10-Q 1 fll-20200331x10q.htm 10-Q fll_Current_Folio_10Q

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020

or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from         to

 

Commission File No. 1-32583

FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

    

13-3391527

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

 

One Summerlin, 1980 Festival Plaza Drive, Suite 680

Las Vegas, Nevada

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

89135

(Zip Code)

 

(702) 221-7800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title of each Class

  

Trading Symbol(s)

  

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share

 

FLL

 

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company and/or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Emerging growth company

Non-accelerated filer 

Smaller reporting company

 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act:  Yes  No 

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

As of May 11, 2020, there  were 27,075,962  shares of Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share, outstanding.

 

 

 

 

FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page

PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 

Item 1. 

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

3

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

3

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

4

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

 

5

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

6

 

Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

7

Item 2. 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

22

Item 3. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

37

Item 4. 

Controls and Procedures

 

37

 

 

 

 

PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 

Item 1. 

Legal Proceedings

 

38

Item 1A. 

Risk Factors

 

38

Item 5. 

Other Information

 

39

Item 6. 

Exhibits

 

40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures 

 

 

40

 

 

2

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2019

Revenues

 

 

  

 

 

  

Casino

 

$

20,751

 

$

28,298

Food and beverage

 

 

6,990

 

 

8,658

Hotel

 

 

1,974

 

 

2,715

Other operations, including online/mobile sports operations

 

 

1,138

 

 

823

Net revenues

 

 

30,853

 

 

40,494

Operating costs and expenses

 

 

  

 

 

  

Casino

 

 

10,333

 

 

11,785

Food and beverage

 

 

7,136

 

 

9,369

Hotel

 

 

1,173

 

 

2,420

Other operations

 

 

562

 

 

769

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

12,981

 

 

12,660

Project development costs

 

 

56

 

 

133

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

2,040

 

 

2,091

Gain on disposal of assets, net

 

 

 —

 

 

(1)

 

 

 

34,281

 

 

39,226

Operating (loss) income

 

 

(3,428)

 

 

1,268

Other (expense) income

 

 

  

 

 

  

Interest expense, net of $220 and $47 capitalized

 

 

(2,491)

 

 

(2,703)

Adjustment to fair value of warrants

 

 

1,656

 

 

(40)

 

 

 

(835)

 

 

(2,743)

Loss before income taxes

 

 

(4,263)

 

 

(1,475)

Income tax provision

 

 

95

 

 

142

Net loss

 

$

(4,358)

 

$

(1,617)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic loss per share

 

$

(0.16)

 

$

(0.06)

Diluted loss per share

 

$

(0.22)

 

$

(0.06)

 

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2019

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cash and equivalents

 

$

24,317

 

$

28,851

Restricted cash

 

 

 —

 

 

1,000

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $149 and $141

 

 

524

 

 

2,206

Inventories

 

 

2,101

 

 

2,292

Prepaid expenses and other

 

 

3,200

 

 

3,340

 

 

 

30,142

 

 

37,689

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

120,193

 

 

121,487

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

 

 

19,674

 

 

19,171

Goodwill

 

 

21,286

 

 

21,286

Other intangible assets, net

 

 

11,033

 

 

11,056

Deposits and other

 

 

612

 

 

646

 

 

$

202,940

 

$

211,335

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

5,309

 

$

5,216

Accrued payroll and related

 

 

2,102

 

 

3,044

Other accrued expenses and other

 

 

8,580

 

 

10,613

Current portion of operating lease obligations

 

 

3,113

 

 

2,707

Current portion of finance lease obligation

 

 

473

 

 

448

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

1,100

 

 

1,100

Common stock warrant liability

 

 

399

 

 

2,055

 

 

 

21,076

 

 

25,183

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease obligations, net of current portion

 

 

16,794

 

 

16,706

Finance lease obligation, net of current portion

 

 

3,708

 

 

3,829

Long-term debt, net

 

 

102,874

 

 

102,923

Deferred income taxes, net

 

 

807

 

 

712

Contract liabilities, net of current portion

 

 

5,860

 

 

5,886

 

 

 

151,119

 

 

155,239

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

 

 

  

 

 

  

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

  

 

 

  

Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 28,345,525 shares issued and 27,075,962 shares outstanding

 

 

 3

 

 

 3

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

64,485

 

 

64,402

Treasury stock, 1,269,563 common shares

 

 

(1,548)

 

 

(1,548)

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(11,119)

 

 

(6,761)

 

 

 

51,821

 

 

56,096

 

 

$

202,940

 

$

211,335

 

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-in

 

Treasury Stock

 

Accumulated

 

Stockholders’

 

    

Shares

    

Dollars

    

Capital

    

Shares

    

Dollars  

    

Deficit

    

Equity

Balance, January 1, 2020

 

28,346

 

$

 3

 

$

64,402

 

1,270

 

$

(1,548)

 

$

(6,761)

 

$

56,096

Stock-based compensation

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

83

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

83

Net loss

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(4,358)

 

 

(4,358)

Balance, March 31, 2020

 

28,346

 

$

 3

 

$

64,485

 

1,270

 

$

(1,548)

 

$

(11,119)

 

$

51,821

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-in

 

Treasury Stock

 

Accumulated

 

Stockholders’

 

    

Shares

    

Dollars

    

Capital

    

Shares

    

Dollars  

    

Deficit

    

Equity

Balance, January 1, 2019

 

28,289

 

$

 3

 

$

63,935

 

1,357

 

$

(1,654)

 

$

(939)

 

$

61,345

Exercise of stock options

 

26

 

 

 —

 

 

45

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

45

Stock-based compensation

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

86

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

86

Net loss

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,617)

 

 

(1,617)

Balance, March 31, 2019

 

28,315

 

$

 3

 

$

64,066

 

1,357

 

$

(1,654)

 

$

(2,556)

 

$

59,859

 

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2019

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Net loss

 

$

(4,358)

 

$

(1,617)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

2,040

 

 

2,091

Amortization of debt issuance and warrant costs

 

 

225

 

 

190

Stock-based compensation

 

 

83

 

 

86

Change in fair value of stock warrants

 

 

(1,656)

 

 

40

Change in fair value of interest rate cap

 

 

 —

 

 

69

Gain on disposal of assets

 

 

 —

 

 

(1)

Increases and decreases in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Accounts receivable

 

 

1,682

 

 

486

Prepaid expenses, inventories and other

 

 

331

 

 

(37)

Deferred taxes

 

 

95

 

 

143

Deferred revenue

 

 

(25)

 

 

 —

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

(2,583)

 

 

(2,129)

Net cash used in operating activities

 

 

(4,166)

 

 

(679)

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Purchase of property and equipment

 

 

(1,031)

 

 

(1,256)

Other

 

 

33

 

 

 4

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(998)

 

 

(1,252)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Payment of debt discount and issuance costs

 

 

 —

 

 

(3)

Repayment of Senior Secured Notes

 

 

(275)

 

 

(250)

Repayment of finance lease obligation

 

 

(95)

 

 

(125)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

 —

 

 

45

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(370)

 

 

(333)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(5,534)

 

 

(2,264)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period

 

 

29,851

 

 

20,634

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

 

$

24,317

 

$

18,370

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized

 

$

2,248

 

$

2,353

NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Accounts payable related capital expenditures

 

$

80

 

$

459

 

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

6

FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION

Organization. Formed as a Delaware corporation in 1987, Full House Resorts, Inc. owns, leases, operates, develops, manages, and/or invests in casinos and related hospitality and entertainment facilities. References in this document to “Full House,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Full House Resorts, Inc. and its subsidiaries, except where stated or the context otherwise indicates.

The Company currently operates five casinos; four are part of real estate that it owns or leases, and one is located within a hotel owned by a third party. The following table identifies the properties along with their respective dates of acquisition and locations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Acquisition

    

 

Property

 

Date

 

 Location

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

2012

 

Hancock County, MS
(near New Orleans)

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

 

2016

 

Cripple Creek, CO
(near Colorado Springs)

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

2011

 

Rising Sun, IN
(near Cincinnati)

Stockman’s Casino

 

2007

 

Fallon, NV
(one hour east of Reno)

Grand Lodge Casino (leased and part of the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino)

 

2011

 

Incline Village, NV
(North Shore of Lake Tahoe)

 

The Company manages its casinos based on geographic regions within the United States. See Note 11 for further information.

 

 

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2019 annual consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

The interim consolidated financial statements of the Company included herein reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of annualized results for an entire year.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Full House and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Liquidity, Going Concern and Management Plans. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis of accounting, assuming the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The Company’s casinos are its primary sources of income and operating cash flows and they are relied upon to remain in compliance with debt covenants and meet the Company’s obligations when due. As described in Note 5, the Senior Secured Notes agreement requires the Company to maintain a total leverage ratio covenant, which measures Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the indenture) against outstanding debt. As detailed in Notes 2 and 14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, in March 2020, the Company temporarily suspended

7

operations at its casinos and hotels pursuant to orders from governmental authorities as a precautionary measure against the ongoing spread of a highly contagious coronavirus that was declared a pandemic (“COVID-19”) by the World Health Organization. The Company currently believes that its properties will reopen to the public according to the following schedule: by May 22, 2020 for the Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel; late May 2020 for Stockman’s Casino and Grand Lodge Casino; early June 2020 for Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel; and June 14, 2020 for Rising Star Casino Resort. As COVID-19 is dynamic, such planned opening dates are subject to change. Management believes it has sufficient resources to fund its currently-reduced operations, consisting principally of preservation of assets and a core staff necessary to plan for reopening, beyond the currently-mandated closure periods. However, management does not control and is not qualified to predict the length of the closure of its casinos and hotels due to the pandemic, nor the impact on business volumes once they are open.

As described in Notes 2 and 14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, a significant period of closure or significant declines in business volumes upon reopening would negatively impact our ability to remain in compliance with our debt covenants. In the event that the Company would fail to meet its debt covenants in the next twelve months from the issuance of the consolidated financial statements, the Company would either seek covenant waivers or attempt to amend its covenants, though there is no certainty that the Company would be successful in such efforts. For example, the Company’s lenders agreed to amend our leverage covenant for the period ended March 31, 2020, and the parties collectively continue to discuss amending covenants for future quarters. ASC 205-40, Going Concern, calls for management to evaluate whether there are conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within twelve months after the date that the financial statements are issued. Because of the length of this look-forward period and the substantial items that are outside of its control, and despite its intent and best efforts to overcome the challenges in the current environment, management concluded that there is substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company is attempting to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the Company through the plans described above. The consolidated financial statements do not include adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Fair Value and the Fair Value Input Hierarchy. Fair value measurements affect the Company’s accounting for net assets acquired in acquisition transactions and certain financial assets and liabilities, such as its interest rate cap (“Interest Rate Cap”) agreement and common stock warrant liability. Fair value measurements are also used in the Company’s periodic assessments of long-lived tangible and intangible assets for possible impairment, including for property and equipment, goodwill, and other intangible assets. Fair value is defined as the expected 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.

GAAP categorizes the inputs used for fair value into a three-level hierarchy:

·

Level 1: Observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

·

Level 2: Comparable inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for similar assets or liabilities in less active markets; and

·

Level 3: Unobservable inputs which may include metrics that market participants would use to estimate values, such as revenue and earnings multiples and relative rates of return.

The Company utilizes Level 2 inputs when measuring the fair value of its Interest Rate Cap (see Note 5).

The Company utilizes Level 3 inputs when measuring the fair value of net assets acquired in business combination transactions, subsequent assessments for impairment, and most financial instruments, including but not limited to the estimated fair value of common stock warrants at issuance and for recurring changes in the related warrant liability (see Note 6).

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash.  Cash equivalents include cash involved in operations and cash in excess of daily requirements that is invested in highly liquid, short-term investments with initial maturities of three months or less when purchased.

