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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as set forth in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), as published by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and with the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

On the Formation Date, upon CEOC’s emergence from bankruptcy, we adopted fresh-start reporting in accordance with provisions of ASC 852, “Reorganizations” (“ASC 852”). In the application of fresh start accounting, we allocated the enterprise value to the fair value of assets and liabilities in conformity with the guidance for the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations under ASC 805, “Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”).

Principles of Consolidation and Non-controlling Interest

The accompanying consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and the accounts of our Operating Partnership, and the subsidiaries in which we or our Operating Partnership has a controlling interest, which includes a single variable interest entity (“VIE”) where we are the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We consolidate all subsidiaries in which we have a controlling financial interest and VIEs for which we or one of our consolidated subsidiaries is the primary beneficiary.

We present non-controlling interest and classify such interest as a component of consolidated stockholders’ equity, separate from VICI stockholders’ equity. Our non-controlling interest represents a 20% third-party ownership of Harrah’s Joliet LandCo LLC, the entity that owns the Harrah’s Joliet property and is the lessor under the related Joliet Lease Agreement.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Reportable Segments

Our real property business and our golf course business represent two reportable segments. The real property business segment consists of leased real property and represents the substantial majority of our business. The golf course business segment consists of four golf courses, each of which is an operating segment and is aggregated into one reportable segment.

Corporate and overhead costs are allocated to reportable segments based upon revenue or headcount. Management believes that the assumptions and methodologies used in the allocation of such expenses are reasonable.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash consists of cash-on-hand and cash-in-bank. Any investments with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase are considered cash equivalents and are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Investments with an original maturity of greater than three months and less than one year from the date of purchase are considered short-term investments and are stated at fair value.

As of December 31, 2018, restricted cash was primarily comprised of funds paid by us into a restricted account for a lender required FF&E replacement reserve for the CPLV CMBS Debt.

Short-Term Investments

We generally invest our excess cash in short-term investment grade commercial paper as well as discount notes issued by government-sponsored enterprises including the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and certain of the Federal Home Loan Banks. These investments generally have original maturities between 91 and 180 days and are accounted for as available for sale securities.

Leases

Investments in Direct Financing and Sales-Type Leases, Net

We account for our investments in leases under ASC 842 “Leases” (“ASC 842”), which we adopted on January 1, 2019. Upon lease inception or lease modification, we assess lease classification to determine whether the lease should be classified as a direct financing, sales-type or operating lease. As required by ASC 842, we separately assess the land and building components of the property to determine the classification of each component, unless the impact of doing so is immaterial. If the lease component is determined to be a direct financing or sales-type lease, we record a net investment in the lease, which is equal to the sum of the lease receivable and the unguaranteed residual asset, discounted at the rate implicit in the lease. Any difference between the fair value of the asset and the net investment in the lease is considered selling profit or loss and is either recognized upon execution of the lease or deferred and recognized over the life of the lease, depending on the classification of the lease. Due to the nature of our assets, the net investment in the lease is generally equal to the purchase price of the asset, and the land and building components of an investment generally have the same lease classification.

For leases determined to be sales-type leases, we further assess to determine whether the transaction is considered a sale leaseback transaction. If we determine that the lease meets the definition for a sale leaseback transaction, the lease is considered a financing receivable and is recognized in accordance with ASC 310 “Receivables” (“ASC 310”). We currently do not have any lease investments that are accounted for as financing receivables under ASC 310.

Upon adoption of ASC 842, we made an accounting policy election to use a package of practical expedients that, among other things, allow us to not reassess prior lease classifications or initial direct costs for leases that existed as of the balance sheet date. As such, we have not reassessed the classification of our Caesars Lease Agreements, as these leases existed prior to our adoption of ASC 842.

We determined that the land and building components of the Margaritaville Lease Agreement, the Greektown Lease Agreement, the Hard Rock Cincinnati Lease Agreement and the Century Portfolio Lease Agreement meet the definition of a sales-type lease. The Caesars Lease Agreements continue to be accounted for as direct financing leases and are included within Investments in direct financing and sales-type leases on the Balance Sheet, with the exception of the land component of Caesars Palace Las Vegas which was determined to be an operating lease and is included in Investments in operating leases on the Balance Sheet. The income recognition for our direct financing leases recognized under ASC 840 is consistent with the income recognition for our sales-type lease under ASC 842.

