-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, NOZ5pMlShO4FdwwHwNqyiYt9eeUG2H6AygNWbnIkmDTXFdqQQ7amhT8hT77DJGSL z7jMBLIg6l7NkytQWwi1pA== 0001193125-08-043612.txt : 20080229 0001193125-08-043612.hdr.sgml : 20080229 20080229155236 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-08-043612 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 13 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20071231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20080229 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080229 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BOYD GAMING CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000906553 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-MISCELLANEOUS AMUSEMENT & RECREATION [7990] IRS NUMBER: 880242733 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NV FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-12882 FILM NUMBER: 08655573 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 3883 HOWARD HUGHES PARKWAY STREET 2: NINTH FLOOR CITY: LAS VEGAS STATE: NV ZIP: 89169 BUSINESS PHONE: 7027927200 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 3883 HOWARD HUGHES PARKWAY STREET 2: NINTH FLOOR CITY: LAS VEGAS STATE: NV ZIP: 89169 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: BOYD GROUP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19941130 10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007

OR

 

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

Commission file number: 1-12882

BOYD GAMING CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada   88-0242733

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

3883 Howard Hughes Parkway, Ninth Floor, Las Vegas NV 89169

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(702) 792-7200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, Par Value $.01 Per Share   New York Stock Exchange

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:    None

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

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

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 than the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes x    No ¨

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

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

 

Large accelerated Filer x   Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨   Smaller reporting company ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    

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

As of June 29, 2007, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange for such date, was approximately $2.8 billion.

As of February 15, 2008, the Registrant had outstanding 87,754,579 shares of Common Stock.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the Registrant’s fiscal year end of December 31, 2007 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

 

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Boyd Gaming Corporation 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K

Table of Contents

 

          Page No.
PART I   

ITEM 1.

   Business    1

ITEM 1A.

   Risk Factors    10

ITEM 1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments    19

ITEM 2.

   Properties    20

ITEM 3.

   Legal Proceedings    20

ITEM 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    21

ITEM 4A.

   Executive Officers of the Registrant    21
PART II   

ITEM 5.

   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities    22

ITEM 6.

   Selected Financial Data    22

ITEM 7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    24

ITEM 7A.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk    47

ITEM 8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    48

ITEM 9.

   Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    49

ITEM 9A.

   Controls and Procedures    49

ITEM 9B.

   Other Information    51
PART III   

ITEM 10.

   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance    51

ITEM 11.

   Executive Compensation    51

ITEM 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters    51

ITEM 13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence    51

ITEM 14.

   Principal Accounting Fees and Services    51
PART IV   

ITEM 15.

   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules    52

Signature Page

   105


Table of Contents

PART I

ITEM 1. Business

Overview

We are a multi-jurisdictional gaming company that has been operating for approximately 30 years. As of December 31, 2007, we wholly-owned and operated 15 casino entertainment facilities located in eight distinct gaming markets in five states. As of December 31, 2007, we owned an aggregate of approximately 817,000 square feet of casino space, containing approximately 23,000 slot machines, 500 table games and 7,300 hotel rooms. We derive the majority of our gross revenues from our gaming operations, which produced approximately 75%, 74% and 74%, respectively, of gross revenues for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. Food and beverage gross revenues, which produced approximately 12%, 13% and 13%, respectively, of gross revenues for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, represent the only other revenue source which produced more than 10% of gross revenues during these periods.

We and MGM MIRAGE each own 50% of a limited liability company that owns and operates Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa (“Borgata”), a destination resort located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Borgata commenced operations on July 3, 2003.

Significant developments affecting our business during the past five years are as follows:

 

   

We began construction on Echelon, our multi-billion dollar Las Vegas Strip development project, in the second quarter of 2007 and plan to open Echelon in the third quarter of 2010. Echelon will be located on the former Stardust site, which we closed on November 1, 2006 and demolished in March 2007.

 

   

On February 27, 2007, we completed our exchange transaction with Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., or Harrah’s, whereby we exchanged our Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino and its related 4.2 acres of land for approximately 24 acres located north of and contiguous to our Echelon development project on the Las Vegas Strip in a nonmonetary, tax-free transaction.

 

   

On October 25, 2006, we sold our South Coast Hotel and Casino for total consideration of approximately $513 million, consisting of approximately $401 million in cash and approximately 3.4 million shares of our common stock valued at $112 million.

 

   

On January 31, 2006, we expanded our Blue Chip Hotel and Casino through the construction of a single-level boat that allowed us to expand our casino and increase the number of slot machines by approximately 25%. In connection with this expansion, we also added a new parking structure and enhanced the land-based pavilion.

 

   

On July 1, 2004, we consummated a $1.3 billion merger in stock and cash with Coast Casinos, Inc., or Coast, pursuant to which Coast became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boyd Gaming Corporation.

 

   

On May 19, 2004, we acquired all of the outstanding limited and general partnership interests of the partnership that owned the Shreveport Hotel and Casino in Shreveport, Louisiana, for approximately $197 million. After the acquisition, we renamed the property Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino.

We are subject to a variety of regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate and are required to be licensed by certain authorities in order to conduct gaming operations. A more detailed description of the regulations to which we are subject is contained in Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.

For further information related to our segment information for revenues, net income and total assets as of and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, see Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements presented in Item 15, “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.”

 

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Business Strategy and Competitive Strengths

We believe that the following factors have contributed to our success in the past and are central to our future success:

 

   

we emphasize slot revenues, the most consistently profitable segment of the gaming industry;

 

   

we have comprehensive marketing and promotion programs;

 

   

our four primary Las Vegas properties are well-positioned to capitalize on the Las Vegas locals market, making us a leader in historically one of the strongest and fastest-growing gaming markets in the United States;

 

   

our downtown Las Vegas properties focus their marketing programs on, and derive a majority of their revenues from, a unique niche—customers from Hawaii;

 

   

our operations are geographically diversified within the United States;

 

   

we have the ability to develop new facilities and expand certain existing properties;

 

   

we make opportunistic and strategic acquisitions; and

 

   

we have an experienced management team.

