-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, LJdfmzealYgm8UE+aMdzEqeefOBgr2HDho8v9okHKyAX7CapvjDQJlmUtArpKLzb euUvOxKyKwxTPGOBVCT/pg== 0001104659-06-020262.txt : 20060329 0001104659-06-020262.hdr.sgml : 20060329 20060329172943 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001104659-06-020262 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 10 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20051231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060329 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060329 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MTR GAMING GROUP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000834162 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-MISCELLANEOUS AMUSEMENT & RECREATION [7990] IRS NUMBER: 841103135 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-20508 FILM NUMBER: 06719894 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ROUTE 2 STREET 2: PO BOX 356 CITY: CHESTER STATE: WV ZIP: 26034 BUSINESS PHONE: 3043875712 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ROUTE 2 STREET 2: P O BOX 356 CITY: CHESTER STATE: WV ZIP: 26034 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: WINNERS ENTERTAINMENT INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19931117 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: EXCALIBUR HOLDING CORPORATION DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: EXCALIBUR SECURITY SERVICES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920202 10-K 1 a06-7024_110k.htm ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 AND 15(D)

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2005

COMMISSION FILE NO. 000-20508


GRAPHIC

MTR GAMING GROUP, INC.

(exact name of Company as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE

 

IRS NO. 84-1103135

(State of Incorporation)

 

(IRS Employer Identification)

 

STATE ROUTE 2, SOUTH, P.O. BOX 356, CHESTER, WEST VIRGINIA 26034

(Address of principal executive offices)

(304) 387-5712

(Company’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE

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

Title of each Class: COMMON STOCK $.00001 PAR VALUE

Name of each exchange on which registered: NASDAQ STOCK MARKET

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Company (1) has filed reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Company was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  x   No  o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K of Section 299.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Company’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated file and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer x

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

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

As of June 30, 2005, the aggregate market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates (all persons other than executive officers or directors) of the Company (based on the number of shares issued and outstanding and the NASDAQ Official Close Price on that date) was $282,956,597.

Our common stock outstanding at March 23, 2006 was 27,449,176 shares.

 




TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

ITEM 1.

 

BUSINESS

 

1

 

 

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

 

1

 

 

 

COMPANY HISTORY

 

1

 

 

 

Introduction

 

2

 

 

 

Mountaineer Racetrack & Gaming Resort

 

2

 

 

 

Scioto Downs

 

4

 

 

 

Presque Isle Downs

 

5

 

 

 

North Metro Harness

 

5

 

 

 

Jackson Harness Raceway

 

6

 

 

 

Nevada Properties

 

6

 

 

 

BUSINESS STRATEGY

 

6

 

 

 

COMPETITION

 

7

 

 

 

Gaming Operations

 

7

 

 

 

Racing and Parimutuel Operations

 

9

 

 

 

EMPLOYEES

 

9

 

 

 

REGULATION AND LICENSING

 

10

 

 

 

General

 

10

 

 

 

West Virginia Racing and Gaming Regulation

 

10

 

 

 

Nevada Gaming Regulation

 

12

 

 

 

Impact of Resort Hotel Legislation

 

15

 

 

 

Pennsylvania Racing and Gaming Regulation

 

15

 

 

 

Minnesota Racing and Card Room Regulation

 

16

 

 

 

Ohio Racing Regulation

 

17

 

 

 

Michigan Racing Regulation

 

18

 

 

 

IRS Regulations and Currency Transaction Reporting

 

18

 

 

 

Restrictions on Share Ownership and Transfer

 

18

 

 

 

Environmental Matters

 

19

 

 

 

Compliance With Other Laws

 

19

 

 

 

Available Information

 

20

 

ITEM 1A

 

RISK FACTORS

 

20

 

ITEM 1B.

 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

27

 

ITEM 2.

 

PROPERTIES

 

28

 

 

 

Hotel, Gaming, Racing and Other Property

 

28

 

ITEM 3.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

28

 

ITEM 4.

 

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

30

 

ITEM 5.

 

MARKET FOR COMPANY’S COMMON EQUITY RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

30

 

ITEM 6.

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

31

 

ITEM 7.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

32

 

 

 

Overview

 

32

 

 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

34

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

34

 

 

 

Mountaineer Park’s Operating Results

 

35

 

 

 

Binion’s Operating Results

 

38

 

 

 

Las Vegas Speedway’s Operating Results

 

38

 

i




 

 

Scioto Downs’ Operating Results

 

38

 

 

 

Jackson Racing Operating Results

 

38

 

 

 

North Metro Operating Results

 

38

 

 

 

Corporate Operating Results

 

39

 

 

 

Interest

 

39

 

 

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

39

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2003

 

40

 

 

 

Mountaineer Park’s Operating Results

 

40

 

 

 

Binion’s Operating Results

 

42

 

 

 

Las Vegas Speedway’s Operating Results

 

42

 

 

 

Scioto Downs’ Operating Results

 

42

 

 

 

Corporate Operating Results

 

42

 

 

 

Interest

 

42

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS

 

42

 

 

 

LIQUIDITY AND SOURCES OF CAPITAL

 

43

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

45

 

 

 

Regulation and Taxes

 

48

 

 

 

Outstanding Options

 

49

 

 

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

49

 

ITEM 7A.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

51

 

ITEM 8.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

51

 

ITEM 9.

 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

51

 

ITEM 9A.

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

51

 

ITEM 9B.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

55

 

ITEM 10.

 

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

 

56

 

 

 

Business Experience

 

56

 

ITEM 11.

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

60

 

 

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

60

 

 

 

Option Grants in 2005

 

61

 

 

 

Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year End Option
Values

 

61

 

 

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

61

 

 

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

62

 

 

 

Employment Agreements

 

62

 

 

 

Compensation of Directors

 

64

 

ITEM 12.

 

STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

64

 

ITEM 13.

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

65

 

ITEM 14.

 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

66

 

 

 

PART IV

 

 

 

ITEM 15.

 

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES ON FORM 8-K

 

67

 

 

 

Financial Statements Schedules

 

67

 

 

 

Exhibits

 

67

 

 

 

Signatures

 

71

 

 

 

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

72

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

F-1

 

 

ii




ITEM 1.                BUSINESS

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This document includes “forward looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this document, including, without limitation, the statements under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Liquidity and Sources of Capital” and “Business Strategy” regarding our strategies, plans, objectives, expectations, and future operating results are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as anticipate, believe, could, would, estimate, expect, intend, may, plan, predict, project, will, likely, continue and similar terms and phrases, and include all discussions of our plans for the design, development, construction and operation of proposed racetracks and our plans for acquisition of properties and operations. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable at this time, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the statements made to be incorrect and/or for actual results to differ materially. Those risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to weather conditions or road conditions limiting access to our properties and the cyclical and seasonal nature of our business, adverse changes in West Virginia video lottery laws or the rates of taxation of video lottery operations, legalization of new forms of gaming in our target markets, which would lead to increased competition, other significant competition, general economic conditions affecting the resort business, dependence upon key personnel and the ability to attract new personnel, changes in the number of diluted shares, leverage and debt service, expiration, loss or non-renewal of gaming licenses, including failure, for any reason, to obtain our slots license for Presque Isle Downs, delays experienced by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in commencing slot operations, costs and risks relating to construction of Presque Isle Downs and our Minnesota racetrack, expansion of our other operations, continued dependence on Mountaineer for the vast majority of our revenues, disruption in developing and integrating our Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan, and other facilities we may expand and/or acquire, extensive regulation by gaming and racing authorities, regulatory approval of our building plans for Presque Isle Downs, environmental laws and potential exposure to environmental liabilities, limited public market and liquidity, successful cross-marketing among the Company’s properties, litigation risk concerning our recently granted license to build a new racetrack in Minnesota, success of our planned advance deposit wagering business for Scioto Downs, our management of higher leverage and debt service including availability and adequacy of the cash flow from our operations to meet our operational and debt service requirements, including payment of amounts due under our 9.75% Senior Notes due 2010 and our other indebtedness and other factors described from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings and press releases. We do not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

COMPANY HISTORY

We were incorporated in March 1988 in Delaware under the name “Secamur Corporation,” a wholly owned subsidiary of Buffalo Equities, Inc. (“Buffalo”), and later “spun-off” through the sale of its stock to the stockholders of Buffalo in January 1989. In June 1989, we merged with Pacific International Industries, Inc., which had been engaged in the contract security guard services business in Southern California since its inception in February 1987. Upon completion of the merger, we were renamed Excalibur Security Services, Inc. to reflect a new line of business. After operating unprofitably, we filed a voluntary petition for reorganization with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California in December 1990 and became a Chapter 11 debtor-in-possession. The Bankruptcy Court approved our sale of the security guard services business in May 1991, and confirmed our plan of reorganization in December 1991. The plan of reorganization authorized us to acquire, primarily, specified gaming and oil and gas businesses. Upon confirmation of the plan of reorganization, we changed our name to Excalibur

1




Holding Corporation. In connection with management’s decision to operate as a gaming company, we were renamed Winners Entertainment, Inc. in August 1993. At the annual meeting of stockholders on October 15, 1996, our stockholders approved a change of our name from Winners Entertainment, Inc. to MTR Gaming Group, Inc. Since 1998, we have operated only in the racing, gaming and entertainment business.

Introduction

We own, operate and develop a diverse collection of gaming, horseracing and entertainment facilities located in six states. Through our wholly owned subsidiaries, we own and operate the Mountaineer Racetrack & Gaming Resort in Chester, West Virginia, Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio, the Ramada Inn and Speedway Casino in North Las Vegas, Nevada and Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel in downtown Las Vegas. We have a license from the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission to build a thoroughbred racetrack and operate parimutuel wagering in Erie, Pennsylvania and have recently applied to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for a license to operate slot machines at that facility. Our affiliate, Jackson Racing, Inc., owns 90% of the membership interests in Jackson Trotting Association, LLC, which operates a harness racetrack with pari-mutuel wagering in Jackson, Michigan. Our affiliate, North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC (of which we own 50%), has a license from the Minnesota Racing Commission to build a harness racetrack approximately 30 miles north of Minneapolis (subject to pending legal challenges). Minnesota’s licensed racetracks are permitted to operate a 50-table card room upon completion of the first 50-day race meet and regulatory approval of a card room plan of operation.

Mountaineer Racetrack & Gaming Resort

Overview.   Mountaineer is one of only four racetracks in West Virginia permitted to operate slot machines. Mountaineer is located at the northern tip of West Virginia’s northwestern panhandle, primarily serving residents of the Ohio Valley (including Cleveland and Youngstown) and western Pennsylvania (including Pittsburgh). Since acquiring Mountaineer in 1992, we have renovated and expanded its facilities in order to maximize the benefits of the West Virginia Racetrack Video Lottery Act of 1994, as amended (the “Lottery Act”), which permits us to operate slot machines at Mountaineer, and subsequent amendments that have permitted additional types of gaming machines. We continue to focus on expanding the reach of our extensive customer base at Mountaineer and improving our operating results. We have invested over $200 million in capital improvements and expansion projects  at Mountaineer from 2000 through 2005. As a result, Mountaineer has become a diverse entertainment and convention complex and destination resort with:

·       121,956 square feet of gaming space housing 3,220 slot machines, which includes approximately 450 slot machines at the racetrack and approximately 2,770 slot machines in the 97,725 square-foot “Speakeasy Gaming Saloon,” integrated with the hotel rooms and convention space, spa and retail plaza;

·       359 hotel rooms, including the 101-room Lodge Hotel currently under renovation and the 258-room, 219,000 square foot Grande Hotel at Mountaineer, which offers 22 suites, a full-service spa and salon, a gourmet coffee shop, a buffet, a 60-seat upscale steakhouse, a retail plaza and an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, and, generally, a level of luxury not previously seen within twenty-five miles of the resort;

·       52,750 square feet of convention space, which can accommodate seated meals for groups of up to 1,870 as well as smaller meetings in more intimate break-out rooms and concerts and boxing events for approximately 1,500 guests;

·       a 69,000 square foot theater and events center, known as the “Harv,” that seats approximately 5,000 patrons for concerts, boxing matches and other entertainment offerings;

2




·       Woodview, an eighteen-hole par 71 golf course measuring approximately 6,550 yards on 170 acres located approximately seven miles from Mountaineer;

·       a 12,000 square foot state-of-the-art fitness center;

·       on-site parimutuel wagering and thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing simulcast from other prominent tracks, as well as wagering on Mountaineer’s races at  over 900 sites to which the races are simulcast;

·       year-round live thoroughbred horse racing on a one-mile dirt surface or a 7¤8 mile grass surface with expansive clubhouse and grandstand viewing areas with enclosed seating for 770 patrons and 2,800 patrons, respectively;

·       surface parking for approximately 5,400 cars; and

·       approximately 2,350 acres of owned real property in Hancock County, West Virginia, of which approximately 215 acres comprise the resort site, 170 acres comprise the Woodview golf course, and approximately 1,885 acres are available for future development (including an approximately 250 acre parcel on the Ohio River which is adjacent to Mountaineer and which is intended to be developed as a championship golf course).

Slot Machine Operations.   Mountaineer’s revenues and profits are driven primarily by its slot machine operations and to a lesser extent its lodging, food and beverage operations, parimutuel wagering, convention center, events center, and recreational facilities fees. Mountaineer currently operates 3,220 slot machines in various configurations of denominations and coin drop/ticket out machines. Approximately one-half of Mountaineer’s slots are TITO (ticket-in-ticket-out) machines, which allow patrons to move from machine to machine without having to visit the cashier’s window.

Mountaineer has enjoyed strong growth in its slot business as a result of positive legislation (Las Vegas style coin drop machines permitted by amendment in June 1999; relief from limitation on ratio of machines in hotel versus horse racetrack buildings from 1:1 between 1994 and June 1998 to 2:1 in June 1998, elimination of the ratio in 2000, and increase in the maximum slot wager from $2 to $5 in 2001), increases in machine count (from 400 in 1994, to 800 in 1995, to 1,000 in 1997, to 1,200 in July of 1998, to 1,345 in 1999, to 1,905 in 2000, to 2,500 in September 2001, to 3,000 in July 2002, to 3,200 in July of 2003), progressive advertising and marketing, and increased patronage resulting from Mountaineer’s development into a destination resort. Mountaineer is currently authorized to operate 3,500 slot machines.

Mountaineer derives revenues from the operation of gaming in the form of net win on the gross terminal income, or the total cash deposited into a machine less the value of credits cleared for winning redemption tickets, tokens or coins. Pursuant to the Lottery Act, Mountaineer’s commission is fixed at 47% of the net win after deducting an administrative fee of 4% of gross terminal revenues first paid to the State of West Virginia. Additionally, net win in excess of Mountaineer’s net win for the year ended June 30, 2001, or “Excess Net Terminal Income” as it is referred to in a 2001 amendment of the Lottery Act, is subject to a 10% surcharge. Mountaineer’s threshold for Excess Net Terminal Income is fixed at approximately $160.0 million. However, the State must contribute 42% of the surcharge to a capital reinvestment fund from which the racetracks receive reimbursement, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, for qualifying capital improvements to the racetrack and adjacent property. Further, after deducting the administrative fee and the surcharge from the Excess Net Terminal Income, the racetracks receive 42% (as opposed to 47%) of the remaining net win. In April 2005, West Virginia passed legislation that increased the portion of the racetracks’ net win that is contributed to the employee pension funds from ½% to 1%. This ½% increase, which was effective July 8, 2005, is applied to the racetracks’ net win up to the Excess Net Terminal Income threshold (for Mountaineer Park, the first $160 million). Additionally, the legislation requires that Mountaineer Park reallocate 11¤2% of net win previously used for the payment of regular purses into the West Virginia Thoroughbred and Greyhound Breeder Development Funds. This change was effective July 8, 2005 and applies until Mountaineer Park reaches its Excess Net Terminal Income threshold.

3




Racing and Parimutuel Wagering Operations.   Mountaineer offers live thoroughbred horse racing on dirt and grass surfaces before expansive clubhouse and grandstand viewing areas with enclosed seating (770 seats and 2,800 seats respectively) for year-round racing. In August 2000, Mountaineer also began exporting its signal to other outlets in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Those outlets ( over 900 off-track wagering facilities thus far) simulcast Mountaineer’s races and conduct parimutuel wagering. Mountaineer also conducts parimutuel wagering on horse and greyhound racing simulcast via closed circuit television from other prominent racetracks around the country. Mountaineer’s revenues from racing operations are derived mainly from three sources: commissions earned on parimutuel wagering on live races held at Mountaineer; commissions earned on races conducted at other “host” racetracks and broadcast live (i.e., import simulcast) at Mountaineer; and, since August 11, 2000, fees paid to Mountaineer by other racetracks and off track wagering facilities that broadcast Mountaineer’s races live (i.e., export simulcast). In parimutuel wagering, patrons bet against each other rather than against the operator of the facility or with pre-set odds. The dollars wagered form a pool of funds from which winnings are paid based on odds determined solely by the wagering activity. The racetrack acts as a stakeholder for the wagering patrons and deducts from the amounts wagered a “take-out” or gross commission, from which the horse racetrack pays state and county taxes and racing purses.

Lodging, Food and Beverage Operations.   With the May 2002 opening of the 258-room Grande Hotel at Mountaineer, the resort now has 359 hotel rooms. We are in the process of renovating and upgrading all of the 101 rooms in the Lodge Hotel. Because the hotel provides direct access to the Speakeasy Gaming Saloon, the spa and retail plaza, the gourmet steakhouse, the buffet, the 125-seat Gatsby restaurant for casual dining, and the convention center, we view the hotel as a focal point in marketing our gaming and racing products as well as the remainder of the resort’s entertainment offerings. We also offer various dining and lounge facilities in the horse racetrack buildings, including the horse racetrack’s Clubhouse Restaurant, which is open a minimum of 210 days annually on live race days and offers seating for 770 customers with full lunch and dinner menus and a private buffet.

Amenities and Recreational Activities.   Mountaineer offers a number of amenities and recreational activities intended to enhance the entertainment experience of its slot and racing patrons.

In January 1999, Mountaineer purchased the Woodview Golf Course. Woodview is an eighteen-hole par 71 course measuring approximately 6,550 yards on a 170-acre tract, which is located approximately seven miles from Mountaineer in New Cumberland, West Virginia.

In August 2000, Mountaineer opened the Harvey E. Arneault Memorial Arena and Events Centre. Known as the “Harv,” this 69,000 square foot facility is a tent-like fabric structure that seats approximately 5,000 patrons for concerts, boxing matches and other entertainment offerings. The Harv is just a short walk from the hotel and Speakeasy Gaming Saloon and has a state-of-the-art stage, permanent bleachers and food and beverage concessions and has hosted such entertainers as Bill Cosby, Wayne Newton, Paul Anka, Tom Jones and the late Lou Rawls.

In February 2001, Mountaineer opened its Fitness Centre. Also a fabric structure, this 12,000 square foot facility has a full complement of weight training and cardiovascular equipment as well as a health bar and locker rooms with steam and sauna rooms.

Mountaineer also offers tennis, outdoor swimming and indoor swimming, which is located at the Grande Hotel.

Scioto Downs

In July of 2003, we acquired 100% of the stock of Scioto Downs, Inc., which owns and operates a harness horse racetrack in Columbus, Ohio. The 173-acre site includes the racetrack, a grandstand with a capacity of 10,000 patrons, an enclosed clubhouse with a capacity of 1,500 patrons, approximately 6,000 parking spaces, barns, a paddock, and related facilities for the horses, drivers, and trainers. Scioto Downs

4




was built in the 1960s. The Company has an option to acquire 35 adjacent acres for approximately $1 million.

In connection with the acquisition of Scioto Downs in 2003, the Company allocated $13.3 million to intangible assets. The intangible assets consist principally of the fair value assigned to the racing licenses held by Scioto Downs based upon an independent third party valuation. The value assigned to the licenses considers that the racing licenses permit Scioto Downs to conduct live racing and simulcasting racing as established by the Ohio State Racing Commission and in addition, under proposed legislation in Ohio would permit Scioto Downs to operate electronic gaming devices. Although such legislation has not been passed, efforts and discussions continue regarding such legislation and these factors have been considered in the Company’s annual impairment analysis. In the event it is determined that legislation would not be enacted, the Company would be required to further evaluate the recoverability of the intangible assets.

Presque Isle Downs

Our wholly owned subsidiary, Presque Isle Downs, Inc., holds a license to build a thoroughbred racetrack with parimutuel wagering on a 272-acre site (approximately 58.4 acres of which will be dedicated to the public as open space) we own at the intersection of I-90 and State Route 97 in Summit Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania. We began construction (earth work and roads) in October 2005 and expect to complete the clubhouse building in the fourth quarter of 2006 and the racetrack and remainder of the facility in the fourth quarter of 2007.

In July 2004, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed, and Governor Rendell signed into law, a bill permitting slot machines at the Commonwealth’s licensed racetracks (including Presque Isle Downs) and certain other locations, subject to licensing by the newly formed Gaming Control Board. If our slot license is issued, we plan to operate slot machines in the clubhouse building simultaneous with the completion of construction of the racetrack and remaining elements of the project. Our target is to open by November 2006 with 1,600 slots and to reach 2,000 machines by the spring of 2007. These targets assume no unforeseen construction delays, licensing in the summer of 2006, and the state’s readiness to commence operations.

With respect to racing, our plans call for a state-of-the-art horse racing facility featuring racing as well as other entertainment and fine and casual dining. The completed facility will contain a thoroughbred racetrack, a grandstand and clubhouse consisting of 140,000 square feet, barns that will accommodate 1,000 horses, a paddock, and related facilities for the horses, jockeys, and trainers, and approximately 3,400 parking spaces. Presque Isle Downs is expected to hold live racing 150 days per year, primarily between June and September. Racing fans will have approximately 1,000 seats located both indoors and out.

North Metro Harness

Our wholly owned subsidiary, MTR-Harness, Inc., owns a 50% interest in the North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC, which was awarded a license by the Minnesota Racing Commission on January 19, 2005 (formal findings issued February 16, 2005) to own and operate a harness racetrack in Columbus Township, Anoka County, Minnesota, approximately 30 miles north east of downtown Minneapolis. Under Minnesota law, licensed racetracks may operate card rooms with up to 50 tables, each with approximately 5 to 10 gambling positions, subject to completion of the first 50-day live race meet and regulatory approval of a card room plan of operation. North Metro anticipates that it will, subject to the terms of its card room plan of operations, derive revenues from card room operations, depending on the particular type of game, as a percentage of accumulated wagers, a “rake” from certain wagers, and other charges for hosting the activity, but will not have an interest in the outcome of any card game. The harness race track and entertainment facility will be constructed on a 178.4-acre tract of land located near the interchange of I-35 and Lake Drive. The facility would include the construction of a harness racing track and approximately 110,750 square feet of associated grandstand, card club, horse barns and maintenance buildings. It would also include the construction of internal roadways, a main driveway, and surface parking (approximately

5




1,850 spaces); and the construction of necessary wetland mitigation and storm water treatment for the site. The project will be separately financed on a non-recourse basis to the Company.

Jackson Harness Raceway

In December of 2005 we acquired, through a wholly owned subsidiary (Jackson Racing, Inc.), a 90% interest in Jackson Trotting Association, LLC, which operates Jackson Harness Raceway in Jackson, Michigan. Jackson Harness offers harness racing (from April to July), pari-mutuel wagering, and casual dining. Jackson Trotting presently leases a portion of the Jackson County Fairgrounds from Jackson County. Its lease with Jackson County expires on December 31, 2012. We have an option through December 3, 2007 to acquire for $1.8 million a 173-acre parcel in Jackson upon which we plan to relocate the track if legislation were to pass permitting Jackson Trotting to operate slot machines or other gaming.  Relocation would be subject to licensing of the new site and approval of the Michigan Racing Commission and compliance with the provisions of the current lease with Jackson County.

Nevada Properties

On March 11, 2004, through Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc., we acquired the assets of Binion’s Horseshoe Hotel & Casino on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas. We paid $20 million in cash (exclusive of transaction costs) and separately purchased a parcel of land for $1.8 million. We simultaneously entered a Joint Operating License Agreement with an affiliate of Harrah’s Entertainment. Pursuant to the Joint Operating License Agreement, Harrah’s operated the property for one year and made fixed payments to us of approximately $200,000 per month. The purchase price is subject to increase by $5 million if Harrah’s achieved positive EBITDA during the last nine months of the Joint Operating License Agreement. We took over operation of the property on March 10, 2005 and renamed the property “Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel.” The Binion’s property sits on approximately 5.3 acres (231,961 square feet) and consists of a 25-story hotel tower with 365 rooms, meeting space, two gift shops, a rooftop swimming pool, and approximately 80,000 square feet of casino space. Speakeasy Fremont owns 131,961 square feet of the property in fee and ground leases the remaining 100,000 square feet pursuant to various ground leases having aggregate annual rent of approximately $6.4 million, subject to certain periodic increases.

We also own and operate the Ramada Inn and Speedway Casino, which is located on approximately 6.1 acres at the intersection of Cheyenne Boulevard and Interstate 15 in North Las Vegas. Approximately five miles from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the property includes a 95-room hotel and a casino with approximately 400 slot machines and seven table games.

Business Strategy

Our business strategy involves (i) driving revenue growth at Mountaineer now that the facility has matured as a destination resort and convention facility and using Mountaineer’s resort status to differentiate it from the Limited Video Lottery machines permitted in West Virginia’s bars and fraternal organizations as well as from anticipated new gaming competition in Pennsylvania; (ii) constructing and opening slot and racing operations at Presque Isle Downs and cross marketing it with Mountaineer and Scioto Downs; (iii) improving operating results at Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel by increasing patronage through modest capital improvements and pursuing third-party tenants who will provide additional amenities at the property; (iv) promoting the passage of table game legislation for Mountaineer and slot machine gaming at Scioto Downs; and (v) building and opening North Metro Harness as soon as practicable upon successful resolution of the legal challenges to our license.

·       Market Mountaineer Park As A Destination Resort, Convention Center And Diversified Entertainment Facility

Our strategy is to focus our marketing on the fact that Mountaineer is now a mature destination resort, convention facility and entertainment complex as well as add new amenities in order to expand

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Mountaineer’s target market and further distinguish Mountaineer from Limited Video Lottery parlors in nearby bars and fraternal organizations and other competitors whose facilities may have some but not all of the entertainment venues available at Mountaineer. The development of a destination resort is likewise aimed at distinguishing Mountaineer from any new competition that could result from the enactment of gaming legislation in neighboring states and the implementation of additional gaming in Pennsylvania as a result of the 2004 law permitting slot machines. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Sources of Capital.”

·       Constructing and Opening Slot and Racing Operations

When we open Presque Isle Downs, we will own four racetracks, two of which will have slot machines, in contiguous states. And, if we and the Minnesota Racing Commission prevail in the legal challenges to our racing license, upon opening North Metro, we will own 50% of a fifth racetrack with a 50-table card room. At that point, we expect to have a larger and more diverse operation, thus reducing our dependence on a single property for the vast majority of our revenues. Moreover, the properties will be sufficiently proximate to allow for cross marketing, yet sufficiently distant that cannibalization should not be a concern. Through promotions such as a unified players’ club and advertising during our export simulcast broadcasts, we intend to cross market among our racetrack properties. We likewise intend to promote Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel at all of our racetrack properties.

·       Improving Operating Results at Binion’s

Our strategy for improving operating results at Binion’s involves modest capital improvements (approximately $7 million exclusive of gaming equipment) and the addition of amenities through leases with third parties—all in an effort to increase walk-in traffic from Fremont Street. Contemplated capital improvements include new carpeting, wall treatments and chairs in the casino, lighting, the addition of a small lounge with a stage for entertainment, and conversion of Binion’s unique rooftop pool deck to a night club. We believe these improvements will make the property more attractive to passersby. We intend to drive rental income as well as foot traffic for the casino by entering leases with third parties who will provide shopping and other outlets at the property.

·       Pursuing Legislation for Additional Forms of Gaming at our Properties

We have been pursuing and intend to continue to pursue legislation for video lottery or slot machine gaming at racetracks in Ohio and Michigan and, subject to county referendum, table gaming at racetracks in West Virginia. We believe that such legislation, depending upon the fees and taxes imposed on gaming revenues or profits, can result in improvement of our business prospects and financial condition. Enhanced gaming at our properties would create new jobs and a new source of revenue, increase foot traffic at our properties, and provide a competitive advantage.

·  Constructing and Opening Racing and Card Room Operations in Minnesota

We view our Minnesota joint venture as another opportunity to leverage our racing and parimutuel expertise as well as to diversify our sources of revenue and profits.

Competition

Gaming Operations

We face substantial competition in each of the markets in which our gaming facilities are located. See “Risk Factors—Certain Risks Related to Our Business—We face significant competition from other gaming and racing facilities, and increased competition could have a material adverse effect on us.”

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Specific competitive factors relating to our primary gaming markets include the following:

Mountaineer’s Slot Operations.   In recent years, the number of gaming options available to consumers in our West Virginia area market has increased considerably. While there are three other tracks in West Virginia that offer slot machine gaming, only one, Wheeling Downs, lies within Mountaineer’s primary market (a 150-mile radius), located approximately 50 miles to the south in Wheeling, West Virginia. That competitor currently operates approximately 2,320 slot machines. In 2001, West Virginia enacted legislation permitting Limited Video Lottery in bars and fraternal organizations. The law authorized up to 9,000 slot machines in adults-only facilities throughout West Virginia commencing on January 1, 2002. No more than five slot machines are allowed in each establishment licensed to sell alcoholic beverages; and no more than ten slot machines are allowed in each licensed fraternal or veterans’ organization. As of January 2006, 8,225 new slot machines have been installed in the State’s bars and fraternal organizations, approximately 500 of which are in Hancock County (where Mountaineer is located) and another 975 in total are located in nearby Brook and Ohio Counties. Although the bars and fraternal organizations housing these machines lack the amenities and ambiance of our resort, they do compete with us, particularly for the locals business.

Beginning in 2006, we expect new competition from slot operations in Pennsylvania. In July of 2004, Pennsylvania enacted a law that contemplates the installation of slot machines at up to fourteen locations: seven racetracks (including Presque Isle Downs) each with up to 3,000 slots initially, and after six months of operations, with the ability to apply to the gaming board for up to 5,000 slots; five stand-alone slot parlors with the same number of machines as the racetracks; and two resort locations with up to 500 slots each. We anticipate that the Meadows, a harness racetrack approximately 40 miles southeast of Mountaineer, will install between 1,500 and 2,000 slot machines. Additionally, the owners of the Meadows announced plans to spend $200 million improving the facility. Pennsylvania’s new law also calls for at least one of the stand-alone slot parlors to be located in downtown Pittsburgh (approximately an hour’s drive from us). Although we do not anticipate the Pittsburgh facility to open for at least 2-3 years, all of the applicants have announced plans, if awarded the license, to build first class facilities. One applicant has announced plans to spend $1 billion on the gaming and related facilities. In 2005, the Pennsylvania Harness Horse Racing Commission, which at the time was permitted to grant one additional license for a track that would be eligible for slot machines, denied two applications that proposed to build a track within our target market. Both unsuccessful applicants have appealed the denials.  We do not know if either appeal will succeed. Ultimately, the location of the new facilities, the number and types of games, and the types of facilities built will determine the degree to which Pennsylvania’s planned entry into the slot machine business will have on us. Moreover, we believe that the addition of table games at Mountaineer, if permitted by the West Virginia Legislature, would significantly mitigate the impact of this new competition.

Presque Isle Downs’ Planned Slot Operations.   Upon commencement of its slot operations, Presque Isle Downs will compete with other Pennsylvania racetracks as well as Indian casinos in Western New York and casinos in Canada.

The Speedway Property’s Casino Operations.   The Speedway Property competes primarily within the “locals” market in North Las Vegas. Within four miles of the Speedway property, there are at least seven casinos with non-restricted gaming licenses, including Jerry’s Nugget, the Cannery, the Silver Nugget, and Poker Palace. The Speedway Property also competes with numerous additional restricted gaming locations, which each offer up to 15 slot machines. The Speedway Property competes, to a lesser extent with several of the larger “locals” casinos operated by Station Casinos, Inc. At least two new North Las Vegas hotel/casino projects have been announced by our competitors. While the nearest of these projects is approximately seven miles from the Speedway Property, the successful completion and operation of these projects could have an impact on the Speedway Property.

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Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel.   The downtown Las Vegas gaming market is highly competitive. During the term of the Joint Operating License Agreement, however, the competition did not affect us, as our minimum payments from Harrah’s were guaranteed and not dependent upon the financial results of the property. Having taken over operations on March 10, 2005, we now compete with other downtown casinos (there are 16) as well as casinos on the Strip and other parts of Las Vegas.

Racing and Parimutuel Operations

Mountaineer’s racing and parimutuel operations compete directly for wagering dollars with Wheeling Downs, which is located approximately 50 miles from Mountaineer; Thistledown and Northfield Park, which are located approximately 85 miles to the northwest in Cleveland, Ohio; and The Meadows, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Mountaineer in Washington, Pennsylvania. Wheeling Downs conducts parimutuel greyhound racing and video lottery gaming. Thistledown and Northfield Park conduct thoroughbred and harness parimutuel horse racing, respectively, but not video lottery gaming. The Meadows conducts live harness racing and provides import simulcasting and plans to add slot machine gaming. Since commencing export simulcasting in August of 2000, Mountaineer also competes with racetracks across the country to have its signal carried by off-track wagering parlors. In general, Mountaineer also competes with other tracks for participation by quality racehorses.

In 2005, the Pennsylvania Harness Horse Racing Commission denied two applications, both for sites within Mountaineer’s target market, for the one remaining license to operate a harness racetrack.  Both applicants have appealed the denial. If either of these applicants succeeds on appeal and ultimately builds a racetrack in Mountaineer’s target market, they may compete with our thoroughbred horse racing at Mountaineer and planned thoroughbred horse racing at Presque Isle Downs, as well as our harness racing at Scioto Downs.

Presque Isle Downs will face competition from other racetracks in Pennsylvania and off-track wagering facilities in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, as well as from casinos in Western New York and racetracks in northern Ohio. Moreover, because Presque Isle Downs will be a new facility, all of its existsing competitors will be more established.

Scioto competes directly with other racetracks in Ohio, including Beulah Park, a thoroughbred horse racetrack which is located approximately nine miles from Scioto; River Downs Horse Racing in Cincinnati, Ohio; and to a lesser extent, casino gambling on riverboats in Indiana and Native American lands in Michigan. Further, Scioto Downs faces competition from off-track wagering facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

North Metro Harness will face competition from Canterbury Park, an established thoroughbred racetrack and card room approximately 55 miles away. It will also compete with Minnesota’s Indian casinos (several of which are approximately 50 miles away), and, to a lesser extent, those in Wisconsin. We believe North Metro’s most likely direct competitor will be the Grand Casino Hinckley, which is approximately 50 miles to the north (farther from the Twin Cities), but on the same highway as North Metro.

Jackson Trotting competes directly with other racetracks in Michigan, including Sports Creek Raceway, Northville Downs, Hazel Park Harness Raceway and Great Lakes Downs.

Employees

As of December 31, 2005, we and our subsidiaries had approximately 2,850 employees (approximately 1,466 in connection with operations at Mountaineer; 70 (which increases by 250 during race meet conducted from May through September) at Scioto Downs; 183 at the Speedway property; 31 (which increases by 120 during the race meet conducted from April to July) at Jackson Harness Raceway; and 1,100 at Binion’s of whom approximately 372 were represented by labor unions under collective bargaining

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agreements. The union representing parimutuel clerks at Mountaineer has been expanded in recent years to cover certain employees providing off-track betting services at the Speakeasy Gaming Saloon. We have an agreement in place with the pari-mutuel clerks at Mountaineer until November 30, 2008. In July 2003, Mountaineer’s video lottery clerks (a bargaining unit of approximately 350 employees) voted to be represented by a labor union with which Mountaineer has entered a contract through March 1, 2008. In December 2003, Mountaineer’s housekeeping employees (a bargaining unit of approximately 174 employees) participated in a union election. The union filed objections to the election, and in December 2004 a final determination was made that the union lost the election. We believe that our employee relations are good. Certain employees in the maintenance, slot, food and beverage and hotel departments of Binion’s are represented by labor unions. The applicable labor agreements expire on May 31, 2010 and May 31, 2007 respectively.

REGULATION AND LICENSING

General

All of our gaming operations are subject to extensive regulations and could be subjected at any time to additional or more restrictive regulations. We are also subject to the provisions of West Virginia law that govern the conduct of horse racing in West Virginia (the “West Virginia Racing Act”) and the operation of slots in West Virginia (the “Lottery Act”). In addition, our horse racing operations at Presque Isle Downs will be subject to extensive regulation under the Pennsylvania Racing Act and slot operations will be subject to the laws, regulations, and supervisory procedures of the recently formed Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Our harness racing operations at Scioto Downs are subject to the applicable Ohio statutes and the rules and regulations of the Ohio Racing Commission. Our live racing, parimutuel wagering and slot operations are contingent upon the continued governmental approval of such operations as forms of legalized gaming. Our casino gaming operations in Nevada are subject to the laws, regulations, and supervisory procedures of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the Nevada Gaming Commission, the City of Las Vegas, and the City of North Las Vegas.

The regulations and oversight applicable to our operations are intended primarily to safeguard the legitimacy of gaming activity and its freedom from inappropriate or criminal influences. Many of our material licenses are subject to annual or other periodic renewal and governmental authorities may refuse to grant permission to continue to operate existing facilities. The failure to obtain or maintain in effect required regulatory approvals is expected to constitute an event of default under our various financing agreements and would have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition and results of operations.

West Virginia Racing and Gaming Regulation

The powers and responsibilities of the Racing Commission include, among other things, (i) granting permission annually to maintain racing licenses and schedule race meets, (ii) approving simulcasting activities, (iii) licensing all officers, directors, racing officials and certain other employees of the licensee, and (iv) approving all contracts entered into by the licensee affecting racing and parimutuel wagering operations. Such powers and responsibilities extend to the approval and/or oversight of all aspects of racing and parimutuel wagering operations. In order to conduct simulcast racing, Mountaineer is required under West Virginia law to apply for a minimum of 210 live race days each year and to obtain Racing Commission approval for any reduction in race days actually held during that year. West Virginia law requires that at least 80% of Mountaineer’s employees be citizens and residents of West Virginia and must have been such for at least one year. In addition, certain activities, such as simulcasting races, require the consent of the representatives of a majority of the horse owners and trainers at Mountaineer.

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Mountaineer’s export simulcast activities to sites outside of West Virginia are subject to regulation by other state racing commissions, as well as the provisions of the Federal Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978, which prohibit Mountaineer from accepting off-track wagering on simulcast racing without the approval of the Racing Commission and, subject to certain exceptions, of any other currently operating horse racetrack within 60 miles, or if none, of the closest horse racetrack in any adjoining state. We believe we have received all necessary approvals to conduct our current operations at Mountaineer; however, such approvals are subject to renewal and approval annually. The failure to receive or retain approvals or renewals of approvals, or a delay in receiving such approvals and renewals, could cause the reduction or suspension of racing and parimutuel wagering as well as of gaming operations at Mountaineer and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Pursuant to the Lottery Act, each of the two West Virginia horse racetracks and two West Virginia dog racetracks licensed prior to January 1, 1994 and which conduct a minimum number of days of live racing, may apply for an annual license to operate gaming at its racetrack. The Lottery Act likewise requires that the operator of Mountaineer be subject to a written agreement with the horse owners, breeders and trainers who race horses at Mountaineer (the “Mountaineer Horsemen”) concerning the proceeds of video lottery in order to conduct gaming operations. Mountaineer is party to the requisite agreement with the Mountaineer Horsemen which expires on December 31, 2006. The Lottery Act also requires Mountaineer to have a written agreement with the parimutuel clerks concerning the proceeds of video lottery in order to operate gaming. Mountaineer is party to the requisite agreement with its parimutuel clerks, which expires on November 30, 2008. The absence of an agreement with the Mountaineer Horsemen or the parimutuel clerks at Mountaineer, or the termination or non-renewal of such agreements, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The Lottery Commission has broad powers to approve and monitor all operations of the gaming machines, the specification of the machines and the interface between the terminals and the West Virginia Central Lottery System. The Lottery Commission also acts upon requests for increases in the number of gaming machines. The Lottery Commission’s denial of a request to increase the number of machines at Mountaineer could limit Mountaineer’s growth and thus adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the Lottery Commission licenses all persons who control the licensed entity or are key personnel of the gaming operation to ensure their integrity and absence of any criminal involvement.

The conduct of gaming by a racing facility is subject to the approval of the voters of the county in which the facility is located. If such approval is obtained, the facilities may continue to conduct video lottery activities unless the matter is resubmitted to the voters pursuant to a petition signed by at least 5% of the registered voters, who must wait at least five years to bring such a petition. If approval is denied, another vote on the issue may not be held for a period of two years. Gaming was approved in Hancock County, the location of Mountaineer, on May 10, 1994. If such approval were ever revoked pursuant to the Lottery Act, it would have a material adverse effect on us.

The Lottery Act imposes extensive operational controls relating to, among other matters, security and supervision, access to the machines, hours of operation, general liability insurance coverage and machine location. In addition, the Lottery Act prohibits the extension of credit for video lottery play and requires Lottery Commission approval before any video lottery advertising and promotional activities are conducted. The Lottery Act provides for criminal and civil liability in the event of specified violations.