Lease Term

We assess the noncancelable lease term under ASC 842, which includes any reasonably assured renewal periods. All of our Lease Agreements provide for an initial term, with multiple tenant renewal options. We have individually assessed all of our Lease Agreements and concluded that the lease term includes all of the periods covered by extension options as it is reasonably certain our tenants will renew the Lease Agreements. We believe our tenants are economically compelled to renew the Lease Agreements due to the importance of our real estate to the operation of their business, the significant capital they have invested in our properties and the lack of suitable replacement assets.

Income from Leases

We recognize the related income from our direct financing and sales-type leases on an effective interest basis at a constant rate of return over the terms of the applicable leases. As a result, the cash payments accounted for under direct financing and sales-type leases will not equal income from our Lease Agreements. Rather, a portion of the cash rent we receive is recorded as Income from direct financing and sales-type leases in our Statement of Operations and a portion is recorded as a change to Investments in direct financing and sales-type leases, net.

Under ASC 840, we determined that the land component of Caesars Palace Las Vegas was greater than 25% of the overall fair value of the combined land and building components. At lease inception the land was determined to be an operating lease and we record the related income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The amount of annual minimum lease payments attributable to the land element after deducting executory costs, including any profit thereon, is determined by applying the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate to the value of the land. Revenue from this lease is recorded as Income from operating leases in our Statement of Operations.

Initial direct costs incurred in connection with entering into lease agreements are included in the balance of the net investment in lease. In relation to direct financing and sales-type leases, such amounts will be recognized as a reduction to Income from investments in leases over the life of the lease using the effective interest method. Costs that would have been incurred regardless of whether the lease was signed, such as legal fees and certain other third-party fees, are expensed as incurred to Transaction and acquisition expenses in our Statement of Operations.

Investments in Land

Vacant, Non-Operating Land

On the Formation Date, CEOC transferred certain vacant, non-operating land parcels to us, which are subject to the provisions of the Non-CPLV Lease Agreement. The Non-CPLV Lease Agreement allows for the sale of these vacant, non-operating land parcels without Caesars’ consent since they are specifically identified as de minimis to the operations of Caesars. All of the land parcels are located outside of Las Vegas and none of the land parcels are a component of the operations of our regional property portfolio. In 2018 we reclassified the entire $22.2 million carrying value of the vacant, non-operating land from Investments in operating leases to Land.

Eastside Property

In 2017, we sold certain land parcels known as the Eastside Property to Caesars for a sales price of $73.6 million. It was determined that the transaction did not meet the requirements of a completed sale for accounting purposes due to a put/call option on the land parcels and a convention center currently in process of being constructed (“Caesars Forum Convention Center”). The amount of

$73.6 million is presented as Land with a corresponding amount of $73.6 million recorded as Deferred financing liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Property and Equipment Used in Operations

Property and equipment used in operations is included within Other assets on our Balance Sheet and represents assets primarily related to VICI Golf, our golf operations. We assign lives to our assets based on our standard policy, which is established by management as representative of the useful life of each category of asset.

Additions to property used in operations are stated at cost. We capitalize the costs of improvements that extend the life of the asset and expense maintenance and repair costs as incurred. Gains or losses on the dispositions of property and equipment are recognized in the period of disposal.

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the related lease as follows:



Depreciable land improvements	2-50 years
Building and improvements	5-25 years
Furniture and equipment	2-5 years

Impairment

We assess our investments in operating leases, land and property and equipment used in operations for impairment under ASC 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment” (“ASC 360”) on a quarterly basis or whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment of the carrying value of the asset. Events or circumstances that may occur include changes in management’s intended holding period or potential sale to a third party, significant changes in real estate market conditions or tenant financial difficulties resulting in non-payment of the lease. We assess our investments in direct financing and sales-type leases for impairment under ASC 310. Under ASC 310, the net investment in the lease is identified for impairment when it becomes probable that we will be unable to collect all rental payments associated with our investment in the lease.

Impairments are measured as the amount by which the current book value of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset. With respect to estimated expected future cash flows for determining whether an asset is impaired, assets are grouped at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows.

