Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Organization: Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. is an owner, operator and developer of casinos and related hospitality and entertainment facilities. References in these footnotes to “Pinnacle,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” refer to Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries, except where stated or the context otherwise indicates.

We own and operate 15 gaming entertainment properties, located in Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada and Ohio. We also hold a majority interest in the racing license owner, as well as a management contract, for Retama Park Racetrack outside of San Antonio, Texas. In addition to these properties, we own and operate a live and televised poker tournament series under the trade name Heartland Poker Tour. Our reporting segments are as follows:



Midwest segment, which includes:	Location
Ameristar Council Bluffs	Council Bluffs, Iowa
Ameristar East Chicago	East Chicago, Indiana
Ameristar Kansas City	Kansas City, Missouri
Ameristar St. Charles	St. Charles, Missouri
Belterra	Florence, Indiana
Belterra Park	Cincinnati, Ohio
River City	St. Louis, Missouri

South segment, which includes:	Location
Ameristar Vicksburg	Vicksburg, Mississippi
Boomtown Bossier City	Bossier City, Louisiana
Boomtown New Orleans	New Orleans, Louisiana
L'Auberge Baton Rouge	Baton Rouge, Louisiana
L'Auberge Lake Charles	Lake Charles, Louisiana

West segment, which includes:	Location
Ameristar Black Hawk	Black Hawk, Colorado
Cactus Petes	Jackpot, Nevada
Horseshu	Jackpot, Nevada

We have classified certain of our assets and liabilities as held for sale in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and included the related results of operations in discontinued operations. The operating results of Lumière Place Casino, HoteLumière, the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, and related excess land parcels (collectively the “Lumière Place Casino and Hotels”) have been reclassified as discontinued operations. In April 2014, we completed the sale of the ownership interests in the Lumière Place Casino and Hotels. For further information, see Note 7, “Discontinued Operations.” The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows have not been adjusted for discontinued operations.

Principles of Consolidation: The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and notes necessary for complete financial statements in conformity with the instructions for generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The results for the periods indicated are unaudited, but reflect all adjustments that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of operating results. The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The results of operations for interim periods are not indicative of a full year of operations. These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and (iii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates used by us include, among other things, the estimated useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets, the estimated allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, estimated income tax provisions, the evaluation of the future realization of deferred tax assets, determining the adequacy of reserves for self-insured liabilities and our customer loyalty programs, estimated cash flows in assessing the recoverability of long-lived assets, asset impairments, goodwill and intangible assets, contingencies and litigation, and estimates of the forfeiture rate and expected life of share-based awards and stock price volatility when computing share-based compensation expense. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Fair Value: Fair value measurements affect our accounting and impairment assessments of our long-lived assets, investments in unconsolidated affiliates, assets acquired in an acquisition, goodwill, and other intangible assets. Fair value measurements also affect our accounting for certain financial assets and liabilities. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and is measured according to a hierarchy that includes: “Level 1” inputs, such as quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities; “Level 2” inputs, which are observable inputs for similar assets; or “Level 3” inputs, which are unobservable inputs.

The following table presents a summary of fair value measurements by level for certain liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:



			Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(in millions)
As of September 30, 2014
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	$	0.6	$	0.6	$	—	$	—
As of December 31, 2013
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	$	0.8	$	0.8	$	—	$	—

The following table presents a summary of fair value measurements by level for certain financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for which it is practicable to estimate fair value:



					Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Total Carrying Value		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
As of September 30, 2014	(in millions)
Assets:
Held-to-maturity securities	$	14.8	$	30.1	$	—	$	26.7	$	3.4
Promissory notes	$	11.5	$	18.5	$	—	$	18.5	$	—
Liabilities:
Long-term debt	$	3,993.3	$	4,066.8	$	—	$	4,066.8	$	—
As of December 31, 2013
Assets:
Held-to-maturity securities	$	14.8	$	30.1	$	—	$	26.7	$	3.4
Promissory notes	$	9.5	$	16.5	$	—	$	16.5	$	—
Liabilities:
Long-term debt	$	4,380.1	$	4,511.9	$	—	$	4,511.9	$	—

The estimated fair values for certain of our long-term held-to-maturity securities and our long-term promissory notes were based on Level 2 inputs using observable market data for comparable instruments in establishing prices.

The estimated fair values for certain of our long-term held-to-maturity securities were based on Level 3 inputs using a present value of future cash flow valuation technique that relies on management assumptions and qualitative observations. Key significant unobservable inputs in this technique include discount rate risk premiums and probability-weighted cash flow scenarios.