Pursuant to both the Racing Commission’s and Lottery Commission’s regulatory authority, we may be investigated by either body at virtually any time. Accordingly, we must comply with all gaming laws at all times. Should either body consider us to be in violation of any of the applicable laws or regulations, each has the plenary authority to suspend or rescind our licenses. While we have no knowledge of any non-compliance, and believe that we are in full compliance with all relevant regulations, should we fail to comply with such regulations, our business would be materially adversely affected.

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Nevada Gaming Regulation

The laws, regulations, and supervisory procedures of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (the “Board”), the Nevada Gaming Commission (the “Commission”), the City of Las Vegas (the “City”) and the City of North Las Vegas (“North Las Vegas”) (the Board, the Commission, the City and North Las Vegas are hereinafter collectively referred to herein as the “Nevada Gaming Authorities”) are based upon declarations of public policy which are concerned with, among other things: (i) the prevention of unsavory or unsuitable persons from having a direct or indirect involvement with gaming at any time or in any capacity; (ii) the establishment and maintenance of responsible accounting practices and procedures; (iii) the maintenance of effective controls over the financial practices of licensees, including the establishment of minimum procedures for internal fiscal affairs and the safeguarding of assets and revenues, providing reliable record keeping and requiring the filing of periodic reports with the Nevada Gaming Authorities; (iv) the prevention of cheating and fraudulent practices; and (v) the provision of a source of state and local revenues through taxation and licensing fees. Any changes in such laws, regulations, and procedures could have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Company, Binion’s and Speakeasy Las Vegas.

In order to operate non-restricted gaming at Binion’s and at the Speedway Property, Speakeasy Fremont, Speakeasy Las Vegas and certain officers and directors are required to be licensed or found suitable as operators and owners of a casino by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. A gaming license requires the periodic payment of fees and taxes and is not transferable. We are also required to be registered by the Nevada Commission as a publicly traded corporation (“Registered Corporation”) and as such, we are required periodically to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada Commission and furnish any other information that the Nevada Commission may require. No person may become a stockholder of, or receive any percentage of profits from, Speakeasy Fremont or Speakeasy Las Vegas without first obtaining licenses and approvals from the Nevada Gaming Authorities. We and all relevant affiliates have obtained from the Nevada Gaming Authorities the necessary licenses or approvals to engage in gaming activities at our Nevada properties.

The Nevada Gaming Authorities may investigate any individual who has a material relationship to, or material involvement with, us or Speakeasy Fremont or Speakeasy Las Vegas in order to determine whether such individual is suitable or should be licensed as a business associate of a gaming licensee. Officers, directors, and certain key employees must file applications with the Nevada Gaming Authorities and may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. Officers, directors, and our key employees who are actively and directly involved in gaming activities of our Nevada properties may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. The Nevada Gaming Authorities may deny an application for licensing for any cause they deem reasonable. A finding of suitability is comparable to licensing, and both require submission of detailed personal and financial information followed by a thorough investigation. The applicant for licensing or a finding of suitability must pay all the costs of the investigation. Changes in licensed positions must be reported to the Nevada Gaming Authorities and in addition to their authority to deny an application for a finding of suitability or licensing, the Nevada Gaming Authorities have jurisdiction to disapprove a change in a corporate position.

If the Nevada Gaming Authorities were to find an officer, director, or key employee unsuitable for licensing or unsuitable to continue having a relationship with us, Speakeasy Fremont or Speakeasy Las Vegas, the companies involved would have to sever all relationships with such person. In addition, the Nevada Commission may require us, Speakeasy Fremont, or Speakeasy Las Vegas to terminate the employment of any person who refuses to file appropriate applications. Determinations of suitability or of questions pertaining to licensing are not subject to judicial review in Nevada.

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We must submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada Commission. Substantially all material loans, leases, sales of securities, and similar financial transactions by us and the Nevada subsidiaries will have to be reported to, or approved by, the Nevada Commission.

If it were determined that we, Speakeasy Fremont, or Speakeasy Las Vegas had violated the Nevada Gaming Control Act or the regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the “Nevada Act”), the gaming licenses could be limited, conditioned, suspended, or revoked, subject to compliance with certain statutory and regulatory procedures. In addition, we, Speakeasy Fremont, Speakeasy Las Vegas and the persons involved could be subject to substantial fines for each separate violation of the Nevada Act at the discretion of the Nevada Commission. Any beneficial holder of our voting securities, regardless of the number of shares owned, may be required to file an application, be investigated, and have his suitability as a beneficial holder of our voting securities determined if the Nevada Commission has reason to believe that such ownership would otherwise be inconsistent with the declared policies of the State of Nevada. The applicant must pay all costs of investigation incurred by the Nevada Gaming Authorities in conducting any such investigation.

The Nevada Act requires any person who acquires more than five percent of our voting securities to report the acquisition to the Nevada Commission. The Nevada Act requires that beneficial owners of more than 10 percent of our voting securities apply to the Nevada Commission for a finding of suitability within 30 days after the Chairman of the Nevada Board mails the written notice requiring such filing. Under certain circumstances, an “institutional investor,” as defined in the Nevada Act, which acquires more then 10 percent, but not more than 15 percent, of our voting securities may apply to the Nevada Commission for a waiver of such finding of suitability if such institutional investor holds the voting securities for investment purposes only. An institutional investor shall not be deemed to hold voting securities for investment purposes unless the voting securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business as an institutional investor and not for the purpose of causing, directly or indirectly, the election of a majority of the members of our board of directors, any change in our corporate charter, bylaws, management, policies, or operations, or any of its gaming affiliates, or any other action which the Nevada Commission finds to be inconsistent with holding our voting securities for investment purposes only. Activities which are not deemed to be inconsistent with holding voting securities for investment purposes only include: (i) voting on all matters voted on by stockholders; (ii) making financial and other inquiries of management of the type normally made by securities analysts for informational purposes and not to cause a change in its management, policies, or operations; and (iii) such other activities as the Nevada Commission may determine to be consistent with such investment intent. If the beneficial holder of voting securities who must be found suitable is a corporation, partnership, or trust, it must submit detailed business and financial information including a list of beneficial owners. The applicant is required to pay all costs of the investigation.

Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability or a license within 30 days after being ordered to do so by the Nevada Commission or the Chairman of the Nevada Board may be found unsuitable. The same restrictions apply to a record owner of securities if the record owner, after request, fails to identify the beneficial owner. Any stockholder found unsuitable and who holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership of the common stock of a Registered Corporation beyond such period of time as may be prescribed by the Nevada Commission may be guilty of a criminal offense. We are subject to disciplinary action if, after we receive notice that a person is unsuitable to be a stockholder or to have any other relationship with us, Speakeasy Fremont or Speakeasy Las Vegas, we (i) pay that person any dividend or interest upon our voting securities, (ii) allow that person to exercise, directly or indirectly, any voting right conferred through securities held by that person, (iii) pay remuneration in any form to that person for services rendered or otherwise, or (iv) fail to pursue all lawful efforts to require such unsuitable person to relinquish his voting securities for cash at fair market value.

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The Nevada Commission may, in its discretion, require the holder of any debt security of a Registered Corporation to file applications, be investigated, and be found suitable to own the debt security of a Registered Corporation. If the Nevada Commission determines that a person is unsuitable to own such security, then pursuant to the Nevada Act, the Registered Corporation can be sanctioned, including the loss of its approvals, if without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission, it: (i) pays to the unsuitable person any dividend, interest, or any distribution whatsoever; (ii) recognizes any voting right by such unsuitable person in connection with such securities; (iii) pays the unsuitable person remuneration in any form; or (iv) makes any payment to the unsuitable person by way of principal, redemption, conversion, exchange, liquidation, or similar transaction. We must maintain a current stock ledger in Nevada, which may be examined by the Nevada Gaming Authorities at any time. If any securities are held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may be required to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to the Nevada Gaming Authorities. A failure to make such disclosure may be grounds for finding the record holder unsuitable. We also must render maximum assistance in determining the identity of the beneficial owner. The Nevada Commission has the power to require our stock certificates to bear a legend indicating that the securities are subject to the Nevada Act. Likewise, we may not make a public offering of our securities without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission if the securities or proceeds therefrom are intended to be used to construct, acquire, or finance gaming facilities in Nevada, or to retire or extend obligations incurred for such purposes.

Changes in control of us through merger, consolidation, stock or asset acquisitions, management or consulting agreements, or any act or conduct by a person whereby he obtains control, may not occur without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission. Entities seeking to acquire control of a Registered Corporation must satisfy the Nevada Board and Nevada Commission in a variety of stringent standards prior to assuming control of such Registered Corporation. The Nevada Commission may also require controlling stockholders, officers, directors, and other persons having a material relationship or involvement with the entity proposing to acquire control, to be investigated and licensed as part of the approval process relating to the transaction.

The Nevada legislature has declared that some corporate acquisitions opposed by management, repurchases of voting securities and corporate defense tactics affecting Nevada gaming licensees, and Registered Corporations that are affiliated with those operations, may be injurious to stable and productive corporate gaming. The Nevada Commission has established a regulatory scheme to ameliorate the potentially adverse effects of these business practices upon Nevada’s gaming industry and to further Nevada’s policy to: (i) assure the financial stability of corporate gaming operators and their affiliates; (ii) preserve the beneficial aspects of conducting business in the corporate form; and (iii) promote a neutral environment for the orderly governance of corporate affairs. Approvals are, in certain circumstances, required from the Nevada Commission before we can make exceptional repurchases of voting securities above the current market price thereof and before a corporate acquisition opposed by management can be consummated. The Nevada Act also requires prior approval of a plan of recapitalization proposed by our Board of Directors in response to a tender offer made directly to the Registered Corporation’s stockholders for the purposes of acquiring control of the Registered Corporation.

Any person who is licensed, required to be licensed, registered, required to be registered, or is under common control with such persons (collectively, “Licensees”), and who is or proposes to become involved in a gaming venture outside of Nevada is required to deposit with the Nevada Board, and thereafter maintain, a revolving fund in the amount of $25,000 to pay the expenses of investigation of the Nevada Board of their participation in such foreign gaming. The revolving fund is subject to increase or decrease in the discretion of the Nevada Commission. Thereafter, Licensees are required to comply with certain reporting requirements imposed by the Nevada Act. A Licensee is also subject to disciplinary action by the Nevada Commission if it knowingly violates any laws of the foreign jurisdiction pertaining to the foreign

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gaming operation, fails to conduct the foreign gaming operation in accordance with the standards of honesty and integrity required of Nevada gaming operations, engages in activities that are harmful to the State of Nevada or its ability to collect gaming taxes and fees, or employs a person in the foreign operation who has been denied a license or finding of suitability in Nevada on the grounds of personal unsuitability.

Impact of Resort Hotel Legislation

The Speedway Property is subject to legislation passed in 1991 by the Nevada Legislature, which is commonly referred to as the Resort Hotel Legislation. The key portions of this legislation are found in Section 463.1605 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (“NRS”) and essentially provide that the Nevada Commission shall not approve a non-restricted gaming license for an establishment located in either Clark County or Washoe County, Nevada, unless the establishment is a resort hotel. A resort hotel is defined to include an establishment held out to the public as a hotel with more than 200 rooms available for sleeping accommodations, at least one bar with capacity for more than 30 patrons, and at least one restaurant with capacity for more than 60 patrons. A county, city or town may require resort hotels to meet standards in addition to those required by NRS 463.1605 as a condition to issuance of a gaming license by the particular county, city or town. The Speedway Property, which does not have more than 200 rooms, is exempt from NRS 463.1605 because it held a non-restricted gaming license prior to the enactment of NRS 463.1605. The grandfathered exemption, however, would be lost in the event gaming is abandoned within the meaning of the statute and local regulations. The March 1999 commencement of gaming operations at the Speedway Property preserved the grandfathered status of the Speedway Property. The failure to keep the grandfathered exemption to NRS 463.1605 and the local regulations governing resort hotels (by abandonment of gaming operations) would have a material adverse effect on us.

Pennsylvania Racing and Gaming Regulation

Presque Isle Downs’ horse racing operations will be subject to extensive regulation under the Pennsylvania Race Horse Industry Reform Act (the “Pennsylvania Racing Act”). The Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission, (the “Pennsylvania Racing Commission”) has the power to supervise all thoroughbred horse race meetings at which parimutuel wagering is conducted and, in connection therewith, is responsible for, among other things:

·  granting permission annually to maintain racing licenses and schedule races;

·       approving, after a public hearing, the opening of off-track wagering facilities (“OTWs”);

·       approving simulcasting activities; and

·       approving all contracts entered into by a company affecting racing, parimutuel wagering and OTWs.

As in most states, the regulations and oversight applicable to our planned Pennsylvania operations are intended primarily to safeguard the legitimacy of the sport and its freedom from inappropriate or criminal influences. The Pennsylvania Racing Commission has broad authority to regulate in the best interests of racing and may disapprove the involvement of certain personnel in our operations, deny approval of certain acquisitions following their consummation or withhold permission for a proposed OTW site for a variety of reasons, including community opposition. The Pennsylvania legislature also could, at any time, terminate parimutuel wagering as a form of legalized gaming in Pennsylvania or subject such wagering to additional restrictive regulation.

The Pennsylvania Racing Act requires that any shareholder of a licensed corporation proposing to transfer beneficial ownership of 5% or more of our shares file an affidavit with us setting forth certain information about the proposed transfer and transferee, a copy of which we are required to furnish to the Pennsylvania Racing Commission. The certificates representing our shares owned by 5% beneficial shareholders are required to bear certain legends prescribed by the Pennsylvania Racing Act. In addition,

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under the Pennsylvania Racing Act, the Pennsylvania Racing Commission has the authority to order any beneficial shareholder of a licensed corporation to dispose of his common stock of such licensed corporation if it determines that continued ownership would be inconsistent with the public interest, convenience or necessity or the best interest of racing generally.

Presque Isle Downs’ planned slot machine operations will be subject to the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (the “Pennsylvania Gaming Act”) passed and signed into law in July of 2004. The Pennsylvania Gaming Act authorizes the granting of slot machine licenses to up to seven Category 1 licensed facilities (i.e. racetracks) and up to five Category 2 licensed facilities (i.e. non-tracks), along with limited licenses to up to two Category 3 licensed facilities (i.e. resort hotels). Those racetracks and non-track facilities which successfully apply for slot machine licenses will be permitted to operate between 1,500 and 3,000 slot machines each, subject to future expansion of up to 2,000 additional machines per facility upon the approval of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The licensed resort facilities will be permitted to operate up to 500 machines each.

Each racetrack slot machine licensee in Pennsylvania will be required to pay 34% of its daily gross revenues from gaming less all monetary payouts (“Gross Terminal Revenues”) to the State Gaming Fund, 4% of its Gross Terminal Revenues as a local share assessment, 5% of its Gross Terminal Revenues to the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund and a maximum of 12% of its Gross Terminal Revenues to a pool (the “Horsemen Pool”) for distribution to each racetrack’s horsemen, in the form of purses and other awards. Non-track and resort facilities will be bound to make the same percentage distributions but, since they do not conduct horse racing, they will contribute to the Horsemen Pool that portion of their Gross Terminal Revenues which is equal, on a pro rata basis, to the amount contributed to the Horsemen Pool by Category 1 licensees. The Horsemen Pool will then be allocated among the horsemen at each of the Category 1 licensed facilities, with the intention of providing payments to the horsemen at each racetrack, which are equivalent to 18% of that track’s Gross Terminal Revenues.

All racetrack licensees offering slot machines in Pennsylvania must pay an upfront fee of $50.0 million and will be required to commit a minimum of $5.0 million over a five year period, and a minimum of $0.25 million annually for five years thereafter, for improvements and maintenance of its backstretch (we expect to be exempt from the $5 million requirement and for a period of ten years with respect to the $0.25 million requirement because we are building a new facility). We filed our application for a Category 1 license for Presque Isle Downs on December 28, 2005. Upon receipt of our license, we will be subject to Pennsylvania’s gaming laws and regulations of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board similar to those in effect in Nevada.

Minnesota Racing and Card Room Regulation

In December 2003, North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC and Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp. filed applications for Class A and Class B licenses, respectively, to develop and operate a harness racing track and card club in Anoka County, Minnesota, after which time the Company acquired a 50% equity interest in North Metro Harness. The Class B license application was subsequently amended to reflect the Company’s participation and, on January 19, 2005, the Minnesota Racing Commission voted to grant Class A and Class B licenses to North Metro (formal findings issued Feburary 16, 2005. The Class A License is effective until revoked or suspended by the Racing Commission, or relinquished by the licensee. The Class B License is renewable each year by the Racing Commission after a public hearing (if required by the Racing Commission).

Minnesota established the Minnesota Racing Commission to regulate horse racing and card playing in the state under its parimutuel horse racing statute. North Metro and the Company, as a 50 percent owner of North Metro, are subject to the horse racing statute and rules and regulations promulgated under it (the

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“Racing Act”). North Metro’s horse racing operations will also be subject to the Federal Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978.

The Racing Commission has broad authority to enforce the Racing Act and regulate substantially all aspects of horse racing in Minnesota. The Racing Commission granted and will oversee North Metro’s operating licenses, will license all employees of North Metro’s racetrack as well as jockeys, trainers, veterinarians and other participants, regulates the transfer of ownership interests in licensees, allocates live race days and simulcast-only race days, approves race programs, regulates the conduct of races, sets specifications for the racing ovals, animal facilities, employee quarters and public areas of North Metro’s racetrack, regulates the types of wagers on horse races and approves significant contractual arrangements with North Metro, including management agreements, simulcast arrangements, totalizator contracts and concessionaire agreements. Adverse decisions by the Racing Commission in regard to any one or more of these matters could materially adversely affect the Company’s operations.

The Racing Act requires prior approval by the Racing Commission of all officers, directors, 5% shareholders, or other persons having a present or future direct or indirect financial or management interest in any person applying for a Class A and Class B, and if a change of ownership of more than 5% of the licensee’s shares is made after an application is filed or the license issued, the applicant or licensee must notify the Racing Commission of the changes within five days of this occurrence and provide the information required by the Racing Act.

North Metro has submitted a card club plan of operation for approval by the Racing Commission in connection with North Metro’s Class B license. If the card club plan of operation is approved, the Racing Commission will regulate the playing of “unbanked” or “player pool” card games at North Metro’s card club, as well as harness racing. North Metro must reimburse the Racing Commission for its actual costs, including personnel costs, of regulating the card club. North Metro must have the Class B license and card club authorization renewed annually by the Racing Commission after a public hearing (if required by the Racing Commission).

Ohio Racing Regulation

Our horse racing operations at Scioto are subject to extensive regulation under the Ohio Racing Commission statutes and rules, under the authority of the Ohio Racing Commission, which is responsible for, among other things:

·       granting permission annually to maintain racing licenses and schedule races;

·       approving, after a public hearing, the opening of off-track wagering facilities (“OTWs”);

·       approving simulcasting activities;

·       licensing all officers, directors, racing officials and certain other employees of a company; and

·       approving all contracts entered into by a company affecting racing, parimutuel wagering and OTWs.

The Ohio Racing Commission has broad authority to regulate in the best interests of racing and may disapprove the involvement of certain personnel in our operations, deny approval of certain acquisitions following their consummation or withhold permission for a proposed OTW site for a variety of reasons, including community opposition. The Ohio legislature also has the authority to amend or revoke the power of the Ohio Racing Commission to approve additional OTWs and could, at any time, terminate parimutuel wagering as a form of legalized gaming in Ohio or subject such wagering to additional restrictive regulation, or to permit additional gaming facilities to operate in Ohio.

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The Ohio Racing Commission approves annual licenses for racetracks to conduct harness and thoroughbred horse racing.

Michigan Racing Regulation

Operations at Jackson Harness in Jackson, Michigan are subject to regulation under Michigan’s Horse Racing Law of 1995 and regulations promulgated under that law. The law is administered by the Office of Racing Commissioner which is part of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The Racing  Commissioner has general supervisory control over pari-mutual betting and the conduct of horse racing. Those powers include:

·       annual Licensing of tracks, individuals or entities participating in the conduct of racing and pari-mutual wagering;

·       conduct of background checks on such individuals, including fingerprinting and criminal record examination;

·       establishment of race calendars;

·       inspection of facilities, books and records; and

·       regulation of simulcast races, subject to a contract with the local county.

The conduct of horse racing is pervasively regulated in the State of Michigan. By becoming licensed, the individuals consent to inspections. The Commissioner has the power to summarily suspend a license for violation of the Horse Racing Law or rules.

IRS Regulations and Currency Transaction Reporting

The Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, requires operators of casinos located in the United States to file information returns for U.S. citizens, including names and addresses of winners, for all winnings in excess of stipulated amounts. The IRS also requires operators to withhold taxes on certain winnings of nonresident aliens. Regulations adopted by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the Treasury Department and the gaming regulatory authorities in certain domestic jurisdictions in which we operate casinos require the reporting of currency transactions in excess of $10,000 occurring within a gaming day, including identification of the patron by name and social security number.

Restrictions on Share Ownership and Transfer

Unless prior approval of the West Virginia Lottery Commission is obtained, the sale of five percent or more of the voting stock of the license holder or any corporation that controls the license holder or the sale of a license holder’s assets (other than in the ordinary course of business), or any interest therein, to any person not determined by the Lottery Commission to have satisfied the licensing qualifications, voids the license. The Company’s stock certificates state that the securities are subject to the Company’s right to repurchase shares at any time in the sole discretion of the Company from a “Disqualified Holder” as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation. The Certificate of Incorporation defines a Disqualified Holder as any Beneficial Owner of shares of common stock of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, whose holding of shares of common stock may result, in the judgment of the board of directors, in (i) the denial, loss or non-reinstatement of any license or franchise from any governmental agency applied for or held by the Corporation or any Subsidiary to conduct any portion of the proposed or actual business of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, which license or franchise is conditioned upon some of all of its holders of common stock meeting certain criteria, or (ii) the disapproval, modification, or non-renewal of any contract under which the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries has sole or shared authority to manage any gaming operations. Accordingly, the Company deems any holder of the Company’s common stock who has not been determined by the Lottery Commission (subject to any exceptions recognized by the Lottery

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Commission) to have satisfied the licensing qualifications to be a Disqualified Holder to the extent of holdings in excess of 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares, which shares the Company will deem to have been purchased on the Company’s behalf (and which the Company may, in its discretion, repurchase pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation).

Environmental Matters

We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that govern activities that may have adverse environmental effects, such as discharges to air and water, as well as the management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. These laws are complex, and subject to change. Under such laws and regulations, we may incur costs to achieve or maintain compliance or to obtain permits and other approvals required for our activities and operations. For example, we may incur costs under existing and new regulations pertaining to stormwater and wastewater management at our racetracks. In addition, we may face penalties or other liabilities in the event that we fail to comply with these laws and regulations.  For instance, water discharges from our racetrack operations at our Mountaineer facility were the subject of past enforcement actions by state regulators. We satisfied the requirements of those past proceedings, and implemented measures to maintain compliance on a going forward basis. Such costs and liabilities have not in the past had a material impact on our business or financial condition.  We believe, but we cannot assure you, that compliance with environmental laws and regulations will not have such an impact in the future.

We also are subject to laws and regulations that create liability and cleanup 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 hazardous substances or petroleum products on its property, without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or caused, the presence of the contaminants, and regardless of whether the practices that resulted in the contamination were legal at the time they occurred. The presence of, or failure to remediate properly, such substances may materially adversely affect the ability to sell or rent such property or to borrow funds using such property as collateral. Additionally, the owner of a site may be subject to claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from a site.

In connection with our property acquisitions, we have conducted environmental assessments of substantially all our properties. Based on these assessments, we have identified soil and/or groundwater contamination and other issues (such as the presence of wetlands or asbestos) at certain of our properties that may require further action or involve regulatory oversight.  Generally, the contamination issues relate to prior uses of our properties by the prior landowners and operators. For example, in connection with the acquisition of a site in Pennsylvania that was formerly operated as a paper manufacturing plant, we entered into a consent order and agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in which we agreed to clean up certain portions of the site. At the time of our purchase, cleanup costs (as a component of overall site development and earthwork costs) were estimated at $3 million. We have since sold the portion of the property that will require further work to a third party who has agreed to undertake the work required under such consent order agreement and to pay any and all such costs. However, in the event that the purchaser fails to honor its obligations, we could incur costs related to this matter in the future. In addition, we are engaged in investigation or remediation efforts at several other of our properties. Based on currently available information, we believe, although we cannot assure you, that our environmental remediation and other liabilities will not have a material impact on our business.

Compliance with Other Laws

We are also subject to a variety of other rules and regulations, including zoning, construction and land use laws and regulations, and laws governing the serving of alcoholic beverages in all of the states in which we operate. Mountaineer, Scioto, the Speedway Property, Jackson Harness and Binion’s derive other

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revenues from the sale of alcoholic beverages. Any interruption or termination of the ability to serve alcoholic beverages at those properties would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Available Information

For more information about us, visit our website at www.mtrgaming.com. Our electronic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including all annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports), including the exhibits, are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them with or furnish them to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 1A.        RISK FACTORS

Risks Related to Our Business

We will continue to depend on Mountaineer for the vast majority of our revenues, and, therefore, any risks faced by our Mountaineer operations will have a material impact on our results of operations.

Dependence Upon Mountaineer.   While we look to our takeover of the operation of Binion’s and, if we receive a slots license,  the commencement of slot operations at Presque Isle Downs to diversify our revenue sources, we remain dependent upon Mountaineer for the vast majority of our revenues. Accordingly, we may be subject to greater risks than a geographically diversified gaming operation, including, but not limited to the following risks faced by our Mountaineer operations:

·       risks related to local and regional economic and competitive conditions, such as a decline in the number of visitors to Mountaineer, a downturn in the overall economy in Mountaineer’s market, a decrease in gaming activities in Mountaineer’s market or an increase in competition in Mountaineer’s market, including, but not limited to continuing and increasing competition from limited video lottery terminals in local bars and clubs in West Virginia and anticipated competition from gaming facilities in Pennsylvania;

·       impeded access to Mountaineer due to weather, floods, road construction or closures of primary access routes;

·       changes in local and state governmental laws and regulations (including changes in laws and regulations affecting gaming operations and taxes) applicable to Mountaineer;

·       work stoppages at Mountaineer;

·       risks related to acts of terrorism, international conflicts or breaches of security affecting Mountaineer or its market; and

·       natural and other disasters affecting Mountaineer’s market.

The occurrence of any of these or similar events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Agreements with Horsemen and Parimutuel Clerks.   We depend on agreements with our horsemen and parimutuel clerks to operate our business. The Federal Interstate Horse Racing Act, the state racing laws in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Minnesota require that, in order to simulcast races, we have written agreements with the horse owners and trainers at those racetracks. In addition, in order to operate slot machines in West Virginia, we are required to enter into written agreements regarding the proceeds of the slot machines with a representative of a majority of the horse owners, trainers and breeders and a representative of a majority of the parimutuel clerks. We have the requisite agreements in place with the Mountaineer Horsemen until December 31, 2006. With respect to the Mountaineer parimutuel clerks, we have a labor agreement in force until November 30, 2008, which the union has

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indicated it would like to confirm on an annual basis that the agreement relates to the proceeds of the slot machines. Scioto has the requisite agreements in place until November 30, 2012. Jackson Trotting Association, LLC has the requisite agreements in place until December 31, 2008. We anticipate that Presque Isle Downs and North Metro Harness will enter into any required agreements prior to commencement of racing operations.

If we fail to maintain operative agreements with the horsemen, or if we fail to reach such agreements with horsemen at Presque Isle Downs and North Metro Harness, we will not be permitted to conduct live racing and export and import simulcasting at those racetracks, and, in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, we will not be permitted to operate our slot machines and in Minnesota we will not be able to operate our card room. In addition, our simulcasting agreements are subject to the horsemen’s approval. If we fail to renew or modify existing agreements on satisfactory terms, this failure could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Minimum Live Racing Days.   If we fail to meet the minimum live racing day requirements at Mountaineer, we would be prohibited under West Virginia law from conducting simulcast racing or renewing our gaming license at Mountaineer. In order to conduct simulcast racing or conduct gaming operations, Mountaineer is required under West Virginia law to apply for a minimum of 210 live race days each year and to obtain Racing Commission approval for any reduction in race days actually held during that year. Live racing days typically vary in number from year to year and are based on a number of factors, including the number of suitable race horses and the occurrence of severe weather, many of which are beyond our control. If we were unable to conduct simulcast racing or offer slot machine gaming at Mountaineer, this would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to meet our payment obligations under our various debt instruments.

Linkage of Slot Machines to State Central System.   Our gaming operations at Mountaineer are dependent on our linkage to the West Virginia Lottery Commission’s central system. By West Virginia Lottery Commission directive, all of our slot machines are required to be connected to the SAMS 4.6 IGT central system maintained by the Lottery Commission. Our equipment is connected to the West Virginia Central System by telephone lines. This central system tracks all gaming activity in the State of West Virginia. If the operation of the central system were disrupted for any reason, including disruption of telephone service, we believe that the Lottery Commission would suspend all gaming operations within the State until normal operation of the system was restored. Any such suspension could cause a material disruption of our gaming operations and any of the foregoing difficulties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Pennsylvania’s gaming law likewise calls for slot machines to be linked to a state-owned central system. Accordingly, our planned slot operations at Presque Isle Downs will be dependent upon linkage to Pennsylvania’s planned central system and subject to the same risks of disruption as our West Virginia operations. Any such disruption of our planned Pennsylvania gaming operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may face disruption in developing and integrating our Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Minnesota, operations and other facilities we may expand or acquire.

The development and integration of Presque Isle Downs, North Metro Harness, Jackson Harness and any other facilities we may expand or acquire in the future will require the dedication of management resources that may temporarily detract attention from our day-to-day business. The process of developing and integrating these operations also may interrupt the activities of that business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We cannot assure you that we will be able to manage the combined operations effectively or realize any of the anticipated benefits of these new operations or any other facilities we may expand or acquire in the future.

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For example, we face substantial risks and difficulties in developing Presque Isle Downs, which include, but are not limited to: unforeseen engineering, environmental, or geological problems; interference with existing operations; unanticipated cost increases; construction delays caused by, among other things, work stoppages or weather, among others, and other risks associated with building a racing operation. In addition, our racing license requires us to commence live racing by December 30, 2007. If we do not complete the facility within this timeframe, or obtain regulatory approval to complete the facility at a later date, our racing license will be canceled, and without a racing license, we could not have a slots license.

We expect to face similar risks and uncertainties in connection with the construction and integration of North Metro Harness. Moreover, we may be involved in construction of North Metro Harness and Presque Isle Downs simultaneously. Developing these two large projects simultaneously, while also maintaining and expanding our other facilities, may stress our management and financial resources as well as disrupt our business.

Any of the foregoing difficulties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We do not yet have a license to operate slot machines at Presque Isle Downs.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has not yet issued any Category 1 (racetrack) slot machine licenses, has only recently begun considering applications, and does not anticipate granting licenses until the summer of 2006. Presque Isle Downs filed its application for a Category 1 license on December 28, 2005, the date established by the Gaming Control Board for such filings. While we believe that Presque Isle Downs satisfies the statutory criteria for licensure, and we are unaware of any facts or circumstances that would result in denial of a license, we cannot assure you that Presque Isle Downs will obtain the license. Nevertheless, we have commenced and intend to complete construction irrespective of slot licensing under the assumption that we will be granted a slots license as well as to satisfy the condition of our racing license that we commence live racing by December 30, 2007. If for any reason we fail to obtain our slots license, we would likely be forced to sell Presque Isle Downs and would not obtain any of the revenue and profit from the project and could suffer losses. Our failure to obtain our slots license, or a substantial delay in obtaining that license, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our Minnesota racing license is being challenged in court.

An anti-gaming public interest group has sued the Minnesota Racing Commission, alleging that the commissioners discussed North Metro Harness’ application in violation of the state’s Open Meeting Law. North Metro Harness has intervened in the case. The trial court granted the Racing Commission’s and North Metro Harness’ motions for summary judgment, and the anti-gaming group has appealed. The same group filed a request for judicial review of the Commission’s decision to grant the license. On March 28, 2006, the Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed the decision of the Minnesota Racing Commission to grant North Metro’s licenses. Concerned Citizens has 30 days within which to seek further review by the Minnesota Supreme Court, subject to the discretion of that Court. If either court were to invalidate the license, we would not be permitted to build the racetrack and card room nor realize any of the anticipated revenue and profit.

We may elect to increase our capital investment and/or financial risk in Minnesota.

The Membership Control Agreement that governs our Minnesota joint venture required us to contribute $7.5 million of capital. To date, we have elected to contribute $8.5 million and may elect to invest more.  The joint venture is pursuing approximately $40 million of construction financing that would be without recourse to us. If the joint venture cannot obtain the non-recourse financing on acceptable terms, we may elect to guaranty some or all of the financing (subject to the approval of our senior secured

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lenders). In either event, the risk associated with our Minnesota joint venture would be greater than we originally contracted or contemplated.

Some of our intellectual property is not protected by federally registered trademarks; we rely on common law rights.

We hold eleven federally registered trademarks and own 58 internet domain names in connection with our business. Additionally, pursuant to an Intellectual Property License Agreement, Harrah’s has applied for trademarks with respect to “Binion’s,” which, if issued, will become part of our license. Apart from registered trademarks, we rely on common law rights, developed through use, with respect to our intellectual property. While we believe that our trademarks and common law rights are sufficient to permit us to use all of the intellectual property we are currently using, and that we are not infringing the intellectual property rights of others, we cannot assure you that no one will challenge our rights in the future. If we were to lose any of our intellectual property, it could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We are subject to extensive regulation by gaming and racing authorities.

Licensing Requirements.   As owners and operators of gaming and parimutuel facilities, we are subject to extensive state and local regulation. State and local authorities require us and our subsidiaries to demonstrate suitability to obtain and maintain various licenses, and require that we have registrations, permits and approvals, to conduct gaming and racing operations, to sell alcoholic beverages and tobacco in our facilities and to operate our food service facilities. These regulatory authorities may, for any reason set forth in applicable legislation or regulation, limit, condition, suspend or revoke a license or registration to conduct gaming or racing operations or prevent us from owning the securities of any of our gaming or racing subsidiaries. In addition, we must periodically apply to renew many of our licenses or registrations. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain such renewals. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our existing licenses, registrations, permits or approvals or obtain when necessary any new ones. Any failure to do so would have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, to enforce applicable laws and regulations, regulatory authorities may levy substantial fines against or seize the assets of our company, our subsidiaries or the people involved in violating gaming laws or regulations. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.

Potential Changes In Regulatory Environment.   If current laws are modified, or if additional laws or regulations are adopted, it could have a material adverse effect on us. From time to time, legislators and special interest groups have proposed legislation that would restrict or prevent gaming or racing operations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Other laws, such as smoking bans, do not specifically restrict gaming operations but, as a practical matter, make gaming facilities less attractive to gaming patrons and can result in substantially reduced revenues. Restriction on or prohibition of our gaming or racing operations, whether through legislation or litigation, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Taxation.   We pay substantial taxes and fees with respect to our operations. From time to time, federal, state and local legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, affecting the gaming and racing industry. It is not possible to determine with certainty the likelihood of changes in tax laws or in the administration of such laws. Changes in the tax laws or administration of those laws, if adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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We face significant competition from other gaming and racing facilities, and increased competition could have a material adverse effect on us.

Gaming Operations.   We face substantial competition in each of the markets in which our gaming facilities are located. Some of the competitors have significantly greater name recognition and financial and marketing resources than we do. All of our gaming operations primarily compete with other gaming operations in their geographic areas. New expansion and development activity is occurring in each of the relevant markets, which may be expected to intensify competitive pressures and could have a material adverse impact on us. Specifically, in West Virginia we continue to face increased competition from limited video lottery terminals in local bars and clubs. In addition, Pennsylvania’s new slot machine law contemplates the installation of slot machines at up to fourteen locations: seven racetracks (including Presque Isle Downs) each with up to 3,000 slots initially and with the ability to apply to the Gaming Control Board for up to 5,000 slots; five stand-alone slot parlors with the same number of machines as the racetracks; and two resort locations with up to 500 slots each. We anticipate that the Meadows, a harness racetrack approximately 40 miles southeast of Mountaineer, will install between 1,500 and 2,000 slot machines. Pennsylvania’s new law also calls for at least one of the stand-alone slot parlors to be located in downtown Pittsburgh (approximately an hour’s drive from us). Additionally, the Pennsylvania Harness Horse Racing Commission, which may grant one more license, recently denied, on grounds of suitability of the applicants, two applications that proposed to build a track within our target market. Both of those applicants have appealed the denials. All of our gaming operations also compete to a lesser extent with operations in other locations, including Native American lands, riverboats and cruise ships, and with other forms of legalized gaming in the United States, including state-sponsored lotteries, on- and off- track wagering, high-stakes bingo, card parlors, and the emergence of Internet gaming. In addition, casinos in Canada have likewise recently begun advertising in our target markets.

Racing And Parimutuel Operations.   Mountaineer’s racing and parimutuel operations compete directly for wagering dollars with Wheeling Downs, which is located approximately 50 miles from Mountaineer; Thistledown and Northfield Park, which are located approximately 85 miles to the northwest of Mountaneer in Cleveland, Ohio; and the Meadows, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Mountaineer in Washington, Pennsylvania. Wheeling Downs conducts parimutuel greyhound racing and video lottery gaming. Thistledown and Northfield Park conduct parimutuel horse racing but not video lottery gaming. The Meadows conducts live harness racing and provides import simulcasting, but does not yet have video lottery gaming. Upon implementation of slot machines in Pennsylvania, The Meadows also would be permitted to operate slot machines. Since commencing export simulcasting in August 2000, Mountaineer also competes with racetracks across the country to have its signal carried by off-track wagering parlors. Mountaineer also competes for wagering dollars with off-track wagering facilities in Ohio and Pennsylvania. In general, Mountaineer also competes with other tracks for participation by quality racehorses.

Presque Isle Downs will face competition from other racetracks in Pennsylvania and off-track wagering facilities in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, as well as from any existing or future casinos in Western New York. Moreover, because Presque Isle Downs will be a new facility, all of its competitors will be more established.

Scioto Downs competes directly with other racetracks in Ohio, including Beulah Park, a thoroughbred horse racetrack which is located approximately nine miles from Scioto; River Downs Horse Racing in Cincinnati, Ohio; and to a lesser extent, casino gambling on riverboats in Indiana and Native American lands in Michigan. Further, Scioto faces competition from off-track wagering facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Jackson Trotting competes directly with other racetracks in Michigan, including Sports Creek Raceway, Northville Downs, Hazel Park Harness Raceway and Great Lakes Downs.

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Increased competition may require us to make substantial capital expenditures to maintain and enhance the competitive positions of our properties, including updating slot machines to reflect changing technology, refurbishing rooms and public service areas periodically, replacing obsolete equipment on an ongoing basis, and making other expenditures to increase the attractiveness and add to the appeal of our properties, including increased marketing and promotions.

In a broader sense, our gaming operations face competition from all manner of leisure and entertainment activities, including shopping, athletic events, television and movies, concerts and travel. Increased competition from other gaming and racing facilities could have a material adverse effect on our business financial condition and results of operations.

We depend on our key personnel.

We are highly dependent on the services of Edson R. Arneault, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and other officers and key employees. We have entered into employment agreements with Mr. Arneault and certain other officers. However, the loss of the services of any of these individuals could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, Mr. Arneault’s contract calls for him to step down as CEO as of December 31, 2006 but remain as chairman of the board until December 31, 2009. If we and Mr. Arneault do not extend his contract, or if we are unable to find a suitable replacement, it may have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our business may be materially and adversely affected by recession or economic downturn; the seasonal nature of our business could also materially and adversely affect our cash flow.

Our primary business involves leisure and entertainment. The economic health of the leisure and entertainment industry is affected by a number of factors that are beyond our control, including: (1) general economic conditions and economic conditions specific to our primary markets; (2) levels of disposable income of patrons; (3) increased transportation costs resulting in decreased travel by patrons; (4) local conditions in key gaming markets, including seasonal and weather-related factors; (5) increases in gaming and racing taxes or fees; (6) competitive conditions in the gaming, leisure and entertainment industry and in particular markets, including the effect of such conditions on the pricing of our products; (7) substantial price increases in the cost of energy in the United States; and (8) the relative popularity of entertainment alternatives to gaming and racing that compete for the leisure dollar. Any of these factors could materially adversely impact the leisure and entertainment industry generally, and as a result, our revenues and results of operations.

In addition, our operations at Mountaineer, Scioto and Jackson Trotting and our planned operations at Presque Isle Downs and North Metro Harness, are typically seasonal in nature. Winter conditions may adversely affect transportation routes to our properties, as well as cause cancellations of live horse racing. As a result, unfavorable seasonal conditions could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

We 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 activities that may have adverse environmental effects, such as discharges to air and water, as well as the management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. These laws are complex, and subject to change. Under such laws and regulations, we may incur costs to obtain permits and other approvals required for our activities and operations, or to achieve or maintain compliance. For example, we may incur future costs under existing and new regulations pertaining to stormwater and wastewater management at our racetracks. In addition, we may face penalties or other liabilities in the event that we fail to comply with these laws and regulations.  For instance, water discharges from our racetrack operations at our Mountaineer facility were the subject of past enforcement actions by state regulators. We satisfied the requirements of those past proceedings, and implemented measures to maintain compliance on a going forward basis. Such costs and liabilities have not in the past had a material impact on our business or

25




financial condition.  We believe, but we cannot assure you, that compliance with environmental laws and regulations will not have such an impact in the future.