Restricted cash balances were funds received from certain sports wagering agreements that had not commenced and were contractually required to be separated from the Company’s operating cash. In March 2020, such cash was no longer categorized as restricted, as the Company was approved for its “master license” for sports betting by the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission on March 19, 2020.

8

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

    

    

2020

    

2019

Cash and equivalents

 

 

$

24,317

 

$

28,851

Restricted cash

 

 

 

 —

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

$

24,317

 

$

29,851

 

Revenue Recognition of Accrued Club Points and Deferred Revenues

Accrued Club Points: Operating Revenues and Related Costs and Expenses. The Company’s revenues consist primarily of casino gaming, food and beverage, hotel, and other revenues (such as entertainment). The majority of the Company’s revenues are derived from casino gaming, principally slot machines.

Gaming revenue is the difference between gaming wins and losses, not the total amount wagered. The Company accounts for its gaming transactions on a portfolio basis as such wagers have similar characteristics and it would not be practical to view each wager on an individual basis.

The Company sometimes provides discretionary complimentary goods and services (“discretionary comps”). For these types of transactions, the Company allocates revenue to the department providing the complimentary goods or services based upon its estimated standalone selling price, offset by a reduction in casino revenues.

Many of the Company’s customers choose to earn points under its customer loyalty programs. As points are accrued, the Company defers a portion of its gaming revenue based on the estimated standalone value of loyalty points being earned by the customer. The standalone value of loyalty points is derived from the retail value of food, beverages, hotel rooms, and other goods or services for which such points may be redeemed. A liability related to these customer loyalty points is recorded, net of estimated breakage and other factors, until the customer redeems these points, primarily for “free casino play/cash back,” complimentary dining, or hotel stays. Such liabilities were approximately $1.4 million each for March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Upon redemption, the related revenue is recognized at retail value within the department providing the goods or services.

Revenue for food and beverage, hotel, and other revenue transactions is typically the net amount collected from the customer for such goods and services, plus the retail value of (i) discretionary comps and (ii) comps provided in return for redemption of loyalty points. The Company records such revenue as the good or service is transferred to the customer. Additionally, the Company may collect deposits in advance for future hotel reservations or entertainment, among other services, which represent obligations to the Company until the service is provided to the customer.

Deferred Revenues: Market Access Fees from Sports Wagering Agreements. These liabilities were created in the third quarter of 2019 when the Company entered into several agreements with various unaffiliated companies allowing for online/mobile sports wagering within Indiana and Colorado, as well as on-site sports wagering at Rising Star Casino Resort and at Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel (the “Sports Agreements”). As part of these longer-term Sports Agreements, the Company received one-time market access fees in cash, which were recorded as a long-term liability in the same amount and will be recognized as revenue ratably over the initial term length of 10 years, beginning with the commencement of operations. The current and noncurrent portions of the deferred revenues balance totaling $5.96 million for March 31, 2020 is included with “Other accrued expenses and other” and  “Contract liabilities, net of current portion” on the consolidated balance sheets, respectively. Of the Company’s Sports Agreements, on-site sports wagering commenced at Rising Star in the fourth quarter of 2019, as did one of the Company’s three mobile sports wagering websites in Indiana.

Income Taxes. For interim income tax reporting for the three-months ended March 31, 2020, the Company estimates its annual effective tax rate and applies it to its year-to-date pretax income or loss.

9

Reclassifications. The Company made certain minor financial statement presentation reclassifications to prior-period amounts to conform to the current-period presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported results of operations or financial position.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share. Earnings (loss) per share is net income (loss) applicable to common stock divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional dilutive effects for all potentially-dilutive securities, including common stock options and warrants, using the treasury stock method.

Leases. The Company determines if a contract is or contains a lease at inception or modification of the agreement. A contract is or contains a lease if there are identified assets and the right to control the use of an identified asset is conveyed for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control over the use of the identified asset means that the lessee has both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset and the right to direct the use of the asset. ASC 842 requires a dual approach for lessee accounting under which a lessee would classify and account for leases as either finance leases or operating leases, both of which result in the lessee recognizing a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet, as measured on a discounted basis for leases with terms greater than a year. For finance leases, the lessee will recognize interest expense associated with the lease liability and depreciation expense associated with the ROU asset; for operating leases, the lessee will recognize straight-line rent expense.

The Company does not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for leases with a term of 12 months or less. However, costs related to short-term leases with terms greater than one month, which the Company deems material, are disclosed as a component of lease expenses when applicable. Additionally, the Company accounts for new and existing leases containing both lease and non-lease components (“embedded leases”) together as a single lease component by asset class for gaming-related equipment; therefore, the Company does not allocate contract consideration to the separate lease and non-lease components based on their relative standalone prices.

Finance and operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the expected lease term at commencement. As the implicit rate is not determinable in most of the Company’s leases, management uses the Company’s incremental borrowing rate as estimated by third-party valuation specialists in determining the present value of future payments. The expected lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such options. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term.

 

See Note 3 below regarding lease guidance relief that the Company has taken as they relate to COVID-19. 

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards. The Company believes that there are no other recently-issued accounting standards not yet effective that are currently likely to have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

 

3. LEASES

The Company has no material leases in which it is the lessor. As lessee, the Company has one finance lease for a hotel and various operating leases for land, casino and office space, equipment, buildings, and signage. The Company’s lease terms, including extensions, range from one month to approximately 38 years. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants, but the land lease at Silver Slipper does include contingent rent as further discussed below.

As a result of COVID-19, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), which governs U.S. GAAP, has offered companies the accounting election to apply guidance relief relating to lease concessions for business interruptions brought on by government-mandated closures. Normally, such rent deferments or forgiveness of certain payments that have been granted outside the original contract terms would trigger lease remeasurements. However, without relief in applying the lease accounting guidance, these modifications in terms would require evaluations that would be considered both costly and complex for certain companies. Rather than analyzing each lease contract individually, companies can choose on a reasonable basis to either: (1) apply the modification framework for these concessions in accordance with the applicable codification (see Note 2) 

10

to calculate lease remeasurements, or (2) forgo such remeasurements and account for the concessions as if they were made under the enforceable rights included in the original agreement.

In its efforts to preserve cash, the Company obtained rent concessions as a direct result of business disruptions from COVID-19 for certain material leases, as further discussed below and in Note 12. In summary, the Company has elected to apply guidance relief as granted by FASB for rent deferments as these deferrals of payments only affect the timing of payments; the total rent amounts paid over the course of the original contract remain the same. As such, the Company will continue to accrue for related lease expenses during the deferral period and forgo remeasurement of those leases. In contrast, the Company did not apply the aforementioned election for the rent forgiveness that was granted for the land lease at Silver Slipper, since the amounts paid over the remaining term of the contract reflect an actual reduction from its original lease measurement.

Operating Leases

Silver Slipper Casino Land Lease through April 2058 and Options to Purchase. In 2004, the Company’s subsidiary, Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC, entered into a land lease with Cure Land Company, LLC for approximately 31 acres of marshlands and a seven-acre parcel on which the Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel is situated. The agreement includes fixed, base monthly payments of $77,500 plus contingent rents of 3% of monthly gross gaming revenue (as defined in the lease) in excess of $3.65 million, with no scheduled base rent increases through the remaining lease term ending in 2058.

Effective March 2020, the Company later executed a fourth amendment to the original lease with the landlord, which granted a waiver of base rent for April and May of 2020. With such abatement totaling $155,000 of undiscounted cash, the Company chose to remeasure this lease in order to more fairly represent the reduction in payments, as this was the only material lease in which the Company was able to obtain rent forgiveness to date. This amendment also delays the beginning of the Company’s purchase option period for the leased land. The Company may exercise its purchase option from April 1, 2022 (as amended) through October 1, 2027, for $15.5 million plus a seller-retained interest in Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel’s operations of 3% of net income (as defined) for 10 years following the purchase date.

In the event that the Company sells or transfers either (i) substantially all of the assets of Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC, or (ii) its membership interests in Silver Slipper Casino Venture, LLC in its entirety, the purchase price will increase to $17.1 million, plus the retained interest mentioned above. In either case, the Company also has an option to purchase a four-acre portion from the total 38 acres of leased land for $2.0 million in connection with the development of an owned hotel, which may be exercised at any time and would accordingly reduce the purchase price of the remaining land by $2.0 million. Following a buy-out of the lease, the property would have to purchase or otherwise provide for its drinking water, which is currently provided by the landlord as part of the lease.

Bronco Billy’s Lease through January 2035 and Option to Purchase. Bronco Billy’s leases certain parking lots and buildings, including a portion of the hotel and casino, under a long-term lease. The lease term includes six renewal options in three-year increments to 2035. Bronco Billy’s exercised its first renewal option through January 2020, and currently pays $30,000 per month in rent. In May 2019, Bronco Billy’s also exercised its second renewal option to extend the lease term through January 31, 2023, which will increase the monthly rent to $32,500 beginning in February 2021. The lease also contains a $7.6 million purchase option exercisable at any time during the lease term, or as extended, and a right of first refusal on any sale of the property. See Note 12 regarding concessions granted for this lease, which are effective in the second quarter of 2020.

Christmas Casino at Bronco Billy’s through August 2021 and Option to Purchase. As part of the Bronco Billy’s expansion, the Company leased a closed casino in August 2018 and opened it as the rebranded Christmas Casino in November 2018. The lease includes a minimum three-year term with annual lease payments of $0.2 million, and can be extended an additional two years with annual lease payments of $0.3 million. The Company can also purchase the casino at any time during the lease term, or as extended. The purchase price is $2.6 million if bought by October 31, 2020, increasing by $0.1 million on each anniversary thereafter up to $2.8 million. No concession was granted for this lease to date.

Grand Lodge Casino Lease through August 2023. The Company’s subsidiary, Gaming Entertainment (Nevada), LLC, has a lease with Hyatt Equities, L.L.C. (“Hyatt”) to operate the Grand Lodge Casino. The lease is collateralized by the Company’s interests under the lease and property (as defined in the lease) and is subordinate to the liens of the senior secured notes due 2024 (see Note 5). Hyatt currently has an option to purchase the Company’s leasehold interest and related operating assets of

11

the Grand Lodge Casino, subject to assumption of applicable liabilities. The option price is an amount equal to the Grand Lodge Casino’s positive working capital, plus Grand Lodge Casino’s earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for the twelve-month period preceding the acquisition (or pro-rated if less than twelve months remain on the lease), plus the fair market value of the Grand Lodge Casino’s personal property. The current monthly rent of $166,667 is applicable through the remaining lease term ending in August 2023. No concession was granted for this lease to date.

Corporate Office Lease through January 2025. In June 2017, the Company leased 4,479 square feet of office space in Las Vegas, Nevada. Annual rent is approximately $0.2 million and the term of the office lease expires in January 2025. No concession was granted for this lease to date.

Finance Lease

Rising Star Casino Hotel Lease through October 2027 and Option to Purchase. The Company’s Indiana subsidiary, Gaming Entertainment (Indiana) LLC, leases a 104‑room hotel at Rising Star Casino Resort. At any time during the lease term, the Company has the option to purchase the hotel at a price based upon the project’s actual cost of $7.7 million (see Note 4), reduced by the cumulative principal payments made by the Company during the lease term. At March 31, 2020, such net amount was $4.2 million. Upon expiration of the lease term in October 2027, (i) the landlord has the right to sell the hotel to the Company, and (ii) the Company has the option to purchase the hotel. In either case, the purchase price is $1 plus closing costs. See Note 12 regarding concessions granted for this lease, which are effective in the second quarter of 2020.