 

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Properties

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our wholly-owned properties (listed by the segment in which each such property is reported) and Borgata, as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

    Year
Opened or
Acquired
  Casino
Space
(Sq. Ft.)
  Slot
Machines
  Table
Games
  Hotel
Rooms
  Land
(Acres)
  Hotel
Occupancy
    Average
Daily
Rate

LAS VEGAS LOCALS

               

Gold Coast Hotel and Casino

  2004   85,500   2,048   51   711   26   94 %   $ 68

The Orleans Hotel and Casino

  2004   137,000   3,000   60   1,886   77   94 %   $ 79

Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall

  1979   133,000   2,866   36   646   63   96 %   $ 56

Suncoast Hotel and Casino

  2004   95,000   2,397   41   426   49   93 %   $ 93

Eldorado Casino

  1993   16,000   493   6   —     4   —         —  

Jokers Wild Casino

  1993   22,500   514   7   —     15   —         —  

DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS

               

California Hotel and Casino

  1975   36,000   1,146   34   781   16   94 %   $ 34

Fremont Hotel and Casino

  1985   30,200   1,086   26   447   2   93 %   $ 38

Main Street Station Casino, Brewery and Hotel

  1993   27,000   905   19   406   15   94 %   $ 39

MIDWEST AND SOUTH

               

Mississippi
Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall

  1994   75,000   1,342   38   842   272   85 %   $ 52

Illinois
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino

  1996   26,000   1,129   24   204   20   89 %   $ 59

Indiana
Blue Chip Casino Hotel

  1999   65,000   2,126   52   184   37   96 %   $ 62

Louisiana
Treasure Chest Casino

  1997   24,000   1,003   36   —     14   —         —  

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel

  2001   15,000   1,507   —     206   211   89 %   $ 59

Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino

  2004   30,000   1,069   28   514   18   88 %   $ 84
                         

Total of wholly-owned properties

    817,200   22,631   458   7,253   839    
                         

Atlantic City, New Jersey
Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa(1)

  2003   160,000   3,999   180   1,971   42   95 %   $ 145

 

(1) Borgata is our 50% joint venture with MGM MIRAGE.

In addition to the properties discussed above, we own and operate a pari-mutuel jai alai facility in Dania Beach, Florida, two travel agencies and an insurance company that underwrites travel-related insurance. We are also developing Echelon, which will occupy 65 of the 87 contiguous acres of land that we own on the Las Vegas Strip where the Stardust was formerly located. For additional information regarding our jai alai facility and Las Vegas Strip development project, see “New Projects” below.

Las Vegas Locals

Our Las Vegas Locals segment consists of six casinos that serve the resident population of the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which has been one of the fastest growing areas in the United States over the last decade. Las Vegas is characterized by a historically vibrant economy and strong demographics that include a growing population of retirees and other active gaming customers. Our Las Vegas Locals segment competes directly with other locals’ casinos and gaming companies, some of which operate larger casinos with superior locations.

 

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Gold Coast Hotel and Casino

Gold Coast Hotel and Casino (“Gold Coast”) is located on Flamingo Road, approximately one mile west of the Las Vegas Strip and one-quarter mile west of Interstate 15, the major highway linking Las Vegas and Southern California. Its location offers easy access from all four directions in the Las Vegas valley. The primary target market for Gold Coast consists of local middle-market customers who gamble frequently. Gold Coast’s amenities include 711 hotel rooms and suites along with meeting facilities, multiple restaurant options, a 70-lane bowling center and action packed gaming including slots, table games, a poker room, race and sports book and bingo center.

The Orleans Hotel and Casino

The Orleans Hotel and Casino (“The Orleans”) is located on Tropicana Avenue, a short distance from the Las Vegas Strip. The target markets for The Orleans are both local residents and visitors to the Las Vegas area. The Orleans provides an exciting New Orleans French Quarter-themed environment. Amenities at The Orleans include 1,886 hotel rooms, a variety of restaurants and bars, a spa and fitness center, 18 stadium-seating movie theaters, a 70-lane bowling center, banquet and meeting space and a special events arena that seats up to 9,500 patrons.

Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall

Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall (“Sam’s Town Las Vegas”) is located on the Boulder Strip, approximately six miles east of the Las Vegas Strip and features a contemporary western theme. Its informal, friendly atmosphere appeals to both local residents and visitors alike. Amenities at Sam’s Town Las Vegas include 646 hotel rooms, a variety of restaurants and bars, 18 stadium-seating movie theaters and a 56-lane bowling center. Gaming, bowling and live entertainment create a social center that attracts many Las Vegas residents to Sam’s Town Las Vegas.

Suncoast Hotel and Casino

Suncoast Hotel and Casino (“Suncoast”) is located in Peccole Ranch, a master-planned community adjacent to Summerlin, one of the fastest growing areas of the Las Vegas valley, and is readily accessible from most major points in Las Vegas, including downtown and the Las Vegas Strip. The primary target market for Suncoast consists of local middle-market customers who gamble frequently. Suncoast is a Mediterranean-themed facility that features 426 hotel rooms, multiple restaurant options, 25,000 square feet of banquet and meeting facilities, 16 stadium-seating movie theatres and a 64-lane bowling center.

Eldorado Casino and Jokers Wild Casino

Located in downtown Henderson, Nevada, the Eldorado Casino (“Eldorado”) is approximately 14 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Jokers Wild Casino (“Jokers Wild”) is also located in Henderson, Nevada. The amenities at each of these properties include slots, table games, a sports book and multiple dining options. The principal customers of these properties are Henderson residents.

Downtown Las Vegas Properties

Our Unique Downtown Niche

We directly compete with 11 casinos that operate in downtown Las Vegas; however, we have developed a distinct niche for our downtown properties by focusing on customers from Hawaii. Our downtown properties focus their marketing on gaming enthusiasts from Hawaii and tour and travel agents in Hawaii with whom we have cultivated relationships since we opened our California Hotel and Casino (“California”) in 1975. Through

 

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our Hawaiian travel agency, Vacations Hawaii, we currently operate six charter flights from Honolulu to Las Vegas each week, helping to ensure a stable supply of air transportation. We also have strong, informal relationships with other Hawaiian travel agencies and offer affordable all-inclusive packages. These relationships combined with our Hawaiian promotions have allowed the California, the Fremont Hotel and Casino (“Fremont”) and Main Street Station Casino, Brewery and Hotel (“Main Street Station”) to capture a significant share of the Hawaiian tourist trade in Las Vegas. For the year ended December 31, 2007, patrons from Hawaii comprised approximately 67% of the occupied room nights at the California, 54% of the occupied room nights at the Fremont and 55% of the occupied room nights at Main Street Station.

California Hotel and Casino

The California’s amenities include 781 hotel rooms, multiple dining options, a sports book, keno lounge and meeting space. The California and Main Street Station are connected by an indoor pedestrian bridge.

Fremont Hotel and Casino

The Fremont is adjacent to the principal pedestrian thoroughfare in downtown Las Vegas known as the Fremont Street Experience. The property’s amenities include 447 hotel rooms, a race and sports book, meeting space and a 350-space parking garage.