We also are subject to laws and regulations that create liability and cleanup 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 hazardous substances or petroleum products on its property, without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or caused, the presence of the contaminants, and regardless of whether the practices that resulted in the contamination were legal at the time they occurred. The presence of, or failure to remediate properly, such substances may materially adversely affect the ability to sell or rent such property or to borrow funds using such property as collateral. Additionally, the owner of a site may be subject to claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from a site. Based on currently available information, we believe, although we cannot assure you, that such liabilities will not have a material impact on our business (See “Business—Environmental Matters”).

The availability and cost of financing could have an adverse effect on our business.

We intend to finance our current and future expansion projects primarily with cash flow from operations, borrowings under our bank credit facility, and incurrence of additional debt, including the contemplated amendment of our secured revolving credit facility, and may in the future seek equity capital. In order to consummate the additional debt financing we are seeking, we will require the prior consents of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 9¾% Senior Notes due 2010 that are not owned by us or any of our affiliates. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain such consents. Our inability to obtain such consents would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to finance our current or future expansion projects, we will have to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing or delaying planned expansion, development and renovation projects as well as capital expenditures, and selling assets, restructuring debt, or obtaining additional debt or equity financing or joint venture partners, or further modifying our bank credit facility. These sources of funds may not be sufficient to finance our expansion, and other financing may not be available on acceptable terms, in a timely manner or at all. In addition, our existing indebtedness contains certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness. If we are unable to secure additional financing, we could be forced to limit or suspend expansion, development and renovation projects, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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 operated by us at our casinos and racinos. It is important, for competitive reasons, that we offer to our customers the most popular and up-to-date slot machine games with the latest technology. We are in the process of replacing our older slot machines with advanced interactive electronic games with TITO (ticket-in-ticket-out) technology which allows our customers to play their favorite slot machines longer with fewer interruptions and eliminates the problems associated with handling coins and tokens.

We believe that a substantial majority of the slot machines sold in the United States in 2005 were manufactured by a few companies and that one company in particular provided a majority of all slot machines sold in the United States in 2005. In recent years, prices of new slot machines have escalated faster than the rate of inflation.

Furthermore, in recent years, slot machine manufacturers have frequently refused to sell slot machines featuring the most popular games, instead requiring casinos to enter into participating lease arrangements in order to acquire the machines. Participating slot machine lease arrangements typically require the payment of a fixed daily rental and may also include payment of a percentage of coin-in or net

26




win amounts. Generally, a participating 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 participating 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 participating lease costs, it could hurt our profitability.

In addition, because of damage to casinos caused by Hurricane Katrina there may be a shortage of new slot machines over the next 12 to 24 months, causing a substantial increase in the cost of slot machines or making certain slot machines unavailable to us.

Risks Related to our Capital Structure

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health.

We continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness. Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to our financial health. For example, it could:

·       limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

·       require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to debt service, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;

·       make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our debt;

·       increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

·       place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that are less leveraged; and

·       limit, along with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our indebtedness, among other things, our ability to borrow additional funds. A failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default.

Any of the above-listed factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, including, for example to fund our expansion and new acquisitions. The terms of our existing indebtedness do not fully prohibit us from doing so. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.

To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash, which depends on many factors 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 amounts sufficient to enable us to fund our liquidity needs with respect to our indebtedness. In addition, if we consummate significant acquisitions in the future, our cash requirements may increase significantly. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our debt on attractive terms, commercially reasonable terms or at all. Our future operating performance and our ability to service or refinance our debt will be subject to future economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

ITEM 1B.       UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

27




ITEM 2.                PROPERTIES

Hotel, Gaming, Racing And Other Property

Mountaineer Park owns approximately 2,350 acres of land in Chester, West Virginia, of which the resort occupies approximately 215 acres, the Woodview Golf Course occupies approximately 170 acres, and approximately 1,885 acres are available for future development.

Scioto Downs owns approximately 173 acres of land in Columbus, Ohio that serve as the site for the harness racetrack. In addition to the racetrack, there are parking, grandstand, clubhouse and dining facilities, as well as barns and stables. Scioto Downs also holds an option to acquire for approximately $1 million a 35-acre parcel of primarily undeveloped land that is adjacent to the 173-acre site.

The Speedway Property sits on approximately 6.1 acres of owned real property and consists of one two-story building and one three-story building with a total of 95 hotel rooms and an outdoor swimming pool.

The Binion’s property sits on approximately 5.3 acres (231,961 square feet) and consists of a 25-story hotel tower with 365 rooms, meeting space, two gift shops, a rooftop lounge with swimming pool, and approximately 80,000 square feet of casino space. Speakeasy Fremont owns 131,961 square feet of the property in fee and ground leases the remaining 100,000 square feet pursuant to various ground leases having aggregate annual rent of approximately $6.2 million, subject to certain periodic increases.

Presque Isle Downs owns three tracts of land in Erie, Pennsylvania: 272 acres in Summit Township; 213 acres in McKean Township; and 25 (15 developable) acres in the City of Erie on the Lake.

Jackson Harness Raceway operates on property leased from the County of Jackson at the county fairgrounds.

North Metro Harness owns 178.4 acres of unimproved land in Anoka County, Minnesota upon which it intends to build its facilities upon successful resolution of the litigation affecting its licenses. It owns a separate 24-acre parcel (for wetlands mitigation) that is not material to its planned operations.

Substantially all of our assets are pledged to secure the debt evidenced by the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement entered as of December 27, 2005 among us, our operating subsidiaries, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Liquidity and Sources of Capital.

ITEM 3.                LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On December 15, 2004, Columbus Concerned Citizens, an anti-gaming public interest group, filed suit against the Minnesota Racing Commission, alleging that the State Racing Commission violated the state’s Open Meeting Law in connection with consideration of requests for racing licenses to our affiliate, North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC. North Metro has intervened in the action. On June 23, 2005, the Court granted North Metro’s and the Racing Commission’s motions for summary judgment and dismissed the case with prejudice. Concerned Citizens has appealed (Minnesota Court of Appeals Case No. A05-1743), claiming that the trial court erred by (1) denying it a fair and adequate opportunity to conduct discovery; (2) finding that filing a petition for writ of certiorari is the only means to challenge the validity of the Commission’s decisions; (3) finding no facts to support an Open Meeting Law violation; and (4) holding that invalidation of North Metro’s license was not a remedy available to Concerned Citizens, even if it established an Open Meeting Law violation.

In addition to the Open Meeting Law case, Concerned Citizens has sought judicial review of the Racing Commission’s February 16, 2005 findings and conclusions granting North Metro’s licenses (Minnesota Court of Appeals, Case No. A05-471 (on appeal by certiorari from the Minnesota Racing Commission)). In this case, Concerned Citizens claimed that the Racing Commission lacked the authority to reconsider its prior decision to deny the application for licenses. On March 28, 2006, the Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed the decision of the Minnesota Racing Commission to grant North Metro’s licenses. Concerned Citizens has 30 days within which to seek further review by the Minnesota Supreme Court, subject to the discretion of that Court.

28




Gary Birzer and Amy Birzer v. MTR Gaming Group, Inc. and Mountaineer Park, Inc, et. al, Civil Action No. 06-C-2-W, Circuit Court of Hancock County, West Virginia (First Amended Complaint filed January 17, 2006. On January 17, 2006, Gary Birzer, a jockey who was injured during a race at Mountaineer in July of 2004, filed a first amended complaint in which he alleges that Mountaineer was negligent in its design, construction and maintenance of the racetrack as well as in its administration of races. Mr. Birzer seeks medical expenses to date of $550,000, future medical expenses, unspecified lost wages and other damages resulting from his injuries. Mr. Birzer seeks in excess of $10 million in damages. Mr. Birzer’s wife seeks $2 million for loss of consortium. Mountaineer has answered the complaint, denying any negligence or wrongdoing and further alleging that Mr. Birzer’s injuries, to the extent the result of negligence, resulted from Mr. Birzer’s own negligence or the negligence of others. Though the complaint is unclear as to the basis for liability against MTR, it appears that MTR was named a defendant because it is Mountaineer’s parent company and allegedly conspired with the other defendants to cause Mr. Birzer’s injuries. We believe, but cannot assure, that the Company has sufficient liability insurance coverage for these claims. In a separate action, Case No. CV-05-8193 (U.S. District Court, Central District of California), Mr. Birzer has sued Jockeys’ Guild, Inc. and certain of its former officers, alleging that they improperly, fraudulently, and in breach of their fiduciary duties failed to renew a policy of insurance under which he could have recovered his medical expenses and further failed adequately to notify him that the insurance had lapsed. Jockey’s Guild, Inc. has impleaded Mountaineer and MTR as third-party defendants and cross claimed against them to the extent the Guild is held liable to Mr. Birzer as well as for payments the Guild allegedly made toward Mr. Birzer’s expenses.

Sherwin Seiden, Individually and On Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated v. MTR Gaming Group, Inc., Edson R. Arneault, Robert A. Blatt, Donald J. Duffy, James V. Stanton, LC Greenwood and Richard Delatore, Civil Action No. 05-C-266M, Circuit Court of Hancock County, West Virginia, filed December 14, 2005. On December 14, 2005, Sherwin Seiden, an MTR Stockholder filed suit as an individual and as a class action against us and the members of our Board of Directors alleging that the defendants were unlawfully attempting to complete the sale of MTR to TBR Acquisition Group, LLC (“TBR”) at a grossly inadequate and unfair price in breach of the director defendants’ fiduciary duties to MTR’s shareholders. TBR is controlled by Edson R. Arneault (our CEO, President and Chairman of our Board of Directors) and Robert A. Blatt (our Executive Vice President and a member of our Board). The action seeks to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with or completing the proposal sale, and if the sale is completed, the action seeks its rescission and the award of recessionary damages to the class. We believe these claims are moot because the Special Committee of our Board has rejected the TBR proposal and no other purchase proposal has been made.

Patricia L. Williams, Individually and On Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated v. MTR Gaming Group, Inc., Edson R. Arneault, Robert A. Blatt, Donald J. Duffy, James V. Stanton, LC Greenwood and Richard Deltore, Civil Action No. 05-C-267 G, Circuit Court of Hancock County, West Virginia filed December 15, 2005. On December 15, 2005, Patricia L. Williams, an MTR Stockholder filed suit as an individual and as a class action against us and the members our Board of Directors, alleging substantially the same facts and seeking substantially the same relief as described with respect to the Seiden action described above. We believe these claims are moot because the Special Committee of our Board has rejected the TBR proposal and no other purchase proposal has been made.

Matthew John Smyth v. Edson R. Arneault, Robert A. Blatt, James V. Stanton, Donald J. Duffy, LC Greenwood, Richard Delatore, TBR Acquisition Group, LLC (Defendants), and MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (Nominal Defendant) Civil Action No. 06-C-28 W, Circuit Court of Hancock County, West Virginia, filed February 13, 2006. On February 13, 2006 Matthew John Smyth, an MTR Stockholder, filed suit as a derivative action on our behalf, and as a class action on behalf of our stockholders, alleging that the defendants were unlawfully attempting to complete a going-private transaction with TBR upon unfair terms in breach of the director defendants’ fiduciary duties to our stockholders and resulting in a waste of our corporate assets. The action seeks a judgment ordering the director defendants to fulfill their fiduciary duties to us and our shareholders, to provide accountings of certain damages and pay certain reimbursement to us of amounts paid or to be paid by us to TBR under an Expense Reimbursement Agreement between TBR and us.

29




The Company is also party to various lawsuits, which have arisen in the normal course of its business. The liability arising from unfavorable outcomes of those lawsuits is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or financial results.

ITEM 4.                SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Not applicable.

ITEM 5.                MARKET FOR COMPANY’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our Common Stock is quoted on NASDAQ National Market under the symbol “MNTG”. On March 23, 2006, Nasdaq Official Closing Price for our common stock was $10.10. As of March 23, 2006, there were of record 925 holders of our Common Stock.

We are prohibited from paying any dividends without our lenders’ consent. We historically have not paid cash dividends and do not intend to pay such dividends in the foreseeable future.

The following table sets forth the range of high and low bid price quotations for the Common Stock for the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005 and for the period of January 1, 2006 through March 23, 2006. These quotes are believed to be representative of inter-dealer quotations, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

Year Ending December 31, 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

11.07

 

9.35

 

Second Quarter

 

10.95

 

8.70

 

Third Quarter

 

11.00

 

9.24

 

Fourth Quarter

 

10.94

 

8.78

 

Year Ending December 31, 2005:

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

12.56

 

10.42

 

Second Quarter

 

13.07

 

10.03

 

Third Quarter .

 

12.09

 

7.63

 

Fourth Quarter

 

10.50

 

6.41

 

Year Ending December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter (January 1, 2006 through March 23, 2006)

 

10.41

 

9.75

 

 

The following table is a summary of the shares of the Company’s common stock that were repurchased and canceled (and returned to authorized but unissued status) during the quarter ended December 31, 2005.

Period

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
 (1)

 

Average Price
Paid per Share

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publically
Announced Plans
or Programs
 (2)

 

Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
 (2)

 

October 1, 2005
through
October 31, 2005

 

 

447,000

 

 

 

$

7.40

 

 

 

447,000

 

 

 

$

4,392,799

 

 

November 1, 2005
through
November 30, 2005

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

$

6.73

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

$

4,325,479

 

 

December 1, 2005
through
December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

 

 

457,000

 

 

 

$

7.39

 

 

 

457,000

 

 

 

$

4,325,479

 

 


(1)             Shares were repurchased through market transactions pursuant to SEC Rule 10b-18.

(2)             The Company’s repurchase program was initially announced on February 26, 2003. The Board of Directors approved the repurchase of the Company’s shares of common stock up to a maximum of $8 million, which amount was increased to $18 million in September 2005.

30




ITEM 6.                SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial data set forth below as of and for each of the five years ended December 31, 2005, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements of the Company, certain of which are included elsewhere in this Report, and should be read in conjunction with those consolidated financial statements (including the notes thereto) and with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” also included elsewhere herein.

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005(7)(8)

 

2004(7)

 

2003(6)

 

2002(5)

 

2001

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

 

$

358,295

 

 

$

315,222

 

$

293,606

 

$

266,296

 

$

218,367

 

Net revenues(1)

 

 

349,915

 

 

309,939

 

287,879

 

260,167

 

213,738

 

Operating income(2)

 

 

25,667

 

 

36,216

 

35,562

 

31,834

 

27,721

 

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change(3)

 

 

7,734

 

 

14,455

 

15,140

 

17,918

 

15,715

 

Income before minority interest(4)

 

 

7,734

 

 

14,455

 

15,140

 

17,918

 

15,623

 

Net income

 

 

7,769

 

 

14,455

 

15,140

 

17,918

 

15,623

 

Net income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

0.27

 

 

0.51

 

0.54

 

0.66

 

0.64

 

Assuming dilution

 

 

0.27

 

 

0.50

 

0.53

 

0.62

 

0.57

 

BALANCE SHEET DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital

 

 

6,502

 

 

17,911

 

24,037

 

10,648

 

4,334

 

Current assets

 

 

42,406

 

 

35,539

 

46,500

 

29,810

 

19,275

 

Current liabilities

 

 

35,904

 

 

17,628

 

22,463

 

19,162

 

14,941

 

Total assets

 

 

334,677

 

 

296,176

 

278,285

 

219,704

 

162,044

 

Long-term obligations (net of current portion)

 

 

158,056

 

 

138,314

 

135,094

 

103,374

 

78,284

 

Total liabilities

 

 

210,757

 

 

172,922

 

172,644

 

129,215

 

94,976

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

120,976

 

 

123,254

 

105,641

 

90,489

 

67,068

 


(1)             Net revenues represent total revenues less promotional allowances.

(2)             Operating income for 2001 includes a pretax asset impairment charge of $5.5 million.

(3)             Effective January 1, 2001, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 133, as amended, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. The cumulative effect of adopting this new accounting principle amounted to a charge of $92,000 net of tax.

(4)             Represents the third-party, 10% non-controlling interest in Jackson Trotting Association, LLC and the third-party, 50% non-controlling interest in North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(5)             Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (SFAS No. 142). In accordance with SFAS No. 142 goodwill amortization was not recorded in 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002. Amortization expense was approximately $250,000 for 2001.

(6)             On July 31, 2003, we acquired Scioto Downs, Inc. Scioto Downs’ operating results have been included in our consolidated results from the date of acquisition. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(7)             On March 11, 2004, we acquired Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel and received guaranteed payments under a joint operating agreement with Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. until taking over operation of the property on March 10, 2005. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(8)             In October 2005 we began consolidating the financial statements of North Metro Harness in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46) and subsequent revision FIN 46R.

31




ITEM 7.                MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis, including the critical accounting policies contained herein, should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Report. Unless stated otherwise, references to total revenues, revenues and gross profit are before deducting promotional allowances.

OVERVIEW

Through our wholly-owned subsidiaries, we own and operate Mountaineer Park; Scioto Downs; the Ramada Inn and Speedway Casino; and Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel. We also own a controlling interest in Jackson Harness Raceway, in which our wholly-owned subsidiary, Jackson Racing, Inc. acquired a 90% interest in Jackson Trotting Association, LLC in December 2005.

We purchased the assets of Binion’s, which was formerly known as Binion’s Horseshoe Hotel and Casino, on March 11, 2004 and entered into a Joint Operating License Agreement with an affiliate of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (“Harrah’s”) pursuant to which Harrah’s served as the primary day-to-day operator of the property. On March 10, 2005, we took over the operations of Binion’s and renamed the property. From the acquisition of Binion’s on March 11, 2004 through March 10, 2005, our principal operating revenues from the property had been in the form of guaranteed payments of approximately $0.2 million per month, net of all operating expenses.

In June 2004, our wholly-owned subsidiary, MTR-Harness, Inc., acquired a 50% interest in North Metro Harness. Upon favorable resolution of legal challenges related to the grant of the license, as well as obtaining project financing, North Metro intends to construct and operate a harness racetrack and card room in Columbus Township, Anoka County, Minnesota.

Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Presque Isle Downs, Inc. (“Presque Isle Downs”), we have obtained a license to build a thoroughbred racetrack and operate parimutuel wagering in Erie, Pennsylvania. During October 2005, we commenced land development work and the construction of a new road. The construction project is subject to various development risks. Additionally, as a result of gaming legislation passed in Pennsylvania in July 2004, and subject to licensing by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, we anticipate initially operating 1,600 slot machines at Presque Isle Downs. We intend to commence live racing at Presque Isle Downs by December 2007 and have submitted a request to the Pennsylvania Racing Commission for 12 racing dates in 2007. We believe that Presque Isle Downs will represent a potential source of significant revenues for us upon slot licensing.

32




The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income (loss), a GAAP financial measure, to EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, for the year ended December 31.

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

MTR Gaming Group (Consolidated):

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

7,769

 

$

14,455

 

Interest expense, net of interest income and minority interest

 

11,906

 

13,386

 

Provision for income taxes, net of minority interest

 

5,831

 

8,267

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

24,325

 

21,192

 

Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint venture

 

204

 

108

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of property

 

(92

)

386

 

EBITDA

 

$

49,943

 

$

57,794

 

Mountaineer Park:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

22,037

 

$

26,128

 

Interest expense, net of interest income

 

7,955

 

8,199

 

Provision for income taxes

 

12,178

 

14,229

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

19,599

 

17,206

 

Loss on disposal of property

 

26

 

39

 

EBITDA

 

$

61,795

 

$

65,801

 

Binion’s Gambling Hall:

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(702

)

$

934

 

Interest income

 

 

(1

)

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

 

(364

)

503

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,616

 

675

 

Gain on disposal of property

 

(21

)

 

EBITDA

 

$

529

 

$

2,111

 

Las Vegas Speedway:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

49

 

$

(496

)

Interest expense

 

363

 

363

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

28

 

(267

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,056

 

1,262

 

Loss on disposal of property

 

 

15

 

EBITDA

 

$

1,496

 

$

877

 

Scioto Downs:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(1,547

)

$

(1,580

)

Interest expense, net of interest income

 

156

 

174

 

Benefit for income taxes

 

(803

)

(841

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

859

 

862

 

EBITDA

 

$

(1,335

)

$

(1,385

)

Jackson Racing:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(85

)

$

(550

)

Interest expense, net of interest income and minority interest

 

2

 

 

Benefit for income taxes, net of minority interest

 

(44

)

 

EBITDA

 

$

(127

)

$

(550

)

33




 

North Metro:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(34

)

$

 

Benefit for income taxes, net of minority interest

 

(7

)

 

EBITDA

 

$

(41

)

$

 

Corporate:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(11,949

)

$

(9,981

)

Interest expense, net of interest income

 

3,430

 

4,651

 

Benefit for income taxes

 

(5,157

)

(5,357

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,195

 

1,187

 

Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint venture

 

204

 

108

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of property

 

(97

)

332

 

EBITDA

 

$

(12,374

)

$

(9,060

)

 

EBITDA represents earnings (losses) before interest, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation and amortization, equity in loss of unconsolidated joint venture and (gain) loss on disposal of property. EBITDA is not a measure of performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), is unaudited and should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or income from operations as an indicator of our operating performance, or cash flows from operating activities, as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA has been presented as a supplemental disclosure because it is a widely used measure of performance and basis for valuation of companies in our industry. Uses of cash flows that are not reflected in EBITDA include capital expenditures (which are significant given our expansion), interest payments, income taxes, and debt principal repayments. Moreover, other companies that provide EBITDA information may calculate EBITDA differently than we do.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004

The following tables set forth information concerning our results of operations by property for the year ended December 31.

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Net revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Mountaineer Park

 

$

284,187

 

$

291,515

 

Binion’s Gambling Hall (1)

 

48,904

 

2,140

 

Las Vegas Speedway

 

10,830

 

9,860

 

Scioto Downs

 

5,812

 

6,412

 

Jackson Racing

 

170

 

 

North Metro

 

 

 

Corporate

 

12

 

12

 

Consolidated net revenues

 

$

349,915

 

$

309,939

 

 

34




 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Operating income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

Mountaineer Park

 

$

42,170

 

$

48,556

 

Binion’s Gambling Hall (1)

 

(1,065

)

1,436

 

Las Vegas Speedway

 

439

 

(400

)

Scioto Downs

 

(2,194

)

(2,247

)

Jackson Racing

 

(130

)

(550

)

North Metro

 

(81

)

 

Corporate

 

(13,472

)

(10,579

)

Consolidated operating income

 

$

25,667

 

$

36,216

 


(1)          We acquired Binion’s on March 11, 2004 and received guaranteed payments under a joint operating agreement with Harrah’s until taking over operation of the property on March 10, 2005. Accordingly, operating results are not comparable.

Mountaineer Park’s Operating Results:

During the year ended December 31, 2005, net revenues decreased by $7.3 million, or 2.5%, primarily due to a $6.8 million decline in gaming revenues. Parimutuel commissions decreased by $0.4 million, food, beverage and lodging revenues remained consistent and revenue from other sources decreased by $0.5 million. Promotional allowances decreased by $0.4 million. Mountaineer Park’s operating margin decreased to 14.8% in 2005 from 16.7% in 2004, a decrease of 11.4%.

Operating margins at Mountaineer Park were impacted due to:

·       an increase in costs associated with our self-insured employee health care plan of approximately $1.4 million during 2005;

·       reduced salaries and benefit costs of $1.1 million during 2005 related to corporate functions that were transferred from Mountaineer Park to corporate, offset by the net effect of changes in other expense components, such as advertising and repairs and maintenance costs;

·       an increase in depreciation expenses of $2.4 million related to increases in capital purchases and the acceleration of depreciation expense during 2005 resulting from the reduction of the useful lives of certain coin-drop machines; and

·       a decrease in the gross profit from gaming operations (as discussed below).

We entered into an insured health care plan effective January 1, 2006.

A discussion of Mountaineer Park’s key operations is as follows.

Gaming Operations.   Revenues from gaming operations decreased by $6.8 million, or 2.6%, to $251.9 million during 2005 compared to 2004. Gross profit from gaming operations decreased by $4.5 million, or 4.3%, during 2005 compared to 2004. Management attributes the decline in revenue from gaming operations during 2005 to the following factors: (1) competition from limited video lottery terminals in local bars and clubs; (2) increased fuel costs and general economic conditions; and (3) one fewer day in 2005 compared to 2004. For example, the West Virginia Lottery Commission reported that for its fiscal year ended June 30, 2005, video lottery terminals in bars and clubs (“LVLs”) in Hancock and Brooke counties (Mountaineer Park’s market area) experienced net revenue growth of 52% to $36.7 million with actual video lottery terminals at these bars and clubs increasing by 24% to 930 machines. Management expects the competition from limited video lottery terminals to continue to impact revenues into the second quarter of 2006, but management expects the rate of growth of the LVLs to decline. Management

35




has recently implemented targeted marketing campaigns using direct mailers designed to increase trip frequency and gaming value for patrons. In addition, new game themes and enhanced slot products have been introduced to enhance market position. Additionally, management believes that the implementation of multi-state, wide area progressive jackpots at Mountaineer, which the Lottery Commission intends to implement in May of 2006, will improve gaming revenue. The multi-state progressive program is expected to provide jackpots in excess of $1 million and will therefore further differentiate Mountaineer’s slot offering from the LVLs, which, as a practical matter, will not be able to participate.

During the year ended December 31, 2005, Mountaineer Park’s average daily net win per machine decreased by 2.7% to $214 compared to $220 during 2004. A summary of video lottery gross wagers, less winning patron payouts at Mountaineer Park for the years ended December 31 were as follows.

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Total gross wagers

 

$

2,819,070

 

$

2,910,102

 

Less winning patron payouts

 

(2,567,135

)

(2,651,375

)

Gaming revenues

 

$

251,935

 

$

258,727

 

 

Management believes that if West Virginia were to enact proposed legislation for table games at the state’s racetracks, which did not pass during the 2005 regular or special sessions, Mountaineer may increase its market penetration, which could contribute to Mountaineer Park’s growth in gaming revenues and further development as a destination resort. However, in any event, the commencement of gaming operations at racetracks and free-standing slot parlors in Pennsylvania may have a negative impact on Mountaineer Park’s growth, depending on the location of the gaming facilities. On November 2, 2005, the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission denied licenses to two applicants who had proposed racetracks with slot machines in locations approximately 30 miles from Mountaineer Park. The net effect of the implementation of table games at Mountaineer Park, if legislation were enacted, and new competition upon commencement of slot operations in Pennsylvania is not known.

Effective in July 2005, West Virginia legislation increased the portion of the racetracks’ net win that is contributed into the Employee Pension Fund from ½% to 1%. This ½% increase is applied to the racetracks’ net win until the racetrack reaches its Excess Net Terminal Income threshold. For Mountaineer Park, the threshold is fixed at approximately $160.0 million. During 2005, this change increased Mountaineer Park’s cost of gaming by approximately $0.6 million.

Additionally, during 2004, statutory taxes and assessments included in cost of gaming were reduced by $0.8 million to reflect an adjustment by the West Virginia Lottery Commission to prior period prizes paid, the majority of which we recorded in prior periods without the benefit of the reduction in statutory taxes and assessments.

Parimutuel Commissions.   Parimutuel commissions is a predetermined percentage of the total amount wagered (wagering handle), with a higher commission earned on a more exotic wager, such as a trifecta, than on a single horse wager, such as a win, place or show. In parimutuel wagering, patrons bet against each other rather than against the operator of the facility or with pre-set odds. The total wagering handle is composed of the amounts wagered by each individual according to the wagering activity. The total amounts wagered form a pool of funds, from which winnings are paid based on odds determined solely by the wagering activity. The racetrack acts as a stakeholder for the wagering patrons and deducts a “take-out” or gross commission from the amounts wagered, from which the racetrack pays state and county taxes and racing purses. Our parimutuel commission rates are fixed as a percentage of the total wagering handle or total amounts wagered.

36




Parimutuel commissions for Mountaineer Park, detailing gross handles less patron payouts and deductions, for years ended December 31 were as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Import simulcast racing parimutuel handle

 

$

20,416

 

$

20,537

 

Live racing parimutuel handle

 

11,535

 

13,455

 

Less patrons’ winning tickets

 

(25,173

)

(26,784

)

 

 

6,778

 

7,208

 

Revenues—export simulcast

 

10,361

 

10,838

 

 

 

17,139

 

18,046

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

State and county parimutuel tax

 

(457

)

(466

)

Purses and Horsemen’s Association

 

(7,555

)

(7,984

)

Revenues—parimutuel commissions

 

$

9,127

 

$

9,596

 

 

The decrease in live and import simulcast racing handle is attributable to decreased attendance resulting from the ability of patrons to place parimutuel wagers via telephone and the Internet (where permitted by law), and to three fewer live racing days in 2005 compared to 2004. The decrease in export simulcast revenue was also primarily due to the decrease in live racing days during 2005.

Effective in July 2005, West Virginia legislation established a requirement that the racetracks reallocate 7% of the previous 15.5% of the net win from gaming operations that is contributed into the Horsemen’s Purse Fund into a Workers Compensation Debt Reduction Fund until the aggregate allocations of all racetracks reach $11.0 million annually. In the event a racetrack reaches its excess net terminal income before the $11.0 million is reached annually, the reallocation becomes 4% of the then applicable 9.5% contributed into the Horsemen’s Purse Fund. In addition, this legislation requires that racetracks reallocate 1.5% of the net win contributed into the Horsemen’s Purse Fund into Thoroughbred and Greyhound Breeding Development Funds until the racetrack reaches its Excess Net Terminal Income threshold. As a result of these reallocations, Mountaineer Park reduced regular purses by approximately 20% effective July 22, 2005. Unlike the 1¤2% increase in the amount of net win from slot operations that must be contributed into the Employee Pension Fund, this change in the law does not represent an increase in the effective tax rate, but rather a reallocation of the amounts that were already required to be paid. In November 2005 and February 2006 purse amounts were increased by 10%. Nevertheless, a reduction in purses for live racing could have an impact on Mountaineer Park’s ability to attract high quality racehorses and the wagering public’s interest in live racing. Live racing and import simulcast are expected to continue to be impacted by the conversion of some live racing patrons to export simulcast patrons (whether through traditional off track wagering facilities or growth in the utilization of telephone and/or Internet wagering).

Food, beverage and lodging operations.   Revenues from food, beverage and lodging operations remained consistent at $20.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2005, as compared to 2004. The average daily room rate for the Grande Hotel increased to $83.34 during 2005 from $77.64 during 2004, but the average occupancy rate decreased to 67.5% from 70.2% during 2005 and 2004, respectively. Gross profit from food, beverage and lodging operations decreased slightly during 2005 compared to 2004.

Other operations:   Other operating revenues for 2005 were primarily derived from special events at The Harv and Convention Center; from the operations of the Spa, Fitness Center, retail outlets and golf course; from the sale of programs, admission fees, and lottery tickets; and from check cashing and ATM services. Mountaineer Park had other revenues of $7.1 million for 2005 and $7.5 million for 2004. The decrease was primarily due to decreased revenues from entertainment and the Convention Center.

37




Binion’s Operating Results:

Prior to March 10, 2005, revenues earned from Binion’s consisted of guaranteed payments received under a joint operating agreement with Harrah’s, which began with our acquisition of the property on March 11, 2004. On March 10, 2005, these guaranteed payments ended effective with our takeover of the property’s operations.

During the year ended December 31, 2005, revenues earned from Binion’s consisted of $35.9 million from gaming operations, $14.7 million from food, beverage and lodging operations and $1.8 million from other sources, offset by promotional allowances of $3.5 million. Binion’s received guaranteed payments under the joint operating agreement with Harrah’s in the amount of $0.4 million. During 2005, Binion’s incurred an operating loss of $1.1 million, which included general and administrative expenses of $14.5 million, of which $6.4 million was incurred for land lease payments, and incremental depreciation and amortization of $0.9 million. The operating loss for the year corresponds primarily to a shortfall in revenues, in part due to a general decline in Downtown Las Vegas traffic during the third quarter. We are planning new marketing initiatives and the addition of entertainment and other amenities to increase walk-in traffic from Fremont Street.

Las Vegas Speedway’s Operating Results:

Las Vegas Speedway’s revenue increased by 9.8% during the year ended December 31, 2005, resulting primarily from gaming operations and lodging. The operating margin was 4.1% during 2005 compared to an operating loss during 2004. The increase in operating margin was due in part to revenue growth and by increased operational efficiencies.

Scioto Downs’ Operating Results:

The operating results for Scioto Downs include simulcasting, which is operated year-round, and live harness racing, which is conducted from early May through mid-September, as well as food and beverage operations. The property’s revenues continue to be impacted by declining racing handles. However, Scioto Downs’ operating losses decreased slightly during 2005 as compared to 2004 due to efforts to monitor and reduce costs. During 2006, Scioto Downs’ live racing dates will decrease from 93 to 80 days.

Scioto Downs has been incorporated into certain Mountaineer Park simulcasting arrangements. Additionally, we continue to investigate other ways to increase revenues for the property, including telephone and Internet wagering, however nothing definitive has been established at this time.

Jackson Racing Operating Results:

On December 6, 2005, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Jackson Racing, Inc., acquired a 90% interest in Jackson Trotting Association, LLC, which operates Jackson Harness Raceway, which conducts live harness racing and simulcasting with parimutuel wagering in Jackson, Michigan. The operations of Jackson Racing, Inc. and Jackson Trotting Association, LLC are consolidated as part of our operating results, net of the 10% minority interest.

During the period from the acquisition date through December 31, 2005, we earned $170,000 of revenues and experienced an operating loss of $130,000.

North Metro Operating Results:

On October 22, 2005, we began consolidating the operating results of North Metro Harness, of which our wholly-owned subsidiary, MTR-Harness, owns 50% in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” FIN 46 and subsequent revision FIN 46R. The operations of

38




MTR-Harness and North Metro Harness are consolidated as part of our operating results, net of the 50% minority interest.

During the period from October 22, 2005 through December 31, 2005, we experienced an operating loss of $81,000 including minority interest. Prior to October 22, 2005, the operating results of North Metro Harness were accounted for on the equity method. During the period from January, 1, 2005 through October 21, 2005, we recorded $204,000 of equity in loss of an unconsolidated joint venture.

Corporate Operating Results:

During the year ended December 31, 2005, corporate general and administrative expenses increased by $3.3 million, or 36.5%, to $12.4 million compared to 2004. The increase in expenses was primarily due to:

·       an increase in legal and accounting services costs of $0.9 million, partially related to legal fees of unrealized development projects and increases in external accounting services costs;

·       additional costs incurred through efforts to participate in a Pittsburgh stand-alone slots parlor in the amount of $0.4 million;

·       additional costs incurred, primarily for legal and financial advisory fees in connection with the Company’s consideration of a management buyout proposal, in the amount of $0.3 million; and

·       additional salaries and benefit costs of $1.9 million for corporate functions that were transferred from Mountaineer Park.

In addition, during 2005 we recognized a gain on the disposal of property in the amount of $0.1 million compared to a loss of $0.4 million in 2004. During the fourth quarter of 2005, we recognized a gain on the sale of a condominium in the amount of $0.4 million. In addition, our sale of the International Paper property in Pennsylvania resulted in a gain of $132,000. These gains offset the $0.6 million loss that was incurred during the second quarter on the write-off of costs associated with land option, legal and other costs related to an abandoned racetrack project.

Interest:

During the year ended December 31, 2005, interest expense decreased by $1.4 million to $12.2 million compared to 2004. This decrease in interest expense is primarily attributable to the capitalization of interest related to the construction of Presque Isle Downs, as well as the reduction of capital lease obligations and the repayment of a note payable. Interest capitalized during 2005 amounted to $1.3 million.

Provision for Income Taxes:

The provision for income taxes in 2005 was computed based on an effective tax rate of 42.9% as compared to 36.5% in 2004. During 2005, we recorded an additional $0.5 million relating in part to an adjustment of deferred tax liabilities.

39




YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003

The following tables set forth information concerning our results of operations by property for the year ended December 31.

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Net revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Mountaineer Park

 

$

291,515

 

$

275,868

 

Binion’s Gambling Hall(1)

 

2,140

 

 

Las Vegas Speedway

 

9,860

 

8,802

 

Reno Property

 

 

47

 

Scioto Downs

 

6,412

 

2,568

 

Jackson Racing

 

 

 

North Metro

 

 

 

Corporate

 

12

 

594

 

Consolidated net revenues

 

$

309,939

 

$

287,879

 

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Operating income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

Mountaineer Park

 

$

48,556

 

$

45,203

 

Binion’s Gambling Hall(1)

 

1,436

 

 

Las Vegas Speedway

 

(400

)

(1,209

)

Reno Property(2)

 

 

(339

)

Scioto Downs

 

(2,247

)

(637

)

Jackson Racing

 

(550

)

 

North Metro

 

 

 

Corporate

 

(10,579

)

(7,456

)

Consolidated operating income

 

$

36,216

 

$

35,562

 


(1)          We acquired Binion’s on March 11, 2004 and received guaranteed payments under a joint operating agreement with Harrah’s.

(2)          We sold its hotel/casino property in Reno, Nevada on March 11, 2003.

Mountaineer Park’s Operating Results:

During the year ended December 31, 2004, net revenues increased by $15.6 million, or 5.7%, primarily due to a $14.4 million increase in gaming revenues. Parimutuel commissions decreased by $0.3 million, food, beverage and lodging revenues increased by $0.6 million and revenue from other sources increased by $0.5 million. Promotional allowances decreased by $0.4 million. Mountaineer Park’s operating margin increased to 16.7% in 2004 from 16.4% in 2003, an increase of 1.8%.

Operating margins at Mountaineer Park were impacted due to:

·       an increase in the gross profit from gaming operations of $7.5 million during 2004 (as discussed below), offset by;

·       an increase in depreciation expenses related to increases in capital purchases of $1.3 million during 2004; and

·       increases in other operating costs, including professional services and salaries and wages.

40




A discussion of Mountaineer Park’s key operations is as follows.

Gaming Operations.   Revenues from gaming operations increased by $14.4 million, or 5.9%, to $258.7 million during 2004 compared to 2003. Gross profit from gaming operations increased by $7.5 million, or 7.9%, during 2004 compared to 2003.  Management attributes the increase in revenue from gaming operations during 2004 to the following factors: (1) the increase in machine count from an average of 3,140 during 2003 to an average of 3,219 during 2004; (2) new game themes and changes to product mix to meet changing patron interest and demand; and (3) marketing and promotional campaigns.

During the year ended December 31, 2004, Mountaineer Park’s average daily net win per machine increased by 2.8% to $220 compared to $214 during 2003. A summary of video lottery gross wagers, less winning patron payouts at Mountaineer Park for the years ended December 31 were as follows.

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Total gross wagers

 

$

2,910,102

 

$

2,804,920

 

Less winning patron payouts

 

(2,651,375

)

(2,560,670

)

Gaming revenues

 

$

258,727

 

$

244,250

 

 

Additionally, during 2004, statutory taxes and assessments included in cost of gaming were reduced by $0.8 million to reflect an adjustment by the West Virginia Lottery Commission to prior period prizes paid, the majority of which was recorded in prior periods without the benefit of the reduction in statutory taxes and assessments.

Parimutuel Commissions.   Parimutuel commissions for Mountaineer Park, detailing gross handles less patron payouts and deductions, for years ended December 31 were as follows:

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Import simulcast racing parimutuel handle

 

$

20,537

 

$

22,526

 

Live racing parimutuel handle

 

13,455

 

15,322

 

Less patrons’ winning tickets

 

(26,784

)

(29,838

)

 

 

7,208

 

8,010

 

Revenues—export simulcast

 

10,838

 

10,568

 

 

 

18,046

 

18,578

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

State and county parimutuel tax

 

(466

)

(480

)

Purses and Horsemen’s Association

 

(7,984

)

(8,238

)

Revenues—parimutuel commissions

 

$

9,596

 

$

9,860

 

 

The decrease in live and import simulcast racing handle is attributable to decreased attendance resulting from the ability of patrons to place parimutuel wagers via telephone and the Internet (where permitted by law), and to three less live racing days in 2004 compared to 2003. The increase in export simulcast revenue is attributable to increased interest in Mountaineer Park’s racing product and an increase in the number of export sites. As of December 31, 2004, the number of export simulcast sites increased to 877 compared to 766 as of December 31, 2003.

Food, beverage and lodging operations.   Revenues from food, beverage and lodging operations increased by $0.6 million, or 3.1%, to $20.3 million during 2004 compared to 2003. The average daily room rate for the Grande Hotel decreased to $78.58 during 2004 from $79.60 during 2003, but the average occupancy rate increased to 69.8% from 66.1% during 2004 and 2003, respectively.  Increased patron traffic and expansion of the Gatsby restaurant that was completed in May 2003 also contributed to the increase in revenues. Gross profit from food, beverage and lodging operations increased by $0.6 million

41




during 2004 compared to 2003 as a result of the increased revenues and management’s effort to monitor and reduce costs.

Other operations:   Mountaineer Park had other revenues of $7.5 million for 2004 and $7.1 million for 2003. The increase was primarily due to increased revenues from the Convention Center and from commissions earned on check cashing and credit card advances, as well as ATM usage.

Binion’s Operating Results:

Binion’s, which was acquired on March 11, 2004, contributed total revenues and operating income of $2.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively, during 2004. Included in operating income during 2004 was depreciation expense of $0.7 million. The revenues consisted of guaranteed payments received under the joint operating agreement with Harrah’s. These guaranteed payments ended on March 10, 2005, effective with the takeover of the operations of the property by us.