Leases recorded on the balance sheet consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leases

    

Balance Sheet Classification

    

March 31, 2020

 

December 31, 2019

Assets

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Operating lease assets

   

Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net

   

$

19,674

 

$

19,171

Finance lease assets

 

Property and Equipment, Net(1)

 

 

4,997

 

 

5,037

Total lease assets

 

  

 

$

24,671

 

$

24,208

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Current

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Operating

 

Current Portion of Operating Lease Obligations

 

$

3,113

 

$

2,707

Finance

 

Current Portion of Finance Lease Obligation

 

 

473

 

 

448

Noncurrent

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating

 

Operating Lease Obligations, Net of Current Portion

 

 

16,794

 

 

16,706

Finance

 

Finance Lease Obligation, Net of Current Portion

 

 

3,708

 

 

3,829

Total lease liabilities

 

  

 

$

24,088

 

$

23,690

 

(1)Finance lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $2.7 million as of March 31, 2020.

 

 

12

The components of lease expense are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

    

 

    

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

March 31, 

Lease Costs

 

Statement of Operations Classification

 

2020

 

2019

Operating leases:

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Fixed/base rent

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

$

1,200

 

$

960

Variable payments

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

 

154

 

 

184

Finance lease:

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Amortization of leased assets

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

 

40

 

 

40

Interest on lease liabilities

 

Interest Expense, Net

 

 

32

 

 

54

Total lease costs

 

 

 

$

1,426

 

$

1,238

 

Maturities of lease liabilities as of March 31, 2020 are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Operating

    

Financing

Year Ending December 31, 

 

Leases

 

Lease(1)

2020 (excluding the three months ended March 31, 2020)

 

$

3,451

 

$

488

2021

 

 

4,684

 

 

652

2022

 

 

4,468

 

 

652

2023

 

 

2,876

 

 

652

2024

 

 

1,135

 

 

652

Thereafter

 

 

31,017

 

 

1,847

Total future minimum lease payments

 

 

47,631

 

 

4,943

Less: Amount representing interest

 

 

(27,724)

 

 

(762)

Present value of lease liabilities

 

 

19,907

 

 

4,181

Less: Current lease obligations

 

 

(3,113)

 

 

(473)

Long-term lease obligations

 

$

16,794

 

$

3,708

 

(1)The Company’s only material finance lease is at Rising Star Casino Resort for a 104‑room hotel.

 

Other information related to lease term and discount rate is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease Term and Discount Rate

    

March 31, 2020

 

December 31, 2019

Weighted-average remaining lease term

 

  

 

 

  

 

Operating leases

 

19.3

years

 

20.2

years

Finance lease

 

7.5

years

 

7.8

years

Weighted-average discount rate

 

  

 

 

  

 

Operating leases(1)

 

9.38

%

 

9.40

%

Finance lease

 

4.50

%

 

4.50

%

 

(1)Upon adoption of the new lease standard, discount rates used for existing operating leases were established on January 1, 2019.

13

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

    

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31, 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

 

2020

 

2019

Operating cash flows for operating leases

 

$

1,209

 

$

961

Operating cash flows for finance lease

 

$

32

 

$

54

Financing cash flows for finance lease

 

$

95

 

$

125

 

 

 

 

4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment, including finance lease assets, consists of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

2020

 

2019

Land and improvements

 

$

16,144

 

$

16,144

Buildings and improvements

 

 

107,139

 

 

106,946

Furniture and equipment

 

 

48,138

 

 

47,886

Finance lease assets (see Note 3)

 

 

7,726

 

 

7,726

Construction in progress

 

 

11,112

 

 

10,856

 

 

 

190,259

 

 

189,558

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(70,066)

 

 

(68,071)

 

 

$

120,193

 

$

121,487

 

 

 

5. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt, related discounts and issuance costs consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

2020

 

2019

Senior Secured Notes

 

$

107,650

 

$

107,925

Less: Unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs

 

 

(3,676)

 

 

(3,902)

 

 

 

103,974

 

 

104,023

Less: Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

(1,100)

 

 

(1,100)

 

 

$

102,874

 

$

102,923

 

Senior Secured Notes and Waiver. On April 28, 2020, the Company executed the Third Amendment to Indenture dated as of April 28, 2020 (the “Amendment”) to amend the Indenture dated as of February 2, 2018 (as amended and supplemented, the “Indenture”), which governs the senior secured notes due 2024 issued by the Company in the aggregate principal amount of $110.0 million (collectively, the “Notes”). Reflecting the impact of the temporary closures of the Company’s properties due to COVID-19, the Amendment (i) deleted the total leverage ratio covenant as of March 31, 2020, and (ii) resolved any potential ambiguities regarding a qualified auditor opinion in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company paid an amendment fee of 0.35%, or $376,775 to the holders of its Notes, based on the outstanding balance of the aggregate principal amount as of March 31, 2020. Additionally, as set forth below, the Amendment increased the optional premiums by 15 basis points, plus accrued and applicable unpaid interest, if the Company chooses to redeem all or a part of the Notes prior to maturity:

 

 

 

 

Redemption Periods

    

Percentage Premium

On February 2, 2020 to February 1, 2021

 

1.65

%

On February 2, 2021 to February 1, 2022

 

0.65

%

On or after February 2, 2022

 

0.15

%

14

The Notes bear interest at the greater of the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or 1.0%, plus a margin rate of 7.0%. Interest on the Notes is payable quarterly in arrears, on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year until the Notes mature on February 2, 2024. On each interest payment date, the Company is required to make principal payments of $275,000 with a balloon payment for the remaining $103.7 million due upon maturity. Excluding the exercise of any optional early redemptions as detailed above, this increase to the original balloon payment of an additional $165,000 includes 0.15% applied to the aggregate principal amount of the Notes repaid according to the Amendment.

The Notes are collateralized by substantially all of the Company’s assets and are guaranteed by all of its material subsidiaries.

Interest Rate Cap Agreement. The Company maintains an Interest Rate Cap from Capital One, N.A. (“Capital One”) in order to manage expected interest rate increases on the Notes. The agreement is for a notional amount of $50 million and expires on March 31, 2021. The Interest Rate Cap has a strike rate of 3.00% and resets every three months at the end of March, June, September, and December. If the three-month LIBOR exceeds the strike rate at the end of any covered period, the Company will receive cash payments from Capital One. For details regarding fair value measurements, see Note 2.

Covenants. The Indenture governing the Notes contains customary representations and warranties, events of default, and positive and negative covenants, including financial covenants. The Company is required to maintain a total leverage ratio, which measures Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Indenture) against outstanding debt. The Company is allowed to deduct up to $15 million of its cash and equivalents (beyond estimated cash utilized in daily operations) in calculating the numerator of such ratio. The Amendment deleted the total leverage ratio covenant for the period ended March 31, 2020. For the remainder of the year, the total leverage ratio maximum is 5.75x through September 30, 2020 and 5.50x through December 31, 2020. Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Company is currently in discussions with its lenders regarding amendments with respect to leverage ratio covenants in future periods. However, there can be no assurances that the Company will remain in compliance with all covenants and/or that it would be successful in obtaining waivers or modifications in the event of noncompliance in the future.

 

6. COMMON STOCK WARRANT LIABILITY

As part of the Company’s former Second Lien Credit Facility, on May 13, 2016, the Company granted the Second Lien Credit Facility lenders 1,006,568 warrants, which have an exercise price of $1.67 and expire on May 13, 2026. The warrants also provide for redemption rights, preemptive rights under certain circumstances to maintain their ownership interest in the Company, piggyback registration rights and mandatory registration rights. In addition to a refinancing, the redemption rights allow the warrant-holders, at their option, to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the warrants upon the occurrence of certain events, including: (i) a liquidity event, as defined in the warrant purchase agreement, or (ii) the Company’s insolvency. The repurchase value is the 21‑day average price of the Company’s common stock at the time of such liquidity event, net of the warrant exercise price. If the redemption rights are exercised, the repurchase amount is payable by the Company in cash or through the issuance of an unsecured note with a four-year term and a minimum interest rate of 13.25%, as further defined in the warrant purchase agreement, and would be guaranteed by the Company’s subsidiaries. Alternatively, the warrant-holders may choose to have the Company register and sell the shares related to the warrants through a public stock offering.

The Company’s debt refinancing of the Second Lien Credit Facility during 2018 was considered a “triggering event” for the possible redemption or registration of the warrants. The Company’s warrant-holders have not yet requested the redemption or registration of their outstanding warrants, though they may do so on any six-month anniversary of the refinancing date prior to warrant expiration. Accordingly, the obligation is reflected as a current liability.

The Company measures the fair value of the warrants at each reporting period (see Note 2). At March 31, 2020, the estimated fair value was determined using the following assumptions:  an expected contractual term of 6.12 years, an expected stock price volatility rate of 58.85%, an expected dividend yield of 0%, and an expected risk-free interest rate of 0.47%.

 

15

7. INCOME TAXES

The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three-months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was (2.2%) and (9.6%), respectively. The Company’s tax rate differs from the statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to the effects of valuation allowances against net deferred tax assets, as well as certain permanent item differences between tax and financial reporting purposes.

On March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCR Act”), and on March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) were each enacted in response to COVID-19. The FFCR Act and the CARES Act contain numerous income tax provisions, such as relaxing limitations on the deductibility of interest and the use of net operating losses arising in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017; however, these benefits do not impact the Company’s current tax provision.

 

 

8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation

The Company is party to a number of pending legal proceedings related to matters that occurred in the normal course of business. Management does not expect that the outcome of any such proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Options to Purchase or Lease Land

La Posada del Llano Racetrack Proposal in New Mexico. During July 2018, the Company paid $125,000 for options to purchase approximately 520 acres of adjoining land in Clovis, New Mexico as part of its racetrack casino proposal to the New Mexico Racing Commission. The proposal was in response to the New Mexico Racing Commission’s request for proposals related to the potential issuance of the state’s sixth racing license. During July 2019, the Company paid an additional $125,000 in total to renew these two options, as detailed below. In August 2019, the New Mexico Racing Commission announced that it would not issue the sixth racing license at this time, but may do so in the future. The New Mexico options consisted of:

·

A $75,000 option to purchase 200 acres of land, which ended on the earlier of either July 2019 or 60 days following the granting of the sixth license to conduct horseracing by the New Mexico Racing Commission and New Mexico Gaming Control Board (“License Award”) and all related approvals, permits, and other licenses. In July 2019, the Company extended the purchase option by one year for another $75,000 under the same terms. Prior to the end of this first option extension, the Company may extend the purchase option by one year for an additional $75,000 under the same terms. Additionally, prior to the end of this first extension period, or as further extended, the Company may purchase the land for $1.4 million, which can be reduced by the option payments.

·

A $50,000 option to purchase 320 acres of land, which ended on the earlier of either July 2019 or 60 days following the granting of the License Award and all related approvals, permits, and other licenses. In July 2019, the Company extended the purchase option by one year for another $50,000 under the same terms. Prior to the end of this option extension, the Company may purchase the land for $1.6 million, which can be reduced by the option payments.

 

16

9. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

The table below reconciles basic and diluted loss per share of common stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31, 

 

2020

    

2019

Numerator:

 

  

 

 

  

Net loss - basic

$

(4,358)

 

$

(1,617)

Adjustment for assumed conversion of warrants

 

(1,656)

 

 

 —

Net loss - diluted

$

(6,014)

 

$

(1,617)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

  

 

 

  

Weighted-average common and common share equivalents - basic

 

27,076

 

 

26,940

Potential dilution from assumed conversion of warrants

 

364

 

 

 —

Weighted-average common and common share equivalents - diluted

 

27,440

 

 

26,940

Anti-dilutive share-based awards and warrants excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share

 

2,844

 

 

3,556

 

 

 

10. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

As of March 31, 2020, the Company had 489,635 share-based awards authorized by shareholders and available for grant from the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”).

The following table summarizes information related to the Company’s common stock options as of March 31, 2020:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

Weighted

 

 

Number

 

Average

 

 

of Stock

 

Exercise

 

 

Options

 

Price

Options outstanding at January 1, 2020

 

2,844,405

 

$

1.71

Granted

 

 —

 

 

 —

Exercised

 

 —

 

 

 —

Canceled/Forfeited

 

 —

 

 

 —

Expired

 

 —

 

 

 —

Options outstanding at March 31, 2020

 

2,844,405

 

$

1.71

Options exercisable at March 31, 2020

 

2,211,671

 

$

1.57

 

Share-based compensation expense totaled $83,000 and $86,000 for the three-months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  As of March 31, 2020, there was approximately $0.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options previously granted that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.9 years.