The estimated fair values of our long-term debt includes the fair value of our senior notes, senior subordinated notes, senior secured credit facility and term loans were based on Level 2 inputs of observable market data on comparable debt instruments on or about September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

The fair values of our short term financial instruments approximate the carrying values due to their short term nature.

Land, Buildings, Vessels and Equipment: Land, buildings, vessels and equipment are stated at cost. Land includes land not currently being used in our operations, which totaled $35.7 million at September 30, 2014. We capitalize the costs of improvements that extend the life of the asset. We expense maintenance and repair costs as incurred. Gains or losses on the disposition of land, buildings, vessels and equipment are included in the determination of income.

We review the carrying value of our land, buildings, vessels and equipment used in our operations whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable from estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is indicated. If the undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, then an impairment is recorded based on the fair value of the asset.

Development costs directly associated with the acquisition, development and construction of a project are capitalized as a cost of the project, during the periods in which activities necessary to get the property ready for its intended use are in progress. The costs incurred for development projects are carried at cost. Interest costs associated with development projects are capitalized as part of the cost of the constructed asset. When no debt is incurred specifically for a project, interest is capitalized on amounts expended for the project using our weighted-average cost of borrowing. Capitalization of interest ceases when the project, or discernible portion of the project, is substantially complete. If substantially all of the construction activities of a project are suspended, capitalization of interest will cease until such activities are resumed. For further discussion, see Note 2, “Long-Term Debt.”

The following table presents a summary of our land, buildings, vessels and equipment:



	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(in millions)
Land, buildings, vessels and equipment:
Land and land improvements	$	391.7		$	391.7
Buildings, vessels and improvements	2,649.8			2,492.2
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	693.5			633.1
Construction in progress	118.5			175.6
Land, buildings, vessels and equipment, gross	3,853.5			3,692.6
Less: accumulated depreciation	(809.2		)	(656.1		)
Land, buildings, vessels and equipment, net	$	3,044.3		$	3,036.5

Equity Method Investments: We apply equity method accounting for investments when we do not control the investee, but have the ability to exercise significant influence over its operating and finance policies. Equity method investments are recorded at cost, with the allocable portion of the investee's income or loss reported in earnings, and adjusted for capital contributions to and distributions from the investee. Distributions in excess of equity method earnings, if any, are recognized as a return of investment and recorded as investing cash flows in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We review our equity investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our investment may have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are subject to an annual assessment for impairment during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if there are indications of possible impairment, by applying a qualitative and/or quantitative fair-value-based test. There were no impairments to goodwill or intangible assets recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. During the third quarter of 2013, we recorded an impairment of $10.0 million on our Boomtown Bossier City gaming license. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded a $50.0 million intangible asset related to Belterra Park's video lottery terminal (“VLT”) license. Such amount is included in “Intangible assets, net” in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of September 30, 2014, we have made payments of $25.0 million for Belterra Park's VLT license and have accrued $25.0 million for the remaining amount due in 2015. Such amount is included in “Other accrued liabilities” in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Customer Loyalty Programs: We offer incentives to our customers through our mychoice customer loyalty program. Under the mychoice customer loyalty program, customers earn points based on their level of play that may be redeemed for various benefits, such as cash back, dining, or hotel stays, among others. The reward credit balance under the plan will be forfeited if the customer does not earn any reward credits over the prior six-month period. In addition, based on their level of play, customers can earn additional benefits without redeeming points, such as a car lease, among other items. In April 2014, we expanded the mychoice loyalty program to all Ameristar properties as part of the integration of the Ameristar properties, and now we offer benefits solely through the mychoice customer loyalty program.

We accrue a liability for the estimated cost of providing these benefits as the benefits are earned. Estimates and assumptions are made regarding cost of providing the benefits, breakage rates, and the mix of goods and services customers will choose. We use historical data to assist in the determination of estimated accruals. Changes in estimates or customer redemption habits could produce significantly different results. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had accrued $26.3 million and $18.9 million, respectively, for the estimated cost of providing mychoice benefits. As of December 31, 2013, we had accrued $12.8 million for the estimated cost of providing benefits under Ameristar Casinos, Inc. (“Ameristar”) customer loyalty program. Such amounts are included in “Other accrued liabilities” in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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. Food and beverage, lodging, retail, entertainment, and other operating revenues are recognized as products are delivered or services are performed.