Main Street Station Casino, Brewery and Hotel

Main Street Station’s amenities include 406 hotel rooms and three restaurants, one of which includes a brewery. In addition, Main Street Station features a 96-space recreational vehicle park, the only such facility in the downtown area.

Midwest and South Region Properties

Our Midwest and South Region properties consist of four dockside riverboat casinos, one racino and one barge-based casino that operate in four states in the midwest and southern United States. Generally, these states allow casino gaming on a limited basis through the issuance of a limited number of gaming licenses. Our Midwest and South Region properties generally serve customers within a 100-mile radius and compete directly with other casino facilities operating in their respective immediate and surrounding market areas, as well as with gaming operations in surrounding jurisdictions. Our Midwest and South Region also includes the results of Dania Jai-Alai, our pari-mutuel jai alai facility located in Dania Beach, Florida.

Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall

Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall (“Sam’s Town Tunica”) is a barge-based casino located in Tunica County, Mississippi. The property has extensive amenities, including 842 hotel rooms, an entertainment lounge, four dining venues, a retail shop, and the 1,600-seat River Palace Arena. Tunica is the closest gaming market to Memphis, Tennessee and is located approximately 30 miles south of Memphis. The adult population within a 200-mile radius is over three million people and includes the cities of Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee, Jackson, Mississippi and Little Rock, Arkansas.

Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino

Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino (“Par-A-Dice”) is a dockside riverboat casino operating dockside on the Illinois River in East Peoria, Illinois. Located adjacent to the Par-A-Dice riverboat is a land-based pavilion that features a 204-room hotel, three restaurants, a cocktail lounge, gift shop and banquet/meeting space. Par-A-Dice is strategically located near Interstate 74, a major east-west interstate highway. Par-A-Dice is the only gaming facility located within approximately 90 miles of Peoria, Illinois.

 

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Blue Chip Casino Hotel

Blue Chip Casino Hotel (“Blue Chip”) is a dockside riverboat casino located in Michigan City, Indiana, which is 40 miles west of South Bend, Indiana and 60 miles east of Chicago, Illinois. The property competes primarily with five casinos in northern Indiana and southern Michigan and, to a lesser extent, with casinos in the Chicago area. On January 31, 2006, we began operations on our newly constructed single-level dockside riverboat. The new boat allowed us to expand our casino and in connection with the construction of our new boat, add a new parking structure and enhance the land-based pavilion. In October 2006, we announced a $130 million expansion project at Blue Chip that will add a second hotel with approximately 300 guest rooms to compliment our existing 184-room hotel, a spa and fitness center, additional meeting and event space as well as more dining and nightlife experiences. We began construction on the project during the first quarter of 2007 and it is expected to open in December 2008.

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, a federally recognized Native American tribe, commenced operations of the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan (which is located approximately fifteen miles from Blue Chip) in August 2007. Although we have expanded our facility at Blue Chip in an effort to be more competitive in this market, the Four Winds Casino has had and could continue to have an adverse impact on the operations of Blue Chip.

Treasure Chest Casino

Treasure Chest Casino (“Treasure Chest”) is a dockside riverboat casino located on Lake Pontchartrain in the western suburbs of New Orleans, Louisiana. The property is designed as a classic 18th-century Victorian-style paddle-wheel riverboat and has a total capacity for 1,750 people. The entertainment complex located adjacent to the riverboat houses a 140-seat Caribbean showroom and several restaurants. Located approximately five miles from the New Orleans International Airport, Treasure Chest primarily serves residents of suburban New Orleans.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel

In 2001, we acquired substantially all of the assets of the Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel (“Delta Downs”) in Vinton, Louisiana. Delta Downs has historically conducted horse races on a seasonal basis and operated year-round simulcast facilities for customers to wager on races held at other tracks. In 2002, we began slot operations in connection with a renovation project that expanded the facility and equipped the casino. We completed an expansion of the casino in 2004 and opened a 206-room hotel at the property in 2005.

Delta Downs is approximately 25 miles closer to Houston than the next closest gaming property, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Customers traveling from Houston, Beaumont and other parts of southeastern Texas will generally have to drive past Delta Downs to reach Lake Charles.

Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino

Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino (“Sam’s Town Shreveport”) is a dockside riverboat casino located along the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana. Amenities at the property include 514 hotel rooms, a spa, heated pool, four restaurants, a live entertainment venue and convention and meeting space. Feeder markets include east Texas (including Dallas), Texarkana, Arkansas and surrounding Louisiana cities including Bossier City, Minden, Ruston and Monroe. The continued expansion of Native American gaming in Oklahoma could have a material adverse impact on the operations of Sam’s Town Shreveport.

Borgata

Borgata opened in Atlantic City, New Jersey on July 3, 2003. Atlantic City is predominantly a regional day-trip and overnight-trip market. Borgata directly competes with ten other Atlantic City casinos as well as with gaming operations in surrounding jurisdictions.

 

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Borgata is an equity-method joint venture. We and MGM MIRAGE each own a 50% interest in this entity. As the managing venturer, we are responsible for the day-to-day operations of Borgata, including the operation and maintenance of the facility. Borgata employs a management team and full staff to perform these services for the property. We maintain the oversight and responsibility for the operations, but do not directly operate Borgata. As such, we do not receive a management fee from Borgata.

Borgata is an upscale destination resort that features 1,971 guestrooms and suites, 13 restaurants, 13 retail boutiques and a European-style health spa. The property also contains meeting and event space as well as several entertainment venues. In June 2006, Borgata completed a $200 million expansion that added both gaming and non-gaming amenities, including additional slot machines, table games, poker tables, restaurants, a retail shop and a nightclub. In addition to this expansion, in January 2006, construction commenced on The Water Club, a $400 million project that will add an 800-room hotel, additional meeting space, a world class spa and six retail shops. This expansion project is expected to be completed in June 2008. Borgata expects to finance the expansion from Borgata’s cash flow from operations and from Borgata’s bank credit agreement. We do not expect to make further capital contributions to Borgata for this expansion project.

New Projects

Echelon

In January 2006, we announced plans to develop Echelon on the Las Vegas Strip and commenced construction in June 2007, with a planned opening in the third quarter 2010. We estimate that the wholly-owned components of Echelon will cost approximately $3.3 billion. In addition, we have completed the design and development work on two joint-venture elements of Echelon, which include our hotel joint venture with Morgans Hotel Group LLC (“Morgans”), and our High Street retail promenade joint venture with General Growth Properties (“GGP”).

