there are increased costs. If our contingency, cash flow from operations and anticipated excess liquidity are insufficient to cover any shortfall, we may not have sufficient funds to complete the new Cripple Creek casino hotel without seeking additional capital or at all.

There is no assurance that the new Cripple Creek casino hotel will not be subject to additional regulatory restrictions, delays, or challenges.

We received approval of the plans for the new Cripple Creek casino hotel from the Cripple Creek Historic Preservation Commission and Cripple Creek City Council in January and February 2021, respectively.  The two Ordinances that were approved in February 2021 do not become effective until 30 days after being published. During that 30-day period, a referendum petition with sufficient signatures could be collected and filed which would then refer the matter to a public vote. Additionally, as part of these approvals, the Cripple Creek City Council voted to amend the prior Development Agreement with Bronco Billy’s regarding the project, as an Amended & Restated Development Agreement. In the Amended & Restated Development Agreement, we are obligated to complete the project by December 31, 2022. If Bronco Billy’s does not complete the project by that date, the City may exercise its right of reversion for the previously vacated right of way of portions of 2nd Avenue and the alley.  If the project is substantially underway at the deadline, it is likely that the City Council would agree to extend the deadline; however, there is no certainty that would be the case.  Completion of the project could also be delayed by weather, labor shortages or other construction delays. There is no assurance that the new Cripple Creek casino hotel will not be subject to additional restrictions, delays, or challenges, as the project will also require at least the following administrative approvals: a development plan, approved construction drawings required for a building permit, and a certification of occupancy.

There is no assurance that the new Cripple Creek casino hotel will be successful.

In addition to the construction and regulatory risks associated with the development of the new Cripple Creek casino hotel, we cannot assure you that the level of consumer demand for that casino hotel will meet our expectations. The operating results of the new Cripple Creek casino hotel may be materially different than expected due to, among other factors, consumer spending and preferences in the geographic area, competition from other markets, or other developments that may be beyond our control. In addition, the new casino hotel may be more sensitive than anticipated by management to certain risks, including risks associated with downturns in the economy.  Further, the new Cripple Creek casino hotel may not generate cash flows on our anticipated timeline.  We may not be able to successfully implement our growth strategy with respect to the new Cripple Creek casino hotel, capital investments, and acquisitions.  There is no assurance that the new Cripple Creek casino hotel will result in a more successful business operation, or that a more luxurious hotel, spa, and casino experience will increase clientele or revenues.  There is no assurance that a more modern expansion will attract new visitors to a city with historic architecture.  The occurrence of any of these issues could adversely affect our prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to comply with the terms of our disbursement agreement could limit our access to funds.

In February 2021, we deposited approximately $180 million into the construction disbursement account. The funds in the construction disbursement account, which will be used to fund the completion of the design, development, construction, equipping and opening costs of the new Cripple Creek casino hotel, will be disbursed pursuant to the terms of our Cash Collateral and Disbursement Agreement. Funds will be distributed from this account only upon satisfaction of certain conditions, including the approval of the disbursements by an independent construction consultant, as contemplated by the Cash Collateral and Disbursement Agreement. If we fail to satisfy draw conditions or the independent construction consultant does not give its approval to construction draws, in each case under our Cash Collateral and Disbursement Agreement, we may not have access to funds when needed to pay such costs, which could cause delays in the construction of the new Cripple Creek casino hotel.

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We face a number of challenges prior to opening new or upgraded facilities.

No assurance can be given that, when we endeavor to open new or upgraded facilities, the expected timetables for opening such facilities will be met in light of the uncertainties inherent in the development of the regulatory framework, construction, the licensing process, legislative action and litigation. Delays in opening new or upgraded facilities could lead to increased costs and delays in receiving anticipated revenues with respect to such facilities and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may face disruption and other difficulties in integrating and managing facilities we have recently developed or acquired, or may develop or acquire in the future.

We may face certain challenges as we integrate the operational and administrative systems of recently developed or acquired facilities into our business. As a result, the realization of anticipated benefits may be delayed or substantially reduced. Events outside of our control, including changes in state and federal regulations and laws, as well as economic trends, also could adversely affect our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from the acquisition or future development.

We expect to continue pursuing expansion opportunities. We regularly evaluate opportunities for acquisition and development of new properties. We could face significant challenges in managing and integrating our expanded or combined operations and any other properties we may develop or acquire, particularly in new competitive markets. The integration of properties we may develop or acquire will require the dedication of management resources that may temporarily divert attention from our day-to-day business. The process of integrating properties that we may acquire also could interrupt the activities of those businesses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the development of new properties may involve construction, local opposition, regulatory, legal and competitive risks, as well as the risks attendant to partnership deals on these development opportunities. In particular, in projects where we team up with a joint venture partner, if we cannot reach agreement with such partners, or our relationships otherwise deteriorate, we could face significant increased costs and delays. Local opposition can delay or increase the anticipated cost of a project. Finally, given the competitive nature of these types of limited license opportunities, litigation is possible.

Management of new properties, especially in new geographic areas, may require that we increase our management resources. We cannot assure you that we will be able to manage the combined operations effectively or realize any of the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions. We also cannot assure you that, if acquisitions are completed, the acquired businesses will generate returns consistent with our expectations. Our ability to achieve our objectives in connection with any acquisition we may consummate may be highly dependent on, among other things, our ability to retain the senior-level property management teams of such acquisition candidates. If, for any reason, we are unable to retain these management teams following such acquisitions or if we fail to attract new capable executives, our operations after consummation of such acquisitions could be materially adversely affected. If we make new acquisitions or new investments, we may face additional risks related to our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, ability to satisfy financial covenants and comply with other restrictive covenants under our indenture, and ability to pay or refinance our indebtedness.

The occurrence of some or all of the above-described events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The construction of the new Cripple Creek casino hotel may inconvenience customers and disrupt business activity at the adjoining Bronco Billy’s casino.

Although we will attempt to minimize disruption of our existing Bronco Billy’s operations, construction of the new Cripple Creek casino hotel will require portions of the adjoining Bronco Billy’s to be closed or disrupted. For example, the Cripple Creek Project will be built, in part, on surface parking lots currently used by guests of Bronco Billy’s. As a result, we will close such parking lots and relocate guest parking until the project’s new parking garage is available for use. Similarly, hotel rooms at Bronco Billy’s will be temporarily unavailable during construction. Any significant disruption in operations at Bronco Billy’s could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Additional growth projects or potential enhancements at our properties may require us to raise additional capital.

We may need to access financial institution sources, capital markets, private sources or otherwise obtain additional funds to fund additional growth projects or potential enhancements we may undertake at our facilities. We do not know when or if financial institution sources, capital markets or private sources will permit us to raise additional funds for such phases and enhancements in a timely manner, on acceptable terms, or at all. Inability to access financial institution sources, capital markets or private sources, or the availability of capital only on less-than-favorable terms, may force us to delay, reduce or cancel our growth projects and enhancement projects.

Our ability to obtain financial institution sources, capital markets or private source financing for future offerings may also be limited by our financial condition, results of operations or other factors, such as our credit rating or outlook at the time of any such financing or offering and the covenants in our existing debt agreements, as well as by general economic conditions and contingencies and uncertainties that are beyond our control. As we seek additional financing, we will be subject to the risks of rising interest rates and other factors affecting the financial markets.

The casino, hotel and resort industry is capital intensive, and we may not be able to finance expansion and renovation projects, which could put us at a competitive disadvantage.

Our properties have an ongoing need for renovations and other capital improvements to remain competitive, including replacement, from time to time, of furniture, fixtures and equipment. We may also need to make capital expenditures at our casino properties to comply with our debt covenants, lease agreements and applicable laws and regulations.

Renovations and other capital improvements at our properties require significant capital expenditures. In addition, renovations and capital improvements usually generate little or no cash flow until the projects are completed. We may not be able to fund such projects solely from existing resources and cash provided from operating activities. Consequently, we may have to rely upon the availability of debt or equity capital to fund renovations and capital improvements, and our ability to carry them out will be limited if we cannot obtain satisfactory debt or equity financing, which will depend on, among other things, market conditions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain additional equity or debt financing or that we will be able to obtain such financing on favorable terms. Our failure to renovate our properties may put us at a competitive disadvantage.

We may face risks related to our ability to receive regulatory approvals required to complete certain acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, and other developments, as well as other potential delays in completing certain transactions.

Our growth may be fueled, in part, by the acquisition of existing gaming and development properties. In addition to standard closing conditions, our material transactions, including but not limited to acquisitions, are often conditioned on the receipt of regulatory approvals and other hurdles that create uncertainty and could increase costs. Such delays could significantly reduce the benefits to us of such transactions and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we fail to obtain necessary government approvals in a timely manner, or at all, it can adversely impact our various expansion, development, investment and renovation projects.

The scope of the approvals required for expansion, development, investment or renovation projects can be extensive and may include gaming approvals, state and local land-use permits, and building and zoning permits. Unexpected changes or concessions required by local, state or federal regulatory authorities could involve significant additional costs and delay the scheduled openings of the facilities. We may not obtain the necessary permits, licenses, entitlements and approvals within the anticipated time frames, or at all.

Insufficient or lower-than-expected results generated from our new developments and acquired properties may negatively affect our operating results and financial condition.

We cannot assure you that the revenues generated from our new developments and acquired properties will be sufficient to pay related expenses if and when these developments are completed; or, even if revenues are sufficient to pay expenses, that the new developments and acquired properties will yield an adequate return or any return on our significant investments. As

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previously discussed, the development of new properties may involve construction, regulatory, legal and competitive risks or local opposition, any of which can significantly increase the anticipated cost of a project. Our projects, if completed, may not achieve the level of guest acceptance and patronage we anticipate and, for this or other reasons, may take significantly longer than we expect to generate returns, if any. If our new developments or acquired properties do not achieve the financial results anticipated, it could adversely affect our revenues and results of operations. Moreover, lower-than-expected results from the opening of a new facility may make it more difficult to raise capital.

Risks Related to our Indebtedness

Our significant indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations.

As of February 12, 2021, the total principal amount of our indebtedness, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, was $315.6 million, consisting of $310 million under the 2028 Notes and $5.6 million for unsecured loans taken under the CARES Act, and for which we intend to seek forgiveness. We also have a finance lease at our Rising Star Casino Resort for $3.8 million.

That debt could, among other things:

require us to dedicate a large portion of our cash flow from operations to the servicing and repayment of our debt, thereby reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures and acquisitions, and other general corporate requirements;
limit our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate requirements;
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we operate;
restrict our ability to make strategic acquisitions or dispositions or to exploit business opportunities;
increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions and increases in interest rates;
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and
adversely affect our credit rating or the market price of our common stock.

Any of these risks could impact our ability to fund our operations or limit our ability to expand our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

The indenture governing the 2028 Notes imposes restrictive covenants and limitations that could significantly affect our ability to operate our business and lead to events of default if we do not comply with the covenants.

The indenture governing the 2028 Notes imposes restrictive covenants on us and our subsidiaries that may limit our current and future operations. The restrictions that are imposed include, among other obligations, limitations on our and our subsidiaries’ ability to:

incur additional debt and guarantee indebtedness;
make payments on subordinated obligations;
make dividends or distributions and repurchase stock;
make investments;
enter into transactions with affiliates;
grant liens on our property to secure debt;
sell assets or enter into mergers or consolidations;
sell equity interest in our subsidiaries;
make capital expenditures; or
amend or modify our subordinate indebtedness without obtaining certain consents from the holders of our indebtedness.

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These restrictions could adversely affect our ability to:

obtain additional financing for our operations;
make needed capital expenditures;
make strategic acquisitions or investments or enter into alliances;
withstand a continued and sustained downturn in our business or the economy in general;
engage in business activities, including future opportunities, that may be in our interest; and
plan for or react to market conditions or otherwise execute our business strategies.

Our ability to comply with the covenants under the indenture, or in any instrument governing future indebtedness, may be affected by general economic conditions, industry conditions, and other events beyond our control, including delays in the completion of new projects under construction. As a result, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with these covenants. Our failure to comply with the covenants contained under the indenture, or in any instrument governing future indebtedness, including failure to comply as a result of events beyond our control, could result in an event of default. If there were an event of default and it is not waived by the requisite parties (at their option), the agent, the trustee or holders, as applicable, could cause all the outstanding obligations under the 2028 Notes or other future indebtedness to be due and payable, subject to applicable grace periods, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results and our financial condition. Additionally, this could trigger cross-defaults under other debt obligations. We cannot assure you that our assets or cash flow would be sufficient to repay our obligations under the 2028 Notes, or any future outstanding debt obligations, if accelerated upon an event of default, particularly in light of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our business, cash flows and liquidity, or that we would be able to borrow sufficient funds to refinance the 2028 Notes or any future debt instruments.

To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, and to fund planned capital expenditures and expansion efforts, will depend upon our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors, including the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations or asset sales, our anticipated growth in operations, including through our expansion efforts, will be realized, or that future borrowings will be available to us in amounts sufficient to enable us to repay the 2028 Notes and to fund our other liquidity needs. In addition, as we undertake substantial new developments or facility renovations or if we consummate significant acquisitions in the future, our cash requirements may increase significantly and we may need to obtain additional equity or debt financing or joint venture partners. Any increase in our level of indebtedness could impose additional cash requirements on us in order to support interest payments. If we incur additional debt, the related risks that we now face could intensify.

If we are not able to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to repay the 2028 Notes, as needed, or to obtain adequate additional financing, we may have to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing or delaying planned expenses and capital expenditures, selling assets, or issuing equity.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to service all of our indebtedness and fund our operating expenses, working capital needs and capital expenditures, and we may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on or refinance our indebtedness will depend upon our future operating performance and our ability to generate cash flow in the future, which are subject to general economic, financial, business, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or fund our other liquidity needs. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and could be forced to reduce or delay investment and capital expenditures, dispose of material assets or operations, seek additional debt or equity capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. We may not be able to affect any such alternative measures, if necessary, on commercially reasonable terms or at all and, even if successful, such alternative actions may not allow us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. The

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indenture governing the 2028 Notes restricts our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from asset dispositions, and may also restrict our ability to raise debt or equity capital to repay or service our indebtedness. If we cannot make scheduled payments on our debt, we will be in default and, as a result, our lenders could declare all outstanding amounts to be due and payable and foreclose against the collateral securing such debt, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects and could result in you losing your investment in us.

We depend on our subsidiaries for certain dividends, distributions and repayment of our indebtedness, including the 2028 Notes.

The source of much of our cash flow to pay our obligations under the 2028 Notes and make payments on any other indebtedness will be dividends and distributions from our subsidiaries. If our subsidiaries are unable to make dividend payments or distributions to us and sufficient cash or liquidity is not otherwise available, we may not be able to pay interest or principal under the 2028 Notes. Unless they guarantee the 2028 Notes, our subsidiaries will not have any obligation to pay amounts due under the 2028 Notes or to make funds available for that purpose. Unless they guarantee the 2028 Notes, our subsidiaries may not be able to, or be permitted to, make distributions to enable us to make payments in respect of our indebtedness, including the 2028 Notes. Each of our subsidiaries is a distinct legal entity and, under certain circumstances, legal and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries. In addition, while the indenture governing the 2028 Notes limits the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to restrict the payment of dividends or make other intercompany payments to us, these limitations will be subject to certain qualifications and exceptions. In the event that we do not receive distributions from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to make required principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, including the 2028 Notes.

Our ability to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms may be limited.

Although we believe that our cash, cash equivalents, working capital, future cash from operations, and the capital obtained from the 2028 Notes will provide adequate resources to fund completion of the Cripple Creek Project and ongoing operating requirements, we may need to refinance or seek additional financing to compete effectively or grow our business. These financing strategies may not be completed on satisfactory terms, if at all. In addition, certain financing transactions require approval of gaming regulatory authorities. Some requirements may prevent or delay us from obtaining necessary capital. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain any additional financing, refinance our existing debt, or fund our growth efforts. If we are unable to obtain financing on commercially reasonable terms, it could:

reduce funds available to us for purposes such as working capital, capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
restrict our ability to capitalize on business opportunities;
increase our vulnerability to economic downturns and competitive pressures in the markets in which we operate; and
place us at a competitive disadvantage.

The obligations under the 2028 Notes are collateralized by a security interest in substantially all of our assets, so if we default on those obligations, the holders of the 2028 Notes could foreclose on our assets. In addition, the existence of these security interests may adversely affect our financial flexibility.

The obligations under the 2028 Notes are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our assets. As a result, if we default under our obligations under the 2028 Notes, the holders of the 2028 Notes, acting through their appointed agent, could foreclose on their security interests and liquidate some or all of these assets, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations and could require us to reduce or cease operations. In addition, the pledge of these assets and other restrictions may limit our flexibility in raising capital for other purposes. Because substantially all of our assets are pledged under these financing arrangements, our ability to incur additional secured indebtedness or to sell or dispose of assets to raise capital may be impaired, which could have an adverse effect on our financial flexibility.

Our loans under the CARES Act may be subject to regulatory review.

On May 8, 2020, two wholly-owned subsidiaries, each of which has less than 500 employees, executed promissory notes, each with a five-year term, evidencing unsecured loans in the aggregate amount of $5,606,200 through programs

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established under the CARES Act and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Such program was established for companies like ours, which were heavily impacted by the business shutdowns and uncertainties created by the pandemic, and encouraged us to retain or rehire employees who may have been unemployed. The application for the unsecured loans required us to certify, among other things, that the economic uncertainty created by the pandemic made the loan requests necessary to support our ongoing operations. We made this certification in good faith after analyzing, among other things, our financial situation (including our relatively small size and high leverage) and our lack of access to alternative forms of capital at such time in light of the required closure of all of our operations and uncertainty surrounding reopening dates. We believe that we satisfied all eligibility criteria for the loans. However, the certification required in the CARES Act application includes subjective criteria and is subject to interpretation. Others may interpret the criteria differently. If we are subsequently found to have been ineligible to receive the loans, we may be required to repay the loans prior to their maturity. We may also be subject to certain penalties with respect to the loans. We intend to seek forgiveness for all of our CARES Act loans, which will also require us to make certain certifications that will be subject to audit and review by governmental entities. While we believe we qualify for such forgiveness, there is no certainty that any or all of the loans will be forgiven. Any of these events could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt, which could further exacerbate the risks described above.

We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The indenture governing the 2028 Notes does not fully prohibit us or our subsidiaries from doing so, and specifically allows for a $15 million revolving credit facility (which allowance increases to $25 million upon the opening of the Cripple Creek Project). If new debt is added to our, or our subsidiaries’, current debt levels, the related risks that we or they now face could intensify.

Risks Related to our Legal and Regulatory Environment

We face extensive regulation from gaming and other regulatory authorities and the cost of compliance or failure to comply with such regulations may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Licensing. The gaming industry is highly regulated, and we must maintain our licenses and pay gaming taxes to continue our operations. The ownership, management and operation of gaming facilities are subject to extensive state and local regulation in the jurisdiction in which it is located. These laws, rules and regulations generally concern the responsibility, financial stability and character of the owners, managers, and persons with financial interest in the gaming operations. The regulatory authorities in jurisdictions where we operate have broad discretion, and may, for any reason set forth in the applicable legislation, rules and regulations, limit, condition, suspend, fail to renew or revoke a license or registration to conduct gaming operations. Furthermore, because we are subject to regulation in each jurisdiction in which we operate, and because regulatory agencies within each jurisdiction review our compliance with gaming laws in other jurisdictions, it is possible that gaming compliance issues in one jurisdiction may lead to reviews and compliance issues in other jurisdictions.

Taxation and fees. We believe that the prospect of significant tax revenue is one of the primary reasons that jurisdictions permit legalized gaming. As a result, gaming companies are typically subject to significant revenue-based taxes and fees in addition to normal federal, state, local and provincial income and employment taxes, and such taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time. We pay substantial taxes and fees with respect to our operations. From time to time, federal, state, local and

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provincial legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, affecting the gaming industry. In addition, any downturn in economic conditions could intensify the efforts of state and local governments to raise revenues through increases in gaming taxes and/or property taxes. It is not possible to determine with certainty the likelihood of changes in tax laws or in the administration of such laws. Any material increase, or the adoption of additional taxes or fees, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Compliance with other laws. In addition to gaming regulations, we are also subject to various federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting businesses in general. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, environmental matters, employment, currency transactions, taxation, construction, zoning, construction and land-use laws, marketing and advertising, smoking, and regulations governing the serving of alcoholic beverages.

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The Bank Secrecy Act, enforced by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) of the U.S. Treasury Department, requires us to report currency transactions in excess of $10,000 occurring within a gaming day, including identification of the guest by name and social security number, to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). This regulation also requires us to report certain suspicious activity, including any transaction that exceeds $5,000 that we know, suspect or have reason to believe involves funds from illegal activity or is designed to evade federal regulations or reporting requirements. Periodic audits by the IRS and our internal audit function assess compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, and substantial penalties can be imposed against us if we fail to comply with this regulation. In recent years, the U.S. Treasury Department has increased its focus on Bank Secrecy Act compliance throughout the gaming industry. Recent public comments by FinCEN suggest that casinos should make efforts to obtain information on each customer’s sources of income. This could impact our ability to attract and retain casino guests.

We also deal with significant amounts of cash in our operations and are subject to various reporting and anti-money laundering regulations. Any violations of anti-money laundering laws or regulations by any of our properties could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Such laws and regulations could change or could be interpreted differently in the future, or new laws and regulations could be enacted.

Our riverboat, as well as our ferry boat operations, at Rising Star must comply with certain federal and state laws and regulations with respect to boat design, on-board facilities, equipment, personnel and safety. In addition, we are required to have third parties periodically inspect and certify our casino riverboat for safety, stability and single compartment flooding integrity. All of our casinos also must meet local fire safety standards. We wouldcould incur additional costs if any, if our gaming facilities are not in compliance with one or more of these regulations.

Changes in legislation and regulation of our business could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Regulations governing the conduct of gaming activities and the obligations of gaming companies in any jurisdiction in which we have or in the future may have gaming operations are subject to change and could impose additional operating, financial, competitive or other burdens on the way we conduct our business.

In particular, certain areas of law governing new gaming activities, such as the federal and state law applicable to sports betting, are new or developing in light of emerging technologies. New and developing areas of law may be subject to the interpretation of the government agencies tasked with enforcing them. In some circumstances, a government agency may interpret a statute or regulation in one manner and then reconsider its interpretation at a later date. No assurance can be provided that government agencies will interpret or enforce new or developing areas of law consistently, predictably, or favorably. Moreover, legislation to prohibit, limit or add burdens to our business may be introduced in the future in states where gaming has been legalized. In addition, from time to time, legislators and special interest groups have proposed legislation that would expand, restrict or prevent gaming operations or which may otherwise adversely impact our operations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Any expansion of gaming or restriction on or prohibition of our gaming operations or enactment of other adverse regulatory changes could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. For example, in January 2019, legal counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) issued a legal opinion on the Interstate Wire Act of 1961 (“Wire Act”), which stated that the Wire Act bans any form of online gambling if it crosses state lines and reversed a 2011 DOJ legal opinion that stated that the Wire Act only applied to interstate sports betting. The validity of the 2019 DOJ legal opinion and the conflicting interpretations of the Wire Act by DOJ is presently the subject of ongoing litigation.

Stockholders may be required to dispose of their shares of our common stock if they are found unsuitable by gaming authorities.

While gaming authorities generally focus on stockholders with more than 5% and often 10% of a company’s shares, such authorities generally can require that any beneficial owner of our common stock and other securities file an application for a finding of suitability. If a gaming authority requires a record or beneficial owner of our securities to file a suitability application, the owner must apply for a finding of suitability within 30 days or at an earlier time prescribed by the gaming authority. The gaming authority has the power to investigate an owner’s suitability and the owner must pay all costs of the investigation. If the owner is found unsuitable, then the owner may be required by law to dispose of our securities. Our certificate of incorporation also provides us with the right to repurchase shares of our common stock from certain beneficial owners declared by gaming

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We may face revenue declines should discretionary consumer spending drop from an economic downturn.

Our net revenues are highly dependent upon the volume and spending levels of customers at our properties and, as such, our business has been in the past, and couldregulators to be in the future, adversely impacted by economic downturns. Decreases in discretionary consumer spending brought about by weakened general economic conditions such as, but not limited to, lackluster recoveries from recessions, pandemics, epidemics, widespread health emergencies, or outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus, high unemployment levels, higher income taxes, low levels of consumer confidence, weakness in the housing market, cultural and demographic changes, and increased stock market volatility may negatively impact our revenues and operating cash flow. For example, the coronavirus is expected to have indeterminable adverse effects on the global economy, including the United States, such as an economic slowdown and it is possible that it could cause a global recession. This could lead to a reduction in discretionary spending by our guests on entertainment and leisure activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, cash flow and results of operations. Furthermore, during periods of economic contraction, our revenues may decrease while manyunsuitable holders of our costs remain fixed and some costsequity securities. The price we may increase, resulting in decreased earnings.

We cannot assure you thatpay to any of our contracted sports betting parties, through the use of our permitted website “skins,”  will be able to compete effectively, that our contracted sports parties will have the ability and/or willingness to sustain sports betting operations should they experience an extended period of unprofitability, or that we will have the ability to replace existing partners or vendors on similar terms as our existing revenue guarantees.

Our contracted sports betting parties, through the use of our permitted website “skins,” will compete in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive market against an increasing number of competitors. The success of their sports betting operations is dependent on a number of factors that are beyond our and their control, including the ultimate tax rates and license fees charged by jurisdictions across the United States; their ability to gain market share in a newly developing market; the timeliness and the technological and popular viability of their products, their ability to compete with new entrants in the market; changes in consumer demographics and public tastes and preferences; and the availability and popularity of other forms of entertainment. While our current agreements with our contracted sports betting parties provide us with guaranteed annual revenue upon their launch of operations, we cannot assure you that any of our contracted sports parties will be able to compete effectively or that they will have the ability or willingness to sustain sports betting operations for an extended period of unprofitability.  Should any of our contracted sports betting parties cease operations, whether due to unprofitability or for other reasons, there can be no assurance that we will be able to replace them on similar terms as our existing revenue guarantees.

Our businesssuch beneficial owner may be adversely affected by legislation prohibiting tobacco smoking.

Legislation in various forms to ban indoor tobacco smoking has been enactedbelow the price such beneficial owner would otherwise accept for his or introduced in jurisdictions in which we operate. Except for those in Colorado, the gaming areas of our properties are not currently subject to tobacco restrictions. While gaming areas have generally been exempted from these restrictions, if additional restrictions on smoking are enacted in jurisdictions in which we operate, we could experience a decrease in gaming revenue. This is particularly the case if such restrictions are not applicable to all competitive facilities in that gaming market.

The exercise of outstanding stock warrants and options may result in substantial dilution and may depress the trading priceher shares of our common stock.

In connection withWe are subject to environmental laws and potential exposure to environmental liabilities.

We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that govern our operations, including emissions and discharges into the former Second Lien Credit Facility, we have warrants outstanding, representing rights to purchase approximately 1.0 million shares of our common stock at the option of the lenders. If our outstanding warrants and other options to purchase shares of our common stock are exercisedenvironment, and the underlying shareshandling and disposal of common stockhazardous and non-hazardous substances and wastes. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in costs for corrective action, penalties or the imposition of other liabilities or restrictions. We also are issued uponsubject to laws and regulations that impose liability and clean-up responsibility for releases of hazardous substances into the environment. Under certain of these laws and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of property may be liable for the costs of remediating contaminated soil or groundwater on or from its property, without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or caused, the contamination, as well as incur liability to third parties impacted by such exercise are sold, our stockholders may experience substantial dilution and the market pricecontamination. The presence of our shares of common stock could decline. Further, the perception that such securities might be exercised could adversely affect the trading price of our shares of common stock. During the time that such securities are outstanding, theycontamination, or failure to remediate it properly, may adversely affect the terms on which we could obtain additional capital.

The warrants also provide the holders with registration rights and redemption rights which allow them, at their option, to require us to repurchase all or a portion of the warrants upon the occurrence of certain triggering events. The refinancing of the Second Lien Credit Facility qualified as a triggering event. If the holders exercise their redemption rights, we have the option of paying them in cash or with a four-year note on terms stipulated in the warrant agreement, or by registering and selling the

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shares related to the warrants through a public offering, which could result in substantial dilution and may adversely affect the market price of our shares.

We depend on our key personnel.

We are highly dependent on the services of our executive management team and other members of our senior management team. Our ability to attract and retain key personnel is affected by the competitiveness of our compensation packages and theuse, sell or rent property. There can be no assurances that these matters or other terms and conditions of employment, our continued ability to compete effectively against other gaming companies, and our growth prospects. The loss of the services of any members of our senior management team couldmatters arising under environmental laws will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, andor results of operations.

We may face disruption and other difficulties in integrating and managing facilities we have recently developed or acquired, or may develop or acquireoperations in the future.

We are subject to litigation which, if adversely determined, could cause us to incur substantial losses.

From time to time during the normal course of operating our businesses, we are subject to various litigation claims and legal disputes. Some of the litigation claims may face certain challenges as we integrate the operational and administrative systems of recently developednot be covered under our insurance policies, or acquired facilities into our business.insurance carriers may seek to deny coverage. As a result, the realization of anticipated benefitswe might also be required to incur significant legal fees, which may be delayed or substantially reduced. Events outside of our control, including changes in state and federal regulations and laws as well as economic trends, also could adversely affect our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from the acquisition or future development.

We expect to continue pursuing expansion opportunities. For example, we plan to build an approximately 180‑guest room hotel in Cripple Creek, Colorado, adjoining and integral with our existing Bronco Billy’s. The expansion is expected to include a spa, parking garage, convention and entertainment space, and two new restaurants. As part of the expansion, we refurbished and reopened the Imperial Casino as the Christmas Casino and rebranded the Imperial Hotel as the Christmas Inn. We also regularly evaluate opportunities for acquisition and development of new properties. We could face significant challenges in managing and integrating our expanded or combined operations and any other properties we may develop or acquire, particularly in new competitive markets. The integration of properties we may develop or acquire will require the dedication of management resources that may temporarily divert attention from our day-to-day business. The process of integrating properties that we may acquire also could interrupt the activities of those businesses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.position. In addition, the development of new properties may involve construction, local opposition, regulatory, legal and competitive risks, as well as the risks attendant to partnership deals on these development opportunities. In particular, in projects where we team up with a joint venture partner, ifbecause we cannot reach agreement with such partners, accurately predict the outcome of any action, it is possible that, as a result of current and/or our relationships otherwise deteriorate, we could face significant increased costs and delays. Local opposition can delay or increase the anticipated cost of a project. Finally, given the competitive nature of these types of limited license opportunities,future litigation, is possible.

Management of new properties, especially in new geographic areas, may require that we increase our management resources. We cannot assure you that we will be ablesubject to manage the combined operations effectivelyadverse judgments or realize any of the anticipated benefits ofsettlements that could significantly reduce our acquisitions. We also cannot assure you that if acquisitions are completed, that the acquired businesses will generate returns consistent with our expectations.

Our ability to achieve our objectivesearnings or result in connection with any acquisition we may consummate may be highly dependent on, among other things, our ability to retain the senior-level property management teams of such acquisition candidates. If, for any reason, we are unable to retain these management teams following such acquisitions or if we fail to attract new capable executives, our operations after consummation of such acquisitions could be materially adversely affected.

If we make new acquisitions or new investments, we may face additional risks related to our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, ability to satisfy financial covenants and comply with other restrictive covenants under our indenture, and ability to pay or refinance our indebtedness.

The occurrence of some or all of the above described events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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losses.

Our ferry boat service is highly regulated, which can adversely affect our operations.

Our ferry boat service at the Rising Star Casino Resort is subject to stringent local, state and federal laws and regulations governing, among other things, the health and safety of our passengers and personnel, and the operation and insurance of our vessel. Many aspects of our ferry boat service are subject to regulation by a wide array of agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal authorities, the State of Indiana and Commonwealth of Kentucky authorities, as well as local authorities in Ohio County, Indiana and Boone County, Kentucky. In addition, we are required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain, maintain and periodically renew certain permits, licenses and certificates with respect to our ferry boat service. Compliance with or the enforcement of applicable laws and regulations can be costly. In addition, failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions or, in certain cases, the suspension or termination of our ferry boat service.