The retail value of food and beverage, lodging and other services furnished to guests on a complimentary basis is included in total revenues and then deducted as promotional allowances in calculating revenues. The estimated cost of providing such promotional allowances is primarily included in gaming expenses. Complimentary revenues that have been excluded from the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:



	For the three months ended September 30,				For the nine months ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in millions)
Food and beverage	$	35.2	$	28.1	$	102.1	$	61.7
Lodging	15.4		14.9		46.6		29.3
Other	4.9		3.7		13.0		9.3
Total promotional allowances	$	55.5	$	46.7	$	161.7	$	100.3

The costs to provide such complimentary benefits were as follows:



	For the three months ended September 30,				For the nine months ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in millions)
Promotional allowance costs included in gaming expense	$	42.1	$	31.8	$	119.4	$	72.2

Gaming Taxes: We are subject to taxes based on gross gaming revenues in the jurisdictions in which we operate, subject to applicable jurisdictional adjustments. These gaming taxes are an assessment on our gaming revenues and are recorded as a gaming expense in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, which were as follow:



	For the three months ended September 30,				For the nine months ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in millions)
Gaming taxes	$	142.1	$	105.3	$	416.4	$	244.1

Pre-opening, Development and Other Costs: Pre-opening, development and other costs consist of payroll costs to hire, employ and train the workforce prior to opening an operating facility; marketing campaigns prior to and commensurate with the opening; legal and professional fees related to the project but not otherwise attributable to depreciable assets; lease payments; real estate taxes; acquisition costs; restructuring costs; and other costs prior to the opening of an operating facility. Pre-opening, development and other costs are expensed as incurred. Pre-opening, development and other costs consist of the following:



	For the three months ended September 30,					For the nine months ended September 30,
	2014			2013		2014		2013
	(in millions)
Ameristar acquisition (1)	$	(0.2	)	$	62.3	$	2.2	$	86.0
Belterra Park (2)	0.8			0.3		8.2		0.5
Other (3)	1.0			0.5		1.5		1.4
Total pre-opening, development and other costs	$	1.6		$	63.1	$	11.9	$	87.9


(1)	Amounts principally comprised of legal and advisory expenses, severance charges and other costs and expenses related to the financing and integration of the acquisition of Ameristar.


(2)	Belterra Park opened on May 1, 2014.


(3)	Includes $0.9 million of cost associated with our evaluation of a REIT spin-off transaction.

Earnings per Share: The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) is based on net income divided by the basic weighted average number of common shares and diluted weighted average number of common shares, respectively. Diluted earnings per share reflect the additional dilution from all potentially dilutive securities, such as in-the-money stock options and restricted stocks units. Out-of-money stock options were excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share because including them would have been anti-dilutive, and totaled 1.8 million and 1.5 million shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded losses from continuing operations. Accordingly, the potential dilution from the assumed exercise of stock options is anti-dilutive. As a result, basic earnings per share is equal to diluted earnings per share for the periods. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, securities that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share amounted to 1.9 million and 1.6 million shares, respectively.

Reclassifications: The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect certain reclassifications to prior year amounts to conform to classification in the current period. These reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported net losses.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an amendment to the accounting guidance for income taxes which provides guidance on financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The objective in issuing this amendment is to eliminate diversity in practice resulting from a lack of guidance on this topic in current GAAP. Under the amendment, an entity must present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for an NOL carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward except under certain conditions. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, and for interim periods within those years, and should be applied to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist as of the effective date. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2014 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update in connection with reporting discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of components of entities. The accounting standards update changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. Under the amendment a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when any of the following occurs: (i) the component of an entity or group of components of an entity meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale; (ii) the component of an entity or group of components of an entity is disposed of by sale; and (iii) the component of an entity or group of components of an entity is disposed of other than by sale. This new guidance is effective prospectively for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity and all business activities, on acquisition, that are classified as held for sale that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting standards update on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, as part of its ongoing efforts to assist in the convergence of GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, the FASB issued a new standard related to revenue recognition. Under the new standard, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised services or goods in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. The new standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update with respect to performance share awards. This accounting standards update requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period or periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The effective date for this update is for the annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting standards update on our consolidated financial statements.

A variety of proposed or otherwise potential accounting standards are currently under review and study by standard-setting organizations and certain regulatory agencies. Because of the tentative and preliminary nature of such proposed standards, we have not yet determined the effect, if any, that the implementation of any such proposed or revised standards would have on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.