 

11. SEGMENT REPORTING AND DISAGGREGATED REVENUE

The Company manages its casinos based on geographic regions within the United States. The casino/resort operations include four segments:  Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel (Hancock County, Mississippi); Rising Star Casino Resort, consisting of Rising Star Casino Resort (Rising Sun, Indiana) and its ferry boat operations (connecting Rising Sun, Indiana with Boone County, Kentucky); Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel (including the Christmas Casino & Inn, both in Cripple Creek, Colorado); and the Northern Nevada segment, consisting of Grand Lodge Casino (Incline Village, Nevada) and Stockman’s Casino (Fallon, Nevada).

17

The Company utilizes Adjusted Property EBITDA as the measure of segment profit in assessing performance and allocating resources at the reportable segment level. Adjusted Property EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest and other non-operating income (expense), taxes, depreciation and amortization, pre-opening expenses, impairment charges, asset write-offs, recoveries, gain (loss) from asset disposals, project development and acquisition costs, non-cash share-based compensation expense, and corporate-related costs and expenses that are not allocated to each property.

The following tables present the Company’s segment information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

 

    

Silver

    

 

 

    

Bronco

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Slipper

 

Rising Star

 

Billy’s

 

Northern

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casino

 

Casino

 

Casino

 

Nevada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and Hotel

 

Resort

 

and Hotel

 

Casinos

 

Corporate

 

Total

Net Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casino

 

$

9,070

 

$

5,028

 

$

4,005

 

$

2,648

 

$

 —

 

$

20,751

Food and beverage

 

 

4,679

 

 

1,153

 

 

767

 

 

391

 

 

 —

 

 

6,990

Hotel

 

 

969

 

 

858

 

 

147

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,974

Other operations

 

 

374

 

 

632

 

 

63

 

 

69

 

 

 —

 

 

1,138

 

 

$

15,092

 

$

7,671

 

$

4,982

 

$

3,108

 

$

 —

 

$

30,853

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Property EBITDA

 

$

1,831

 

$

(1,093)

 

$

(478)

 

$

(390)

 

$

 —

 

$

(130)

Other operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,040)

Corporate expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,119)

Project development costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(56)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(83)

Operating loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,428)

Other (expense) income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,491)

Adjustment to fair value of warrants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,656

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(835)

Loss before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,263)

Income tax provision

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

95

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(4,358)

 

18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

 

    

Silver

    

 

 

    

Bronco

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Slipper

 

Rising Star

 

Billy’s

 

Northern

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casino

 

Casino

 

Casino

 

Nevada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and Hotel

 

Resort

 

and Hotel

 

Casinos

 

Corporate

 

Total

Net Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casino

 

$

12,379

 

$

7,343

 

$

5,243

 

$

3,333

 

$

 —

 

$

28,298

Food and beverage

 

 

5,371

 

 

1,813

 

 

974

 

 

500

 

 

 —

 

 

8,658

Hotel

 

 

1,144

 

 

1,423

 

 

148

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,715

Other operations

 

 

387

 

 

289

 

 

75

 

 

72

 

 

 —

 

 

823

 

 

$

19,281

 

$

10,868

 

$

6,440

 

$

3,905

 

$

 —

 

$

40,494

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Property EBITDA

 

$

3,845

 

$

404

 

$

615

 

$

(9)

 

$

 —

 

$

4,855

Other operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,091)

Corporate expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,278)

Project development costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(133)

Gain on disposal of assets, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 1

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(86)

Operating income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,268

Other (expense) income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,703)

Adjustment to fair value of warrants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(40)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,743)

Loss before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,475)

Income tax provision

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

142

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(1,617)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2019

Total Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

$

83,574

 

$

87,980

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

 

34,917

 

 

40,277

Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel

 

 

42,470

 

 

45,034

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

 

14,469

 

 

18,612

Corporate and Other

 

 

27,510

 

 

19,432

 

 

$

202,940

 

$

211,335

 

 

 

12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Continuation of Temporary Casino Closures. As a precautionary measure against the ongoing spread of COVID-19, various state governments ordered the temporary closure of all casinos in their respective states. As previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, all of the Company’s casinos and related operations temporarily closed in mid-March 2020. While these closures are expected to be temporary, the current circumstances are dynamic and the impacts of COVID-19 on the Company’s business operations, including the duration and impact on overall customer demand, the timing of the reopening of its casinos, the timing of the launch of mobile sports wagering in Indiana and Colorado by the Company’s contracted parties, new information which may emerge concerning the severity of COVID-19, and the actions to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, among others, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time and the Company anticipates this could have a material adverse impact on its business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

19

We currently believe that our properties will reopen to the public according to the following schedule: by May 22, 2020 for the Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel; late May 2020 for Stockman’s Casino and Grand Lodge Casino; early June 2020 for Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel; and June 14, 2020 for Rising Star Casino Resort. As COVID-19 is dynamic, such planned opening dates are subject to change.

 

The Company currently believes that, through its current cash balances, it has the liquidity necessary to sustain closure beyond the currently-mandated closure periods. To preserve liquidity, upon the temporary closure of its properties in March 2020, the Company significantly reduced staffing levels at each of its properties and at its corporate office to a small group of essential employees. The Company also elected to suspend construction of the Phase One parking garage at Bronco Billy’s, allowing it to use the cash designated for such construction to provide the Company with additional liquidity until its casinos are permitted to reopen. No assurance can be given that, should the casino closures extend for a prolonged period or if business volumes are significantly impacted after opening and require it to seek additional liquidity, the Company will be able to successfully raise additional funds. As stated above, the Company will work diligently to reopen its casinos as soon as it is permitted to do so.

 

Waiver and Amendment of Debt Covenants. On April 28, 2020, the Company executed the Amendment dated as of April 28, 2020 to amend the Indenture to the Notes, which deleted the total leverage covenant for the period ended March 31, 2020, amongst other items (see Note 5).

 

Sports Wagering in Indiana and Colorado. The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission approved the Company for its three permitted “Sports Betting Master Licenses” in March 2020. Additionally, in April 2020, the Company’s three providers for mobile sports wagering were approved for their “Temporary Internet Sports Betting Operator Licenses.” On May 1, 2020, online/mobile sports wagering in Colorado went live, though without significant sporting events and games to wager on. The Company currently expects that at least one of its contracted sports wagering websites will launch in Colorado in the second quarter of 2020, and that all three contracted websites will have launched in Colorado by the end of the third quarter of 2020.

 

In Indiana, one of the Company’s three providers for sports wagering websites launched operations on December 30, 2019. The remaining two companies await licensure.

 

Contractually, these six sports betting agreements in Colorado and Indiana are expected to result in a combined minimum of $7 million per year in revenues for the Company after their launch of operations, with minimal expected related costs.

 

Unsecured Loans Under the CARES Act.  On May 8, 2020, two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company executed promissory notes (the “Promissory Notes”) evidencing unsecured loans in the aggregate amount of $5,606,200 through programs established under the CARES Act and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”). Such funds will be used principally to rehire several hundred employees at Rising Star and Bronco Billy’s in preparation for the reopening of these businesses. The Loans are being made through Zions Bancorporation, N.A. dba Nevada State Bank (the “Lender”), have a two-year term, bear interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum, and mature on May 3, 2022. Monthly principal and interest payments are deferred for six months. Beginning in December 2020, the Company is required to make monthly payments of principal and interest to the Lender. The Loans may be prepaid at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. Such Loans may be forgiven, either in whole or in part, depending on the amount of such proceeds that are used for certain eligible expenses, including primarily the payroll and health benefits of employees who would otherwise be without jobs or health benefits. The details of such potential loan forgiveness are still being developed by the SBA and there is no certainty that any or all of such Loans will be forgiven.

 

Concessions Obtained for Certain Leases. In the second quarter of 2020, the Company was able to obtain deferments as a direct result of business disruptions from COVID-19 for its operating lease at Bronco Billy’s and its finance lease at Rising Star. Effective March 2020, the Company also obtained rent abatements for April and May of 2020 of its casino land lease at Silver Slipper. For details and discussion of accounting treatment, see Note 3.

Subsequently in April 2020 at Bronco Billy’s, the Company executed a letter agreement to the original lease with the landlord, which granted partial lease deferrals for specified amounts (separately, the “First Deferral Amount” and “Second Deferral Amount”). For each of May, June and July of 2020, the First Deferral Amount would reduce the base rent by $8,000. Also, for each of August, September and October of 2020, the Second Deferral Amount would reduce the base rent by $5,300. Altogether, the deferrals totaling $39,900 of undiscounted cash require the Company to make such payments in full no later

20

than December 1, 2021. As the Company determined that this concession affected only the timing of payments, it took the guidance relief of not remeasuring the lease liability and corresponding ROU asset, which would have been required under the existing modification framework in ASC 842. Additionally, the Company will accrue for the full amount of lease expenses corresponding to the respective periods as if no changes to rent payments were made.

At Rising Star, the Company was able to obtain approvals from the landlord for deferments of payments due for April and May 2020 until its reopening. As COVID-19 is dynamic, the Company believes Rising Star will reopen to the public on June 14, 2020, with such planned opening dates subject to change. Altogether, the deferrals amount to approximately $109,000 of undiscounted cash. As the Company determined that this concession affected only the timing of payments, it took the guidance relief of not remeasuring the lease liability and corresponding ROU asset, which would have been required under the existing modification framework in ASC 842. Additionally, the Company will accrue for the full amount of interest expenses corresponding to the respective periods as if no changes to rent payments were made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see “Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our historical financial statements and related notes thereto and the other disclosures contained elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q, and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, which were included in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 30, 2020. The results of operations for the periods reflected herein are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for future periods. Full House Resorts, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, may be referred to as “Full House,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us,” except where stated or the context otherwise indicates.

Executive Overview

Our primary business is the ownership and/or operation of casino and related hospitality and entertainment facilities, which includes offering casino gambling, hotel accommodations, dining, golfing, RV camping, sports betting, entertainment and retail outlets, among other amenities. We own or operate five casino properties in four states:  Mississippi, Colorado, Indiana and Nevada. We view our Mississippi, Colorado and Indiana properties as distinct operating segments and both of our Nevada properties as one operating segment.

Our portfolio consists of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Acquisition

    

 

Property

 

Date

 

Location

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

2012

 

Hancock County, MS
(near New Orleans)

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

 

2016

 

Cripple Creek, CO
(near Colorado Springs)

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

2011

 

Rising Sun, IN
(near Cincinnati)

Stockman’s Casino

 

2007

 

Fallon, NV
(one hour east of Reno)

Grand Lodge Casino (leased and part of the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino)

 

2011

 

Incline Village, NV
(North Shore of Lake Tahoe)

 

Our financial results are dependent upon the number of patrons that we attract to our properties and the amounts those guests spend per visit. While we provide credit at some of our casinos where we are permitted to by gaming regulations, most of our revenues are cash-based, through customers wagering with cash or paying for non-gaming services with cash or credit cards. Our revenues are primarily derived from slot machines, but also include table games, keno, and sports betting. In addition, we derive a significant amount of revenue from our hotels and our food and beverage outlets. We also derive revenues from our golf course at Rising Star, our recreational vehicle parks (“RV parks”) as owned at Rising Star and managed at Silver Slipper, and retail outlets and entertainment. We often provide hotel rooms and food and beverages to customers on a complimentary basis; the value of such services are included as revenue in those categories, offset by contra-revenue in the casino revenue category. As a result, the casino revenues in our financial statements reflect patron gaming wins and losses, reduced by the retail value of complimentary services, the value of free play provided to customers, the value of points earned by casino customers that can be redeemed for services or free play, and accruals for certain progressive jackpots offered by the Company.