Fair Value Measurements

We measure the fair value of financial instruments based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, a fair value hierarchy distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions. In accordance with the fair value hierarchy, Level 1 assets/liabilities are valued based on quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets, Level 2 assets/liabilities are valued based on quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments, on quoted prices in less active or inactive markets, or on other “observable” market inputs and Level 3 assets/liabilities are valued based significantly on “unobservable” market inputs.

Derivative Financial Instruments

We record our derivative financial instruments as either Other assets or Other liabilities on our Balance Sheet at fair value.

The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows are considered cash flow hedges. We formally document our hedge relationships and designation at the contract’s inception. This documentation includes the identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, its risk management objectives, strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction and our evaluation of the effectiveness of its hedged transaction.

On a quarterly basis, we also assess whether the derivative we designated in each hedging relationship is expected to be, and has been, highly effective in offsetting changes in the value or cash flows of the hedged items. If it is determined that a derivative is

not highly effective at hedging the designated exposure, hedge accounting is discontinued and the changes in fair value of the instrument are included in net income prospectively. If the hedge relationship is terminated, then the value of the derivative is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income and recognized in earnings when the cash flows that were hedged affect earnings. Changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments that qualify as hedges are reported as a component of Other comprehensive income on our consolidated financial statements.

We use derivative instruments to mitigate the effects of interest rate volatility inherent in our variable rate debt, which could unfavorably impact our future earnings and forecasted cash flows. We do not use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

Tenant Reimbursement of Property and Revenue from Golf Operations

Tenant Reimbursement of Property Taxes

Real estate taxes paid directly by our tenants to taxing authorities were recorded gross on our Balance Sheets and Income Statements during 2018 and 2017, as we concluded we are the primary obligor. Such amounts were presented as revenues from tenant reimbursement of property taxes with a corresponding and offsetting property tax expense. Upon adoption of ASC 842, “Leases” (“ASC 842”) in 2019, such amounts are presented net, as the tenants pay the real estate taxes directly to the applicable taxing authority. Refer to Note 3 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements for further details.

Revenue from Golf Operations

On the Formation Date, subsidiaries of VICI Golf entered into a golf course use agreement (the “Golf Course Use Agreement”) with New CEOC and Caesars Enterprise Services, LLC (“CES”) (collectively, the “users”), whereby the users were granted certain priority rights and privileges with respect to access and use of certain golf course properties. Payments under the Golf Course Use Agreement are currently comprised of a $10.3 million annual membership fee, $3.1 million of use fees and approximately $1.2 million of minimum rounds fees. The annual membership fee, use fees and minimum round fees are subject to an annual escalator beginning at the times provided under the Golf Course Use Agreement. Revenue from the Golf Course Use Agreement is recognized in accordance with ASC 606, “Revenue From Contracts With Customers” and recognized ratably over the performance period.

Additional revenues from golf course operations, food and beverage and merchandise sales are recognized at the time of sale or when the service is provided and are reported net of sales tax. Golf memberships sold to individuals are not refundable and are deferred and recognized within golf revenue in the Statements of Operations over the expected life of an active membership, which is typically one year or less.

Income Taxes - REIT Qualification

Income Taxes-REIT Qualification

We conduct our operations as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income to stockholders, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding any net capital gains. As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax on income that we pay as distributions to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate income tax rates, and distributions paid to our stockholders would not be deductible by us in computing taxable income. Additionally, any resulting corporate liability created if we fail to qualify as a REIT could be substantial and could materially and adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to stockholders. Unless we were entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, we also would be disqualified from re-electing to be taxed as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which we failed to qualify to be taxed as a REIT.

The TRS operations (represented by the four golf course businesses) are able to engage in activities resulting in income that would not be qualifying income for a REIT. As a result, certain activities of the Company which occur within its TRS operations are subject to federal and state income taxes. The provision for income taxes includes current and deferred portions. The current income tax provision differs from the amount of income tax currently payable because of temporary differences in the recognition of certain income and expense items between financial reporting and income tax reporting. We use the asset and liability method to provide for income taxes, which requires that our income tax expense reflect the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets or liabilities for financial reporting versus income tax purposes. Accordingly, a deferred tax asset or liability for each temporary difference is determined based on enacted tax rates that we expect to be in effect when the underlying items of income and expense are realized and the differences reverse.

