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Basis Of Presentation (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Revenue Recognition
The Company’s revenues and earnings are seasonal in nature, primarily due to its Racing segment. Therefore, revenues and operating results for any interim quarter are generally not indicative of the revenues and operating results for the year and may not be comparable with results for the corresponding period of the previous year. For instance, the Company historically has had fewer live racing days during the first quarter of each year, and the majority of its live racing revenue occurs during the second quarter, with the running of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks. The Company conducted 60 live thoroughbred racing days during the third quarter of 2015, which compares to 65 live thoroughbred racing days during the third quarter of 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company conducted 183 live thoroughbred racing days, which compares to 276 live racing days during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This decrease is primarily related to the cessation of pari-mutuel operations at Calder Race Course in July 2014. Furthermore, casino revenues and earnings have historically been higher during the first quarter due to seasonal revenues from the Company's predominately southern casino properties. The Company's revenues from its Big Fish Games, Inc. ("Big Fish Games") segment also have a seasonal component and are typically lower during the summer months.
Customer Loyalty Programs
The Company’s customer loyalty programs offer incentives to customers who wager at the Company’s racetracks, through its advance deposit wagering platform, TwinSpires.com, or at its casino facilities. The TSC Elite program is for pari-mutuel wagering at the Company’s racetracks or through TwinSpires.com. The Player’s Club is offered at the Company’s casino facilities in Louisiana, Florida, Maine and Mississippi. At each of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the outstanding reward point liabilities were $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, and were included in accrued expenses.
Promotional Allowances
Promotional allowances, which include the Company’s customer loyalty programs, primarily consist of the retail value of complimentary goods and services provided to guests at no charge. The retail value of these promotional allowances is included in gross revenue and then deducted to arrive at net revenue.
Game Technology and Rights [Policy Text Block]
Game technology and rights are purchased from third-party developers both before and after the production or launch of games. The Company pays amounts to these developers as they reach agreed-upon milestones. Once the game is launched, the Company amortizes its game technology and rights on an accelerated basis over the useful life of the game, which is generally one year.
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Costs incurred for research and development activities are expensed as incurred. Development costs associated with software to be sold are capitalized when technological feasibility has been established through the date the product is available for general release.