We expect that Echelon will include a total of approximately 5,000 rooms in five unique hotels as well as the following amenities:

 

   

Casino space: 140,000 square feet

 

   

Entertainment venues: 4,000-seat and 1,500-seat theaters, operated by AEG Live

 

   

High Street retail promenade: 300,000 square feet, operated by GGP

 

   

Meeting and Convention space: 750,000 square feet

 

   

Parking: approximately 9,000 spaces

Echelon will also include approximately 30 dining, nightlife and beverage venues in addition to an approximately 5.5 acre multi-level swimming pool and recreation deck.

On February 27, 2007, we exchanged the Barbary Coast for 24 acres on the Las Vegas Strip, bringing our total land holdings to 87 contiguous acres on the Echelon site. The additional land allowed us to modify the site layout of Echelon and increase the overall size of the project to 65 acres, and provides us with two additional parcels of six and 16 acres that could allow for the addition of another distinct hotel, a residential component, and additional retail, dining, meeting and casino space.

In connection with our 50/50 joint venture with Morgans to develop, construct and operate the Delano Las Vegas and the Mondrian Las Vegas hotels at Echelon, we will contribute approximately 6.1 acres of land and Morgans will ultimately contribute $91.5 million to the venture. The expected cost of the project, including the land, is estimated to be approximately $950 million; however, we can provide no assurances that the estimated cost will approximate the actual cost. Construction of the Delano and Mondrian hotels is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2008. Given the current state of the credit markets, we anticipate that additional equity and/or

 

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credit support will be necessary to obtain construction financing for the remaining cost of the project. This additional equity and/or credit support may be contributed by us or Morgans, or from both parties, and/or from one or more additional equity sponsors. If the joint venture is unable to obtain adequate project financing in a timely manner or at all, we may be forced to sell assets in order to raise capital for the project, limit the scope of the project, defer the project or cancel the project altogether. Should we postpone or cancel this project, we expect to continue the construction of the remaining aspects of our Echelon development project; however, our expected returns from the Echelon development project would be adversely impacted due to the change in the scope of the overall project.

In May 2007, we formed our 50/50 joint venture with GGP, whereby we will initially contribute the above-ground real estate (air rights) and GGP will initially contribute $100 million to develop the High Street retail promenade at Echelon. The expected cost of this project, including the air rights, is estimated to be approximately $500 million; however, we can provide no assurances that the estimated cost will approximate the actual cost. We expect that the joint venture will be 100% equity funded. We anticipate that any additional cash outlay from us will come from cash flows from operations and availability under our bank credit facility, to the extent availability exists after we meet our working capital needs. If availability under our credit facility does not exist, additional financing may not be available to us, or, if available, may not be on terms favorable to us.

Dania Jai-Alai

On March 1, 2007, we acquired Dania Jai-Alai and approximately 47 acres of related land located in Dania Beach, Florida near Ft. Lauderdale, with the intention of redeveloping the property into a slot-based casino. Dania Jai-Alai is one of four pari-mutuel facilities in Broward County approved under Florida law to operate 2,000 Class III slot machines. On August 8, 2006, a three-judge panel of the First District Court of Appeals in Broward County, Florida overturned a lower court decision, which, in turn, could lead to the invalidation of a November 2004 initiative approved by Florida voters to allow the operation of slot machines at certain pari-mutuel gaming facilities in Broward County. This decision was essentially reaffirmed by the First District Court of Appeals on November 30, 2006, with two questions being certified to the Florida Supreme Court. On March 27, 2007, the Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction to hear the certified questions. On September 27, 2007, the Florida Supreme Court reconsidered its March 27, 2007 decision and declined jurisdiction over the matter. Consequently, the matter has been remanded to the circuit court for a trial on the merits. If the initiative is invalidated, we may not be able to operate slot machines at the Dania Jai-Alai facility, which would materially affect any potential revenue and cash flow expected from the Dania Jai-Alai facility.

We paid approximately $81 million to close this transaction and, if certain conditions are satisfied, we will be required to pay an additional $75 million, plus interest accrued at the prime rate (the “contingent payment”), in March 2010 or earlier. We can provide no assurances as to when, or whether, such conditions will be satisfied. We will not record a liability for the contingent payment unless or until the contingency has been resolved and the additional consideration is distributable. If the contingency is resolved and the contingent payment is made, it will be added to the cost of the acquisition.

In February 2008, management completed its analysis of our opportunity to operate slot machines at Dania Jai-Alai and decided to postpone redevelopment of the facility due to the following considerations: the continued poor performance of the Broward County pari-mutuel casinos; the introduction of Class III slot machines and the probable pending addition of table games at a nearby Native American casino; the prohibitively high gaming tax rate for pari-mutuel slot operators; the pending introduction of casino gaming in Miami-Dade County and the introduction of legislation to allow for slot machines at all pari-mutuel facilities in the State of Florida. As circumstances change, management will monitor our opportunities with respect to Dania Jai-Alai.

Due to the change in circumstances, during the first quarter of 2008, we will test Dania Jai-Alai’s long-lived and intangible assets, as well as any goodwill that may arise from the finalization of our purchase price allocation, for impairment. Although we cannot quantify an amount at this time, we expect this impairment test to result in the write-down of a portion of these assets. In addition, we may be subject to another impairment charge if and when the contingent payment is resolved and added to the cost of the acquisition.

 

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Employees

At December 31, 2007, we employed approximately 16,900 persons. On such date, we had collective bargaining agreements with two unions covering approximately 1,200 employees, substantially all of whom are employed at Fremont, Eldorado, Main Street Station and Blue Chip. Other agreements are in various stages of negotiation. Employees covered by expired agreements have continued to work during the negotiations, in one case under the terms of the expired agreements and, in another, under modifications thereof.

Corporate History, Availability of Reports and Corporate Governance Information

We were incorporated in Nevada in June 1988. Our principal executive offices are currently located at 3883 Howard Hughes Parkway, Ninth Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89169, and our main telephone number is (702) 792-7200. Our website is www.boydgaming.com. We make our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to these reports available free of charge on our corporate website as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. In addition, our Code of Business Conduct, Corporate Governance Guidelines, and charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation and Stock Option Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are available on our website. We will provide reasonable quantities of electronic or paper copies of filings free of charge upon request. In addition, we will provide a copy of the above referenced charters to stockholders upon request.