Las Vegas Speedway’s Operating Results:

Las Vegas Speedway’s revenue increased by 12.0% during the year ended December 31, 2004, resulting primarily from gaming operations and lodging, and the operating loss was $0.4 million during 2004 compared to an operating loss of $1.2 million during 2003. The decrease in operating losses was due in part to revenue growth and by continued efforts to monitor and reduce costs.

Scioto Downs’ Operating Results:

Scioto Downs, which was acquired on July 31, 2003, contributed total revenues of $6.4 million during 2004. These revenues consisted of $3.9 million from parimutuel commissions, $1.4 million from food and beverage, and $1.1 million from other sources. During 2004, Scioto Downs incurred an operating loss of $2.2 million, which included general and administrative expenses of $3.4 million. The property’s revenues were impacted by declining racing handles.

Corporate Operating Results:

During the year ended December 31, 2004, corporate general and administrative expenses increased by $2.1 million, or 30.0%, to $9.1 million compared to 2003. The increase in expenses was primarily due to:

·       an increase in legal and professional services costs of $0.3 million, partially related to compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;

·       an increase in deferred compensation costs of $0.6 million; and

·       an increase in development costs of $1.4 million, primarily related to Presque Isle Downs.

In addition, during 2004 we incurred a loss on the disposal of property in the amount of $0.3 million.

Interest:

During the year ended December 31, 2004, interest expense increased by $1.7 million to $13.6 million compared to 2003. This increase in interest expense is primarily attributable to a higher effective interest rate and increased borrowing levels, consisting principally of the issuance of $130 million of 9.75% senior unsecured notes in March 2003.

CASH FLOWS

During 2005 we met our capital requirements through net cash from operating activities and cash proceeds from the Third and Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreements. Our operating activities produced $39.5 million in cash flow during the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to $46.6 million

42




during 2004. Current year non-cash expenses included $24.3 million of depreciation and amortization and $2.3 million of deferred compensation.

Net cash used in investing activities was $45.8 million during 2005, which included $8.6 million for the investment in North Metro Harness and $1.9 million for the acquisition of Jackson Trotting, compared to $45.9 million during 2004, which included $22.5 million for the acquisition of Binion’s. In 2005, we invested $39.9 million for capital expenditures compared to $16.5 million in 2004. Proceeds from the disposal of property was $4.6 million in 2005 compared to $0.1 in 2004. Deposits and other assets decreased by $0.2 million during 2005 versus an increase of $3.8 million during 2004.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $6.4 million during 2005, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $5.0 million during 2004. In 2005, we repurchased and canceled (and returned to authorized but unissued status) 1,281,200 shares of our common stock in market transactions pursuant to SEC Rule 10b-18 for $11.0 million and received $0.7 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options. Additionally, we borrowed $20.0 million pursuant to our Credit Agreement, offset by principal payments on long-term and capital lease obligations in the amount of $2.2 million during 2005. In 2004, we made net principal payments on long-term obligations in the amount of $6.1 million and received $1.3 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

LIQUIDITY AND SOURCES OF CAPITAL

Our working capital balance as of December 31, 2005 was $6.5 million and our unrestricted cash balance was $22.6 million. Racing purses are paid from funds contributed by us to bank accounts owned by the horse owners who race at Mountaineer Park. At December 31, 2005, the balances in the bank accounts exceeded purse obligations by $5.8 million. In the event the purse obligations exceed the balances in the bank accounts, we may fund all or a portion of such amounts. However, such funding advances will be repaid to us from future accumulations in this account.

On March 25, 2003, we consummated the private sale of $130 million of 9.75% senior unsecured notes pursuant to Rule 144A that mature on April 1, 2010.

On March 28, 2003, we entered into the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement in the amount of $50.0 million with Wells Fargo Bank. On December 27, 2005, we entered into the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which provides for an $85 million senior secured revolving credit facility. Under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, up to $55 million is available for use in connection with letters of credit, and up to $10 million in short term funds is available for use under a “swing line” facility on same day notice to lenders. Loans under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement mature in 2008, five years after the date of execution of the Credit Agreement. The Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains certain financial covenants that require us to satisfy, on a consolidated basis, specified quarterly financial tests. The Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement permits us to finance separately up to $35 million for equipment, including gaming equipment, during the term of the credit facility.

We have various arrangements with banks and their affiliated leasing companies for such equipment financing. As of December 31, 2005, the aggregate outstanding principal balance related to equipment financing was $2.0 million. We must also pay a quarterly non-usage commitment fee for the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement that is based upon the leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2005, $20.0 million and letters of credit aggregating $50.6 million were outstanding under the credit facility. The Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also contains covenants that restrict our ability to make investments, incur additional indebtedness, incur guarantee obligations, pay dividends, create liens on assets, make acquisitions, engage in mergers or consolidations, make capital expenditures or engage in certain transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates. A failure to comply with the restrictions contained in

43




our senior secured credit facility and the indentures governing our senior unsecured notes could lead to an event of default thereunder which could result in an acceleration of such indebtedness.

The following table provides a summary of our debt obligations, capital lease obligations, operating lease payments, deferred compensation arrangements and certain other material purchase obligations as of December 31, 2005. This table excludes other obligations that we may have, such as pension obligations (discussed in Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). In addition, the table excludes capital expenditures that, pursuant to the terms of the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, are required to be between 1% and 6% of our gross operating revenues from the prior year for maintenance of our facilities since such expenditures beyond 2006 are not reasonably estimable.

 

 

Total

 

Less than
1 year

 

1-3
years

 

3-5
years

 

More than
5 years

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Contractual cash obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt(1)

 

$

154.2

 

 

$

0.5

 

 

$

22.3

 

$

130.5

 

 

$

0.9

 

 

Capital lease obligations(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating leases(3)

 

1.4

 

 

0.6

 

 

0.5

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

Land leases(4)

 

472.1

 

 

6.4

 

 

13.6

 

13.5

 

 

438.6

 

 

Capital expenditures/construction(5)

 

36.0

 

 

18.7

 

 

15.2

 

0.3

 

 

1.8

 

 

Business combinations

 

5.0

 

 

5.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase and other contractual obligations

 

1.1

 

 

0.6

 

 

0.4

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

Deferred compensation(6)

 

8.1

 

 

 

 

8.1

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum purse obligations(7)

 

26.2

 

 

26.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employment agreements(8)

 

2.6

 

 

1.5

 

 

0.7

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

706.7

 

 

$

59.5

 

 

$

60.8

 

$

145.1

 

 

$

441.3

 

 


(1)           These amounts, exclusive of the interest component, are included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our debt and related matters.

(2)           The present value of these obligations, excluding interest, is included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our capital lease obligations.

(3)           Our operating lease obligations are described in Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(4)           In connection with the acquisition of the Binion’s in March 2004 we assumed or entered into ground leases for certain portions of the acreage upon which the property is situated. The leases have terms ranging from 25 to 68 years and aggregate current annual rentals of approximately $6.4 million. The rentals are subject to certain periodic increases. Amounts also include rentals for the Jackson Trotting facilities and certain other land rentals.

(5)           This amount relates principally to the construction of Presque Isle Downs.

(6)           This amount is included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about deferred compensation arrangements.

(7)           Pursuant to an agreement with the Mountaineer Park Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc. and/or in accordance with the West Virginia racing statute, Mountaineer Park is required to conduct racing for a minimum of 210 days and pay daily minimum purses of $125,000 for the term of the agreement which expires on December 31, 2006. Mountaineer Park has agreed to use its best efforts to conduct racing for 232 days each year. See Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(8)           Includes base salaries and guaranteed payments but not incentive amounts that cannot be calculated.

During the year ended December 31, 2005 and exclusive of the investment in North Metro Harness and the acquisition of Jackson Trotting, we spent approximately $39.9 million for capital additions, Presque Isle Downs construction and land acquisitions. These expenditures included approximately $2.3 million for improvements at Mountaineer Park, and approximately $7.5 million for additional gaming and other equipment and furniture, approximately $1.4 million for signage, and $3.1 million for gaming

44




computer and other equipment at Binion’s and $22.1 million relating to the purchase of land and architectural, engineering, construction and other professional services for Presque Isle Downs.

During 2006 we expect to spend approximately $20-$25 million on capital additions exclusive of Presque Isle Downs related construction expenditures but including up to approximately $7 million for renovations (exclusive of new gaming equipment) at Binion’s.

Pursuant to the terms of the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, we are required to spend between 2% and 6% of our gross operating revenues from the prior year for maintenance of our facilities. During 2005, we spent 4.4% of 2004 gross operating revenues, or $13.9 million, for maintenance of our facilities.

In June 2004, our wholly-owned subsidiary, MTR-Harness, acquired (for an initial investment of $10,000) a 50% interest in North Metro Harness, then a subsidiary of Southwest Casino and Hotel Corporation. The purchase agreement called for us to invest an additional $7.5 million in the project, but we may elect to increase our investment or provide credit enhancements. During 2005, we invested an additional $8.6 million (exclusive of legal and other fees) in North Metro, which includes $7.4 million invested in October 2005 in connection with North Metro’s acquisition of the real property for the project.

On December 6, 2005, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Jackson Racing, Inc., acquired a 90% interest in Jackson Trotting Association, LLC a Michigan limited liability company that operates Jackson Harness Raceway for $2 million (exclusive of legal and other fees). In accordance with the purchase agreement, we also entered into a five-year employment agreement with the current president of Jackson Harness Raceway.

On March 11, 2004, we completed the acquisition of Binion’s Horseshoe Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas and entered into a Joint Operating License Agreement with an affiliate of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (Harrah’s). We obtained title to the property and equipment (which is held by our wholly-owned subsidiary Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc.) for a payment of $20.0 million, free and clear of all debts, subject to increase by $5.0 million if, at the termination of the Joint Operating Agreement, Harrah’s achieved certain operational milestones. Separately, we purchased for $1.8 million a parcel of land previously subject to a ground lease with annual rent payments of $232,500. The purchase price was funded with cash on hand and borrowings of $1.8 million under our revolving credit facility. Pursuant to the Joint Operating License Agreement, Harrah’s served as the primary day-to-day operator of the property on an interim basis, subject to certain oversight and review by a joint committee of the two companies. The joint operating agreement had an initial term of one year that Harrah’s could extend for up to an additional two years. During the term of the joint operating agreement we received certain guaranteed payments, net of all of the property’s operating expenses. On October 26, 2004, Harrah’s notified us that Harrah’s would not extend the joint operating agreement beyond the initial one-year term. Accordingly, we took over the operations of Binion’s on March 10, 2005 and commenced an evaluation as to whether Harrah’s met the operating milestones and whether the $5 million payment is required.

Commitments and Contingencies

On July 17, 2003, the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission unanimously reinstated Presque Isle Downs’s license to build a thoroughbred horse racetrack and conduct parimutuel wagering in Erie, Pennsylvania. Appeals relating to the issuance of the license were ultimately resolved on December 30, 2004. We are building  Presque Isle Downs on  a 272 acre site on Route 97 in Summit Township (the “Licensed Site’’). In April 2004 and March 2005, we purchased parcels aggregating approximately 272 acres of the Licensed Site for a total of approximately $10.0 million. An additional $1.0 million is payable in connection with previously acquired parcels when we commence gaming operations at Presque Isle Downs. During October 2005, we commenced land development work and construction of a new road.

45




Apart from land acquisition and related costs, closing costs and costs for gaming equipment, that are expected to aggregate approximately $45 million, and the $50 million licensing fee, we anticipate spending approximately $140 million to build Presque Isle Downs, without giving effect to anticipated proceeds from the sale of the alternative sites or any contributions from the local economic development authority. These amounts are subject to the substantial risks and difficulties associated with the development of Presque Isle Downs. We have determined that we will not build a separate building for preliminary slot operations, but rather plan to operate the slots in the permanent facility during construction of the racetrack. Upon commencement of parimutuel operations at Presque Isle Downs, we have agreed to purchase a nearby off track wagering facility for $7 million. We expect to finance a significant portion of these development costs with cash flow from operations, cash on hand, availability under our $85 million Fourth Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, additional debt, and, when slot machines are installed, capital lease obligations.

We will require additional financing in order to complete our planned development and construction of Presque Isle Downs and implement all of our development plans. In order to consummate the additional financing we are seeking, we will require the prior consents of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 9.75% Senior Notes due 2010 that are not owned by us or any of our affiliates. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain such consents. Our inability to obtain such consents would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to finance our current or future expansion projects, we will have to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing or delaying planned expansion, development and renovation projects as well as capital expenditures, and selling assets, restructuring debt, or obtaining additional debt or equity financing or joint venture partners, or further modifying our bank credit facility. These sources of funds may not be sufficient to finance our expansion, and other financing may not be available on acceptable terms, in a timely manner or at all. In addition, our existing indebtedness contains certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness. If we are unable to secure additional financing, we could be forced to limit or suspend expansion, development and renovation projects, which may have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Development of Presque Isle Downs in Erie remains subject to risks and uncertainties, which include but are not limited to unforeseen engineering, environmental, or geological problems, interference with existing operations, unanticipated cost increases, work stoppages, weather interference, including floods, construction delays and other risks associated with building a racing operation. Also, our racing license requires us to commence live racing by December 30, 2007.

We also identified alternative sites for the construction of Presque Isle Downs that were not available when we applied for the racing license. On March 22, 2002, we entered into an agreement whereby we advanced $2 million to a third-party for the purpose of acquiring certain real property in Erie County, Pennsylvania (known as the Green Shingle site) as one of alternative sites for the proposed racetrack. In October 2003, we completed the acquisition of 130 acres previously under contract for $2.6 million including previous land option payments. This acreage adjoins the Green Shingle site for the proposed racetrack. We are currently investigating and evaluating sale and other development opportunities for the alternative sites.

In October 2004, we completed the acquisition of a third site, known as the International Paper site, comprised of approximately 215 acres of real property on Lake Erie and certain buildings. The purchase price, including the buyout of a related salvage contract, was $2.8 million. In October 2005, we completed the sale of all but approximately 24 acres of the International Paper site for $4.0 million to the Greater Erie Industrial Development Corporation, a private, not-for-profit entity that is managed by the municipality (the GEIDC). After consideration of the cost of the land, closing costs, legal fees, and architectural and other fees, the sale resulted in a gain of approximately $132,000. Although the sales agreement was subject to, among other things, our release (by International Paper Company and the PaDEP) from our obligations under the consent order (as discussed below), we waived this closing condition.

46




In connection with the acquisition of the International Paper site, we entered into a consent order with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (the PaDEP) regarding a proposed environmental remediation plan for the site. The proposed plan was based upon a “baseline environmental report” and it was estimated that such remediation would cost approximately $3.0 million. The GEIDC assumed primary responsibility for the obligations under the consent order relating to the property they acquired. GEIDC has agreed to indemnify us from any breach by GEIDC of its obligation under the consent order. However, we have been advised by the PaDEP that we have not been released from its liability and responsibility under the consent order. A revised estimate of the remediation costs cannot be determined at this time since such a determination will be dependent upon the development activities of the GEIDC.

In connection with the acquisition of Binion’s, we obtained title to the property and equipment for $20.0 million (exclusive of transaction costs aggregating $658,000), free and clear of all debts, subject to increase by $5.0 million if, at the termination of the Joint Operating Agreement, Harrah’s achieved certain operational milestones. We are currently analyzing financial information to determine whether Harrah’s achieved the specified operational milestones. The $5.0 million has been accrued as additional purchase price.

As previously discussed, in June 2004, our wholly-owned subsidiary, MTR-Harness, acquired (for an initial investment of $10,000) a 50% interest in North Metro Harness, then a subsidiary of Southwest Casino and Hotel Corporation. On January 19, 2005 the Minnesota Racing Commission granted North Metro a license to construct and operate a harness racetrack and card room. The racetrack would be the second of only two racetracks permitted by current law in the seven county Minneapolis metropolitan area. The purchase agreement called for us to invest an additional $7.5 million in the project, but we may elect to increase our investment or provide credit enhancements. During 2004, we made capital contributions of approximately $108,000, and in 2005 invested an additional $8.6 million (exclusive of legal and other fees) in North Metro, which includes $7.4 million invested in October 2005 in connection with North Metro’s acquisition of the real property for the project.

Minnesota law permits licensed racetracks to operate a card room with up to 50 tables offering “non-banked” games (those in which the players play only against each other instead of against the house), subject to completion of the racetrack’s first 50-day live race meet and regulatory approval of a card room plan of operation. A public interest group has sought judicial review of the issuance of the license. Upon favorable resolution of the legal challenges to the grant of the license, as well as obtaining project financing, North Metro intends to commence construction and racing and card room operations at the earliest practicable date.

The project is estimated to cost approximately $47.0 million for land acquisition and construction and will be separately financed on a non-recourse basis to us.

In addition, we are faced with certain contingencies involving litigation and environmental remediation. These commitments and contingencies are discussed in greater detail in “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” and Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial statements included elsewhere in this report. Management believes that except as set forth above, our cash balances, cash flow from operations, and available lines of credit will be sufficient to cover any capital required to fund maturing debt obligations and any other contemplated capital expenditures and short-term funding requirements for the next twelve months, exclusive of the construction of Presque Isle Downs. The timing of Presque Isle Downs’ related construction and other expenditures and the timing of other acquisition and development projects will impact our cash flow requirements, such that additional financing will be required. It is contemplated that such financing may be obtained through an expansion of our existing credit facility, the sale of debt securities or a combination thereof. Management believes that such financing will be available on acceptable terms because of the anticipated cash flow from the proposed development projects. However, in order to consummate the additional financing we are seeking, we will require the prior consents of the

47




holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 9.75% Senior Notes due 2010 that are not owned by us or any of our affiliates. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain such consents. Our inability to obtain such consents would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. See the section entitled “Business—Risks Related to Our Business” for a description of certain circumstances that may affect our sources of liquidity. We may also repurchase additional shares of our common stock in amounts and at times determined by our board of directors from time to time. Although we have no current plans to do so, we may also finance our expansion, to the extent permitted under existing debt agreements, through the public or private sale of equity securities.

We cannot provide assurance that additional financing, if needed, will be available to us, or if available, that the terms of such financing will be on terms favorable to us. If we are unable to finance our current or future expansion projects, we will have to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing or delaying planned expansion, development and renovation projects as well as capital expenditures, and selling assets, restructuring debt, or obtaining additional debt or equity financing or joint venture partners, or further modifying our bank credit facility. These sources of funds may not be sufficient to finance our expansion, and other financing may not be available on acceptable terms, in a timely manner or at all. In addition, our existing indebtedness contains certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness. If we are unable to secure additional financing, we could be forced to limit or suspend expansion, development and renovation projects, which may have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We also cannot assure you that estimates of our liquidity needs are accurate or that new business developments or other unforeseen events will not occur, resulting in the need to raise additional funds.

Our level of indebtedness presents other risks to investors, including the possibility that we may be unable to generate cash sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on our indebtedness when due; and that we may not be able to meet tests and covenants of such debt agreements and achieve satisfactory resolution of such non-compliance with the lenders. In such an event, the holders of our indebtedness may be able to declare all indebtedness owing to them to be due and payable immediately, and proceed against any collateral securing such indebtedness. These actions could limit our ability to borrow additional funds and would likely have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. A debt rating downgrade would not impact the terms of borrowings under our expected Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Facility or the Senior Notes. However, a debt rating downgrade could impact the terms of and our ability to obtain additional new financing. Additionally, changes in the regulatory environment or restriction on or prohibition of our gaming or racing operations, whether arising out of legislation or litigation, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity. See section entitled “Business—Risks Related To Our Business” and Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

Regulation and Taxes

We are subject to extensive regulation by the State of West Virginia Racing and Lottery Commissions, Nevada Gaming Authorities, Pennsylvania Racing Commission, Pennsylvania Gaming Authorities, Ohio Racing Commission, Minnesota Racing Commission and the Michigan Racing Commission. Change in applicable laws or regulations could have a significant impact on our operations.

Taxation.   The gaming industry represents a significant source of tax revenues, particularly to the States of West Virginia and Nevada and their counties and municipalities and a future source for Pennsylvania. We pay substantial taxes and fees with respect to our operations. From time to time, federal, state and local legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, affecting the gaming and racing industry. Changes in the tax laws or administration of those laws, if adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. However, it is not possible to determine with certainty the likelihood of changes in tax laws or in the administration of such laws. We believe that recorded tax balances are adequate.

48




Outstanding Options

On April 13, 2005, the Board of Directors granted to certain personnel non-qualified stock options to purchase a total of 190,000 shares of our common stock for a purchase price of $11.30 per share, the market price on the date of grant. The options were granted pursuant to our pre-existing plans. On July 21, 2005, the shareholders ratified the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and reserved 200,000 shares of our common stock for issuance pursuant to the exercise of options issued under the Plan. No options have been granted under the 2005 Plan.

On November 1, 2005, pursuant to an Employment Agreement and the 2002 Employee Stock Incentive Plan, we granted to an officer of two wholly owned subsidiaries a non-qualified option to purchase 25,000 shares of our common stock for $6.64 per share, the market price on the date of grant. On February 7, 2005, pursuant to a November 1, 2004 Employment Agreement and the 2002 Employee Stock Incentive Plan, we granted to the General Manager of one of our properties a non-qualified option to purchase 10,000 shares of our common stock for $11.40 per share, the market price on the date of grant.

As of March 11, 2006, there were outstanding options to purchase 1,200,884 shares of our common stock. If all such options and warrants were exercised, we would receive proceeds of approximately $7.9 million. We utilize the treasury stock method in determining the dilutive effect of outstanding options and warrants. Our policy is as follows: Our basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed as net income available to common shareholders divided by the weighed average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through stock options, warrants, and other convertible securities utilizing the treasury stock method. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of these occurrences.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are included in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report. These policies, along with the underlying assumptions and judgments made by our management in their application, have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition.   Gaming revenues consist of the net win from gaming activities, which is the difference between amounts wagered and amounts paid to winning patrons. Gaming and parimutuel revenues are recognized at the time the wagers are made and are net of winning payouts to patrons. The distributions from these revenues for Mountaineer Park are governed by the West Virginia Lottery Commission and the West Virginia Racing Commission. After deduction of a 4% administrative fee paid to the West Virginia Lottery Commission, Mountaineer Park receives 46.5% of the first $162 million of video lottery net win per year, based upon West Virginia’s fiscal year of July 1-June 30. Net win in excess of the threshold, which is fixed by statute, is subject to a 10% surcharge. After reduction for the administrative fee and the surcharge, the net win percentage to be received by us is 42%. We recognize the reduction in revenue occasioned by the surcharge and the reduction in the percentage of net win allocable to us during the period in which the net win exceeds the predetermined threshold. Accounting for the change in the net win percentage to be retained by us in this manner ensures that revenue is being recognized when all services have been rendered and the amount is fixed or determinable. The amended Lottery Act also creates a separate capital reinvestment fund for each racetrack to which the State will contribute 42% of the surcharge attributable to each racetrack. Generally, for each dollar a racetrack expends on eligible capital improvements for the racetrack and adjacent property, the track will receive a dollar from the capital reinvestment fund. Depending upon the amount of a project, any amount expended in excess of the balance in the capital reinvestment fund may be carried forward three subsequent years. We recognize amounts due from the capital reinvestment fund as qualifying capital expenditures are identified.

49




Revenues from food and beverage are recognized at the time of sale and revenues from lodging are recognized on the date of stay. Other revenues are recorded at the time the services are rendered or sales are completed. Lodging, food and beverage gratuitously provided to customers are not recognized as revenues.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Intangibles.   We review the carrying value of our long-lived assets (including goodwill) whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying values may not be recoverable annually (effective in 2002) for goodwill. Unforeseen events and changes in circumstances and market conditions and material differences in estimates of future cash flows could negatively affect the fair value of our assets and result in an impairment charge. Fair value is the amount at which the asset could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties. Fair value can be estimated utilizing a number of techniques including quoted market prices, prices for comparable assets, or other valuation processes involving estimates of cash flows, multiples of earnings or revenues. During 2005, we performed the annual impairment tests of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. As a result of these tests, it was determined that there was no impairment of goodwill.

Self-Insurance.   Effective October 2002, we began self-insuring for employee health coverage. Self-insurance reserves are estimated based upon our prior claims experience. Changes in the number of employees, claims expense and health care costs could cause this liability to fluctuate. We also maintained stop loss insurance coverage for employee health care claims. Effective January 1, 2006, we entered into a fully insured health coverage plan for our employees. We provided for an estimate of the run-out of claims under the self-insurance plan.

Frequent Players Program.   Members of Mountaineer’s, the Speedway’s (for wagering only) and Binion’s frequent players programs can accumulate points for wagering and other purchases that can be redeemed for lodging, food and beverage and merchandise. Based upon historical redemptions of frequent player program points, we estimate unredeemed points and record a corresponding liability. Changes in the program, increases in membership and changes in the redemption patterns of our participating patrons could cause this liability to fluctuate.

Income Taxes.   We account for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS No. 109) which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the bases used for financial reporting and income tax reporting of recorded assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 109 also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We have not provided for a valuation allowance at December 31, 2005 because we feel that the deferred tax assets will be recovered from future operations.

Newly Issued Accounting Standards.   On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Statement 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and amends FASB Statement No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows. Generally, the approach in Statement 123(R) is similar to the approach described in Statement 123. However, Statement 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative.

Statement 123(R) also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under current literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after adoption. In April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission extended the effective date of implementation for registrants that are not small business to no later than the beginning

50




of the first fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005. We adopted Statement 123(R) on January 1, 2006. (See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Pro Forma Stock Information”).

ITEM 7A.        QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily from our variable rate long-term debt arrangements. Under our current policies, we have utilized interest rate derivative instruments to manage exposure to interest rate changes for a portion of our debt arrangements. However, with the issuance of the fixed rate long-term Senior Notes and repayment of the balance outstanding under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement in March 2003, our exposure to interest rate changes will be limited to amounts which may be outstanding under our $85 Million Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (See Liquidity and Sources of Capital). The interest rate derivative entered into in October 2000 expired on December 31, 2003.

Depending upon the amounts outstanding under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and without consideration of interest rate derivatives designated as hedges if any, a hypothetical 100 basis point (1%) change in interest rates would result in an annual interest expense change of up to approximately $850,000.

At December 31, 2005 the fair value of credit facilities approximates the carrying value except for the 9.75% senior unsecured notes for which the fair value as determined based upon market quotes is $139 million. The carrying value of the senior unsecured notes is $129,058,000 at December 31, 2005.

ITEM 8.                FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Financial Statements and accompanying footnotes are set forth on pages F-1 through F-42 of this report.

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

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have reviewed, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)). Based upon this review, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, for the reasons discussed below, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing ad maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).  The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) 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 of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or

51




timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitation, 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 and procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management identified a material weakness as described below.

A material weakness is a control deficiency, or a combination of control deficiencies, that result in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected.

In connection with management’s assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting described above, management identified internal control deficiencies that resulted in adjustments and reclassifications to certain financial statement accounts, primarily related to the Company’s integration of the operations of Binion’s, and delay in the issuance of the Company’s Annual Form 10-K. None of the internal control deficiencies was considered material individually; however, when considered in the aggregate, these control deficiencies indicate a need for additional finance/accounting resources and represented a material weakness in internal control over the financial reporting.

Management has concluded that, as a result of this material weakness, we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on the criteria in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting, which is included in this report.

Remediation action to address 2005 internal control weakness

As a result of the Company’s continuing expansion, the Company’s operations have become more complex and there is a need for additional finance/accounting staffing. Developments during late in the fourth quarter of 2005 and into the first quarter of 2006, including a management buyout proposal and other substantial activities and proposed transactions, highlighted this staffing need. As was done in 2004 when the Company added several key finance/accounting and information systems personnel, management is similarly undertaking an evaluation to identify the finance/accounting resources currently needed. We will initiate the search for the positions identified to supplement our finance/accounting staff. The Company will also rely heavily on its entity level monitoring controls to mitigate the impact of possible undetected errors in the financial statements. We will continue to closely monitor the effectiveness of our processes, procedures and controls, and will make any further changes as management determines appropriate.

Changes in internal controls

Except as described above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

52




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
MTR Gaming Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and appearing in the accompanying Item 9A Controls and Procedures, that MTR Gaming Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, because of the need for additional finance/accounting resources, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). MTR Gaming Group, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s 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.

A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. The following material weakness has been identified and included in management’s assessment. Internal control deficiencies were identified that resulted in adjustments and reclassifications to certain financial statement accounts, primarily related to the Company’s integration of the operations of a recent, significant acquisition, and delay in the issuance of the Company’s Annual Form 10-K. None of the internal control deficiencies was considered material individually. However, when considered in the aggregate, these control deficiencies indicate a need for additional finance/accounting resources and represented a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting. This material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of

53




the December 31, 2005 financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated March 21, 2006 on those financial statements.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that MTR Gaming Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO control criteria. Also, in our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness described above on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, MTR Gaming Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on the COSO control criteria.

 

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 21, 2006

 

 

54




 

ITEM 9B.       OTHER INFORMATION

None.

55




PART III

ITEM 10.         DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

The following table sets forth information regarding the directors and executive officers of the Company.

Name

 

 

 

Age

 

Position and Office Held

 

 

 

Edson R. Arneault.

 

 

58

 

 

President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board

 

Robert A. Blatt(1)

 

 

65

 

 

Vice President, Assistant Secretary, Director

 

James V. Stanton(3)(4)

 

 

74

 

 

Director

 

Donald J. Duffy(2)(3)(4)

 

 

38

 

 

Director

 

Richard Delatore(3)(4)

 

 

66

 

 

Director

 

LC Greenwood(2)(4)

 

 

59

 

 

Director

 

John W. Bittner, Jr.

 

 

53

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

David R. Hughes

 

 

43

 

 

Chief Operating Officer; Mountaineer

 

Roger M. Szepelak

 

 

41

 

 

Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Nevada Properties

 

Patrick J. Arneault

 

 

40

 

 

Vice President, Mountaineer and Presque Isle Downs

 

Rose Mary Williams

 

 

48

 

 

Secretary

 


(1)          Member of the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors.

(2)          Member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

(3)          Member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

(4)          Member of the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors.

BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

Edson R. Arneaul, 58, has been a director of the Company since January 1992 and has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since April 26, 1995. He is also an officer and director of our subsidiaries. Mr. Arneault is also a principal in numerous ventures directly or indirectly engaged in the development, production and transportation of oil and gas. Since becoming the President of the Company and Mountaineer Park, however, Mr. Arneault has devoted virtually all his time and attention to the business of the Company. Mr. Arneault is a certified public accountant, and has served as a tax partner with Seidman and Seidman (now “BDO Seidman LLP”), a public accounting firm, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from 1977 to 1980. Mr. Arneault was employed as a certified public accountant by Arthur Andersen in the tax department of its Cleveland office from 1972 to 1976. Mr. Arneault is a member of the Independent Producers Association of America, the Ohio Oil and Gas Association, the Michigan Oil and Gas Association and the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Arneault received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bowling Green University in 1969, his Master of Arts from Wayne State University in 1971, and his Masters in Business Administration from Cleveland State University in 1978. Mr. Arneault serves on the Board of Directors of Make a Wish Foundation of Northern West Virginia, West Virginia Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc., West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust (a gubernatorial appointment), the West Virginia Hospitality and Tourism Association and the West Virginia Business Roundtable (of which he also serves as treasurer). Mr. Arneault also serves as a member of the Advisory Board of Visitors of the Robert Morris College Hospitality and Tourism Management Program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Robert A. Blatt, 65, has been a director of the Company since September 1995 and a Vice President since February 1999. Mr. Blatt is also a Director and Assistant Secretary of Mountaineer Park, and Chairman of our Finance Committee. Mr. Blatt is the Chief Executive Officer and managing member of New England National, L.L.C. (“NEN”) and a member of the board of directors of AFP Imaging

56




Corporation. Since 1979 he has been chairman and majority owner of CRC Group, Inc., and related entities, a developer, owner, and operator of shopping centers and other commercial properties, and from 1985 until its initial public offering in 2006, a member (seat owner) of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. From 1959 through 1991, Mr. Blatt served as director, officer or principal of numerous public and private enterprises. In August of 2002, NEN filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut, which is still pending. Mr. Blatt informed the Company that the filing was necessitated by a court’s upholding the imposition of real estate taxes at rates applicable to golf courses (rather than vacant land) for periods prior to NEN’s acquisition or development of the property. Mr. Blatt received his Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Southern California in 1962 and his Juris Doctor from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1965. He is a member of the State Bar of California.

James V. Stanton, 74, has been a director of the Company since February, 1998 and serves on our Audit Committee, Nominating Committee and as Chairman of our Compliance Committee. Mr. Stanton is also a director of Try It Distributing Co., a privately held corporation. Mr. Stanton has his own law and lobbying firm, Stanton & Associates, in Washington, D.C. From 1971-1978, Mr. Stanton represented the 20th Congressional District of Ohio in the United States House of Representatives. While in Congress Mr. Stanton served on the Select Committee on Intelligence, the Government Operations Committee, and the Public Works and Transportation Committee. Mr. Stanton has held a wide variety of public service positions, including service as the youngest City Council President in the history of Cleveland, Ohio and membership on the Board of Regents of the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Mr. Stanton is also former Executive Vice President of Delaware North, a privately held international company which, during Mr. Stanton’s tenure, had annual sales of over $1 billion and became the leading parimutuel wagering company in the United States, with worldwide operations including horse racing, harness racing, dog racing, and Jai-Lai. Delaware North also owned the Boston Garden and the Boston Bruins hockey team. From 1985-1994, Mr. Stanton was a principal and co-founder of Western Entertainment Corporation, which pioneered one of the first Native American Gaming operations in the United States, a 90,000 square foot bingo and casino gaming operation located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation in California, which generated annual revenues in excess of $50 million. Mr. Stanton also serves on the Boards of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta and of Lottery and Wagering Solutions, Inc.

Donald J. Duffy, 38, has been a director of the Company since June 2001 and serves as Chairman of our Compensation Committee, Chairman of our Audit Committee and as a member of our Nominating Committee. Mr. Duffy is presently a director and president of Integrated Corporate Relations, an investor relations and consulting firm. Mr. Duffy co-founded Meyer, Duffy & Associates in 1994 and Meyer Duffy Ventures in 1999. At Meyer Duffy, Mr. Duffy played an integral role in numerous seed and early stage companies. His expertise is focusing on the development and implementation of business plans including financial forecasting and analysis, management team development, corporate strategy and capital formation. Prior to co-founding Meyer, Duffy & Associates, Mr. Duffy was a Senior Vice President at Oak Hall Capital Advisors where he specialized in investments in the leisure, gaming and technology markets. Prior to Oak Hall, Mr. Duffy was an investment fund partner at Sloate, Weisman, Murray & Company, specializing in investments in the leisure, gaming, technology and retail markets. Mr. Duffy is a graduate of St. John’s University.

Richard Delatore, 66, has been a director of the Company since June 2004. Mr. Delatore serves as a member of our Audit Committee and is the Chairman of our Nominating Committee. Mr. Delatore is presently a Vice President with Schiappa & Company which is involved in the coal mining and hauling business and located in Wintersville, Ohio (since 2002). Mr. Delatore is also a commissioner on the Board of Commissioners in Jefferson County, Ohio (since 2000), and is a coal and timber consultant in Steubenville, Ohio (since 1990). Mr. Delatore was a member of the Ohio State Racing Commission from

57




1995 to 1999. Mr. Delatore chaired the Medication Committee of the Ohio State Racing Commission in 1999. He was also a member of the Steubenville City School Board of Education from 1993 to 2000 and a member of the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board of Education from 1995 to 1998. Mr. Delatore received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio.

LC Greenwood, 59, has been a director of the Company since November 2002 and serves on our Compensation Committee and on our Nominating Committee. Mr. Greenwood was born in Canton Mississippi, went to Roger High, in Canton, Mississippi and was granted an Academic Athletic Scholarship to Arkansas AM & N in Pine Bluff, AR where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree. After college Mr. Greenwood played thirteen years as a Defensive End with the World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, won four Super Bowls, was named a member of every All Pro Team during the 1970s, was also All Pro seven times, and played in six Pro Bowls. Today Mr. Greenwood is President of Greenwood Enterprises, a Coal and Natural Gas Marketing Company; Greenwood/McDonald Supply Co., an Electrical Supply Company; and President/Owner of Greenwood Manufacturing Co., Manufacturer & Distributor of packing products. Among Mr. Greenwood’s awards are the Worthen Sport Award, Professional Athlete of the Year in Little Rock, Arkansas, Outstanding Achievement Award, Canton, Mississippi, 1975, Key to the City of Canton, MS and to the State of Mississippi, Key to the State of West Virginia, 25th Anniversary Super Bowl Team, 100 Year Black College All American Team, Arkansas Hall of Fame, A member of the 75th Silver Anniversary Super Bowl Team. In 1975 March 24th was declared LC Greenwood Day in Canton, Mississippi. Mr. Greenwood is a Life Member of the N.A.A.C.P., and a Member of AFTRA-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He worked on the Miller Lite Campaign doing commercials and promotions for ten years and has been involved in numerous commercials and industrial films since 1971 to the present, including over ten National commercials and numerous local commercials.

John W. Bittner Jr., 53, was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company on January 9, 2002. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Bittner was a Partner at Ernst & Young, LLP and was with Ernst & Young, LLP from 1975 to 2000. While at Ernst & Young, LLP Mr. Bittner provided accounting, auditing and business advisory services to privately and publicly held organizations in a variety of industries. During 2001, Mr. Bittner was an accounting and financial consultant. Mr. Bittner is a CPA licensed in Pennsylvania. Mr. Bittner received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Duquesne University in 1975. Mr. Bittner is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

David R. Hughes, 43, joined the Company in January of 2003 as Chief Operating Officer of Mountaineer. Mr. Hughes brings to MTR an impressive, 21-year operational and financial background with significant executive experience in the gaming and hospitality industries. From August 2001 to December 2002, he served as CFO of Penn National Gaming’s Charles Town Races & Slots property in Charles Town, West Virginia. From September 2000 through July 2001, he was CEO of JAB Sun Cruz Casinos’ U.S. Operations, where he was responsible for all operational aspects of the 10-property company and helped increase gaming revenues and reduce administrative costs. Prior to his employment with JAB Sun Cruz, he held various operational and financial positions with gaming companies in various U.S. locations.. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Stockton State College and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Roger M. Szepelak, 41, was appointed Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Speakeasy Gaming of Las Vegas, Inc. and Speakeasy Gaming of Reno, Inc. effective November 1, 2000. He was recently appointed to those same positions for Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc., our subsidiary that owns and operates Binion’s. From 1996 to 2000, Mr. Szepelak served as vice president/assistant general manager of the Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel in North Las Vegas, Nevada, where his direct areas of responsibility included finance, casino cage, purchasing, hotel and related areas, table games, keno, poker, bingo and the race and sports book. Generally, Mr. Szepelak assisted the property president in all

58




aspects of the operation of this hotel and casino. From 1988 to 1996, Mr. Szepelak was with the Rio Hotel & Casino, Inc. in Las Vegas, where he ultimately served as chief financial officer and treasurer. Mr. Szepelak received his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan in 1986.

Patrick J. Arneault, 41, joined Mountaineer Park, Inc. in February 2000. He serves as Vice President of Development of Mountaineer and Presque Isle Downs. Previously, he concentrated on facility maintenance and construction project management. He received a BBA in finance and a minor in Military History from Kent State University in 1989. Mr. Arneault served in the United States Army from 1987 to 1997, as a Platoon Leader 24thInfantry Division and as a Battery Commander 11th ADA Brigade. His final assignment was as a Systems Integrator U.S. Army Washington D.C. Mr. Arneault is also a member of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association and the Hancock County West Virginia Rotary. Patrick Arneault is the brother of Edson R. Arneault, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board.

Rose Mary Williams, 49, was appointed to the position of Secretary of the Company in January 1998 and Director of Racing of the Company in January 1997. She has been employed at Mountaineer since 1977, when she began working in the Mutuel Department. In 1980, she accepted the position of Statistician in the computer room. When Mountaineer began receiving simulcast signals from other racetracks in 1991, she was appointed to Simulcast Coordinator. She then began serving as Mutuel Manager in 1995. Ms. Williams is a member of Turf Publicists of America.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct for all our employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, and all of our directors and consultants. The Code of Ethics and Business Conduct can be found at our internet website at www.mtrgaming.com under “Investor Relations—Corporate Governance”.

Our website and information contained on it or incorporated in it are not intended to be incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or our other filings with the SEC.

Audit Committee Financial Expert

The SEC recently adopted a rule requiring disclosure concerning the presence of at least one “audit committee financial expert” on audit committees. Mr. Duffy qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the SEC.

59




ITEM 11.         EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth the compensation awarded, paid to or earned by our most highly compensated executive officers whose compensation exceeded $100,000 in the year ended December 31, 2005.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long Term

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

Restricted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Compensation

 

Annual

 

Stock

 

Options

 

Payouts

 

 

 

 

 

Salary

 

Bonus

 

Comp.

