Significant Accounting Policies | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates Our financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and are based upon certain critical accounting policies. These policies may require management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that we believe are reasonable based on our historical experience, contract terms, observance of known trends in our Company and the industry as a whole and information available from other outside sources. Our estimates affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those initial estimates. Our most critical estimates relate to revenue recognition, goodwill and other intangible assets, and property and equipment. Reclassifications We have reclassified certain items in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for prior years to be comparable with 2017 classifications. Effective January 1, 2017, certain revenue previously included in our Corporate segment was deemed by management to be more closely aligned with our TwinSpires segment. The prior year amounts were reclassified to conform to this presentation. There was no impact from these reclassifications on net income or cash flows. Revenue Recognition Racing and TwinSpires Racing and TwinSpires revenue is generated by pari-mutuel wagering on live and simulcast racing content. Additionally, we generate revenue through sponsorships, admissions, television rights, concessions, programs and parking. Our Racing and TwinSpires revenue and income are influenced by our racing calendar. Therefore, revenue and operating results for any interim quarter are not generally indicative of the revenue and operating results for the year and may not be comparable with results for the corresponding period of the previous year. We historically have had fewer live racing days during the first quarter of each year, and the majority of our live racing revenue occurs during the second quarter with the running of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. Pari-mutuel revenue is recognized upon occurrence of the live race that is presented for wagering and after that live race is made official by the respective state’s racing regulatory body. Other operating revenue from sponsorships, admissions, television rights, concessions, programs and parking are recognized once delivery of the product or service has occurred. Live racing handle includes patron wagers made on live races at our racetracks and also wagers made on imported simulcast signals by patrons at our racetracks during live meets. Import simulcasting handle includes wagers on imported signals at our racetracks when the respective tracks are not conducting live racing meets, at our OTBs and through our advance deposit wagering providers throughout the year. Export handle includes all patron wagers made on live racing signals sent to other tracks, OTBs and advance deposit wagering providers. Advance deposit wagering consists of patron wagers through an advance deposit account. The pari-mutuel revenue earned in 2017 approximated 18.3% of handle for the TwinSpires segment and 11.1% of handle for the Racing segment. Deferred revenue includes advance sales related to the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby races and other advance billings on racing events. Revenue from these advance billings are recognized when the related event occurs. Deferred revenue also includes advance sales of Personal Seat Licenses ("PSLs") and luxury suites. PSLs represent the ownership of a specific seat for the Kentucky Oaks, Kentucky Derby and, in certain cases, Breeders’ Cup races at Churchill Downs Racetrack ("Churchill Downs") and have a contractual life between one and thirty years. Revenue from PSLs is recognized when the Kentucky Oaks, Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup races occur on a ratable basis over the term of the contract. Luxury suites are sold for specific racing events as well as for a predetermined contractual term. Revenue related to the sale of luxury suites is recognized when the related event occurs. Casino Casino revenue represents net casino wins which is the difference between casino wins and losses. Other operating revenue, such as concession revenue, is recognized once delivery of the product or service has occurred. Big Fish Games Big Fish Games revenue is primarily derived from the sale of in-app purchases within our free-to-play games and sales of our premium paid games. We offer social casino and casual and mid-core free-to-play games that customers can play at no cost. Customers can purchase virtual currency that can be used to buy virtual items to enhance the game playing experience. These games are distributed primarily through third party mobile platform providers, including but not limited to, Apple and Google. The proceeds from the sale of virtual goods are initially recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the service has been provided to the user, the price paid by the user is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Determining whether and when some of these criteria have been satisfied requires judgments that may have a significant impact on the timing and amount of revenue we report in each period. For the purpose of determining when the service has been provided to the player, we have determined that an implied obligation exists to the paying user to continue to make available the purchased virtual goods within the game over the estimated life of the virtual goods. For social casino games, the life of the virtual goods is estimated to be the time period over which virtual goods are consumed, approximating three days. For all other casual games, the average playing period of paying players of approximately four months represents our best estimate of the average life of virtual goods. The proceeds from the sale of virtual goods are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue over the estimated life of the virtual goods. Premium game revenue is derived from our PC subscription business, the Big Fish Game Club and from the sale of individual games on PC, Mac and mobile devices. Subscribers receive a game credit each month with their subscription. The value of the game credit is recognized when a customer redeems the game credit. We record breakage revenue related to outstanding premium game credits. For credits that are subject to expiration, breakage revenue is recorded when the credits have legally expired. Breakage revenue is recorded for game credits with no legal expiration when we have determined the likelihood of redemption is remote based on historical game credit redemption patterns. We estimate revenue from digital storefronts, such as Apple and Google, in the current period when reasonable estimates of these amounts can be made. The digital storefronts provide reliable interim preliminary sales reporting data within a reasonable time frame following the end of each month, which, when validated against our internal data, allows us to make reasonable estimates of revenue and therefore to recognize revenue during the reporting period. Determination of the