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include statements regarding:

 

   

the factors that contribute to our on-going success and our ability to be successful in the future;

 

   

our strategy;

 

   

competition, including expansion of gaming into additional markets and our ability to respond to competition;

 

   

expenses;

 

   

indebtedness, including our ability to refinance or pay amounts outstanding under the bank credit facility and notes when they become due and our compliance with related covenants;

 

   

our financing needs and ability to obtain financing;

 

   

our ability to meet our projected operating and maintenance capital expenditures and the costs associated with our expansion, renovations and development of new projects;

 

   

ability to continue to pay dividends or to pay any specific rate of dividends;

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA and its usefulness as a measure of operating performance or valuation;

 

   

the impact of new accounting pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements;

 

   

operations;

 

   

our market risk exposure and ability to minimize risk;

 

   

expansion, development, investment and renovation plans at Borgata, Blue Chip, Echelon, Dania Jai Alai and North Las Vegas including expected costs, financing (including sources thereof) and timing;

 

   

development opportunities in new jurisdictions and our ability to successfully take advantage of such opportunities;

 

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regulations, including anticipated taxes, tax credits or tax refunds expected, and the ability to receive and maintain necessary approvals for our projects;

 

   

our asset impairment analyses with respect to Sam’s Town Tunica and Dania Jai-Alai;

 

   

the outcome and effect of pending tax examinations with respect to our Coast Casinos, Inc. subsidiary;

 

   

pending litigation with respect to Dania Jai-Alai and Treasure Chest;

 

   

our expectations regarding the levels of our interest and capitalized interest costs in 2008;

 

   

our expected use of proceeds from our pending sale of land that we own in Pennsylvania;

 

   

our overall outlook, including all statements under the heading “Overall Outlook” in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”;

 

   

our ability to receive insurance reimbursement and our estimates of self-insurance accruals and future liability;

 

   

compliance with applicable laws; and

 

   

expectations, plans, beliefs, hopes or intentions regarding the future.

Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in any such statement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include the risks described in greater detail in the following section entitled “Risk Factors.” All forward-looking statements in this document are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

 

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

An investment in our securities is subject to risks inherent to our business. The material risks and uncertainties that our management believes affect us are described below.

Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this report, including the pending litigation discussed in this report, which provides a description of our current material litigation claims and assessments. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties that our management is not aware of or that they currently deem immaterial may also adversely affect our business operations. This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of our securities, including our common stock, could decline significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Intense competition exists in the gaming industry, and we expect competition to continue to intensify.

The gaming industry is highly competitive for both customers and employees, including those at the management level. We compete with numerous casinos and casino hotels of varying quality and size in market areas where our properties are located. We also compete with other non-gaming resorts and vacation areas, and with various other casino and other entertainment businesses, and could compete with any new forms of gaming that may be legalized in the future. The casino entertainment business is characterized by competitors that vary considerably in their size, quality of facilities, number of operations, brand identities, marketing and growth strategies, financial strength and capabilities, level of amenities, management talent and geographic diversity. In most markets, we compete directly with other casino facilities operating in the immediate and surrounding market areas. In some markets, we face competition from nearby markets in addition to direct competition within our market areas.

 

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In recent years, with fewer new markets opening for development, competition in existing markets has intensified. We have invested in expanding existing facilities, such as Blue Chip, developing new facilities, such as Echelon, and acquiring established facilities in existing markets, such as our acquisition of Coast Casinos, Inc. in July 2004. In addition, our competitors have also invested in expanding their existing facilities and developing new facilities. This expansion of existing casino entertainment properties, the increase in the number of properties and the aggressive marketing strategies of many of our competitors have increased competition in many markets in which we compete, and this intense competition can be expected to continue. For example, a smaller hotel casino located directly across from Sam’s Town Las Vegas is currently being redeveloped. This enhanced facility is expected to open in the third quarter of 2008 and may have an adverse impact on the results of operations at Sam’s Town Las Vegas.

If our competitors operate more successfully than we do, if they are more successful than us in attracting and retaining employees, if their properties are enhanced or expanded, or if additional hotels and casinos are established in and around the locations in which we conduct business, we may lose market share or the ability to attract or retain employees. In particular, the expansion of casino gaming in or near any geographic area from which we attract or expect to attract a significant number of our customers could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We also compete with legalized gaming from casinos located on Native American tribal lands. Expansion of Native American gaming in areas located near our properties, or in areas in or near those from which we draw our customers, could have an adverse effect on our operating results.

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, a federally recognized Native American tribe, commenced operations of the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan (which is located approximately fifteen miles from Blue Chip) in August 2007. Although we have expanded our facility at Blue Chip in an effort to be more competitive in this market, the Four Winds Casino has had and could continue to have an adverse impact on the operations of Blue Chip.

Our expansion, development, investment and renovation projects may face significant risks inherent in construction projects or implementing a new marketing strategy, including receipt of necessary government approvals.

We regularly evaluate expansion, development, investment and renovation opportunities. On January 4, 2006, we announced our planned Las Vegas Strip development, Echelon, which will be the largest and most expensive development project we have undertaken to date. In addition, we have announced a new hotel expansion project at Blue Chip and that Borgata has recently completed a public space expansion and is constructing a new hotel. We also closed our acquisition of Dania Jai-Alai in March 2007.

These projects and any other development projects we may undertake will be subject to the many risks inherent in the expansion or renovation of an existing enterprise or construction of a new enterprise, including unanticipated design, construction, regulatory, environmental and operating problems and lack of demand for our projects. Our current and future projects could also experience:

 

   

unanticipated delays and significant cost increases;

 

   

shortages of materials;

 

   

shortages of skilled labor or work stoppages;

 

   

poor performance or non-performance by any of our joint venture partners or other third parties on whom we are relying;

 

   

unforeseen construction scheduling, engineering, environmental, permitting, construction or geological problems; and

 

   

weather interference, floods, fires or other casualty losses.

 

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Our anticipated costs and construction periods for projects are based upon budgets, conceptual design documents and construction schedule estimates prepared by us in consultation with our architects and contractors. Many of these costs are estimated at inception of the project and can change over time as the project is built to completion. For example, we announced that the estimated cost of the wholly-owned portion of Echelon increased from $2.9 billion to $3.3 billion, principally as a result of additional scope, larger guest rooms and suites, and increased estimated construction costs, and that the estimated development costs associated with the properties that will be developed and constructed in connection with our joint venture with Morgans increased from $700 million to $950 million. Additional cost increases may continue to occur as we develop Echelon. The cost of any project may vary significantly from initial budget expectations, and we may have a limited amount of capital resources to fund cost overruns. If we cannot finance cost overruns on a timely basis, the completion of one or more projects may be delayed until adequate funding is available. The completion dates of any of our projects could also differ significantly from expectations for construction-related or other reasons. We cannot assure you that any project will be completed on time, if at all, or within established budgets, or that any project will result in increased earnings to us. Significant delays, cost overruns, or failures of our projects to achieve market acceptance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, our projects may not help us compete with new or increased competition in our markets.