 

Awards

 

SARS

 

LTIP

 

All Other

 

Name

 

 

 

Year

 

($)

 

($)

 

($)(1)

 

($)

 

(#)(2)

 

Payouts ($)

 

Comp. ($) (4)

 

Edson R. Arneault(3)

 

2005

 

916,125

 

100,000

 

475,797

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

158,125

 

 

Chairman, President and

 

2004

 

907,607

 

100,000

 

535,980

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

139,289

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

2003

 

880,446

 

100,000

 

505,042

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

125,931

 

 

MTR Gaming Group, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert A. Blatt(3)

 

2005

 

227,812

 

 

19,954

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

48,000

 

 

Vice President

 

2004

 

244,600

 

 

12,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,000

 

 

 

 

2003

 

180,157

 

 

19,594

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roger M. Szepelak(3)

 

2005

 

198,130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vice-President and

 

2004

 

196,602

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Operating Officer

 

2003

 

197,733

 

25,000

 

12,788

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nevada Properties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John W. Bittner

 

2005

 

234,770

 

 

1,300

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

2004

 

244,957

 

 

1,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2003

 

205,481

 

 

1,300

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David M. Hughes

 

2005

 

323,560

 

 

1,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Operating Officer

 

2004

 

321,469

 

 

1,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountaineer Park Inc.

 

2003

 

243,647

 

 

1,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)             As to Mr. Arneault for 2005 includes $389,671 performance bonus earned but not paid in 2005, $84,826 annual insurance, premiums treated as compensation and an estimated pension contribution of $1,300; 2004 includes $450,112 performance bonus earned but not paid in 2004, $84,568 annual insurance premiums treated as compensation and an estimated pension contribution of $1,300; for 2003 includes $419,174 performance bonus earned but not paid in 2003, $84,568 annual insurance premium treated as compensation and an estimated pension contribution of $1,300: As to Mr. Blatt consists of $19,954 annual insurance premiums treated as compensation in 2005; $12,500 annual insurance premiums treated as compensation in 2004, in 2003 $19,594 in annual insurance premiums treated as compensation:  As to Mr. Bittner consists of an estimated pension contribution of $1,300 in 2005, 2004, and 2003. As to Mr. Hughes consists of an estimated pension contribution of $1,300 in 2005, 2004 and 2003.

(2)             As to Mr. Bittner grants in 2005 and 2003, consist of non-qualified stock options for a term of ten years. The options are fully vested and have an exercise price of $11.30 and $8.00. As to Mr. Szepelak grants in 2005, 2004 and 2003 consisted of non-qualified stock options for a term of ten years. The options are fully vested and have an exercise price of $6.64, $9.02, and $9.85.

(3)             See “Employment Agreements” below. Mr. Arneault’s employment requires him to defer receipt of all compensation over the amount set forth in Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(4)             As to Mr. Arneault includes $158,125, $139,289, $125,931 respectively for use of Company owned housing. As to Mr. Blatt includes $48,000 and $12,000 for office expense in 2005 and 2004. The incremental cost to the Company of providing perquisites and other personal benefits during the indicated periods did not exceed, as to any Named Executive Officer, the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the total salary or 10% of the total salary and bonus paid to such executive officer for any such year and, accordingly, is omitted from the table.

60




OPTION GRANTS IN 2005

The following table contains information concerning the grant of stock options during fiscal year 2005 to the Company’s executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table.

 

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options

 

% of Total
Options
Granted in

 

Exercise

 

Expiration

 

Potential Realizable
Value at Assumed
Annual Rates of Stock
Price Appreciation for
Option Term(1)

 

Name

 

 

 

Granted

 

Fiscal Year

 

Price

 

Date

 

5%

 

10%

 

Roger M. Szepelak

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

11.11

%

 

 

6.64

 

 

11/1/2015

 

154,867

 

264,554

 

John W. Bittner, Jr.

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

11.11

%

 

 

11.30

 

 

4/13/2015

 

177,664

 

450,020

 


(1)          In accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, “Potential Realizable Value” has been calculated assuming an aggregate ten-year appreciation of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant at annual compounded rates of 5% and 10%, respectively. These amounts represent hypothetical gains that could be achieved. Actual gains, if any, on the exercise of stock options will depend on the future performance of the Company’s stock and the date on which the options are exercised. Moreover, the gains shown are net of the option exercise price, but do not include deductions for taxes or other expenses associated with the exercise of the option or the sale of the underlying shares.

Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year End Option Values

The following table sets forth information regarding the number and value of options held by each of the Company’s executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table as of December 31, 2005.

 

 

Shares
Acquired on

 

Value

 

Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options at Fiscal Year End

 

Value of Unexercised
In-the-Money Options
at Year End ($)(1)

 

Name

 

 

 

Exercise

 

Realized($)

 

Exercisable

 

Unexercisable

 

Exercisable

 

Unexercisable

 

Edson R. Arneault

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

300,000

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,373,000

 

 

 

 

Robert A. Blatt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

150,000

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,186,500

 

 

 

 

Roger M. Szepelak

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

376,380

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

$

48,750

 

 

 

 

John W. Bittner, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

75,000

 

 

 

 

 

$

60,250

 

 

 

 


(1)          Based on the market price of the Company’s Common Stock of $10.41 on December 31, 2005, as reported by Nasdaq.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2005 with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance.

Plan Category

 

 

 

Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights

 

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

 

Number of securities
remaining available for future
issuance under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected
in column (a))

 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

 

648,850

 

 

 

4.74

 

 

 

295,000

 

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

552,034

 

 

 

9.00

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

Total

 

 

1,200,884

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

320,000

 

 

 

61




The Company’s equity compensation plans that were not approved by security holders (as no such approval was required) consist of (i) grants of NQSOs as inducement for initial employment by the Company or its subsidiaries; (ii) grants of NQSOs to non-executive employees; and (iii) NQSOs granted under our 2001 Employee Stock Incentive Plan or available for grant under our 2002 Employee Stock Incentive Plan, both of which are “broad-based plans” as defined by the Nasdaq Market Place Rules (i.e., ones in which not more than half of the options/shares may be awarded to officers and directors). In the case of all such plans, the exercise price of options must be not less than fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the plans may be for terms of up to ten years. The 2001 and 2002 Employee Stock Incentive Plans are to be administered by the board or a committee of the board consisting of not fewer than two non-employee directors. Repricing under the 2001 plan is limited to 10% of the number of options then outstanding thereunder; repricing under the 2002 plan is prohibited.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Under the provisions of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, our officers, directors and 10% beneficial stockholders are required to file reports of their transactions in our securities with the Commission. Based solely on a review of the Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to the Company during its most recent fiscal year and Forms 5 and amendments thereto furnished to the Company with respect to its most recent fiscal year, the Company believes that all of its executive officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial stockholders complied with all filing requirements applicable to them during 2005 (except for Roger Szepelak who filed one late report on Form 4 during 2005).

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

Pursuant to a January 1, 2001 employment agreement, as amended in December of 2004 and May of 2005, Edson R. Arneault serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer until December 31, 2006 and as chairman of the board of directors until December 31, 2009. The employment agreement provides for, among other things, an annual base salary of $750,000 (subject to automatic annual cost of living increases of 5%), semi-annual cash awards and an annual performance bonus tied to EBITDA growth. Mr. Arneault’s annual compensation for serving as chairman from January 1, 2007 until December 31, 2009 is based upon 25% of the average of the amounts paid during the last three years as President and CEO for base salary and annual bonuses.

The employment agreement also provides for a long-term incentive bonus, subject to a cap, payable after  the six-year term as President and Chief Executive Officer based upon growth compared to year 2000 in a variety of objective measurements, including earnings per share, the market price of our common stock, EBITDA and gross revenues. Other factors affecting the long-term bonus are acquisitions of other racetracks and parimutuel facilities, acquisitions of gaming venues that generate positive EBITDA in their first full year of operation, and successful legislative initiatives. A second amendment of the employment agreement in May of 2005 adjusts certain payment dates to assure compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended.

The employment agreement entitles Mr. Arneault, at our expense, to lease living and/or office quarters for himself and the Company in any state or jurisdiction in which the Company is currently doing business or commences substantial business operations. The Company may choose to purchase such living or office quarters. In 2001, the Company purchased living quarters in West Virginia for use by Mr. Arneault (the Company does not currently own or lease a residence for Mr. Arneault in any other state). The agreement also provides for the non-exclusive option, until September 1, 2008, for Mr. Arneault to purchase at fair market value (determined by independent appraisal) the current residence and certain surrounding acreage  owned by the Company. The agreement also provides the non-exclusive option, exercisable either at the termination of Mr. Arneault’s term as president or chairman

62




(unless he is terminated for cause), to purchase certain personal property, such as furnishings, in Mr. Arneault’s office and the corporate residence for its book value.

The agreement provides that if Mr. Arneault’s period of employment and period as Chairman is terminated by reason of death or physical or mental incapacity, the Company will continue to pay Mr. Arneault or his estate the compensation otherwise payable to the Officer for a period of two years. If Mr. Arneault period of employment and period as Chairman is terminated for a reason other than death or physical or mental incapacity or for cause, the Company will continue to pay Mr. Arneault the compensation that otherwise would have been due him for the remaining period of the amended agreement. If Mr. Arneault’s period of employment and period as Chairman is terminated for cause, the Company will have no further obligation to pay Mr. Arneault, other than compensation unpaid at the date of termination.

In the event that the termination of Mr. Arneault’s period of employment occurs after there has been a change of control of the Company, as defined, and (i) the termination is not for cause or by reason of the death or physical or mental disability of Mr. Arneault or (ii) Mr. Arneault terminates his employment for good reason, as defined in the agreement, then Mr. Arneault will have the right to receive within thirty days of the termination, a sum that is three times his annual base salary and payment by us of the next five annual premium payments for the insurance policy called for by the deferred compensation plan described below.

In October 2004, we entered into an employment agreement with Robert A. Blatt. The agreement is for a term of two years, calls for an annual base salary of $225,000 (subject to automatic annual cost of living increases of 5%) and entitles Mr. Blatt to a cash bonus of up to 50% of the base salary, in the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The employment agreement also entitles Mr. Blatt to participate in our various benefit plans for health insurance, life insurance and the like and reimbursement at the rate of $4,000 per month towards office expense. In the event Mr. Blatt terminates the employment agreement for good reason, as defined, or we terminate the agreement other than for cause, he will be entitled to the compensation otherwise payable to him under the employment agreement. In the event employment is terminated due to death or physical or mental disability Mr. Blatt or his estate would be entitled to the entire compensation otherwise payable to him for the longer of the remaining term of the agreement or eighteen months. In the event Mr. Blatt’s employment is terminated in connection with a change in control of the Company, Mr. Blatt would be entitled to a cash severance payment equal to 1.5 times his annual base salary and payment by us of the next two annual premium payments for the insurance policy called for by the deferred compensation plan described below.

We also have deferred compensation agreements with Messrs. Arneault and Blatt, which provide for certain benefits upon retirement. We currently fund these obligations through the purchase of “split dollar” life insurance policies.

In October 2003, we entered into a three-year employment agreement with Roger Szepelak as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Speakeasy Gaming of Las Vegas, Inc. and Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc. The agreement calls for an annual base salary of $182,000 with annual automatic cost of living increases of 5% and shall be subject to periodic increase by the Board of Directors and entitles Mr. Szepelak to a car allowance as well as to participate in our various employee benefit plans. In the event Mr. Szepelak brings the Company an acquisition candidate during the period of employment, and the Company in its discretion, consummates the acquisition, Mr Szepelak shall be entitled, subject to any necessary regulatory approvals, to a cash bonus ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 depending on the acquisition purchase price. In the event Mr. Szepelak’s employment is terminated by us other than for cause or a permanent and total disability, he will be entitled to the compensation otherwise payable to him under the employment agreement. In the event Mr. Szepelak is terminated in connection with a change of

63




control of the Company, as defined in the agreement, Mr. Szepelak would be entitled to a cash payment in the amount of his then current annual base salary.

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

Our non-employee directors receive an annual stipend of $24,000 and a per meeting fee of $1,500 (except that Donald Duffy receives $2,000 per meeting of the Special Committee of MTR’s Board of Directors which was recently created by MTR’s Board to consider a management buy-out proposal and other possible alternative transactions). Directors who are employees of the Company do not receive compensation for attendance at Board meetings. All board members are reimbursed for expenses they incur in attending meetings.

ITEM 12.         STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth, as of March 23, 2006, the ownership of the presently issued and outstanding shares of our common stock by persons owning more than 5% of such stock, and the ownership of such stock by our officers and directors, individually and as a group. As of March 23, 2006, there were 27,449,176 shares of common stock outstanding. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each of the stockholders listed below is c/o MTR Gaming Group, Inc., State Route 2 South, P.O. Box 356, Chester, WV 26034.

Name

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Percentage of
Class

 

Edson R. Arneault(1)

 

3,827,074

 

 

13.20

%

 

Robert A. Blatt(2)

 

943,900

 

 

3.27

%

 

James V. Stanton(3)

 

71,900

 

 

*

 

 

Donald J. Duffy(4)

 

50,000

 

 

*

 

 

LC Greenwood(5)

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

Richard C. Delatore(6)

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

Patrick J. Arneault(7)

 

50,200

 

 

*

 

 

Rose Mary Williams(8)

 

101,666

 

 

*

 

 

John W. Bittner, Jr.(9)

 

75,000

 

 

*

 

 

Roger Szepelak(10)

 

52,500

 

 

*

 

 

David R. Hughes

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

Total officers and directors as a group (11 persons)

 

5,172,240

 

 

17.57

%

 

Litespeed Management LLC, Litespeed Master Fund, Ltd., and Jamie Zimmerman(11)

 

1,467,000

 

 

5.39

%

 


*                    Indicates less than one percent.

(1)          Includes 3,408,532 shares and options to acquire beneficial ownership of 300,000 shares within 60 days held by Mr. Arneault. Also includes 99,333 shares held by a corporation of which Mr. Arneault is the sole shareholder and 19,209 shares held by a partnership of which Mr. Arneault is a general partner.

(2)          Includes 790,900 shares held by Mr. Blatt, 3,000 shares held by Mr. Blatt’s wife, and options to acquire beneficial ownership of 150,000 shares exercisable within 60 days held by Mr. Blatt. Mr. Blatt’s mailing address is c/o The CRC Group, Larchmont Plaza, 1890 Palmer Avenue, Suite 303, Larchmont, NY 10538.

(3)          Includes 46,900 shares held by Mr. Stanton and options to acquire beneficial ownership of 25,000 shares exercisable within 60 days held by Mr. Stanton. Mr. Stanton’s mailing address is 815 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 620, Washington, DC 20006.

64




(4)          Mr. Duffy’s business mailing address is c/o Integrated Corporate Relations, 450 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880. Includes no shares and includes options to acquire beneficial ownership of 50,000 shares exercisable within 60 days held by Mr. Duffy.

(5)          Mr. Greenwood’s business mailing address c/o Greenwood McDonald Supply Company, Inc., 313 West Main Street Carnegie, PA 15106.

(6)          Mr. Delatore’s mailing address is c/o the Company at State Route 2 South, P.O. Box 356, Chester, West Virginia 26034.

(7)          Includes 200 shares held by Mr. Arneault’s minor children and options to acquire ownership of 50,000 shares within 60 days held by Mr. Arneault.

(8)          Includes no shares and includes options to acquire beneficial ownership of 100,666 shares within 60 days held by Ms. Williams.

(9)          Includes no shares and includes options to acquire beneficial ownership of 75,000 shares within 60 days held by Mr. Bittner.

(10)   Includes 2,500 shares and options to acquire beneficial ownership of 50,000 shares within 60 days held by Mr. Szepelak. Mr. Szepelak’s mailing address is 3227 Civic Center Drive, North Las Vegas, Nevada 89030.

(11)   Litespeed Management LLC and Jamie Zimmerman are located at 237 Park Avenue, Suite 900, New York, New York 10017. The address of Litespeed Master Fund, Ltd. is c/o BNY Alternative Investment Services Ltd., 18 Church Street, Skandia House, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda. Information based solely on filings made by Litespeed Management LLC, Litespeed Master Fund, Ltd. and Jamie Zimmerman with the SEC.

ITEM 13.         CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Mr. Patrick J. Arneault serves as Vice President of Development of Mountaineer. During the year ended December 31, 2005, Mr. Arneault’s total compensation was $225,000. Patrick J. Arneault is the brother of Edson R. Arneault, our president, chairman and chief executive officer. Mr. Arneault has worked for Mountaineer since February 2000.

Ms. Aimee Zildjian is a management employee of the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2005, Ms. Zildjian’s total compensation was $92,624. Ms. Zildjian is the daughter of Edson R. Arneault, our president, chairman and chief executive officer.

In December 2005, we entered into an Expense Reimbursement Agreement with TBR Acquisition Group, LLC (“TBR”), an entity controlled by Edson R. Arneault, the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of our Board of Directors, and Robert A. Blatt, Executive Vice President and a director on our Board, which provides for reimbursement, under certain circumstances, including acceptance by the Company of a superior proposal, of up to $250,000 of the actual, out-of-pocket expenses incurred by TBR in connection with its proposal to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock not already owned by TBR or its affiliates. To date, we have not provided nor been obligated to provide any reimbursement under the agreement.

65




ITEM 14.         PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The following table summarizes principal accounting fees and services.

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Audit Fees:

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Audit of the Financial Statements (including expenses)

 

$

934,188

 

$

762,585

 

Other Audit-Specific Matters

 

74,920

 

54,750

 

Total Audit Fees

 

$

1,009,108

 

$

817,335

 

Tax Services:

 

 

 

 

 

Tax Compliance

 

$

55,965

 

$

29,832

 

Other Tax Services

 

66,345

 

45,944

 

Total Tax Fees

 

$

122,310

 

$

75,776

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Other Services

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

66




PART IV

ITEM 15.         EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

(a)           Financial Statements (Included in Part II of this Report):

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

Ernst & Young LLP

 

F-2

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2004

 

F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005

 

F-4

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005

 

F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005

 

F-6

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

F-7

 

(b)          Financial Statements Schedules (Included in Part IV of this Report):

Schedule II—Valuation Allowances of the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003.

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

(c)           Exhibits:

EXHIBIT NO.

 

ITEM TITLE

3.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation for Winner’s Entertainment, Inc. dated August, 17, 1993 (incorporated by reference to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993).

3.2

 

Amended By Laws (incorporated by reference to our report on Form 8-K filed February 20, 1998).

3.3

 

Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Winner’s Entertainment, Inc. dated October 10, 1996 (incorporated by reference to our report on Form 8-K filed November 1, 1996).

4.1

 

Excerpt from Common Stock Certificates (incorporated by reference to our report on Form 10-K filed March 30, 2001).

4.2

 

Indenture dated March 25, 2003 entered into by the Company, the Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture) and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee [exhibits and annexes omitted] (incorporated by reference to our report on Form 10-K filed March 31, 2003).

67




 

4.3

 

Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 31, 2003 by and between Scioto Downs, Inc., as Additional Guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-4 (Amendment No. 1), filed August 6, 2003 (Registration No. 333-105528))

4.4

 

Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 23, 2004, by and between Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc., as Additional Guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004)

4.5

 

Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 11, 2006 by and between Jackson Racing, Inc., as Additional Guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee (filed herewith).

10.1

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 27, 2005, by and among the Registrant, Mountaineer Park, Inc., Speakeasy Gaming of Las Vegas, Inc., Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc., Presque Isle Downs, Inc. and Scioto Downs, Inc. (each a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant), and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to our Form 8-K filed January 3, 2006).

10.2

 

Revolving Credit Note dated December 27, 2005, executed by the Registrant, Mountaineer Park, Inc., Speakeasy Gaming of Las Vegas, Inc., Presque Isle Downs, Inc., Scioto Downs, Inc., and Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc. (incorporated by reference to our Form 8-K filed January 3, 2006).

10.3

 

Swingline Note dated December 27, 2005, executed by the Registrant, Mountaineer Park, Inc., Speakeasy Gaming of Las Vegas, Inc., Presque Isle Downs, Inc., Scioto Downs, Inc., and Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc. (incorporated by reference to our Form 8-K filed January 3, 2006).

10.4

 

Letter Agreement regarding reimbursement of expenses dated December 1, 2005, between TBR Acquisition Group, LLC and MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to our Form 8-K filed December 2, 2005).

10.5

 

Supplement to Schedule No. 02248-007 to Master Lease (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002).

10.6

 

Schedule No. 02248-008 to Master Lease (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002).

10.7

 

Supplement to Schedule No. 02248-008 to Master Lease (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002).

10.8

 

MTR Gaming Group, Inc. 2002 Employee Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002).

10.9

 

Promissory Note made by MTR Gaming Group, Inc. in favor of Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc. in connection with the purchase by the Company of an airplane (incorporated by reference to our Form 10-K filed March 31, 2003).

10.10

 

Employment Agreement dated September 28, 2001 between the Company and Edson R. Arneault (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001).

68




 

10.11

 

Employment Agreement dated October 15, 2003 between the Company and Roger M. Szepelak (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003).

10.12

 

Agreement dated January 7, 2004 between Mountaineer Park, Inc. and Racetrack Employees Union Local No. 101 [schedules omitted] (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004).

10.13

 

Agreement dated January 10, 2004 between Mountaineer Park, Inc. and Mountaineer Park Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004).

10.14

 

Ground Lease dated as of the Effective Date (as defined in such lease) by and between The Doris E. Hamilton Family Limited Partnership, Darlene J. Staufer, Trustee of the Mable I. Elwell Inter Vivos Trust; Sharon Griffin, Thomas W. Church; Terry Rand McMelroy, Trustee of the Terry McMelroy Trust, and Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc. (“SGFI”) (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004).

10.15

 

Ground Lease dated as of March 10, 2004, by and between the Linda Jeanine Isola Present Interest Trust and/or assignees) and SGFI (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004).

10.16

 

Assignment and Assumption of Lease (Arlington) dated March 11, 2004 by and between the Horseshoe Club Operating Company and SGFI (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).

10.17

 

Assignment and Assumption of Lease (Hines/Rittenhouse) dated March 11, 2004 by and between the Horseshoe Club Operating Company and SGFI (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).

10.18

 

Assignment and Assumption of Lease (Voulthard/Silvagni) dated March 11, 2004 by and between Horseshoe Club Operating Company and SGFI (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).

10.19

 

Assignment and Assumption of Lease (Horseshoe Garage) dated March 11, 2004 by and between Horseshoe Club Operating Company and SGFI (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).

10.20

 

Purchase Agreement dated as of May 6, 2004 by and among MTR-Harness Inc., Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp., and North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004)

10.21

 

Member Control Agreement of North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC dated as of June 8, 2004 by and among Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp., MTR-Harness, LLC, and MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004).

10.22

 

Security Agreement and Pledge of Stock dated as of June 29, 2004 by and between MTR Gaming Group, Inc. as Debtor and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Agent Bank and Secured Party (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004).

69




 

10.23

 

First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated December 22, 2004 between the Company and Edson R. Arneault (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 8-K filed December 27, 2004).

10.24

 

Second Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between the Registrant and Edson R. Arneault executed by the Registrant’s Compensation Committee on May 13, 2005 (incorporated by reference to our Form 8-K filed May 16, 2005).

10.25

 

Amendment to Deferred Compensation Agreement by and between the Registrant and Edson R. Arneault executed by the Registrant’s Compensation Committee on May13, 2005 (incorporated by reference to our Form 8-K filed May 16, 2005).

10.26

 

Employment Agreement by and between the Company and Robert A. Blatt (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 8-K filed December 27, 2004).

10.27

 

2004 Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement filed June 18, 2004).

10.28

 

2005 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement filed June 17, 2005).

10.29

 

Universal Lease Agreement dated December 5, 2005 by and between Jackson Trotting Association, LLC and Jackson County Fairgrounds (filed herewith)

14.1

 

Code of Ethics and Business Conduct of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003).

21.1

 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant (filed herewith).

23.1

 

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (filed herewith)

31.1

 

Certification of Edson R. Arneault pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

31.2

 

Certification of John W. Bittner, Jr. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

32.1

 

Certification of Edson R. Arneault in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (filed herewith).

32.2

 

Certification of John W. Bittner, Jr. in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (filed herewith).

 

70




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

MTR GAMING GROUP, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ EDSON R. ARNEAULT

 

 

 

 

Edson R. Arneault
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: March 28, 2006

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

Signature

 

 

Capacity

 

 

 

/s/ EDSON R. ARNEAULT

 

Chairman, President And Chief Executive Officer

 

March 28, 2006

Edson R. Arneault

 

 

 

 

/s/ ROBERT A. BLATT

 

Director

 

March 28, 2006

Robert A. Blatt

 

 

 

 

/s/ JAMES V. STANTON

 

Director

 

March 28, 2006

James V. Stanton

 

 

 

 

/s/ DONALD J. DUFFY

 

Director

 

March 28, 2006

Donald J. Duffy

 

 

 

 

/s/ LC GREENWOOD

 

Director

 

March 28, 2006

LC Greenwood

 

 

 

 

/s/ RICHARD DELATORE

 

Director

 

March 28, 2006

Richard Delatore

 

 

 

 

/s/ JOHN W. BITTNER, JR.

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

March 28, 2006

John W. Bittner, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

71




MTR GAMING GROUP, INC.

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Column A

 

 

 

Column B
Balance at
Beginning of
Period

 

Column C
Additions(1)

 

Column D
Deductions(2)

 

Column E
Balance at
End of Period

 

Year ended December 31, 2005:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

 

 

$

91,000

 

 

 

$

339,000

 

 

 

$

309,000

 

 

 

$

121,000

 

 

 

 

 

$

91,000

 

 

 

$

339,000

 

 

 

$

309,000

 

 

 

$

121,000

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

 

 

$

152,000

 

 

 

$

175,000

 

 

 

$

236,000

 

 

 

$

91,000

 

 

 

 

 

$

152,000

 

 

 

$

175,000

 

 

 

$

236,000

 

 

 

$

91,000

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

 

 

$

98,000

 

 

 

$

204,000

 

 

 

$

150,000

 

 

 

$

152,000

 

 

 

 

 

$

98,000

 

 

 

$

204,000

 

 

 

$

150,000

 

 

 

$

152,000

 

 


(1)          Amounts charged to costs and expenses.

(2)          Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.

See accompanying summary of accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.

72







REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors
MTR Gaming Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of MTR Gaming Group, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 21, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment and an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 21, 2006

F-2




MTR GAMING GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

22,576

 

$

22,443

 

Restricted cash

 

921

 

604

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

7,558

 

4,417

 

Inventories

 

3,428

 

2,877

 

Deferred financing costs

 

1,952

 

1,469

 

Prepaid taxes

 

1,352

 

505

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1,000

 

962

 

Other current assets

 

3,619

 

2,262

 

Total current assets

 

42,406

 

35,539

 

Property and equipment, net

 

256,167

 

222,542

 

Goodwill

 

1,492

 

1,492

 

Other intangibles

 

17,583

 

14,285

 

Note receivable

 

 

2,172

 

Deferred financing costs, net of current portion

 

3,911

 

4,775

 

Deposits and other

 

13,118

 

15,371

 

Total assets

 

$

334,677

 

$296,176

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

9,261

 

$

2,966

 

Accounts payable—West Virginia Lottery Commission

 

1,297

 

677

 

Accrued payroll and payroll taxes

 

3,364

 

2,308

 

Accrued interest

 

3,218

 

3,244

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

18,287

 

6,258

 

Current portion of capital lease obligations

 

3

 

1,792

 

Current portion of long-term and other debt

 

474

 

383

 

Total current liabilities

 

35,904

 

17,628

 

Capital lease obligations, net of current portion

 

 

4

 

Long-term and other debt, net of current portion

 

152,966

 

133,133

 

Deferred leasehold obligation

 

5,090

 

5,177

 

Long-term deferred compensation

 

8,051

 

5,710

 

Deferred income taxes

 

8,746

 

11,270

 

Total liabilities

 

210,757

 

172,922

 

Minority interest

 

2,944

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.00001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 27,444,676 and 28,588,760 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively

 

 

 

Paid-in capital

 

61,376

 

61,892

 

Retained earnings

 

59,600

 

61,362

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

120,976

 

123,254

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

334,677

 

$

296,176

 

 

See accompanying summary of accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3




MTR GAMING GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gaming

 

$

296,160

 

$

266,382

 

$

251,220

 

Parimutuel commissions

 

12,746

 

13,550

 

11,341

 

Food, beverage and lodging

 

39,405

 

24,503

 

22,767

 

Other

 

9,984

 

10,787

 

8,278

 

Total revenues

 

358,295

 

315,222

 

293,606

 

Less promotional allowances

 

(8,380

)

(5,283

)

(5,727

)

Net revenues

 

349,915

 

309,939

 

287,879

 

Costs of revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of gaming

 

174,050

 

159,754

 

152,653

 

Cost of parimutuel commissions

 

10,225

 

10,008

 

8,363

 

Cost of food, beverage and lodging

 

33,356

 

17,924

 

17,452

 

Cost of other revenue

 

8,128

 

8,639

 

7,855

 

Total costs of revenues

 

225,759

 

196,325

 

186,323

 

Gross profit

 

124,156

 

113,614

 

101,556

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketing and promotions

 

10,951

 

9,667

 

7,271

 

General and administrative

 

63,305

 

46,153

 

40,463

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

24,325

 

21,192

 

18,692

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of property

 

(92

)

386

 

(432

)

Total operating expenses

 

98,489

 

77,398

 

65,994

 

Operating income

 

25,667

 

36,216

 

35,562

 

Other (expense) income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint venture

 

(204

)

(108

)

 

Interest income

 

273

 

213

 

307

 

Interest expense

 

(12,179

)

(13,599

)

(11,896

)

Income before provision for income taxes and minority interest

 

13,557

 

22,722

 

23,973

 

Provision for income taxes

 

(5,823

)

(8,267

)

(8,833

)

Income before minority interest

 

7,734

 

14,455

 

15,140

 

Minority interest

 

35

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

7,769

 

$

14,455

 

$

15,140

 

NET INCOME PER SHARE—BASIC

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.51

 

$

0.54

 

NET INCOME PER SHARE—ASSUMING DILUTION

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.50

 

$

0.53

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

28,303,487

 

28,449,152

 

27,813,232

 

Diluted

 

28,616,063

 

28,941,184

 

28,774,704

 

 

See accompanying summary of accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4




MTR GAMING GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(dollars in thousands)

 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional
Paid-In

 

Retained

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Earnings

 

Total

 

Balances, December 31, 2002

 

27,229,908

 

 

 

 

 

$

53,236

 

 

$

37,253

 

$

90,489

 

Shares issued from exercise of stock options, including related tax benefits of $2,320

 

1,230,227

 

 

 

 

 

5,867

 

 

(2,025

)

3,842

 

Purchase and retirement of treasury stock

 

(554,700

)

 

 

 

 

(634

)

 

(3,196

)

(3,830

)

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,140

 

15,140

 

Balances, December 31, 2003

 

27,905,435

 

 

 

 

 

58,469

 

 

47,172

 

105,641

 

Shares issued from exercise of stock options, including related tax benefits of $1,812

 

683,325

 

 

 

 

 

3,423

 

 

(265

)

3,158

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,455

 

14,455

 

Balances, December 31, 2004

 

28,588,760

 

 

 

 

 

61,892

 

 

61,362

 

123,254

 

Shares issued from exercise of stock options, including related tax benefits of $247

 

137,116

 

 

 

 

 

950

 

 

 

950

 

Purchase and retirement of treasury stock

 

(1,281,200

)

 

 

 

 

(1,466

)

 

(9,531

)

(10,997

)

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,769

 

7,769

 

Balances, December 31, 2005

 

27,444,676

 

 

 

 

 

$

61,376

 

 

$

59,600

 

$

120,976

 

 

See accompanying summary of accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5




MTR GAMING GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in thousands)

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

7,769

 

$

14,455

 

$

15,140

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

24,325

 

21,192

 

18,692

 

Amortization of deferred leasehold obligation

 

(87

)

(73

)

 

(Gain) loss on disposal

 

(92

)

386

 

(432

)

Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint venture

 

204

 

108

 

 

Increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts

 

30

 

(61

)

54

 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

247

 

1,812

 

2,320

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(2,562

)

929

 

4,340

 

Increase in long-term deferred compensation

 

2,341

 

2,583

 

2,212

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities—operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid taxes

 

(847

)

1,347

 

1,294

 

Other current assets

 

(4,873

)

4,423

 

(4,423

)

Accounts payable

 

5,975

 

(1,625

)

(668

)

Accrued liabilities

 

7,054

 

1,093

 

(723

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

39,484

 

46,569

 

37,806

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in restricted cash

 

183

 

216

 

532

 

Purchase of Scioto Downs (net of cash acquired of $1,345,000)

 

 

 

(18,390

)

Purchase of Binion’s Horseshoe Hotel and Casino

 

 

(22,458

)

 

Investment in Jackson Trotting Association, LLC

 

(1,895

)

(418

)

 

Investment in North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC

 

(8,614

)

(288

)

 

Acquisition of real property

 

 

(2,732

)

(2,700

)

Increase in deposits and other assets

 

(178

)

(3,828

)

(3,177

)

Proceeds from disposal of property

 

4,628

 

130

 

1,536

 

Capital expenditures

 

(39,902

)

(16,544

)

(24,342

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(45,778

)

(45,922

)

(46,541

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(399

)

(975

)

(93,462

)

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt

 

20,000

 

 

128,448

 

Principal payments on capital lease obligations

 

(1,793

)

(5,128

)

(6,553

)

Financing cost paid

 

(1,087

)

(243

)

(6,379

)

Purchase and retirement of treasury stock

 

(10,997

)

 

(3,830

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

703

 

1,346

 

2,909

 

Net cash provided by (used in) provided by financing activities

 

6,427

 

(5,000

)

21,133

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

133

 

(4,353

)

12,398

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

22,443

 

26,796

 

14,398

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

 

$

22,576

 

$

22,443

 

$

26,796

 

Cash paid during the year for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

13,370

 

$

13,651

 

$

8,844

 

Income taxes

 

$

9,000

 

$

6,200

 

$

3,587

 

 

See accompanying summary of accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6




MTR GAMING GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.   GENERAL

MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (Company), a Delaware corporation, owns and operates racetrack, gaming and hotel properties in West Virginia, Ohio, Nevada and Michigan.

The Company acquired Mountaineer Park, Inc. in December of 1992 and has since operated the Mountaineer Racetrack & Gaming Resort (Mountaineer Park or the Resort) in West Virginia’s northern “panhandle,” approximately twenty-five miles from the Pittsburgh International Airport. The Resort complex offers video lottery gaming areas, a thoroughbred horse racetrack, parimutuel wagering (which includes exporting of simulcasting signals to other race tracks and off-track wagering on horse and greyhound races simulcast from other tracks), 359 hotel rooms (including a 258 room hotel which opened in May 2002), swimming, spa, fitness center, a convention center, dining and lounge facilities and the Harvey E. Arneault entertainment center. Mountaineer Park also owns the Woodview Golf Course, which is located approximately seven miles from the Resort.

The Company also operates through a wholly owned subsidiary, the Ramada Inn and Speedway Casino, in North Las Vegas Nevada. During 2002, the Company also operated through a wholly owned subsidiary a hotel in Reno, Nevada (Speakeasy Reno), which it sold in 2003.

As discussed in Note 4, in 2003, the Company acquired Scioto Downs, Inc. (Scioto Downs) which owns and operates a harness horse racing facility with parimutuel wagering in Columbus, Ohio.

As discussed in Note 4, the Company, through its subsidiary Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc., acquired Binion’s Horseshoe Hotel and Casino (Binion’s) in downtown Las Vegas and entered into a Joint Operating Agreement with an affiliate of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (Harrah’s). The Joint Operating Agreement terminated on March 10, 2005 and the Company has assumed operations of the property and renamed it Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel.

In June 2004, the Company acquired a 50% interest in North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC (North Metro) as discussed in Note 4. North Metro has obtained a license to build a harness race track and card room in Minnesota.

In December 2005, the Company acquired, through its subsidiary Jackson Racing, Inc., a 90% interest in Jackson Trotting Association, LLC (Jackson) as discussed in Note 4. Jackson Trotting offers harness racing and parimutuel wagering.

2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (MTR), Mountaineer Park, Inc. (Mountaineer Park), Speakeasy Gaming of Las Vegas, Inc. (Speakeasy-Las Vegas), Speakeasy Gaming of Reno, Inc. (Speakeasy-Reno), Presque Isle Downs, Inc. (Presque Isle), Scioto Downs, Inc., Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel, Jackson Racing, Inc. and North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC (collectively, the Company). All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The equity method was used to account for the Company’s 50% investment in North Metro until North Metro was consolidated in the fourth quarter in accordance with FIN 46 as discussed below in Note 4.

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, and Interpretation of ARB No. 51, (FIN 46). FIN 46 requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to

F-7




finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 is effective for all special purpose entities for periods ending after December 15, 2003 and for all other entities for periods ending after March 15, 2004.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term and other debt. In addition, the Company maintained an interest rate cap agreement, which expired on December 31, 2003. With the exception of the 9.75% senior unsecured notes, the fair value of financial instruments approximated their carrying values at December 31, 2005 and 2004. The fair value of the 9.75% senior unsecured notes was determined based upon market quotes. The fair value of the 9.75% senior unsecured notes at December 31, 2005 was $139 million.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

The Company considers highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity of 90 days or less from the purchase date to be cash equivalents.

Restricted cash includes unredeemed winning tickets from its racing operations, funds related to horsemen’s fines and certain simulcasting funds that are restricted to payments for improving horsemen’s facilities and increasing racing purses at Scioto Downs, and short-term certificates of deposit that serve as collateral for certain bonding requirements.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company maintains trade accounts receivable principally related to parimutuel commissions, simulcast fees, and convention center revenues. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded to reflect the anticipated realization of the Company’s receivables and includes assessment of the probability of collection and the credit-worthiness of simulcast racetracks and convention center customers. Reserves for uncollectible accounts are recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as a component of the applicable cost of revenues. The provision is assessed for adequacy through specific reviews of customer balances and credit risk. Accounts are identified as delinquent, if payment is not received in accordance with the terms of the simulcast arrangement or customer sales agreement. Accounts are charged against the allowance at such time when a reasonable probability of collection no longer remains. The Company maintained allowances for doubtful accounts of $121,000 and $91,000 at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined by the first-in, first-out method) or market.

Derivatives

The Company accounts for its derivative activity in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement (SFAS) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended. Accordingly, the Company recognizes all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for the changes in fair value of derivative instruments depends on the use of the derivative. To

F-8




the extent that a derivative instrument has been designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative instrument is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax) and is reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the cash flow hedge is immediately recognized in earnings. If a cash flow hedge is terminated before the settlement date of the hedged item, the amount of accumulated other comprehensive income recorded up to that date would remain accrued provided that the forecasted transaction remains probable of occurring. Prospectively, the change in fair value of the derivative instrument would be recorded in earnings.

As discussed in Note 6, the terms of certain of the Company’s financing arrangements required the Company to enter into an interest rate cap agreement, which expired on December 31, 2003, to manage interest rate risk and to lower its cost of borrowing. The Company did not apply cash flow hedge accounting to this instrument. Although this derivative was not afforded cash flow hedge accounting, the Company retained the instrument as protection against the interest rate risk associated with its long-term borrowings.

Licensing Costs

The costs associated with obtaining definite-lived gaming and racing licenses are deferred and amortized over the license period. Indefinite-lived licensing costs are reviewed for impairment in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS No. 142).

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs are amortized over the terms of the related debt and are reflected as amortization expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. During 2005 and 2004, the Company capitalized financing costs totaling $1,087,000 and $243,000, respectively, and in 2003, $6,379,000 was incurred in conjunction with the consummation of the private sale of $130 million of 9.75% senior unsecured notes and the execution of the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated March 28, 2003. Amortization expense amounted to $1,469,000, $1,463,000 and $1,271,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Major betterments are capitalized while routine repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. The Company capitalizes direct materials and labor, and allocates interest during construction periods. Depreciation, which includes amortization of assets under capital leases, is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings

 

20 to 40

 

Furniture and fixtures

 

5 to 7

 

Equipment and automobiles

 

3 to 15

 

 

Interest is capitalized to construction in progress based on the product resulting from applying the Company’s cost of borrowing rate to qualifying assets. Interest capitalized in 2005 was $1,301,000. There was no interest capitalized during 2004 and 2003.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill is the excess of the acquisition cost of businesses over the fair value of the identifiable net assets (tangible and intangible) acquired. Goodwill and other indefinite lived intangibles were required to be evaluated for impairment at the beginning of 2002 and on an annual basis going forward according to

F-9




SFAS No. 142. The standard requires a two-step process be performed to analyze whether or not goodwill and other indefinite live intangible assets have been impaired. Step one requires that the fair value be compared to book value. If the fair value is higher than the book value, no impairment is indicated and there is no need to perform the second step of the process. If the fair value is lower than the book value, step two must be evaluated. Step two requires that a hypothetical purchase price allocation analysis be done to reflect a current book value of goodwill. This current value is then compared to the carrying value of goodwill. If the current fair value is lower than the carrying value, an impairment must be recorded. SFAS No. 142 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to the estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment.

In accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 142, the Company tested its goodwill, totaling approximately $1.5 million for impairment as of January 1, 2002 and in the fourth quarters of 2005, 2004 and 2003. The fair value of the Company’s goodwill was estimated using discounted cash flow methodologies and market comparable information. As a result of the impairment tests, the Company determined that no impairment was present and correspondingly that no impairment adjustment was required.

Self-Insurance

Effective October 2002, the Company became self-insured for employee health coverage. Self-insurance reserves are estimated based upon the Company’s claim experience and is included in other accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company also maintains stop loss insurance coverage. Effective January 1, 2006 the Company has entered into an insured employee health coverage plan.