appropriate amount of revenue recognized involves judgments and estimates that we believe are reasonable, but it is possible that actual results may differ from our estimates. When we receive the final reports, to the extent not received within a reasonable time frame following the end of each month, we record any differences between estimated revenue and actual revenue in the reporting period when we determine the actual amounts. Historically, the revenue on the final revenue report has not differed significantly from the reported revenue for the period. We evaluate our digital storefront agreements in order to determine whether or not we are acting as the principal or as an agent when selling our games, which we consider in determining if revenue should be reported gross or net. We primarily use digital storefronts for distributing our social casino and casual free-to-play games. Key indicators that we evaluate in order to reach this determination include: • the terms and conditions of our contracts with the digital storefronts; • the party responsible for billing and collecting fees from the end-users, including the resolution of billing disputes; • whether we are paid a fixed percentage of the arrangement’s consideration or a fixed fee for each game; • whether the party which sets the pricing with the end-user has the credit risk and provides customer support; and • the party responsible for the fulfillment of the game and that determines the specifications of the game. Based on the evaluation of the above indicators, we have determined that we are generally acting as a principal and are the primary obligor to end-users for games distributed through digital storefronts; and therefore, we recognize revenue related to these arrangements on a gross basis. Goodwill and Indefinite Intangible Assets During 2017, the Company changed its annual goodwill and indefinite-lived impairment testing date from March 31 to April 1 of each year. As a result, the annual impairment tests were performed as of March 31, 2017 and April 1, 2017. The change was made to better align with our forecasting process and to provide the Company with additional time to complete our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible impairment testing in advance of our quarterly reporting. The Company believes this change in measurement date, which represents a change in method of applying an accounting principle, is preferable under the circumstances. The resulting change in accounting principle related to changing the annual impairment testing date did not delay, accelerate, or avoid an impairment charge. We perform an annual review for impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Adverse industry or economic trends, lower projections of profitability, or a sustained decline in our market capitalization, among other items, may be indications of potential impairment issues, which are triggering events requiring the testing of an asset’s carrying value for recoverability. Goodwill is allocated and evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, referred to as a component. We are required to aggregate the components of an operating segment into one reporting unit if they have similar economic characteristics. Goodwill and intangible assets can or may be required to be tested using a two-step impairment test. An entity may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to complete the two-step impairment test using a more likely than not criteria. If an entity believes it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying value, including goodwill, the two-step process can be bypassed. Qualitative factors include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors and overall financial performance, among others. These factors require significant judgments and estimates, and application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. Evaluations of possible impairment utilizing the two-step approach require us to estimate, among other factors, forecasts of future operating results, revenue growth, EBITDA margin, tax rates, capital expenditures, depreciation, working capital, weighted average cost of capital, long-term growth rates, risk premiums, terminal values and fair market values of our reporting units and assets. Changes in estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. Our slots gaming rights and casinos' trade names are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets that do not require amortization based on our future expectations to operate our gaming facilities and use the trade names indefinitely and our historical experience in renewing these intangible assets at minimal cost with various state gaming commissions. These indefinite lived intangible assets are tested annually, or more frequently, if indicators of impairment exist, by comparing the fair value of the recorded assets to their carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the slots gaming rights and trade name intangible assets exceed fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. Property and Equipment We have a significant investment in long-lived property and equipment. Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Judgments are made in determining the estimated useful lives of assets, the salvage values to be assigned to assets and if or when an asset has been impaired. The accuracy of these estimates affects the amount of depreciation expense recognized in the financial results and whether to record a gain or loss on disposition of an asset. We review the carrying value of our property and equipment to be held and used in our operations whenever events or changes in 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. Adverse industry or economic trends, lower projections of profitability, or a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, among other items, may be indications of potential impairment issues. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is indicated. If the undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, an impairment is recorded based on the fair value of the asset. There are three generally accepted approaches available in developing an opinion of value: 1) the cost approach, which is the price a prudent investor would pay to produce or construct a similar new item; 2) the market approach, which is typically used for land valuations by analyzing recent sales transactions of similar sites; and 3) the income approach, which is based on a discounted cash flow model using the estimated future results of the relevant reporting unit discounted using our weighted-average cost of capital and market indicators of terminal year free cash flow multiples. If necessary, we solicit third-party valuation expertise to assist in the valuation of our assets. We apply the most indicative approach to the overall valuation, or in some cases, a weighted analysis of any or all of these methods. The determination of fair value uses accounting judgments and estimates, including market conditions and the reliability is dependent upon the availability and comparability of the market data uncovered, as well as