We recognize any interest and penalties, as incurred, in general and administrative expenses in our Statement of Operations.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the contractual term of the underlying indebtedness. We present unamortized deferred financing costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the associated debt liability.

Transaction and Acquisition Expenses

Transaction and acquisition-related expenses that are not capitalizable under GAAP, including most leasing costs under ASC 842, are expensed in the period they occur. Transaction and acquisition expenses also include dead deal costs.

Share Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation under ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”), which requires us to expense the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. This expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period following the date of grant. For non-vested share awards that vest over a predetermined time period, we use the10-day volume weighted average price using the 10 trading days ending on the grant date. For non-vested share awards that vest based on market conditions, we use a Monte Carlo simulation (risk-neutral approach) to determine the value of each tranche.

The unrecognized compensation relating to awards under our stock incentive plan will be amortized to general and administrative expense over the awards’ remaining vesting periods. Vesting periods for award of equity instruments range from zero to four years.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share (”EPS”) is calculated in accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share”. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income applicable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the additional dilution for all potentially dilutive securities including those from our stock incentive plan.

Underwriting Commissions and Offering Costs

Underwriting commissions and offering costs incurred in connection with common stock offerings are reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. Costs incurred that are not directly associated with the completion of a common stock offering are expensed when incurred.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Caesars is the guarantor of all the lease payment obligations of the tenants under the respective leases of the properties that it leases from us, with the exception of Harrah’s Las Vegas which is guaranteed by a subsidiary of Caesars. Revenue from the Caesars Lease Agreements represented 93 %, 100% and 100% of our lease revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and the period from October 6, 2017 through December 31, 2017, respectively. Additionally, our properties on the Las Vegas Strip generated approximately 33%, 36% and 28% of our lease revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and the period from October 6, 2017 through December 31, 2017, respectively. We do not believe there are any other significant concentrations of credit risk.

Caesars is a publicly traded company that is subject to the informational filing requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is required to file periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K with the SEC. Caesars’ SEC filings are available to the public from the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. We make no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information regarding Caesars that is available through the SEC’s website or otherwise made available by Caesars or any third party, and none of such information is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted

ASU No. 2016-02 - Leases (Topic 842) - February 2016 (as amended through March 2019): The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 and is implemented using a modified retrospective approach, with the option to apply the guidance at the effective date or the beginning of the earliest comparative period.

We adopted the guidance on January 1, 2019 and elected to apply the effective date method and, as such, have not re-cast prior periods to show the effects of ASC 842. Additionally, upon adoption, we elected a package of practical expedients that, among other things, allow us to not reassess prior lease classifications or initial direct costs for leases that existed before the adoption date. As such, we have not reassessed the classification of our Caesars Lease Agreements, as these leases existed prior to our adoption of ASC 842.

Lessor Accounting

The new guidance did not have a material impact on the accounting treatment of our triple-net tenant leases, which are the primary source of our revenues. As such, upon adoption of ASC 842, we have not recorded any adjustment to our beginning balance of retained earnings. However, as of January 1, 2019, there are certain changes to the guidance under ASC 842, which will have an impact on future operating results, as follows:

•

Costs that are paid directly by the lessee to a third party, such as real estate taxes and insurance, are no longer recognized in our Statement of Operations. Prior to our adoption of ASC 842, we presented on a gross basis the real estate taxes that were paid by our tenants directly to the taxing authority. Subsequent to our adoption of ASC 842, Tenant reimbursements of property taxes and Property taxes expense are presented on a net basis, as the lessee pays for such costs directly. However, consistent with our effective date adoption approach, we have not re-cast prior year financial results to conform to the current period presentation.


•	Initial direct costs associated with the execution of lease agreements, such as legal fees and certain transaction costs will no longer be capitalizable and instead are expensed in the period incurred.

•

Long-term leases entered into or modified subsequent to our adoption of ASC 842 will most likely be considered sales-type leases, as defined in ASC 842. The accounting for a sales-type lease is materially consistent with that of the current accounting for our direct financing leases. If we determine that the lease meets the definition for a sale leaseback transaction, the lease is considered a financing receivable and is accounted for in accordance with ASC 310.


•	Prior to our adoption of ASC 842, the residual value component of our Lease Agreements was assessed for impairment under ASC 360 while the receivable component was separately assessed for impairment under ASC 310. Upon adoption of ASC 842, both the receivable and residual value components of the direct financing and sales-type leases are assessed for impairment under ASC 310.