Revenue Recognition

Gaming revenues consist of the net win from gaming activities, which is the difference between amounts wagered and amounts paid to winning patrons and is recorded at the time wagers are made. Revenues from video lottery represent the net win earned on video slot, poker, keno or blackjack wagers. As discussed in Note 12, the West Virginia Lottery Statute governs the distribution of net win at Mountaineer Park. Mountaineer Park receives 46.5% of the net win until such time as an annual, predetermined fixed net win threshold based upon West Virginia’s fiscal year of July 1-June 30 is achieved. At that time an additional 10% surcharge is deducted and the net win percentage to be received by the Company is reduced to 42%. This reduction in the net win percentage (or, alternatively, the increase in the payments to the State of West Virginia) is reflected by the Company as a cost of gaming during the period in which the net win exceeds the predetermined threshold. The Company recognizes revenues from parimutuel commissions earned from thoroughbred and harness racing, and importing of simulcast signals from other race tracks at the time wagers are made. Such commissions are a designated portion of the wagering handle as determined by the Racing Commissions of West Virginia, Ohio and Michigan (the Racing Commission). Such revenues are shown net of the taxes assessed by state and local agencies, as well as purses and contract amounts paid to the Horsemen’s Benevolent Protection Association (the HBPA), the exclusive authorized bargaining representative for all thoroughbred horse owners who participate in live races at Mountaineer Park, the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association, the exclusive authorized bargaining representatives for all harness horse owners who participate in live races at Scioto Downs and Jackson Trotting, respectively. The Company recognizes revenues from fees earned through the exporting of simulcast signals to other race tracks at the time wagers are made. Such fees are based upon a predetermined percentage of handle as contracted with the other race tracks.

Revenues from food and beverage are recognized at the time of sale and revenues from lodging are recognized on the date of stay.

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Other revenues consist primarily of fees earned from activities ancillary to the Company’s racing and gaming activities such as the spa facility, golf course, entertainment center and convention center. Such revenues are recorded at the time services are rendered or sales are made.

Promotional Allowances and Complimentaries

The Company offers certain promotional allowances to its customers, including complimentary lodging and food and video lottery terminal (VLT) vouchers. The retail value of these promotional items is shown as a deduction from total revenues on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Total revenues do not include the retail amount of food and beverage provided gratuitously to customers, which was $1,833,000, $2,201,000 and $2,354,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Frequent Players Program

The Company offers programs whereby participants can accumulate points for casino wagering that can currently be redeemed for tokens, lodging, food and beverages and merchandise. A liability is recorded for the estimate of unredeemed points based upon the Company’s redemption history. This liability can be impacted by changes in the programs, increases in membership and changes in the redemption patterns of the participants.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB No. 25) and related interpretations in accounting for stock options and awards. Accordingly, no compensation cost for fixed stock options is included in net income since all awards were made at the fair value on the date of grant. Compensation expense for restricted share awards is ratably recognized over the vesting period, based on the fair value of the stock on the date of grant. No restricted share awards were granted during the three-year period ended December 31, 2005.

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 (prior to the implementation of SFAS No. 123(R) to employee stock-based awards. Refer to Note 10 for more information regarding stock based compensation.

 

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands, except
per share amounts)

 

Net income, as reported

 

$

7,769

 

$

14,455

 

$

15,140

 

Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax

 

 

 

 

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation determined under fair value method for all awards, net of tax

 

1,319

 

341

 

656

 

Pro forma net income

 

$

6,450

 

$

14,114

 

$

14,484

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic, as reported

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.51

 

$

0.54

 

Basic, pro forma

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.50

 

$

0.52

 

Diluted, as reported

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.50

 

$

0.53

 

Diluted, pro forma

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.49

 

$

0.50

 

 

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Pro Forma Stock Option Information

Pro forma information regarding net income is required by SFAS No. 123 and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method pursuant to SFAS No. 123, rather than the method pursuant to APB Opinion No. 25. The fair value of these options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003: risk-free rates of between 3.24% and 5.16%; dividend yield of 0%; expected life of the options of between 60 and 120 months; and volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock of between 61% and 68%.

Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 was $10,951,000, $9,667,000 and $7,271,000, respectively, net of advertising grants received from the State of West Virginia of $1,127,000, $121,000 and $1,743,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for its income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS No. 109). Under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between bases used for financial reporting and income tax reporting purposes. Income taxes are provided based on the enacted tax rates in effect at the time such temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided for certain deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize tax assets through future operations. The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed as net income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through stock options, warrants and other convertible securities utilizing the treasury stock method. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of these occurrences.

The following tables illustrate the required disclosure of the reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net income per share from continuing operations computations.

 

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 

$

7,769

 

$

14,455

 

$

15,140

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

28,303,487

 

28,449,152

 

27,813,232

 

Effect of dilutive securities—warrants and options

 

312,576

 

492,032

 

961,472

 

Diluted shares outstanding

 

28,616,063

 

28,941,184

 

28,774,704

 

Basic net income per common share

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.51

 

$

0.54

 

Diluted net income per common share

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.50

 

$

0.53

 

 

The dilutive EPS calculations do not include 175,000, 10,000 and 25,000 of potential dilutive securities for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, because they were antidilutive.

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Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s consolidated financial statement presentation to conform to the current presentation. These reclassifications did not affect the Company’s net income or cash flows.

3.   RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company maintains cash balances at certain financial institutions in excess of amounts insured by federal agencies. In addition, the Company maintains significant cash balances on hand at its gaming operations.

Cyclical Nature of Business

The Company’s primary business involves leisure and entertainment. During periods of recession or economic downturn, consumers may reduce or eliminate spending on leisure and entertainment activities. In the event that any of the Company’s demographic markets suffer adverse economic conditions, the Company’s revenues may be materially adversely affected. In addition, the operations of Mountaineer Park and Scioto Downs are typically seasonal in nature. Winter conditions may adversely affect transportation routes to Mountaineer Park, as well as cause cancellations of live horse racing. As a result, adverse seasonal conditions could have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Company.

Scioto Downs’ live racing operations are limited by the race dates assigned to it by the Ohio State Racing Commission. In Ohio, each permit holder may be granted live racing days within a specified time period. The 2005 live racing season at Scioto Downs commenced in May and ended in September. Due to the seasonal nature of the business, during the period when live racing is not being held, Scioto Downs’ revenues are generally limited to simulcasting, which is conducted year round. Similarly, the race dates for Jackson Trotting are determined by the Michigan Racing Commission.

In the Las Vegas market, business levels are generally weaker from Thanksgiving through the middle of January (except during the week between Christmas and New Years) and throughout the summer, and generally stronger from mid-January through Easter and from mid-September through Thanksgiving. The Company’s results at Speakeasy-Las Vegas and Binion’s may also be affected by inclement weather. It is unlikely that the Company will be able to obtain business interruption coverage for casualties resulting from severe weather, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain casualty insurance coverage at affordable rates for casualties resulting from severe weather.

Licensing

The Company’s business is highly regulated. The ability of the Company to remain in business and to operate profitably depends upon the Company’s ability to satisfy all applicable racing and gaming laws and regulations.

West Virginia Racing and Gaming Regulation

The Company’s operations at Mountaineer Park are subject to regulation by the West Virginia State Racing Commission (Racing Commission) under the West Virginia Racing Act, and by the West Virginia State Lottery Commission (Lottery Commission) under the West Virginia Racetrack Video Lottery Act (Lottery Act).

The powers and responsibilities of the Racing Commission include, among other things, (i) granting permission annually to maintain racing licenses and schedule race meets, (ii) approving simulcasting

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activities, (iii) licensing all officers, directors, racing officials and certain other employees of the Company and (iv) approving all contracts entered into by the Company affecting racing and parimutuel wagering operations. Such powers and responsibilities extend to the approval and/or oversight of all aspects of racing and parimutuel wagering operations. In order to conduct simulcast racing, Mountaineer Park is required under West Virginia law to apply for a minimum of 210 live race days each year and to obtain Racing Commission approval for any reduction in race days actually held during that year. The Company has received all necessary approvals to conduct its current operations at Mountaineer Park; however, such approvals are subject to renewal and approval annually. The failure to receive or retain approvals or renewals of approvals, or a delay in receiving such approvals and renewals, could cause the reduction or suspension of racing and parimutuel wagering, as well as of video slot operations, at Mountaineer Park and could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Pursuant to the Lottery Act, West Virginia horse racetracks licensed prior to January 1, 1994 and which conduct a minimum number of days of live racing, may apply for an annual license to operate video slots at its racetrack. The Lottery Act likewise requires that the operator of Mountaineer Park be subject to a written agreement with the horse owners, breeders and trainers who race horses at that facility in order to conduct video slot operations. The Company is party to the requisite agreement with the HBPA, which expires on December 31, 2006. The Lottery Act also requires that the operator of Mountaineer Park be subject to a written agreement with the parimutuel clerks in order to operate video slots. The Company is party to the requisite agreement with its parimutuel clerks which expires on November 30, 2008. The union has indicated it would like to confirm on an annual basis that the agreement relates to the proceeds of the slot machines. The absence of an agreement with the HBPA or the parimutuel clerks at Mountaineer Park, or the termination or nonrenewal of such agreements, would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Lottery Commission has broad powers to approve and monitor all operations of the video lottery terminals, the specification of the terminals and the interface between the terminals and the West Virginia Central Lottery System. In addition, the Lottery Commission licenses all persons who control the licensed entity or are key personnel of the video lottery operation to ensure their integrity and absence of any criminal involvement.

Pursuant to both the Racing Commission’s and Lottery Commission’s regulatory authority, the Company may be investigated by either body at virtually any time. Accordingly, the Company must comply with all gaming laws at all times. Should either body consider the Company to be in violation of any of the applicable laws or regulations, each has the plenary authority to suspend or rescind the Company’s licenses. While the Company has no knowledge of any material noncompliance, and believes that it is in compliance with all relevant regulations, should the Company fail to comply, its business would be materially adversely affected.

Ohio Racing Regulation

Scioto Downs conducts its operations pursuant to a permit issued annually by the Ohio State Racing Commission. All racing conducted by Scioto Downs is conducted in accordance with applicable Ohio statutes and the rules and regulations of the Ohio State Racing Commission. The Ohio State Racing Commission regulates and controls the forms of wager that are permitted at the racetrack, the number of races permitted during a racing program and the days and time that live racing will be permitted. The Commission also approves full-card simulcasting schedules. The Ohio State Racing Commission must license all persons who work at the racetrack. The Ohio State Racing Commission must license all owners, trainers, drivers, and other persons involved in the racing program. The Company has received all necessary approvals to conduct its current operations at Scioto Downs; however, such approvals are subject to renewal and approval annually. The failure to receive or retain approvals or renewals of approvals, or a delay in receiving such approvals and renewals, could cause the reduction or suspension of racing and

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parimutuel wagering at Scioto Downs and could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Ohio Racing Commission approves all annual licenses for racetracks to conduct harness and thoroughbred horse racing.

Nevada Gaming Regulation

During October 2003, the Company was registered as a publicly traded holding company by the Nevada Gaming Commission (the “Nevada Commission”) without limitations. In addition, the Company and Mountaineer Park, Inc. were approved by the Nevada Commission to participate in parimutuel to share in the revenues from the conduct of off-track parimutuel race wagering in Nevada. Speakeasy Gaming of Las Vegas, Inc. obtained a nonrestricted gaming license to conduct gaming operations at the Company’s property in North Las Vegas without limitations. Likewise, the individuals who applied for required licenses and /or findings of suitability were approved. The approvals granted by the Nevada Commission were conditioned upon an additional employee applying for a finding of suitability. Such application has been filed and is pending review. Binion’s also received a nonrestricted gaming license in March 2004 following the closing of the Company’s acquisition of Binion’s.

The laws, regulations, and supervisory procedures of the Nevada Gaming Authorities are based upon declarations of public policy which are concerned with, among other things: (i) the prevention of unsavory or unsuitable persons from having a direct or indirect involvement with gaming at any time or in any capacity; (ii) the establishment and maintenance of responsible accounting practices and procedures; (iii) the maintenance of effective controls over the financial practices of licensees, including the establishment of minimum procedures for internal fiscal affairs and the safeguarding of assets and revenues, providing reliable record keeping and requiring the filing of periodic reports with the Nevada Gaming Authorities; (iv) the prevention of cheating and fraudulent practices; and (v) to provide a source of state and local revenues through taxation and licensing fees. Change in such laws, regulations, and procedures could have an adverse effect on the operations of the Company.

In order to operate nonrestricted gaming in Nevada, Speakeasy-Las Vegas and Binion’s are required to be licensed as an operator of a casino by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. A gaming license requires the periodic payment of fees and taxes and is not transferable. The Company is registered by the Nevada Commission as a publicly traded corporation (Registered Corporation) and as such, it is required periodically to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada Commission and furnish any other information which the Nevada Commission may require. No person may become a stockholder of, or receive any percentage of profits from, Speakeasy-Las Vegas or Binion’s without first obtaining licenses and approvals from the Nevada Gaming Authorities.

The Nevada Gaming Authorities may investigate any individual who has a material relationship to, or material involvement with, the Company Speakeasy-Las Vegas or Binion’s in order to determine whether such individual is suitable or should be licensed as a business associate of a gaming licensee.

If the Nevada Gaming Authorities were to determine that Speakeasy-Las Vegas or Binion’s had violated the Nevada Gaming Control Act or the regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the Nevada Act), the gaming licenses could be limited, conditioned, suspended, or revoked, subject to compliance with certain statutory and regulatory procedures. In addition, Speakeasy-Las Vegas, Binion’s, the Company, and the persons involved could be subject to substantial fines for each separate violation of the Nevada Act at the discretion of the Nevada Commission.

Impact of Resort Hotel Legislation

The location upon which Speakeasy-Las Vegas is located is subject to legislation passed in 1991 by the Nevada Legislature which is commonly referred to as the Resort Hotel Legislation. The key portions of this legislation essentially provide that the Nevada Commission shall not approve a nonrestricted gaming

F-15




license for an establishment located in either Clark County or Washoe County, Nevada, unless the establishment is a resort hotel, as defined. A county, city or town may require resort hotels to meet standards in addition to those required by the Nevada Legislature as a condition to issuance of a gaming license by the particular county, city or town. Unless gaming were to be abandoned, the location owned by Speakeasy-Las Vegas is exempt from the Resort Hotel Legislation because the location held nonrestricted gaming licenses prior to the enactment of the legislation. The failure to keep the grandfathered exemptions to the Resort Hotel Legislation and the local regulations governing resort hotels would have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Pennsylvania Racing Regulation

In September 2002, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Presque Isle Downs, Inc., was granted a license by the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission to conduct thoroughbred horse racing and parimutuel wagering in Erie, PA. The Company plans to build a state-of-the-art horse racing facility that will also offer entertainment, and fine and casual dining (See Note 7). The State Horse Racing Commission has the power to supervise all thoroughbred horserace meetings at which parimutuel wagering is conducted.

Pennsylvania Gaming Regulations

Presque Isle Downs’ planned slot machine operations will be subject to the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (the “Pennsylvania Act”) passed and signed into law in July of 2004. The Pennsylvania Act authorizes the granting of slot machine licenses to up to seven Category 1 licensed facilities (i.e. racetracks) and up to five Category 2 licensed facilities (i.e. non-tracks), along with limited licenses to up to two Category 3 licensed facilities (i.e. resort hotels). Those racetracks and non-track facilities which successfully apply for slot machine licenses will be permitted to operate between 1,500 and 3,000 slot machines each, subject to future expansion of up to 2,000 additional machines per facility upon the approval of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The licensed resort facilities will be permitted to operate up to 500 machines each.

Each racetrack slot machine licensee in Pennsylvania will be required to pay 34% of its daily gross revenues from gaming less all monetary payouts (“Gross Terminal Revenues”) to the State Gaming Fund, 4% of its Gross Terminal Revenues as a local share assessment, 5% of its Gross Terminal Revenues to the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund and a maximum of 12% of its Gross Terminal Revenues to a pool (the “Horsemen Pool”) for distribution to each racetrack’s horsemen, in the form of purses and other awards. Non-track and resort facilities will be bound to make the same percentage distributions but, since they do not conduct horse racing, they will contribute to the Horsemen Pool that portion of their Gross Terminal Revenues which is equal, on a pro rata basis, to the amount contributed to the Horsemen Pool by Category 1 licensees. The Horsemen Pool will then be allocated among the horsemen at each of the Category 1 licensed facilities, with the intention of providing payments to the horsemen at each racetrack, which are equivalent to 18% of that track’s Gross Terminal Revenues.

All racetrack licensees offering slot machines in Pennsylvania must pay an upfront fee of $50.0 million and will be required to commit a minimum of $5.0 million over a five year period, and a minimum of $0.25 million annually for five years thereafter, for improvements and maintenance of its backstretch (we expect to be exempt from the $5 million requirement entirely and from the annual $0.25 million requirement for a period of ten years because we are building a new facility). We filed our application for a Category 1 license for Presque Isle Downs on December 28, 2005. Upon receipt of our license, we will be subject to Pennsylvania’s gaming laws and regulations of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board similar to those in effect in Nevada.

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Minnesota Racing Regulation

In December 2003, North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC and Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp. filed applications for Class A and Class B licenses, respectively, to develop and operate a harness racing track and card club in Anoka County, Minnesota, after which time the Company acquired a 50% equity interest in North Metro Harness. The Class B license application was subsequently amended to reflect the Company’s participation and, on January 19, 2005, the Minnesota Racing Commission voted to grant Class A and Class B licenses to North Metro. The Class A License is effective until revoked or suspended by the Racing Commission, or relinquished by the licensee. The Class B License is renewable each year by the Racing Commission after a public hearing (if required by the Racing Commission).

Minnesota established the Minnesota Racing Commission to regulate horse racing and card playing in the state under its parimutuel horse racing statute. North Metro and the Company, as a 50 percent owner of North Metro, are subject to the horse racing statute and rules and regulations promulgated under it (the “Racing Act”). North Metro’s horse racing operations will also be subject to the Federal Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978.

The Racing Commission has broad authority to enforce the Racing Act and regulate substantially all aspects of horse racing in Minnesota. The Racing Commission granted and will oversee North Metro’s operating licenses, will license all employees of North Metro’s racetrack as well as jockeys, trainers, veterinarians and other participants, regulates the transfer of ownership interests in licensees, allocates live race days and simulcast-only race days, approves race programs, regulates the conduct of races, sets specifications for the racing ovals, animal facilities, employee quarters and public areas of North Metro’s racetrack, regulates the types of wagers on horse races and approves significant contractual arrangements with North Metro, including management agreements, simulcast arrangements, totalizator contracts and concessionaire agreements. Adverse decisions by the Racing Commission in regard to any one or more of these matters could adversely affect the Company’s operations.

The Racing Act requires prior approval by the Racing Commission of all officers, directors, 5% shareholders, or other persons having a present or future direct or indirect financial or management interest in any person applying for a Class A and Class B, and if a change of ownership of more than 5% of the licensee’s shares is made after an application is filed or the license issued, the applicant or licensee must notify the Racing Commission of the changes within five days of this occurrence and provide the information required by the Racing Act.

Card Club Regulation

North Metro has submitted a card club plan of operation for approval by the Racing Commission in connection with North Metro’s Class B license. If the card club plan of operation is approved, the Racing Commission will regulate the playing of “unbanked” or “player pool” card games at North Metro’s card club, as well as harness racing. North Metro must reimburse the Racing Commission for its actual costs, including personnel costs, of regulating the card club. North Metro must have the Class B license and card club authorization renewed annually by the Racing Commission after a public hearing (if required by the Racing Commission).

F-17




Michigan Racing Regulation

Operations at Jackson Harness in Jackson, Michigan are subject to regulation under Michigan’s Horse Racing Law of 1995 and regulations promulgated under that law. The law is administered by the Office of Racing Commissioner which is part of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The Racing  Commissioner has general supervisory control over pari-mutual betting and the conduct of horse racing. Those powers include:

·       annual Licensing of tracks, individuals or entities participating in the conduct of racing and pari-mutual wagering;

·       conduct of background checks on such individuals, including fingerprinting and criminal record examination;

·       establishment of race calendars;

·       inspection of facilities, books and records; and

·       regulation of simulcast races, subject to a contract with the local county.

The conduct of horse racing is pervasively regulated in the State of Michigan. By becoming licensed, the individuals consent to inspections. The Commissioner has the power to summarily suspend a license for violation of the Horse Racing Law or rules.

Political Climate

The Company’s ability to remain in the gaming business depends on the continued political acceptability of gaming activities to both the public and state governmental officials. In addition, the gaming laws impose high tax rates, and fixed parimutuel commission rates which, if altered, may diminish the Company’s profitability. Management is aware of nothing to indicate that West Virginia, Nevada and Pennsylvania state officials will change their policies toward gaming activities, particularly video lottery gaming; however, there are no assurances that such policies will not be changed. Any substantial unfavorable change in the enabling laws or tax rates on gaming revenues could make the Company’s business substantially more onerous, less profitable or illegal, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.

In August 1996, the United States Congress passed legislation, which President Clinton signed, creating the National Gambling Impact and Policy Commission (the “Policy Commission”) to conduct a comprehensive study of all matters relating to the economic and social impact of gaming in the United States. The legislation provided that, not later than two years after the enactment of such legislation, the Policy Commission must issue a report to the President and to Congress containing its findings and conclusions, together with recommendations for legislation and administrative actions. That report with accompanying recommendations was issued on June 18, 1999. Those recommendations include, among others, the statement that states should refuse to allow the introduction of casino-style gambling in parimutuel facilities for (i) the primary purpose of saving a parimutuel facility that the market has determined no longer serves the community; or (ii) for the purpose of competing with other forms of gambling. If such recommendations were enacted into law, it could adversely impact the gaming industry and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and operations. The Company is unable to predict whether this study will result in law that would impose additional regulations on gaming industry operators, including the Company.

Competition

The Company faces substantial competition in each of the markets in which its gaming and racetrack facilities are located. Some of the competitors have significantly greater name recognition and financial

F-18




and marketing resources than the Company. Such competition results, in part, from the geographic concentration of competitors. All of the Company’s gaming operations primarily compete with other gaming operations in their geographic areas. New expansion and development activity is occurring in each of the relevant markets, which may be expected to intensify competitive pressures. All of the Company’s gaming operations also compete to a lesser extent with operations in other locations, including Native American lands, riverboats and cruise ships, and with other forms of legalized gaming in the United States, including state-sponsored lotteries, on- and off-track wagering, high-stakes bingo and card parlors. Several states have considered legalized casino gaming and others may in the future. Legalization of large-scale, unlimited casino gaming in or near any major metropolitan area or increased gaming in other areas could have a material adverse effect on the business of any or all of the Company’s gaming facilities. In July 2004, Pennsylvania enacted legislation that would permit slot machine operations at racetracks and certain other venues. The Mountaineer Park location, Scioto Downs, and the planned Presque Isle Downs could be adversely impacted as a result of this increased competition.

Environmental Regulations

Generally, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to a variety of federal, state and local governmental laws and regulations relating to the use, storage, discharge, emission and disposal of hazardous materials. While the Company believes that it and its subsidiaries are presently in material compliance with all environmental laws, failure to comply with such laws could result in the imposition of severe penalties or restrictions on operations by government agencies or courts that could adversely affect operations. In addition, although the Company is not aware of any environmental contamination at its properties (with the exception of a discharge from an underground storage tanks at Mountaineer Park and Scioto Downs which are (i) subject to state-approved plans of remediation and (ii) not considered material and certain contamination at the International Paper site acquired in 2004 that is subject to a Consent Order with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection—See Note 7), it has not conducted exhaustive environmental investigations of all such properties. The Company does not have insurance to cover environmental liabilities, if any, other than certain coverage limited to the International Paper site that covers potential environmental matters not addressed in the baseline environmental assessment at the time of the acquisition.

Taxation

The gaming industry represents a significant source of tax revenues, particularly to the States of West Virginia and Nevada and their counties and municipalities. We pay substantial taxes and fees with respect to our operations. From time to time, federal, state and local legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, affecting the gaming and racing industry. Changes in the tax laws or administration of those laws, if adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. However, it is not possible to determine with certainty the likelihood of changes in tax laws or in the administration of such laws. The Company believes that recorded tax balances are adequate.

4.   ACQUISITIONS AND SALE OF PROPERTY

Acquisition of Binion’s Horseshoe Hotel and Casino

On March 11, 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of Binion’s Horseshoe Hotel and Casino (“Binion’s”) in downtown Las Vegas and entered into a Joint Operating License Agreement with an affiliate of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (“Harrah’s”). The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc., obtained title to the property and equipment for $20.0 million (exclusive of transaction costs aggregating $658,000), free and clear of all debts, subject to increase by $5.0 million if, at the termination of the Joint Operating Agreement, Harrah’s has achieved certain operational milestones.

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Separately, the Company purchased for $1.8 million a parcel of land previously subject to a ground lease. The Company also assumed or entered into ground leases for certain portions of the acreage upon which the property is situated. The leases have remaining terms ranging from 25 to 68 years and aggregate current annual rentals of approximately $6.4 million. The rentals are subject to certain periodic increases. The purchase price was funded with cash on hand and borrowings of $1.8 million under the Company’s revolving credit facility. Harrah’s served as the primary day-to-day operator of the property on an interim basis, subject to certain oversight and review by a joint committee of the two companies. The joint operating agreement had an initial term of one year and Harrah’s could have extended for up to an additional two years. During the term of the joint operating agreement, the Company received guaranteed payments, net of all of the property’s operating expenses including the ground leases. The Company received $2.1 million during 2004, and received an aggregate of $2.4 million for the initial one-year term ending March 9, 2005. On October 26, 2004, Harrah’s notified the Company that Harrah’s would not extend the joint operating agreement beyond the initial one-year term. Accordingly, the Company took over the operations of Binion’s on March 10, 2005 and renamed it Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel. The Company is currently analyzing financial information to determine if Harrah’s achieved the specified operational milestones and is entitled to the additional purchase price payment of $5.0 million, which has been accrued. The accrued (non-cash) amount has not been reflected in the consolidated statement of cash flows for 2005.

Harrah’s retained the rights to certain intellectual property, including the names “Horseshoe” and “World Series of Poker” and the Company retained the right to use the name Binion’s in Clark County, Nevada. The property, which had been closed since January 9, 2004 when gaming and federal regulators forced the shutdown of the hotel and casino, reopened on April 1, 2004.

The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method and Binion’s results, consisting of payments received under the joint operating agreement, depreciation expense, and amortization of deferred leasehold obligation have been included in the Company’s consolidated results from the date of acquisition. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired consisting of land, building, equipment, intangible and other assets based upon an independent asset valuation. The purchase price has been allocated as follows:

Current assets

 

$

650,000

 

Other assets

 

166,000

 

Property and equipment

 

30,832,000

 

Intangible assets

 

1,060,000

 

Deferred leasehold obligation

 

(5,250,000

)

 

The intangible assets consist principally of the fair value assigned to the rights to the use of the Binion’s name in Clark County, Nevada. Such rights are perpetual and accordingly are considered to have an indefinite life and will not be amortized. The deferred leasehold obligation represents the amount necessary to reduce the lease payments under the land leases to fair value. This amount will be amortized over the life of the land leases as a reduction of land lease rental expense.

The Company has not included pro forma information utilizing historical financial data because the Company did not believe such information would be indicative of future operations, particularly in light of the fact that the Company would not be operating the Binion’s property for at least one year after the acquisition.

Acquisition of 50% Interest in North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC

In June 2004, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, MTR-Harness, Inc., acquired (for an initial investment of $10,000) a 50% interest in North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC (“North Metro”), then a

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subsidiary of Southwest Casino and Hotel Corporation. On January 19, 2005, the Minnesota Racing Commission granted North Metro a license to construct and operate a harness racetrack and card room in Columbus Township, Anoka County, Minnesota, approximately 30 miles northeast of downtown Minneapolis on a 178.4-acre site currently under option. The racetrack will be the second of only two racetracks permitted by current law in the seven county Minneapolis metropolitan area.

Minnesota law permits licensed racetracks to operate a card room with up to 50 tables offering “non-banked” games (those in which the players play only against each other instead of against the house), subject to completion of the racetrack’s first 50-day live race meet and regulatory approval of a card room plan of operation. A public interest group has sought judicial review of the issuance of the license. Upon favorable resolution of the legal challenges to the grant of the license, as well as obtaining project financing, North Metro intends to commence construction and racing and card room operations at the earliest practicable date.

The purchase agreement called for the Company to invest an additional $7.5 million in the project, but the Company may elect to increase its investment or provide credit enhancements. During 2004, the Company made capital contributions of approximately $108,000, and in 2005 invested an additional $8.6 million (exclusive of legal and other fees) in North Metro, which includes $7.4 million invested in October 2005 in connection with North Metro’s acquisition of the real property for this project.

The Company has determined that North Metro is a variable interest entity in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities’’ (FIN 46) and subsequent revision FIN 46R. The Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary for this entity within the meaning of FIN 46(R). Accordingly, effective with this determination the Company is consolidating the financial statements of North Metro effective with October 2005. The Company’s at-risk investment in North Metro is $8.7 million.

Acquisition of Jackson Trotting Association, LLC

On December 6, 2005, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Jackson Racing, Inc., acquired a 90% interest in Jackson Trotting Association, LLC a Michigan limited liability company that operates Jackson Harness Raceway for $2 million (exclusive of legal and other fees). Jackson Trotting offers harness racing, parimutuel wagering and casual dining. Jackson Trotting leases a portion of the Jackson County Fairgrounds from Jackson County. Its lease with Jackson County expires on December 31, 2012.

The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method and Jackson Trotting’s results have been included in the Company’s consolidated results from the date of acquisition. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon a preliminary determination by management, subject to adjustment pending finalization and should new or additional facts about the business become known. The purchase price was allocated principally as follows:

Current assets

 

$

103,000

 

Other assets

 

185,000

 

Property and equipment

 

54,000

 

Intangible assets

 

2,774,000

 

Current liabilities

 

(351,000

)

Other liabilities

 

(208,000

)

 

The intangible assets consist principally of the fair value assigned to the racing licenses held by Jackson Trotting. The value assigned to the licenses considers that the racing licenses permit Jackson Trotting to conduct live racing and simulcasting operations as established by the Michigan Racing Commission and in addition, under prior legislative proposals in Michigan would permit Jackson Trotting to operate electronic gaming devices. The license shall be renewed each year unless the Michigan Racing

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Commission rejects the application for good cause. Accordingly, the racing licenses are considered to have an indefinite life and will not be amortized.

The Company has not included pro forma information because the acquisition and its impact on consolidated operations are not considered material.

Acquisition of Scioto Downs, Inc.

On July 31, 2003 the Company consummated its acquisition of Scioto Downs, Inc. (Scioto Downs), which owns and operates a harness horse racing facility with parimutuel wagering in Columbus, Ohio. The acquisition was made as part of the Company’s strategy to diversify and leverage the Company’s expertise by building or acquiring other middle-market gaming and/or parimutuel businesses. The Company agreed to pay $32.00 per share, in cash, for the 595,767 outstanding shares of Scioto Downs’ common stock. Each Scioto Downs shareholder could have elected to receive, instead of the $32.00 per share amount, an amount per share equal to $17.00 plus ten annual contingent earnout payments (commencing the first calendar year in which Scioto Downs is permitted to conduct new forms of gaming) based upon 10% of the growth of Scioto Downs’ EBITDA compared to the average of Scioto Downs’ EBITDA for the three years ended October 31, 2002. Holders of 10,707 shares elected to receive the contingent earnout payments. Total consideration approximated $19.7 million (including approximately $839,000 of transaction costs). The purchase price was funded with cash on hand derived substantially from the Company’s March 2003 issuance of senior unsecured notes. At the date of the acquisition the Company also had advances to Scioto Downs of $2.1 million.

The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method and Scioto Downs’ results have been included in the Company’s consolidated results from the date of acquisition. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon appraisals of estimated fair values. The purchase price was allocated principally as follows:

Current assets

 

$

2,230,000

 

Other assets

 

15,000

 

Property and equipment

 

13,689,000

 

Intangible assets

 

13,225,000

 

Current liabilities

 

(3,754,000

)

Deferred tax liabilities, net

 

(1,090,000

)

Long-term obligation

 

(2,527,000

)

 

The intangible assets consist principally of the fair value assigned to the racing licenses held by Scioto Downs based upon an independent third party valuation. The value assigned to the licenses considers that the racing licenses permit Scioto Downs to conduct live racing and simulcasting operations as established by the Ohio State Racing Commission and in addition, under proposed legislation in Ohio would permit Scioto Downs to operate electronic gaming devices. The licenses shall be renewed each year unless the Racing Commission rejects the application for good cause. Accordingly, the racing licenses are considered to have an indefinite life and will not be amortized.

The unaudited pro forma combined historical results, assuming Scioto Downs had been acquired at the beginning of 2003, are estimated to be as follows:

 

 

Year ended
December 31, 2003

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Total revenues

 

 

$

299,181

 

 

Net income

 

 

14,220

 

 

Net income per share—basic

 

 

$

0.51

 

 

Net income per share—diluted

 

 

$

0.49

 

 

 

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The pro forma results include the additional depreciation of the property and interest expense on the debt incurred to finance the purchase. The unaudited pro forma results of operation have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations which would actually have resulted had the Scioto Downs acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2003.

Acquisition of Land

As alternative sites for the proposed racetrack in Erie Pennsylvania the Company acquired in October 2004, 229 acres of real property and certain buildings for approximately $2,732,000 and in October 2003, 130 acres of real property for approximately $2,700,000. The Company is currently investigating and evaluating the sale or other development opportunities for the alternate sites.

In March of 2005, the Company acquired approximately 160 additional acres in Erie County Pennsylvania for approximately $6.4 million in connection with its construction of Presque Isle Downs on Route 97 in Summit Township.

Sale of Property

On October 10, 2005, the Company sold all but approximately 25 acres of the previously acquired 229 acres and other real property purchased as an alternative site for the proposed racetrack in Erie, Pennsylvania for $4,000,000.  The sale after consideration of closing costs resulted in a gain of approximately $132,000. The Company also sold in December 2005 property for $710,000 that after closing costs resulted in a gain of $454,000. The Company also disposed of certain equipment and expensed certain land option and related legal and other costs that resulted in a loss of $510,000.

On March 11, 2003 the Company completed the sale of its hotel/casino property in Reno, Nevada for a $2,950,000 purchase price which approximated its carrying value. The terms of the sale included a down payment of $787,500 (exclusive of closing costs), and a seven-year promissory note, secured by a first mortgage on the property and guaranteed by the purchaser’s principals. The sale after consideration of closing costs resulted in a loss of approximately $18,000. The loss on the sale of the Reno Property is included in “gain/loss on disposal of property”, which also includes a gain of $450,000 principally from the sale of land at Mountaineer Park in connection with a State road widening project.

5.   PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

At December 31, property and equipment consist of the following:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Land

 

$

44,903

 

$

34,731

 

Building and improvements

 

163,924

 

157,843

 

Equipment (Note 6)

 

90,942

 

77,037

 

Furniture and fixtures

 

17,144

 

16,252

 

Construction in progress

 

33,862

 

10,082

 

 

 

350,775

 

295,945

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(94,608

)

(73,403

)

 

 

$

256,167

 

$

222,542

 

 

Depreciation expense charged to operations related to property and equipment during the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 was $22,635,000, $19,508,000 and $17,110,000, respectively.

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6.   LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES

Long-term debt at December 31 is summarized as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Senior unsecured notes, (net)

 

$

129,058

 

$

128,836

 

Credit agreement

 

20,000

 

 

Promissory note

 

2,025

 

2,196

 

Term debt

 

2,357

 

2,484

 

 

 

153,440

 

133,516

 

Less current portion

 

(474

)

(383

)

Long-term portion

 

$

152,966

 

$

133,133

 

 

Senior Unsecured Notes

On March 25, 2003 the Company consummated the private sale of $130 million of 9.75% senior unsecured notes that were priced at 98.806%. The Company subsequently exchanged these notes for registered notes. The net proceeds after discounts, fees and expenses of the offering were approximately $123.9 million, of which $93.4 million was used to repay all amounts outstanding and due under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The remaining proceeds were for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of Scioto Downs. The senior unsecured notes mature on April 1, 2010. On or prior to 2006, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the senior unsecured notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with the net cash proceeds of certain public offerings of the Company’s stock. On or after April 1, 2007, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the senior unsecured notes at a premium that will decrease over time as set forth in the agreement, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The discount is being amortized over the term of the notes and is included in amortization expense.

Credit Agreement

On June 27, 2002, the Company, Mountaineer Park, Speakeasy Las Vegas and Speakeasy Reno, entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with a syndication of lenders led by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Wells Fargo) to increase the credit line from $85 to $100 million; increase the permitted borrowing for equipment from $13 million to $21 million; increase the amount permitted for investment/acquisitions from $15 million to $50 million; and increase the amount that can be invested for the expansion of Mountaineer by $35 million. The amendment also revised the commencement of the scheduled commitment reduction date from March 2003 to June 2003 and changed certain financial covenants. This facility allowed for interest only payments through the commencement of the scheduled commitment reduction beginning on June 30, 2003, through the maturity date, at which time the entire balance became due and payable.

On March 28, 2003, the Company entered into the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement in the amount of $50 million with Wells Fargo Bank. Under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, up to $10.0 million was available for use in connection with letters of credit, and up to $10.0 million in short term funds was available for use under a “swing line” facility on same day notice to lenders.

On November 12, 2003 the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement was amended (effective September 30, 2003) to give consideration to the Scioto Downs acquisition. The Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement was further amended on February 25, 2004, June 4, 2004 and September 29, 2004 to give consideration to the acquisitions of Binion’s, the 50% interest in North Metro Harness Initiative LLC., and the real property at the site referred to as the International Paper site, respectively.

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On December 27, 2005, the Company entered into the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which provides for an $85.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility. Under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, up to $55.0 million is available for use in connection with letters of credit, and up to $10.0 million in short term funds is available for use under a “swing line” facility on same day notice to lenders. The Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement permits us to finance separately up to $35 million for equipment, including gaming equipment, during the term of the credit facility.

Obligations under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are guaranteed by each of the Company’s operating subsidiaries. Borrowings under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and the subsidiary guarantees are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and the assets of the subsidiary guarantors. Future subsidiaries will be required to enter into similar pledge agreements and guarantees. In general, borrowings under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement will bear interest based, at the Company’s option, on either the agent bank’s base rate or LIBOR, in each case plus a margin. The applicable margin will be based on the leverage ratio at the time and will range from 75 to 275 basis points for base rate loans and 200 to 400 basis points for LIBOR loans. Loans under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement mature in 2008, five years after the date of execution of the Credit Agreement. The Company must also pay a quarterly non-usage commitment fee which is based upon the leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2005 amounts outstanding under the credit facility totaled $20.0 million and letters of credit for approximately $51.0 million were also outstanding.

The Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that include the requirement that the Company satisfy, on a consolidated basis, specified quarterly financial tests and events of default, as defined. The Company was in compliance with the loan covenants as of December 31, 2005. Under the Credit Agreement, the Company can spend between a minimum 1% and a maximum 6% of gross revenues derived from the previous fiscal year on maintenance of the Company’s properties.

In October 2000, as required by the Credit Agreement, the Company entered into an Interest Rate Cap Agreement with Wells Fargo at a cost of $214,750. The agreement caps the Company’s interest rate under the Credit Agreement at 7.55% (plus the applicable margin) with respect to $30 million of principal. This agreement expired on December 31, 2003 (See Note 2).

Additional Proposed Financing

The Company intends to finance current and future expansion projects (Note 7) primarily with cash flow from operations, borrowings under its bank credit facility, and incurrence of additional debt, including the contemplated amendment of its secured revolving credit facility.  In order to consummate the additional debt financing, the Company will require the prior consents of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Company’s outstanding 9¾% Senior Notes due 2010 that are not owned by the Company or any of its affiliates.

Other Debt Financing Arrangements

In November 2002, in connection with the acquisition of a corporate airplane, the Company issued a promissory note for $2,524,000, bearing interest at 5.63% per annum. Under the terms of the note, the Company is required to make 59 monthly payments of $24,236 through October 2007, with a final payment of $1,692,000 due November 2007. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, there was $2,025,000 and $2,196,000 outstanding under the promissory note, respectively.

In January 1999, in connection with the acquisition of an 18-hole golf course, the Company assumed approximately $158,000 of term debt. The term debt, with interest at 10%, is being repaid with monthly

F-25




principal and interest payments of $2,466 through August 2006. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, there was $19,000 and $45,000, respectively, outstanding under the promissory note and term debt.

In April 1999, Scioto Downs entered into a term loan agreement that provides for monthly payments of principal and interest of $30,025 through September 2013. The effective interest rate is 6.25% per annum. The term loan is collateralized by a first mortgage on Scioto Downs’ real property facilities, as well as other personal property, and an assignment of the rents from lease arrangements. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, there was $2,083,000 and $2,439,000, respectively, outstanding under the term loan. Scioto Downs, Inc’s term loan agreement contains an acceleration clause whereby the lender has the right to declare the loan immediately due and payable if, in the lender’s judgment, an event has occurred which is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Capital Leases

On January 27, 2000, Mountaineer Park entered into a line of credit with PNC Leasing, LLC (PNC), a subsidiary of PNC Bank, National Association (the PNC Financing). The proceeds of this line of credit are to be used to lease equipment for video lottery operations at the Mountaineer Park. The line of credit is subject to annual renewal. There was nothing drawn under the line of credit during 2005 and 2004. The interest rate for the PNC Financing will be fixed at the time of each draw, and is tied to the prime rate at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland on that day, plus a margin of 1%. The lease agreements have terms of three years. At December 31, 2004 the balance outstanding under the PNC master lease line of credit was $939,000, which was repaid during 2005.