Certain permits, licenses and approvals necessary for some of our current or anticipated projects have not yet been obtained. The scope of the approvals required for expansion, development, investment or renovation projects can be extensive and may include gaming approvals, state and local land-use permits and building and zoning permits. Unexpected changes or concessions required by local, state or federal regulatory authorities could involve significant additional costs and delay the scheduled openings of the facilities. We may not obtain the necessary permits, licenses and approvals within the anticipated time frames, or at all.

In addition, although we design our projects to minimize disruption of our existing business operations, expansion and renovation projects require, from time to time all or portions of affected existing operations to be closed or disrupted. For example, in November 2006 we closed the Stardust and demolished the property in March 2007 to make way for the development of Echelon. Any significant disruption in operations of a property could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We face risks associated with growth and acquisitions.

As part of our business strategy, we regularly evaluate opportunities for growth through development of gaming operations in existing or new markets, through acquiring other gaming entertainment facilities or through redeveloping our existing gaming facilities. For example, in February 2007 we completed the Barbary Coast exchange transaction. In addition, in March 2007 we completed the acquisition of Dania Jai-Alai, and have previously announced an expansion project at Blue Chip and our Echelon development project. We may also pursue expansion opportunities, including joint ventures, in jurisdictions where casino gaming is not currently permitted in order to be prepared to develop projects upon approval of casino gaming. The expansion of our operations, whether through acquisitions, development or internal growth, could divert management’s attention and could also cause us to incur substantial costs, including legal, professional and consulting fees. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify, acquire, develop or profitably manage additional companies or operations or successfully integrate such companies or operations into our existing operations without substantial costs, delays or other problems. Additionally, there can be no assurance that we will receive gaming or other necessary licenses for our new projects or that gaming will be approved in jurisdictions where it is not currently approved.

Ballot measures or other voter-approved initiatives to allow gaming in jurisdictions where gaming, or certain types of gaming (such as slots), was not previously permitted could be challenged, and, if such challenges are successful, these ballot measures or initiatives could be invalidated. For example, in October 2004, a group of plaintiffs brought suit in the Circuit Court in Leon County, Florida, against a group of defendants, including the

 

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Florida Secretary of State among others, seeking to permanently enjoin a proposed ballot measure to amend the Florida Constitution to allow Florida voters to approve slot machines at certain pari-mutuel gaming facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties (the “Slot Initiative”). The plaintiffs alleged that petition gatherers committed fraud in obtaining signatures to get the Slot Initiative placed on the ballot. Prior to the issuance of a final order by the Circuit Court, the Slot Initiative was approved by voters in November 2004. In January 2005, the Circuit Court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants, citing among other reasons, that the Slot Initiative had been approved by voters. The plaintiffs appealed this decision, and on August 8, 2006, a three-judge panel of the First District Court of Appeals in Broward County, Florida, reversed the Circuit Court decision and ordered that the case be brought to trial. In its decision, the panel indicated that in the event that the trial court determines that the petition did not have sufficient signatures to place the Slot Initiative on the ballot due to fraud, the trial court should invalidate the Slot Initiative. On August 23, 2006, the defendants filed a motion seeking a rehearing by the three-judge panel, or alternatively, to have the First District Court of Appeals rehear the case en banc or to have the case certified to the Florida Supreme Court for rehearing. On November 30, 2006, the First District Court of Appeals, in an en banc decision, essentially reaffirmed the panel’s decision, but certified two questions to the Florida Supreme Court: (1) whether validations of signatures by supervisors of elections can be challenged based upon allegations of fraud after certifications of signatures have been accepted by the Secretary of State and the ballot printed and absentee voting commenced in accord with Florida law, and (2) whether an amendment to the Florida Constitution that is approved by vote of the electors may be subsequently invalidated if, in an action filed before the election, there is a showing made after the election that necessary signatures on the petition proposing the amendment were fraudulently obtained. On March 27, 2007, the Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction to hear the certified questions, but subsequently reconsidered that decision, declined jurisdiction over the matter and remanded it to the circuit court for a trial on the merits. If the Slot Initiative is invalidated, we would not be permitted to operate slot machines at the Dania Jai-Alai facility, which would materially affect any potential revenue and cash flow expected from the Dania Jai-Alai facility. In February 2008, our management determined to postpone redevelopment of the Dania Jai-Alai facility.

If we are unable to finance our expansion, development, investment and renovation projects as well as other capital expenditures through cash flow, borrowings under our bank credit facility and additional financings, our expansion, development, investment and renovation efforts will be jeopardized.

We intend to finance our current and future expansion, development, investment and renovation projects, as well as our other capital expenditures, primarily with cash flow from operations, borrowings under our bank credit facility and equity or debt financings. If we are unable to finance our current or future expansion, development, investment and renovation projects, or our other capital expenditures, we will have to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing, delaying or abandoning planned expansion, development, investment and renovation projects as well as other capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring debt, reducing the amount or discontinuing the distribution of dividends, obtaining additional equity financing or joint venture partners, or modifying our bank credit facility. These sources of funds may not be sufficient to finance our expansion, development, investment and renovation projects, and other financing may not be available on acceptable terms, in a timely manner or at all. In addition, our existing indebtedness contains certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness. If we are unable to secure additional financing, we could be forced to limit or suspend expansion, development, investment and renovation projects and other capital expenditures, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Furthermore, there have recently been significant disruptions in the global capital markets that have adversely impacted the ability of borrowers to access capital. We anticipate that these disruptions may continue for the foreseeable future. We anticipate that we will be able to fund our currently planned expansion projects, including our Blue Chip expansion project, our wholly-owned portion of the Echelon project, and our share of our equity contributions to the High Street retail promenade joint venture at Echelon, using cash flows from operations and availability under our bank credit facility (to the extent availability exists after we meet our working capital needs). If availability under our bank credit facility does not exist, any additional financing that is needed may not be available to us, or, if available, may not be on terms favorable to us. As a result, if we are

 

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unable to obtain adequate project financing in a timely manner or at all, we may be forced to sell assets in order to raise capital for the project, limit the scope of the project, defer the project or cancel the project altogether. With respect to our joint venture with Morgans to develop, construct and operate the Delano Las Vegas and the Mondrian Las Vegas hotels at Echelon, given the current state of the credit markets, we anticipate that additional equity and/or credit support will be necessary to obtain construction financing for the remaining cost of the project. This additional equity and/or credit support may be contributed by us or Morgans, or from both parties, and/or from one or more additional equity sponsors. If the joint venture obtains equity financing from additional sponsors, then our percentage interest in the project and resulting cash flows will be diluted. If the joint venture is unable to obtain adequate project financing in a timely manner or at all, we may be forced to sell assets in order to raise capital for the project, limit the scope of the project, defer the project or cancel the project altogether. Should we postpone or cancel this project, we expect to continue the construction of the remaining aspects of our Echelon development project; however, our expected returns from the Echelon development project would be adversely impacted due to the change in the scope of the overall project.