We may experience significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to seasonality, variations in gaming hold percentages and other factors. Consequently, our operating results for any quarter or year are not necessarily comparable and may not be indicative of future periods’ results.

22

Our market environment is highly competitive and capital-intensive. We rely on the ability of our properties to generate operating cash flow to pay interest, repay debt, and fund maintenance and certain growth-related capital expenditures. We continuously focus on improving the operating margins of our existing properties through a combination of revenue growth and expense management. We also assess growth and development opportunities, which include capital investments at our existing properties, the development of new properties, and the acquisition of existing properties.

Recent Developments

COVID-19 Pandemic.    In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus as a pandemic (“COVID-19”), which continues to be spread throughout the U.S. and the world. COVID-19 has driven the implementation of significant, government-imposed measures to prevent or reduce its spread, including travel restrictions, closing of borders, “shelter in place” orders and business closures. Pursuant to state government orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we temporarily closed all of our casino properties in March 2020. As a result, we have experienced a material decline in our revenues. While our business performed largely as expected in January, February and early March of 2020, the closure of our casinos during March 2020 resulted in our total operating revenues decreasing by 23.8% in the first quarter of 2020 as compared to the first quarter of 2019. While the length and severity of the impact on our operating results is uncertain, we presently expect the decline in revenue to increase in the second quarter of 2020. The extent to which our financial and operating results in future periods may be affected by COVID-19 will largely depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including the timing of the reopening of our casinos, new information which may emerge concerning the severity of COVID-19 and the actions to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, the level of customer demand upon reopening of our casinos, increased operating costs in light of social distancing requirements as a result of COVID-19 and general economic conditions, among others. We currently believe that our properties will reopen to the public according to the following schedule: by May 22, 2020 for the Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel; late May 2020 for Stockman’s Casino and Grand Lodge Casino; early June 2020 for Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel; and June 14, 2020 for Rising Star Casino Resort. As COVID-19 is dynamic, such planned opening dates are subject to change. For a further discussion regarding the impacts of COVID-19 on our business, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources – COVID-19 Impact on Liquidity” below.

 

Waiver and Amendment of Debt Covenants.    In April 2020, we obtained a waiver and amendment (the “Waiver and Amendment”) to the indenture dated as of February 2, 2018 (as amended and supplemented, the “Indenture”), which governs the aggregate $110.0 million of senior secured notes due 2024 (collectively, the “Notes”). The Waiver and Amendment was executed in recognition of the impacts of COVID-19 on our business and operations. Pursuant to the Waiver and Amendment, among other things, the noteholders agreed to delete the total leverage ratio covenant for the measurement period ending on March 31, 2020 and to waive the requirement to deliver a financial statement to each noteholder without a “going-concern” or like qualification or exception.  In consideration for the amendment and one-time waiver, we paid the noteholders a waiver fee of 0.35%, or $376,775. We also agreed to increase the call premium to noteholders upon optional redemption of the Notes by 15 basis points for all periods on or after February 2, 2020, as well as on any amounts outstanding at maturity. We continue to discuss the amendment of covenant levels for future quarters; however, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in our efforts to obtain such future waivers or amendments. 

 

Bronco Billy’s Expansion Suspended.  In March 2020, in light of COVID-19, we suspended construction of the Phase One parking garage at Bronco Billy’s.  Whether or not we will be able to complete the parking garage in the near future will depend on the length of time that our casinos are closed, the operating results of our casinos when they reopen, and the capital markets that might be available to us at some future date. Phase Two of the Bronco Billy’s expansion project, which is expected to include a new luxury hotel tower, spa, convention and entertainment space, and two new restaurants, is contingent upon receipt of financing on acceptable terms, among other contingencies. We do not intend to commence construction of Phase Two until Phase One is completed.

 

Sports Wagering in Colorado and Indiana.  In Colorado, the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission approved us for our three permitted “Sports Betting Master Licenses” in March 2020. Additionally, in April 2020, our three providers for mobile sports wagering were approved for their “Temporary Internet Sports Betting Operator Licenses.” On May 1, 2020, online/mobile sports wagering in Colorado went live, though without significant sporting events and games to wager on. We currently expect that at least one of our contracted sports wagering websites will launch in Colorado in the second quarter of 2020, and that all three contracted websites will have launched in Colorado by the end of the third quarter of 2020.  

 

23

In Indiana, one of our three contracted websites for sports wagering launched operations on December 30, 2019. The remaining two companies await licensure.

 

Contractually, these six sports betting agreements in Colorado and Indiana are expected to result in a combined minimum of $7 million per year in revenues for us after their launch of operations, with minimal expected related costs.

 

Unsecured Loans Under the CARES Act.  On May 8, 2020, two wholly-owned subsidiaries executed promissory notes (the “Promissory Notes”) evidencing unsecured loans in the aggregate amount of $5,606,200 through programs established under the CARES Act and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Such funds will be used principally to rehire several hundred employees at Rising Star and Bronco Billy’s in preparation for the reopening of these businesses. The Loans are being made through Zions Bancorporation, N.A. dba Nevada State Bank (the “Lender”), have a two-year term, bear interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum, and mature on May 3, 2022. Monthly principal and interest payments are deferred for six months. Beginning in December 2020, we are required to make monthly payments of principal and interest to the Lender. The Loans may be prepaid at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. Such Loans may be forgiven, either in whole or in part, depending on the amount of such proceeds that are used for certain eligible expenses, including primarily the payroll and health benefits of employees who would otherwise be without jobs or health benefits. The details of such potential loan forgiveness are still being developed by the Small Business Administration and there is no certainty that any or all of such Loans will be forgiven.

 

Waukegan Proposal.  While we remain focused on conserving capital and reopening our operations, we continue to be one of three bidders for the opportunity to build a new casino in Waukegan, Illinois, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee. If chosen, we anticipate developing this casino in a joint venture, employing project financing. There is no certainty that we will be chosen to develop such a  casino, that we will find a suitable partner, or that project financing will be available.

 

Key Performance Indicators

We use several key performance indicators to evaluate the operations of our properties. These key performance indicators include the following:

Gaming revenue indicators:

Slot coin-in is the gross dollar amount wagered in slot machines and table game drop is the total amount of cash or credit exchanged into chips at table games for use by our customers. Slot coin-in and table game drop are indicators of volume.

Slot win is the difference between customer wagers and customer winnings on slot machines. Table game hold is the difference between the amount of money or markers exchanged into chips at the tables and customer winnings paid. Slot win and table game hold percentages represent the relationship between slot win and coin-in and table game win and drop.

Room revenue indicators:

Hotel occupancy rate is an indicator of the utilization of our available rooms. Complimentary room sales, or the retail value of accommodations gratuitously furnished to customers, are included in the calculation of the hotel occupancy rate.

Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Property EBITDA and Adjusted Property EBITDA Margin:

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of our performance. For a description of Adjusted EBITDA, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measure.”  We utilize Adjusted Property EBITDA, a financial measure in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”), as the measure of segment profit in assessing performance and allocating resources at the reportable segment level. For information regarding our operating segments, see Note 11 of our Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this quarterly report. In addition, we use Adjusted Property EBITDA Margin, which is calculated by dividing Adjusted Property EBITDA by the property’s net revenues.

24

Results of Operations

Consolidated operating results

The following tables summarize our consolidated operating results for the three-months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

March 31, 

 

Percent

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

Net revenues

 

$

30,853

 

$

40,494

 

(23.8)

%  

Operating expenses

 

 

34,281

 

 

39,226

 

(12.6)

%  

Operating (loss) income

 

 

(3,428)

 

 

1,268

 

(370.3)

%  

Interest and other non-operating expenses, net

 

 

835

 

 

2,743

 

(69.6)

%  

Income tax provision

 

 

95

 

 

142

 

(33.1)

%  

Net loss

 

$

(4,358)

 

$

(1,617)

 

169.5

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

March 31, 

 

Percent

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

Casino revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slots

 

$

17,359

 

$

23,473

 

(26.0)

%  

Table games

 

 

2,751

 

 

4,120

 

(33.2)

%  

Other

 

 

641

 

 

705

 

(9.1)

%  

 

 

 

20,751

 

 

28,298

 

(26.7)

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-casino revenues, net

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Food and beverage

 

 

6,990

 

 

8,658

 

(19.3)

%  

Hotel

 

 

1,974

 

 

2,715

 

(27.3)

%  

Other

 

 

1,138

 

 

823

 

38.3

%  

 

 

 

10,102

 

 

12,196

 

(17.2)

%  

Total net revenues

 

$

30,853

 

$

40,494

 

(23.8)

%  

 

The following discussion is based on our consolidated financial statements for the three-months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Revenues. Consolidated net revenues for the three-month period decreased primarily due to suspended operations at all properties as mandated by state government orders in mid-March 2020, in response to COVID-19. This resulted in our revenues reflecting activities for approximately two-thirds of the first quarter, as compared to the prior-year period which reflects a full period of operations. Of note, “Other Non-casino Revenues” includes $0.4 million of revenue related to our mobile sports operations. The first quarter of 2020 includes a full period of one of our six sports wagering websites, or “skins,” for which we contracted third parties to conduct operations in exchange for minimum annual revenue guarantees. This first sports wagering website commenced operations in Indiana on December 30, 2019. We currently expect at least one additional website to launch in the second quarter of 2020, and for all of our six contracted websites to have commenced operations by the end of the third quarter of 2020.

See further information within our reportable segments described below.

25

Operating Expenses. Consolidated operating expenses for the three-month period likewise decreased due to the temporary closures discussed above. A majority of this decrease, particularly in casino expenses, can be attributed to the lower gaming-related taxes at Rising Star and Silver Slipper as a result of decreased volume. Similarly, decreased volume corresponded to lower food and beverage expenses as there were fewer buffet guests and restaurant covers. The decrease in hotel expenses was due to the scaling back of our workforce and overhead costs, after a brief period of continued wages and health benefits beyond the casino closures. To a lesser extent, decreases in the gaming-related variable rent at Silver Slipper and marketing expenditures for the overall quarter attributed to the decrease in consolidated operating expenses.

See further information within our reportable segments described below.

Interest and Other Non-Operating Expenses.

Interest Expense

Interest expense consists of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

March 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2019

Interest cost (excluding loan fee amortization)

 

$

2,486

 

$

2,491

Amortization of debt issuance costs and discount

 

 

225

 

 

190

Change in fair value of interest rate cap agreement

 

 

 —

 

 

69

Capitalized interest

 

 

(220)

 

 

(47)

 

 

$

2,491

 

$

2,703

 

The decrease in interest expense for the three-month period is primarily due to the increase in capitalized interest for our expansion project at Bronco Billy’s, which we suspended in March 2020 due to COVID-19.

Other Non-Operating Expenses, Net

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, we had approximately $1.7 million of other non-operating income from the fair value adjustment to our outstanding warrants, which is a non-cash item related to changes in our stock price. Decreases in our share price result in decreases in the value of the warrants, causing a non-cash gain. Conversely, increases in our share price result in increases in the value of the warrants, causing a non-cash loss.

Income Tax Expense. We recognized income tax expense for the three-months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, which resulted in effective income tax rates of (2.2%) and (9.6%), respectively.

We do not expect to pay any federal income taxes or receive any federal tax refunds related to our 2020 results. Tax losses incurred in 2020 may offset taxable income in future years. However, because of the level of uncertainty regarding sufficient prospective income, we currently maintain a valuation allowance against our remaining deferred tax assets. 

Operating Results – Reportable Segments

We manage our casinos based on geographic regions within the United States. Accordingly, Stockman’s and Grand Lodge Casino comprise our Northern Nevada business segment, while Silver Slipper, Bronco Billy’s and Rising Star are distinct segments. Our Rising Star segment includes ferry boat operations between Indiana and Kentucky, and our Bronco Billy’s segment includes the Christmas Casino & Inn, near Bronco Billy’s in Cripple Creek, Colorado.