Marine transportation is inherently risky, and insurance may be insufficientRisks Related to cover losses that may occur to our assets or result from our ferry boat operations.

The operation of our vessel is subject to various inherent risks, including:

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catastrophic marine disasters and accidents;

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adverse weather conditions or natural disasters;

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mechanical failure or equipment damage;

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hazardous substance spills; and

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navigation and human errors.

The occurrence of any of these events may result in, among other things, damage to or loss of our vessel, damage to other vessels and the environment, loss of revenues, short-term or long-term interruption of ferry boat service; termination of our vessel charter or other contracts, fines, penalties or other restrictions on conducting business, damage to our reputation and customer relationships, and death or injury to personnel and passengers. Such occurrences may also result in a significant increase in our operating costs or liability to third parties.

We derive our revenues and operating income from our casino resort properties located in Mississippi, Colorado, Indiana and Nevada, and are especially subject to certain risks, including economic and competitive risks, associated with the conditions in those areas and in the states from which we draw patrons.

Because we derive our revenues and operating income from properties concentrated in four states, we are subject to greater risks from regional conditions than a gaming company with operating properties in a greater number of different geographic regions. A decrease in revenues from or increase in costs for one of these locations is likely to have a proportionally greater impact on our business and operations than it would for a gaming company with more geographically diverse operating properties. Risks from regional conditions include the following:

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regional economic conditions;

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regional competitive conditions, including legalization or expansion of gaming in Mississippi, Colorado, Indiana, Nevada, or in neighboring states;

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allowance of new types of gaming, such as the introduction of live table games at Indiana racinos;

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reduced land and air travel due to increasing fuel costs or transportation disruptions; and,

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increase in our vulnerability to economic downturns and competitive pressures in the markets in which we operate.

Some of our casino resort operations are located on leased property. If the lessors exercise their buyout rights or if we default on one or more leases, the applicable lessors could terminate the affected leases and we could lose possession of the affected casino.

We lease certain parcels of land at our Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel in Mississippi, both land and buildings at Bronco Billy’s Hotel and Casino in Colorado and one of the two hotels at our Rising Star Casino Resort in Indiana. We also lease casino space at our Grand Lodge Casino in Nevada. As a lessee, we have the right to use the leased land, hotel or space as applicable;

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however, we do not hold fee ownership. Accordingly, unless we have a purchase option and exercise such option, we will have no interest in the improvements thereon at the expiration of the leases. We have such purchase options on the leased property at the Silver Slipper, Bronco Billy’s and for the leased hotel at Rising Star, but it is either currently more advantageous for us to continue to lease rather than exercise the buyout option, or we have certain restrictions which only allow us to exercise the purchase option during certain future time periods. Under certain circumstances and at the expirations of the underlying leases, we might be forced to exercise our buyout options in order to continue to operate those properties. There is no certainty that the funds could be raised at that time at a reasonable cost, or at all, to exercise some or all of the buyout options. The operating lease at the Grand Lodge Casino includes certain lessor buyout rights based upon a multiple of EBITDA that, if exercised, could result in the lessor purchasing our leasehold interest and the operating assets on terms that may be less than fair market value or financially unfavorable to us. Since we do not completely control the land, buildings, hotel and space underlying our leased properties, a lessor could take certain actions to disrupt our rights under the long-term leases which are beyond our control. If the entity owning any leased land, buildings, hotel or space chose to disrupt our use either permanently or for a significant period of time, then the value of our assets could be impaired and our business and operations could be adversely affected. If we were to default on the lease, the lessor could terminate the affected lease and we could lose possession of the affected land, buildings, hotel or space and any improvements thereon. The loss of the lease through exercise of buyout rights or through termination upon default could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations as we would then be unable to operate all or portions of the affected facilities, which, in turn, may result in a default under our debt agreements.

We are engaged from time to time in one or more construction and development projects, and many factors could prevent us from completing them as planned.

Construction of major buildings has certain inherent risks, including the risks of fire, structural collapse, human error and electrical, mechanical and plumbing malfunction. In addition, projects entail additional risks related to structural heights and the required use of cranes. Our development and expansion projects are exposed to significant risks, including:

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shortage of materials;

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shortage of skilled labor or work stoppages;

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unforeseen construction scheduling, engineering, excavation, environmental or geological problems;

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increases in the cost of steel and other raw materials for construction, driven by U.S. tariffs on imports, demand, higher labor and construction costs and other factors, may cause price increases beyond those anticipated in the budgets for our development projects;

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natural disasters, hurricanes, weather interference, changes in river levels, floods, fires, earthquakes, the impacts of pandemic such as coronavirus, or other casualty losses or delays;

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unanticipated cost increase or delays in completing the project;

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delays in obtaining or inability to obtain or maintain necessary license or permits;

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lack of sufficient, or delays in the availability of, financing;

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changes to plans or specifications;

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performance by contractors and subcontractors;

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disputes with contractors;

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personal injuries to workers and other persons;

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disruption of our operations caused by diversion of management’s attention to new development projects and construction at our existing properties;

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remediation of environmental contamination at some of our proposed construction sites, which may prove more difficult or expensive than anticipated in our construction budgets;

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failure to obtain and maintain necessary gaming regulatory approvals and licenses, or failure to obtain such approvals and licenses on a timely basis;

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requirements or government-established “goals” concerning union labor or requiring that a portion of the project expenditures be through companies controlled by specific ethnic or gender groups, goals that may not be obtainable, or may only be obtainable at additional project cost; and

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other unanticipated circumstances or cost increases.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could increase the total costs, delay or prevent the construction, development, expansion or opening of a project. Escalating construction costs may cause us to modify the design and scope of projects from

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those initially contemplated or cause the budgets for those projects to be increased. We generally carry insurance to cover certain liabilities related to construction, but not all risks are covered, and it is uncertain whether such insurance will provide sufficient payment in a timely fashion even for those risks that are insured and material to us.

Construction of our development projects exposes us to risks of cost overruns due to typical construction uncertainties associated with any project or changes in the designs, plans or concepts of such projects. For these and other reasons, construction costs may exceed the estimated cost of completion, notwithstanding the existence of any guaranteed maximum price construction contracts.

We face a number of challenges prior to opening new or upgraded facilities.

We have several development and improvement projects planned in the near future. No assurance can be given that, when we endeavor to open new or upgraded facilities, the expected timetables for opening such facilities will be met in light of the uncertainties inherent in the development of the regulatory framework, construction, the licensing process, legislative action and litigation. Delays in opening new or upgraded facilities could lead to increased costs and delays in receiving anticipated revenues with respect to such facilities and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Subsequent phases to certain of our existing projects and potential enhancements at our properties may require us to raise additional capital.

We may need to access financial institution sources, capital markets, private sources or otherwise obtain additional funds to complete subsequent phases of our existing projects and to fund potential enhancements we may undertake at our facilities, such as our potential hotel development at Bronco Billy’s. We do not know when or if financial institution sources, capital markets or private sources will permit us to raise additional funds for such phases and enhancements in a timely manner, on acceptable terms, or at all. Inability to access financial institution sources, capital markets or private sources, or the availability of capital only on less-than-favorable terms, may force us to delay, reduce or cancel our subsequent phases and enhancement projects.

Our ability to obtain financial institution sources, capital markets or private source financing for future offerings may also be limited by our financial condition, results of operations or other factors, such as our credit rating or outlook at the time of any such financing or offering and the covenants in our existing debt agreements, as well as by general economic conditions and contingencies and uncertainties that are beyond our control. As we seek additional financing, we will be subject to the risks of rising interest rates and other factors affecting the financial markets.

The casino, hotel and resort industry is capital intensive and we may not be able to finance expansion and renovation projects, which could put us at a competitive disadvantage.

Our properties have an ongoing need for renovations and other capital improvements to remain competitive, including replacement, from time to time, of furniture, fixtures and equipment. We may also need to make capital expenditures at our casino properties to comply with our debt covenants, lease agreements and applicable laws and regulations.

Renovations and other capital improvements at our properties require significant capital expenditures. In addition, renovations and capital improvements usually generate little or no cash flow until the projects are completed. We may not be able to fund such projects solely from existing resources and cash provided from operating activities. Consequently, we may have to rely upon the availability of debt or equity capital to fund renovations and capital improvements, and our ability to carry them out will be limited if we cannot obtain satisfactory debt or equity financing, which will depend on, among other things, market conditions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain additional equity or debt financing or that we will be able to obtain such financing on favorable terms. Our failure to renovate our properties may put us at a competitive disadvantage.

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Adverse weather conditions, road construction, gasoline shortages and other factors affecting our facilities and the areas in which we operate could make it more difficult for potential customers to travel to our properties and deter customers from visiting our properties.

Our continued success depends upon our ability to draw customers from each of the geographic markets in which we operate. Adverse weather conditions or road construction can deter our customers from traveling to our facilities or make it difficult for them to frequent our properties. In recent years, there were severe cold temperatures that we believe adversely affected our Indiana and Mississippi properties’ financial performance and historically low snow levels in the Lake Tahoe region adversely affected visitation and financial performance at the Grand Lodge Casino. Bronco Billy’s in recent years was adversely affected by nearby forest fires, as well as the subsequent flooding of its access roads due to lack of vegetation (from the forest fires) on hills above such roads. Moreover, gasoline shortages or fuel price increases in regions that constitute a significant source of customers for our properties could make it more difficult for potential customers to travel to our properties and deter customers from visiting. Our dockside gaming facility in Indiana, as well as any additional riverboat or dockside casino properties that might be developed or acquired, are also subject to risks, in addition to those associated with land-based casinos, which could disrupt our operations. Although our Indiana casino vessel does not leave its moorings in normal operations, there are risks associated with the movement or mooring of vessels on waterways, including risks of casualty due to river turbulence, flooding, collisions with other vessels and severe weather conditions. Our new ferry boat that we operate at Rising Star has similar risks as our Indiana casino vessel, as well as additional risks related to ferry boat operations discussed above.

Our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected by the occurrence of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, pandemics, epidemics, widespread health emergencies, or outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus pandemic, or other catastrophic events, including war, terrorism and gun violence.

Natural disasters, such as major hurricanes, tornadoes, typhoons, floods, fires and earthquakes, could adversely affect our business and operating results. Hurricanes are common in the area in which our Mississippi property is located and the severity of such natural disasters is unpredictable. In 2017, Hurricane Nate resulted in the temporary closure of the Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel. In 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused significant damage in the Gulf Coast region and damaged a casino that previously existed at our Mississippi site. Additionally, our Indiana property is at risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Ohio River.

If a pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease, such as the recent coronavirus pandemic, occurs in the United States or on a global scale, our business may be adversely affected. As described elsewhere in these Risk Factors, such events may result in closures of our properties, a period of business disruption, and in reduced operations, any of which could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Catastrophic events, such as terrorist and war activities in the United States and elsewhere, when they occur, have had a negative effect on travel and leisure expenditures, including lodging, gaming and tourism. Gun violence has also occurred at casinos, including a mass shooting at a casino in Las Vegas in 2017. We cannot accurately predict the extent to which such events may affect us, directly or indirectly, in the future. There also can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain or choose to purchase any insurance coverage with respect to occurrences of terrorist and violent acts and any losses that could result from these acts. If there is a prolonged disruption at our properties due to natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other catastrophic events, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Several of our properties, including Silver Slipper, Bronco Billy’s and, to a lesser extent, Rising Star, are accessed by our customers via routes that have few alternatives.

The Silver Slipper is located at the end of a dead-end road, with no other access. Bronco Billy’s is accessed by most guests via a mountain pass; if that pass is closed for any reason, the alternative is longer. Rising Star’s primary access from Cincinnati is via a road alongside the Ohio River; if this road were to close, the alternative routes involve more winding roads through the rolling hills inland from the river. If access to any of these roads is blocked for any significant period, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially affected.

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We may incur property and other losses that are not adequately covered by insurance, including adequate levels of Weather Catastrophe Occurrence/Named Windstorm, Flood and Earthquake insurance coverage for our properties.

Although we maintain insurance that our management believes is customary and appropriate for our business, there can be no assurance that insurance will be available at reasonable costs in any given year or adequate to cover all losses and damage to which our business or our assets might be subjected. The lack of adequate insurance for certain types or levels of risk could expose us to significant losses in the event that a catastrophe occurred for which we are uninsured or under-insured. Any losses we incur that are not adequately covered by insurance may decrease our future operating income, require us to find replacements or repairs for destroyed property, and reduce the funds available for payments of our obligations. In addition, certain casualty events, such as labor strikes, nuclear events, acts of war, declines in visitation and loss of income due to fear of terrorism or other acts of violence, loss of electrical power due to catastrophic events, rolling blackouts or otherwise, deterioration or corrosion, insect or animal damage, and pollution, may not be covered at all under our policies. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could, therefore, expose us to substantial uninsured losses.

Because of significant loss experience caused by hurricanes and other natural disasters, a number of insurance companies may stop writing insurance in Class 1 hurricane areas, including Mississippi. Others may significantly limit the amount of coverage they will write in these markets and increase the premiums charged for this coverage. Additionally, uncertainty can occur as to the viability of certain insurance companies. While we believe that the insurance companies from which we have purchased insurance policies will remain solvent, there is no certainty that this will be the case.

We may face risks related to our ability to receive regulatory approvals required to complete certain acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, and other developments, as well as other potential delays in completing certain transactions.

Our growth may be fueled, in part, by the acquisition of existing gaming and development properties. In addition to standard closing conditions, our material transactions, including but not limited to acquisitions, are often conditioned on the receipt of regulatory approvals and other hurdles that create uncertainty and could increase costs. Such delays could significantly reduce the benefits to us of such transactions and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we fail to obtain necessary government approvals in a timely manner, or at all, it can adversely impact our various expansion, development, investment and renovation projects.

The scope of the approvals required for expansion, development, investment or renovation projects can be extensive and may include gaming approvals, state and local land-use permits and building and zoning permits. Unexpected changes or concessions required by local, state or federal regulatory authorities could involve significant additional costs and delay the scheduled openings of the facilities. We may not obtain the necessary permits, licenses, entitlements and approvals within the anticipated time frames, or at all.

Insufficient or lower-than-expected results generated from our new developments and acquired properties may negatively affect our operating results and financial condition.

We cannot assure you that the revenues generated from our new developments and acquired properties will be sufficient to pay related expenses if and when these developments are completed; or, even if revenues are sufficient to pay expenses, that the new developments and acquired properties will yield an adequate return or any return on our significant investments. As previously discussed, the development of new properties may involve construction, regulatory, legal and competitive risks or local opposition, any of which can significantly increase the anticipated cost of a project. Our projects, if completed, may not achieve the level of guest acceptance and patronage we anticipate and, for this or other reasons, may take significantly longer than we expect to generate returns, if any. If our new developments or acquired properties do not achieve the financial results anticipated, it could adversely affect our revenues and results of operations. Moreover, lower-than-expected results from the opening of a new facility may make it more difficult to raise capital.

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Higher wage and benefit costs could adversely affect our business.

While the vast majority of our employees earn more than the minimum wage in the relative jurisdictions and receive medical plan benefits from us, changes in federal and state minimum wage laws and other laws relating to employee benefits, including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, have in the past, and could in the future cause us to incur additional wage and benefits costs. Increased labor costs brought about by changes in minimum wage laws, other regulations or prevailing market conditions have recently, and could in the future, further increase our expenses, which could have an adverse impact on our profitability, or decrease the number of employees we are able to employ, which could decrease customer service levels at our gaming facilities and therefore adversely impact revenues. For example, the state of Colorado increased its minimum wage in January 2019, which adversely impacted Bronco Billy’s operating results during 2019.

Rising operating costs at our gaming properties could have a negative impact on our business.

The operating expenses associated with our gaming properties could increase due to, among other reasons, the following factors:

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changes in federal, state or local tax or regulations, including state gaming regulations or gaming taxes, could impose additional restrictions or increase our operating costs;

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aggressive marketing and promotional campaigns by our competitors for an extended period of time could force us to increase our expenditures for marketing and promotional campaigns in order to maintain our existing customer base or attract new customers;

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as our properties age, we may need to increase our expenditures for repairs, maintenance, and to replace equipment necessary to operate our business in amounts greater than what we have spent historically;

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our reliance on slot play revenues and any additional costs imposed on us from vendors;

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availability and cost of the many products and services we provide our customers, including food, beverages, retail items, entertainment, hotel rooms, spa and golf;

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availability and costs associated with insurance;

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increases in costs of labor;

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our properties use significant amounts of electricity, natural gas and other forms of energy, and energy price increases may adversely affect our cost structure;

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our properties use significant amounts of water, and a water shortage may adversely affect our operations; and

·

at Grand Lodge Casino, we rely on Hyatt Lake Tahoe to provide certain items at reasonable costs, including food, beverages, parking and rooms. Any change in their pricing or the availability of such items may affect our ability to compete.

If our operating expenses increase without any offsetting increase in our revenues, our results of operations would suffer.

We extend credit to certain customers and we may not be able to collect gaming receivables from our credit players.

Most of our casino play involves slot machines or lower limit table games. Nevertheless, we do conduct a portion of our gaming activities on a credit basis through the issuance of markers which are unsecured instruments. Table games players typically are extended more credit than slot players, and high-stakes players typically are extended more credit than players who tend to wager lower amounts. High-end gaming is more volatile than other forms of gaming and variances in win-loss results attributable to high-end gaming may have a significant positive or negative impact on cash flow and earnings in a particular quarter. We extend credit to those customers whose level of play and financial resources warrant, in the opinion of management, an extension of credit. These large receivables could have a significant impact on our results of operations if deemed uncollectible.

We face the risk of fraud and cheating.

Our gaming customers may attempt or commit fraud or cheat in order to increase winnings. Acts of fraud or cheating could involve the use of counterfeit chips or other tactics, possibly in collusion with our employees. Internal acts of cheating could also be conducted by employees directly or through collusion with dealers, surveillance staff, floor managers or other

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casino or gaming area staff. Failure to discover such acts or schemes in a timely manner could result in losses in our gaming operations. In addition, negative publicity related to such schemes could have an adverse effect on our reputation, potentially causing a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Win rates for our gaming operations depend on a variety of factors, some beyond our control.

The gaming industry is characterized by an element of chance. In addition to the element of chance, win rates are also affected by other factors, including players’ skill and experience, the mix of games played, the financial resources of players, the spread of table limits, the volume of bets played and the amount of time played. Our gaming profits are mainly derived from the difference between our casino winnings and the casino winnings of our gaming customers. Since there is an inherent element of chance in the gaming industry, we do not have full control over our winnings or the winnings of our gaming customers. If our winnings do not exceed the winnings of our gaming customers by enough to cover our operating costs, we may record a loss from our gaming operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.Technology

Our gaming operations rely heavily on technology services and an uninterrupted supply of electrical power and if we experience damage or service interruptions, we may have to cease some or all of our operations, which will result in a decrease in revenue.

Our gaming operations rely heavily on technology services and an uninterrupted supply of electrical power. Our security system and all of our slot machines are controlled by computers and reliant on electrical power to operate. A loss of electrical power or a failure of the technology services needed to run the computers could make us unable to run all or parts of our gaming operations. Any unscheduled interruption in our technology services or interruption in the supply of electrical power is likely to result in an immediate, and possibly substantial, loss of revenue due to a shutdown of our gaming operations. Although we have designed our systems around industry-standard designs to reduce downtime in the event of outages or catastrophic occurrences, they remain vulnerable to damage or interruption from floods, fires, power loss, telecommunication failures, terrorist attacks, computer viruses, computer denial-of-service attacks and similar events. Additionally, substantial increases in the cost of electricity and natural gas could negatively affect our results of operations.

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Our information technology and other systems are subject to cyber-security risk, misappropriation of customer information and other breaches of information security.

We rely extensively on our computer systems to process customer transactions, manage customer data, manage employee data and communicate with third-party vendors and other third parties, and we may also access the Internet to use our computer systems. Our operations require that we collect and store customer data, including credit card numbers and other personal information, for various business purposes, including marketing and promotional purposes. We also collect and store personal information about our employees. Breaches of our security measures or information technology systems or the accidental loss, inadvertent disclosure or unapproved dissemination of proprietary information or sensitive personal information or confidential data about us, or our customers, or our employees including the potential loss or disclosure of such information as a result of hacking or other cyber-attack, computer virus, fraudulent use by customers, employees or employees of third party vendors, trickery or other forms of deception or unauthorized use, or due to system failure, could expose us, our customers, our employees or other individuals affected to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, result in litigation and potential liability for us, damage our reputation or brand names or otherwise harm our business. Additionally, disruptions in the availability of our computer systems, through cyber-attacks or otherwise, could impact our ability to service our customers and adversely affect our sales and the results of operations. We rely on proprietary and commercially available systems, software, tools and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmission and storage of customer information, such as payment card, employee information and other confidential or proprietary information. Our data security measures are reviewed and evaluated regularly; however, they might not protect us against increasingly sophisticated and aggressive threats. The cost and operational consequences of implementing further data security measures could be significant and there is no certainty that such measures, if purchased, could thwart all threats. Additionally, while we maintain cyber risk insurance to assist in the cost of recovery from a significant cyber event, such coverage may not be sufficient.

Additionally, the collection of customer and employee personal information imposes various privacy compliance related obligations on our business and increases the risks associated with a breach or failure of the integrity of our information technology systems. The collection and use of personal information are governed by privacy laws and regulations enacted in the United States and other jurisdictions around the world. Privacy regulations continue to evolve and on occasion may be inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another. Compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations may increase our

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operating costs and/or adversely impact our ability to market our products, properties and services to our customers. In addition, non-compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations by us (or in some circumstances non-compliance by third party service providers engaged by us) may also result in damage of reputation, result in vulnerabilities that could be exploited to breach our systems and/or subject us to fines, payment of damages, lawsuits or restrictions on our use or transfer of personal information.

We are subjectGeneral Risks

Our ability to environmental lawsutilize our net operating loss, or NOL, carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.

Our ability to utilize our NOL carryforwards to offset potential exposurefuture taxable income and related income taxes that would otherwise be due is dependent upon our generation of future taxable income before the expiration dates, if applicable, of the NOL carryforwards, and we cannot predict with certainty when, or whether, we will generate sufficient taxable income to environmental liabilities.use all of our NOL carryforwards.

We are subject to various federal, stateUnder Sections 382 and local environmental laws and regulations that govern our operations, including emissions and discharges into383 of the environment, and the handling and disposalInternal Revenue Code of hazardous and non-hazardous substances and wastes. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in costs for corrective action, penalties1986, as amended, or the imposition ofCode, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” generally defined as a greater than 50 percentage point change (by value) in its equity ownership by certain stockholders over a three-year period, the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change NOL carryforwards and other liabilitiespre-change tax attributes (such as research and development tax credits) to offset its post-change income or restrictions. We also are subject to laws and regulations that impose liability and clean-up responsibility for releases of hazardous substances into the environment. Under certain of these laws and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of propertytaxes may be liable forlimited. We have experienced ownership changes in the costspast, and we may experience ownership changes in the future and/or subsequent shifts in our stock ownership (some of remediating contaminated soil or groundwater on or from its property, without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or caused, the contamination, as well as incur liability to third parties impacted by such contamination. The presence of contamination, or failure to remediate it properly,which may adversely affectbe outside our control). As a result, if we earn net taxable income, our ability to use sell or rent property. There can be no assurances that these matters or other matters arising under environmental laws will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations in the future.

The concentration and evolution of the slot machine manufacturing industry could impose additional costs on us.

A majority of our revenues are attributable to slot machines and related systems operated by us at our gaming facilities. It is important, for competitive reasons, that we offer popular and up-to-date slot machine games to our customers.

A substantial majority of the slot machines sold in the U.S. in recent years were manufactured by only a few companies, and there has been recent consolidation activity within the gaming equipment sector.

In recent years, slot machine manufacturers have frequently refused to sell slot machines featuring the most popular games, instead requiring participation lease arrangements. Participation slot machine leasing arrangements typically often require the payment of a fixed daily rental or a percentage payment of coin-in or net win. Generally, a participation lease is substantially more expensive over the long term than the cost to purchase a new machine.

For competitive reasons, we may be forced to purchase new slot machines or enter into participation lease arrangements that are more expensive than our current costs associated with the continued operation of our existing slot machines. If the newer slot machines do not result in sufficient incremental revenuespre-change NOL carryforwards to offset the increased investment and participation lease costs, it could hurt our profitability.

We are subject to litigation which, if adversely determined, could cause us to incur substantial losses.

From time to time during the normal course of operating our businesses, we are subject to various litigation claims and legal disputes. Some of the litigation claimsU.S. federal taxable income may not be covered under our insurance policies, or our insurance carriers may seek to deny coverage. As a result, we might also be required to incur significant legal fees, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial position. In addition, because we cannot accurately predict the outcome of any action, it is possible that, as a result of current and/or future litigation, we will be subject to adverse judgments or settlements thatlimitations under Section 382, which could significantly reduce our earnings orpotentially result in losses.increased future tax liability to us. In addition, at the state level, there may be periods during which the use of NOL carryforwards is suspended or otherwise limited, which could accelerate or permanently increase state taxes owed.

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The market price for our common stock may be volatile, and investors may not be able to sell our stock at a favorable price or at all.

Many factors could cause the market price of our common stock to rise and fall, including:

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actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly results of operations;

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the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our business;

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·

change in market valuations of companies in our industry;

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change in expectations of future financial performance;

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regulatory changes;

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fluctuations in stock market prices and volumes;

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issuance of common stock market prices and volumes;

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the addition or departure of key personnel; and

·

announcements by us or our competitors of acquisitions, investments, dispositions, joint ventures or other significant business decisions.

In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to companies’ operating performance, for example, as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. Broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, shareholderstockholder derivative lawsuits and/or securities class-action litigation has sometimes been instituted against that company. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources.

StockholdersThe exercise of outstanding options to purchase common stock may be requiredresult in substantial dilution and may depress the trading price of our common stock.

If our outstanding options to dispose of theirpurchase shares of our common stock if they are found unsuitable by gaming authorities.

While gaming authorities generally focus on shareholders with more than 5%exercised and often 10%the underlying shares of a company’s shares,common stock issued upon such authorities generally can require that any beneficial ownerexercise are sold, our stockholders may experience substantial dilution and the market price of our shares of common stock and othercould decline. Further, the perception that such securities file an application for a finding of suitability. If a gaming authority requires a record or beneficial ownermight be exercised could adversely affect the trading price of our securities to file a suitability application, the owner must apply for a finding of suitability within 30 days or at an earlier time prescribed by the gaming authority. The gaming authority has the power to investigate an owner’s suitability and the owner must pay all costs of the investigation. If the owner is found unsuitable, then the owner may be required by law to dispose of our securities. Our certificate of incorporation also provides us with the right to repurchase shares of our common stock from certain beneficial owners declared by gaming regulators to be unsuitable holders of our equity securities. The price we may pay to any such beneficial owner may be below the price such beneficial owner would otherwise accept for his or her shares of our common stock. During the time that such securities are outstanding, they may adversely affect the terms on which we could obtain additional capital.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

Not applicable.

Item 2. Properties.

Substantially all of our assets collateralize our indebtedness, as discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” The majority of our facilities are subject to leases of the underlying real estate assets, which, among other things, includes the land underlying the facility and the buildings used in business operations, as discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

We own the facilities and related improvements at the Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel in Hancock County, Mississippi. The property at year-end offered 855750 slot machines (of which approximately 216 were temporarily disabled to ensure social distancing) and 24 table games (of which approximately 12 were temporarily closed to ensure social distancing), a surface parking lot, an approximately 800‑space800-space parking garage and a 129‑room129-guest-room hotel. The casino and hotel are located on 38 acres of leased land, including 31 acres of protected marshlands. The lease expires on April 30, 2058 and contains a purchase option that can be exercised throughbetween April 1, 2022 and October 1, 2027.  Rent under the lease was $1.6 million in 2019 (see Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”).  We are able to exercise our buyout option for $15.5 million plus a retained interest in the property’s operations of 3% of net income (as defined in the lease), for 10 years from the purchase date. We also lease approximately 5.7 acres of land occupied by offices and warehouse space that are approximately four miles from our casino, as well as small parcels of land with a building and sign. We

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also manage a 37‑space37-space beachfront RV park under a management agreement, which expires on March 31, 2025, unless canceled by either party.

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party with a 180-day notice.

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel is located on or near approximately 3.9 acres of owned land and 2.4 acres of leased land that we control in Cripple Creek, Colorado. The property includes 36 hotel rooms, including 22 rooms that are in buildings that are not contiguous to the casino, and several acres of surface parking. A portion of the casino and parking lots are subject to a long-term lease that includes renewal options in three-year increments to 2035 and a purchase option that can be exercised at any time during the lease term. The purchase price under such option remains at $7.6 million throughout the lease.  Base rent paid in 2019 was $355,000, and such rent escalates through the term of the lease according to a defined schedule.  During 2018, we purchased the operating historichistorical Imperial Hotel and other nearby parcels of land. In August 2018, we commenced a lease of the freestanding Imperial Casino. As part of our planned expansion of Bronco Billy’s, weWe refurbished and rebranded both the Imperial Hotel and Imperial Casino together as the Christmas Casino & Inn in November 2018. In terms of gaming devices located throughoutIt resulted in an increase in our property,overall revenues, but such increase was not sufficient to offset the increase operating costs. As a result, we closed the Christmas Casino accounted for  15% of our slot machines at year-end, within September 2020, while continuing to operate the remaining  85%  of slot machines atChristmas Inn to accommodate Bronco Billy’s Casino.  Combined, ourcustomers. Our Cripple Creek operations currently offer 828500 slot machines and 10no table games as of year-end. Of this, approximately 84 slot machines were disabled to ensure social distancing under the pandemic guidelines. Similarly, casinos in Cripple Creek were not able to offer table games between March 2020 and February 2021; the operating capacity of table games areas has been restricted since their reopening to ensure social distancing.

Rising Star Casino Resort

We own the Rising Star Casino Resort in Rising Sun, Indiana. At year-end, the property consisted of a dockside riverboat on the Ohio River offering 825772 slot machines and 2420 table games, a land-based pavilion with approximately 30,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, a 190‑room190-guest-room hotel, a 56‑space56-space RV park, surface parking and an 18‑hole18-hole golf course on approximately 311 acres. Of our 772 slot machines, approximately 390 were disabled to ensure social distancing. Additionally, we lease a 104‑room104-guest-room hotel pursuant to a finance lease that expires in October 2027 and contains a bargain purchase option for $1 if exercised upon maturity of the lease. We also own 1.3 acres in Burlington, Kentucky, from where we commenced ferry boat operations in September 2018; the2018. The ferry service connects our Rising Star property in Indiana to the more populous Boone County, Kentucky.

Stockman’s Casino

Included as part of our Northern Nevada segment, we own Stockman’s, Casino, located on approximately five acres in Fallon, Nevada. The facility offers 219203 slot machines and fourno table games as of year-end, a bar, a fine-dining restaurant and a coffee shop, and approximately 300 surface parking spaces. We have chosen to not operate our table games under the current pandemic conditions.

Grand Lodge Casino

Included as part of our Northern Nevada segment, the Grand Lodge Casino at year-end offered 269270 slot machines and 1711 table games, and is integrated into the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino in Incline Village, Nevada on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Of this, approximately 29 slot machines were disabled to ensure social distancing under the pandemic guidelines and we are required to limit the number of customers that can be accommodated at each table game. We operate Grand Lodge Casino pursuant to a lease with Hyatt expiringwhich is set to expire on August 31, 2023 and own the personal property, including slot machines. The lease is secured by our interests under such lease, consisting of certain collateral (as defined and described in a security agreement), and is subordinate to our Notes due 2024.the 2028 Notes. Currently, Hyatt has an option to purchase our leasehold interest and operating assets of the Grand Lodge Casino at a defined price based partially on earnings.

Additionally, we We have agreementsan excellent relationship with Hyatt and, while there is no certainty that allow us to provide rooms, as well as other amenities and services, to our guests at mutually agreeable rates to support our operations.this will be the case, the lease has been extended several times in the past.