Lessee Accounting

In relation to certain operating leases for which we are the lessee, such as the ground lease on the Cascata golf course, upon adoption of ASC 842, we recorded a right of use asset and corresponding lease liability of $11.1 million, which is included in Other assets and Other liabilities on our Balance Sheets. There was no change to our lease expense as a result of the change in accounting as such expense is still being recorded on a straight-line basis.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

ASU No. 2016-13 - Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) - June 2016 (as amended through May 2019): This amended guidance changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments, including direct financing and sales-type leases, that are not measured at fair value through net income. The guidance replaces the current “incurred loss” model with an “expected loss” approach, which will generally result in earlier recognition of allowance for losses. As a result of the guidance, we will be required to estimate and record non-cash credit losses related to our historical, and any future investments in direct financing and sales-type leases and expand credit quality disclosures. We do not believe the new standard will materially impact any of our other financial assets or instruments that we currently have on our balance sheet.

We will measure credit losses by engaging a data analytics firm to assist with estimating both the probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) of our tenants and their parent guarantors over the life of each individual lease. These individual loss rates will then be applied to our net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases. The estimated losses will be discounted using the effective interest rate implicit in the lease. We currently estimate that our initial allowance for credit losses upon the adoption of the standard will be between 1% and 5% of our total net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases.

We will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective approach method of adoption. Under this method we will record a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet and retained earnings by recording a credit allowance for all of our existing investments in direct financing and sales-type leases. Periods prior to the adoption date that are presented for comparative purposes will not be adjusted. Each time we enter into a new direct financing or sales-type lease, we will be required to estimate a credit allowance which will result in a non-cash charge to the Statement of Operations and a corresponding reduction in our net investment in the lease. Finally, each reporting period we will be required to update the estimated allowance for any estimated changes in the credit loss, with the resulting change being recorded through the Statement of Operations.

ASU No. 2018-16 - Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes - October 2018: This amended guidance expands the list of U.S. benchmark interest rates permitted in the application of hedge accounting by adding the OIS rate based on SOFR as an eligible benchmark interest rate and is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the effect of this new benchmark interest rate option, and do not believe this ASU will have a material impact on our financial statements.

Caesars Entertainment Outdoor

New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]

Property and Equipment Used in Operations

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the term of the respective lease or their useful life using the straight-line method.

Property Costs

Property costs are charged to income during the period incurred and include land rent, utilities and general repairs and maintenance.

Long-Lived Assets

The Business has significant capital invested in long-lived assets and judgments are made in determining their estimated useful lives and salvage values and if or when an asset (or asset group) has been impaired. The accuracy of these estimates affects the amount of depreciation and amortization expense recognized in the financial results and whether a gain or loss should be recognized on the disposal of an asset. Lives assigned to the assets are based on standard policy, established by management as representative of the useful life of each category of asset.

The carrying value of our long-lived assets is reviewed whenever events and circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. The factors

considered by management in performing this assessment may include current operating results, trends, prospects, as well as the effect of demand, competition, and other economic, legal, and regulatory factors. In estimating expected future cash flows for determining whether an asset is impaired, assets are grouped at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows, which in this case, is the four golf courses combined together as an asset group. These analyses are sensitive to management assumptions and the estimates of the obsolescence factors. Changes in these assumptions and estimates could have a material impact on the analyses and the Financial Statements. For the period from January 1, 2017 to October 5, 2017 and the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, no impairment of long-lived assets was recorded.

Additions to property and equipment are stated at cost. Costs of improvements that extend the life of the asset are capitalized. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Gains or losses on the dispositions of property and equipment are recognized in the period of disposal. With respect to golf course improvements (included in land improvements), only costs associated with original construction, complete replacements of items such as tee boxes and putting greens, or the addition of new trees, sand traps, fairways or putting greens are capitalized. All other related costs are expensed as incurred. For building improvements, only costs that extend the useful life of the building are capitalized.

Certain land improvements include site preparations that prepare land for its intended use as a golf course. Like the land itself, these improvements are inexhaustible and therefore not depreciated. Examples include excavation, filling, grading and preparation of fairways and roughs. Depreciable land improvements are defined as improvements made to land that have determinable estimated useful lives and deteriorate with use or passage of time. These improvements were built or installed to enhance or facilitate the use of the land for a particular purpose. Depreciable land improvements associated with the golf courses include greens, bunkers, tee boxes, cart paths, fences and gates, landscaping and sprinkler systems.