The following table presents detail by segment of our consolidated net revenue and Adjusted EBITDA; see “Non-GAAP Financial Measure” for additional information. Additionally, management uses Adjusted Property EBITDA as the measure of segment profit in accordance with GAAP.

26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

Percent

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

Net revenues

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

$

15,092

 

$

19,281

 

(21.7)

%

Rising Star Casino Resort(1)

 

 

7,671

 

 

10,868

 

(29.4)

%

Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel

 

 

4,982

 

 

6,440

 

(22.6)

%

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

 

3,108

 

 

3,905

 

(20.4)

%

 

 

$

30,853

 

$

40,494

 

(23.8)

%

Adjusted Property EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

$

1,831

 

$

3,845

 

(52.4)

%

Rising Star Casino Resort(1)

 

 

(1,093)

 

 

404

 

(370.5)

%

Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel

 

 

(478)

 

 

615

 

(177.7)

%

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

 

(390)

 

 

(9)

 

4,233.3

%

Adjusted Property EBITDA

 

 

(130)

 

 

4,855

 

(102.7)

%

Corporate

 

 

(1,119)

 

 

(1,278)

 

(12.4)

%

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

(1,249)

 

$

3,577

 

(134.9)

%

(1) Includes amounts related to the property’s sports revenue guarantees in 2020.

 

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

Net revenues during the quarter decreased by 21.7%, primarily due to impacts of COVID-19. On March 11, 2020, the state gaming commission officially declared a pandemic, which called for an emergency order of closure for all casinos operating in Mississippi by midnight on March 16, 2020. March is typically one of the strongest months of the year for guest counts, gross gaming revenue, and restaurant covers, due in part to out-of-town guests who come to the Gulf Coast hoping to escape the cold winter season in other parts of the country. The first 15 days of March in 2020 were no exception, until the state issuance for mandatory closures halted operations.

Casino revenue decreased by 26.7% for the quarter, with a strong performance through February 2020 being offset by the casino closure in March.   

Non-casino revenue decreased by 12.8% for the quarter. Food and beverage revenues, which comprise the majority of our non-casino revenue, decreased by 12.9% during the quarter. Hotel revenues decreased 15.2%, despite a higher average daily room rate, with occupancy through the date of closure of 82.2%. In last year’s quarter, hotel occupancy was 88.0%.

Adjusted Property EBITDA for the quarter decreased by 52.4% due to the reasons described above. Adjusted Property EBITDA Margin decreased to 12.1% for the quarter from 19.9% in the prior-year period.

We currently expect Silver Slipper to reopen to the public by May 22, 2020, in time for the important Memorial Day holiday weekend, potentially with gaming restrictions and limited amenities for the initial opening period.

Rising Star Casino Resort

Net revenues during the quarter (excluding $0.4 million related to the property’s sports revenue guarantees) decreased to $7.3 million from $10.9 million. This decrease was due to lower business volumes, primarily due to the impacts of COVID-19, as well as an increase in competition. Pursuant to an order from the state gaming commission, we temporarily suspended operations on March 16, 2020. A casino near Louisville opened a large new casino in mid-December, replacing its original casino boat. Additionally, on January 1, 2020, racetrack casinos near Indianapolis began offering live table games.  

Casino revenue decreased by 31.5%. Food and beverage revenues decreased 36.4% and hotel revenues also decreased for the quarter, with lower occupancy offset by a higher average daily room rate and the implementation of the daily resort fee.

27

Adjusted Property EBITDA for the quarter (excluding $0.4 million related to the property’s sports revenue guarantees) decreased by approximately $1.9 million due primarily to the property closure as mandated by the state gaming commission. Including the sports revenue guarantees, revenues and Adjusted Property EBITDA for the first quarter of 2020 were $7.7 million and $(1.1) million, respectively.

We currently expect Rising Star to reopen to the public on June 14, 2020, potentially with gaming restrictions and limited amenities for the initial opening period. We expect that our two remaining online/mobile sports wagering websites will commence operations in the third quarter of 2020, subject to the receipt of customary regulatory approvals.

During the fourth quarter of 2019, we installed a new slot system. This new system should improve both the customer experience and the effectiveness and efficiency of our marketing efforts. During this temporary casino closure, we have also prepared new marketing plans that we intend to implement upon the casino’s reopening, which we believe will benefit the property’s expense structure in the longer-term.

The new Indiana gaming legislation passed in 2019 approved a reduction in certain gaming taxes for casino operators in the state, including Rising Star, beginning on July 1, 2021. Based on activity levels in recent years, we estimate that the new gaming tax schedule will save us approximately $2.5 million per year.

Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel

Net revenues for the quarter decreased by 22.6%, which was also due to the impacts of COVID-19. Pursuant to state government orders, we temporarily closed Bronco Billy’s on March 17, 2020. This resulted in a decrease of casino revenues in the quarter of 23.6% compared to the prior-year’s quarter, reflecting the adverse effect of the casino closure on gaming volumes. Food and beverage revenues decreased during the quarter due to the closure, as did hotel revenues by 1.0%.

Adjusted Property EBITDA for the quarter decreased by $1.1 million due to the state-mandated closure.

The market in Cripple Creek is seasonal, favoring the summer months.

We currently expect Bronco Billy’s to reopen to the public in early June 2020, likely with gaming restrictions and limited amenities for the initial opening period.

Similar to Rising Star, during the fourth quarter of 2019, we installed a new slot system. This new system should improve both the customer experience and the effectiveness and efficiency of our marketing efforts. During this temporary casino closure, we have also prepared new marketing plans to implement upon the casino’s reopening, which we believe will benefit the property’s expense structure in the longer-term.

In April 2020, each of the three providers for our three permitted online/mobile sports wagering websites received their Colorado gaming licenses. We expect that at least one of these three websites will commence operations in the second quarter of 2020, and that all three websites will be operational before the end of the third quarter of 2020.

Northern Nevada

Our Northern Nevada operations have historically been seasonal, with the summer months accounting for a disproportionate share of annual revenues. Additionally, snowfall levels during the winter months also frequently have a positive or negative effect. Grand Lodge Casino is located near several ski resorts, including Alpine Meadows, Northstar and Squaw Valley. Normally, we benefit from a “good” snow year, resulting in extended periods of operation at the nearby ski areas.

Pursuant to state government orders on March 17, 2020, we temporarily closed both Grand Lodge Casino and Stockman’s Casino. As a result, net revenues for the quarter decreased by 20.4%. Casino revenues decreased by 20.5%. Food and beverage revenue at Stockman’s Casino decreased by $0.1 million as compared to the prior-year quarter.

Adjusted Property EBITDA for the quarter decreased by $0.4 million.

28

We currently expect both Grand Lodge Casino and Stockman’s Casino to reopen to the public in late May 2020, likely with gaming restrictions and limited amenities for the initial opening period.

Corporate

Corporate expenses for the quarter decreased 12.4%, or $0.2 million, primarily due to a decrease in professional fees, and to a lesser extent, a reduction in travel and related expenses.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

“Adjusted EBITDA” is earnings before interest and other non-operating income (expense), taxes, depreciation and amortization, pre-opening expenses, impairment charges, asset write-offs, recoveries, gain (loss) from asset disposals, project development and acquisition costs, and non-cash share-based compensation expense. Adjusted EBITDA information is presented solely as supplemental disclosure to measures reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) because management believes this measure is (i) a widely used measure of operating performance in the gaming and hospitality industries and (ii) a principal basis for valuation of gaming and hospitality companies. In addition, a version of Adjusted EBITDA (known as Consolidated EBITDA) is utilized in the covenants within our indenture, although not necessarily defined in the same way as above. Adjusted EBITDA is not, however, a measure of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP. Accordingly, this measure should be considered supplemental and not a substitute for net income (loss) or cash flows as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance or liquidity.

The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss and operating (loss) income to Adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2019

Net loss

 

$

(4,358)

 

$

(1,617)

Income tax provision

 

 

95

 

 

142

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

 

 

2,491

 

 

2,703

Adjustment to fair value of warrants

 

 

(1,656)

 

 

40

Operating (loss) income

 

 

(3,428)

 

 

1,268

Project development costs

 

 

56

 

 

133

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

2,040

 

 

2,091

Gain on disposal of assets, net

 

 

 —

 

 

(1)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

83

 

 

86

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

(1,249)

 

$

3,577

 

29

The following tables present reconciliations of operating income (loss) to Adjusted Property EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property

 

 

Operating

 

Depreciation

 

Project

 

 

 

 

EBITDA and

 

 

Income

 

and

 

Development

 

Stock-Based

 

Adjusted

 

    

(Loss)

    

Amortization

    

Costs

    

Compensation

    

EBITDA

Casino properties

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

$

988

 

$

843

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

1,831

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

 

(1,715)

 

 

622

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,093)

Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel

 

 

(865)

 

 

387

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(478)

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

 

(540)

 

 

150

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(390)

 

 

 

(2,132)

 

 

2,002

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(130)

Other operations

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Corporate

 

 

(1,296)

 

 

38

 

 

56

 

 

83

 

 

(1,119)

 

 

$

(3,428)

 

$

2,040

 

$

56

 

$

83

 

$

(1,249)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property

 

 

Operating

 

Depreciation

 

Gain on

 

Project

 

 

 

 

EBITDA and

 

 

Income

 

and

 

Disposal of

 

Development

 

Stock-Based

 

Adjusted

 

 

(Loss)

 

Amortization

 

Assets

 

Costs

 

Compensation

 

EBITDA

Casino properties

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel

 

$

2,999

 

$

847

 

$

(1)

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

3,845

Rising Star Casino Resort

 

 

(202)

 

 

606

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

404

Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel

 

 

168

 

 

447

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

615

Northern Nevada Casinos

 

 

(162)

 

 

153

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(9)

 

 

 

2,803

 

 

2,053

 

 

(1)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

4,855

Other operations

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Corporate

 

 

(1,535)

 

 

38

 

 

 —

 

 

133

 

 

86

 

 

(1,278)

 

 

$

1,268

 

$

2,091

 

$

(1)

 

$

133

 

$

86

 

$

3,577

 

Operating expenses deducted to arrive at operating income (loss) in the above tables for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 included facility rents related to: (i) Silver Slipper of $0.4 million during 2020 and $0.5 million for during 2019, (ii) Northern Nevada of $0.5 million for both periods, and (iii) Bronco Billy’s of $0.2 million for both periods.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

As of March 31, 2020, we had $24.3 million of unrestricted cash and equivalents and we estimate that our cash burn rate while operations are closed is approximately $3 million per month, including interest and debt principal payments.  Historically, we have utilized approximately $10 million to $12 million of cash in our day-to-day operations, including for on-site cash in our slot machines, change and redemption kiosks, and cages. The balance of our cash was earmarked for completion

30

of our parking garage in Colorado, which was under construction when operations were required to close. Whether or not we will be able to complete the parking garage in the near future will depend on the length of time that our casinos are closed, the operating results of our casinos when they reopen, and the capital markets that might be available to us at some future date. Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, as discussed above, we received approximately $5.6 million of loan proceeds under the CARES Act.

Our casinos are our primary sources of income and operating cash flows and they are all currently closed as a result of COVID-19. There can be no assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations once our casinos have reopened or that future borrowings will be available in amounts sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or fund our other liquidity needs. In this section, we have described actions with respect to our liquidity that we have taken as a result of COVID-19.

Cash flows – operating activities. On a consolidated basis, cash used in operations during the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $4.2 million, compared to cash used in operations of $0.7 million in the prior-year period. Trends in our operating cash flows tend to follow trends in operating income, excluding non-cash charges, but are also affected by changes in working capital. Comparing the 2020 and 2019 periods, our operating cash flows decreased primarily due to the unforeseen business interruption from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cash flows – investing activities. On a consolidated basis, cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $1 million, which primarily related to the Phase One expansion at Bronco Billy’s that was suspended in March 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Cash used in investing activities during the prior-year period was $1.3 million, which primarily related to capital expenditures for maintenance and certain growth-related projects, including the Phase One expansion at Bronco Billy’s and the remodeling of the Silver Slipper casino.