Corporate

We lease 4,479 square feet of corporate office space in Las Vegas, Nevada pursuant to a lease that expires in January 2025.

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

We are subject to various legal and administrative proceedings relating to personal injuries, employment matters, commercial transactions and other matters arising in the normal course of business. We do not believe that the outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We maintain what we believe is adequate insurance coverage to further mitigate the risks of such potential negative effects.

29

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “FLL.”

On March 26, 2020,10, 2021, we had 7673 “registered holders” of record of our common stock. We believe that a substantial number of shareholdersstockholders hold their common stock in “street name” or are otherwise beneficial holders whose shares of record are held by banks, brokers, and other financial institutions. Such holders are not included in the number of “registered holders” above.

Dividend Policy

We have not paid any dividends on our common stock to date. The payment of dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be contingent upon our revenues and earnings, if any; the terms of our indebtedness; our capital requirements; growth opportunities; and general financial condition. Our debt covenants restrict the payment of dividends and it is the present intention of our board of directors to retain all earnings, if any, for use in our business operations, debt reduction and growth initiatives, reinvesting such earnings on behalf of shareholders.stockholders. Accordingly, we do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

As a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b‑212b-2 of the Exchange Act, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition should be read together with the other financial information and consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10‑K.10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report. The results of operations for the periods reflected herein are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for future periods. Full House Resorts, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, may be referred to as “Full House,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”.“us.”

Executive Overview

Our primary business is the ownership and/or operation of casino and related hospitality and entertainment facilities, which includes offering casino gambling, hotel accommodations, dining, golfing, RV camping, sports betting, entertainment and retail outlets, among other amenities. We own or operate five casino properties in four states – Mississippi, Colorado, Indiana and Nevada. We view our Mississippi, Colorado and Indiana properties as distinct operating segments and both of our Nevada properties as one operating segment.

3032


properties as one operating segment. We also benefit from six permitted sports “skins” that we are allowed to operate, three in Colorado and three in Indiana. We have contracted with other companies to operate these online sports wagering sites under their own brands in exchange for a percentage of revenues, as defined, subject to annual minimum amounts. As of today, two of our three permitted betting “skins” are live in Colorado, and one of our three permitted “skins” is live in Indiana. We expect our three remaining “skins” to begin operation within the next few months.

Our portfolio consists of the following:

Property

Acquisition

Property

Date

Location

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

2012

Hancock County, MS
(near New Orleans)

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

2016

Cripple Creek, CO
(near Colorado Springs)

Rising Star Casino Resort

2011

Rising Sun, IN
(near Cincinnati)

Stockman’s Casino

2007

Fallon, NV
(one hour east of Reno)

Grand Lodge Casino (leased

(leased and part of the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino)

2011

Incline Village, NV
(North Shore of Lake Tahoe)

Cripple Creek Casino and Hotel Project (under construction)

Cripple Creek, CO

(near Colorado Springs)

Our financial results are dependent upon the number of patrons that we attract to our properties and the amounts those guests spend per visit. While we provide credit at some of our casinos where we are permitted to by gaming regulations, most of our revenues are cash-based, through customers wagering with cash or paying for non-gaming services with cash or credit cards. Our revenues are primarily derived from slot machines, but also include other gaming activities, along withincluding table games, keno and sports betting. In addition, we derive a significant amount of revenue from our hotels and our food and beverage outlets. We also derive revenues from our golf course and ferry boat service at Rising Star, our recreational vehicle parks (“RV parks”) as owned at Rising Star and managed at Silver Slipper, and retail outlets and entertainment.

We set minimum and maximum betting limits for our slot machines and table games based on market conditions, customer demand and other factors. Our gaming revenues are derived from a broad base of guests that includes both high- and low-stakes players. OurAt Silver Slipper, our sports book operations at Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel isare in partnership with a company specializing in race and sports betting. At both Rising Star and Bronco Billy’s, we have contracted with other companies to operate our on-site and online sports wagering skins under their own brands in exchange for a percentage of revenues, as defined, subject to annual minimum amounts. Our operating results may also be affected by, among other things, overall economic conditions affecting the disposable income of our guests, weather conditions affecting access to our properties, achieving and maintaining cost efficiencies, taxation and other regulatory changes, and competitive factors, including but not limited to, additions and improvements to the competitive supply of gaming facilities, as well as  pandemics, epidemics, widespread health emergencies, or outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus.

We may experience significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to seasonality, variations in gaming hold percentages and other factors. Consequently, our operating results for any quarter or year are not necessarily comparable and may not be indicative of results in future periods.

Our market environment is highly competitive and capital-intensive. We rely on the ability of our properties to generate operating cash flow to pay interest, repay debt, and fund maintenance and certain growth-related capital expenditures. We continuously focus on improving the operating margins of our existing properties through a combination of revenue growth and expense management. We also assess growth and development opportunities, which include capital investments at our existing properties, the development of new properties, and the acquisition of existing properties.

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Recent Developments

Coronavirus.  PursuantCOVID-19 Pandemic.  In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus as a pandemic (“COVID-19”). Although COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the U.S. and the world, the number of newly-reported cases has declined from levels seen in late 2020 and early 2021. Additionally, vaccines designed to inhibit the severity and the spread of COVID-19 are now being distributed throughout the world. At the start of the pandemic and continuing through today, COVID-19 has resulted in the implementation of significant, government-imposed measures to prevent or reduce its spread, including travel restrictions, business restrictions, closing of borders, “shelter-in-place” orders and business closures. In March 2020, pursuant to state government orders to prevent the spread of the coronavirus,COVID-19, we temporarily closed all of our casino properties. As a result, we experienced a material decline in our revenues until our properties began reopening when permitted by local authorities. We reopened the Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel on May 21, 2020, Grand Lodge Casino and Stockman’s Casino on June 4, 2020, and Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel and Rising Star Casino Resort on June 15, 2020. During the shutdown period, we evaluated labor, marketing and other costs at our businesses so that, upon reopening, our properties could reopen with significantly lower operating costs. As a result, our operating performance since reopening in March 2020.mid-2020 has been stronger than pre-pandemic levels, despite capacity restrictions throughout our casinos and in our restaurants. The extent to which our financial and operating results in future resultsperiods may be affected by the coronavirusCOVID-19 will largely depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, includingpredicted. Significant uncertainties include the timing of the reopening of our casinos andability to operate; new information which may emerge concerning the severitynew strains of the coronavirusCOVID-19 and thetheir severity; any additional actions imposed by governmental authorities to contain the coronavirusCOVID-19 or treatminimize its impact,impact; increased operating costs in light of social distancing requirements as a result of COVID-19; and general economic conditions, among others. For

As of December 31, 2020, we believe we had a more detailed discussion regarding casino closuresstrong balance sheet and coronavirus-related impacts onsufficient liquidity in place, including total cash and cash equivalents of $38 million. In February 2021, we issued the 2028 Notes, which further increased our business, see “Liquiditycash balances. As of February 28, 2021, we had total cash and Capital Resources – Coronavirus” below.cash equivalents of approximately $232 million, which includes $180 million of restricted cash reserved to fund the Cripple Creek Project.

Debt Refinancing. On February 12, 2021, we issued $310 million of new 2028 Notes. The proceeds were used to redeem all $106.8 million of our senior secured notes due 2024 (the “Prior Notes”) and to repurchase all outstanding warrants totaling approximately 1.0 million shares. Additionally, $180 million of bond proceeds were placed in a construction reserve account to fund the Cripple Creek Project, including designing, developing, constructing, equipping and opening the project. Proceeds were also used to pay the transaction fees and expenses related to the offering, leaving approximately $8 million added to our unrestricted cash balances.

Sports Wagering in Indiana and Colorado.  In late 2020, an affiliate of Wynn Resorts launched its mobile sports offering in Colorado through the second halfuse of 2019, we entered into sixone of our permitted sports wagering agreements with“skins.” As of today, two of our three different parties, each allowing such parties to conduct mobilepermitted skins are live in Colorado and online sports wagering throughout Indiana and Colorado, as well as the operation of an on-site sportsbook with one of such entities at both Rising Star and Bronco

31

Billy’s. By October 2019, we received $3 milliondefined revenues of the total contracted $6 million in one-time market access fees. We received the remaining $3 million once sports wagering in Colorado was ratified by voters in November 2019. Additionally, once online sports wagering operations has commenced foreach skin, subject to annual minimums. When all six agreements,skins are in operation, we anticipate these agreements will generate an aggregate ofshould receive at least $7 million in minimum annual revenues for us, based on the revenue-share structureper year of the contracting parties’ sports wagering operations in Indiana and Colorado, with minimal ongoing expenses expected by usgaming revenues. Since we incur very little expense related to these revenues. If any oneoperations, almost all of the contracting parties generates annualsuch revenues should result in excess of the minimum amount set forth in its respective sports wagering agreement, we should receive more than $7 million per year. See further information below regarding the expected commencement dates of these agreements. income.

Bronco Billy’s Expansion.Cripple Creek Project.  In 2018, we began planning and design work on our Cripple Creek Project, a new and distinct luxury hotel and casino located adjacent to our existing Bronco Billy’s. Reflecting changes made to the state’s gaming laws in November 2020, including the elimination of betting limits and the approval of new table games, we increased the size of our planned Cripple Creek expansion by 67% to approximately 300 luxury guest rooms and suites, from our previously planned 180 guest rooms.  Such plans were approved by the Cripple Creek Historic Preservation Commission and Cripple Creek City Council in January and February 2021. The expected investment to complete the Cripple Creek expansion is $180 million, which we funded in February 2021 through the issuance of Bronco Billy’s, which was designedthe 2028 Notes. With the funding complete, we started construction of the expanded luxury casino and hotel in late February 2021. We had previously intended to be completedbuild the smaller project in two phases. Phase One of the Bronco Billy’s expansion project includes the construction of a 319-space parking garage and connector building, the purchase of the Imperial Hotel (which we acquired in June 2018) and certain other nearby parcels of land, and the reopening and rebranding of the Imperial Casino and Hotel as the Christmas Casino & Inn (which occurred in November 2018).stages.  In March 2020, in light of the global coronavirus pandemic,regulatory changes and our ability to fund the entire expanded project, we paused construction ofnow intend to build the parking garage, which wasCripple Creek Project all at once, with completion expected in the early stagesfourth quarter of construction. We do not yet know when or if conditions will warrant the resumption of such construction. Phase Two of the Bronco Billy���s expansion project, which is expected to include a new luxury hotel tower, spa, convention and entertainment space, and two new restaurants, is contingent upon receipt of financing on acceptable terms, among other contingencies. We do not intend to commence construction of Phase Two until Phase One is completed.2022.

Waukegan Proposal.  On October 29, 2019, the Companywe submitted an Owners Gaming License Application to the Illinois Gaming Board (“IGB”) to develop and operate American Place, a casino and entertainment destination in Waukegan, Illinois. In its first phase,We continue to be one of three bidders for the Waukegan gaming license, which addresses an area midway between Chicago and

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Table of Contents

Milwaukee with high population density and no existing casino. If awarded the license by the IGB, we intend to develop and operate a temporary casino on that site while American Place is being constructed. American Place would include a world-class casino with a state-of-the-art sports book;sportsbook; a premium boutique hotel comprised of twenty luxurious villas, each ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet with full butler service; a 1,500-seat live entertainment venue; and various food and beverage outlets. If awarded the license by the IGB, Full House would also develop and operate a temporary casino on that site while American Place is being constructed. American Place was one of three proposals certified by the Waukegan City Council at its October 17th special meeting.in late 2019. At that meeting, Waukegan Aldermen heard a presentation fromtime, the city’s consultant which ranked American Place the top proposal amongst the various submissions on numerous different criteria.

In October 2020, we signed a commitment letter with a multi-billion-dollar investment management firm that has experience with casino construction projects. The commitment letter anticipates fully funding the project with non-recourse development capital. Under terms of the commitment letter, we would be required to invest $25 million into the project as equity, will own no less than 60% of the project, and will receive management fees for operating the casino and related amenities. The commitment letter is conditioned upon us being awarded the Waukegan casino license by the IGB and the investment firm’s further due diligence review, among other items. No assurance can be given that the Companywe will be awarded the license by the IGB.IGB or that we will meet the other conditions under the commitment letter.

Racetrack Proposal.According to the IGB, the process for it to choose the preferred developer has been slowed by the pandemic. In 2018,December 2020, the New Mexico Racing Commission (the “NMRC”) announcedIGB issued a competitive process regardingrequest for proposals for an investment bank or similar consultant to advise the IGB in assessing the various proposals.  In January 2021, the IGB indicated that it received no responses to its RFP and was considering next steps, including the possible issuance of a revised RFP.  The IGB Administrator has indicated that he believes the state’s sixth racing license. In accordance with that process, we formally presented our racetrack casino proposal (“La Posada del Llano”) to the NRMC in October 2018 and answered additional questions regarding our project in November 2018. In early 2019, the NRMC announced that it would not issue the sixth racing license at this time, but may do so in the future. If selected by the NRMC, La Posada del Llano is expected to includeIGB can make a racetrack featuring a unique “Moving Grandstand,”preliminary suitability determination within six months of hiring an 18‑hole championship golf course, a casino with up to 750 slot machines, and a 300‑guestroom hotel, among other amenities.appropriate financial consultant.

Increase in Amount of Senior Secured Notes.  In May 2019, we sold an additional $10 million in aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due 2024 (the “Incremental Notes”), which were issued on the same day at a price of 99.01% of their face value (a 0.99% original issue discount) pursuant to the indenture (as amended and supplemented, the “Indenture”), dated as of February 2, 2018. The Indenture governs $100 million of senior secured notes due 2024 (the “Original Notes”) that we previously issued on February 2, 2018. The Incremental Notes have the same maturity date, interest rate, class and series as the Original Notes (collectively, the “Notes”) for all purposes under the Indenture. Proceeds from the Incremental Notes have been used or are expected to be used to (i) provide additional liquidity for the construction of the Phase One parking garage at Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel and other capital expenditures; (ii) pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Incremental Notes offering; and (iii) provide funds for general corporate purposes.

32

Key Performance Indicators

We use several key performance indicators to evaluate the operations of our properties. These key performance indicators include the following:

Gaming revenue indicators:

Slot coin-in is the gross dollar amount wagered in slot machines and table game drop is the total amount of cash or credit exchanged into chips at table games for use by our customers. Slot coin-in and table game drop are indicators of volume.

Slot win is the difference between customer wagers and customer winnings on slot machines. Table game hold is the difference between the amount of money or markers exchanged into chips at the tables and customer winnings paid. Slot win and table game hold percentages represent the relationship between slot win and coin-in and table game win and drop.

Room revenue indicators:

Hotel occupancy rate is an indicator of the utilization of our available rooms. Complimentary room sales, or the retail value of accommodations furnished to customers free of charge, are included in the calculation of the hotel occupancy rate.

Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Property EBITDA and Adjusted Property EBITDA Margin:

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of our performance. For a description of Adjusted EBITDA see “Non-GAAP Measure.”  We utilize Adjusted Property EBITDA as the measure of segment profit in assessing performance and allocating resources at the reportable segment level. For information regarding our operating segments, see Note 1312 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” Additionally, we use Adjusted Property EBITDA Margin, which is calculated by dividing Adjusted Property EBITDA by the property’s net revenues.

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Table of Contents

Results of Operations – 20192020 Compared to 20182019

Consolidated operating results

The following summarizes our consolidated operating results for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and 2018.reflects the mandatory closure of all of our properties for approximately three months beginning in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

December 31, 

 

Percent

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

Change

Net revenues

 

$

165,432

 

$

163,887

 

0.9

%  

Operating expenses

 

 

159,216

 

 

156,461

 

1.8

%  

Operating income

 

 

6,216

 

 

7,426

 

(16.3)

%  

Interest and other non-operating expenses, net

 

 

11,958

 

 

11,321

 

5.6

%  

Income tax expense

 

 

80

 

 

476

 

(83.2)

%  

Net loss

 

$

(5,822)

 

$

(4,371)

 

33.2

%  

For the Years Ended

(In thousands)

December 31, 

Percent

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

Total revenues

$

125,589

$

165,432

 

(24.1)

%  

Operating expenses

 

115,113

 

159,216

 

(27.7)

%  

Operating income

 

10,476

 

6,216

 

68.5

%  

Interest and other non-operating expenses, net

 

10,421

 

11,958

 

(12.9)

%  

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(92)

 

80

 

(215.0)

%  

Net income (loss)

$

147

$

(5,822)

 

102.5

%  

33

The following table details the components of our nettotal revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, which are comprised of casino and non-casino operations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

December 31, 

 

Percent

    

2019

    

2018

    

Change

For the Years Ended

(In thousands)

December 31, 

Percent

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

Casino revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slots

 

$

93,228

 

$

94,989

 

(1.9)

%  

$

77,437

$

93,228

 

(16.9)

%  

Table games

 

 

17,373

 

 

18,202

 

(4.6)

%  

 

10,764

 

17,373

 

(38.0)

%  

Other

 

 

2,789

 

 

1,133

 

146.2

%  

 

2,611

 

2,789

 

(6.4)

%  

 

 

113,390

 

 

114,324

 

(0.8)

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

90,812

 

113,390

 

(19.9)

%  

Non-casino revenues, net

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

Food and beverage

 

 

35,069

 

 

35,058

 

0.0

%  

 

19,766

 

35,069

 

(43.6)

%  

Hotel

 

 

11,535

 

 

9,864

 

16.9

%  

 

7,410

 

11,535

 

(35.8)

%  

Other

 

 

5,438

 

 

4,641

 

17.2

%  

 

7,601

 

5,438

 

39.8

%  

 

 

52,042

 

 

49,563

 

5.0

%  

Total net revenues

 

$

165,432

 

$

163,887

 

0.9

%  

 

34,777

 

52,042

 

(33.2)

%  

Total revenues

$

125,589

$

165,432

 

(24.1)

%  

The following discussion is based on our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, unless otherwise described. Because all of our operations were closed from mid-March 2020 through much of the second quarter of 2020, the comparisons for these years are not particularly meaningful. For further discussions, refer to “Operating results – reportable segments” below.

Revenues. As indicatedConsolidated revenues decreased by 24.1%, primarily due to the mandatory closure of all of our properties in March 2020 for approximately three months, as well as capacity restrictions upon reopening. The first of our properties reopened on May 21, 2020, and all of our properties had reopened by June 15, 2020. Upon our reopening, our properties have been constrained by efforts to maintain “social distancing” during the pandemic, including reductions in the abovenumber of slot machines we are permitted to operate, the number of people that we can accommodate at each table consolidated net revenues increasedgame, the seating capacity of our bars and restaurants, and restrictions on the types of food service we can offer. Those restrictions continued through the end of 2020. Partially offsetting this, our contracted mobile sports operations generated $2.2 million and $0.1 million of revenue in 2020 and 2019, respectively, and are included in “Other Non-casino Revenues.” See “Recent Developments – Sports Wagering in Colorado and Indiana” for details.

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Table of Contents

Operating expenses. Consolidated operating expenses decreased 27.7%, primarily due to the prolonged closures in the first half of 2020, as discussed above. This affected payroll and related expenses across all of our departments, as well as numerous volume-related costs, such as gaming taxes, device fees and our cost of the food and beverages served to guests. We also opted to significantly reduce our marketing expenses during the closure period, although some of such expenses, such as some contracted billboards, could not be reduced. Certain other costs continued despite the closures, thereby affecting income, including utility costs, real estate taxes, a much-limited payroll, much of our rent, and the costs to secure our properties and meet certain gaming regulatory requirements.

When permitted to reopen our casinos in mid-2020, we reopened them cautiously, with limited hours of operation of many amenities and minimal staffing, as we were unsure as to the customer response. As the capacity of our restaurants was limited in order to ensure social distancing, we chose to eliminate certain promotions. We reduced the number of slot machines we operate, again to ensure social distancing and, in some cases, as required to do so by 0.9%, with hotelthe gaming authorities.  This resulted in reductions in certain taxes based on the number of machines, as well as the amounts we pay for certain leased games. We have been limited in terms of the numbers of people who can participate at each table game, again to ensure social distancing, and sports wagering revenue increases at Silver Slipper helping to overcome decreases in slots andwe offset this by increasing the minimum wagers on our table games revenue. Casino revenue decreases were attributed mostly to a declinehelp cover the operating costs associated with each game. Meanwhile, we expanded the number of stadium gaming and similar machines in hold percentagethe vicinity of our table games, to accommodate customers who may not want to play at both Silver Slipper and Grand Lodge. Additionally, we installed new slot systemshigher table game minimums. We also used the closure period to revamp much of our marketing programs, particularly at both Rising Star and Bronco Billy’s, which had recently installed new, state-of-the-art slot machine systems and therefore had much better marketing data than was available previously. The improved marketing data allowed us to focus our attention and benefits on our most important customers, while we were also able to identify groups of customers who had historically been receiving benefits that were not justified by their levels of play.  

As a result, our operating expenses in late 2019, resulting in downtime at both casinos. The downtime was significantly longer at Rising Star, with nearlythe second half of the property’s slot machines offline for several weeks. Rising Star was also affected by new competition, including the September 2018 opening of a new casino offering “historical racing machines” in Louisville, Kentucky. For additional detail, please see the segment detail on the following pages.

Operating expenses. Consolidated operating expenses increased by 1.8% due to a temporary increase in marketing spend at Rising Star in efforts to counter increased competition.  Additional facility costs for the Christmas Casino & Inn at Bronco Billy’s – including for rent, participation/leased slot machines, and labor – reflect a full year of operations since the June 2018 acquisition for the Imperial Hotel and the November 2018 opening of the rebranded Christmas Casino & Inn.  The opening of the Christmas Casino & Inn2020 declined significantly, much more so than our revenues.  This resulted in more than $1 million of incremental expenses without a sufficient increasesignificant increases in revenues to offset it.  At Silver Slipper, expenses increased to reflect a full year of sports book operations since August 2018. For additional detail, please see the segment detail on the following pages.income across our most important properties, as well as in our margins across all segments.

Interest and other non-operating expense, net.

Interest Expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

For the Years Ended

 

December 31, 

    

2019

    

2018

(In thousands)

For the Years Ended

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Interest cost (excluding loan fee amortization)

 

$

10,316

 

$

9,716

$

9,400

$

10,316

Amortization of debt issuance costs and discount

 

 

1,092

 

 

790

 

1,276

 

1,092

Change in fair value of interest rate cap agreement

 

 

92

 

 

146

 

 

92

Capitalized interest

 

 

(772)

 

 

(346)

 

(853)

 

(772)

 

$

10,728

 

$

10,306

$

9,823

$

10,728

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Table of Contents

Interest expense increaseddecreased primarily due to higher debt balances, asthe decline in the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), which affected the total interest rate due for the Prior Notes.

On February 12, 2021, we issued $10 millionthe 2028 Notes. The proceeds were used to, among other things, refinance all of additional senior secured notesthe Prior Notes. Unlike the floating interest rate for the Prior Notes, the interest rate for the 2028 Notes is fixed. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in May 2019.  Additionally, LIBOR rates were higher on average during 2019, resulting in higher interest costs on our floating-rate senior secured notes. “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” for a more detailed discussion.

Other non-operating expense, net

During 2019, weWe incurred $0.6 million and $1.2 million of other non-operating expense from the non-cash fair value adjustment of our common stock warrant liability.  During 2018, we incurred $1.0 million of other non-operating expense due primarily to the February 2018 refinancing of our prior credit facilities, which resultedliability in a $2.7 million loss on extinguishment of debt. This expense was partially offset by a $1.7 million gain from the non-cash fair value adjustment of our common stock warrant liability.2020 and 2019, respectively. The common stock warrant liability is adjusted to fair value each quarter. The increasequarter, with such increases in fair value during 2019both years primarily related to the increaseincreases in our share price during that period.price.

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Table of Contents

Using a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the 2028 Notes, we retired all outstanding warrants for $4 million in the first quarter of 2021. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a more detailed discussion.

Income taxes. Our effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was (167.3)% and 2018 was (1.4%) and (12.2%)(1.4)%, respectively.  Our tax rate differs from the statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to the effects of changes in tax law, changes in valuation allowance, and items that are permanently treated differently for GAAP and tax purposes.  During 2019,2020, we continued to provide a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, net of any available deferred tax liabilities.  In future years, if it is determined that we meet the “more likely than not” threshold of utilizing our deferred tax assets, then we may reverse some or all of our valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.

We do not expect to pay any federal income taxes or receive any federal tax refunds related to our 20192020 results. TaxTaxable income generated in 2020 results in the utilization of historical net operating losses incurred in 2019 may sheltercarrying forward, which are able to offset 100% of taxable income in future years, but because ofincome. Due to the level of uncertainty regarding sufficient prospective income as measured under GAAP, we maintain a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, as mentioned above.

See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” for a more detailed discussion.

Operating results – reportable segments

We manage our casinos based on geographic regions within the United States. Accordingly, Stockman’s and Grand Lodge Casino comprise our Northern Nevada business segment, while Silver Slipper, Bronco Billy’s and Rising Star are currently distinct segments. With the addition of ferry boat operations in September 2018, ourOur Rising Star segment includes results for our ferry boat operations between Indiana and Kentucky. In November 2018, we openedKentucky, as well as our three contracted sports skins in Indiana. The Bronco Billy’s segment includes the Christmas Casino & Inn in Cripple Creek, Colorado, which is includedoperated from November 2018 through September 2020, as well as our three contracted sports skins in the Bronco Billy’s segment.

35

Colorado.

The following table presents detail by segment of our consolidated net revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. Management uses Adjusted Property EBITDA as its measure of segment profit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

For the Years Ended

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 

 

Percent

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

Change

Net revenues

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

$

73,201

 

$

69,350

 

5.6

%

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

 

45,620

 

 

47,966

 

(4.9)

%

Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel

 

 

27,507

 

 

26,942

 

2.1

%

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

 

19,104

 

 

19,629

 

(2.7)

%

 

 

$

165,432

 

$

163,887

 

0.9

%

Adjusted Property EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

$

13,159

 

$

12,126

 

8.5

%

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

 

1,330

 

 

2,806

 

(52.6)

%

Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel

 

 

3,000

 

 

3,919

 

(23.4)

%

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

 

3,161

 

 

3,375

 

(6.3)

%

Adjusted Property EBITDA

 

 

20,650

 

 

22,226

 

(7.1)

%

Corporate

 

 

(4,710)

 

 

(4,575)

 

3.0

%

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

15,940

 

$

17,651

 

(9.7)

%

38


Table of Contents

(In thousands)

For the Years Ended

 

December 31, 

Percent

2020

    

2019

    

Change

Revenues

  

 

  

 

  

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

$

62,513

$

73,201

 

(14.6)

%

Rising Star Casino Resort(1)

 

31,028

 

45,620

 

(32.0)

%

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel(2)

 

20,316

 

27,507

 

(26.1)

%

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

11,732

 

19,104

 

(38.6)

%

$

125,589

$

165,432

 

(24.1)

%

Adjusted Property EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

 

  

 

  

 

  

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

$

14,669

$

13,159

 

11.5

%

Rising Star Casino Resort(1)

 

3,841

 

1,330

 

188.8

%

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel(2)

 

4,479

 

3,000

 

49.3

%

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

454

 

3,161

 

(85.6)

%

Adjusted Property EBITDA

 

23,443

 

20,650

 

13.5

%

Corporate

 

(3,789)

 

(4,710)

 

19.6

%

Adjusted EBITDA

$

19,654

$

15,940

 

23.3

%

(1)Includes amounts related to the property’s contracted sports revenue. One of our three contracted sports skins launched operations in Indiana in December 2019.
(2)Includes amounts related to the property’s contracted sports revenue. One of our three contracted sports skins launched operations in Colorado in June 2020, and a second sports skin commenced operations in December 2020.

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

Net revenues increased during 2019 duePursuant to successful marketing initiatives and operating efficiencies, benefitsan order from recent property investments (including the state gaming commission, we temporarily suspended operations on March 16, 2020, until we were permitted to reopen on May 2019 renovation of its casino and buffet and the August 2018 opening of its sports book), and improved weather in the first quarter as compared21, 2020. Due primarily to sub-freezing temperatures in the prior-year period. Slotthis pandemic-related closure lasting more than two months, revenues decreased by 6.3%14.6% during 2020. Casino revenue decreased by 5.1% due to lower volumesthe extended closure period, though casino revenue grew in the second half of 2020 despite capacity restrictions after reopening. Those constraints included a reduction in the number of available slot machines and relatively flat hold. Table games revenues increasedgaming positions at table games.

Non-casino revenue decreased by 2.9%, while other29.7% during 2020, also due to impacts of the casino revenues (principally sports betting) increased by 158.0% to reflect a full yearclosure and limited operations upon our reopening. The majority of sportsbook operations.

Non-gaming revenues increased by 19.0%, reflecting strong increases in bothour non-casino revenue is from our food and beverage and hotel revenues.outlets. Food and beverage revenues grew 14.2% duringdeclined by 33.1%, due to fewer buffet covers following protocols for socially-distanced tables, the year.elimination of “two-for-one” and other buffet promotions, and the decision to not initially reopen the Oyster Bar. Hotel revenues increaseddecreased by 51.7%19.3%, with relatively flat hotel occupancy and average daily room rates as compared to 2019. Total occupied room-nights fell by 19.9% to 32,017 room-nights in 2020, as the hotel was also closed in Spring 2020 due to higher room rates, and hotel occupancy was 86.0% versus 91.6% in 2018.the pandemic.

Adjusted Property EBITDA increased by 8.5%11.5%, reflecting a focus on marketing and labor improvements. During the shutdown period, we reexamined our cost structure, specifically focusing on labor and marketing efficiencies company-wide. Upon reopening, we ensured that the hours of operations of our amenities were appropriately matched to $13.2 millionour business levels. Additionally, Silver Slipper’s operational performance reflects the benefit of numerous investments in 2019, primarily from the growthproperty in net revenue described above. Likewise, guest volume increases ledrecent years. Such investments included a substantial renovation of the casino and the buffet, a renovated porte cochere and other sense-of-arrival improvements, the Beach Club, the Oyster Bar, and the introduction of on-site sports betting. Other efforts to an approximately 5.2% increase in expenses driven primarily byreduce costs included cancelling free entertainment acts to comply with social distancing limitations on gatherings. Volume-related costs were also lower, such as lower food costs and,at the buffet, due to a lesser extent, increasesfewer covers in volume-related sports book fees. Adjusted Property EBITDA margin was 18.0% in 2019 compared to 17.5% in 2018. Regarding overall financial performance, 2019 was the best year in the property’s 13-year history.

On March 17, 2020, we temporarily closed Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel pursuant to government orders whereby, as a precautionary measure against the ongoing spreadlight of COVID-19 (coronavirus), all casinos in the state temporarily halted operations.capacity constraints.

Rising Star Casino Resort

Net revenues decreased duePursuant to an increase in competition, includingorder from the September 2018 opening of a new casino offering “historical racing machines” in Louisville and the December 2019 opening of a new land-based casino near Louisville that replaced its original casino boat. Additionally, the installation of a new slot system resulted in a significant portion of Rising Star’s slot floor being offlinestate gaming commission, we temporarily suspended operations on March 16, 2020 until we were permitted to reopen on June 15, 2020. Due to this pandemic-related closure for several weeks. These factors resulted in lower volumes, which decreased slot revenues by 1.9% and table games revenues by 10.4%. Non-gaming revenues decreased by 7.8% during 2019 due to lower guest volumes.

Adjusted Property EBITDA decreased to $1.3 million from $2.8 million due to the decreases in net revenue described above,approximately three months, as well as a temporary increase in marketing expense to counter new competition and to introduce several of Rising Star’s new amenities – including Ben’s Bistro, our ferry service, and our RV park – to the communities surrounding Rising Star and

3639


Cincinnatioperating restrictions throughout the property upon reopening, revenues decreased by 32.0%. Moreover, expensesAn increase in competition also affected results, as a casino near Louisville replaced its original casino boat with a large new casino in December 2019. Additionally, in January 2020, racetrack casinos near Indianapolis began offering live table games. As a result, casino revenue decreased by 31.3%, with slot revenues declining by 27.3% and table games revenues decreasing by 47.0%.