On November 12, 2001 Mountaineer Park entered into a master lease agreement with National City Leasing Corporation (National City Master Lease). During 2002, lease agreements were entered into pursuant to the master lease agreement to finance the acquisition of video lottery machines for $2,854,000. The lease agreements have terms of three years with interest rates ranging from 4.68% to 5.892%. At December 31, 2004, the balance outstanding under the National City Master Lease was $604,000, which was repaid during 2005.

During 2002, Mountaineer Park entered into a capital lease arrangement with BB&T Leasing Corporation (BB&T lease) to finance the acquisition of video lottery terminals for $758,000. The lease agreement has a term of three years with an interest rate of 5.82%. At December 31, 2004, there was $245,000 outstanding under this lease agreement, which was repaid during 2005.

The indebtedness under the PNC Financing, the National City Master Lease and the BB&T lease is secured by the equipment leased with the proceeds of the financing and is guaranteed by the Company. These financing arrangements have been approved by the West Virginia Lottery Commission and are permitted by a carve-out for equipment financing in the Company’s existing financing arrangements with its senior secured lender, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. The master lease and related leasing documents evidencing the PNC Financing, the National City Master Lease and the BB&T lease contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, events of default and other ordinary leasing provisions.

Property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2005 and 2004 include the following amounts for capitalized leases:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Equipment

 

$

19

 

$

9,334

 

Less allowance for depreciation

 

(16

)

(4,585

)

 

 

$

3

 

$

4,749

 

 

There were no capital leases executed during 2005, 2004 or 2003.

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Annual Commitments

Scheduled principal payments under all debt and capital lease agreements as of December 31, 2005 are as follows:

 

 

Long-Term
Debt

 

Capital
Leases

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2006

 

 

$

504

 

 

 

$

3

 

 

2007

 

 

2,062

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

 

20,238

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 

 

257

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

 

130,287

 

 

 

 

 

Thereafter

 

 

866

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term debt/minimum lease payments

 

 

154,214

 

 

 

3

 

 

Less amount representing discount and premium, net

 

 

(774

)

 

 

 

 

Less amount representing interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

153,440

 

 

 

3

 

 

Less current maturities

 

 

(474

)

 

 

(3

)

 

Long term obligations

 

 

$

152,966

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Mountaineer Bond Requirements

Mountaineer Park is required to maintain bonds in the aggregate amount of $800,000 as of December 31, 2005, for the benefit of the Lottery Commission through June 30, 2006. The bonding requirements have been satisfied via the issuance of surety bonds (collateralized by certain bank deposits) and a letter of credit.

Operating and Land Leases

The Company leases various equipment, including some of its video lottery terminals, timing and photo finish equipment, videotape and closed circuit television equipment, and certain parimutuel equipment under operating leases. For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, total rental expense under these leases was approximately $1,066,000, $957,000, and $1,266,000, respectively.

As discussed in Note 4, in connection with the Binion’s acquisition the Company assumed or entered into ground leases for certain portions of the acreage upon which the property is situated. The leases have terms ranging from 28 to 71 years and current annual rentals of approximately $6.4 million. During 2004, these lease payments were made by Harrah’s in accordance with the Joint Operating Agreement. Effective with the takeover of the operations of Binion’s by the Company on March 10, 2005 the Company commenced making the land lease payments.

Jackson Trotting leases racing facilities at Jackson County Fairgrounds for a term of eight years ending December 31, 2012. Rentals include certain base amounts as well as percentages of live and simulcasting parimutuel wagering handle. The minimum combined live and simulcast rental will be $85,000. The Company is required to make certain capital expenditures during the course of the lease.

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Future Minimum Lease Payments

Future annual minimum payments under all material operating and land leases as of December 31, 2005 are as follows:

 

 

Operating

 

Land

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2006

 

 

$

629

 

 

$

6,904

 

2007

 

 

314

 

 

6,494

 

2008

 

 

226

 

 

6,515

 

2009

 

 

176

 

 

6,734

 

2010

 

 

93

 

 

6,800

 

Thereafter

 

 

 

 

438,638

 

 

Litigation

In January 2006, a jockey who was injured during a race at Mountaineer in July of 2004, filed a first amended complaint in which he alleges that Mountaineer was negligent in its design, construction and maintenance of the racetrack as well as in its administration of races, and that MTR is likewise liable as mountaineer’s corporate parent. The plaintiff seeks medical expenses to date of $550,000, future medical expenses, unspecified lost wages and other damages resulting from his injuries. The plaintiff seeks in excess of $10 million in damages. The plaintiff’s wife seeks $2 million for loss of consortium. Mountaineer has answered the complaint, denying any negligence or wrongdoing and further alleging that the plaintiff’s injuries, to the extent the result of negligence, resulted from the plaintiff’s own negligence or the negligence of others. In a separate action, the jockey has sued a jockeys’ guild and certain of its former officers for failure to maintain certain insurance and failure to inform the jockey that they had permitted such insurance to lapse. The guild has impleaded Mountaineer and MTR as third-party defendants and cross claimed against them. The Company believes, but cannot assure, that it has sufficient liability insurance coverage for this claim.

The Company is party to various lawsuits which have arisen in the normal course of its business. The liability, if any, arising from unfavorable outcomes of lawsuits is presently unknown.

Presque Isle Downs—Pennsylvania

On July 17, 2003, the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission unanimously reinstated Presque Isle Downs’s license to build a thoroughbred horse racetrack and conduct parimutuel wagering in Erie, Pennsylvania. Appeals relating to the issuance of the license were ultimately resolved on December 30, 2004. The site for Presque Isle Downs is a 272 acre site at the intersection of I-90 and Route 97 in Summit Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania (the “Licensed Site). In April 2004 and March 2005, the Company purchased parcels aggregating approximately 272 acres of the Licensed Site for a total of approximately $10.0 million. An additional $1.0 million is payable in connection with previously acquired parcels when the Company commences gaming operations at Presque Isle Downs. During October 2005, the Company commenced land development work and construction of a new road and expects to complete the clubhouse building in the fourth quarter of 2006 and the racetrack and the remainder of the facility in the fourth quarter of 2007.

In July of 2004, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed, and Governor Rendell signed into law, a bill permitting slot machines at the Commonwealth’s licensed racetracks (including Presque Isle Downs) and certain other locations, subject to licensing by the newly formed Gaming Control Board. The Company plans to operate slot machines in the clubhouse building simultaneous with the completion of construction of the racetrack and remaining elements of the project. Our target is to open by November 2006 with 1,600

F-28




slots and to reach 2,000 machines by the spring of 2007. These targets assume no unforeseen construction delays, licensing in the summer of 2006, and the state’s readiness to commence operations.

With respect to racing, the Company’s plans call for a state-of-the-art horse racing facility featuring racing as well as other entertainment and fine and casual dining. The completed facility will contain a thoroughbred racetrack, a grandstand and clubhouse consisting of 140,000 square feet, barns that will accommodate 1,000 horses, a paddock, and related facilities for the horses, jockeys, and trainers, and approximately 3,400 parking spaces. Presque Isle Downs is expected to hold live racing 150 days per year, primarily between June and September.

Apart from land acquisition costs, closing costs, and costs for gaming equipment, that are expected to aggregate approximately $45 million dollars, and the $50 million licensing fee, we anticipate spending approximately $140 million to build Presque Isle Downs, without giving effect to anticipated proceeds from the sale of the alternative sites or any tax incentives. The Company has determined that it will not build a separate building for preliminary slot operations, but rather plans to operate the slots in the permanent facility during construction of the racetrack. Upon commencement of parimutuel operations at Presque Isle Downs, the Company has agreed to purchase a nearby off track wagering facility for $7 million and to offer comparable employment to employees at that facility.

The Company also identified alternative sites for the construction of Presque Isle Downs that were not available when the Company applied for the license. On March 22, 2002, the Company entered into an agreement whereby the Company advanced $2 million to a third-party for the purpose of acquiring certain real property in Erie County, Pennsylvania (known as the Green Shingle site) as one of the alternative sites for the proposed racetrack. The loan is secured by a first lien on the property and all of the outstanding shares of the borrower. In October 2003, the Company completed the acquisition of 130 acres previously under contract for $2.6 million including previous land option payments. This acreage adjoins the previously discussed alternative site for the proposed racetrack. In October 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of a third site, known as the International Paper site, comprised of approximately 215 acres of real property on Lake Erie and certain buildings. The purchase price, including the buyout of a related salvage contract, was $2.8 million.

In October 2005, the Company completed the sale of all but approximately 24 acres of the International Paper site for $4.0 million to the Greater Erie Industrial Development Corporation, a private, not-for-profit entity that is managed by the municipality (the GEIDC). Although the sales agreement was subject to, among other things, the release of the Company (by International Paper Company and the PaDEP) from its obligations under the consent order (as discussed below), the Company waived this closing condition. In connection with the acquisition of the International Paper site, the Company entered into a consent order with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (the PaDEP) regarding a proposed environmental remediation plan for the site. The proposed plan was based upon a “baseline environmental report” and it was estimated that such remediation would cost approximately $3.0 million. The GEIDC assumed primary responsibility for the obligations under the consent order relating to the property they acquired. GEIDC has agreed to indemnify the Company from any breach by GEIDC of its obligation under the consent order. However, the Company has been advised by the PaDEP that the Company has not been released from its liability and responsibility under the consent order. Discussions by the Company are ongoing with the PaDEP regarding its role in the consent order. A revised estimate of the remediation costs cannot be determined at this time since such a determination will be dependent upon the development activities of the GEIDC.

F-29




The Company is currently investigating and evaluating sale and other development opportunities for the alternative sites.

Officer Employment Agreement and Deferred Compensation Agreement

On September 28, 2001, the Company entered into a five-year employment agreement with its President and Chief Executive Officer (the Officer), Edson R. Arneault. The employment agreement, effective as of January 1, 2001, provides for, among other things, an annual base salary of $750,000 (subject to annual cost of living increase of 5%), semiannual cash awards, an annual performance bonus tied to EBITDA growth, and a long-term incentive bonus, subject to a cap, payable at the end of the five-year term based upon growth compared to fiscal year 2000 in a variety of objective measurements, including earnings per share, the market price of the Company’s common stock, EBITDA and gross revenue. Other factors affecting the long-term bonus are acquisitions of other racetracks and parimutuel facilities, acquisition of gaming operations that generate positive EBITDA in the Company’s first full year of operation, and successful legislative initiatives.

The agreement was amended on December 22, 2004 to provide for a one year extension as President and CEO and three additional years as Chairman. The Compensation during the three additional years as Chairman is based upon 25% of the average of the corresponding amounts paid during the last three years as President and CEO.

The agreement provides that the Officer shall be entitled, at the Company’s expense, to lease living and/or office quarters for himself and the Company in any state or jurisdiction in which the Company is currently doing business or commences substantial business operations. The expense incurred for living and/or office quarters shall be reasonable and shall be paid directly by the Company, or at the Officer’s election, reimbursed by the Company. The Company may elect to purchase such living or office quarters.

The agreement provides that if the Officer’s period of employment and period as Chairman is terminated by reason of death or physical or mental incapacity, the Company will continue to pay the Officer or his estate the compensation otherwise payable to the Officer for a period of two years. If the Officer’s period of employment and period as Chairman is terminated for a reason other than death or physical or mental incapacity or for cause, the Company will continue to pay the Officer the compensation that otherwise would have been due him for the remaining period of the amended agreement. If the Officer’s period of employment and period as Chairman is terminated for cause, the Company will have no further obligation to pay the Officer, other than compensation unpaid at the date of termination.

In the event that the termination of the Officer’s period of employment occurs after there has been a change of control of the Company, as defined, and (i) the termination is not for cause or by reason of the death or physical or mental disability of the Officer or (ii) the Officer terminates his employment for good reason, as defined in the agreement, then the Officer will have the right to receive within thirty days of the termination, a sum that is three times his annual base salary.

A May 2005 amendment of the employment agreement adjusts certain payment dates to assure compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Company also entered into a deferred compensation agreement dated January 1999 whereby the Company has purchased a life insurance policy on the Officer’s life (face amount of $4.3 million and annual premium of $150,000). The owner of the policy is the Company. The Officer will also be entitled, after the Company recoups the aggregate premiums paid, to an annual benefit, as defined, upon retirement, death or termination out of the cash value of the insurance policy.

F-30




Other Employment Agreements and Deferred Compensation Agreements

The Company entered into various employment agreements during 2005 and 2004 with other employees. The Company also entered into an additional deferred compensation agreement dated June 1999 whereby the Company purchased life insurance on this employee’s life (aggregate face amount of $763,000 and aggregate annual premiums of $37,000). The owner of the policy is the Company. The employees will also be entitled, after the Company recoups the aggregate premiums paid, to an annual benefit, as defined, upon retirement, death or termination out of the cash value of the insurance policies.

Director Agreements

The Company’s non-employee directors receive an annual stipend of $24,000 and a per meeting fee of $1,500 (except that the Chairman of the Special Negotiating Committee formed in connection with a proposed management buy out receives $2,000 per meeting). Directors who are employees of the Company do not receive compensation for attendance at Board meetings. All board members are reimbursed for expenses they incur in attending meetings.

8.   RETIREMENT PLANS

Mountaineer Park has a qualified defined contribution plan covering substantially all of its employees (the “Plan”). The Plan was ratified retroactively on March 18, 1994 by the legislature of the State of West Virginia. The Plan contributions are based on .25% of the race track and simulcast wagering handles, and approximately 0.5% of the net revenues of video lottery activities beginning March 18, 1994. Contributions to the Plan for the years 2005, 2004, and 2003 were $1,905,000, $1,382,000 and $1,338,000, respectively.

Scioto Downs sponsors a noncontributory defined-benefit plan covering all full-time employees meeting certain age and service requirements. On May 31, 2001, the plan was amended to freeze eligibility, the accrual of years of service and benefits. Scioto Downs’ pension (income)/expense amounted to ($34,000), ($60,000) and $11,000 for 2005, 2004 and 2003 (from the date of acquisition), respectively. Scioto Downs’ funding policy is to contribute annually an amount sufficient to fund the plan’s estimated past service costs over a 30-year period using a different actuarial cost method and different assumptions from those used for financial reporting.

F-31




Scioto Downs’ funded status of the plan at December 31, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Change in projected benefit obligation:

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation as of the beginning of the year

 

$

1,229

 

$

1,270

 

Benefit obligation assumed in business combination

 

 

 

Service cost

 

 

 

Interest cost

 

80

 

78

 

Actuarial (gain)/loss

 

(24

)

(1

)

Amendments

 

 

 

Benefits paid

 

(118

)

(118

)

Benefit obligation as of the end of the year

 

$

1,167

 

$

1,229

 

Change in plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of assets at the beginning of the year

 

$

1,482

 

$

1,412

 

Fair value of assets acquired in business combination

 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

114

 

157

 

Other allocation adjustments

 

 

 

Employer contributions

 

 

31

 

Benefits paid

 

(118

)

(118

)

Fair value of assets at the end of the year

 

1,478

 

1,482

 

Funded Status Excess

 

311

 

253

 

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

 

72

 

96

 

Prepaid pension cost—Net amount recognized in the Company’s balance sheets

 

$

383

 

$

349

 

 

The following assumptions were used to determine the benefit obligation and net periodic pension cost for the Scioto Downs’ defined benefit pension plan.

 

 

December 31

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Discount rate

 

 

7.0

%

 

 

6.5

%

 

Rate of increase in compensation levels

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

0.0

%

 

Long-Term rate of return on assets

 

 

8.0

%

 

 

8.0

%

 

 

The costs related to the Scioto Downs’ defined benefit pension plan were as follows:

 

 

December 31

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:

 

 

 

 

 

Service Cost

 

$

 

$

 

Interest Cost

 

80

 

78

 

Expected Return on Plan Assets

 

(114

)

(138

)

Net Amortization of Gains/Losses

 

 

 

Net Pension Income

 

$

(34

)

$

(60

)

 

The expected rate of return is established at the beginning of the fiscal year based upon information available to the Company at that time, including the plan’s investment mix and the forecasted rates of

F-32




return on these types of investments. In determining the expected rate of return on plan assets, Scioto Downs considered the historical rates of return earned on plan assets, an expected return percentage by asset class and the investment mix. Any differences between actual experience and assumed experience are deferred as an unrecognized actuarial gain or loss. The unrecognized actuarial gains or losses are amortized into net periodic benefit cost in accordance with SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions.” The expected rate of return determined as of January 1, 2006 totaled 8%. This assumption will be used to derive the net periodic benefit cost for the Scioto Downs’ defined benefit plan.

The investment activities of the Scioto Downs’ pension plan are supervised and monitored by an investment committee consisting of Scioto Downs’ management. The investment strategy focuses on asset allocation, diversification and quality guidelines. The investment goals are to minimize high levels of risk within the pension fund asset allocation. The investment committee monitors actual asset allocation annually and adjustments are made, as needed, to rebalance the assets within prescribed target ranges. Scioto Downs retains one investment manager for the plan assets and utilizes comparative market and peer group benchmarks to ensure that the investment manager is performing satisfactorily.

The Company made cash contributions to the Scioto Downs pension plan totaling $31,000 in 2004 and $550,000 in 2003 during the period subsequent to the date of the acquisition. There were no contributions to the plan in 2005. The 2003 contribution was required in order to reduce the unfunded benefit obligation in accordance with terms of the Company’s revolving credit facility. The Company does not expect to make a contribution to the Scioto Downs’ defined benefit pension plan in 2006.

Scioto Downs also has a 401(k) savings plan covering substantially all full-time employees. Scioto Downs expensed matching contributions of $47,000, $51,000 and $20,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003 during the period subsequent to the date of the acquisition, respectively.

9.   OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES

At December 31 other accrued liabilities consist of the following:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

HHLV Management Company, LLC.

 

$

5,000

 

$

 

Construction contract retention

 

2,771

 

 

Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp.

 

1,656

 

 

Accrued real estate taxes

 

1,072

 

996

 

Other

 

7,788

 

5,262

 

 

 

$

18,287

 

$

6,258

 

 

10.   SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Limitations On Dividends

Under the Company’s and lender’s credit agreement, the Company is prohibited from paying any dividends without the lender’s consent. The Company currently intends to retain all earnings, if any, to finance and expand its operations.

Common Stock

During 2005 and 2003, the Company repurchased and retired 1,281,200 and 554,700 shares of its common stock in the open market for $10,996,000 and $3,830,000, respectively. There were no stock repurchases during 2004.

On February 7, 2005 and November 1, 2005, the Company granted 10,000 and 25,000, respectively, nonqualified options to employees pursuant to employment agreements.

F-33




On April 13, 2005 pursuant to the 2004 Employee Stock Incentive Plan, the Company granted to twenty employees non qualified options to purchase a total of 190,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for $11.30 per share the market price on the date of grant as quoted on the NASDAQ stock market. The options vest immediately and have a term of ten years.

On July 21, 2005, the Company’s shareholders ratified the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and reserved 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for issuance under the Plan. No options or shares have been granted under the 2005 Plan.

On May 6, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors, subject to the approval of the Company’s shareholders, approved the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and reserved 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for issuance pursuant to the exercise of options issued under the Plan. Shareholders of the Company subsequently ratified the Plan on July 22, 2004.

On November 1, 2004, the Company granted 25,000 nonqualified options to an employee in connection with an employment agreement.

On May 13, 2003, pursuant to the 2002 Employee Stock Incentive Plan, the Company granted to twenty-four employees non-qualified options to purchase a total of 205,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for $8.00 per share, the market price on the date of grant as quoted on the NASDAQ Stock Market. The options vest over three years and have a term of ten years. The 2003 Plan is a broadly based plan as defined by NASDAQ Marketplace Rules (i.e., one in which officers and directors of the Company receive fewer than half of the total number of options granted). Also on May 13, 2003, pursuant to the various employment agreements, the Company granted non-qualified options to purchase a total of 125,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for $8.00 per share. These options vest immediately and have terms of five years (with respect to 100,000) and ten years (for the remaining 25,000). On October 13, 2003 the Company granted 25,000 nonqualified options to an employee in connection with an employment agreement.

Stock options granted under the Company’s 2002 Stock Incentive Plan and predecessor plans (Incentive Plans) have been and may be granted at not less than market prices on the dates of grant. Options granted under the Incentive Plans have a maximum term of ten years. Stock options granted under the 2002 Incentive Plan vest over 3 years while prior incentive plans vest immediately. As of December 31, 2005, approximately 130,000 shares of common stock were reserved for future awards (exclusive of currently outstanding options) under the Incentive Plans.

F-34




During each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, stock option and warrant activity is as follows:

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Exercise Price Range
Per Share

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

 

Balance, December 31, 2002

 

3,160,500

 

$

0.01

 

 

$

15.00

(1)

 

$

2.96

 

 

Granted

 

355,000

 

$

8.00

 

 

$

9.85

 

 

$

15.00

 

 

Canceled

 

(50,000

)

$

6.25

 

 

$

13.60

 

 

$

5.73

 

 

Exercised

 

(1,639,000

)

$

0.01

 

 

$

8.00

 

 

$

3.09

 

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2003

 

1,826,500

 

$

2.00

 

 

$

15.00

 

 

$

2.95

 

 

Granted

 

25,000

 

$9.02  

 

 

$  8.13

 

 

Canceled

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(714,000

)

$

2.50

 

 

$

7.30

 

 

$

2.45

 

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2004

 

1,137,500

 

$

2.50

 

 

$

15.00

 

 

$

4.21

 

 

Granted

 

225,000

 

$

6.64

 

 

$

11.40

 

 

$

9.02

 

 

Canceled

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(112,116

)

$

2.50

 

 

$

8.00

 

 

$

4.79

 

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2005

 

1,250,384

 

$

2.50

 

 

$

15.00

 

 

$

6.66

 

 


(1)          Includes options to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock at $0.01 per share.

The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2005, 2004, and 2003 was $11.31, $4.98, and $5.44, respectively.

The following summarizes information about the Company’s stock options and warrants outstanding at December 31, 2005:

Range of Exercise Prices

 

Number Outstanding
December 31, 2005

 

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
In Years

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Number
Exercisable at
December 31,
2004

 

Weighted
Average
Fair Value

 

$2.00 to $2.50

 

 

486,350

 

 

 

4.17

 

 

 

2.5

 

 

 

486,350

 

 

 

1.30

 

 

$7.00 to $7.30

 

 

169,000

 

 

 

5.33

 

 

 

7.30

 

 

 

169,000

 

 

 

3.69

 

 

$8.00 to $8.50

 

 

270,034

 

 

 

7.33

 

 

 

8.00

 

 

 

201,689

 

 

 

5.50

 

 

$9.00 to $9.85

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

8.33

 

 

 

9.44

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

4.81

 

 

$10.00 to $10.85

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

.42

 

 

 

10.85

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

4.61

 

 

$11.00 to $11.40

 

 

200,000

 

 

 

9.64

 

 

 

11.31

 

 

 

200,000

 

 

 

7.84

 

 

$13.00 to $13.60

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

5.92

 

 

 

13.60

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

5.75

 

 

$15.00 to $16.00

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

6.92

 

 

 

15.00

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

6.89

 

 

 

 

 

1,250,384

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,182,039

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Statement 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and amends FASB Statement No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows. Generally, the approach in Statement 123(R) is similar to the approach described in Statement 123. However, Statement 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative. Statement 123(R) also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow,

F-35




rather than as an operating cash flow as required under current literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after adoption. While the Company cannot estimate what those amounts will be in the future (because they depend on, among other things, when employees exercise stock options), the amount of operating cash flows recognized  for such excess tax deductions were $247,000,  $1,812,000 and $2,320,000, in 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

In April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission extended the effective date of implementation for registrants that are not small businesses to no later than the beginning of the first fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company adopted Statement 123(R) on January 1, 2006.

In accordance with Statement 123, the Company has historically disclosed the impact on its net income and earnings per share had the fair value based method been adopted. Had the Company adopted Statement 123(R) in prior periods, the impact of that standard on periods presented in the consolidated financial statements would have approximated the impact of Statement 123 as described in the disclosure of pro forma net income and earnings per share. The Company adopted the modified prospective application of Statement 123(R). The impact of adoption is expected to approximate the amounts disclosed in the table. However, such impact will be dependent upon the amount and terms of share-based payments granted to employees in future periods.

11.   INCOME TAXES

The following summarizes the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Current Federal

 

$

8,385

 

$

7,338

 

$

4,493

 

Deferred Federal

 

(2,562

)

929

 

4,340

 

Provision for income taxes

 

$

5,823

 

$

8,267

 

$

8,833

 

A reconciliation of the expected statutory federal income tax provision to the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

Provision for income taxes at a federal statutory rate

 

35.0

%

35.0

%

35.0

%

Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Permanent items not deductible for income tax purposes

 

3.9

 

2.6

%

1.3

%

Deferred tax adjustment

 

2.2

 

 

 

Other

 

1.8

 

(1.2

)%

0.5

%

Provision for income taxes

 

42.9

%

36.4

%

36.8

%

 

F-36




At December 31, 2005 and 2004, significant components of the Company’s net deferred taxes are as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities

 

$

769

 

$

578

 

Deferred compensation

 

2,818

 

1,998

 

Basis difference in property and equipment

 

418

 

263

 

Net operating loss carryforward

 

1,361

 

1,658

 

Other

 

196

 

316

 

Deferred tax assets

 

$

5,562

 

$

4,813

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid pension

 

$

(134

)

$

(122

)

Tax basis of goodwill in excess of book

 

(673

)

(673

)

Basis difference in property and equipment

 

(2,860

)

(3,064

)

Tax depreciation in excess of book

 

(9,482

)

(11,262

)

Other

 

(159

)

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

$

(13,308

)

$

(15,121

)

 

At December 31, 2005, the Company has, for federal income tax purposes, approximately $59,000 in alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards and approximately $3.9 million in net operating loss carryforwards. The net operating loss carryforwards expire over the years 2010 through 2022. The use of the net operating loss carryforwards will be limited by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. The alternative minimum tax credit can be carried forward indefinitely.

12.   GAMING OPERATIONS

West Virginia

The Company derives revenue from the operation of video lottery games in the form of net win on the gross terminal income, or the total cash deposited into a video lottery terminal (VLT) less the value of credits cleared for winning redemption tickets.

In January 2005, West Virginia legislation established a requirement that the racetracks reallocate 7% of the previous 15.5% of net win contributed into the Horsemen’s Purse Fund into a Workers Compensation Debt Reduction Fund until the aggregate allocations of all racetracks reach $11.0 million annually. In the event a racetrack reaches its excess net terminal income before the $11.0 million is reached annually, the reallocation becomes 4% of the then applicable 9.5% contributed into the Horsemen’s Purse Fund. This reallocation was effective July 1, 2005.

In April 2005, West Virginia passed legislation that increased the portion of the racetracks’ net win that is contributed into the Employee Pension Fund from 0.5% to 1%. This 0.5% increase, which was effective July 8, 2005, is applied to the racetracks’ net win until the racetrack reaches its Excess Net Terminal Income threshold. For Mountaineer Park, the threshold is fixed at approximately $160.0 million. During 2005, this change increased Mountaineer Park’s statutory taxes and assessments by $559,000. Additionally, this legislation requires that racetracks reallocate 1.5% of the net win contributed into the Horsemen’s Purse Fund into Thoroughbred and Greyhound Breeding Development Funds. This change was also effective July 8, 2005 and applies until Mountaineer Park reaches its Excess Net Terminal Income threshold.

F-37




The West Virginia lottery statute contains a distribution scheme for the portion of each racetrack’s net win in excess of that racetrack’s net win for the twelve months ended June 30, 2001. After deducting the State Lottery Commission 4% administrative fee, this “Excess Net Terminal Income”—as it is referred to in the statute—is subject to a 10% surcharge. The State contributes 42% of the surcharge into a capital reinvestment fund. Generally, for each dollar the property expends on eligible capital improvements for the racetrack and adjacent property, the track receives a dollar from the capital reinvestment fund. Depending upon the amount of a project, any amount expended in excess of the balance in the capital reinvestment fund may be carried forward three subsequent years. The Company recognizes amounts due from the capital reinvestment fund as qualifying capital expenditures are identified. After deducting the administrative fee and the surcharge from the Excess Net Terminal Income, the racetracks receive 42% (as opposed to 46.5% effective July 8, 2005) of the remaining net win.

The Company’s qualifying capital expenditures during the 2005, 2004 and 2003 periods exceeded amounts contributed to the capital reinvestment fund, and at June 30, 2005 such qualifying capital expenditures exceeded contributions by approximately $5.6 million. The Company received $3,538,000, $3,719,000 and $2,793,000, which represents its share of the capital reinvestment fund for the 2005, 2004 and 2003 periods, respectively.

On March 21, 2004, the West Virginia Legislature passed SB 197, which, among other things, redeployed to other state purposes a portion of the video lottery proceeds then on deposit that had been reserved for the state’s Tourism Promotion Fund, from which Mountaineer Park had been obtaining reimbursement for 50% of the cost of qualifying advertisements. The Tourism Board froze advertising grants during the second quarter of 2004 while it made administrative changes to implement the change in law. Effective July 1, 2004, the percentage of video lottery revenue dedicated to the Tourism Promotion Fund was reduced from 3% to 1.375%, and the remaining 1.625% was redistributed to miscellaneous state projects. These changes will not impact video lottery revenues retained by the Company.

The Company is subject to annual licensing requirements established by the Lottery Commission; its license has been renewed through June 30, 2006.

A summary of video lottery gross wagers, less winning patron payouts at Mountaineer Park, for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Total gross wagers

 

$

2,819,030

 

$

2,910,102

 

$

2,804,920

 

Less winning patron payouts

 

(2,567,099

)

(2,651,375

)

(2,560,670

)

Video lottery revenues

 

$

251,931

 

$

258,727

 

$

244,250

 

 

The Company pays an administrative fee to the Lottery Commission not to exceed 4% of video lottery terminal net revenues. After assessment of the administrative fee and the surcharge when applicable, the Company is obligated to contribute legislatively designated amounts to various funds including two funds which directly or indirectly benefit the Company. These amounts are included in cost of video lottery terminals in the consolidated statements of operations.

F-38




Amounts contributed to these funds for the years ended December 31, including the administrative fee and the Company’s share of the capital reinvestment fund, were as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

HBPA purses

 

$

26,935

 

$

32,189

 

$

31,836

 

Company Employee Pension Plan

 

1,726

 

1,193

 

1,143

 

West Virginia General Fund

 

93,334

 

95,763

 

88,809

 

West Virginia Racing Commission

 

2,334

 

2,385

 

2,286

 

Hancock County General Fund

 

4,669

 

4,770

 

4,571

 

West Virginia Tourism Promotion Fund

 

3,210

 

5,201

 

6,857

 

Workers Compensation Debt Reduction Fund

 

3,021

 

 

 

Thoroughbred Development Fund

 

838

 

 

 

Greyhound Breeding Development Fund

 

838

 

 

 

Miscellaneous state projects

 

6,128

 

4,340

 

2,286

 

 

 

$

143,033

 

$

145,841

 

$

137,788

 

 

Nevada

During the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company recorded approximately $44,225,000, $7,655,000 and $6,970,000, respectively, in gaming revenue from its Nevada properties, including Binion’s effective March 11, 2005.

Pennsylvania

On July 5, 2004, Pennsylvania enacted legislation permitting slot machines (initially 3,000 and ultimately up to 5,000) at the licensed racetracks in Pennsylvania, as well as five free-standing slot parlors and two resorts that would be limited to 500 machines for use by guests of the resort. This legislation applies to the Company’s Presque Isle Downs project (as discussed in Note 3), subject to licensing by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board that has recently been created.

13.   RACING OPERATIONS

West Virginia

The Company conducts thoroughbred horse racing at Mountaineer Park. Under West Virginia Horse Racing Law, the Company’s commission revenue is a designated portion of the parimutuel wagering handle (amounts wagered).

The Company is subject to annual licensing requirements established by the Racing Commission. The Company’s license was renewed and will remain effective through December 31, 2005.

Mountaineer Park executed an agreement with the HBPA, the exclusive authorized bargaining representative for all thoroughbred horse owners who participate in live races at Mountaineer Park, whereby Mountaineer Park contributes all purse funds earned by such horse owners, as well as compensation to the HBPA for purses, from 50% of the proceeds of its live and simulcast racing after certain costs are deducted and 15.5% of video lottery operations. The terms of the contract indicate that Mountaineer Park is required to conduct a minimum of 210 live racing events annually but will make its best efforts to conduct racing for 232 days (216 in 2005 and 219 in 2004) and provide for a minimum daily purse payment of $125,000. The contract expires on December 31, 2006.

The Company’s revenue from racing operations is derived mainly from commissions earned on parimutuel wagering on live races held at Mountaineer Park and on races conducted at other “host” racetracks and broadcast live (i.e., import simulcast) at Mountaineer Park. In parimutuel wagering, patrons

F-39




bet against each other rather than against the operator of the facility or with preset odds. The dollars wagered form a pool of funds from which winnings are paid based on odds determined solely by the wagering activity. The racetrack acts as a stakeholder for the wagering patrons and deducts from the amounts wagered a “take-out” or gross commission, from which the racetrack pays state and county taxes and racing purses. The Company’s parimutuel commission rates are fixed as a percentage of the total handle or amounts wagered. With respect to Mountaineer Park’s live racing operations, such percentage is fixed by West Virginia law at three levels, 17.25%, 19% and 25%, depending on the complexity of the wager. The lower rate applies to wagering pools involving only win, place and show wagers, while the higher rates apply to pools involving wagers on specified multiple events, such as trifecta, quinella and perfecta wagers. With respect to simulcast racing operations, the Company applies commission rates imposed by the jurisdictions of the host racetracks, as it is mandated by the Racing Commission. Such rates vary with each jurisdiction and may be more or less favorable than the live racing commission rates. Out of its gross commissions, the Company is required to distribute fixed percentages to its fund for the payment of regular purses (the “regular purse fund”), the State of West Virginia and Hancock County and, with respect to commissions derived from simulcast operations, Mountaineer Park’s employee pension plan. After deducting state and county taxes and, with respect to simulcast commission, simulcast fees and expenses and employee pension plan contributions, approximately one-half of the remainder of the commissions are payable to the regular purse fund.

Mountaineer Park also receives the “breakage,” which is the odd cents by which the amounts payable on each dollar wagered in a parimutuel pool exceeds a multiple of ten cents. Breakage from simulcast wagers is generally allocated proportionately between the host racetrack and Mountaineer Park on the basis of the amounts wagered at their respective facilities.

The Company pays purses into a fund established for the benefit of participating horsemen for each day on which live racing is conducted. The Company has a contractual obligation to pay the horsemen a percentage (the Earned Commission) of the live and simulcast (satellite off-track wagering) race handle less winning tickets and certain costs incurred by the Company, including certain video lottery contractual expenses (approximately 15.5% of net video lottery revenues).

A summary of the Mountaineer Park parimutuel handle and deductions, including satellite off-track wagering, for the years ended December 31 are as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Total parimutuel handle

 

$

362,564

 

$

377,222

 

$

371,608

 

Less patron’s winning tickets and breakage

 

(345,425

)

(359,176

)

(353,030

)

 

 

17,139

 

18,046

 

18,578

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parimutuel tax paid to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West Virginia and Hancock County

 

(457

)

(466

)

(480

)

Purses and Horsemen’s Association

 

(7,555

)

(7,984

)

(8,238

)

 

 

$

9,127

 

$

9,596

 

$

9,860

 

 

Ohio

As of July 31, 2003 the Company acquired Scioto Downs, a harness racing track in Columbus, Ohio. Scioto operates year round as a simulcast facility and offers live racing beginning the first Thursday in May to the middle of September. In 2005 live racing began on May 6th and ended on September 24th, equating to 93 live race days.  In 2004 live racing began on May 6 and ended on September 18, equating to 93 live race days. Scioto Downs received Racing Commission approval to reduce its live race days by

F-40




20 days from the 2003 racing season. Scioto Downs must race a minimum of 110 days, unless granted an exception by the State Racing Commission. An exception was granted for 2004 and 2005.

Scioto Downs conducts harness racing at its facility under a racing license issued by the Ohio State Racing Commission. Revenue is derived from commissions earned on parimutuel wagering. The Company is subject to an annual review of its license. The current license is in effect until December 31, 2006.

Scioto Downs has a contract through November 30, 2012 with the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association (OHHA), which acts as an agent for the owners, trainers and grooms, providing certain benefits to these individuals. Scioto Downs’ management meets with the OHHA throughout the season reviewing purses offered and various promotional activities. On a quarterly basis, the OHHA approves a quarter of a percent reimbursement to Scioto Downs based upon the handle for approved promotional activities to which both parties have agreed.

The Ohio State Racing Commission fixes Scioto Downs parimutuel commission rates. The commission rates are fixed as a percentage of the total handle or amount wagered at the track. Commission rates vary depending upon the type of wager.

With respect to simulcast race operations, Scioto Downs applies the commission rates imposed by the jurisdictions of the host racetracks, as is mandated by the various state racing commissions. Rates vary with each state and may be more or less favorable than live racing commission rates.

Out of commissions earned during live race days, Scioto Downs is required by law to set aside a percentage of commissions for purse payments. When not racing live, a percent of simulcasting commissions is set aside and paid to The Ohio State Racing Commission purse fund. During live racing if a track does not generate sufficient revenue to cover purses it may draw money from the state purse fund. Throughout the year each track receives a state check to be used as a subsidy for days when the handle does not generate the revenue to cover purses. It is the responsibility of the track to ensure that it adjusts its purse structure based upon its commissions and state purse check to meet its purse requirements.

The state funds allocated to each track are restricted funds and cannot be used for any other purpose than purse payments or the quarter of a percent reimbursement to a track for promotional activities agreed to by the track and horsemen’s association.

Scioto Downs receives the “breakage,” which is the odd cents by which the amount payable on each dollar wagered in a parimutuel pool exceeds a multiple of ten cents. By law, a portion of this is allocated to the state purse fund and the horsemen.

During live racing Scioto Downs exports its live race signal to other tracks and earns a commission which is shared with the horsemen. The export revenue is shared as follows: the first one percent is the track’s and the remaining percent is split equally between the horseman and the track. The average percentage earned on signal export is 3% of the handle bet at the importing track on a Scioto Downs race.

Scioto Downs’ parimutuel handle for 2005, 2004 and from the date of acquisition through the end of 2003 was $41.7 million, $45.5 million and $18.7 million, respectively. After patron winning tickets of $38.2 million, $35.8 million and $14.6 million, respectively, parimutuel taxes and purse fund payments and including export signal revenue, Scioto Downs generated parimutuel commissions of $3,458,000, $3,839,000 and $1,481,000 for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

F-41




 

14.   QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

March 31

 

June 30

 

September 30

 

December 31(1)

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2005:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

77,942

 

$

97,842

 

 

$

98,001

 

 

 

$

84,510

 

 

Less promotional allowances

 

(1,354

)

(2,101

)

 

(2,513

)

 

 

(2,412

)

 

Net revenues

 

76,588

 

95,741

 

 

95,488

 

 

 

82,098

 

 

Gross profit

 

27,830

 

32,240

 

 

34,784

 

 

 

29,302

 

 

Net income

 

$

2,883

 

$

1,602

 

 

$

3,243

 

 

 

$

41

 

 

Basic net income per common share

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.06

 

 

$

0.11

 

 

 

$

0.01

 

 

Diluted net income per common share

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.06

 

 

$

0.11

 

 

 

$

0.01

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding—basic

 

28,619,868

 

28,685,039

 

 

28,434,006

 

 

 

27,476,743

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted

 

28,990,665

 

29,014,264

 

 

28,724,012

 

 

 

27,696,815

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

March 31

 

June 30

 

September 30

 

December 31(2)

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

75,695

 

$

83,152

 

 

$

85,157

 

 

 

$

71,218

 

 

Less promotional allowances

 

(1,271

)

(1,228

)

 

(1,473

)

 

 

(1,311

)

 

Net revenues

 

74,424

 

81,924

 

 

83,684

 

 

 

69,907

 

 

Gross profit

 

26,030

 

28,239

 

 

33,040

 

 

 

26,305

 

 

Net income

 

$

3,019

 

$

3,004

 

 

$

5,862

 

 

 

$

2,570

 

 

Basic net income per common share

 

$

0.11

 

$

0.11

 

 

$

0.21

 

 

 

$

0.09

 

 

Diluted net income per common share

 

$

0.11

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

0.20

 

 

 

$

0.09

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding—basic

 

28,176,534

 

28,535,266

 

 

28,551,201

 

 

 

28,575,920

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted

 

28,691,097

 

28,856,243

 

 

28,884,256

 

 

 

28,896,269

 

 


(1)             Includes an increase in depreciation expense of $219,000 and additional federal income tax expense of $250,000.

(2)             Includes a $726,000 reduction in depreciation expense relating to the updated valuation of Binion’s assets and liabilities. (See Note 4 “Acquisition of Binion’s Horseshoe Hotel and Casino.”)