Cash flows – financing activities. On a consolidated basis, cash used in financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $0.4 million, compared to cash used in financing activities of $0.3 million in the prior-year period. Both amounts primarily related to payments for the Notes and the finance lease at Rising Star (see Note 3). Comparing the 2020 and 2019 periods, the higher Notes payment reflects the additional $10 million of incremental debt sold in May 2019, while the lower finance lease payment at Rising Star in 2020 reflects a month of loan deferment in our efforts to preserve cash during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other Factors Affecting Liquidity

We have significant outstanding debt and contractual obligations in addition to potential future capital expenditures. Our debt matures in February 2024 and we anticipate needing to refinance our debt prior to its maturity, as we are unlikely to generate sufficient cash flow in the interim to completely repay these obligations. Certain planned capital expenditures designed to grow the Company, if pursued, would likely require additional financing, including perhaps the issuance of additional debt and potentially some form of equity financing, if available at such time. Our operations are subject to financial, economic, competitive, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient operating cash flow and/or access the capital markets, including as a result of COVID-19, we could be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing, delaying, or eliminating certain planned capital expenditures, selling assets, obtaining additional equity financing, or borrowing at higher costs of capital. See “Bronco Billy’s Expansion Suspended” for measures that have been implemented as a result of COVID-19.

Long-term Debt. As discussed above in the “Executive Overview,” we executed the Waiver and Amendment in April 2020 to amend the Indenture governing the Notes, which included an amendment to delete our total leverage covenant requirement for the period ended March 31, 2020, among other items.

On February 2, 2018, we issued $100 million of Notes and on May 10, 2019, we issued an additional $10 million of Notes. The Notes are collateralized by substantially all of our assets and are guaranteed by all of our material subsidiaries. The total $110 million of Notes bear interest at the greater of the three-month LIBOR or 1.0%, plus a margin rate of 7.0%. The Indenture governing the Notes provides for a 50 basis point interest premium if Mr. Lee reduces his equity interests by 50% or more while serving as our CEO. Mr. Lee has no current intention to sell any shares. Interest on the Notes is payable quarterly in arrears, on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year until the Notes mature on February 2, 2024. On

31

each interest payment date (as amended), we are required to make principal payments of $275,000 with a balloon payment for the remaining $103.5 million due upon maturity. The Waiver and Amendment also increased the amount due upon prepayment or maturity by 15 basis points, applied to the aggregate principal amount of the Notes repaid. As of March 31, 2020, the total balance of the Notes was $107.7 million, accruing interest at a rate of 8.45%. Mandatory prepayments of the Notes will be required upon the occurrence of certain events, including sales of certain assets. We may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time at the applicable redemption price plus accrued and unpaid interest. The redemption price (as amended) is currently 101.65% through February 1, 2021, 100.65% through February 1, 2022, and 100.15% thereafter.

The Indenture governing the Notes contains customary representations and warranties, events of default, and positive and negative covenants. We are required to maintain financial covenants, including a total leverage ratio, which measures Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Indenture) against outstanding debt. The total leverage ratio maximum is 5.75x through September 30, 2020 and 5.50x from October 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. As discussed above, we amended the Indenture to delete the total leverage covenant as of March 31, 2020, and waived certain other covenants under the Indenture. We are currently in discussions to amend the total leverage covenant for future quarters, reflecting the effects of the temporary closure of our properties, but there is no guarantee that we will be successful in such efforts, in which case we may not be able to comply with such covenants in future periods. See Note 5 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more information about our Indenture governing the Notes.

Unsecured Loans Under the CARES Act. On May 8, 2020, through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, we executed promissory notes (the “Promissory Notes”) evidencing unsecured loans in the aggregate amount of $5,606,200 through programs established under the CARES Act and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Such funds will be used principally to rehire several hundred employees at Rising Star and Bronco Billy’s in preparation for the reopening of these businesses. The Loans were made through Zions Bancorporation, N.A. dba Nevada State Bank (the “Lender”), have a two-year term, bear interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum, and mature on May 3, 2022. Monthly principal and interest payments are deferred for six months. Beginning in December 2020, we are required to make monthly payments of principal and interest to the Lender. The Loans may be prepaid at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. Such Loans may be forgiven, either in whole or in part, depending on the amount of such proceeds that are used for certain eligible expenses, including primarily the payroll and health benefits of employees who would otherwise be without jobs or health benefits. The details of such potential loan forgiveness are still being developed by the Small Business Administration and there is no certainty that any or all of such Loans will be forgiven.

 

Interest Rate Cap Agreement. We maintain an interest rate cap (“Interest Rate Cap”) with Capital One, N.A. to minimize the effect of interest rate increases on roughly half of our outstanding borrowings with a notional amount of $50 million and strike rate of 3.00%, which resets every three months at the end of March, June, September, and December. The Interest Rate Cap expires on March 31, 2021 and is presented accordingly on our consolidated balance sheet under “Deposits and other” as a non-current asset (see Note 5).

Common Stock Warrants. In connection with the former Second Lien Credit Facility, we have warrants outstanding, representing rights to purchase approximately 1.0 million shares of our common stock. The warrants include redemption rights which allow the warrant-holders, at their option, to require us to repurchase all or a portion of the warrants upon the occurrence of certain triggering events. The refinancing of the Second Lien Credit Facility qualified as a triggering event. Accordingly, we have reclassified the obligation to current. As of the date of this filing, the Second Lien Lenders have not exercised such redemption rights. If they do exercise their redemption rights, we have the option of paying them in cash or with a four-year note on terms stipulated in the warrant agreement, or by registering and selling the shares related to the warrants through a public offering. See Note 6 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further information about these warrants which could affect our liquidity and capital resources.

Hyatt Option to Purchase our Leasehold Interest and Related Assets. Our lease with Hyatt to operate the Grand Lodge Casino contains an option for Hyatt, which began on January 1, 2019, to purchase our leasehold interest and related casino operating assets. See Note 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further information about this option and related rental commitments that could affect our liquidity and capital resources, as well as our expanded lease disclosures in accordance with ASC 842 that was adopted on January 1, 2019.

32

Capital Investments. In addition to normal maintenance capital expenditures, we made significant capital investments through March 31, 2020, but have curtailed making any significant additional capital investments during the remainder of 2020 until we have a better understanding of our financial position in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted our business operations in March 2020.

Bronco Billy’s. As discussed above in the “Executive Overview,” we began Phase One of the two-phase expansion of our Bronco Billy’s property with our purchase of the Imperial Hotel in June 2018, along with other nearby parcels of land, and our lease of the Imperial Casino in August 2018. The remainder of Phase One includes the construction of a 319-space parking garage and connector building. In March 2020, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended construction of the parking garage. We estimate that the remaining cost for Phase One’s parking garage is approximately $16 million. Whether or not we will be able to complete the parking garage in the near future will depend on the length of time that our casinos are closed, the operating results of our casinos when they reopen, and whether the capital markets are available to us at such future date.

Other Capital Expenditures. Additionally, we may fund various other capital expenditure projects, depending on our financial resources and subject to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic described herein. Our capital expenditures may fluctuate due to decisions regarding strategic capital investments in new or existing facilities, and the timing of capital investments to maintain the quality of our properties. No assurance can be given that any of our planned capital expenditure projects will be completed or that any completed projects will be successful.

We evaluate projects based on a number of factors, including profitability forecasts, length of the development period, the regulatory and political environment, and the ability to secure the funding necessary to complete the development or acquisition, among other considerations. No assurance can be given that any additional projects will be pursued or completed or that any completed projects will be successful.

COVID-19 Impact on Liquidity. As described in Notes 2 and 12, in March 2020, in their efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, various state governments temporarily closed each of our casinos, which are currently expected to re-open in the schedule discussed above, subject to future developments.

We currently believe that, through our current cash balances, we have the liquidity necessary to sustain closure beyond the currently-mandated closure periods. To preserve liquidity, upon the temporary closure of our properties in March 2020, we significantly reduced staffing levels at each of our properties and at our corporate office from approximately 1,600 to approximately 30, in addition to a small number of surveillance and security personnel. We also elected to suspend construction of the Phase One parking garage at Bronco Billy’s, allowing us to use the cash designated for such construction to provide us with additional liquidity until our casinos are permitted to reopen. We also elected to defer one-third of management salaries until at least four of our casinos, including Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel, have reopened. In addition, to allow us to rehire several hundred employees at Rising Star and Bronco Billy’s in preparation for the reopening of these businesses, we obtained the Loans pursuant to programs established under the CARES Act, as discussed above. We cannot assure you that, should the casino closures extend for a prolonged period and require us to seek additional liquidity, we will be able to successfully raise additional funds. We will work diligently to reopen our casinos as soon as we are permitted to do so, with all of our casinos expected to have reopened by June 14, 2020. In connection with reopening our casinos, we anticipate that implementation of measures as a result of social distancing requirements will result in additional expenditures.

Because of the length of the look-forward period and the substantial items that are outside of its control, and despite its intent and best efforts to overcome the challenges in the current environment, management concluded that there is substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern. We are attempting to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on us through the plans described above. 

Concessions Obtained for Certain Leases. In our efforts to preserve cash, we were able to obtain rent concessions in the form of deferments and abatements totaling approximately $0.3 million. The $155,000 in rent forgiveness for the casino land lease at Silver Slipper and the $109,000 in deferrals for the finance lease at Rising Star would improve our liquidity through May 2020, while the remaining rent deferrals at Bronco Billy’s would not be due until December 1, 2021. See Notes 3 and 12 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for details. 

33

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K, that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources that are material to investors.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies

We describe our critical accounting estimates and policies in Note 2, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2019. We also discuss our critical accounting estimates and policies in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2019. There has been no significant change in our estimation methods since the end of 2019.

Accounting Election for Lease Deferments under COVID-19 Pandemic.  As a result of COVID-19, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), which governs U.S. GAAP, has offered companies the accounting election to apply guidance relief relating to lease concessions for business interruptions brought on by government-mandated closures. Companies can choose on a reasonable basis to either: (1) apply the modification framework for these concessions in accordance with the applicable codification to calculate lease remeasurements, or (2) forgo such remeasurements and account for the concessions as if they were made under the enforceable rights included in the original agreement.

In summary, we have elected to apply guidance relief as granted by FASB for certain rent deferments, as these concessions affect only the timing of payments. However, we will remeasure material leases in which we have been granted rent forgiveness, as these abatements reflect an actual reduction in amounts paid over the remaining term from our original lease measurement. See Notes 3 and 12 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for details.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), for which the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, representations and intentions. They are not historical facts and are typically identified by the use of terms such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “intends,” “objectives,” “goals,” “aims,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “possible,” “seeks,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “might,” “likely,” “enable,” or similar words or expressions, as well as statements containing phrases such as “in our view,” “there can be no assurance,” “although no assurance can be given,” or “there is no way to anticipate with certainty.”  Specifically, this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q contains forward-looking statements relating to (i) our expectations regarding our growth strategies; (ii) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and our expectations regarding timing of reopening of casinos in the respective states; (iii) our expectations regarding Loans obtained pursuant to programs established under the CARES Act, including our intended use of such Loans; (iv) our development and expansion plans, including a planned expansion of Bronco Billy’s, our budget and ability to obtain financing for such expansion and the timing for commencement (or recommencement in the case of Phase One) or completion of each phase of such expansion; (v) our investments in capital improvements and other projects; (vi) our sports wagering agreements, including expected revenues and expenses, duration of terms and expected timing for launch and commencement of sports betting operations in the respective locations; (vii) our expectations regarding the Waukegan proposal; (viii) our expectations regarding our intentions to implement new marketing plans upon certain casino reopenings and our beliefs regarding the benefit of such plans to the properties’ long-term expense structure; (ix) our estimated operating requirements, including as a result of the impact of COVID-19; (x) our belief that, through our current cash balances, we have the liquidity necessary to sustain closure beyond the currently-mandated closure periods; (xi) our expectations regarding improvements as a result of the new slot systems at Rising Star and Bronco Billy’s; (xii) our intention to focus on improving our operating margins; (xiii) anticipated expenditures as a result of COVID-19 upon reopening of our casinos ; (xiv) our belief regarding our CEO’s current intention not to sell his shares; (xv) our beliefs regarding the adequacy of our insurance; (xvi) our expectations regarding the outcome of legal matters and the impact of recently-issued accounting standards; and (xvii) our estimates and expectations regarding certain accounting and tax matters, including estimated savings as a result of the new gaming tax schedule, among others.