Non-gaming revenues decreased by 33.3% during 2020 due to lower guest volumes. Food and beverage revenues decreased by 61.6% during 2020, reflecting the permanent closure of Rising Star’s buffet and limited operating hours for its other restaurants since being permitted to reopen. Hotel revenues also decreased due to lower occupancy. Total occupied room-nights decreased 49.3% to 40,575 in 2020.

Other non-casino revenues rose in 2020, reflecting a full year of operations from the first of our three sports skins in Indiana. As this sports skin did not commence operations until December 30, 2019, sports wagering revenue in 2019 reflect additionalwas only $0.1 million. We expect our two remaining skins in Indiana to go live within the next few months. Other non-casino revenues also includes sales of “free play” that the state’s casinos are permitted to transfer to other casino operators within Indiana. Because Indiana has a progressive gaming tax system and Rising Star is one of the smaller casinos in the state, the property has consistently sold its ability to deduct “free play” in computing gaming taxes to operators in higher tax tiers, as it is permitted to do under state law. Such sales resulted in $2.1 million and $1.0 million of revenue in the fourth quarters of 2020 and 2019, respectively.  

Adjusted Property EBITDA increased to $3.8 million in 2020 from $1.3 million in 2019, despite approximately three months of closure in Spring 2020 due to the pandemic. The improvement reflected our focus on controlling costs to operateand our revamped marketing approach, as well as capital investments made in recent years.  Such capital investments included the ferry boat which began operationsservice, renovations of the pavilion and much of the hotel, conversion of a deli into a new restaurant, the RV park and the new slot machine management system. Efforts to control costs included reducing staff, decreasing marketing expenses, cancelling free entertainment acts to comply with social distancing limitations on gatherings, and replacing our buffet with more efficient food and beverage service options. Volume-related costs were also lower, such as lower food costs in September 2018. As a result, our dining outlets, due to fewer covers in light of capacity constraints.  Adjusted Property EBITDA margin was 2.9% in 2019 compared to 5.8% in 2018.

During 2019,2020 also reflects the Indiana legislature approvedpositive impact from the sports wagering at Indiana casinos. In addition to an on-site sportsbook,skin and the new legislation allows for three mobile “skins” (the industry term for website) for each casino license in the state.  Effectively, these skins allow Rising Star to contract with three website brands for online sports wagering via the Internet, regardlesssale of a customer’s location within the state.  Online gaming must be paired with a physical casino, even though customers do not have to visit that casino to place a bet or even register at the casino to make a bet.  As a result, the Company entered into sports wagering agreements with three different companies, one“free play,” both of which commenced operations on December 30, 2019.  The other two companies are expected to commence operations in mid-2020.  In summary, these sports wagering agreements allow the Company to:have few related expenses.

·

Receive one-time market access fees for Indiana totaling $3.0 million, all of which was received by the end of 2019;

·

Receive a share of net sports wagering revenues, with Full House’s portion of the revenues guaranteed to total at least $3.5 million annually for Indiana.  If any one of our contracting businesses exceeds the minimum amount on a percentage-share basis, our revenues from sports wagering in Indiana is expected to exceed $3.5 million.  The Company expects to have minimal ongoing expenses related to these revenues; and

·

Have a term length of at least 10 years, and potentially as long as 20 years.

Additionally, theOn July 1, 2021, new Indiana gaming legislation, approvedincluding a reduction in certain gaming taxes for Rising Star and other casino operators in the state, including Rising Star, beginning on July 1, 2021.

On March 16, 2020, we temporarily suspended operations at Rising Star Casino Resort pursuantis expected to an order from the Indiana Gaming Commission whereby, as a precautionary measure against the ongoing spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), all casinos in the state temporarily halted operations.go into effect.

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

NetPursuant to state government orders, we temporarily closed Bronco Billy’s on March 17, 2020 until we were permitted to reopen on June 15, 2020. Due to this pandemic-related closure for approximately three months, as well as operating restrictions throughout the property upon reopening, revenues increaseddecreased by 26.1% during 2019,2020. Casino revenue decreased by 22.4%, reflecting a full yearthe citywide shutdown of operations at the Christmas Casino & Inn, which opened in November 2018. Slot revenues increased by 5.3% andall table games revenues increased by 9.6%, both reflecting higher hold percentages.from Spring 2020 through February 2021 and a steep reduction in the number of available slot machines. While table games are currently allowed, capacity at table games has been restricted to ensure social distancing.

Non-gamingAlso due to state- and city-mandated operating restrictions in response to the pandemic, non-gaming revenues decreased overall by 10.0% due to significant snowfall on key weekends.41.3%. Food and beverage revenues decreased by 13.0% during 2019.60.4% due to the temporary closure, limitations on seating, fewer available food outlets upon reopening, and reduced operating hours. Hotel revenues increaseddecreased by 14.2% resulting33.4%, reflecting a 59.6% decline in total occupied room-nights. Other non-casino revenues tripled to $0.9 million in 2020, including $0.7 million of revenue from two of our acquisition ofthree permitted sports skins in Colorado. Our first sports skin launched operations in Colorado on June 4, 2020, followed by the Imperial Hotelsecond skin on December 22, 2020. In 2019, other non-casino revenues were $0.3 million. We expect that our third permitted sports skin will launch in June 2018, which increasedColorado within the total number of hotel rooms at Bronco Billy’s from 24 to 36 guestrooms as part of the rebranding of the Imperial Hotel to the Christmas Inn.next few months.

Adjusted Property EBITDA decreased by 23.4% dueincreased to additional operational costs related to operating the Christmas Casino. Such costs include additional rent for the building that houses the Christmas Casino, additional labor, significant participation/leased slot machine expenses, additional property taxes and other overhead, and additional gaming taxes due to the graduated gaming tax structure$4.5 million in Colorado. 

The Christmas Casino was part2020 from $3.0 million in 2019, despite nearly three months of a strategic decision to control an important corner in Cripple Creek. However, its opening resulted in more than $1 million of incremental expenses during the year without a sufficientclosed operations. The increase in revenues to offset it.  We are in the process of evaluating ways to reduce the cost of our Christmas Casino operations while preserving our strategic goals, including the possibility of using the space for other Christmas-related concepts.  Additionally, Bronco Billy’s continues to be affected by increases in the state’s minimum wage, which increased in January 2019. Adjusted Property EBITDA margin was 10.9% in 2019 compareddue to 14.5% in 2018.

Similar to Rising Star, the Company entered into sports wagering agreements in 2019 in Colorado, allowing for on-site sports wagering atan improved customer experience and analytics from Bronco Billy’s as well as mobile/online sports wagering from anywhere within Colorado.  The Colorado legislation, which was ratifiednew slot marketing system, labor controls (partially offset by voterscertain labor expenses related to the pandemic), a $424,000 benefit in the statewide election onthird quarter of 2020 from the elimination of point redemption liabilities that accrued under the property’s prior loyalty program, and the launch of the two sports skins noted above, which have few related expenses. Results also benefited from the closure of the small, free-standing Christmas Casino, which operated from November 5, 2019, allows for one mobile “skin” per casino2018 to September 2020. While

3740


licensethe unique decor of the small casino resulted in additionan increase in overall revenues, the increase was not sufficient to an on-site sportsbook.  Asoffset the Company has three casino licenses, the maximum allowed for a single company operating in the state, we entered into three sports wagering contracts related to our Coloradoadditional costs of operations. The Colorado agreements will allow the Company to:

·

Receive one-time market access fees for Colorado totaling $3.0 million, all of which was received in the fourth quarter of 2019;

·

Receive a share of net sports wagering revenues, with Full House’s portion of the revenues guaranteed to total at least $3.5 million annually for Colorado.  Again, if any one ofChristmas Casino did not have any convenient parking and was physically removed from our contracting businesses exceeds the minimum amount on a percentage share basis, our revenues from sports wagering in Colorado is expected to exceed $3.5 million.  The Company expects to have minimal ongoing expenses related to these revenues; and

·

Have a term length of at least 10 years, and potentially as long as 20 years.  The Company expects the launch of sports wagering in Colorado in mid-2020.

On March 17, 2020, we temporarily closed Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel pursuant to government orders whereby, as a precautionary measure against the ongoing spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), all casinos in the state temporarily halted operations.operation.

Northern Nevada

The Northern Nevada segment consists of the Grand Lodge and Stockman’s casinos and is historically the smallest of the Company’s segments. Our Northern Nevada operations have historically beenare seasonal, with the summer months accounting for a disproportionate share of its annual revenues. Additionally, snowfall levels during the winter months also frequently have a positive or negative effect.can often affect operations, as Grand Lodge Casino is located near several ski resorts, including Alpine Meadows, Northstar and Squaw Valley. Normally, weWe typically benefit from a “good” snow year, resulting in extended periods of operation at the nearby ski areas. In 2020, this business segment was more negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic than our other business segments.

Net revenues decreasedGrand Lodge, for example, is located within the Hyatt Lake Tahoe luxury resort in 2019 primarily dueIncline Village, Nevada. Its customer base includes the local community, as well as visitors to the Hyatt Lake Tahoe. The pandemic has adversely affected the Hyatt Lake Tahoe, including its meeting and convention business. The pandemic also affected the capacity of nearby ski areas this winter. To ensure social distancing, ski areas are currently required to operate their lifts at substantially less than full capacity. Many ski areas have also limited lift ticket sales to attempt to control the resultant lift lines. This has affected visitation to the region, including to the Hyatt Lake Tahoe and our casino.

Stockman’s Casino is in Fallon, Nevada, home to a temporary decreaselarge Naval Air Station, where Navy pilots and crews visit for training, often while their aircraft carriers are in activity atport. To protect the nearby Naval air base at Stockman’s Casino. Additionally, a lower table games hold percentage adversely affected Grand Lodge Casino, declininghealth of both its service members and the host community, the Navy has restricted much of its personnel from leaving the base.

Pursuant to 14.9% from 15.4%. 

Adjusted Property EBITDA in Northern Nevada decreased by 6.3% for the reasons mentioned above. Though labor and operational efficiencies resulted in total expenses decreasing by 2.5% at Stockman’s Casino and by 3.1% at Grand Lodge Casino – a combined savings of approximately $0.48 million – the revenue decline resulted in a 16.5% Adjusted Property EBITDA margin in 2019 versus 17.2% in 2018.

Onstate government orders on March 17, 2020, we temporarily closed both Grand Lodge Casino in Incline Village, Nevada, and Stockman’s Casinountil we were permitted to reopen on June 4, 2020. Due to this pandemic-related closure for nearly three months, as well as visitation declines noted above after reopening, revenues decreased by 38.6%. Similarly, casino revenues decreased by 36.2% in Fallon, Nevada, pursuant2020 due to government orders whereby,lower guest counts at both properties, as a precautionary measure against the ongoing spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), all casinoswell as extended closures for our table games operations. While we resumed table games operations starting in the state temporarily halted operations.third quarter of 2020 at Grand Lodge, such operations remain closed at Stockman’s. Electronic table games have been installed as an alternative to meet this demand at Stockman’s, and the initial customer response appears positive, appealing to a potential new clientele. Slot volumes at Grand Lodge and Stockman’s declined 28.5% and 43.3%, respectively, in 2020. Food and beverage revenue at Stockman’s Casino decreased by 59.4% in 2020.

Adjusted Property EBITDA decreased by $2.7 million, reflecting the $7.4 million decline in revenues, due primarily to the effects of the state-mandated closure of casinos, the continuing constraints of safety protocols, and reductions in the number of guests. Similar to our other properties, we also focused on labor efficiencies at both properties upon reopening in mid-2020. Management’s decision to not yet reopen table games at Stockman’s Casino – which requires significantly higher labor levels than our slot operations – helped to meaningfully reduce labor expense in the second half of 2020 at Stockman’s Casino. As a result, the impact of lower casino revenues during the year was partially offset by the reduction in labor, helping to mitigate the overall decline in Adjusted Property EBITDA.

Corporate

Corporate expenses increased modestlydecreased by 3.0%19.6% in 20192020, primarily due primarily to increasesdecreases in legal and professional fees, as well as new businesspayroll and related expenses; the allocation of costs relatedfor corporate services to project development expenditures.our properties beginning in April 2020; and, to a lesser extent, a reduction in taxes and travel expenses. In Spring 2020, when our casinos were closed, we temporarily reduced our corporate staff to a small group of necessary employees.

As noted above, in April 2020, we began allocating the cost of certain corporate services to our properties, consistent with the practice of other casino companies. Previously, such costs were carried at the corporate level. In 2020, a total of $773,000 was allocated, consisting of $235,000 of additional costs at Silver Slipper, $181,000 at Bronco Billy’s, $194,000 at Rising Star and $163,000 for Northern Nevada. The allocations were proportionally based on the segment’s revenue relative to total revenue in 2019. Management believes that such allocations are appropriate and that they make our financial results more comparable to other casino companies.

41


Table of Contents

Non-GAAP Measure

“Adjusted EBITDA” is earnings before interest and other non-operating income (expense), taxes, depreciation and amortization, preopening expenses, impairment charges, asset write-offs, recoveries, gain (loss) from asset disposals, project development and acquisition costs, and non-cash stock-based compensation expense. Adjusted EBITDA information is presented solely as supplemental disclosure to measures reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) because management believes this measure is (i) a widely used measure of operating performance in the gaming and hospitality industries and (ii) a principal basis for valuation of gaming and hospitality companies. In addition, a version of Adjusted EBITDA (known as Consolidated EBITDA) is utilized in the covenants within our indenture, although not necessarily defined in the same way as above. Adjusted EBITDA is not, however, a measure of financial performance or liquidity

38

under GAAP. Accordingly, this measure should be considered supplemental and not a substitute for net income (loss) or cash flows as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance or liquidity.

The following table presents a reconciliation of net lossincome (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

For the Years Ended

 

December 31, 

    

2019

    

2018

Net loss

 

$

(5,822)

 

$

(4,371)

Income tax expense

 

 

80

 

 

476

(In thousands)

For the Years Ended

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Net income (loss)

$

147

$

(5,822)

Income tax (benefit) expense

(92)

80

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

 

 

10,728

 

 

10,306

9,823

10,728

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 —

 

 

2,673

Adjustment to fair value of warrants

 

 

1,230

 

 

(1,671)

598

1,230

Other

 

 

 —

 

 

13

Operating (loss) income

 

 

6,216

 

 

7,426

Preopening costs

 

 

 —

 

 

274

Operating income

10,476

6,216

Project development costs

 

 

1,037

 

 

843

423

1,037

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

8,331

 

 

8,397

7,666

8,331

Loss on disposal of assets, net

 

 

 8

 

 

79

684

8

Stock-based compensation

 

 

348

 

 

632

405

348

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

15,940

 

$

17,651

$

19,654

$

15,940

The following tables present reconciliations of operating income (loss) to Adjusted Property EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property

 

Operating

 

Depreciation

 

Loss on

 

Project

 

 

 

 

EBITDA and

 

Income

 

and

 

Disposal

 

Development

 

Stock-Based

 

Adjusted

    

(Loss)

    

Amortization

    

of Assets

    

Costs

    

Compensation

    

EBITDA

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

(In thousands)

(In thousands)

Adjusted

Property

Operating

Depreciation

Loss on

Project

Stock-

EBITDA and

Income

and

Disposal

Development

Based

Adjusted

    

(Loss)

    

Amortization

    

of Assets

    

Costs

    

Compensation

    

EBITDA

Casino properties

Casino properties

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Casino properties

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

$

9,700

 

$

3,454

 

$

 5

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

13,159

$

11,421

$

3,004

$

244

$

$

$

14,669

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

 

(1,096)

 

 

2,426

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,330

 

1,363

 

2,478

 

 

 

 

3,841

Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel

 

 

1,297

 

 

1,700

 

 

 3

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

3,000

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

 

3,025

 

1,450

 

4

 

 

 

4,479

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

 

2,562

 

 

599

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

3,161

 

(562)

 

581

 

435

 

 

 

454

 

 

12,463

 

 

8,179

 

 

 8

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

20,650

 

15,247

 

7,513

 

683

 

 

 

23,443

Other operations

Other operations

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Other operations

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Corporate

 

 

(6,247)

 

 

152

 

 

 —

 

 

1,037

 

 

348

 

 

(4,710)

 

(4,771)

 

153

 

1

 

423

 

405

 

(3,789)

 

$

6,216

 

$

8,331

 

$

 8

 

$

1,037

 

$

348

 

$

15,940

$

10,476

$

7,666

$

684

$

423

$

405

$

19,654

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For the Year Ended December 31, 2018

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property

 

Operating

 

Depreciation

 

Loss on

 

 

 

 

Project

 

 

 

 

EBITDA and

 

Income

 

and

 

Disposal of

 

Preopening

 

Development

 

Stock-Based

 

Adjusted

    

(Loss)

    

Amortization

    

Assets

    

Costs

    

Costs

    

Compensation

    

EBITDA

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019

(In thousands)

(In thousands)

Adjusted

Property

Operating

Depreciation

Loss on

Project

Stock-

EBITDA and

Income

and

Disposal

Development

Based

Adjusted

    

(Loss)

    

Amortization

    

of Assets

    

Costs

    

Compensation

    

EBITDA

Casino properties

Casino properties

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Casino properties

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

$

8,784

 

$

3,341

 

$

 1

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

12,126

$

9,700

$

3,454

$

5

$

$

$

13,159

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

 

150

 

 

2,511

 

 

 9

 

 

136

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,806

 

(1,096)

 

2,426

 

 

 

 

1,330

Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel

 

 

2,095

 

 

1,617

 

 

69

 

 

138

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

3,919

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

 

1,297

 

1,700

 

3

 

 

 

3,000

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

 

2,602

 

 

773

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

3,375

 

2,562

 

599

 

 

 

 

3,161

 

 

13,631

 

 

8,242

 

 

79

 

 

274

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

22,226

 

12,463

 

8,179

 

8

 

 

 

20,650

Other operations

Other operations

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Other operations

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Corporate

 

 

(6,205)

 

 

155

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

843

 

 

632

 

 

(4,575)

 

(6,247)

 

152

 

 

1,037

 

348

 

(4,710)

 

$

7,426

 

$

8,397

 

$

79

 

$

274

 

$

843

 

$

632

 

$

17,651

$

6,216

$

8,331

$

8

$

1,037

$

348

$

15,940

Operating expenses deducted to arrive at operating income (loss) in the above tables include facility rents related to: (i) Silver Slipper of $1.6 million in 2020 and $1.7 million in 2019, and $1.6 million in 2018, (ii) Northern Nevada segment of $1.8 million in 2020 and $1.9 million in both 2019, and 2018, and (iii) Bronco Billy’s of $0.6 million in 2019both 2020 and $0.4 million in 2018.2019. Finance lease payments of $0.7 million in 2020 and $0.8 million in 2019 and $0.7 million in 2018 related to Rising Star’s smaller hotel are not deducted, as such payments are accounted for as interest expense and amortization of debt related to the finance obligation.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

As of December 31, 2019,2020, we had $28.9$37.7 million of unrestricted cash and equivalents, as well as $1.0equivalents. We currently estimate that between $7 million of restricted cash. Management currently estimates that approximately $10and $9 million of cash and equivalents is currently required for our day-to-day operations.operations, including for on-site cash in our slot machines, change and redemption kiosks, and cages.

Our casinos are our primary sourcesIn May 2020, we received approximately $5.6 million of incomeunsecured loan proceeds under the CARES Act (the “CARES Act Loans”). At that time, we were unsure as to the potential length of the closure period, the operating restrictions under which we might be allowed to reopen, and operating cash flows. There can be no assurancethe response that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will becustomers would have to the situation and those operating restrictions. Capital was otherwise generally not available to us at the time. Two of our subsidiaries, one in amounts sufficientColorado and one in Indiana, qualified under the Payroll Protection Plan aspect of the CARES Act and utilized the proceeds of such loans to enable usput employees back to work and to pay our indebtedness or fund ourcertain other liquidity needs. Subject tocosts, such as utilities, as was permitted under the effects of the economic uncertainties discussed herein, we believe that adequate financial resources (including from operating cash flows, existing cash balances, and external debt and equity financing) will be available to fund ongoing operating requirements over the next 12 months; however, there can be no assurances of our ability to obtain additional financing to fund our growth efforts or prolonged casino closures.CARES Act.

Cash flows – operating activities. On a consolidated basis, cash provided by operations during 20192020 was $10.5$9.0 million compared to $9.8$10.5 million in 2018.2019. Trends in our operating cash flows tend to follow trends in operating income, excluding non-cash charges, but are also affected by changes in working capital accounts, such as receivables, prepaid expenses, and payables. The increasedecrease in our operating cash flows during 20192020 compared to 20182019 was primarily due to the receipt of $6.0 million related toin 2019 for one-time market access fees forrelated to our sports betting contracts in Indiana and Colorado. In 2020, cash was reduced by the outstanding receivables not yet received from the sale of $2.1 million of “free play” at Rising Star and in Indiana, as discussed elsewhere in this document. In the 2018 period, the timing of accrued expenses benefited cash levels at the end of that year.Star.

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Cash flows – investing activities. On a consolidated basis, cash used in investing activities during 2020 was $2.6 million, which primarily related to the Cripple Creek Project. Cash used in investing activities during 2019 was $8.7 million, which primarily related to capital expenditures for maintenance and certain growth-related projects, including the Phase One expansion at Bronco Billy’s,Cripple Creek Project, the renovatingrenovation and rebranding of a casual restaurant at Rising Star asinto the new Ben’s Bistro, the remodeling of the Silver Slipper casino, and the renovation of the Stockman’s Steakhouse. Cash used in investing activities during 2018 was $17.4 million, which primarily related to several growth projects at our existing properties, including our new ferry boat service at Rising Star, the refurbishment and rebranding

43


Table of the Christmas Casino & Inn, and development work for the Bronco Billy’s expansion, as well as the purchase of the Imperial Hotel and other land adjacent to Bronco Billy’s.Contents

Cash flows – financing activities. On a consolidated basis, cash provided by financing activities during 20192020 was $7.4$1.5 million, which was primarily related to the net proceeds from the Incremental Notes, offset by both the finance lease payments at Rising Star (see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”) and the increased principal payments related to the Notes. Cashwhile cash provided by financing activities during 20182019 was $8.3$7.4 million. Comparing both years, we received proceeds totaling $5.6 million which primarily related to the proceeds fromCARES Act Loans, and we issued an additional $10 million of the registered direct equity offering that we completedPrior Notes in March 2018May 2019, partially offset in both periods by debt costs and offset by payments related to the refinancing of our credit facilities, loan and lease principal payments on the Prior Notes, and purchase of an interest rate cap.principal payments for the finance lease at Rising Star.

Other Factors Affecting Liquidity

We have significant outstanding debt and contractual obligations in addition to planned capital expenditures. Subject to the effects of the economic uncertainties discussed herein, we expect to continue to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our interest requirements and maintain our properties. Our debt matures inIn February 2024 and2021, we anticipate needing to refinancerefinanced our debt prior to its maturity, as we are unlikely to generate sufficient cash flow inwith the interim and to meet these obligations.2028 Notes. Certain planned capital expenditures designed to grow the Company, willincluding our proposed casino in Waukegan, may require additional financing. While, as noted, we have tentatively arranged for most of such financing with a significant investment firm, we may still require additional financing including perhapsto fund our portion of the issuance of additional debt and potentially some form of equity financing.project funding. 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 operating cash flow and/or access the capital markets, we could be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing, delaying, or eliminating certain planned capital expenditures, selling assets, obtaining additional equity financing, or borrowing at higher costs of capital.

Long-Term Debt. At December 31, 2019,2020, we had $107.9$106.8 million of principal indebtedness outstanding from bothunder the original $100Prior Notes. Additionally, in the midst of the pandemic when all operations were suspended, we obtained the CARES Act Loans. We also owe $3.8 million related to our finance lease of new senior secured notes due 2024 thata hotel at Rising Star.

As discussed in the “Executive Overview” above, in February 2021, we issued in February 2018the 2028 Notes and used the incremental $10 million of notes that we issued in May 2019 (collectively, the “Notes”). The proceeds from the February 2018 notes offering were used to pay offrepay all of ourthe Prior Notes (including a small call premium); redeem all outstanding Firstwarrants totaling 1,006,568 shares; pay transaction fees and Second Lien Credit Facilities, pay for costs associated with the refinancing, provide ongoing working capital, provide funds for capital expenditures, and for general corporate purposes; proceeds from the May 2019 notes offering were used for the Phase One expansion of Bronco Billy’s, capital expenditures, and general corporate purposes. We currently estimate, based on current LIBOR rates, that our cash interest expense in 2020 will be approximately $10 million, including the interest component of our finance lease. This estimate is based on our total outstanding debt and applicable interest rates within the next twelve months.

Interest Rate Cap Agreement. In connection with the refinancing, we purchased an interest rate cap (“Interest Rate Cap”) for $238,000 on April 6, 2018. We entered into this interest rate derivative with Capital One, N.A. to minimize the effect of interest rate increases on approximately half of our outstanding borrowings with a notional amount of $50 million and strike rate of 3.00%, which resets every three months at the end of March, June, September, and December. The Interest Rate Cap expires on March 31, 2021 and is presented accordingly on our consolidated balance sheet under “Deposits and other” as a non-current asset. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Common Stock Warrants. In 2016, we granted the lenders under the former Second Lien Credit Facility (the “Second Lien Lenders”) warrants representing rights to purchase approximately 1.0 million shares of our common stock at $1.67 per share, the average trading price of our common stock during a 60‑day period bracketing the date of issuance. The warrants include redemption rights which allow the warrant-holders, at their option, to require us to repurchase all or a portion of the warrants upon the occurrence of certain triggering events. The refinancing of the Second Lien Credit Facility in February 2018 qualified as a triggering event. As of the date of this filing, the Second Lien Lenders have not exercised these redemption rights, though they may do so on any six-month anniversary of the refinancing date prior to warrant expiration in May 2026. If they do exercise

41

their redemption rights, we have the option of paying them in cash or with a four-year note on terms stipulated in the warrant agreement. Alternatively, the warrant-holders may choose to have us register and sell the sharesexpenses related to the warrants throughbond issuance; fund a public offering. See Note 6construction disbursement account with $180 million to complete the consolidated financial statements set forth in “Item 8. Financial StatementsCripple Creek Project; and Supplementary Data” for further information associated with these warrants which could affectadd approximately $8 million to our liquidityexisting Unrestricted Cash and capital resources.Equivalents.

Hyatt Option to Purchase our Leasehold Interest and Related Assets. Our lease with Hyatt to operate the Grand Lodge Casino containscurrently has an option for Hyatt as of January 1, 2019, to purchase our leasehold interest and related casino operating assets. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for further information about this option and related rental commitments that could affect our liquidity and capital resources.

Capital Investments. We have made significant investmentsThoughpandemic-related closures caused us to suspend our larger projects from March 2020 through 2019 and may make additionalthe end of the year, we resumed our capital investments during 2020 and beyond.in 2021. These investments are designed to improve the guest experience and to drive visitation at our properties, revenue and income growth.

Bronco Billy’s Cripple Creek Project - As discussed above in the “Executive Overview,” we began Phase One of the two-phase expansion ofrecently augmented our plans to build a new luxury hotel and casino adjacent to our existing Bronco Billy’s property with our purchasein Cripple Creek, Colorado. To fund the project, we issued the 2028 Notes, which included $180 million of proceeds to fully fund the Imperial Hotelremaining expected investment. Of such total, we currently expect to invest $50 million in June 2018, along with other nearby parcels of land,2021 and our lease of the Imperial Casinoremaining $130 million in August 2018.2022. Such amounts exclude capitalized interest. In November 2018,February 2021, we reopenedcommenced construction on the Imperial Hotelexpanded project and Casino as the rebranded Christmas Casino & Inn. The remainder of Phase One includes the construction of a 319-space parking garage and connector building. In March 2020, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, we paused construction of the parking garage, which wascompletion is expected in the early stagesfourth quarter of construction. We estimate that the remaining cost for Phase One’s parking garage is approximately $17 million. The timing of such capital expenditures will depend on when conditions warrant the resumption of such construction.2022.

Other Capital Expenditures - Additionally, we may fund various other capital expenditure projects, depending on our financial resources. Our capital expenditures may fluctuate due to decisions regarding strategic capital investments in new or existing facilities, and the timing of capital investments to maintain the quality of our properties. No assurance can be given that any of our planned capital expenditure projects will be completed or that any completed projects will be successful. Our annual capital expenditures typically include some number of new slot machines and related equipment; to some extent, we can coordinate such purchases to match our resources.

We evaluate projects based on a number of factors, including profitability forecasts, length of the development period, the regulatory and political environment, and the ability to secure the funding necessary to complete the development or

44


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acquisition, among other considerations. No assurance can be given that any additional projects will be pursued or completed or that any completed projects will be successful.

Coronavirus. As described in Notes 2 and 14, in March 2020, in their efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus, various state governments temporarily closed each of our casinos for the time periods discussed above. We have very little meeting and convention business relative to many other casino companies and we operate local rather than destination resorts.  Meeting and convention businesses typically book far in advance, as do many vacation travelers, so we would expect those aspects of the casino business to recover more slowly than our local casino business.   Furthermore, very few of our customers fly to reach our properties, so if individuals are less likely to travel by air in the near future due to the difficulty of “social distancing” on an airplane or in an airport, it could have less of an impact on our properties. Nevertheless, while these closures are expected to be temporary, the current circumstances are dynamic and the impacts of COVID-19 on our business operations, including the duration and impact on overall customer demand, the timing of the reopening of our casinos, new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus, and the actions to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact, among others, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time and we anticipate this could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Because we operate in several different jurisdictions, some of our casinos may be permitted to reopen prior to others.

We currently believe that, through our approximately $28.9 million of cash and equivalents as of December 31, 2019, we have the liquidity necessary to sustain closure for a period of time that extends beyond the currently-mandated closure periods. Additionally, as of December 31, 2019, we had $1.0 million of restricted cash. In March 2020, such cash was no longer categorized as restricted, as the Company was approved for its “master license” for sports betting by the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission on March 19, 2020. To preserve liquidity, upon the temporary closure of our properties in March

42

2020, we significantly reduced staffing levels at each of our properties and at our corporate office to a small group of essential employees. We also recently elected to pause construction of the Phase One parking garage at Bronco Billy’s, allowing us to use the cash designated for such construction to provide the Company with additional liquidity until our casinos are permitted to reopen. No assurance can be given that, should the casino closures extend for a prolonged period and require us to seek additional liquidity, we will be able to successfully raise additional funds through either the issuance of new debt or new equity or the sale of assets. The Company will work diligently to reopen its casinos as soon as it is permitted to do so.

Principal Debt Arrangements

Senior Secured Notes due 2024

On February 2, 2018,As of December 31, 2020, we refinanced amounts previously outstanding of $41owed $106.8 million under the First Lien Credit Facility and $55Prior Notes. On February 12, 2021, we refinanced all of our outstanding Prior Notes, as further discussed below.

Senior Secured Notes due 2028

On February 12, 2021 we refinanced all of our outstanding Prior Notes through the issuance of $310 million under the Second Lien Credit Facility with $100 million of new senior secured notes due 2024, which we sold to qualified institutional buyers. On May 10, 2019, the Company issued an additional $10 million in aggregate principal amount of its senior secured notes due 2024 to qualified institutional buyers (collectively, the “Notes”).2028. The 2028 Notes are collateralizedsecured by liens on substantially all of our assets and are guaranteed by all of our materialrestricted subsidiaries. We placed $180 million of the debt proceeds into a construction reserve account dedicated to the construction of the Cripple Creek Project.

The 2028 Notes bear interest at the greater of the three-month LIBOR or 1.0%, plus a marginfixed rate of 7.0%. The indenture governing8.25% per year and mature on February 15, 2028. There is no mandatory debt amortization prior to the Notes provides for a 50 basis point interest premium if Mr. Lee reduces his equity interests by 50% or more while serving as our CEO. Mr. Lee has no current intention to sell any shares.maturity date. Interest on the 2028 Notes is payable quarterly in arrears, on March 31, June 30, September 30February 15 and December 31August 15 of each year.