the decision making criteria used by market participants when evaluating a property. Changes in estimates or application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets as follows: 10 to 40 years for grandstands and buildings, 2 to 10 years for equipment, 2 to 10 years for furniture and fixtures and 10 to 20 years for tracks and other improvements. Income Taxes We use estimates and judgments for financial reporting to determine our current tax liability and deferred taxes. In accordance with the liability method of accounting for income taxes, we recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Adjustments to deferred taxes are determined based upon the changes in differences between the book basis and tax basis of our assets and liabilities and measured using enacted tax rates we estimate will be applicable when these differences are expected to reverse. Changes in current tax laws, enacted tax rates or the estimated level of taxable income or non-deductible expense could change the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and affect the overall effective tax rate and tax provision. When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that will be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with the tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to cash to be cash equivalents. We have, from time to time, cash in the bank in excess of federally insured limits. Under our cash management system, checks issued but not yet presented to banks that would result in negative bank balances when presented are classified as a current liability in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Restricted Cash and Account Wagering Deposit Liabilities Restricted cash represents amounts due to horsemen for purses, stakes and awards as well as customer deposits collected for advance deposit wagering. Account wagering deposit liabilities consist of deposits received from TwinSpires.com and Velocity customers to be used to fund wagering through the TwinSpires players' accounts. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. The allowance is maintained at a level considered appropriate based on historical experience and other factors that affect our expectation of future collectability. Uncollectible accounts receivable are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable when management determines that the probability of payment is remote and collection efforts have ceased. Game Software Development Game software development costs for Big Fish Games includes costs for internally developed and purchased third party software for free-to-play games and premium game software purchased from third parties. Costs associated with internally developed online only free-to-play game software are capitalized according to the accounting guidance governing computer software developed or obtained for internal use. Costs associated with internally developed free-to-play game software that allows the user to access content in both an online and offline mode are capitalized as game software development once technological feasibility of the software has been established. Any costs incurred during the preliminary project stage are expensed; costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized as game software development and costs incurred during the post-implementation/operation stage are expensed. Any costs incurred prior to the establishment of technological feasibility are expensed when incurred as research and development costs. Once the software is placed in operation, we amortize the capitalized software cost as an operating expense over its estimated economic useful life, which is typically 18 months to three years. In addition, enhancements to existing games that increase the functionality of the game are capitalized as game software development and amortized as an operating expense over the game’s estimated economic useful life, which is typically 18 months. Purchased third party free-to-play game software is capitalized as game software development and amortized, once placed into service, over the game’s estimated economic useful life, which is typically 18 months. Purchased third party software for premium games is capitalized as game software development, and amortized, once placed into service, over the game’s estimated economic useful life, which is typically 12 months. Internal Use Software and Research & Development Internal use software costs for TwinSpires and Big Fish Games software are capitalized in property and equipment, in accordance with accounting guidance governing computer software developed or obtained for internal use. Once the software is placed in operation, we amortize the capitalized software over its estimated economic useful life, which is generally three years. We capitalized internal use software in accordance with accounting guidance governing computer software developed or obtained for internal use primarily related to TwinSpires of approximately $7.2 million in 2017, $6.7 million in 2016, and $8.9 million in 2015. We incurred amortization expense of approximately $6.3 million in 2017, $6.0 million in 2016, and $6.2 million in 2015 for projects which had been placed in service. Capitalized internal use software is classified as equipment and included in property and equipment, net in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Research and development expenditures are expensed as incurred. We recognized research and development expense of $39.6 million in 2017, $39.0 million in 2016, and $39.4 million in 2015 specific to Big Fish Games, which is included in discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities We adhere to a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories: Level 1: Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. We endeavor to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates We have investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for under the equity method. Under the equity method, carrying value is adjusted for our share of the investees' income and losses, amortization of certain basis differences as well as capital contributions to and distributions from these companies. Distributions in excess of equity method income are recognized as a return of investment and recorded as investing cash inflows in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We classify income and losses as well as gains and impairments related to our investments in unconsolidated affiliates as a component of other income (expense) in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. We evaluate our investments in unconsolidated affiliates for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the investment may have experienced an "other-than-temporary" decline in value. If such conditions exist, we compare the estimated fair value of the investment to its carrying value to determine if an impairment is indicated and determine whether the impairment is "other-than-temporary" based on an assessment of all relevant factors, including consideration of our intent and ability to retain our investment until the recovery of the unrealized