34

Various matters may affect the operation, performance, development and results of our business and could cause future outcomes to change significantly from those set forth in our forward-looking statements, including the following risks, uncertainties and other factors:

·

our ability to repay our substantial indebtedness;

·

the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, constructions projects, financial condition and operating results, including on our ability to continue as a going concern;

·

actions by government officials at the federal, state or local level with respect to steps to be taken, including, without limitation, temporary shutdowns, travel restrictions, social distancing and shelter-in place orders, in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic;

·

our ability to effectively manage and control expenses during temporary or extended shutdown periods;

·

the impact of temporary or extended shutdowns on our ability to maintain compliance with the terms and conditions of our indenture and other material contracts;

·

our ability to maintain strong relationships with our regulators, employees, lenders, suppliers, customers, insurance carriers, and other stakeholders;

·

our ability to successfully implement social distancing and other safety measures and to protect our workforce and guests upon the reopening of our casinos;

·

changes by the SBA or other governmental authorities regarding the CARES Act, loan programs established under the CARES Act, or related administrative matters;

·

our ability to comply with the terms of the Loans and the CARES Act and to use the Loans in a manner that results in forgiveness of some or all of the Loans;

·

the availability of forgiveness of the Loans in whole or in part;

·

the impact of any uninsured losses;

·

disruptions in our supply chain;

·

disruptions or shortages in our labor supply;

·

the adverse impact of cancellations and/or postponements of hotel stays, live entertainment events and small meeting groups on our business, market position, growth, financial condition and operating results.

·

changes in guest visitation or spending patterns due to health or other concerns;

·

substantial dilution related to our outstanding stock warrants and options;

·

implementation of our growth strategies, including the Bronco Billy’s expansion, capital investments and potential acquisitions;

·

risks related to development and construction activities (including disputes with and defaults by contractors and subcontractors; construction, equipment or staffing problems; shortages of materials or skilled labor; environment, health and safety issues; and unanticipated cost increases);

35

·

risks related to entering into sports betting operations, including our ability to establish and maintain relationships with key partners or vendors, the ability and/or willingness of our sports wagering providers to sustain sports betting operations should they experience an extended period of unprofitability, and the ability to replace existing partners or vendors on similar terms as our existing revenue guarantees;

·

our ability to successfully implement our sports betting operations in the anticipated time frame and to accurately forecast its impact on our cash flows;

·

delays in timing for Colorado regulators to begin allowing sports betting;

·

risks related to entering into the sports wagering agreements, including the ability of the parties to perform their obligations under the respective agreements;

·

the impact that any discontinuance, modification or other reform of LIBOR, or the establishment of alternative reference rates, may have on our LIBOR-based debt instruments such as our senior secured notes;

·

commerciality of our ferry boat service and risks associated with ferry boat operations;

·

our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions;

·

our ability to continue to comply with the covenants and terms of our debt instruments;

·

the development and success of our expansion projects and the financial performance of completed projects;

·

our ability to continue to comply with covenants and the terms of our debt instruments;

·

some of our casinos being on leased property;

·

changes to anticipated trends in the gaming industries;

·

changes in patron demographics;

·

general market and economic conditions including, but not limited to, the effects of housing and energy conditions on the economy in general and on the gaming and lodging industries in particular;

·

our ability to access capital and credit upon reasonable terms, including our ability to finance future business requirements and to repay or refinance debt as it matures;

·

our dependence on key personnel;

·

our ability and the cost to hire, motivate and retain employees, given low unemployment rates and, in some jurisdictions, increases in minimum wages;

·

availability of adequate levels of insurance;

·

changes to federal, state, and local taxation and tax rates, and gaming, health and safety and environmental laws, regulations and legislation;

·

any violations of the anti-money laundering laws;

·

cyber-security risks, including misappropriation of customer information or other breaches of information security;

36

·

our ability to obtain and maintain gaming and other licenses, and obtain entitlements and other regulatory approvals for projects;

·

the impact of severe weather;

·

lack of alternative routes to certain of our properties;

·

the competitive environment, including increased competition in our target market areas;

·

substantial dilution related to our outstanding stock warrants and options;

·

the outcome of litigation matters;

·

marine transportation risks, including disasters, accidents, damage, injury, death and spills;

·

our ability to successfully estimate the impact of certain accounting and tax matters, including the effect on our company of adopting certain accounting pronouncements;

·

the timing and effectiveness of the introduction of sports wagering in Indiana and Colorado, as well as the scale, speed and effectiveness that the parties with which we have contracted will introduce and market their respective sports wagering services; 

·

the potential for any of the parties with which we have contracted for sports wagering to terminate their agreements prior to the expiration of their term (such as through bankruptcy, sustained unprofitability of their online/mobile operations, a court ruling that overturns the legality of sports wagering in Indiana or Colorado, or their purchase of a physical casino in Indiana or Colorado with a competing online/mobile sports wagering application, subject to an extended non-compete period), and our ability to replace such party with another third-party on similar financial terms and in a timely manner; and

·

other factors described from time to time in this and our other SEC filings and reports.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of future developments, events or conditions, except as required by law. New risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ significantly from those forecast in any forward-looking statements.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures — As of March 31, 2020, we completed an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Exchange Act Rule 13a‑15(e) and 15d‑15(e)).   Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2020, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable assurance level in timely alerting them to material information relating to us, which is required to be included in our periodic SEC filings.

We have established controls and procedures designed at the reasonable assurance level to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s  rules and forms and is accumulated

37

and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting — There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are subject to various legal and administrative proceedings relating to personal injuries, employment matters, commercial transactions and other matters arising in the normal course of business.  We do not believe that the final outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.  We maintain what we believe is adequate insurance coverage to further mitigate the risks of such proceedings.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2019, the following risk factor was identified:

 

Our loans under the CARES Act may be subject to regulatory review.

On May 8, 2020, two wholly-owned subsidiaries, each of which has less than 500 employees, executed promissory notes, each with a two-year term, evidencing unsecured loans in the aggregate amount of $5,606,200 through programs established under the CARES Act and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Such program was established for companies like ours, which have been heavily impacted by the pandemic, and encourages us to retain or rehire employees who would otherwise be unemployed, which we are doing. The application for the unsecured loans required us to certify, among other things, that the current economic uncertainty made the loan requests necessary to support our ongoing operations. We made this certification in good faith after analyzing, among other things, our financial situation (including our relatively small size and high leverage) and our lack of access to alternative forms of capital in light of the required closure of all of our operations, the uncertain dates at which we can open, and the uncertainty of business levels that will be obtained after we reopen. We believe that we satisfied all eligibility criteria for the loans. However, the certification required in the CARES Act application includes subjective criteria and is subject to interpretation. Others may interpret the criteria differently. If we are subsequently found to have been ineligible to receive the loans, we may be required to repay the loans prior to their maturity. We may also be subject to certain penalties with respect to the loans. In the event that we seek forgiveness of all or a portion of the loans, we will also be required to make certain certifications which will be subject to audit and review by governmental entities. The rules regarding such potential forgiveness are not yet clear and there is no certainty that any or all of the loans will be forgiven. Any of these events could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

38

Item 5. Other Information

Item 1.01   Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On May 8, 2020, Gaming Entertainment (Indiana) LLC and FHR-Colorado LLC (“Borrowers”), subsidiaries of the Company, each executed a promissory note (collectively, the “Promissory Notes”) evidencing unsecured loans in the aggregate amount of $5,606,200 through programs established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”). Each of those subsidiaries had fewer than 500 employees on average over the 12 month period prior to shutdown and has an NAICS code beginning with 72. A provision of the CARES Act allows certain businesses with an NAICS code of 72 to qualify for SBA loans even if those businesses, when combined with their affiliates, have more than 500 employees. The Loans were made through Zions Bancorporation, N.A. dba Nevada State Bank (the “Lender”) and were funded on May 8, 2020.

The Loans have a two-year term and bear interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum. Monthly principal and interest payments are deferred for six months. Beginning in December 2020, the Borrower is required to make monthly payments of principal and interest to the Lender. The Loans may be prepaid at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. The Promissory Notes mature on May 3, 2022.

The Promissory Notes contain customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment defaults, making materially false and misleading representations to the SBA or Lender, or breaching the terms of the Loan documents. Upon an event of default, the Lender may require immediate payment of all amounts owing under the respective Promissory Notes, collect all amounts owing from the respective Borrowers, or file suit and obtain judgment.

Under the terms of the CARES Act, all or a portion of these loans may be forgiven. Such forgiveness will be determined, subject to certain limitations, based on the use of loan proceeds for payment of certain eligible expenses, including primarily the payroll and health benefits of employees who would otherwise be without jobs or health benefits, as well as payments of mortgage interest, rent, and utilities. Such limitations include reductions in forgivable amounts if the Borrowers reduce the number of employees or certain wages, as well as the limitation that no more than 25% of the amount forgiven can be attributable to non-payroll costs. We will be obligated to repay any portion of the principal amount of the Loans that are not forgiven, together with accrued interest. We intend to use the Loans for qualifying expenses, and will continue to assess whether to apply for forgiveness of the Loans in accordance with the terms of the CARES Act. However, we cannot assure you that we will be eligible for forgiveness of all or any portion of the Loans.

The foregoing description of the Promissory Notes does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the Promissory Notes attached as Exhibit 10.2 and Exhibit 10.3 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 2.03.   Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

The information set forth under Item 1.01 and Exhibit 10.2 and Exhibit 10.3 are incorporated herein by reference.

 

39

Item 6. Exhibits

 

 

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

4.1

 

Waiver and Third Amendment to Indenture, dated as of April 28, 2020, by and among Full House Resorts, Inc., Wilmington Trust, National Association and the Guarantors (as named therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-32583) filed on April 29, 2020).

10.1*

 

Fourth Amendment to Lease Agreement with Option to Purchase dated as of March 20, 2020, by and between Cure Land Company, LLC, as landlord, and Silver Slipper Casino Venture LLC, as tenant.

10.2*

 

Promissory Note, dated as of May 8, 2020, by Gaming Entertainment (Indiana) LLC in favor of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. dba Nevada State Bank.

10.3*

 

Promissory Note, dated as of May 8, 2020, by FHR-Colorado LLC in favor of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. dba Nevada State Bank.

31.1*

 

Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a‑14(a)/15(d)‑14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2*

 

Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a‑14(a)/15(d)‑14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1**

 

Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2**

 

Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS*

 

XBRL Instance

101.SCH*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation

101.DEF*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition

101.LAB*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels

101.PRE*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation

 

*      Filed herewith.

**    Furnished herewith.

 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.

 

 

 

Date: May 13, 2020

By: 

/s/ DANIEL R. LEE

 

 

Daniel R. Lee

Chief Executive Officer

(on behalf of the Registrant and as principal executive officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: May 13, 2020

By:

/s/ LEWIS A. FANGER

 

 

Lewis A. Fanger

Chief Financial Officer

(on behalf of the Registrant and as principal financial officer and as principal accounting officer)

 

40