On or prior to February 15, 2024, we may redeem up to 35% of the original principal amount of the 2028 Notes with proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 108.25%, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. In addition, we may redeem some or all of the 2028 Notes prior to February 15, 2024 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the 2028 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date and a “make-whole” premium. Thereafter, the 2028 Notes may be prepaid at 104.125% of par through February 14, 2025, 102.063% through February 14, 2026, and 100% thereafter.

Unsecured Loans Under the CARES Act

On May 8, 2020, two of our wholly-owned subsidiaries obtained the CARES Act Loans in the aggregate amount of $5.6 million. Such funds were principally used to rehire several hundred employees at Rising Star and Bronco Billy’s in advance of, and subsequent to, their reopenings in mid-June 2020 from the mandated closures. The CARES Act Loans bear interest at a fixed rate of 1.00% per year, until the Notesand are set to mature in February 2024. On eachon May 3, 2025. After a 15-month deferment period for principal and interest payment date,payments, we are required to make principalloan payments of $275,000$128,557 each month, beginning in September 2021. The CARES Act Loans may be prepaid at any time prior to maturity with a balloon payment for the remaining $103.5 million due upon maturity.

Mandatory prepayments of the Notes willno prepayment penalties. Such unsecured loans may be required upon the occurrence of certain events, including sales of certain assets. We may redeem the Notes,forgiven, either in whole or in part, atdepending on the amount of such proceeds that are used for certain eligible expenses over a 24-week period, including primarily the payroll and health benefits of employees who might otherwise have been without jobs or health benefits. We intend to seek forgiveness of these loans, as permitted by the legislation, but there is no certainty that any time at the applicable redemption price plus accrued and unpaid interest. The redemption price mayor all of such loans will be prepaid at 102% of par through February 1, 2020; 101.5% through February 1, 2021; 100.5% through February 1, 2022; and 100% thereafter.forgiven.

Covenants

The indenture governing the Prior Notes containscontained customary representations and warranties, events of default, and positive and negative covenants, including financial covenants. As defined in the indenture, we arewere required to maintain a total leverage ratio, which measuresmeasured “Consolidated EBITDA” against outstanding net debt. Additionally, we arewere allowed to deduct up to $15 million of our cash and equivalents (beyond estimated cash utilized in daily operations) in calculating the numerator of such ratio. ForDue to the upcoming year,refinancing of the Prior Notes in February 2021, no total leverage ratio covenant ratio requirements are 6.00x through March 31, 2020, then 5.75x through September 30, 2020, and then 5.50x through December 31, 2020.

Aswas applicable as of December 31, 2019,2020. However, we were in compliance with our covenants; however, there can be no assurancesbelieve that we will remainsatisfied such covenants at the end of the fourth quarter, had the debt not been refinanced.

As noted above, we refinanced the Prior Notes in complianceFebruary 2021 with all covenants inproceeds from the future. issuance of the 2028 Notes. The 2028 Notes also contain customary representations and warranties and customary financial covenants. Unlike the Prior Notes, the 2028 Notes do not have a quarterly leverage ratio that we are required to maintain.

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Table of Contents

See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for more information about our Notes due 2024.

In March 2020, as discussed above and in Notes 2 and 14, our casinos were temporarily closed by various state governments as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.  While these closures are expected to be temporary, the current circumstances are dynamic and the impacts of COVID-19 on our business operations, including the duration and impact on overall customer demand, the timing of the reopening of our casinos, new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus, and the actions to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact, among others, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time and we anticipate this could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows.  Accordingly, we do not yet know the full effects of such closures on our operations.  A significant period of closure or significant declines in business volumes upon reopening would negatively impact our ability to remain in compliance with our debt covenants.  In the event that we fail to meet our debt covenants in the next twelve months, we would either seek covenant waivers or attempt to amend our covenants, though there is no certainty that we would be successful in such efforts.

43

information.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K, 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.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies

Our consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Certain of our accounting policies require that we apply significant judgment in defining the appropriate assumptions for calculating estimates that affect reported amounts and disclosures. By their nature, judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty, and therefore, actual results may differ from our estimates. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets, Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles

Our long-lived assets include property and equipment, goodwill, and indefinite-lived intangibles, and are evaluated at least annually (and more frequently when circumstances warrant) to determine if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Examples of such events or changes in circumstances that might indicate impairment testing is warranted might include, as applicable, an adverse change in the legal, regulatory or business climate relative to gaming nationally or in the jurisdictions in which we operate, or a significant long-term decline in historical or forecasted earnings or cash flows or the fair value of our property or business, possibly as a result of competitive or other economic or political factors. In evaluating whether a loss in value is other than temporary, we consider: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value or market value has been less than cost; (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the casino property, including any specific events which may influence the operations; (iii) our intent related to the asset and ability to retain it for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value; (iv) the condition and trend of the economic cycle; (v) historical and forecasted financial performance; and (vi) trends in the general market.

We review the carrying value of our property and equipment used in our operations whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable from estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is indicated. If the undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, then an impairment is recorded based on the fair value of the asset. Fair value is typically measured using a discounted cash flow model whereby future cash flows are discounted using a weighted-average cost of capital, developed using a standard capital-asset pricing model, based on guideline companies in our industry.

We test our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or when a triggering event occurs. For our 20192020 and 20182019 annual impairment tests, we utilized the option to perform a qualitative analysis for our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles and concluded it was more likely than not that the fair values of such intangibles exceeded their carrying values. Any impairment charges incurred are not reversed if a subsequent evaluation concludes a higher valuation than the carrying value.

Fixed Asset Capitalization and Depreciation Policies

We define a fixed asset as a unit of property that (i) has an economic useful life that extends beyond 12 months and (ii) was acquired or produced for a cost greater than $2,500 for a single asset or greater than $5,000 for a group of assets. Property and equipment are stated at cost. For the majority of our property and equipment, cost was determined at the acquisition date based on estimated fair values. We acquired Bronco Billy’s in May 2016, Silver Slipper in October 2012, Rising Star in April 2011 and Stockman’s in January 2007. Project development costs, which are amounts expended on the pursuit of new

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business opportunities, and acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Maintenance and repairs that neither materially add to the value of the property nor appreciably prolong its life are also expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization are provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. When we construct assets, we capitalize direct costs

44

of the project, including fees paid to architects and contractors and property taxes. Salaries are capitalized only for employees working directly on the project. In addition, interest cost associated with major development and construction projects is capitalized as part of the cost of the project. Interest is typically capitalized on amounts expended on the project using the weighted-average cost of our outstanding borrowings. Capitalization of interest starts when construction activities begin and ceases when construction is substantially complete or development activity is suspended for more than a brief period.

We must make estimates and assumptions when accounting for capital expenditures. Whether an expenditure is considered a maintenance expense or a capital asset is sometimes a matter of judgment. When constructing or purchasing assets, we must determine whether existing assets are being replaced or otherwise impaired, which also may be a matter of judgment. In addition, our depreciation expense is highly dependent on the assumptions we make about our assets’ estimated useful lives. We determine the estimated useful lives based on our experience with similar assets, engineering studies, and our estimate of the usage of the asset. Whenever events or circumstances occur, which would change the estimated useful life of an asset, we account for the change prospectively.

Goodwill and Business Combinations

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over fair value of net tangible and other intangible assets acquired in connection with business combinations. We accounted for our acquisitions of casino properties for Bronco Billy’s, Silver Slipper and Rising Star as business combinations. In a business combination, we determine the fair value of acquired assets, including identifiable intangible assets, assumed liabilities, and non-controlling interests, if any. The fair value of the acquired business is allocated to the acquired assets, assumed liabilities, and non-controlling interests based on their fair value, with any remaining fair value allocated to goodwill. This allocation process requires use of estimates and assumptions, including estimates of future cash flows to be generated by the acquired assets.

Intangible Assets

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily include the cost of gaming licenses and trade names. Gaming licenses represent the rights to conduct gaming in certain jurisdictions, and trade names represent the fair value of the casino name’s brand recognition. The values of our gaming licenses were primarily estimated using a derivation of the income approach to valuation. The value of the Bronco Billy’s trade names utilized the “relief from royalty” method, which primarily utilizes comparable royalty agreements to determine value. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, unless it is determined that their useful life is no longer indefinite. We periodically review our indefinite-lived assets to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. If it is determined that an indefinite-lived intangible asset has a finite useful life, then the asset is tested for impairment and is subsequently accounted for as a finite-lived intangible asset.

Our finite-lived intangible assets include customer loyalty programs, land leases, payments for a lease option and water rights. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over the shorter of their contractual or economic useful lives.

Customer loyalty programs represent the value of repeat business associated with the casinos’ loyalty programs when we acquired the properties. Such values were determined using a derivation of the income approach to valuation. The valuation analyses for the active-rated players were based on estimated revenues and attrition rates. Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel and Rising Star Casino Resort maintain historical information for the proportion of revenues attributable to the rated play, which acquisition costs were allocated to such customer loyalty programs. The combined value of the customer loyalty programs has since been fully-amortized over their assumed economic useful life, but remains a component of gross intangible assets other than goodwill, and comprises a majority of the related accumulated amortization. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for more information.

Revenue Recognition

Accrued Club Points: Operating Revenues and Related Costs and Expenses. Our revenue recognition policies follow casino industry practices. Casino revenue is the aggregate net difference between gaming wins and losses, with certain liabilities

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recognized, including progressive jackpots, earned customer loyalty incentives, funds deposited by customers before gaming play occurs, and for certain chips and tokens in the customers’ possession. Key performance indicators related to gaming revenue are slot coin-in and table game drop (volume indicators) and “win” or “hold” percentage.

45

Revenue for food and beverage, hotel, and other revenue transactions is typically the net amount collected from the customer for such goods and services, plus the retail value of (i) discretionary comps and (ii) comps provided in return for redemption of loyalty points. We record such revenue as the good or service is transferred to the customer. Additionally, we may collect deposits in advance for future hotel reservations or entertainment, among other services, which represent obligations to the Companyus until the service is provided to the customer. Sales and similar revenue-linked taxes (except for gaming taxes) collected from customers on behalf of, and submitted to, taxing authorities are also excluded from revenue and recorded as a current liability.

Deferred Revenues: Market Access Fees from Sports Wagering Agreements. These liabilities were created in the third quarter of 2019 when we We entered into several agreements with various unaffiliated companies allowing for online sports wagering within Indiana and Colorado, as well as on-site sports wagering at Rising Star Casino Resort and at Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel (the “Sports Agreements”). As part of these longer-term Sports Agreements, we received one-time market access fees in cash, which were recorded as a long-term liability in the same amount and will be recognized as revenue ratably over the initial term length of the agreements of 10 years, beginning with the commencement of operations. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for more information.

Customer Loyalty Programs

We have separate customer loyalty programs at each of our properties – Silverthe Slipper Casino PlayersRewards Club, the Bronco Billy’s Mile High Rewards Club, the Rising Star Rewards Club™,VIP Club, the Grand Lodge Players Advantage Club®, and the Stockman’s Winner’s Club. Under these programs, customers earn points based on their volume of wagering that may be redeemed for various benefits, such as free play, cash back, complimentary dining, or hotel stays, among others, depending on each property’s specific offers. We also occasionally offer sweepstakes and other promotions for tracked customers that do not require redemption of points.

As points are accrued, we defer a portion of our gaming revenue based on the estimated standalone value of loyalty points being earned by the customer. The standalone value of loyalty points is derived from the retail value of food, beverages, hotel rooms, and other goods or services for which such points may be redeemed. A liability related to these customer loyalty points is recorded, net of estimated breakage and other factors, until the customer redeems these points primarily for “free casino play/cash back,” complimentary dining, or hotel stays.program benefits as described above. Upon redemption, the related revenue is recognized at retail value within the department providing the goods or services. Unredeemed points are forfeited if the customer becomes and remains inactive for a specified period of time.

Loyalty programs are a part of the total marketing program. The amount of marketing reinvestment (complimentaries to players, promotional awards, entertainment, etc.) is based on the specific property and competitive assumptions. We track the percentage of promotional and marketing costs, compared to gaming revenue, for an efficient use and return on our marketing investment. Our properties operate in highly-competitive promotional environments due to the high amounts of incentives offered by our competition.

Accounts Receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable consist primarily of casino, hotel and other receivables, are typically non-interest bearing, and are carried net of an appropriate collection allowance to approximate fair value. The allowances for doubtful accounts are estimated based on specific review of customer accounts, as well as, historical collection experience and current economic and business conditions. Accounts are written off when management deems the account to be uncollectible, and recoveries of accounts previously written off are recorded when received.

Income Taxes

We are subject to federal and state taxes in the United States. Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets. We make these estimates and judgments about our future taxable income that are based on assumptions that are

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consistent with our future plans. Tax laws, regulations, and administrative practices may be subject to change due to economic or political conditions, including fundamental changes to the applicable tax laws.

46

Our income tax returns are subject to examination by the IRS and other tax authorities. Positions taken in tax returns are sometimes subject to uncertainty in the tax laws and may not ultimately be accepted by the IRS or other tax authorities. We assess our tax positions using a two-step process. A tax position is recognized if it meets a “more likely than not” threshold. It is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized. Additionally, we recognize accrued interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Common Stock Warrant Liability

We measure the fair value of our common stock warrants at each reporting period based on Level 3 inputs as determined by GAAP. Due to the variable terms regarding the timing of the settlement of the warrants, the Company utilizes a “Monte Carlo” simulation approach, a mathematical technique used to model the probability of different outcomes, to measure the fair value of the warrants. The simulation included certain estimates by Company management regarding the estimated timing of the settlement of the warrants. Significant increases or decreases in those management estimates would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. Changes in the fair value measurement of our warrant liability are measured quarterly, including changes caused by increases or decreases in our stock price, and are expensed or credited to income during the measurement period.

Stock-based Compensation

We have granted shares of common stock and stock options to key members of management and the board of directors. Accounting standards require us to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award and recognize that cost over the service period. Stock-based compensation expense from stock awards is included in general and administrative expense. Vesting is contingent upon certain conditions, including continuous service of the individual recipients. We use the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine the estimated fair value for each option grant issued. The Black-Scholes-determined fair value, net of actual forfeitures, is amortized as compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the service period.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

See Note 2 for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

As a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b‑212b-2 of the Exchange Act, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.

4749


Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

4850


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Full House Resorts, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets of Full House Resorts, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows, for each of the year thentwo years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2018, were audited by other auditors whose report, dated March 14, 2019, expressed and unqualified opinion on those statements. In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the year thentwo years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2018 consolidated financial statements of the Company and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any form of assurance on the 2018 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

Going Concern

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has temporarily suspended operations at its casinos and hotels. A prolonged closure would negatively impact the Company’s ability to remain in compliance with its debt covenants. These conditions raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases, using the modified retrospective approach.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company'sCompany’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company'sCompany’s financial statements based on our audit.audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our auditaudits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit,audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Las Vegas, Nevada

March 30, 2020

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2019.

49

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ON CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Board of Directors and Stockholders

Full House Resorts, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Las Vegas, Nevada

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Full House Resorts, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018  and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows, for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018, and the results of its consolidated operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit providesaudits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Before being dismissedCritical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on August 23, 2019,the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we hadare not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Income Taxes- Valuation Allowance- Refer to Note 8 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

The Company provides valuation allowances against deferred tax assets when it is deemed “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized within a reasonable period of time.  Future realization of deferred tax assets depends on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.  Sources of taxable income include future reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies, collectively referred to herein as “estimated taxable income sources”.  The Company’s valuation allowance for its US federal and certain state deferred tax assets was $11 million as of December 31, 2020.

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We identified the Company’s valuation allowance analysis and conclusion as a critical audit matter because of the estimates and judgments required by management in determining estimated taxable income sources.  Auditing the estimated taxable income sources required a high degree of auditor judgment and increased audit effort, including the need to involve our income tax specialists in evaluating the appropriateness and reasonableness of such estimates.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the estimated taxable income sources included the following, among others:

We tested the design and implementation of controls over management’s estimates of the realization of the deferred tax assets, including those over projected taxable income.
We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s projections of taxable income, including consideration of non-recurring items, by comparing actual results to management’s historical estimates and considering the consistency of the estimates of projected future taxable income (adjusted for non-recurring items, as applicable) with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit.
With the assistance of our income tax specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of management’s assessment of the significance and weighting of negative and positive evidence that is objectively verifiable, as well as whether it was more likely than not that sufficient estimated taxable income sources would be generated in the future for all or a portion of the net deferred tax assets to be realized, including consideration of:
oRelevant tax laws and regulations;
oFuture reversals of deferred tax liabilities;
oRelevant tax planning strategies; and
oProjected future taxable income, including adjustments for non-recurring items, as applicable.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Las Vegas, Nevada

March 12, 2021

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2004.2019.

/s/ Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern

Certified Public Accountants

Las Vegas, Nevada

March 14, 2019, except for Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is March 30, 2020

5052


FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 

    

2019

    

2018

Year Ended December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Revenues

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

Casino

 

$

113,390

 

$

114,324

$

90,812

$

113,390

Food and beverage

 

 

35,069

 

 

35,058

 

19,766

 

35,069

Hotel

 

 

11,535

 

 

9,864

 

7,410

 

11,535

Other operations

 

 

5,438

 

 

4,641

Net revenues

 

 

165,432

 

 

163,887

Other operations, including online/mobile sports

 

7,601

 

5,438

 

125,589

 

165,432

Operating costs and expenses

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

Casino

 

 

50,673

 

 

50,074

 

33,749

 

50,673

Food and beverage

 

 

33,950

 

 

33,495

 

19,378

 

33,950

Hotel

 

 

5,608

 

 

5,747

 

3,773

 

5,608

Other operations

 

 

3,557

 

 

3,113

 

1,855

 

3,557

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

56,052

 

 

54,439

 

47,585

 

56,052

Preopening costs

 

 

 —

 

 

274

Project development costs

 

 

1,037

 

 

843

 

423

 

1,037

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

8,331

 

 

8,397

 

7,666

 

8,331

Loss on disposal of assets, net

 

 

 8

 

 

79

 

684

 

8

 

 

159,216

 

 

156,461

 

115,113

 

159,216

Operating income

 

 

6,216

 

 

7,426

 

10,476

 

6,216

Other (expense) income

 

 

  

 

 

  

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized of $772 and $346

 

 

(10,728)

 

 

(10,306)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,673)

Other expense

 

  

 

  

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized of $853 and $772

(9,823)

(10,728)

Adjustment to fair value of warrants

 

 

(1,230)

 

 

1,671

 

(598)

 

(1,230)

Other

 

 

 —

 

 

(13)

 

 

(11,958)

 

 

(11,321)

Loss before income taxes

 

 

(5,742)

 

 

(3,895)

Income tax expense

 

 

80

 

 

476

Net loss

 

$

(5,822)

 

$

(4,371)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic loss per share

 

$

(0.22)

 

$

(0.17)

Diluted loss per share

 

$

(0.22)

 

$

(0.23)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(10,421)

 

(11,958)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

55

 

(5,742)

Income tax (benefit) expense

(92)

80

Net income (loss)

$

147

$

(5,822)

Basic earnings (loss) per share

$

0.01

$

(0.22)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

$

0.01

$

(0.22)

Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding

 

 

26,979,829

 

 

26,012,381

27,093,656

26,979,829

Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding

 

 

26,979,829

 

 

26,460,902

27,783,654

26,979,829

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 

 

    

2019

    

2018

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cash and equivalents

 

$

28,851

 

$

20,634

Restricted cash

 

 

1,000

 

 

 —

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $141 and $98

 

 

2,206

 

 

2,035

Inventories

 

 

2,292

 

 

1,425

Prepaid expenses and other

 

 

3,340

 

 

2,899

 

 

 

37,689

 

 

26,993

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

121,487

 

 

122,076

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net(1)

 

 

19,171

 

 

 —

Goodwill

 

 

21,286

 

 

21,286

Other intangible assets, net

 

 

11,056

 

 

11,145

Deposits and other

 

 

646

 

 

772

 

 

$

211,335

 

$

182,272

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

5,216

 

$

5,917

Accrued payroll and related

 

 

3,044

 

 

3,668

Other accrued expenses and other

 

 

10,613

 

 

9,704

Current portion of operating lease obligations(1)

 

 

2,707

 

 

 —

Current portion of finance lease obligation

 

 

448

 

 

497

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

1,100

 

 

1,000

Common stock warrant liability

 

 

2,055

 

 

825

 

 

 

25,183

 

 

21,611

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease obligations, net of current portion(1)

 

 

16,706

 

 

 —

Finance lease obligation, net of current portion

 

 

3,829

 

 

4,324

Long-term debt, net

 

 

102,923

 

 

94,194

Deferred income taxes, net

 

 

712

 

 

632

Other

 

 

5,886

 

 

166

 

 

 

155,239

 

 

120,927

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

 

 

  

 

 

  

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

  

 

 

  

Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 28,345,525 and 28,288,764 shares issued and 27,075,962 and 26,932,169 shares outstanding

 

 

 3

 

 

 3

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

64,402

 

 

63,935

Treasury stock, 1,269,563 and 1,356,595 common shares

 

 

(1,548)

 

 

(1,654)

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(6,761)

 

 

(939)

 

 

 

56,096

 

 

61,345

 

 

$

211,335

 

$

182,272

(1)

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification 842 (“ASC 842”), using the modified retrospective transition method under the effective date approach, which impacts the comparability of these line items.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-in

 

Treasury Stock

 

Accumulated

 

Stockholders’

December 31, 2019

 

Shares

    

Dollars

    

Capital

    

Shares

    

Dollars  

    

Deficit

    

Equity

Beginning balances

 

28,289

 

$

 3

 

$

63,935

 

1,357

 

$

(1,654)

 

$

(939)

 

$

61,345

Exercise of stock options

 

35

 

 

 —

 

 

119

 

(87)

 

 

106

 

 

 —

 

 

225

Stock grants

 

22

 

 

 —

 

 

48

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

48

Stock-based compensation

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

300

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

300

Net loss

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(5,822)

 

 

(5,822)

Ending balances

 

28,346

 

$

 3

 

$

64,402

 

1,270

 

$

(1,548)

 

$

(6,761)

 

$

56,096

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

ASSETS

Current assets

 

  

 

  

Cash and equivalents

$

37,698

$

28,851

Restricted cash

1,000

Accounts receivable, net

 

4,904

 

2,206

Inventories

 

1,511

 

2,292

Prepaid expenses and other

 

2,461

 

3,340

 

46,574

 

37,689

Property and equipment, net

 

115,772

 

121,487

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

17,361

19,171

Goodwill

 

21,286

 

21,286

Other intangible assets, net

 

10,963

 

11,056

Deposits and other

 

660

 

646

$

212,616

$

211,335

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities

Accounts payable

$

4,191

$

5,216

Accrued payroll and related

 

2,397

 

3,044

Other accrued liabilities

 

10,810

 

10,613

Current portion of operating lease obligations

3,283

2,707

Current portion of finance lease obligation

491

448

Current portion of long-term debt

 

426

 

1,100

Common stock warrant liability

2,653

2,055

 

24,251

 

25,183

Operating lease obligations, net of current portion

 

14,914

 

16,706

Finance lease obligation, net of current portion

3,298

3,829

Long-term debt, net

 

106,832

 

102,923

Deferred income taxes, net

 

620

 

712

Contract liabilities, net of current portion

5,398

5,886

Other long-term liabilities

626

 

155,939

 

155,239

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

 

  

 

  

Stockholders’ equity

 

  

 

  

Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 28,385,299 and 28,345,525 shares issued and 27,124,292 and 27,075,962 shares outstanding

 

3

 

3

Additional paid-in capital

 

64,826

 

64,402

Treasury stock, 1,261,007 and 1,269,563 common shares

 

(1,538)

 

(1,548)

Accumulated deficit

 

(6,614)

 

(6,761)

 

56,677

 

56,096

$

212,616

$

211,335

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained

 

Total

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-in

 

Treasury Stock

 

Earnings

 

Stockholders’

December 31, 2018

 

Shares

    

Dollars

    

Capital

    

Shares

    

Dollars  

    

(Deficit)

    

Equity

Beginning balances

 

24,294

 

$

 2

 

$

51,868

 

1,357

 

$

(1,654)

 

$

3,432

 

$

53,648

Stock grants

 

34

 

 

 —

 

 

104

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

104

Equity offering, net

 

3,943

 

 

 1

 

 

11,435

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

11,436

Stock-based compensation

 

18

 

 

 —

 

 

528

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

528

Net loss

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(4,371)

 

 

(4,371)

Ending balances

 

28,289

 

$

 3

 

$

63,935

 

1,357

 

$

(1,654)

 

$

(939)

 

$

61,345

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSSTOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 and 2019

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 

 

    

2019

    

2018

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Net loss

 

$

(5,822)

 

$

(4,371)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

8,331

 

 

8,397

Amortization of debt issuance and warrant costs

 

 

1,092

 

 

790

Stock-based compensation

 

 

348

 

 

632

Change in fair value of stock warrants

 

 

1,230

 

 

(1,671)

Change in fair value of interest rate cap

 

 

92

 

 

146

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 —

 

 

2,673

Loss on disposal of assets

 

 

 8

 

 

79

Increases and decreases in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Accounts receivable

 

 

(171)

 

 

(275)

Prepaid expenses, inventories and other

 

 

(678)

 

 

217

Deferred taxes

 

 

80

 

 

476

Deferred revenue

 

 

5,985

 

 

 —

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

(26)

 

 

2,731

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

10,469

 

 

9,824

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Purchase of property and equipment

 

 

(8,088)

 

 

(17,051)

Other

 

 

(582)

 

 

(379)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(8,670)

 

 

(17,430)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Repayment of First and Second Lien Term Loans

 

 

 —

 

 

(96,063)

Prepayment premium of Second Lien Term Loan

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,100)

Proceeds from Senior Secured Notes borrowings

 

 

10,000

 

 

100,000

Payment of debt discount and issuance costs

 

 

(1,188)

 

 

(4,105)

Payment of Interest Rate Cap premium

 

 

 —

 

 

(238)

Repayment of Senior Secured Notes

 

 

(1,075)

 

 

(1,000)

Repayment of finance lease obligation

 

 

(544)

 

 

(460)

Proceeds from equity offering

 

 

 —

 

 

11,435

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

119

 

 

 —

Other

 

 

106

 

 

(139)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

7,418

 

 

8,330

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

9,217

 

 

724

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period

 

 

20,634

 

 

19,910

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

 

$

29,851

 

$

20,634

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized

 

$

9,316

 

$

9,368

NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Accounts payable related capital expenditures

 

$

515

 

$

328

Additional

Total

Common Stock

Paid-in

Treasury Stock

Accumulated

Stockholders’

December 31, 2020

Shares

    

Dollars

    

Capital

    

Shares

    

Dollars  

    

Deficit

    

Equity

Beginning balances

28,346

$

3

$

64,402

1,270

$

(1,548)

$

(6,761)

$

56,096

Exercise of stock options

8

19

(9)

10

29

Stock grants

31

54

54

Stock-based compensation

351

351

Net income

147

147

Ending balances

 

28,385

$

3

$

64,826

 

1,261

$

(1,538)

$

(6,614)

$

56,677

Additional

Total

Common Stock

Paid-in

Treasury Stock

Accumulated

Stockholders’

December 31, 2019

Shares

    

Dollars

    

Capital

    

Shares

    

Dollars  

    

Deficit

    

Equity

Beginning balances

28,289

$

3

$

63,935

1,357

$

(1,654)

$

(939)

$

61,345

Exercise of stock options

35

119

(87)

106

225

Stock grants

22

48

48

Stock-based compensation

300

300

Net loss

(5,822)

(5,822)

Ending balances

 

28,346

$

3

$

64,402

 

1,270

$

(1,548)

$

(6,761)

$

56,096

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

  

 

  

Net income (loss)

$

147

$

(5,822)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

  

 

  

Depreciation and amortization

��

 

7,666

 

8,331

Amortization of debt issuance and warrant costs and other

 

1,276

 

1,092

Stock-based compensation

 

405

 

348

Change in fair value of stock warrants

 

598

 

1,230

Change in fair value of interest rate cap

92

Loss on disposal of assets

 

684

 

8

Increases and decreases in operating assets and liabilities:

 

  

 

  

Accounts receivable

 

(2,698)

 

(171)

Prepaid expenses, inventories and other

 

1,660

 

(678)

Deferred taxes

 

(92)

 

80

Contract liabilities

785

5,985

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

(1,440)

 

(26)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

8,991

 

10,469

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

  

 

  

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(2,638)

 

(8,088)

Other

 

19

 

(582)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(2,619)

 

(8,670)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

  

 

  

Proceeds from Senior Secured Notes due 2024 borrowings

 

 

10,000

Proceeds from CARES Act unsecured loans

 

5,606

 

Payment of debt discount and issuance costs

 

(2,548)

 

(1,188)

Repayment of Senior Secured Notes due 2024

 

(1,100)

 

(1,075)

Repayment of finance lease obligation

(488)

(544)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

29

 

225

Other

(24)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

1,475

 

7,418

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

7,847

 

9,217

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period

 

29,851

 

20,634

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

$

37,698

$

29,851

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

 

  

 

  

Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized

$

8,514

$

9,550

Non-Cash Investing Activities:

 

  

 

  

Accounts payable related capital expenditures

$

298

$

515

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ORGANIZATION

Formed as a Delaware corporation in 1987, Full House Resorts, Inc. owns, leases, operates, develops, manages, and/or invests in casinos and related hospitality and entertainment facilities. References in this document to “Full House,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Full House Resorts, Inc. and its subsidiaries, except where stated or the context otherwise indicates.

The Company currently operates five casinos; four are part of real estate that we own or lease and one is located within a hotel owned by a third party. The Company is currently constructing a new luxury casino hotel adjacent to its existing facility in Cripple Creek, Colorado. We also benefit from six permitted sports “skins” that we are allowed to operate, three in Colorado and three in Indiana. We have contracted with other companies to operate these online sports wagering sites under their own brands in exchange for a percentage of revenues, as defined, subject to annual minimum amounts. The following table identifies theour properties along with their dates of acquisition and locations:

Property

Acquisition
Date

Location

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

2012

Hancock County, MS
(near New Orleans)

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

2016

Cripple Creek, CO
(near Colorado Springs)

Rising Star Casino Resort

2011

Rising Sun, IN
(near Cincinnati)

Stockman’s Casino

2007

Fallon, NV
(one hour east of Reno)

Grand Lodge Casino (leased

(leased and part of the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino)

2011

Incline Village, NV
(North Shore of Lake Tahoe)

Cripple Creek Casino and Hotel Project (under construction)

Cripple Creek, CO

(near Colorado Springs)

The Company manages its casinos based on geographic regions within the United States. See Note 1312 for further information.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Company Response.  In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus as a pandemic (“COVID-19”). Although COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the U.S. and the world, the number of newly-reported cases has declined from levels seen in late 2020 and early 2021. Additionally, vaccines designed to inhibit the severity and the spread of COVID-19 are now being distributed throughout the world. At the start of the pandemic and continuing through today, COVID-19 has resulted in the implementation of significant, government-imposed measures to prevent or reduce its spread, including travel restrictions, business restrictions, closing of borders, “shelter-in-place” orders and business closures. In March 2020, pursuant to state government orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Company temporarily closed all of its casino properties. As a result, the Company experienced a material decline in its revenues until its properties began reopening when permitted by local authorities.

The Company reopened the Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel on May 21, 2020, Grand Lodge Casino and Stockman’s Casino on June 4, 2020, and Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel and Rising Star Casino Resort on June 15, 2020. During the shutdown period, the Company evaluated labor, marketing and other costs at its businesses so that, upon reopening, its properties could reopen with significantly lower operating costs. As a result, the Company’s operating performance since reopening in mid-2020 has been stronger than pre-pandemic levels, despite capacity restrictions throughout its casinos and in its restaurants. The extent to which the Company’s financial and operating results in future periods may be affected by COVID-19 will largely depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted. Significant uncertainties include the ability to operate; new information which may emerge concerning new strains of COVID-19 and their severity; any additional actions imposed by governmental authorities to contain COVID-19 or minimize its impact; increased operating costs in light of social distancing requirements as a result of COVID-19; and general economic conditions, among others.