loss. We estimate fair value using a discounted cash flow analysis based on estimated future results of the investee. Debt Issuance Costs and Loan Origination Fees Debt issuance costs and loan origination fees associated with our term debt, revolver, and notes payable are amortized as interest expense over the term of each respective financial instrument. Debt issuance costs and loan origination fees associated with our term debt and notes payable are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related liability. Debt issuance costs and loan origination fees associated with our revolver are presented as an asset. Casino and Pari-mutuel Taxes We recognize casino and pari-mutuel tax expense based on the statutory requirements of the state and local jurisdictions in which we conduct business. Individual states and local jurisdictions set tax rates which range from 1.5% to 46% of net casino revenue and from 0.5% to 10% of the total pari-mutuel handle wagered by patrons. Purse Expense We recognize purse expense based on the statutorily or contractually determined amount of revenue that is required to be paid out in the form of purses to the qualifying finishers of horseraces run at our racetracks in the period in which wagering occurs. We incur a liability for all unpaid purses to be paid out. Self-insurance Accruals We are self-insured up to certain limits for costs associated with general liability, workers’ compensation and employee health coverage, and we purchase insurance for claims that exceed our self-insurance retention or deductible levels. We record self-insurance reserves that include accruals of estimated settlements for known claims ("Case Reserves"), as well as accruals of third-party actuarial estimates for claims incurred but not yet reported ("IBNR"). Case Reserves represent estimated liabilities for unpaid losses, based on a claims administrator's estimates of future payments on individual reported claims, including allocated loss adjustment expense, which generally include claims settlement costs such as legal fees. IBNR includes the provision for unreported claims, changes in case reserves and future payments on reopened claims. Key variables and assumptions include, but are not limited to, loss development factors and trend factors such as changes in workers' compensation laws, medical care costs and wages. These loss development factors and trend factors are developed using our actual historical losses. It is possible that reasonable alternative selections would produce materially different reserve estimates. We believe the estimates of future liability are reasonable based upon this methodology; however, changes in key variables and assumptions, or generally in health care costs, accident frequency and severity could materially affect the estimate for these reserves. Advertising and Marketing We expense the costs of general advertising, marketing and associated promotional expenditures at the time the costs are incurred. We incurred advertising and marketing expense reported in continuing operations of approximately $24.8 million in 2017, $23.1 million in 2016, and $23.0 million in 2015. We incurred advertising and marketing expense reported in discontinued operations of approximately $116.6 million in 2017, $127.9 million in 2016, and $107.7 million in 2015. Stock-Based Compensation All stock-based payments to employees and directors, including grants of employee stock options and restricted stock, are recognized as compensation expense over the service period based on the fair value on the date of grant. For awards that have a graded vesting schedule, we recognize expense on a straight-line basis for each separately vesting portion of the award. We recognize forfeitures of awards as incurred. Computation of Net Income per Common Share Net income per common share is presented for both basic earnings per common share ("Basic EPS") and diluted earnings per common share ("Diluted EPS"). Basic EPS is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding unvested restricted stock and stock options held by employees. Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of common and potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options as well as unvested restricted stock, the proceeds of which are then assumed to have been used to repurchase outstanding common stock using the treasury stock method. For periods in which we report a net loss, all potential common shares are considered anti-dilutive and are excluded from calculations of Diluted EPS. For periods in which we report net income, potential common shares with exercise prices in excess of our average common stock fair value for the related period are considered anti-dilutive and are excluded from calculations of Diluted EPS. Common Stock Share Repurchases From time-to-time, we repurchase shares of our common stock under share repurchase programs authorized by our Board of Directors. Share repurchases constitute authorized but unissued shares under the Kentucky laws under which we are incorporated. Additionally, our common stock has no par or stated value. Accordingly, we record the full value of share repurchases, upon the trade date, against common stock on our Consolidated Balance Sheets except when to do so would result in a negative balance in such common stock account. In such instances, on a reporting period basis, we record the cost of any further share repurchases as a reduction to retained earnings. Due to the large number of share repurchases of our common stock over the past several years our common stock balance frequently will be zero at the end of any given reporting period. Refer to Note 12, Shareholders' Equity, for additional information on our share repurchases. Recent Accounting Pronouncements - effective in 2018 In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. We will adopt the new revenue standard in 2018 using the modified retrospective method. The application of the new standard will result in cumulative effect adjustments being recognized through opening retained earnings on January 1, 2018. While we are continuing to assess all potential impacts of the new revenue standard, we have identified the following areas of impact: (i) The first area relates to accounting for breakage revenue for the outstanding premium game club credits for Big Fish Games; however, due to the Big Fish Transaction, this will not have an impact on our revenues prospectively. Currently, Big Fish Games records breakage revenue for outstanding premium game credits when the credits have legally expired. Under the new standard, Big Fish Games will be required to recognize the expected breakage related to outstanding premium game club credits as revenue in proportion to the pattern of game club credits redeemed by customers. (ii) The second area relates to accounting for loyalty points under our various rewards programs which are earned by customers at our casinos. Our accumulated loyalty points are redeemable for free complimentaries, including free game play, food and beverage. The estimated liability for unredeemed points is currently accrued based on expected rede |