If we are not ultimately successful in dismissing the action filed against our Treasure Chest Casino property, we may potentially lose our ability to operate the Treasure Chest Casino property and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Alvin C. Copeland, the sole shareholder of an unsuccessful applicant for a riverboat license at the location of our Treasure Chest Casino, has made several attempts to have the Treasure Chest license revoked and awarded to his company. In 1999 and 2000, Copeland unsuccessfully opposed the renewal of the Treasure Chest license and has brought two separate legal actions against us. In November 1993, Copeland objected to the relocation of Treasure Chest from the Mississippi River to its current site on Lake Pontchartrain. The predecessor to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board allowed the relocation over Copeland’s objection. Copeland then filed an appeal of the agency’s decision with the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. Through a number of amendments to the appeal, Copeland improperly attempted to transform the appeal into a direct action suit and sought the revocation of the Treasure Chest license. Treasure Chest intervened in the matter in order to protect its interests. The appeal/suit, as it related to Treasure Chest, was dismissed by the District Court and that dismissal was upheld on appeal by the First Circuit Court of Appeal. Additionally, in 1999, Copeland filed a direct action against Treasure Chest and certain other parties seeking the revocation of Treasure Chest’s license, an award of the license to him and monetary damages. The suit was dismissed by the trial court citing that Copeland failed to state a claim on which relief could be granted. The dismissal was appealed by Copeland to the First Circuit Court of Appeal. On June 21, 2002, the First Circuit Court of Appeal reversed the trial court’s decision and remanded the matter to the trial court. On January 14, 2003, we filed a motion to dismiss the matter and that motion was partially denied. The Court of Appeal refused to reverse the denial of the motion to dismiss. In May 2004, we filed additional motions to dismiss on other grounds. There was no activity regarding this matter during 2005 and 2006, and the case was set to be dismissed by the court for failure to prosecute by the plaintiffs in mid-May 2007; however on May 1, 2007, the plaintiff filed a motion to set a hearing date related to the motions to dismiss. The hearing was scheduled for September 10, 2007, at which time all parties agreed to postpone the hearing indefinitely. We currently are vigorously defending the lawsuit. If this matter ultimately results in the Treasure Chest license being revoked, it could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to extensive governmental gaming regulation and taxation policies, which may harm our business.

We are subject to a variety of regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Regulatory authorities at the federal, state and local levels have broad powers with respect to the licensing of casino operations and may revoke, suspend, condition or limit our gaming or other licenses, impose substantial fines and take other actions, any one of which could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. A more detailed description of the governmental gaming regulations to which we are subject is included in Exhibit 99.1, Governmental Gaming Regulations filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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If additional gaming regulations are adopted in a jurisdiction in which we operate, such regulations could impose restrictions or costs that could have a significant adverse effect on us. From time to time, various proposals are introduced in the legislatures of some of the jurisdictions in which we have existing or planned operations that, if enacted, could adversely affect the tax, regulatory, operational or other aspects of the gaming industry and our company. Legislation of this type may be enacted in the future. For example, on January 15, 2006, the New Jersey State Legislature enacted the Smoke-Free Air Act that became effective April 15, 2006. This law called for smoke-free environments in essentially all indoor workplaces and places open to the public, including places of business and service-related activities. The law contains several exemptions, including an exemption for all casino floor space and 20% of a hotel’s designated hotel rooms. On February 15, 2007, Atlantic City promulgated a local ordinance that is more restrictive than the aforementioned state law. Specifically, this ordinance reduced the casino floor exemption to 25% of a casino’s floor space. As such, smoking is prohibited on 75% of a casino’s floor space and permitted on 25% of a casino’s floor space, subject to the following conditions:

 

   

Commencing on April 15, 2007, casinos were required to limit smoking to 25% of their casino floor space, which areas initially were not required to be enclosed and separately ventilated.

 

   

Ultimately, the 25% of the casino floor in which smoking will be permissible will be required to be enclosed and separately ventilated. Casinos had until September 15, 2007 to submit construction plans for such enclosures to applicable authorities for the issuance of building permits and related required approvals. Once permits are issued, the casinos will have 90 days to commence construction of the enclosures. Borgata submitted its construction plans to the applicable authorities and is waiting on the required approvals.

Under the Atlantic City ordinance, smoking will remain permissible in 20% of a hotel’s designated hotel rooms, consistent with state law. This legislation, and the local ordinance, could materially impact Borgata’s operations and comparable legislation in other jurisdictions in which we operate could materially impact our other properties.

In addition, the State of Illinois enacted a 100% smoking ban in all casinos effective January 1, 2008.

The federal government has also previously considered a federal tax on casino revenues and may consider such a tax in the future. In addition, gaming companies are currently subject to significant state and local taxes and fees in addition to normal federal and state corporate income taxes, and such taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time. For example, in November 2007, Nevada’s largest teachers union, the Nevada State Educational Association, submitted a petition to the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office seeking to increase the gross gaming revenue tax from 6.75% to 9.75%. If this petition is successful, it could have a material adverse affect on our results of operations. In June 2006, the Illinois legislature passed certain amendments to the Riverboat Gambling Act, which affected the tax rate at Par-A-Dice. The legislation, which imposes an incremental 5% tax on adjusted gross gaming revenues, was retroactive to July 1, 2005. As a result of this legislation, we were required to pay additional taxes, resulting in a $6.7 million tax assessment in June 2006. If there is any material increase in state and local taxes and fees, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. Also, in May 2007, Blue Chip received a valuation notice indicating an unanticipated increase of nearly 400% to its assessed property value as of January 1, 2006. At that time, we estimated that the increase in assessed property value could result in a property tax assessment ranging between $4 million and $11 million for the eighteen-month period ended June 30, 2007. We recorded an additional charge of $3.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 to increase our property tax liability to $5.8 million at June 30, 2007 as we believed that was the most likely amount to be assessed within the range. We subsequently received a property tax bill related to our 2006 tax assessment for $6.2 million in December 2007. As we have appealed the assessment, Indiana statutes allow for a minimum required payment of $1.9 million, which was paid against the $6.2 million assessment in January 2008. We believe the assessment for the twenty four-month period ended December 31, 2007 could result in a property tax assessment ranging between $4 million and $13 million. We have accrued approximately $7.5 million of property tax liability as of December 31, 2007, based on what we believe to be the most likely assessment within our range, once all appeals have been exhausted; however, we can

 

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provide no assurances that the estimated amount will approximate the actual amount. The final 2006 assessment, post appeals, as well as the March 1, 2007 assessment notice which is not expected until the second quarter of 2008, could result in further adjustment to our estimated property tax liability at Blue Chip.