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Table of Contents

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had total cash and cash equivalents of $37.7 million. In February 2021, the Company issued the 2028 Notes, which further increased its cash balances, as further described in Note 6 below. Subsequent to such refinancing, as of February 28, 2021, the Company had total cash and cash equivalents of approximately $232 million, which includes $180 million of restricted cash reserved to fund its new Cripple Creek casino hotel, including designing, developing, constructing, equipping and opening the project (the “Cripple Creek Project”).

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation and Accounting. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Full House and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Except when otherwise required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and disclosed herein, the Company measures all of its assets and liabilities on the historical cost basis of accounting.

Use of Estimates. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP. These principles require the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Liquidity and Going Concern. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis of accounting, assuming the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The Company’s casinos are its primary sources of income and operating cash flows and they are relied upon to remain in compliance with debt covenants and meet the Company’s obligations when due.  As described in Note 6, the Senior Secured Notes agreement requires the Company to maintain a total leverage ratio covenant, which measures Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the indenture) against outstanding debt.  As detailed in in Note 14, in March 2020, the Company temporarily suspended operations at its casinos and hotels pursuant to orders from governmental authorities as a precautionary measure against the ongoing spread of COVID-19, a highly contagious coronavirus that was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. As the COVID-19 situation is dynamic, the Company does not currently know with certainty when it will be permitted to reopen its casinos and hotels.  Management believes it has sufficient resources to fund its currently-reduced operations, consisting principally of preservation of assets and a core staff necessary to plan for reopening, for several months.  However, management does not control and is not qualified to predict the length of the closure of its casinos and hotels due to the pandemic.  It is also

55

possible that some of the Company’s operations may be allowed to open sooner than others, depending on the regional impact of the pandemic. 

As described in Note 2 to this Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2019, a significant period of closure or significant declines in business volumes upon reopening would negatively impact our ability to remain in compliance with our debt covenants.  In the event that the Company would fail to meet its debt covenants in the next twelve months, the Company would either seek covenant waivers or attempt to amend its covenants, though there is no certainty that the Company would be successful in such efforts.  Additionally, the Company could seek additional liquidity through the issuance of new debt or equity, or through the sale of certain assets.  Successful completion of such items, if needed, would be dependent in part on factors outside of the Company’s control.  ASC 205-40, Going Concern, calls for management to evaluate whether there are conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within twelve months after the date that the financial statements are issued.  Because of the length of this look-forward period and the substantial items that are outside of its control, and despite its intent and best efforts to overcome the challenges in the current environment, management concluded that there is substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.  The Company is attempting to mitigate the impacts of the coronavirus on the Company through the plans described above.

Fair Value and the Fair Value Input Hierarchy. Fair value measurements affect the Company’s accounting for net assets acquired in acquisition transactions and certain financial assets and liabilities, such as its common stock warrant liability and interest rate cap. Fair value measurements are also used in its periodic assessments of long-lived tangible and intangible assets for possible impairment, including for property and equipment, goodwill, and other intangible assets. Fair value is defined as the expected price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

GAAP categorizes the inputs used for fair value into a three-level hierarchy:

·

Level 1: Observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

·

Level 2: Comparable inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for similar assets or liabilities in less active markets; and

·

Level 3: Unobservable inputs, which may include metrics that market participants would use to estimate values, such as revenue and earnings multiples and relative rates of return.

The Company utilizes Level 2 inputs when measuring the fair value of its interest rate cap. In order to estimate the fair value of this derivative instrument, the Company obtains valuation reports from the third-party broker that issued the interest rate cap. The report contemplates fair value by using inputs including market-observable data such as interest rate curves, volatilities,cap and information derived from or corroborated by that market-observable data (see Notes 6 and 12).

The Company utilizes Level 3 inputs when measuring the fair value of net assets acquired in business combination transactions, subsequent assessments for impairment, and most financial instruments, including but not limited to the estimated fair value of common stock warrants at issuance and for recurring changes in the related warrant liability (see Notes 6 and 12)Note 11).

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash. Cash equivalents include cash involved in operations and cash in excess of daily requirements that is invested in highly liquid, short-term investments with initial maturities of three months or less when purchased.

Restricted cash balances are funds received from certain sports wagering agreements that have not commenced and are contractually required to be separated from the Company’s operating cash. Upon receipt of authorization from gaming authorities in Colorado, these restrictedIn March 2020, such cash balances willwas no longer have restrictions, and accordingly will be reclassifiedcategorized as restricted, as the Company was approved for its “master license” for sports betting by the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission on the balance sheet as cash and equivalents.March 19, 2020.

56

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

December 31, 

 

    

    

2019

    

2018

Cash and equivalents

 

 

$

28,851

 

$

20,634

Restricted cash

 

 

 

1,000

 

 

 —

 

 

 

$

29,851

 

$

20,634

Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable consist primarily of casino, hotel and other receivables, are typically non-interest bearing, and are carried net of an appropriate collection allowance to approximate fair value. Allowances for doubtful accounts are estimated based on specific review of customer accounts including the customers’ willingness and ability to pay and nature of collateral, if any, as well as historical collection experience and current economic and business conditions. Accounts are written off when management deems the account to be uncollectible and recoveries of accounts previously written off are recorded when received.

58


(In thousands)

December 31, 

    

    

2020

    

2019

Accounts receivable

$

5,080

$

2,347

Accounts receivable allowance

 

(176)

 

(141)

$

4,904

$

2,206

In 2020, the increase in accounts receivables reflects the sale of “free play” at Rising Star for $2.1 million, which was not due for collection until the first quarter of 2021. Because Indiana has a progressive gaming tax system and Rising Star is one of the smaller casinos in the state, the property has consistently sold its ability to deduct “free play” in computing gaming taxes to operators in higher tax tiers, as it is permitted to do under state law. In 2019, the Company sold a portion of its “free play” for $1.0 million, which was collected by year-end.

The increase in accounts receivable in 2020 also reflects the launch of the Company’s contracted sports wagering skins. Two of the Company’s three active skins are paid in arrears. As a result, the accounts receivable balance related to those two skins will increase monthly until we receive their annual payments. The third skin was required to prepay its contracted amount upon launch.

Inventories. Inventories consist primarily of food, beverage and retail items, and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Costs are determined using the first-in, first-out and the weighted average methods.

Property and Equipment. Property and equipment are stated at cost and are capitalized and depreciated, while normal repairs and maintenance are expensed in the period incurred. A significant amount of the Company’s property and equipment was acquired through business combinations, and therefore, arewere recognized at fair value measured at the acquisition date. Gains or losses on dispositions of property and equipment are included in operating expenses, effectively as adjustments to depreciation estimates.

Certain events or changes in circumstances may indicate that the recoverability of the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment should be assessed, including, among others, a significant decrease in market value, a significant change in the business climate in a particular market, or a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with historical losses or projected future losses. For assets to be held and used, the Company reviews for impairment whenever indicators of impairment exist. When such events or changes in circumstances are present, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset (or asset group) and its eventual disposition. These estimated future cash flows are consistent with those we use in our internal planning. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is indicated. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount, then the Company would recognize an impairment loss.loss based on the fair value of the asset, typically measured using a discounted cash flow model.

Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the term of the lease, whichever is appropriate under the circumstances. The Company determines the estimated useful lives based on our experience with similar assets, estimated usage of the asset, and industry practice. Whenever events or circumstances occur, which change the estimated useful life of an asset, the Company accounts for the change prospectively. Depreciation and amortization is provided over the following estimated useful lives:

Estimated

Estimated

Class of Assets

Useful Lives

Land improvements

 

15 to 18 years

Buildings and improvements

 

3 to 44 years

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

2 to 10 years

Capitalized Interest.Interest costs associated with major construction projects are capitalized and included in the cost of the projects. When no debt is incurred specifically for construction projects, interest is capitalized on amounts expended using the weighted average cost of the Company’s outstanding borrowings. Capitalization of interest ceases when the project is substantially complete or construction activity is suspended for more than a brief period.

59


Leases.The Company determines if a contract is, or contains, a lease at inception or modification of the agreement. A contract is, or contains, a lease if there are identified assets and the right to control the use of an identified asset is conveyed for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control over the use of the identified asset means that the lessee has both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset and the right to direct the use of the asset.

For material leases with terms greater than a year, the Company records right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet, as measured on a discounted basis. For finance leases, the Company recognizes interest expense associated with the lease liability and depreciation expense associated with the ROU asset; for operating leases, the Company recognizes straight-line rent expense.

57

The Company willdoes not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for leases with a term of 12 months or less. However, costs related to short-term leases with terms greater than one month, which the Company deems material, will beare disclosed as a component of lease expenses when applicable. Additionally, the Company accounts for new and existing leases containing both lease and non-lease components (“embedded leases”) together as a single lease component by asset class for gaming-related equipment; as a result, the Company will not allocate contract consideration to the separate lease and non-lease components based on their relative standalone prices.

Finance and operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the expected lease term at commencement. As the implicit rate is not determinable in most of the Company’s leases, management uses the Company’s incremental borrowing rate as estimated by third-party valuation specialists in determining the present value of future payments.payments based on the information available at the commencement date and/or modification date. The expected lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such options. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term.term for operating leases. For finance leases, the ROU asset depreciates on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or useful life of the ROU asset and the lease liability accretes interest based on the interest method using the discount rate determined at lease commencement.

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel, Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel, Rising Star Casino Resort and Stockman’s Casino over the estimated fair value of their net tangible and other intangible assets on the acquisition date, net of subsequent impairment charges. The Company’s other indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily include certain license rights to conduct gaming in certain jurisdictions and trade names. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are periodically tested for impairment. The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value.

The evaluation of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets requires the use of estimates about future operating results, valuation multiples and discount rates to determine the estimated fair value. Changes in the assumptions can materially affect these estimates. Thus, to the extent that gaming volumes deteriorate in the near future, discount rates increase significantly, or reporting units do not meet projected performance, the Company could have impairments to record in the future and such impairments could be material.

These tests for impairment are performed annually during the fourth quarter or when a triggering event occurs.

Finite-lived Intangible Assets. The Company’s finite-lived intangible assets includes customer loyalty programs, land lease acquisition costs and water rights. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over the shorter of their contractual or economic lives. The Company periodically evaluates the remaining useful lives of these intangible assets to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization and the possible need for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount, then the Company would recognize an impairment loss.

Debt Issuance Costs and Debt Discounts. Debt issuance costs and debt discounts incurred in connection with the issuance of debt have been included as a component of the carrying amount of debt, and are amortized over the contractual term of the debt to interest expense, using the effective interest method. When its existing debt agreements are determined to have been modified, the Company amortizes such costs to interest expense using the effective interest method over the terms of the modified debt agreement.

60


Revenue Recognition of Accrued Club Points and Deferred Revenues:

Accrued Club Points:Points and Customer Loyalty Programs: Operating Revenues and Related Costs and Expenses.The Company’s revenues consist primarily of casino gaming, food and beverage, hotel, and other revenues (such as sports wagering, golf, RV park operations, and entertainment). The majority of its revenues are derived from casino gaming, principally slot machines.

Gaming revenue is the difference between gaming wins and losses, not the total amount wagered. The Company accounts for its gaming transactions on a portfolio basis, as such wagers have similar characteristics and it would not be practical to view each wager on an individual basis.

58

The Company sometimes provides discretionary complimentary goods and services (“discretionary comps”). For these types of transactions, the Company allocates revenue to the department providing the complimentary goods or services based upon its estimated standalone selling price, offset by a reduction in casino revenues.

Many of the Company’s customers choose to earn points under its customer loyalty programs. The Company’s properties have separate customer loyalty programs: the Slipper Rewards Club, the Bronco Billy’s Mile High Rewards Club, the Rising Star VIP Club, the Grand Lodge Players Advantage Club®, and the Stockman’s Winner’s Club. As points are accrued, the Company defers a portion of its gaming revenue based on the estimated standalone value of loyalty points being earned by the customer. The standalone value of loyalty points is derived from the retail value of food, beverages, hotel rooms, and other goods or services for which such points may be redeemed. A liability related to these customer loyalty points is recorded, net of estimated breakage and other factors, until the customer redeems these points primarilyunder such loyalty programs for various benefits, such as “free casino play/cash back,play,” complimentary dining, or hotel stays.stays, among others, depending on each property’s specific offers. Upon redemption, the related revenue is recognized at retail value within the department providing the goods or services. Unredeemed points are forfeited if the customer becomes and remains inactive for a specified period of time. Liabilities based on the standalone retail value of such benefits were $0.8 million and $1.4 million for December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and these amounts are included in “other accrued liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets.

Deferred Revenues: Market Access Fees from Sports Wagering Agreements. These liabilities were created in the third quarter of 2019 when the The Company entered into several agreements with various unaffiliated companies allowing for online sports wagering within Indiana and Colorado, as well as on-site sports wagering at Rising Star Casino Resort and at Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel (the “Sports Agreements”). As part of these longer-termlong-term Sports Agreements, the Company received one-time market access fees totaling $6 million in cash, which were recorded as a long-term liability in the same amount and will be recognized as revenue ratably over the initial term length of 10 years, beginning with the commencement of operations. The current and noncurrent portions of the deferred revenues balance totaling $5.99 million for December 31, 2019 is included with “other accrued expenses” and “other” on the consolidated balance sheets, respectively. Of the Company’s Sports Agreements, on-site sports wagering commenced in Indiana in

Indiana. In the fourth quarter of 2019, as didone of the Company’s Sports Agreements commenced both its on-site and online sports wagering in Indiana. The two remaining Sports Agreements in Indiana are expected to go live in the next few months.

Colorado. In the second quarter of 2020, one of the Company’s three contracted mobile sports operatorswagering websites in Indiana. The other twoColorado commenced operations. This was followed by the commencement of the Company’s second contracted parties in Indiana are expected to begin operations in mid-2020. In Colorado, gaming regulators are currently drafting the rules that will govern sports wagering in the state. The Company believes that sports wagering could also begin at its Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel – as well as throughout the state via mobile sports wagering website in mid-2020.Colorado in December 2020. For this second launch, as contractually required, the Company received a cash payment of $1 million on the launch date. Such payment is for the minimum annual revenue due to the Company over the following year and, accordingly, is included as part of the current portion of deferred revenues. The third contracted party commenced on-site sports wagering at Bronco Billy’s in September 2020, but the market access fees and annual minimum revenue amounts are not recognized until they launch their mobile sports wagering “skin” in Colorado, which is expected go live in the next few months.

Deferred revenues consisted of the following as discussed above:

(In thousands)

December 31, 

    

Balance Sheet Location

2020

    

2019

Deferred revenue, current

Other accrued liabilities

$

1,372

$

99

Deferred revenue, net of current portion

Contract liabilities, net of current portion

5,398

5,886

$

6,770

$

5,985

61


Advertising Costs. Costs for advertising are expensed as incurred, or the first time the advertising takes place, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Total advertising costs were $4.2$2.2 million and $3.8$4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and 2018, respectively.

Customer Loyalty Programs. We have separate customer loyalty programs at each of our properties – the Silver Slipper Casino Players Club, Bronco Billy’s Mile High Rewards Club, Rising Star Rewards Club™, Grand Lodge Players Advantage Club® and Stockman’s Winner’s Club. Under these programs, customers earn points based on their volume of wagering that may be redeemed for various benefits, such as free play, cash back, complimentary dining, or hotel stays, among others, depending on each property’s specific offers. Unredeemed points are forfeited if the customer becomes and remains inactive for a specified period of time. Liabilities based on the standalone retail value of such benefits totaling $1.4 million each for December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and these amounts are included in “other accrued expenses” on the consolidated balance sheets.

Project Development and Acquisition Costs. Project development and acquisition costs consist of amounts expended on the pursuit of new business opportunities and acquisitions, which are expensed as incurred. During 2020 and 2019, these costs were associated with our pursuit to develop and operate American Place, a casino and entertainment destination in Waukegan, Illinois. During 2018, theseAdditionally in 2020, project development costs were associated primarily with our pursuit of a racetrack casinoinclude option deposits paid to purchase land in New Mexico the potential relocation of gaming positions to Terre Haute, Indiana, and acquisition opportunities.totaling $250,000; management wrote off these option deposits, which expired in July 2020.

Stock-based Compensation. Stock-based compensation costs are measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for stock options, and based on the closing share price of the Company’s stock on the grant date for other stock-based awards. The cost is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the employee’s requisite service period (the vesting period of the award) net of forfeitures, which are recognized as they occur.

Legal Defense Costs. We do not accrue for estimated future legal and related defense costs, if any, to be incurred in connection with outstanding or threatened litigation and other disputed matters. Instead, we record such costs as period costs when the related services are rendered.

59

Income Taxes. We classify deferred tax liabilities and assets, along with any related valuation allowance, as non-current in a classified statement of financial position.on the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that included the enactment date. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is deemed more“more likely than notnot” that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized within a reasonable time period.

Our income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and other tax authorities. Positions taken in tax returns are sometimes subject to uncertainty in the tax laws and may not ultimately be accepted by the IRS or other tax authorities. We assess our tax positions using a two-step process. A tax position is recognized if it meets a “more likely than not” threshold, and is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized. Additionally, we recognize accrued interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Earnings (loss) per share. Earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the additional dilution for all potentially-dilutive securities, including stock options and warrants, using the treasury stock method.

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 

Year Ended December 31, 

2019

    

2018

    

2020

    

2019

Numerator:

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net loss - basic

$

(5,822)

 

$

(4,371)

Net income (loss) - basic

$

147

$

(5,822)

Adjustment for assumed conversion of warrants

 

 —

 

 

(1,671)

Net loss - diluted

$

(5,822)

 

$

(6,042)

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) - diluted

$

147

$

(5,822)

Denominator:

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

Weighted-average common and common share equivalents - basic

 

26,980

 

 

26,012

 

27,094

 

26,980

Potential dilution from assumed conversion of warrants

 

 —

 

 

449

Potential dilution from share-based awards

690

Weighted-average common and common share equivalents - diluted

 

26,980

 

 

26,461

 

27,784

 

26,980

Anti-dilutive share-based awards and warrants excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share

 

3,851

 

 

2,576

 

1,943

 

3,851

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Table of Contents

Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to 20182019 amounts to conform to the current-period presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported results of operations or financial position.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:

Pronouncement Implemented in 2019. Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted.In February 2016,December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”(“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”). This standard simplifies the accounting for income taxes and includes removal of certain exceptions to the general principles of ASC 842, which replaces740, Income Taxes, and updates and simplifies certain areas of the existing guidance for leases and requires expanded disclosures about leasing activities. ASC 842 requires a dual approach for lessee accounting under which a lessee would classify and account for leases as either finance leases or operating leases, both of which result in the lessee recognizing a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet, as measured on a discounted basis for leases with terms greater than a year. For finance leases, the lessee will recognize interest expense associated with the lease liability and depreciation expense associated with the ROU asset; for operating leases, the lessee will recognize straight-line rent expense. For publicly-traded companies, ASC 842codification. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018.

Under the previous guidance for leases through December 31, 2018, rental payments for certain property and equipment used in the Company’s operations under long-term operating leases were recognized as rent expense with scheduled rent increases recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term, without recording a lease asset and obligation. Rental payments for other property and equipment held under capital leases were recognized as a reduction of a finance lease obligation and interest expense. The fixed assets acquired pursuant to finance leases were included in property and equipment and amortized over the term of the lease.

60

Under the modified retrospective transition method, the Company elected to use the effective date approach with the period of adoptionbeginning on January 1, 2019 as the date of initial application, and therefore, has elected to not recast comparative period financial information. In addition, the Company has elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance to allow it to carry forward historical lease classifications, which includes not needing to reassess: (1) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (2) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (3) measurement of initial direct costs for any existing leases.2021. The Company has also electedis currently evaluating the practical expedient for short-term lease measurement and recognition, under whichupdate to determine the Company willimpact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements, but does not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for leases withexpect any of the provisions therein to have a term of 12 months or less. However, costs related to short-term leases with terms greater than one month, which thematerial impact.

The Company deems material, will be disclosed as a component of lease expenses when applicable. Additionally, the Company has elected the practical expedient to account for new and existing leases containing both lease and non-lease components (“embedded leases”) together as a single lease component by asset class for gaming-related equipment; as a result, the Company will not allocate contract consideration to the separate lease and non-lease components based on their relative standalone prices.

Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted.Management believes that there are no other recently issuedrecently-issued accounting standards not yet effective that are currently likely to have a material impact on ourits financial statements.

3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

December 31, 

December 31, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2020

    

2019

Land and improvements

 

$

16,144

 

$

16,002

$

16,144

$

16,144

Buildings and improvements

 

 

114,672

 

 

114,001

 

114,911

 

114,672

Furniture and equipment

 

 

47,886

 

 

45,463

 

46,636

 

47,886

Construction in progress

 

 

10,856

 

 

6,864

 

11,735

 

10,856

 

 

189,558

 

 

182,330

 

189,426

 

189,558

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(68,071)

 

 

(60,254)

 

(73,654)

 

(68,071)

 

$

121,487

 

$

122,076

$

115,772

$

121,487

Property and equipment included assets under finance leases related to our hotel at Rising Star Casino Resort (Note 7) as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

December 31, 

December 31, 

 

2019

 

2018

2020

2019

Leased land and improvements

 

$

215

 

$

215

$

215

$

215

Leased buildings and improvements

 

 

5,787

 

 

5,787

5,787

5,787

Leased furniture and equipment

 

 

1,724

 

 

1,724

1,724

1,724

 

 

7,726

 

 

7,726

7,726

7,726

Less: Accumulated amortization

 

 

(2,689)

 

 

(2,531)

(2,847)

(2,689)

 

$

5,037

 

$

5,195

$

4,879

$

5,037

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Table of Contents

4. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

Goodwill:

The following tables set forth changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2020

    

Gross

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Balance at

 

Carrying

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

End of the

 

Value

 

Additions

 

Impairments

 

Year

    

Gross

    

    

    

Balance at

Carrying

Accumulated

End of the

Value

Additions

Impairments

Year

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

$

14,671

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

14,671

$

14,671

$

$

$

14,671

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

 

1,647

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,647)

 

 

 —

 

1,647

 

 

(1,647)

 

Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel

 

 

4,806

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

4,806

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

 

4,806

 

 

 

4,806

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

 

5,809

 

 

 —

 

 

(4,000)

 

 

1,809

 

5,809

 

 

(4,000)

 

1,809

 

$

26,933

 

$

 —

 

$

(5,647)

 

$

21,286

$

26,933

$

$

(5,647)

$

21,286

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2019

    

Gross

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Balance at

 

Carrying

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

End of the

 

Value

 

Additions

 

Impairments

 

Year

    

Gross

    

    

    

Balance at

Carrying

Accumulated

End of the

Value

Additions

Impairments

Year

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

$

14,671

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

14,671

$

14,671

$

$

$

14,671

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

 

1,647

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,647)

 

 

 —

 

1,647

 

 

(1,647)

 

Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel

 

 

4,806

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

4,806

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

 

4,806

 

 

 

4,806

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

 

5,809

 

 

 —

 

 

(4,000)

 

 

1,809

 

5,809

 

 

(4,000)

 

1,809

 

$

26,933

 

$

 —

 

$

(5,647)

 

$

21,286

$

26,933

$

$

(5,647)

$

21,286

Other Intangible Assets:

The following tables set forth changes in the carrying value of intangible assets other than goodwill:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2020

    

Estimated

    

Gross

    

 

 

    

Accumulated

    

Other

 

Life

 

Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Impairments,

 

Intangible

 

(Years)

 

Value

 

Amortization

 

Net

 

Assets, Net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Estimated

    

Gross

    

    

Accumulated

    

Other

Life

Carrying

Accumulated

Impairments,

Intangible

(Years)

Value

Amortization

Net

Assets, Net

Customer Loyalty Programs

 

3

 

$

7,600

 

$

(7,600)

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

3

$

7,600

$

(7,600)

$

$

Land Lease and Water Rights

 

46

 

 

1,420

 

 

(226)

 

 

 —

 

 

1,194

 

46

 

1,420

 

(257)

 

 

1,163

Casino Lease Option

 

3

 

 

190

 

 

(87)

 

 

 —

 

 

103

 

3

 

190

 

(151)

 

 

39

Gaming Licenses

 

Indefinite

 

 

18,046

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,203)

 

 

7,843

 

Indefinite

 

18,046

 

 

(10,203)

 

7,843

Trade Names

 

Indefinite

 

 

1,800

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,800

 

Indefinite

 

1,800

 

 

 

1,800

Trademarks

 

Indefinite

 

 

116

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

116

 

Indefinite

 

118

 

 

 

118

 

 

 

$

29,172

 

$

(7,913)

 

$

(10,203)

 

$

11,056

$

29,174

$

(8,008)

$

(10,203)

$

10,963

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2019

    

Estimated

    

Gross

    

 

 

    

Accumulated

    

Other

 

Life

 

Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Impairments,

 

Intangible

 

(Years)

 

Value

 

Amortization

 

Net

 

Assets, Net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Estimated

    

Gross

    

    

Accumulated

    

Other

Life

Carrying

Accumulated

Impairments,

Intangible

(Years)

Value

Amortization

Net

Assets, Net

Customer Loyalty Programs

 

3

 

$

7,600

 

$

(7,600)

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

3

$

7,600

$

(7,600)

$

$

Land Lease and Water Rights

 

46

 

 

1,420

 

 

(195)

 

 

 —

 

 

1,225

 

46

 

1,420

 

(226)

 

 

1,194

Casino Lease Option

 

3

 

 

190

 

 

(24)

 

 

 —

 

 

166

 

3

190

(87)

103

Gaming Licenses

 

Indefinite

 

 

18,046

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,203)

 

 

7,843

 

Indefinite

 

18,046

 

 

(10,203)

 

7,843

Trade Names

 

Indefinite

 

 

1,800

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,800

 

Indefinite

 

1,800

 

 

 

1,800

Trademarks

 

Indefinite

 

 

111

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

111

 

Indefinite

 

116

 

 

 

116

 

 

 

$

29,167

 

$

(7,819)

 

$

(10,203)

 

$

11,145

$

29,172

$

(7,913)

$

(10,203)

$

11,056

There were no impairments to goodwill or other intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 2018.2019.

Customer Loyalty Programs. Customer loyalty programs represent the value of repeat business associated with our loyalty programs. The values of $5.9 million for Silver Slipper and $1.7 million for Rising Star’s customer loyalty programs, respectively, were determined using a multi-period excess earning method of the income approach, which examines the economic returns contributed by the identified tangible and intangible assets of a company, and then isolates the excess return, which is attributable to the asset being valued, based on cash flows attributable to the customer loyalty program. The values of the customer loyalty programs for Rising Star and Silver Slipper have been fully amortized in prior years, but they comprise the majority of accumulated amortization totaling $7.9 million as of December 31, 2019 and $7.8 million as of December 31, 2018.years.

Land Lease Acquisition Costs and Water Rights. Silver Slipper recognized intangible assets related to its lease agreement with Cure Land Company, LLC (see Note 7). The lease was valued at $970,000 and represents the excess fair value of the land over the estimated net present value of the land lease payments, and the water rights value of $450,000 represents the fair value of the water rights based upon market rates in Hancock County, Mississippi.

Casino Lease Option. Casino lease option represents total amounts paid in order to extend the lease option for the Imperial Casino, nowpreviously known as the Christmas Casino at Bronco Billy’s.Billy’s until September 2020. The Company is currently evaluating other concepts for the leased space, which is located on a key corner in Cripple Creek, Colorado. Although the Company has an option to buy out the lease prior to expiration of the initial lease term or as extended, the optionsoption amounts paid cannot be applied to the purchase price. Therefore, the total optionsoption amounts paid will be amortized according to the initial lease term, which commenced in August 2018 (see Note 7).

Gaming Licenses. Gaming licenses primarily represent the value of the license to conduct gaming in certain jurisdictions, which are subject to highly extensive regulatory oversight and, in some cases, a limitation on the number of licenses available for issuance. The values of gaming licenses were primarily estimated using a multi-period excess earning method of the income approach, which examines the economic returns contributed by the identified tangible and intangible assets of a company, and then isolates the excess return, which is attributable to the asset being valued, based on cash flows attributable to the gaming license.

Trade Names. Trade names represents the value of the Bronco Billy’s casino name, which has existed for approximately 2629 years and provides brand recognition. The value was estimated using a relief-from-royalty method of the income approach based upon comparable trade name royalty agreements.

Current and Future Amortization. Intangible asset amortization expense was approximately $94,000$95,000 and $56,000$94,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and 2018, respectively.

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Table of Contents

Future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows:

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Years ending December 31,

    

Amortization Expense

    

Amortization Expense

2020

 

$

94

2021

 

 

70

$

70

2022

 

 

31

 

31

2023

 

 

31

 

31

2024

 

 

31

 

31

2025

 

31

Thereafter

 

 

1,039

 

1,007

 

$

1,296

$

1,201

5. ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Other accrued expensesliabilities consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

December 31, 

December 31, 

 

2019

 

2018

2020

2019

Player club points and progressive jackpots

 

$

3,281

 

$

3,389

$

2,872

$

3,281

Real estate and personal property taxes

 

 

1,730

 

 

1,614

 

1,711

 

1,730

Gaming and other taxes

 

 

2,082

 

 

2,028

 

1,544

 

2,082

Other gaming-related accruals

 

 

1,299

 

 

1,112

 

1,150

 

1,299

Accrued rent

 

 

422

 

 

604

Current portion of deferred revenue

 

 

100

 

 

 —

Accrued interest

38

Current portion of contract liabilities

1,372

99

Other

 

 

1,699

 

 

957

 

2,123

 

2,122

 

$

10,613

 

$

9,704

$

10,810

$

10,613

6. LONG-TERM DEBT, AND COMMON STOCK WARRANT LIABILITY, AND SUBSEQUENT EVENT

Long-Term Debt

Debt Refinancing: Notes Issuance. On February 12, 2021, the Company refinanced its existing outstanding Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (the “Prior Notes”) with the issuance of $310 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes”). Accordingly, the previously expected current maturities under the Prior Notes are reflected as long-term as of December 31, 2020. The 2028 Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 8.25% per year and mature on February 15, 2028. There is no mandatory debt amortization prior to the maturity date. Interest on the 2028 Notes is payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year, with the first interest payment date due on August 15, 2021.

The net proceeds from the sale of the 2028 Notes were used to redeem all of the outstanding Prior Notes (including a 0.90% prepayment premium) and to repurchase all outstanding warrants. Additionally, $180 million of bond proceeds were placed into a construction reserve account to fund the remaining costs to complete the Cripple Creek Project. Accordingly, this amount will be recorded as restricted cash in 2021. Remaining proceeds were used to pay the transaction fees and expenses related to the offering of the 2028 Notes, and approximately $8 million was added to our unrestricted cash and equivalents.

The 2028 Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally (such guarantees, the “Guarantees”), by each of the Company’s restricted subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantors”). The 2028 Notes and the Guarantees will be the Company’s and the Guarantor’s general senior secured obligations, subject to the terms of the Collateral Trust Agreement (as defined in the Indenture), ranking senior in right of payment to all of the Company’s and the Guarantor’s existing and future debt that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the 2028 Notes and the Guarantees, if any. The 2028 Notes and the Guarantees will rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ existing and future senior debt.

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The 2028 Notes also contain representations and warranties, customary financial covenants, and restrictions on dividends. Mandatory prepayments of the 2028 Notes will be required upon the occurrence of certain events, including sales of certain assets, upon certain changes of control, or should the Company have certain unused funds in the construction disbursement account following the completion date of the Cripple Creek Project.

The Company may redeem some or all of the 2028 Notes at any time on or after February 15, 2024, for cash at the following redemption prices.

Redemption Periods

Percentage Premium

February 15, 2024 to February 14, 2025

104.125

%

February 15, 2025 to February 14, 2026

102.063

%

February 15, 2026 and Thereafter

100.000

%

On or prior to February 15, 2024, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the original principal amount of the 2028 Notes with proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 108.25%, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. In addition, the Company may redeem some or all of the 2028 Notes prior to February 15, 2024 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the 2028 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date and a “make-whole” premium.