Income Taxes - REIT Qualification

Income Taxes

Historically, the Outdoor Business has been included in the consolidated federal income tax return of Caesars, as well as certain state tax returns where Caesars or one of its subsidiaries files a state tax return. The provisions of ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” was applied and the provision for income taxes was computed on a separate return basis. The separate return method applies the accounting guidance for income taxes to the stand-alone combined Financial Statements as if the Business was a separate taxpayer and a stand-alone enterprise for the periods presented. As discussed in Note 7, these Financial Statements include certain allocations of income and expense amongst affiliated entities. The tax provision was calculated assuming such allocations were appropriate for income tax reporting purposes and do not include any transfer pricing adjustments with respect to such allocations. The calculation of income taxes on a separate return basis requires a considerable amount of judgment and use of both estimates and allocations. Management believes that the assumptions and estimates used to compute these tax amounts are reasonable. However, the Financial Statements may not necessarily reflect our income tax expense or tax payments in the future, or what tax amounts would have been if the Business had been a stand-alone enterprise during the periods presented.

Federal and state income taxes currently payable are settled though our net investment equity account. Certain taxes provided for are deferred because of temporary differences between reporting income and expenses for financial statement purposes versus tax purposes. Federal income tax credits are recorded as a reduction of income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Accruals for tax uncertainties are classified within other liabilities in our combined balance sheets. Amounts accrued relate to any potential income tax liabilities resulting from uncertain tax positions, as well as potential interest or penalties associated with those liabilities.

Advertising Expense

The golf courses are marketed through advertising and other promotional activities. Advertising expense is charged to income during the period incurred.

Cash

Cash consists of cash-on-hand and cash-in-bank

Receivables

Accounts receivable are non-interest bearing and are initially recorded at cost. They include amounts for sponsorship and other golf tournament fees, amounts due for hosted private events, and amounts due from credit card clearing activities. The allowance for doubtful accounts is established and maintained based on our best estimate of accounts receivable collectability. Management estimates collectability by specifically analyzing accounts receivable aging, known troubled accounts and other historical factors that affect collections. Accounts are written off when management deems the account to be uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts previously written off are recorded into income when received. Trade receivables are due within one year or less and approximates fair value.

Inventory

Inventory, which consists primarily of food and beverages and merchandise held for resale, is stated at the lower of cost or market. Losses on obsolete or excess inventory are not material.

Liabilities Subject to Compromise

Under bankruptcy law, actions by creditors to collect amounts owed prior to the Petition Date are stayed and certain other prepetition contractual obligations may not be enforced against the companies that own the Business. Substantially all liabilities of the Debtors as of the Petition Date, except those paid under certain first day motions filed with the Bankruptcy Court, have been classified as liabilities subject to compromise in the Balance Sheets. Liabilities subject to compromise, including claims that became known after the bankruptcy petition was filed, are reported using our best estimates of the expected amount of the total allowed claim.

Revenue Recognition, Leases

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from golf course operations, food and beverage and merchandise sales are recognized at the time of sale or when the service is provided and are reported net of sales tax. Golf memberships sold are typically to individuals and are not refundable and are deferred and recognized within golf revenue in the Statements of Operations over the expected life of an active membership, which is typically one year or less.

Included in golf revenue are market-rate fees received from public customers as well as discounted fees received from CEOC and Caesars-affiliated customers or associates. In addition, certain VIP casino guests play the golf courses for free. In these cases, the golf course receives amounts paid by CEOC and Caesars’ affiliates at an agreed upon rate for the free play provided to their VIP guests. The reimbursement for free play was approximately $611,000 for the period January 1, 2017 to October 5, 2017, and $620,000 and $708,000 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

There are additional variable golf fees provided by CEOC and Caesars’ affiliates based on revenue shortfalls necessary to cover the cost of operating the courses at a high level appropriate for casino guests. The variable fee is dependent upon the number of

rounds played, the types of rounds played (market-rate or discounted rate), and costs incurred to allow the golf course to continue to offer golf as an amenity to its gaming customers.