Common Stock Prices

 

 

Per Quarter

 

 

 

1st Quarter

 

2nd Quarter

 

3rd Quarter

 

4th Quarter

 

2005:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High

 

 

$

12.56

 

 

 

$

13.07

 

 

 

$

12.09

 

 

 

$

10.50

 

 

Low

 

 

10.42

 

 

 

10.03

 

 

 

7.63

 

 

 

6.39

 

 

2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High

 

 

$

11.07

 

 

 

$

10.95

 

 

 

$

11.00

 

 

 

$

10.94

 

 

Low

 

 

9.35

 

 

 

8.70

 

 

 

9.24

 

 

 

8.78

 

 

 

F-42




EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.

 

Description

3.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation for Winner’s Entertainment, Inc. dated August, 17, 1993 (incorporated by reference to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993).

3.2

 

Amended By Laws (incorporated by reference to our report on Form 8-K filed February 20, 1998).

3.3

 

Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Winner’s Entertainment, Inc. dated October 10, 1996 (incorporated by reference to our report on Form 8-K filed November 1, 1996).

4.1

 

Excerpt from Common Stock Certificates (incorporated by reference to our report on Form 10-K filed March 30, 2001).

4.2

 

Indenture dated March 25, 2003 entered into by the Company, the Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture) and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee [exhibits and annexes omitted] (incorporated by reference to our report on Form 10-K filed March 31, 2003).

4.3

 

Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 31, 2003 by and between Scioto Downs, Inc., as Additional Guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-4 (Amendment No. 1), filed August 6, 2003 (Registration No. 333-105528))

4.4

 

Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 23, 2004, by and between Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc., as Additional Guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004)

4.5

 

Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 11, 2006 by and between Jackson Racing, Inc., as Additional Guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee (filed herewith).

10.1

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 27, 2005, by and among the Registrant, Mountaineer Park, Inc., Speakeasy Gaming of Las Vegas, Inc., Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc., Presque Isle Downs, Inc. and Scioto Downs, Inc. (each a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant), and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to our Form 8-K filed January 3, 2006).

10.2

 

Revolving Credit Note dated December 27, 2005, executed by the Registrant, Mountaineer Park, Inc., Speakeasy Gaming of Las Vegas, Inc., Presque Isle Downs, Inc., Scioto Downs, Inc., and Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc. (incorporated by reference to our Form 8-K filed January 3, 2006).

10.3

 

Swingline Note dated December 27, 2005, executed by the Registrant, Mountaineer Park, Inc., Speakeasy Gaming of Las Vegas, Inc., Presque Isle Downs, Inc., Scioto Downs, Inc., and Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc. (incorporated by reference to our Form 8-K filed January 3, 2006).

10.4

 

Letter Agreement regarding reimbursement of expenses dated December 1, 2005, between TBR Acquisition Group, LLC and MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to our Form 8-K filed December 2, 2005).

10.5

 

Supplement to Schedule No. 02248-007 to Master Lease (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002).

10.6

 

Schedule No. 02248-008 to Master Lease (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002).




 

10.7

 

Supplement to Schedule No. 02248-008 to Master Lease (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002).

10.8

 

MTR Gaming Group, Inc. 2002 Employee Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002).

10.9

 

Promissory Note made by MTR Gaming Group, Inc. in favor of Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc. in connection with the purchase by the Company of an airplane (incorporated by reference to our Form 10-K filed March 31, 2003).

10.10

 

Employment Agreement dated September 28, 2001 between the Company and Edson R. Arneault (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001).

10.11

 

Employment Agreement dated October 15, 2003 between the Company and Roger M. Szepelak (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003).

10.12

 

Agreement dated January 7, 2004 between Mountaineer Park, Inc. and Racetrack Employees Union Local No. 101 [schedules omitted] (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004).

10.13

 

Agreement dated January 10, 2004 between Mountaineer Park, Inc. and Mountaineer Park Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004).

10.14

 

Ground Lease dated as of the Effective Date (as defined in such lease) by and between The Doris E. Hamilton Family Limited Partnership, Darlene J. Staufer, Trustee of the Mable I. Elwell Inter Vivos Trust; Sharon Griffin, Thomas W. Church; Terry Rand McMelroy, Trustee of the Terry McMelroy Trust, and Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc. (“SGFI”) (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004).

10.15

 

Ground Lease dated as of March 10, 2004, by and between the Linda Jeanine Isola Present Interest Trust and/or assignees) and SGFI (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004).

10.16

 

Assignment and Assumption of Lease (Arlington) dated March 11, 2004 by and between the Horseshoe Club Operating Company and SGFI (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).

10.17

 

Assignment and Assumption of Lease (Hines/Rittenhouse) dated March 11, 2004 by and between the Horseshoe Club Operating Company and SGFI (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).

10.18

 

Assignment and Assumption of Lease (Voulthard/Silvagni) dated March 11, 2004 by and between Horseshoe Club Operating Company and SGFI (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).

10.19

 

Assignment and Assumption of Lease (Horseshoe Garage) dated March 11, 2004 by and between Horseshoe Club Operating Company and SGFI (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).

10.20

 

Purchase Agreement dated as of May 6, 2004 by and among MTR-Harness Inc., Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp., and North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004)




 

10.21

 

Member Control Agreement of North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC dated as of June 8, 2004 by and among Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp., MTR-Harness, LLC, and MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004).

10.22

 

Security Agreement and Pledge of Stock dated as of June 29, 2004 by and between MTR Gaming Group, Inc. as Debtor and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Agent Bank and Secured Party (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004).

10.23

 

First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated December 22, 2004 between the Company and Edson R. Arneault (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 8-K filed December 27, 2004).

10.24

 

Second Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between the Registrant and Edson R. Arneault executed by the Registrant’s Compensation Committee on May 13, 2005 (incorporated by reference to our Form 8-K filed May 16, 2005).

10.25

 

Amendment to Deferred Compensation Agreement by and between the Registrant and Edson R. Arneault executed by the Registrant’s Compensation Committee on May13, 2005 (incorporated by reference to our Form 8-K filed May 16, 2005).

10.26

 

Employment Agreement by and between the Company and Robert A. Blatt (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 8-K filed December 27, 2004).

10.27

 

2004 Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement filed June 18, 2004).

10.28

 

2005 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement filed June 17, 2005).

10.29

 

Universal Lease Agreement dated December 5, 2005 by and between Jackson Trotting Association, LLC and Jackson County Fairgrounds (filed herewith)

14.1

 

Code of Ethics and Business Conduct of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003).

21.1

 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant (filed herewith).

23.1

 

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (filed herewith)

31.1

 

Certification of Edson R. Arneault pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

31.2

 

Certification of John W. Bittner, Jr. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

32.1

 

Certification of Edson R. Arneault in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (filed herewith).

32.2

 

Certification of John W. Bittner, Jr. in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (filed herewith).

 

 



EX-4.5 2 a06-7024_1ex4d5.htm INSTRUMENTS DEFINING THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS, INCLUDING INDENTURES

Exhibit 4.5

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

 

THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (the “Supplemental Indenture”) is executed as of January 11, 2006, by the Additional Guarantor (as hereinafter defined) and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee (the “Trustee”).

 

WHEREAS, MTR GAMING GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation, as issuer (the “Issuer”) and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries listed on Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Existing Guarantors”) have heretofore entered into an Indenture, dated as of March 25, 2003 (the “Original Indenture”), with the Trustee pursuant to which the Trustee acts as trustee for the Holders of the Issuer’s 9.75% Senior Notes due 2010;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of Article Ten of the Indenture, each Guarantor, by executing the Indenture, jointly and severally, unconditionally guarantees the Issuer’s payment and performance obligations under the Indenture;

 

WHEREAS, in accordance with Article Ten of the Original Indenture, the Subsidiary listed on Exhibit B attached hereto (the “Additional Guarantor”) must execute supplements to the Original Indenture for the purpose of joining the Existing Guarantors as a Guarantor;

 

WHEREAS, the Original Indenture permits the Additional Guarantor to execute supplements to the Original Indenture for the purpose of adding Guarantors; and

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements and obligations set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

Section 1.                                            Definitions. All capitalized terms used in this Supplemental Indenture not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Original Indenture.

 

Section 2.                                            Additional Guarantor. The Additional Guarantor is hereby added as a Guarantor with all of the obligations of a Guarantor as set forth in the Original Indenture, as amended and supplemented by this Supplemental Indenture.

 

Section 3.                                            Counterparts. This Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same document.

 



 

Section 4.                                            Governing Law. This Supplemental Indenture shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Jackson Racing, Inc. has caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed all as of the date and year first above written.

 

 

 

 

JACKSON RACING, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

  /s/ Edson R. Arneault

 

 

Name:

 

  Edson R. Arneault

 

Title:

 

  President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

  /s/ Rose Mary Williams

 

 

Name:

 

  Rose Mary Williams

 

Title:

 

  Treasurer and Secretary

 

This Supplemental Indenture is hereby
acknowledged and accepted this 13th
day of
January, 2006 by WELLS FARGO BANK,
N.A., as Trustee

 

 

 

 

By:

  /s/ Joseph P. O’Donnell

 

 

Name:

  Joseph P. O’Donnell

 

 

Title:

  Vice President

 

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

Existing Guarantors

 

Mountaineer Park, Inc.

 

Presque Isle Downs, Inc.

 

Speakeasy Gaming of Las Vegas, Inc.

 

Speakeasy Gaming of Reno, Inc.

 

Scioto Downs, Inc.

 

Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc.

 



 

EXHIBIT B

 

Additional Guarantor

 

Jackson Racing, Inc. (a Michigan corporation)

 


EX-10.29 3 a06-7024_1ex10d29.htm MATERIAL CONTRACTS

Exhibit 10.29

 

UNIVERSAL LEASE AGREEMENT

 

THIS UNIVERSAL LEASE AGREEMENT (“Lease”) is effective as of the 1st day of January, 2005, by and between The County of Jackson, a Michigan municipal corporation, of 120 W. Michigan Avenue, Jackson, MI 49201 (hereinafter “Lessor”) and Jackson Trotting Association, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, of 200 W. Ganson Street, P.O. Box 881, Jackson, MI 49204-0881 (hereinafter “Lessee”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, Lessee desires to enter into a live harness racing lease with Lessor for the purpose of permitting Lessee to conduct annual live harness horse racing meets at the Jackson County Fairgrounds under the terms and conditions hereafter set forth;

 

WHEREAS, Lessee desires to enter into a simulcasting lease for the purpose of permitting Lessee to conduct simulcasting of intrastate and interstate horse racing events under the terms and conditions hereafter set forth;

 

WHEREAS, Lessee desires to engage in and allow pari-mutuel wagering for live harness horse racing and for simulcasting under the terms and conditions as hereafter set forth; and

 

WHEREAS, Lessor and Lessee desire to enter into one universal lease agreement to define the parties’ agreement for live harness horse race meets and simulcasting under the terms and conditions as hereafter set forth in this Lease Agreement (hereafter “Lease” or “Universal Lease”).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and obligations negotiated and agreed upon between the parties, and other good and valuable

 



 

consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, Lessor and Lessee agree as follows:

 

1.             Premises.

 

A.            Live Racing:  Lessor hereby leases to Lessee for live harness horse racing the following described premises (“Premises”) situated in the City of Jackson, County of Jackson, State of Michigan, commonly known as the Jackson County Fairgrounds, and more particularly described as follows:

 

That piece or parcel of land bounded on the north by a public street known as North Street, on the west by a public street known as Blackstone Street, on the south by a public street known as Ganson Street, and on the east by the Grand Trunk Western Railroad right-of-way, including the grandstand, barns, stables and parking areas, as hereafter more fully described.

 

EXCLUDING Antique Tractors Barn, a/k/a Barn #19, and to the extent owned by Lessor and is part of the Fair Premises, the Railroad Spur and Railroad Bridge Foundations along the Grand River, Milking Parlor/Retail Milk Store, Barn 2, Barn 10 (may use the lean-to’s), Barn 11 (may use the lean-to), Barn 12, Covered Arena, Horse Arena, Herman Gumper Exhibition Hall, Log Cabin, Fair Offices, Gazebo, Garage next to Fair Office, Fair Events Center, Stage, Dressing Rooms, Workshop, Pole Storage Building, and infield (when it is not a live racing day).

 

Lessee’s parking shall be as designated within paragraph 22 below.

 

Lessor shall have full and complete use and access to all barn areas during any period of time when no live harness horse race meets exist for its sole and exclusive purpose including for Lessor’s annual Rural Education Days for local and surrounding county school districts.

 

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During live harness horse race meets, the so-called North Street Gate, on the south side of North Street, shall remain open during normal business hours for the use of the Jackson County Fair and its personnel. Security and/or placement of security guards as mandated or deemed necessary by the Michigan Office of the Racing Commissioner, Jackson Trotting Association, LLC and/or any other governing body shall be the sole and exclusive responsibility of Lessee. Ingress and/or egress at the Ganson Street main drive shall remain open during the period commencing two hours prior to and ending one hour after the conduct of live racing. Lessor and Lessee shall use their best efforts to mutually coordinate parking during situations when both Lessor and Lessee have conflicting events. Alternate ingress and/or egress for Lessee’s use shall be allowed at the western perimeter, South Blackstone gate, and the East Ganson Street livestock gate.

 

Lessee’s use of the barns during the live harness race meets shall be as solely designated by Lessor and shall include Barn 1, Barn 3, Barn 10 lean to’s, Barn 11 lean to, Barn 16, Barn 17 and Barn 18 or Barn 3, Barn 7, Barn 16, Barn 17 and Barn 18.

 

Lessor shall allow the horsemen to have the use of the entire building known as the Track Kitchen during live harness race meets. Lessee shall be responsible and shall indemnify Lessor for the horsemen and their conduct. Lessee shall also be responsible for all repair and/or improvements to the Track Kitchen subject to the express prior written approval of Lessor. All repairs and/or improvements shall be at Lessee’s sole cost and expense.

 

B.            Simulcasting:  Lessor further leases to Lessee the following described premises for simulcasting located within the Jackson County Fairground harness horse

 

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race track generally described as the south end of the Grandstand, including restrooms, restaurant, and general offices as well as the parking designated in paragraph 22 below.

 

C.            Occupancy:  Lessor shall have full and absolute use and occupancy of the Premises one week prior to the annual Jackson County Fair, the week of the annual Jackson County Fair and one week subsequent to the annual Jackson County Fair (collectively, the “Jackson County Fair Period”) as well as to the barns and all other areas of the Jackson County Fairgrounds the first week of April for Lessor’s Rural Education Days program for the local and surrounding school districts. Lessor guarantees occupancy consistent with paragraph 1B above to Lessee during the so-called “Triple Crown” horse racing events which end with the Belmont Stakes held no later than the second Saturday of June. Lessor agrees that it will not hold the Jackson County Fair prior to June 15 in any year without the prior express written consent of the Lessee, which consent Lessee may withhold in its sole and absolute discretion.

 

2.             Use.

 

A.            Live Racing:    To conduct live standard bred harness horse racing events for a period each year as fixed and determined by the Michigan Office of the Racing Commissioner.

 

B.            Simulcast:   To conduct pari-mutuel wagering on intrastate and interstate simulcast of horse racing events and any other event for which Michigan law may now or in the future permit pari-mutuel wagering. For purposes of this Lease, the term “Simulcast” means the live transmission of video and audio signals conveying interstate and intrastate horse racing events and as that term is currently specifically

 

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defined within the Michigan Racing Law of 1995, Act 279 of the Public Acts of 1995, as may be amended from time to time.

 

The leased simulcasting premises shall be used for no other purpose other than to conduct pari-mutuel wagering as may be allowed now or in the future. Gaming, video gaming, gambling, games of chance or other gambling, including, but not limited to, slot machines or any other gambling (“Gaming”) other than pari-mutuel wagering on simulcast horse racing events is strictly prohibited.

 

If, during the term of this Lease, any Federal, State or local legislation is enacted which allows Lessee to hold, profit, conduct or otherwise engage in onsite Gaming, distinct from pari-mutuel wagering on simulcast events, Lessee will nonetheless be prohibited from conducting said Gaming unless Lessee obtains the express prior written consent of Lessor.

 

3.             Term. This Universal Lease shall be comprised of eight (8) yearly terms commencing January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2005, and on a calendar year basis thereafter, terminating as of the last day of the eighth annual term on December 31, 2012, unless extended pursuant to express written agreement between Lessor and Lessee.

 

4.             Rent.

 

A.            Live Racing:  Lessee shall pay to Lessor an annual base rent of $7,500 for each and every year of this Lease payable as follows:  $4,500 for yearly maintenance of grounds and $3,000 annual prepaid rent. Further, Lessee shall pay an additional sum to Lessor equal to 1% of the pari-mutuel handle in excess of $30,000 for any single day, less a one time credit of $3,000 of the above-referenced annual prepaid

 

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rent. Said percentage rental is due and payable by Lessee to Lessor within fourteen (14) days from the conclusion of each and every seasonal harness horse race meet.

 

B.            Simulcast:  Lessee shall pay to Lessor rent at the rate of .0065% of Lessee’s daily gross simulcasting pari-mutuel wagering handle which shall be due and payable to Lessor by Lessee on a monthly basis during the term of this Lease. Payment of rent by Lessee to Lessor shall be made monthly no later than the third day of the succeeding month. Verification documentation including daily breakdown sheets of Lessee’s previous month’s pari-mutuel daily handle shall accompany each month’s rental payment.

 

C.            Universal: Notwithstanding anything to the contrary noted above, Lessee guarantees to Lessor a gross annual rent during each year of this Lease of a sum not less than Eighty-Five Thousand ($85,000) Dollars for combined live and simulcasting rent. Any deficiency less than the $85,000 annual guaranteed sum shall be paid by Lessee to Lessor no later than December 31 of the calendar year of the year of the deficiency.

 

The annual minimum rent of $85,000 due and payable each and every year during the term of this Lease shall be adjusted annually in a sum equal to the corresponding annual percentage increase of the cost of living adjustment as published annually by the United States Department of Labor.

 

5.             Possession.

 

A.            Live Racing:  The number of live harness horse racing dates shall not be less than the number of days mandated by the State of Michigan, Office of Racing

 

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Commissioner, as required by the Michigan Racing Law of 1995, Act 279 of the Public Acts of 1995, as amended, State Reg. 431.312, or any future adopted corresponding statutes, rules or regulations.

 

B.            Simulcast:  Lessee guarantees to Lessor that Lessee shall conduct simulcasting not less than 225 days per calendar year during the term of this Lease.

 

6.             Capital Improvements. Lessee shall contribute a minimum sum of Five Hundred Thousand ($500,000) Dollars in capital improvements to the facilities of Lessor over the term of this Lease under the following terms and conditions:

 

A.            $250,000 in improvements shall be provided by June 30, 2006, as follows:

 

(i)    Repavement of Jackson Trotting Association, LLC/Jackson Racing, Inc.’s parking lot to be completed by June 13, 2005;

 

(ii)   Improvements and renovations to the men’s and women’s bathrooms at the South end of the Grandstand to be completed by June 30, 2006;

 

(iii)  Replacement of all downspouts over the Grandstand seating area by June 30, 2006;

 

(iv)  Complete sandblast and painting on the West side of the Grandstand wall by June 30, 2006;

 

(v)   Other updates and improvements of the Clubhouse as determined necessary by Lessee;

 

(vi)  Replacement of the patio carpet by June 30, 2006; and

 

(vii) Repair of the leaking roof extension on the West side of the Grandstand by June 30, 2006.

 

B.            A minimum of $250,000 in additional capital improvements shall be completed prior to December 31, 2009. Said improvements shall be mutually agreed

 

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upon between the Lessor and Lessee in accordance with the provisions set forth more fully below. Additionally, Lessor and Lessee shall mutually negotiate and agree on all capital improvements to the Clubhouse and other facilities prior to the commencement of any improvement thereon.

 

C.            With respect to each capital improvement, Lessee shall solicit a minimum of three (3) bids from reputable local contractors capable of performing the improvements. Lessor and Lessee shall thereafter mutually select the contractor whose bid most responsibly meets the parties’ requirements in terms of scope of work, schedule and pricing. Should Lessor and Lessee be unable to mutually agree upon the contractor selected to perform the capital improvement, then either a local architect or civil engineer shall be retained, at a cost to be equally split between Lessor and Lessee, and the third party so selected shall select the contractor whose bid most reasonably and responsibly meets the capital improvement specifications in terms of scope, schedule and pricing. The bid and contractor selection processes shall fully and completely comply with MTR Gaming Group, Inc.’s Plan of compliance Review and Reporting System and Establishment of Compliance Committee Procedures as attached to Louis Aronson’s letter of April 11, 2005, to Kevin M. Thomson, Attorney for Jackson County/Jackson County Fair Board (see attached Exhibit B), and the Jackson County Contract for Professional Services Provision, Policy #2030, as set forth in the Jackson County Administrator/Controller’s letter of April 4, 2005, to Daniel B. Rakieten. (See attached Exhibit C.)

 

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The lowest bid received for all capital improvement projects from the local contractors shall be used for the purpose of confirmation of the $500,000 in capital improvements to be provided to Lessor by Lessee as itemized above.

 

Failure of Lessee to make the minimum capital improvements by the deadlines indicated above shall be considered a material breach of this Lease.

 

7.             Sublease/Assignment. Lessee shall have no right to assign this Lease or any amendments thereto or to sublet the Premises or any portion thereof to any other party without the express prior written consent of Lessor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided, nonetheless, that any assignment or sublease shall not relieve the Lessee of its covenants and obligations hereunder.

 

8.             Quiet Possession. Lessor covenants that it is lawfully seized of the Premises and has full right and power to enter into this Lease for the full term and upon all the conditions herein contained. Lessor will deliver full and complete possession of the Premises upon the payment of said rent and the performance of the covenants agreed to be performed. Lessee shall and may thereafter peaceably and quietly have, hold and enjoy the Premises for the said term.

 

9.             Alterations. Notwithstanding paragraph 6 above concerning capital improvements, Lessee shall not make or undertake any alterations or additions to the Premises including walls, floors, fixtures or grounds without the express prior written approval of Lessor. Any alterations or additions undertaken to the Premises, subsequent to the express written consent of Lessor, shall comply with paragraph 6 concerning capital improvements and shall be at Lessee=s sole cost and expense. Further, all

 

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improvements shall be of good workmanship and material. Lessor shall not unreasonably withhold its consent to any alterations or additions by Lessee.

 

10.           Maintenance. The Lessor agrees to maintain and repair the roof, foundation and outer walls, and make all structural changes or repairs thereto as may be required by governmental authority. Lessee shall maintain and repair all mechanical components of the Premises. Lessee shall maintain and repair all window and door glass, exterior doors, casings, frames or any of the appliances or appurtenances to the Premises. Lessee’s property insurance coverage on the Premises shall not contain an exclusion for plate glass. Lessee shall be liable for the expense of materials and all labor to repair and replace defective, damaged or deteriorated horse stalls and partitions.

 

No signs may be erected by Lessee on the Premises without prior written consent of Lessor. Lessor hereby consents to the continued use of the signs existing on the Premises as of June 13, 2005, and any replacement signs of like character and size. The Lessee shall maintain any signs erected in a good state of repair, save the Lessor harmless from any loss, costs or damage as a result of the maintenance, existence or removal of the same, and shall repair any damage which may be caused by the existence, maintenance or removal of such signs. At the end of this term, Lessee, if requested to do so by the Lessor, agrees to remove said sign or signs.

 

Lessee agrees to place poles for Lessor’s use in the grandstand stage area indicated by Lessor for concerts and/or shows held at the venue and Lessee further agrees to remove said poles from the Grandstand area in a timely manner mutually agreed upon by

 

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Lessor and Lessee. Lessee shall assume all costs for the placement and removal of the poles.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Lessee shall be responsible for and maintain the following during live race meets:  horse stalls, manure removal, race track maintenance, including hub rail, installation, repair and maintenance of judges’ stand and catwalk, and daily maintenance and clean up of the grandstand and the area between the grandstand and the track fence.

 

11.           Taxes and Others. Lessee shall pay all general real estate and personal property taxes that may be due and payable on the Premises during the term of the Lease before such taxes become delinquent and a charge against the Premises.

 

12.           Utilities. Lessee shall pay all charges of public and/or private utility companies for utilities furnished Lessee in the use of the Premises including charges for gas, oil, telephone, garbage, electricity and any municipal sewer and water. Lessor may require proof of payment of all utilities and Lessee shall provide proof of same.

 

13.           Damage or Destruction. It is further mutually understood and agreed between the Lessor and the Lessee that in the event the Premises are damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty, the Premises shall be promptly and with reasonable dispatch fully repaired or restored, as the case may be, by the Lessor at its expense for the roof, foundation and outer walls, and by the Lessee for the remainder of the Premises; provided, however, that the Lessor’s obligation to repair or to restore shall be limited to the proceeds of any insurance recoverable by virtue of said fire or other casualty, and provided further, that the rent provided for shall abate entirely in case the entire Premises

 

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are untenantable and pro rata for the portion rendered untenantable, in case a part only is untenantable, until the same shall be restored to a tenantable condition.

 

If the building upon the Premises shall be totally damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty, or if the building on the Premises shall be damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty to the extent of 50% or more of the total floor space, then, at the option of either party, this Lease may be cancelled. Such option may be exercised by written notice given by either party to the other within 30 days after the occurrence of such fire or other casualty. If either party shall fail to give notice to the other within the aforesaid period of 30 days, then this Lease shall continue for the balance of its term and the Lessor and the Lessee shall promptly repair or restore their respective interests in said building.

 

14.           Insurance. It shall be the obligation of Lessee to carry public liability and property damage insurance on the Premises, including the barns, in an amount consistent with the current adopted policy of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners and the Jackson County Fairgrounds, as may be amended from time to time, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit D. Further, Lessee shall name Lessor as an additional named insured and shall provide Lessor with proof of said insurance which shall continue in full force and effect during this Lease.

 

Lessee shall cooperate and fully comply with Lessor with respect to any request of Lessor pertaining to the insurance coverage required hereunder, including submission of proof of insurance and/or payment of premiums for same.

 

In consideration of the rents and covenants herein specified, Lessee waives its right of recovery, if any, against Lessor for any loss to real or personal property including

 

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loss of revenue. Lessee further agrees it shall include in all fire and other hazard insurance policies covering the Premises and barns the following waiver of subrogation:

 

“It is hereby stipulated that this insurance shall not be invalidated should the insured waive in writing, prior to the loss, any and all rights of recovery against any party for loss occurring to the property described herein.”

 

15.           Injury to Persons. Lessee hereby covenants and agrees to keep, hold and save harmless the Lessor from any claim or suit for damage or injuries sustained upon the Premises by any person or persons caused by negligence on the part of the Lessee, its agents, employees and other persons with respect to whom Lessee may be liable. Lessor hereby covenants and agrees to keep, hold and save harmless the Lessee from any claim or suit for damage or injuries sustained upon the Premises by any person or persons caused by negligence on the part of the Lessor, its agents, employees and other persons with respect to whom Lessor may be liable.

 

16.           Bankruptcy or Insolvency. In the event that the Lessee shall become bankrupt or shall make a voluntary assignment for the benefit of creditors or in the event that a receiver of the Lessee shall be appointed, then at the option of the Lessor and upon five (5) days notice in writing to the Lessee of the exercise of such option, this Lease shall cease, terminate and come to an end.

 

17.           Injury to Premises by Lessee. In the event of any damage or injury to the Premises of any kind whatsoever caused by the carelessness, negligence or improper conduct on the part of the Lessee, its agents or employees, the said Lessee shall cause the said damage or injury to be repaired as speedily as possible at its own cost and expense.

 

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18.           Use and Compliance with Laws. Lessee covenants and agrees to comply, at its own expense, with all present or future State of Michigan, including the State of Michigan Office of the Racing Commissioner, statutes, rules, regulations and requirements of any type and of any nature including Section 18 and all other provisions of the Michigan Racing Law of 1995, Act 279 of the Public Acts of 1995, as amended, and all other present or future police, sanitary, building or fire rules, codes, regulations and instructions imposed by any other governmental authority whatsoever, and municipal ordinances, all requirements or regulations of the Board of Fire Underwriters and all state and federal statutes, present or future, concerning the Premises, the use or occupation thereof.

 

Lessee otherwise covenants that it will keep and maintain the Premises in a neat and clean condition.

 

19.           Lessor Access. Lessor shall have reasonable access to the Premises during business hours for the purpose of examination or review of same, or to make any needful repairs or alterations. Any repairs or examination of the Premises shall not unnecessarily interfere with Lessee’s use of the Premises or the conduct of Lessee’s business thereon.

 

20.           Default by Lessee. In the event of default by Lessee in the payment of rent or the performance of any covenant or obligation to be kept or performed by Lessee, and should such default continue for a period of seven (7) days in the case of nonpayment of rent or thirty (30) days in the case of the material breach of any other covenant or obligation, after receipt by Lessee of a written notice from Lessor specifying such

 

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default, Lessor may thereafter without further notice of demand, enter on the Premises and take full and absolute possession thereof without such re-entry causing a forfeiture of the rent to be paid or the covenants to be performed by Lessee hereunder for the full term of this Lease and may thereafter lease or sublease the Premises for such rent as Lessor may reasonably obtain, crediting Lessee with the rent so obtained after deducting the costs Lessor reasonably incurs by such re-entry, leasing or subleasing, or the Lessor, at its election, may terminate the Lease and re-enter and take full and absolute possession of the Premises free from any further right or claim by Lessee.

 

21.           Rents and Notices. All notices required or furnished hereunder shall be mailed addressed as follows until such addresses are changed by thirty (30) days prior notice in writing:

 

To the Lessor:

 

Jackson County Fair Board

 

 

Attn: Manager

 

 

200 W. Ganson Street

 

 

Jackson, MI 49201

 

 

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

 

 

County of Jackson

 

 

Attn: Jackson County Administrator

 

 

120 W. Michigan Avenue

 

 

Jackson, MI 49201

 

 

 

To the Lessee:

 

Jackson Trotting Association, LLC

 

 

200 W. Ganson Street

 

 

P.O. Box 881

 

 

Jackson, MI 49204-0881

 

22.           Parking Lot. During simulcasting and live racing, Lessee’s exclusive parking lot is as defined in attached Exhibit A north of the line roughly defined as

 

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follows:  a line that runs east and west from the north boundary of the Fair Events Center (formerly known as the “Rollatorium”) to the so-called “new” telephone pole on the west end of the parking lot that angles to the northeast towards the racetrack plus the parking area north of the Grandstand per the attached diagram A.

 

Lessor’s exclusive parking shall be south of the line roughly defined as follows:  a line that runs east and west from the northern boundary of the Fair Events Center (formerly known as the “Rollatorium”) to the so-called “new” telephone pole on the west end of the parking lot that angles to the northeast towards the racetrack per the attached diagram A.

 

Lessor and Lessee shall have equal access on a first come, first serve basis to the East Midway Lot and the parking area north of the Fair Events Center on a first come, first serve basis. Access to the East Midway Lot shall not be allowed to Lessee during times when Lessor has booked an event in the East Midway Lot area.

 

If no event has been scheduled by Lessor at the Fair Events Center, Lessee may use the Fair Events Center parking lot pursuant to a non-exclusive license hereby granted by Lessor to Lessee as long as said use does not otherwise interfere with Lessor’s use of the Premises.

 

Lessor and Lessee shall cooperate and use their best efforts to resolve any and all parking issues that may arise from time to time. Diagram A is hereby incorporated by reference and is made a part hereof.

 

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Further, Lessor and Lessee shall exchange information on the scheduling of various events so as to prevent any conflict.

 

Lessee shall perform daily cleanup of its parking areas, and any other areas used during the term of this Lease.

 

23.           Hold Over. In the event of the Lessee holds over after the termination of this Lease or any extension thereto, it is agreed that thereafter the tenancy shall be from month to month and not year to year term under the same terms and conditions, including rental payments, as provided herein.

 

24.           Successors and Assigns. It is agreed that all of the provisions herein contained are to be construed as covenants and agreements as if so specifically stated and that all of the terms and provisions hereof shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their heirs, representatives, successors and assigns.

 

25.           Application. Subject to Section 34, Lessee shall make application to the Michigan Racing Commissioner before the deadline established by the Michigan Office of Racing Commissioner each year during the term of this Lease for its required harness horse race meet license, requesting at least the minimum number of days required by the Michigan Racing Law of 1995, Act 279 of Public Acts of 1995, as amended, and as may be amended in the future, to be conducted on the Premises. If Lessee fails to make and file such annual application in the manner so required and within the time limited, this Lease may, at the option of Lessor, be declared null and void and of no further force or effect except that Lessee shall be obligated to Lessor for any and all rents that may be

 

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guaranteed and due and payable over the remaining term of the Lease. Lessee shall furnish to Lessor with a copy of its annual application to the Michigan Racing Commissioner within two (2) days subsequent to the filing of same.

 

26.           Prior Leases. This Lease supersedes, controls and takes precedence over all prior and previous Agreements, Letter Agreements and/or Leases between Lessor and Lessee involving live horse racing and simulcasting on the Premises.

 

Lessor and Lessee acknowledge this Lease is the full and complete expression of their Universal Lease and no other agreements, understandings or covenants not contained herein shall be binding unless reduced to writing and executed by the Lessor and Lessee.

 

27.           Interpretation. Words in the singular, plural, masculine, feminine and neuter as used herein shall have the meanings and be construed as required by the context of this demise and Lease.

 

28.           Governing Law. This Lease shall be construed pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan.

 

29.           Force Majeure. If Lessee is prevented from completing performance of its live harness horse race meets or the guaranteed 225 minimum days of simulcasting as required by Paragraph 5 by an act of God, weather conditions resulting in the loss of electricity or work stoppage based on labor unrest, then Lessee shall be excused on a prorated basis for the rental obligations for each day Lessee is unable to race or simulcast

 

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as a direct result of an act of God, weather conditions resulting in loss of electricity or labor unrest.

 

30.           Surrender. Upon expiration of this Lease, including any extensions or renewal thereof, Lessee shall give and surrender peaceful possession of the Premises to Lessor in a condition as when taken, usual wear and tear and damage by the elements excepted. Lessee acknowledges that upon surrender of the possession of the demised Premises, any and all wiring, lighting equipment, fixtures, transformers, offices, betting booths, betting stalls, hub rail, money room and/or any other fixture attached to the Premises, including the judges’ stand and catwalk, shall be the sole and exclusive property of Lessor and shall be left on the Premises. Notwithstanding anything contrary to the above, Lessee shall have the right to remove the tote board, but not the electrical power source to the tote board, and such other equipment which is not a fixture on the Premises.

 

31.           Notice of Default. Lessor and Lessee agree and acknowledge that in the event of any claimed default on the part of either party to this Lease, notice of such claimed default shall be served in writing in accordance with paragraph 21 above and each party shall be given notice as provided in the Michigan Summary Proceedings Act within which time to cure and correct such alleged default including seven (7) day notice for non-payment of rent and thirty (30) day notice for any breach of this Lease.

 

32.           Waiver. The failure of Lessor to insist upon the strict performance of the terms, covenants, conditions and agreements contained in this Lease, or any of them,

 

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shall not constitute or be construed as a relinquishment or waiver of Lessor’s rights to thereafter enforce any of the terms, covenants, conditions or agreements of this Lease.

 

33.           Lessee’s Rights to Concessions. Lessee shall be entitled to the sole and exclusive right to all concession income generated during live race meets or simulcasting, including, but not limited to, food, beverage and alcohol, program and parking sales.

 

34.           Lessee’s Warrant; Relocation of Racing. Lessee represents, covenants and warrants to Lessor that Lessee’s intent and purpose is and Lessee shall make the capital improvements referenced in paragraph 6 above, to keep and maintain harness horse race meets in Jackson County and that Lessee shall not assign, convey or transfer Jackson County horse race dates elsewhere. Should Lessee relocate its harness horse race meets and simulcasting to another location during the term of this Lease, Lessee shall, as a condition of its relocation elsewhere, post a surety bond from a surety company selected by Lessor from the U.S. Department of Labor Approved Surety List naming the Jackson County Fair Board and Jackson County Fair as obligee for the dollar value of any remaining capital improvements required by paragraph 6 above not completed as well as for the minimum rent then due and owing over the remaining term of this Lease. The posting of said surety bond shall be a material condition of Lessee’s ability to vacate the premises. Should Lessee vacate the premises without the posting of the surety bond as hereinbefore provided, Lessee consents to the entry of a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunctive order from the Circuit Court for the County of Jackson to

 

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enjoin and prevent Lessee from relocating to new premises until such time as the surety bond required hereunder shall be posted.

 

Notwithstanding Lessee’s obligation to post the surety bond as hereinbefore provided, should Lessee vacate the premises, Lessor shall be under no obligation to mitigate its damages and Lessor shall be free to re-lease the premises without reduction or termination of the sums of money owed by Lessee over the remaining term of this Lease.

 

Should Lessee vacate the premises prior the expiration of the lease term, the above surety bond obligation shall also include the dollar value of any capital improvements required by Lessee pursuant to paragraph 6, not yet completed by Lessee.

 

In the event Lessee vacates the premises prior to the end of the lease term, Lessor shall be under no obligation nor shall Lessor be required to transfer its track license and Lessor may keep the track license for its use; provided Lessor will not oppose any application of Lessee for a track license for a different site in Jackson County.

 

35.           Portable Stalls. The portable stalls owned by Lessor shall be made available for use by Lessee during Lessee’s live harness horse race meets. Lessor shall be responsible for assembly and disassembly for use during the Jackson County Fair Period and Lessee’s live harness horse race meets. As long as Lessee remains on the Premises under this Lease, Lessor shall not lease to any other entity or otherwise allow the portable stalls to be removed from the Premises. To the extent the portable stalls are owned by Lessee, Lessee, in consideration of the terms and covenants of this Lease,

 

21



 

hereby conveys, transfers and assigns over to Lessor all right, title and interest in said portable stalls.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Lease Agreement on the 6th day of December 2005, to be effective as of January 1, 2005.

 

 

Lessor:

 

 

 

 

In Presence of:

COUNTY OF JACKSON

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Clifford E. Herl

 

 

 

Clifford E. Herl

 

 

Its:

Chairman, Jackson County

 

 

 

Board of Commissioners

 

 

 

Lessee:

 

 

 

JACKSON TROTTING

 

ASSOCIATION, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Daniel Rakieten

 

 

 

 

Daniel Rakieten

 

 

 

Its: Member

 

22


EX-21.1 4 a06-7024_1ex21d1.htm SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

Exhibit 21.1

LIST OF THE REGISTRANT’S SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES

Name of Subsidiary

 

 

 

State of Incorporation

 

Mountaineer Park, Inc.

 

West Virginia

 

Speakeasy Gaming of Las Vegas, Inc.

 

Nevada

 

Speakeasy Gaming of Fremont, Inc.

 

Nevada

 

Speakeasy Fremont Street Experience Operating Company

 

Nevada

 

Scioto Downs, Inc.

 

Ohio

 

Presque Isle Downs, Inc.

 

Pennsylvania

 

MTR—Harness, Inc.

 

Minnesota

 

Jackson Racing, Inc.

 

Michigan

 

 

 



EX-23.1 5 a06-7024_1ex23d1.htm CONSENTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors
MTR Gaming Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-14475), the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-62937), the Post Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Form S-1 Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-12839), the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-105188), the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-105528), and the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-62191, 33-64733, 333-51796, 333-76270 and 333-110920) of our report dated March 21, 2006, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of MTR Gaming Group, Inc., MTR Gaming Group, Inc. management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of MTR Gaming Group, Inc., included in this Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

 

Ernst & Young LLP

 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 23, 2006



EX-31.1 6 a06-7024_1ex31d1.htm 302 CERTIFICATION

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

I, Edson R. Arneault, certify that:

1.                I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of MTR Gaming Group, Inc.;

2.                Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.                Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.                The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for the registrant and we have:

(a)           designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)          designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)           evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)          disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.                The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)           all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)          any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 28, 2006

 

 

 

 

/s/ EDSON R. ARNEAULT

 

 

Edson R. Arneault
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 



EX-31.2 7 a06-7024_1ex31d2.htm 302 CERTIFICATION

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

I, John W. Bittner, Jr., certify that:

1.                I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of MTR Gaming Group, Inc.;

2.                Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.                Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.                The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for the registrant and we have:

(a)           designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)          designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)           evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)          disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.                The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)           all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)          any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 28, 2006

 

 

 

 

/s/  JOHN W. BITTNER, JR.

 

 

John W. Bittner, Jr.
Chief Financial Officer

 



EX-32.1 8 a06-7024_1ex32d1.htm 906 CERTIFICATION

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION
of
Edson R. Arneault
President and Chief Executive Officer

I, Edson R. Arneault, President and Chief Executive Officer of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (the “Company”), do hereby certify in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

1.                The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the period ending December 31, 2005 (the “Periodic Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d); and

2.                The information contained in the Periodic Report fairly represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 28, 2006

 

 

 

 

/s/ EDSON R. ARNEAULT

 

 

Edson R. Arneault
President & CEO

 



EX-32.2 9 a06-7024_1ex32d2.htm 906 CERTIFICATION

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION
of
John W. Bittner, Jr.
Chief Financial Officer

I, John W. Bittner, Jr., Chief Financial Officer of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (the “Company”), do hereby certify in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

1.                The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the period ending December 31, 2005 (the “Periodic Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d); and

2.                The information contained in the Periodic Report fairly represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 28, 2006

 

 

 

 

/s/ JOHN W. BITTNER, JR.

 

 

John W. Bittner, Jr.
Chief Financial Officer

 



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