Prior Notes and Waivers. On February 2, 2018, the Company sold $100 million of senior secured notes due 2024 (the “Original Notes”) to qualified institutional buyers. The Notes were issued on the same day at 98% of their face value (a 2% original issue discount). Proceeds from the Notes were used to (i) pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the debt offering; (ii) refinance the entire amounts outstanding under the First and Second Lien Credit Facilities; (iii) provide ongoing working capital; and (iv) provide funds for capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes. As of February 2, 2018, immediately prior to the issuance of the Notes, we had approximately $41 million outstanding under the First Lien Credit Facility and $55 million outstanding under the Second Lien Credit Facility, which were extinguished at a loss of $2.7 million, reflecting the call premiums on such debt and the write-off of related unamortized debt issuance costs.

On May 10, 2019, the Company entered into a Notes Purchase Agreement under which it agreed to sellsold an additional $10 million in aggregate principal amount of its senior secured notes due 2024 (the “Incremental Notes”) to qualified institutional buyers. The Company has used or expects to use2024. Collectively, the proceeds from the Incremental Notes to (i) provide additional liquidity for the construction of the Phase One parking garage at Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel and other capital expenditures; (ii) pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Incremental Notes offering; and (iii) provide funds for general corporate purposes. The IncrementalPrior Notes were issued on the same day at a price of 99.01% of their face value (a 0.99% original issue discount) pursuantdue to the indenture (as amended and supplemented, the “Indenture”), dated as of February 2, 2018. The Indenture governs the $100 million of Original Notes previously issued by the Companymature on February 2, 2018. The Incremental Notes have the same maturity date2024 and included quarterly principal payments as defined and interest rate as the Original Notes, are part of the same series as the Original Notes, and are treated as a single class together with the Original Notes (collectively, the “Notes”) for all purposes under the Indenture.

64

Also,based on May 10, 2019, the Company executed the Second Amendment to the Indenture dated as of May 10, 2019, which (i) increased the principal amount required to be redeemed each quarter from $250,000 to $275,000 in total aggregate of the Notes, beginning June 30, 2019; (ii) permitted liens incurred in connection with the Cripple Creek Expansion Project; and (iii) changed the total leverage ratio as described in the Indenture and below under “Covenants.”

The Notes bear interest at the greater of the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or 1.0%, plus a margin rate of 7.0%. Interest on theThe Prior Notes is payable quarterly in arrears, on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year until the Notes mature on February 2, 2024. On each interest payment date, the Company is required to make principal payments of $275,000 with a balloon payment for the remaining $103.5 million due upon maturity.

The Company may redeem all or a part of the Notes plus the premium as set forth below, plus accrued and applicable unpaid interest:

Redemption Periods

Percentage Premium

On February 2, 2019 to February 1, 2020

2.0

%

On February 2, 2020 to February 1, 2021

1.5

%

On February 2, 2021 to February 1, 2022

0.5

%

On or after February 2, 2022

 —

%

The Notes are collateralized by substantially all of our assets and are guaranteed by all of our material subsidiaries.

Prior Credit Facilities. The First Lien Credit Facility was due to mature in May 2019 and included quarterly principal payments as defined and interest based on the greater of the elected LIBOR (as defined) or 1.0%, plus a margin rate of 4.25%. The Second Lien Credit Facility was due to mature in November 2019 with all principal due at maturity, included interest at 13.5% andalso had a prepayment premium of 2% immediately prior1.9% as of December 31, 2020, which declined to the refinancing. As discussed above, both the First Lien Credit Facility and the Second Lien Credit Facility were refinanced in0.9% on February 2018 in their entirety through the issuance of the Original2, 2021.

The Prior Notes due 2024.

Long-term debt, related discounts and issuance costs consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

December 31, 

 

 

2019

 

2018

Senior Secured Notes

 

$

107,925

 

$

99,000

Less: Unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs

 

 

(3,902)

 

 

(3,806)

 

 

 

104,023

 

 

95,194

Less: Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

(1,100)

 

 

(1,000)

 

 

$

102,923

 

$

94,194

Maturities of Long-Term Debt.  Future maturities under the Notes is as follows:

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Years ending December 31, 

    

Senior Secured Notes

2020

 

$

1,100

2021

 

 

1,100

2022

 

 

1,100

2023

 

 

1,100

2024

 

 

103,525

 

 

$

107,925

Covenants. The indenture governing the Notes containscontained customary representations and warranties, events of default, and positive and negative covenants, including financial covenants. The Company iswas required to maintain a total leverage ratio, (as defined below), which measuresmeasured Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the indenture) against outstanding debt. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business operations in 2020, the Company executed amendments to delete the total leverage ratio covenant as of March 31, June 30, and September 30, among other items. Due to the refinancing of the Prior Notes in February 2021, no total leverage ratio covenant was applicable as of December 31, 2020.

The Prior Notes were collateralized by substantially all of the Company’s assets and were guaranteed by all of its material subsidiaries.

Unsecured Loans Under the CARES Act.  On May 8, 2020, two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company executed promissory notes (the “Promissory Notes”) evidencing unsecured loans in the aggregate amount of $5,606,200 through programs established under the CARES Act (the “Loans”) and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”). Such funds were principally used to rehire several hundred employees at Rising Star and Bronco Billy’s in advance of, and subsequent to, their reopenings in mid-June. The Loans were made through Zions Bancorporation, N.A. dba Nevada State Bank (the “Lender”), bear interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum, originally had a two-year term and provide for customary events of default.

Recently-passed legislation extended the original maturity dates to May 3, 2025 with no change to the annual interest rate. After a 15-month deferment period for principal and interest payments, the Company is required to make monthly loan payments totaling $128,557 beginning in September 2021 to the Lender. The Loans may be prepaid at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. Such Loans may be forgiven, either in whole or in part, depending on the amount of such proceeds that are used for certain eligible expenses over a 24-week period, including primarily the payroll and health benefits of employees who might otherwise be without jobs or health benefits. The Company intends to seek forgiveness for all Loans, which will also require it to make certain certifications that will be subject to audit and review by governmental entities, though there is allowedno certainty that any or all of such Loans will be forgiven.

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Long-term debt, related discounts and issuance costs consisted of the following:

(In Thousands)

December 31, 

2020

2019

Senior Secured Notes due 2024

$

106,825

$

107,925

Unsecured Loans (CARES Act)

5,606

Less: Unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs

 

(5,173)

 

(3,902)

 

107,258

 

104,023

Less: Current portion of long-term debt

 

(426)

 

(1,100)

$

106,832

$

102,923

Maturities of Long-Term Debt. Prior to deduct up to $15 millionthe debt refinancing in February 2021, future maturities of its cash and equivalents (beyond estimated cash utilized in daily operations) in calculating the numerator of such ratio.

Maximum

Total Leverage

Four Fiscal Quarters Ending

Ratio

December 31, 2019

6.00 to 1.00

March 31, 2020

6.00 to 1.00

June 30, 2020

5.75 to 1.00

September 30, 2020

5.75 to 1.00

December 31, 2020

5.50 to 1.00

March 31, 2021

5.50 to 1.00

June 30, 2021

5.25 to 1.00

September 30, 2021

5.25 to 1.00

December 31, 2021

5.00 to 1.00

March 31, 2022

4.75 to 1.00

June 30, 2022

4.75 to 1.00

September 30, 2022

4.75 to 1.00

December 31, 2022

4.75 to 1.00

March 31, 2023 and the last day of each fiscal quarter thereafter

4.50 to 1.00

We were in compliance with our financial covenantslong-term debt as of December 31, 2019. However, there can be no assurances that we will remain in compliance with all covenants in the future and/or that we would be successful in obtaining waivers or modifications in the event of noncompliance.2020 were:

(In Thousands)

 

Senior Secured

For Years ending December 31, 

    

Notes due 2024

Unsecured Loans

2021

$

1,100

$

426

2022

 

1,100

 

1,498

2023

 

1,100

 

1,513

2024

 

103,525

 

1,528

2025

 

 

641

Thereafter

$

106,825

$

5,606

Interest Rate Cap Agreement. In April 2018, the Company purchased an Interest Rate Cap from Capital One, N.A. (“Capital One”) for $238,000 in order to manage expected interest rate increases on the Notes. The agreement is for a notional amount of $50 million and expires on March 31, 2021. The Interest Rate Cap has a strike rate of 3.00% and resets every three months at the end of March, June, September, and December. If the three-month LIBOR exceeds the strike rate at the end of any covered period, the Company will receive cash payments from Capital One.

Based on fair value measurements using Level 2 inputs (see Note 2), the Company adjusts the carrying value of the Interest Rate Cap quarterly. Since the Company did not elect for hedge accounting, any adjustments to the carrying value between reporting periods are charged to interest expense on the consolidated statement of operations (see Note 12).

Common Stock Warrant Liability

On February 12, 2021, the Company used some of the proceeds from the 2028 Notes offering to redeem all of its outstanding warrants. As part of the Company’s former Second Lien Credit Facility, which was retired in 2018, the Company granted the second lien lenders 1,006,568 warrants. The warrants havehad an exercise price of $1.67 (the average trading price of the Company’s common stock during a 60‑day period bracketing the completion of the financing) and were set to expire on May 13, 2026. TheUsing our closing stock price on February 12, 2021, the day we completed the warrant redemption, the net repurchase price would have been more than $6.0 million. Our actual repurchase price to redeem the warrants also providewas $4.0 million, a 34% discount to such amount.

Under the terms of the warrant agreement, the warrant holders with redemption rights, pre-emptive rights under certain circumstancescould have required us to maintain their percentage of ownership in the Company, piggyback registration rights and mandatory registration rights after two years. In addition to a refinancing, the redemption rights allow the warrant holders, at their option, to require the Company to repurchase allredeem or a portion of the warrants upon the occurrence of certain events, including: (i) a liquidity event, as defined in the warrant purchase agreement, or (ii) the Company’s insolvency. The repurchase value is the 21‑day average price of the Company’s stock at the time of such liquidity event, net of the warrant exercise price. If the redemption rights are exercised, the repurchase amount is payable by the Company in cash or through the issuance of an unsecured note with a four-year term and a minimum interest rate of 13.25%, as further defined in the warrant purchase agreement, and would be guaranteed by the Company’s subsidiaries. Alternatively, the warrant-holders may choose to have the Company register and sell the shares related to the warrants through a public stock offering.

The extinguishment of the Second Lien Credit Facility discussed previously is considered a “triggering event” for the possible redemption or registration of the warrants, as further detailed below. The Company’s warrant-holders have not yet requested the redemption or registration of their outstanding warrants though they may do so on any six-month anniversary of the February 2018 refinancing

66

datetheir loan, prior to warrant expiration. Accordingly, the obligation is reflected as a current liability as of December 31, 2019 (see Note 12).2020.

The Company measures the fair value of the warrants at each reporting period using Level 3 inputs (see Note 2). Due to the variable terms regarding the timing of the settlement of the warrants, the Company utilized a “Monte Carlo” simulation approach to measure the fair value of the warrants. The simulation included certain estimates by Company management regarding the estimated timing of the settlement of the warrants. Significant increases or decreases in those management estimates would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. At December 31, 2019,2020, the simulation included the following assumptions:  an expected contractual term of 5.37 years, an expected stock price volatility rate of 64.6%, an expected dividend yield of 0%, and an expected risk-free interest rate of 0.42%. The Company also used the Monte Carlo simulation approach for its valuation at December 31, 2019, which included the following assumptions:  an expected contractual term of 6.37 years, an expected stock price volatility rate of 46.87%, an expected dividend yield of 0%, and an expected risk-free interest rate of 1.79%. The Company also used the Monte Carlo simulation approach for its valuation at December 31, 2018, which included the following assumptions:  an expected contractual termrecognized $0.6 million of 7.37 years, an expected stock price volatility rate of 43.26%, an expected dividend yield of 0%,other non-operating expense in 2020 and an expected risk-free interest rate of 2.64%. The Company recognized $1.2 million of other non-operating expense induring 2019, and $1.7 million of other non-operating income during 2018, associated with changes in the fair value of the warrant liability.

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7. LEASES

The Company has no material leases in which it is the lessor. As lessee, the Company has one finance lease for a hotel and various operating leases for land, casino and office space, equipment, buildings, and signage. The Company’s remaining lease terms, including extensions, range from one month to approximately 3837 years. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants, but the land lease at Silver Slipper does include contingent rent as further discussed below.

Operating Leases

Silver Slipper Casino Land Lease through April 2058 and Options to Purchase. In 2004, the Company’s subsidiary, Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC, entered into a land lease with Cure Land Company, LLC for approximately 31 acres of marshlands and a seven-acre parcel on which the Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel is situated. The land lease includes base monthly payments of $77,500 plus contingent rents of 3% of monthly gross gaming revenue (as defined) in excess of $3.65 million with no scheduled base rent increases through the remaining lease term ending in 2058.million. We recognized $1.5 million of rent expense, including $0.7 million of contingent rents, during 2020, and $1.6 million of rent expense, including $0.6$0.7 million of contingent rents, during 2019,2019.

Effective March 2020, the Company executed a fourth amendment to the original lease with the landlord, which granted a waiver of base rent for April and $1.5 millionMay of rent expense, including $0.6 million2020. Such abatement totaled $155,000 and the value of contingent rents, during 2018.

The land lease currently includes an exclusivesuch abatement will be amortized over the remaining term of the lease. This amendment also restricts the Company’s purchase option to purchaseperiod for the leased land, at any timeso that the Company cannot exercise its purchase option until April 1, 2022. From such date through October 1, 2027, the Company may buy out the lease for $15.5 million plus a seller-retained interest in Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel’s operations of 3% of net income (as defined), for 10 years from the purchase date. In the event that the Company sells or transfers either: (i) substantially all of the assets of Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC or (ii) its membership interests in Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC in its entirety, the purchase price will increase to $17.1 million, plus the retained interest mentioned above. In either case, the Company also has an option to purchase a four-acre portion from the total 38 acres of leased land for $2.0 million in connection with the development of an owned hotel, which may be exercised at any time and would accordingly reduce the purchase price of the remaining land by $2.0 million. Following a buy-out of the lease, the property would have to purchase or otherwise provide for its drinking water, which is currently provided by the landlord as part of the lease.

Bronco Billy’s Lease through January 2035 and Option to Purchase. Bronco Billy’s leases certain parking lots and buildings, including a portion of the hotel and casino, under a long-term lease for $30,000 per month in rent. The lease term includes six renewal options in three-year increments to 2035. In May 2019, Bronco Billy’s exercised its second renewal option to extend the lease term through January 31, 2023, which will increase the monthly rent to $32,500 beginning in February 2021. The lease also contains a $7.6 million purchase option exercisable at any time during the lease term, or as extended, and a right of first refusal on any sale of the property.

Christmas Casino at Bronco Billy’s/ Third Street Corner Building through August 2021 and Option to Purchase. As part of the Bronco Billy’s expansion,Cripple Creek growth project, the Company leased a nearby closed casino in August 2018 and opened it as the rebranded Christmas Casino in November 2018. The lease includes a minimum three-year term with annual lease payments of $0.2 million, and can be extended an additional two years with annual lease payments of $0.3 million. The Company can also purchase the casino at any time during the lease term,

67

or as extended. The purchase price is $2.6currently $2.7 million if boughtexercised by October 31, 2020, increasing by $0.1 million on each anniversary thereafter up2021 and increases to $2.8 million.million for purchase dates thereafter.

The Company reopened the closed casino in November 2018, but it did not produce enough incremental revenue to offset the incremental costs, and it was closed in September 2020. The Company is currently evaluating other concepts for the leased space, which is located on a key corner in Cripple Creek, Colorado.

Grand Lodge Casino Lease through August 2023. The Company’s subsidiary, Gaming Entertainment (Nevada), LLC, has a lease with Hyatt Equities L.L.C. (“Hyatt”) to operate the Grand Lodge Casino. The lease is collateralized by the Company’s interests under the lease and property (as defined in the lease) and is subordinate to the liens of the 2028 Notes (see Note 6). Hyatt currently has an option to purchase ourthe Company’s leasehold interest and related operating assets of the Grand Lodge Casino, subject to assumption of applicable liabilities. The option price is an amount equal to the Grand Lodge Casino’s positive working capital, plus Grand Lodge Casino’s earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for the twelve-month period preceding the acquisition (or pro-rated if less than twelve months remain on the lease), plus the fair

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market value of the Grand Lodge Casino’s personal property. Commencing January 1, 2018, theThe current monthly rent payment increased from $145,833of $166,667 is applicable through the remaining lease term ending in August 2023.

In July 2020, the Company executed a fifth amendment to $166,667.the Hyatt lease that retroactively reduced rent amounts due during the closure period, specifically a 25% reduction in rent for March 2020 and a 50% reduction in rent for each of April and May of 2020. Such reductions totaled $208,000 and such benefit is being amortized over the remaining life of the lease. We recognized $2.0$1.8 million and $1.9 million of rent expense related to this lease during 2020 and 2019, and 2018.respectively.

Corporate Office Lease through January 2025. In June 2017, theThe Company leasedleases 4,479 square feet of office space in Las Vegas, Nevada. Annual rent is approximately $0.2 million and the term of the office lease expires in January 2025.

Finance Lease

Rising Star Casino Hotel Lease through October 2027 and Option to Purchase. The Company’s Indiana subsidiary, Gaming Entertainment (Indiana) LLC, leases a 104‑room104-room hotel at Rising Star Casino Resort.

The lease expires on October 1, 2027, and lease payments are as follows: (i) $48,537 per month from April 2016 through March 2017, (ii) $56,537 per month from April 2017 through March 2018; (iii) $57,537 per month from April 2018 through March 2019; and (iv) $63,537 per month from April 2019 through March 2020. Beginning April 1, 2020 through the end of the lease, the scheduled monthly payment will be $54,326. The Company was also required to make certain improvements to the Rising Star Casino Resort of at least $1 million by March 31, 2017, which the Company satisfied. The lease payments include an annual interest rate of 3.5% through September 30, 2017 and 4.5% thereafter.

On September 17, 2017, the Company entered into a second amendment to the lease agreement to facilitate construction of the RV park that adjoins the leased hotel.

At any time during the lease term, the Company has the option to purchase the hotel at a price based upon the project’s original cost of $7.7 million (see Note 3), reduced by the cumulative principal finance lease payments made by the Company during the lease term. At December 31, 2019,2020, such net amount was $4.3$3.8 million. Upon expiration of the lease term in October 2027, (i) the Landlord has the right to sell the hotel to the Company, and (ii) the Company has the option to purchase the hotel. In either case, the purchase price is $1 plus closing costs. The lease agreement is not guaranteed by the parent company or any subsidiary, other than Gaming Entertainment (Indiana) LLC, and has customary provisions in the event of a default.

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Leases recorded on the balance sheet consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

December 31, 

Leases

    

Balance Sheet Classification

    

December 31, 2019

    

Balance Sheet Classification

    

2020

2019

Assets

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

Operating lease assets

   

Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net

   

$

19,171

   

Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net

   

$

17,361

$

19,171

Finance lease assets

 

Property and Equipment, Net(1)

 

 

5,037

 

Property and Equipment, Net(1)

 

4,879

 

5,037

Total lease assets

 

  

 

$

24,208

 

  

$

22,240

$

24,208

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Current

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Operating

 

Current Portion of Operating Lease Obligations

 

$

2,707

 

Current Portion of Operating Lease Obligations

$

3,283

$

2,707

Finance

 

Current Portion of Finance Lease Obligation

 

 

448

 

Current Portion of Finance Lease Obligation

 

491

 

448

Noncurrent

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

Operating

 

Operating Lease Obligations, Net of Current Portion

 

 

16,706

 

Operating Lease Obligations, Net of Current Portion

 

14,914

 

16,706

Finance

 

Finance Lease Obligation, Net of Current Portion

 

 

3,829

 

Finance Lease Obligation, Net of Current Portion

 

3,298

 

3,829

Total lease liabilities

 

  

 

$

23,690

 

  

$

21,986

$

23,690

(1)

(1)

Finance lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $2.8 million and $2.7 million as of December 31, 2019.

2020 and 2019, respectively.

The components of lease expense are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

Year Ended

(In thousands)

    

    

Year Ended

December 31, 

Lease Costs

 

Statement of Operations Classification

 

December 31, 2019

Statement of Operations Classification

2020

 

2019

Operating leases:

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

Fixed/base rent(1)

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

$

3,920

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

$

4,637

$

3,920

Variable payments

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

 

788

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

863

 

788

Finance lease:

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Amortization of leased assets

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

 

158

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

157

 

158

Interest on lease liabilities

 

Interest Expense, Net

 

 

206

 

Interest Expense, Net

 

183

 

206

Total lease costs

 

 

 

$

5,072

$

5,840

$

5,072

(1)Amount in 2020 reflects a full year of additional gaming-related equipment leases at both Rising Star and Bronco Billy’s, which beginning lease balances totaled $2.9 million, with one commencing in November 2019 and the other in January 2020.

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Maturities of lease liabilities are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Operating

    

Financing

Year Ending December 31,

 

Leases(1)

 

Lease(2)

2020

 

$

4,815

 

$

616

(In thousands)

    

Operating

    

Financing

Years Ending December 31,

Leases

Lease(1)

2021

 

 

4,684

 

 

652

$

4,792

$

598

2022

 

 

4,468

 

 

652

 

4,576

 

652

2023

 

 

2,876

 

 

652

 

2,984

 

652

2024

 

 

1,135

 

 

652

 

1,243

 

652

2025

 

1,046

 

652

Thereafter

 

 

31,018

 

 

1,847

 

30,070

 

1,195

Total future minimum lease payments

 

 

48,996

 

 

5,071

 

44,711

 

4,401

Less: Amount representing interest

 

 

(28,186)

 

 

(794)

 

(26,514)

 

(612)

Present value of lease liabilities

 

 

20,810

 

 

4,277

 

18,197

 

3,789

Less: Current lease obligations

 

 

(2,707)

 

 

(448)

 

(3,283)

 

(491)

Long-term lease obligations

 

$

18,103

 

$

3,829

$

14,914

$

3,298

(1)

(1)

As of December 31, 2019, the Company has an operating lease that has not yet commenced for which the present value of lease payments over the lease term totals $1.4 million.  Accordingly, this lease is not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019.  This operating lease will commence in 2020 with a term of 3.5 years.

(2)

The Company’s only material finance lease is at Rising Star Casino Resort for a 104-room hotel.

Other information related to lease term and discount rate is as follows:

    

December 31, 

Lease Term and Discount Rate

2020

2019

Weighted-average remaining lease term

 

  

  

Operating leases

 

20.4

years

20.2

years

Finance lease

 

6.8

years

7.8

years

Weighted-average discount rate

 

  

  

Operating leases(1)

 

9.41

%

9.40

%

Finance lease

 

4.50

%

4.50

%

(1)

Lease Term and Discount Rate

December 31, 2019

Weighted-average remaining lease term

Operating leases

20.2

years

Finance lease

7.8

years

Weighted-average discount rate

Operating leases(1)

9.40

%

Finance lease

4.50

%

(1)

Upon adoption of the new lease standard, discount rates used for existing operating leases were established on January 1, 2019.

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows:

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

    

 

 

 

Year Ended

(In thousands)

    

Year Ended

December 31, 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

 

December 31, 2019

2020

2019

Operating cash flows for operating leases

 

$

3,933

$

4,462

$

3,933

Operating cash flows for finance lease

 

$

206

$

183

$

206

Financing cash flows for finance lease

 

$

544

$

488

$

544

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8. INCOME TAXES

The income tax (benefit) expense attributable to the Company’s lossincome (loss) before income taxes consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Years Ended December 31, 

Years Ended December 31, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2020

    

2019

Current Taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

$

$

State

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

Deferred Taxes

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

Federal

 

 

(1,016)

 

 

(587)

 

157

 

(1,014)

State

 

 

(743)

 

 

(651)

 

(395)

 

(743)

Increase in valuation allowance

 

 

1,839

 

 

1,714

 

146

 

1,837

 

 

80

 

 

476

 

$

80

 

$

476

 

(92)

 

80

$

(92)

$

80

A reconciliation of the federal income tax statutory rate and the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Years Ended December 31, 

 

 

2019

 

2018

Tax Rate Reconciliation

    

Percent

    

Amount

    

Percent

    

Amount

Federal income tax benefit at U.S. statutory rate

 

21.0

%  

$

(1,208)

 

21.0

%  

$

(817)

State taxes, net of federal benefit

 

10.2

%  

 

(587)

 

13.2

%  

 

(515)

Change in valuation allowance(1)

 

(32.0)

%  

 

1,839

 

(44.0)

%  

 

1,714

Permanent differences

 

(3.7)

%  

 

215

 

(6.3)

%  

 

247

Credits

 

2.7

%  

 

(156)

 

3.7

%  

 

(146)

Other

 

0.4

%  

 

(23)

 

0.2

%  

 

(7)

 

 

(1.4)

%  

$

80

 

(12.2)

%  

$

476

(1)

For 2018, this change is presented with tax reform consideration.

(In Thousands)

Years Ended December 31, 

2020

2019

Tax Rate Reconciliation

    

Percent

    

Amount

    

Percent

    

Amount

Federal income tax expense (benefit) at U.S. statutory rate

 

21.0

%  

$

12

 

21.0

%  

$

(1,206)

State taxes, net of federal benefit

 

(567.3)

%  

 

(312)

 

10.2

%  

 

(587)

Change in valuation allowance

 

265.5

%  

 

146

 

(32.0)

%  

 

1,836

Permanent differences

 

221.8

%  

 

122

 

(3.7)

%  

 

215

Credits

 

(118.2)

%  

 

(65)

 

2.7

%  

 

(156)

Other

 

9.9

%  

 

5

 

0.4

%  

 

(22)

 

(167.3)

%  

$

(92)

 

(1.4)

%  

$

80

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The Company’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

December 31, 

December 31, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2020

    

2019

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred compensation

 

$

591

 

$

744

$

637

$

591

Intangible assets and amortization

 

 

3,761

 

 

4,023

 

3,293

 

3,761

Net operating loss carry-forwards

 

 

7,834

 

 

6,210

 

7,486

 

7,834

Accrued expenses

 

 

853

 

 

975

 

984

 

853

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

32

 

 

22

 

40

 

32

Credits

 

 

668

 

 

481

 

733

 

668

Common stock warrant liability

 

 

402

 

 

69

 

558

 

402

Loan Fees

 

 

129

 

 

 —

157

129

Interest valuation

 

 

65

 

 

40

 

64

 

65

Interest limitation

 

 

1,712

 

 

1,362

 

 

1,712

Lease liabilities

 

 

4,345

 

 

 —

4,045

4,345

Charitable contribution carry-forward

 

 

125

 

 

97

 

137

 

125

Deferred revenues

1,408

Accrued Social Security

291

Valuation allowance

 

 

(10,964)

 

 

(9,125)

 

(11,108)

 

(10,962)

 

 

9,553

 

 

4,898

 

8,725

 

9,555

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

Depreciation of fixed assets

 

 

(1,711)

 

 

(1,939)

 

(1,054)

 

(1,711)

Amortization of indefinite-lived intangibles

 

 

(2,803)

 

 

(2,232)

 

(3,022)

 

(2,803)

Prepaid expenses

 

 

(656)

 

 

(710)

 

(571)

 

(656)

Effect of state taxes on future federal returns

 

 

(785)

 

 

(629)

 

(868)

 

(785)

Right of use assets

 

 

(4,282)

 

 

 —

(3,856)

(4,282)

Other

 

 

(28)

 

 

(20)

 

26

 

(30)

 

 

(10,265)

 

 

(5,530)

 

$

(712)

 

$

(632)

 

(9,345)

 

(10,267)

$

(620)

$

(712)

As of December 31, 2019,2020, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwardcarryforwards totaling $22.1$20.6 million and state tax carryforwards of $56.2$62.1 million. Regarding the federal net operating loss carryforward, $14.0$6.9 million can be carried forward 20 years and will begin to expire in 2035;2037; the remaining amount can be carried forward indefinitely. Regarding the state tax carryforwards, $55.9$60.4 million can be carried forward 20 years and will begin to expire in 2035; the remaining amount can be carried forward indefinitely. The Company also has general business credits of $0.7 million which begin to expire in 2035.

On March 27, 2020 Congress enacted into law, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the “CARES Act.” As part of the Company’s analysis, it has reviewed all material pieces of the new legislation in order to determine applicability to them. Based on the Company’s review, the law changes related to the increase of the 163(j) limitation have been considered in the calculation of the net tax benefit, and other items were determined to not be material to the Company.

In assessing the realizability of its deferred tax assets, the Company considered whether it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considered the scheduled reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. The Company evaluated both positive and negative evidence in determining the need for a valuation allowance. The Company continues to assess the realizability of deferred tax assets and concluded that it has not met the “more likely than not” threshold. As of December 31, 2019,2020, the Company continues to provide a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets that cannot be offset by existing deferred tax liabilities. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 740 (“ASC 740”), this assessment has taken into consideration the jurisdictions in which these deferred tax assets reside. The valuation allowance against deferred tax assets has no effect on the actual taxes paid or owed by the Company.

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As of December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, the Company had $0.7$0.6 million and $0.6$0.7 million, respectively, of deferred tax liabilities relating to goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles net of the maximum benefit allowed under the statute after netting with the indefinite-lived deferred tax assets.

Subsequent to the Company’s filing of its annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2018, the Company corrected the impact of the 2017 Tax Act on deferred tax liabilities to reflect that indefinite-lived deferred tax liabilities of $1.6 million should be netted against certain deferred tax assets and net operating loss carryforwards for purposes of assessing

72

the realizability of those assets. As a result, the Company has reduced the previously reported valuation allowance as of January 1, 2018, by $1.6 million with a resulting decrease in deferred tax liabilities and accumulated deficit at December 31, 2018 of $1.6 million. Management believes that the impact of this adjustment is immaterial to the previously issued Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company’s utilization of net operating loss (NOL) and the general business tax credit carryforwards may be subject to an annual limitation under Section 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC), and similar state provisions’provisions due to ownership changes that may have occurred or that could occur in the future. These ownership changes may limit the amount of NOL and tax credit carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income and tax, respectively. In general, an ownership change, as defined by Section 382 and 383, results from transactions increasing ownership of certain stockholders or public groups in the stock of the corporation by more than 50 percentage points over a three-year period. The Company has completed an IRCa preliminary Section 382/383382 analysis to determine if there are any annual limitations onas of the utilizationdate of NOLsthis report and tax credit carryforwards, and has determined that it is more likely than not that there have not been any of such greater-than-50% ownership changes within a three-year period during the last five years that would prohibit the Company from utilizing all of its tax attributes.

Management has made an annual analysis of its state and federal tax returns and concluded that the Company has no recordable liability, as of December 31, 20192020 or 2018,2019, for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of uncertain tax positions taken.

As ofThe Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. The Company is generally not subject to examination for periods prior to December 31, 2019,2017. However, as the Company isutilizes its net operating losses, prior periods can be subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for the tax years 2016 through 2019. In addition, the Company is subject to state and local income tax examinations for various tax years in the taxing jurisdictions in which the Company operates.examination.

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES AND SUBSEQUENT EVENT

Litigation

The Company is party to a number of pending legal proceedings related to matters that occurred in the normal course of business. Management does not expect that the outcome of any such proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Options to Purchase or Lease Land and Real Estate Purchases under Contract

La Posada del Llano Racetrack ProposalCripple Creek Land and Real Estate Purchases. As part of the Cripple Creek Project in New Mexico. During July 2018,Colorado, the Company paid $125,000 for optionshas been in negotiations to purchasebuy certain parcels of land and real estate with various landowners during the first quarter of 2021. Altogether, such purchases are estimated to be approximately 520 acres$3.4 million. As of adjoining land in Clovis, New Mexico as partthis report date, a total of its racetrack casino proposal to the New Mexico Racing Commission. The proposal was in response to the New Mexico Racing Commission’s request for proposals related to the potential issuance of the state’s sixth racing license. During July 2019, the Company paid an additional $125,000 in total to renew these two options, as detailed below. In August 2019, the New Mexico Racing Commission announced that it would$0.1 million has been deposited and becomes non-refundable if such sales transactions are not issue the sixth racing license at this time, but may do soclosed in the future. The New Mexico options consisted of:

·

A  $75,000 option to purchase 200 acres of land, which ended on the earlier of either July 2019 or 60 days following the granting of the sixth license to conduct horseracing by the New Mexico Racing Commission and New Mexico Gaming Control Board (“License Award”) and all related approvals, permits, and other licenses. In July 2019, the Company extended the purchase option by one year for another $75,000 under the same terms. Prior to the end of this first option extension, the Company may extend the purchase option by one year for an additional $75,000 under the same terms. Additionally, prior to the end of this first extension period, or as further extended, the Company may purchase the land for $1.4 million, which can be reduced by the option payments.

·

A  $50,000 option to purchase 320 acres of land, which ended on the earlier of either July 2019 or 60 days following the granting of the License Award and all related approvals, permits, and other licenses. In July 2019, the Company

73

extended the purchase option by one year for another $50,000 under the same terms. Prior to the end of this option extension, the Company may purchase the land for $1.6 million, which can be reduced by the option payments.

Employment Agreements

The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain of its key employees. The agreements may provide the employee with a base salary, bonus, restricted stock grants, stock options and other customary benefits. Certain agreements also provide for severance in the event the employee resigns with “good reason,” or the employee is terminated without “cause” or due to a “change of control,” as defined in the agreements. The severance amounts vary with the terms of the agreements and may include the acceleration and vesting of certain unvested shares and stock-based awards upon a change of control, along with continuation of insurance costs and certain other benefits.2021.

Defined Contribution Plan

We sponsorThe Company sponsors a defined contribution plan for all eligible employees providing for voluntary contributions by eligible employees and matching contributions made by us. Matching contributions made by us were $0.3 million for eachthe Company. In March 2020, upon the mandatory shutdown of 2019 and 2018, excluding nominal administrative expenses assumed.all of the Company’s properties, the Company suspended matching contributions. For 2019 and 2018,early 2020, the Company’s employer contribution rate was 50% up to 4% of compensation. Matching contributions made by the Company were $0.1 million for 2020 and $0.3 million for 2019, excluding nominal administrative expenses assumed.

Liquidity, Concentrations and Economic Risks and Uncertainties

The Company carries cash on deposit with financial institutions that may be in excess of federally-insured limits. The extent of any loss that might be incurred as a result of uninsured deposits in the event of a future failure of a bank or other financial institution, if any, is not subject to estimation at this time.

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Table of Contents

10. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

In March 2018, the Company closed on a registered direct offering for a total of 3,943,333 shares of its common stock at a price of $3.00 per share, resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of $11.8 million. Net proceeds to the Company from the offering were approximately $11.4 million, after deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses.

Net proceeds from this offering were used for general corporate purposes, including Phase One of the expansion of Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel. Amongst other items, Phase One included the purchase of the Imperial Hotel, the rebranding and reopening of the Imperial Hotel and Casino as the Christmas Casino & Inn, and the design and construction of a parking garage.

11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

2015 Equity Incentive Plan. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to theThe 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (“2015 Plan”) that increased, as approved by stockholders and further amended in the numbersecond quarter of 2017, allows for the issuance of up to 2,500,000 shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2015 Plan from 1,400,000 to 2,500,000. In addition to the increase in the number of authorized shares issuable under the 2015 Plan, the amendment included several “best practices” changes.stock. The 2015 Plan includes new shares reservedallows for issuancestock-based awards to be granted to directors, employees and consultants and allows for a variety of forms of awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents and performance-based compensation. Stock option awards have maximum 10‑year10-year terms and all awards issued thus far under the 2015 Plan do not vest on an accelerated basis if there is a change in control of the Company, unless the awards are not assumed by the successor, as defined.

In May 2017, the Company extended the employment agreement of Daniel R. Lee, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, through NovemberJune 2020, and simultaneously issued him an option to purchase 240,000 shares of common stock under the 2015 Plan with an exercise price of $2.32. Mr. Lee’s option will vest ratably on a monthly basis between December 1, 2018 and November 30, 2020 in conjunction with his amended employment agreement.

Effective as of May 2019, the Company extended the employment agreement of Lewis Fanger, the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, through May 2022. In May 2019, the Company also separately issued him an option to

74

purchase 100,000 shares of common stock under the 2015 Plan with an exercise price of $2.23. Mr. Fanger’s option vests annually in equal amounts over a three-year period.

In September 2019, the Company issued options to purchase a total of 260,000330,000 additional shares of common stock under the 2015 Plan to various other employees of the Company, all of which have an exercise price of $1.97. These$1.73. In September 2020, the Company issued options to purchase a total of 10,000 additional shares of common stock under the 2015 Plan to various other employees of the Company, all of which have an exercise price of $1.96. All of these stock options all vest annually in equal amounts over the next three years. In all cases, the exercise price of the options reflects the Company’s closing price on the date of grant.

In May 2019,June 2020, the Company also issued to non-executive members of its Board of Directors, as compensation for their annual service, options to purchase a total of 51,90032,000 shares of common stock under the 2015 Plan with an exercise price of $2.23$1.73 and a one-year vesting period;period, and 21,52413,872 shares of common stock under the 2015 Plan that vested immediately with certain transfer restrictions.

In July 2020, the Company elected two new non-executive members to its Board of Directors and, as compensation for their annual service, issued options to them to purchase a total of 16,000 shares of common stock under the 2015 Plan with an exercise price of $1.51 and a one-year vesting period, and 15,894 shares of common stock under the 2015 Plan that vested immediately with certain transfer restrictions. Similarly, in December 2020, the Company elected one new non-executive member to its Board of Directors and, as compensation for his annual service, issued options to purchase a total of 2,000 shares of common stock under the 2015 Plan with an exercise price of $3.73 and a one-year vesting period, and 1,675 shares of common stock under the 2015 Plan that vested immediately with certain transfer restrictions.

As of December 31, 2019,2020, the Company had 489,635102,002 stock-based awards authorized by shareholdersstockholders and available for grant from the 2015 Plan.

PriorSubsequent to the adoptionend of the 2015 Plan and outside of the 2006 Plan, in order to recruit its executive officers,2020, the Company issued a non-qualified stock option to purchase 943,834 shares toadditional stock-based awards. In December 2020, the Company extended the employment agreement of Daniel R. Lee, itsthe Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, through December 2025. As a part of such agreement, on January 7, 2021, the Company issued Mr. Lee 69,975 performance-based shares, with the vesting of such shares based on the compounded annual growth rate of the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA and a non-qualified stockFree Cash Flow Per Share, as defined in his employment agreement, for the three-year periods ending December 31, 2021, December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2023. For the 2021 period, one-sixth of Mr. Lee’s performance-based shares will vest if the Company’s annual Adjusted EBITDA for 2021 reflects at least 10% per annum growth since 2018, and one-sixth of Mr. Lee’s performance-based shares will vest if the Company’s annual Free Cash Flow Per Share for 2021 reflects at least 12% per annum growth since 2018. Vesting of the performance-based shares is similar for the 2022 and 2023 periods. Additionally, Mr. Lee received an option to purchase 300,000124,120 shares to Lewis Fanger, its Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Each of thesecommon stock under the 2015 Plan with an exercise price of $3.93, of which 92,093 shares are conditioned upon stockholders increasing the number of shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan or a successor plan. Mr. Lee’s option will vest annually in equal amounts over the next three years. The exercise price of the options vested over a four-year period and, asreflects the Company’s closing price on the date of December 31, 2019, these stock options have fully vested.grant.

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Table of Contents

Stock Options. The following table summarizes information related to the Company’s common stock options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Weighted

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

    

 

    

Weighted

 

Remaining

 

 

 

 

Number

 

Average

 

Contractual

 

Aggregate

 

of Stock

 

Exercise

 

Term

 

Intrinsic

 

Options

 

Price

 

(in years)

 

Value

Options outstanding at January 1, 2019

 

2,575,774

 

$

1.67

 

  

 

 

  

    

Weighted

    

Average

    

    

Weighted

Remaining

Number

Average

Contractual

Aggregate

of Stock

Exercise

Term

Intrinsic

Options

Price

(in years)

Value

Options outstanding at January 1, 2020

 

2,844,405

$

1.71

 

  

 

  

Granted

 

436,900

 

 

2.06

 

  

 

 

  

 

390,000

 

1.74

 

  

 

  

Exercised

 

(122,269)

 

 

1.84

 

  

 

 

  

 

(16,889)

 

1.75

 

  

 

  

Canceled/Forfeited

 

(33,333)

 

 

2.07

 

  

 

 

  

 

(8,650)

 

2.23

 

  

 

  

Expired

 

(12,667)

 

 

2.81

 

  

 

 

  

 

(25,158)

 

2.30

 

  

 

  

Options outstanding at December 31, 2019

 

2,844,405

 

$

1.71

 

6.42

 

$

4,667,998

Options exercisable at December 31, 2019

 

2,181,671

 

$

1.56

 

5.65

 

$

3,910,111

Options outstanding at December 31, 2020

 

3,183,708

$

1.71

 

5.89

$

7,080,591

Options exercisable at December 31, 2020

 

2,500,373

$

1.65

 

5.04

$

5,699,801

Compensation Cost. Compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 and 2018 was $0.3$0.4 million and $0.6$0.3 million, respectively. These costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the awards net of forfeitures and are included in selling, general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations.

As of December 31, 2019,2020, there was approximately $0.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options granted by the Company. This unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.11.9 years.

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Table of Contents

The Company estimated the fair value of each stock option award on the grant date using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, and changes in assumptions used can materially affect the fair value estimate. Option valuation weighted-average assumptions were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

    

2019

 

2018

For the year ended December 31, 

    

2020

2019

Expected volatility

 

46.17

%  

 

43.33

%

 

60.78

%  

46.17

%

Expected dividend yield

 

 —

%  

 

 —

%

 

%  

%

Expected term (in years)

 

5.94

 

 

5.86

 

 

5.94

 

5.94

Weighted average risk free rate

 

1.87

%  

 

2.93

%

Weighted average risk-free rate

 

0.41

%  

1.87

%

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $0.95 and 2018 was $0.94 and $1.34 per share, respectively.

Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our stock price. Dividend yield is based on the estimate of annual dividends expected to be paid at the time of the grant. The expected term considers the contractual term of the option as well as historical exercise and forfeiture behavior. The risk-free interest rate is based on the rates in effect on the grant date for U.S. Treasury instruments with maturities matching the relevant expected term of the award.

12.11. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments are affected by the duration of the instruments and other factors used by market participants to estimate value. The carrying amounts for cash and equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their estimated fair value because of the short durations of the instruments and inconsequential rates of interest. Management also believes that the carrying value of long-term debt also approximates their estimated fair value because the terms of the facilities are representative of current market conditions. While management believes the carrying value of our finance lease obligation approximates its fair value because certain terms of the lease were recently renegotiated, management also believes that precise estimates are not practical because of the unique nature of the relationships.

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Interest Rate Cap Agreement. In April 2018, the Company purchased an Interest Rate Cap from Capital One, N.A. (“Capital One”) for $238,000 in order to manage expected interest rate increases on the Prior Notes. The agreement is for a notional amount of $50 million and expires on March 31, 2021, but effectively had no value per the tables below. The Interest Rate Cap has a strike rate of 3.00% and resets every three months at the end of March, June, September, and December.

The following tables present the fair value of those assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 20192020 and 2018. See Notes 2 and 6 for further information regarding our interest rate cap and common stock warrant liability.2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

not designated

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2020

for hedging:

    

Balance Sheet Location

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

    

Balance Sheet Location

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

Interest rate cap

 

Deposits and other assets

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

Deposits and other assets

$

$

$

$

Common stock warrants

 

Common stock warrant liability

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,055

 

$

2,055

 

Common stock warrant liability

 

 

 

2,653

$

2,653

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

not designated

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2019

for hedging:

    

Balance Sheet Location

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

    

Balance Sheet Location

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

Interest rate cap

 

Deposits and other assets

 

$

 —

 

$

92

 

$

 —

 

$

92

 

Deposits and other assets

$

$

$

$

Common stock warrants

 

Common stock warrant liability

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

825

 

$

825

 

Common stock warrant liability

��

 

 

 

2,055

$

2,055

76

Table of Contents

13.12. SEGMENT REPORTING AND DISAGGREGATED REVENUE

We manage our casinos based on geographic regions within the United States. The casino/resort operations includesinclude four segments:  the Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel (Hancock County, Mississippi); Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel (Cripple Creek, Colorado); the Rising Star Casino Resort (Rising Sun, Indiana); and the Northern Nevada segment, consisting of the Grand Lodge Casino (Incline Village, Nevada) and Stockman’s Casino (Fallon, Nevada). Results related to our sports wagering agreements in Colorado are included in the Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel segment, and results related to our sports wagering agreements in Indiana are included in the Rising Star Casino Resort segment.

The Company utilizes Adjusted Property EBITDA as the measure of segment profit in assessing performance and allocating resources at the reportable segment level. Adjusted Property EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest and other non-operating income (expense), taxes, depreciation and amortization, pre-opening expenses, impairment charges, asset write-offs, recoveries, gain (loss) from asset disposals, project development and acquisition costs, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, and corporate-related costs and expenses that are not allocated to each property.

The following tables present the Company’s segment information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 

 

    

2019

    

2018

Net Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

$

73,201

 

$

69,350

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

 

45,620

 

 

47,966

Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel

 

 

27,507

 

 

26,942

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

 

19,104

 

 

19,629

 

 

$

165,432

 

$

163,887

Adjusted Property EBITDA

 

 

  

 

 

  

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

$

13,159

 

$

12,126

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

 

1,330

 

 

2,806

Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel

 

 

3,000

 

 

3,919

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

 

3,161

 

 

3,375

 

 

 

20,650

 

 

22,226

Other operating (expense) income:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(8,331)

 

 

(8,397)

Corporate expenses

 

 

(4,710)

 

 

(4,575)

Preopening costs

 

 

 —

 

 

(274)

Project development costs

 

 

(1,037)

 

 

(843)

Loss on disposal of assets, net

 

 

(8)

 

 

(79)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

(348)

 

 

(632)

Operating income

 

 

6,216

 

 

7,426

Other (expense) income:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Interest expense

 

 

(10,728)

 

 

(10,306)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,673)

Adjustment to fair value of warrants

 

 

(1,230)

 

 

1,671

Other

 

 

 —

 

 

(13)

 

 

 

(11,958)

 

 

(11,321)

Loss before income taxes

 

 

(5,742)

 

 

(3,895)

Income tax expense

 

 

80

 

 

476

Net loss

 

$

(5,822)

 

$

(4,371)

7778


Table of Contents

(In Thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 2020

    

Silver

    

    

Bronco

    

    

Slipper

Rising Star

Billy’s

Northern

Casino

Casino

Casino

Nevada

and Hotel

Resort

and Hotel

Casinos

Total

Revenues

Casino

$

42,653

$

20,337

$

17,127

$

10,695

$

90,812

Food and beverage

 

14,557

 

2,681

 

1,726

 

802

 

19,766

Hotel

 

3,899

 

2,996

 

515

 

 

7,410

Other operations, including online/mobile sports

 

1,404

 

5,014

 

948

 

235

 

7,601

$

62,513

$

31,028

$

20,316

$

11,732

$

125,589

Adjusted Property EBITDA

$

14,669

$

3,841

$

4,479

$

454

$

23,443

Other operating costs and expenses:

Depreciation and amortization

 

(7,666)

Corporate expenses

(3,789)

Project development costs

 

(423)

Loss on disposal of asset, net

(684)

Stock-based compensation

 

(405)

Operating income

 

10,476

Other expenses:

Interest expense, net

 

(9,823)

Adjustment to fair value of warrants

 

(598)

(10,421)

Income before income taxes

55

Income tax benefit

 

(92)

Net income

$

147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

December 31,

 

    

2019

    

2018

Total Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

$

87,980

 

$

79,094

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

 

40,277

 

 

39,722

Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel

 

 

45,034

 

 

42,780

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

 

18,612

 

 

12,395

Corporate and Other

 

 

19,432

 

 

8,281

 

 

$

211,335

 

$

182,272

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

December 31, 

 

    

2019

    

2018

Property and Equipment, net

 

 

  

 

 

  

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

$

55,127

 

$

56,369

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

 

32,824

 

 

33,700

Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel

 

 

25,164

 

 

23,354

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

 

7,297

 

 

7,434

Corporate and Other

 

 

1,075

 

 

1,219

 

 

$

121,487

 

$

122,076

14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

As a precautionary measure against the ongoing spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), various state governments ordered the temporary closure of all casinos in their respective states. Accordingly, Rising Star Casino Resort temporarily suspended operations on March 16, 2020, Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel temporarily suspended operations on March 17, 2020, Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel temporarily suspended operations on March 17, 2020, and Grand Lodge Casino and Stockman’s Casino temporarily suspended operations on March 18, 2020. While these closures are expected to be temporary, the current circumstances are dynamic and the impacts of COVID-19 on our business operations, including the duration and impact on overall customer demand, the timing of the reopening of our casinos, new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus, and the actions to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact, among others, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time and we anticipate this could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Because we operate in several different jurisdictions, some of our casinos may be permitted to reopen prior to others. The Company will work diligently to reopen its casinos as soon as it is permitted to do so, subject to management’s discretion to voluntarily extend such closures.

We currently believe that, through our approximately $28.9 million of cash and equivalents as of December 31, 2019, we have the liquidity necessary to sustain closure for a period of time that extends beyond the currently-mandated closure periods. Additionally, as of December 31, 2019, we had $1.0 million of restricted cash. In March 2020, such cash was no longer categorized as restricted, as the Company was approved for its “master license” for sports betting by the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission on March 19, 2020. To preserve liquidity, upon the temporary closure of our properties in March 2020, we significantly reduced staffing levels at each of our properties and at our corporate office to a small group of essential employees. We also recently elected to pause construction of the Phase One parking garage at Bronco Billy’s, allowing us to use the cash designated for such construction to provide the Company with additional liquidity until our casinos are permitted to reopen.  No assurance can be given that, should the casino closures extend for a prolonged period and require us to seek additional liquidity, we will be able to successfully raise additional funds through either the issuance of new debt or new equity or the sale of assets. As stated above, the Company will work diligently to reopen its casinos as soon as it is permitted to do so. Because we operate in several different jurisdictions, some of our casinos may be permitted to reopen prior to others.

7879


(In Thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 2019

    

Silver

    

    

Bronco

    

    

Slipper

Rising Star

Billy’s

Northern

Casino

Casino

Casino

Nevada

and Hotel

Resort

and Hotel

Casinos

Total

Revenues

Casino

$

44,959

$

29,585

$

22,075

$

16,771

$

113,390

Food and beverage

 

21,759

 

6,980

 

4,354

 

1,976

 

35,069

Hotel

 

4,830

 

5,932

 

773

 

 

11,535

Other operations, including online/mobile sports

 

1,653

 

3,123

 

305

 

357

 

5,438

$

73,201

$

45,620

$

27,507

$

19,104

$

165,432

Adjusted Property EBITDA

$

13,159

$

1,330

$

3,000

$

3,161

$

20,650

Other operating costs and expenses:

Depreciation and amortization

(8,331)

Corporate expenses

(4,710)

Project development costs

 

(1,037)

Loss on disposal of assets, net

(8)

Stock-based compensation

 

(348)

Operating income

 

6,216

Other expenses:

Interest expense, net

 

(10,728)

Adjustment to fair value of warrants

 

(1,230)

��

(11,958)

Loss before income taxes

(5,742)

Income tax expense

 

80

Net loss

$

(5,822)

(In Thousands)

December 31,

    

2020

    

2019

Total Assets

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

$

83,809

$

87,980

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

38,552

 

40,277

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

 

45,536

 

45,034

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

13,248

 

18,612

Corporate and Other

 

31,471

 

19,432

$

212,616

$

211,335

(In Thousands)

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Property and Equipment, net

 

  

 

  

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

$

52,096

$

55,127

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

30,571

 

32,824

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

 

25,858

 

25,164

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

6,322

 

7,297

Corporate and Other

 

925

 

1,075

$

115,772

$

121,487

80


Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures —As of December 31, 2019,2020, 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 Exchange Act Rule 13a‑15(e)13a-15(e) and 15d‑15(e)15d-15(e)). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, 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.level.

We have established controls and procedures designed at the reasonable assurance level to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Evaluation of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting —Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and board of directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and our directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of the unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a‑15(f)13a-15(f) and 15d‑15(f)15d-15(f)) as of December 31, 2019.2020. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on its assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2019,2020, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

There have been no changes during the quarter ended December 31, 20192020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information.

On March 11, 2021, the Company’s compensation committee approved cash bonuses to its named executive officers for the successful issuance of the 2028 Notes, which refinanced the Prior Notes, funded the Cripple Creek Project, and redeemed all outstanding warrants, among other items. Mr. Lee received a cash bonus of $100,000 pursuant to the previously disclosed refinancing milestone set forth in his employment agreement. In addition, Mr. Fanger and Ms. Guidroz received a cash bonus of $100,000 and $75,000, respectively, with half of such amount payable now and the remainder to be paid as soon as practicable after January 1, 2022, subject to their continued employment with the Company on such date.

81


None.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The information required by this Item will be set forth under the captions “Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and elsewhere in the definitive Proxy Statement for our 2020 

79

2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 20192020 (our “Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by this reference.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

The information required by this Item will be set forth under the caption “Executive Compensation” and elsewhere in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by this reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information required by this Item will be set forth under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Executive Compensation - Equity Compensation Plan Information” and elsewhere in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by this reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information required by this Item will be set forth under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Independence of Directors” and elsewhere in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by this reference.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

The information required by this Item will be set forth under the caption “Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and elsewhere in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by this reference.

82


PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)

Financial statements of the Company (including related Notes to consolidated financial statements) included herein under Item 8 of Part II hereof are listed below:

·

For the Years Ended December 31, 20192020 and 2018:2019:

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

·Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

80

4.2

Specimen Certificate for Shares of Full House Resorts, Inc.’s Common Stock, par value $.0001 per share (Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S‑3S-3 (SEC file No. 333‑213123)333-213123) filed on August 15, 2016).

4.3

Indenture (including form of Notes), dated as of February 2, 2018, by and12, 2021, among Full House Resorts, Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, and the Guarantors (as named therein)as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K8-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on February 6, 2018)12, 2021).

4.4

First Amendment to Indenture, dated asForm of June 20, 2018, by and among Full House Resorts, Inc., Wilmington Trust, National Association and the Guarantors (as named therein)Senior Secured Note due 2028 (included in Exhibit 4.3) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K (SEC File No. 1‑32583) filed on June 21, 2018).

4.5

Second Amendment to Indenture, dated as of May 10, 2019, by and among Full House Resorts, Inc., Wilmington Trust, National Association and the Guarantors (as named therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-32583) filed on May 13, 2019)

4.6

Form of Senior Secured Note due 2024 (included in Exhibit 4.1) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K (SEC File No. 1‑32583) filed on February 6, 2018)12, 2021).

10.1

Lease Agreement with Option to Purchase dated as of November 17, 2004, by and between Cure Land Company, LLC, as landlord, and Silver Slipper Casino Venture LLC, as tenant. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K10-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on March 6, 2013).

10.2

First Amendment to Lease Agreement with Option to Purchase dated as of March 13, 2009, by and between Cure Land Company, LLC, as landlord, and Silver Slipper Casino Venture LLC, as tenant. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K10-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on March 6, 2013).

10.3

Second Amendment to Lease Agreement with Option to Purchase dated as of September 26, 2012, by and between Cure Land Company, LLC, as landlord, and Silver Slipper Casino Venture LLC, as tenant. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K10-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on March 6, 2013).

10.4

Third Amendment to Lease Agreement with Option to Purchase dated as of February 26, 2013, by and between Cure Land Company, LLC, as landlord, and Silver Slipper Casino Venture LLC, as tenant. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K10-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on March 6, 2013).

83


10.5

Fourth Amendment to Lease Agreement with Option to Purchase dated as of March20,2020, by and between Cure Land Company, LLC, as landlord, and Silver Slipper Casino Venture LLC, as tenant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 1-32583) filed on May 13, 2020).

10.6

Casino Operations Lease dated June 28, 2011 by and between Hyatt Equities, L.L.C. and Gaming Entertainment (Nevada) LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K8-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on June 30, 2011).

10.610.7

First Amendment to Casino Operations Lease dated April 8, 2013 by and between Hyatt Equities, L.L.C. and Gaming Entertainment (Nevada) LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K8-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on April 11, 2013).

10.710.8

Second Amendment to Casino Operations Lease effective as of November 25, 2015, by and between Gaming Entertainment (Nevada) LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, and Hyatt Equities, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K8-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on December 17, 2015).

10.810.9

Third Amendment to Casino Operations Lease, effective August 29, 2016, between Hyatt Equities, L.L.C. and Gaming Entertainment (Nevada) LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K8-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on August 30, 2016).

10.910.10*

Fourth Amendment to Casino Operations Lease dated November 13, 2019 by and between Hyatt Equities, L.L.C., as landlord, and Gaming Entertainment (Nevada) LLC, as tenant.

10.11

Fifth Amendment to Casino Operations Lease dated July 31, 2020 by and between Hyatt Equities, L.L.C., as landlord, and Gaming Entertainment (Nevada) LLC, as tenant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 1-32583) filed on August 13, 2020).

10.12

Hotel Lease / Purchase Agreement dated August 15, 2013 by and between Rising Sun/Ohio County First, Inc. and Gaming Entertainment (Indiana) LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K/8-K/A (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on August 22, 2013).

10.1010.13

First Amendment to Hotel Lease / Purchase Agreement dated March 16, 2016 by and between Rising Sun/Ohio County First, Inc. and Gaming Entertainment (Indiana) LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K8-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on March 18, 2016).

81

10.1110.14

Second Amendment to Hotel Lease/Purchase Agreement dated September 19, 2017, by and between Rising Sun/Ohio County First, Inc. and Gaming Entertainment (Indiana) LLC. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on 8‑K (SEC File No. 1‑32583) filed on September 21, 2017 ).

10.12

Amended and Restated First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2016, among Full House Resorts, Inc., as borrower, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, and Capital One Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K/A (SEC File No. 1‑32583) filed on May 18, 2016).

10.13

Amended and Restated Second Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2016, among Full House Resorts, Inc., as borrower, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, and ABC Funding, LLC, as administrative agent for the lenders (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8‑K/A (SEC File No. 1‑32583) filed on May 18, 2016).

10.14

Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2016, among Full House Resorts, Inc. and the purchasers named therein (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K/A (SEC File No. 1‑32583) filed on May 18, 2016).

10.15

Notes Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2018, by and among Full House Resorts, Inc., Wilmington Trust, National Association, the Guarantors (as defined therein) and the Purchasers (as defined therein). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K (SEC File No. 1‑32583) filed on February 6, 2018).

10.16

Form of Security Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2018, by and among Full House Resorts, Inc., Wilmington Trust, National Association and the Grantors (as defined therein) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K (SEC File No. 1‑32583) filed on February 6, 2018).

10.17

Form of Intellectual Property Security Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2018, by and among Full House Resorts, Inc., Wilmington Trust, National Association and the Grantors (as defined therein). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K (SEC File No. 1‑32583) filed on February 6, 2018).

10.18

Notes Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2019, by and among Full House Resorts, Inc., Wilmington Trust, National Association, the Guarantors (as named therein) and the Purchasers (as named therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-32583) filed on May 13, 2019)September 21, 2017 ).

10.19+10.15+

2015 Equity Incentive Plan (Effective as of May 5, 2015) (Incorporated by reference to Attachment A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on April 3, 2015).

10.20+10.16+

2015 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended and restated by the Board effective April 11, 2017). (Incorporated by reference to Annex 2 to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on April 14, 2017).

10.21+10.17+

Form of Award Agreement pursuant to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K10-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on March 8, 2018).

10.22+10.18+

Full House Resorts, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan for Executives (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’sRegistrant’s Form 8‑K8-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on August 1, 2017).

10.23+10.19+

Employment Agreement, dated as of November 28, 2014 by andDecember 31, 2020, between Full House Resorts, Inc. and Daniel R. Lee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.410.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K8-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on December 1, 2014)January 7, 2021).

10.24+10.20+

Inducement Stock Option Agreement dated November 28, 2014 by and between Full House Resorts, Inc. and Daniel R. Lee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K8-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on December 1, 2014).

10.25+10.21+

First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated May 24, 2017, between Full House Resorts, Inc. and Daniel R. Lee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K (SEC File No. 1‑32583) filed on May 30, 2017).

10.26+

Award Agreement, dated May 24, 2017, between Full House Resorts, Inc. and Daniel R. Lee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K8-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on May 30, 2017).

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10.27+10.22+

Employment Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2019 (and effective as of May 17, 2019), by and between Full House Resorts, Inc. and Lewis A. Fanger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’sRegistrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-32583) filed on June 4, 2019.

10.28+10.23+

Inducement Stock Option Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2015, by and between Full House Resorts, Inc. and Lewis A. Fanger (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K8-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on February 4, 2015).

10.29+10.24+

Employment Agreement, dated as of September 17, 2018, by and between Full House Resorts, Inc. and Elaine L. Guidroz (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8‑K8-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on October 2, 2018).

10.3010.25

Letter Agreement,Promissory Note, dated as of March 19, 2018,May 8, 2020, by and between Union Gaming SecuritiesEntertainment (Indiana) LLC andin favor of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. dba Nevada State Bank (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 1-32583) filed on May 13, 2020).

10.26

Promissory Note, dated as of May 8, 2020, by FHR-Colorado LLC in favor of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. dba Nevada State Bank (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 1-32583) filed on May 13, 2020).

10.27

Addendum A to Promissory Note, effective as of September 22, 2020 by Gaming Entertainment (Indiana) LLC in favor of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. dba Nevada State Bank (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 1-32583) filed on November 9, 2020).

10.28

Addendum A to Promissory Note, effective as of September 22, 2020 by FHR-Colorado LLC in favor of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. dba Nevada State Bank (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 1-32583) filed on November 9, 2020).

21.1

List of Subsidiaries of Full House Resorts, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.121.1 to the Registrant’s CurrentAnnual Report on Form 8‑K10-K (SEC File No. 1‑32583)1-32583) filed on March 22, 2018)30, 2020).

21.1*

List of Subsidiaries of Full House Resorts, Inc.

23.1*

Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to the Company.

23.2*

Consent of Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern.

31.1*

Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a‑14(a)13a-14(a)/15(d)‑14(a)-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*

Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a‑14(a)13a-14(a)/15(d)‑14(a)-14(a), 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.

99.1*

Description of Governmental Gaming Regulations.

101.INS*

XBRL Instance

101.SCH*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation

101.DEF*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition

101.LAB*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels

101.PRE*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation

*     Filed herewith.

**   Furnished herewith.

+     Executive compensation plan or arrangement.

Item 16. Form 10‑K10-K Summary.

We have elected not to disclose the optional summary information.

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SIGNATURESSIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

    

FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.

March 30, 202012, 2021

By:

/s/ DANIEL R. LEE

Daniel R. Lee, Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Name and Capacity

    

Date

/s/ DANIEL R. LEE

March 30, 202012, 2021

Daniel R. Lee, Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ LEWIS A. FANGER

March 30, 202012, 2021

Lewis A. Fanger, Chief Financial Officer and Director

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ KENNETH R. ADAMS

March 30, 202012, 2021

Kenneth R. Adams, Director

/s/ CARL G. BRAUNLICH

March 30, 202012, 2021

Carl G. Braunlich, Director

/s/ ELLIS LANDAU

March 30, 2020

Ellis Landau, Director

/s/ KATHLEEN MARSHALL

March 30, 202012, 2021

Kathleen Marshall, Director

/s/ CRAIG W. THOMASERIC J. GREEN

March 30, 202012, 2021

Craig W. Thomas,Eric J. Green, Director

/s/ BRADLEY M. TIRPAKMICHAEL P. SHAUNNESSY

March 30, 202012, 2021

Bradley M. Tirpak,Michael P. Shaunnessy, Director

/s/ MICHAEL A. HARTMEIER

March 12, 2021

Michael A. Hartmeier, Director

8486