Our directors, officers and other key employees must also be approved by certain state regulatory authorities. If state regulatory authorities were to find a person occupying any such position unsuitable, we would be required to sever our relationship with that person. Certain public and private issuances of securities and other transactions by us also require the approval of some state regulatory authorities.

In addition to gaming regulations, we are also subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting businesses in general. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, restrictions and conditions concerning alcoholic beverages, environmental matters, employees, currency transactions, taxation, zoning and building codes, and marketing and advertising. Such laws and regulations could change or could be interpreted differently in the future, or new laws and regulations could be enacted. For example, on July 5, 2006, New Jersey gaming properties, including Borgata, were required to temporarily close their casinos for three days as a result of a New Jersey statewide government shutdown that affected certain New Jersey state employees required to be at casinos when they are open for business. In addition, Nevada recently enacted legislation that eliminated in most instances, and, for certain pre-existing development projects such as Echelon, otherwise reduced, property tax breaks and retroactively eliminated certain sales tax exemptions offered as incentives to companies developing projects that meet certain environmental “green” standards. As a result, we, along with other companies developing projects that meet such standards, may not realize the full tax benefits that were originally anticipated.

We own facilities that are located in areas that experience extreme weather conditions.

We own facilities that are located in areas that experience extreme weather conditions, including, but not limited to, hurricanes. Extreme weather conditions may interrupt our operations, damage our properties and reduce the number of customers who visit our facilities in the affected areas. For example, our Treasure Chest Casino, which is located near New Orleans, Louisiana, suffered minor damage and was closed for 44 days in 2005 as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, our Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel, which is located in southwest Louisiana, suffered significant property damage and closed for 42 days in 2005 as a result of Hurricane Rita. While we maintain insurance that may cover some of the costs we incur as a result of some extreme weather conditions, our coverage is subject to deductibles and limits on maximum benefits. There can be no assurance that we will be able to fully collect, if at all, on any claims resulting from extreme weather conditions. If any of our properties are damaged or if their operations are disrupted as a result of extreme weather in the future, or if extreme weather adversely impacts general economic or other conditions in the areas in which our properties are located or from which they draw their patrons, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.

Our facilities, including our riverboats and dockside facilities, are subject to risks relating to mechanical failure and regulatory compliance.

Generally, all of our facilities are subject to the risk that operations could be halted for a temporary or extended period of time, as the result of casualty, forces of nature, mechanical failure, or extended or extraordinary maintenance, among other causes. In addition, our gaming operations, including those conducted on riverboats or at dockside facilities could be damaged or halted due to extreme weather conditions.

We currently conduct our Treasure Chest, Par-A-Dice, Blue Chip and Sam’s Town Shreveport gaming operations on riverboats. Each of our riverboats must comply with U.S. Coast Guard requirements as to boat design, on-board facilities, equipment, personnel and safety. Each riverboat must hold a Certificate of Inspection for stabilization and flotation, and may also be subject to local zoning codes. The U.S. Coast Guard requirements establish design standards, set limits on the operation of the vessels and require individual licensing of all

 

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personnel involved with the operation of the vessels. Loss of a vessel’s Certificate of Inspection or American Bureau of Shipping approval would preclude its use as a casino.

U.S. Coast Guard regulations require a hull inspection for all riverboats at five-year intervals. Under certain circumstances, alternative hull inspections may be approved. The U.S. Coast Guard may require that such hull inspections be conducted at a dry-docking facility, and if so required, the cost of travel to and from such docking facility, as well as the time required for inspections of the affected riverboats, could be significant. To date, the U.S. Coast Guard has allowed in-place inspections of our riverboats. The U.S. Coast Guard might not allow these types of inspections in the future. The loss of a dockside casino or riverboat casino from service for any period of time could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

U.S. Coast Guard regulations also require us to prepare and follow certain security programs. In 2004, we implemented the American Gaming Association’s Alternative Security Program at our riverboat casinos and dockside facilities. The American Gaming Association’s Alternative Security Program is specifically designed to address maritime security requirements at riverboat casinos and their respective dockside facilities. Changes to these regulations could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We draw a significant percentage of our customers from limited geographic regions. Events adversely impacting the economy or these regions, including man-made or natural disasters, may also impact our business.

Our California Hotel and Casino, Fremont Hotel and Casino and Main Street Station Casino, Brewery and Hotel draw a substantial portion of their customers from the Hawaiian market. For the year ended December 31, 2007, patrons from Hawaii comprised approximately 67% of the room nights sold at the California, 54% at the Fremont and 55% at Main Street Station. An increase in fuel costs or transportation prices, a decrease in airplane seat availability, or a deterioration of relations with tour and travel agents, particularly as they affect travel between the Hawaiian market and our facilities, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our Las Vegas properties also draw a substantial number of customers from certain other specific geographic areas, including Southern California, Arizona and Las Vegas. Native American casinos in California and other parts of the United States have diverted some potential visitors away from Nevada, which has had and could continue to have a negative effect on Nevada gaming markets. In addition, due to our significant concentration of properties in Nevada, any man-made or natural disasters in or around Nevada, or the areas from which we draw customers for our Las Vegas properties, could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Each of our properties located outside of Nevada depends primarily on visitors from their respective surrounding regions and are subject to comparable risk. The outbreak of public health threats at any of our properties or in the areas in which they are located, or the perception that such threats exist, as well as adverse economic conditions that affect the national or regional economies, whether resulting from war, terrorist activities or other geopolitical conflict, weather, general or localized economic downturns or related events or other factors, could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, to the extent that the airline industry is negatively impacted due to the outbreak of war, public health threats, terrorist or similar activity, increased security restrictions or the public’s general reluctance to travel by air, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be significantly adversely affected.

Energy price increases may adversely affect our cost of operations and our revenues.

Our casino properties use significant amounts of electricity, natural gas and other forms of energy. In addition, our Hawaiian air charter operation uses a significant amount of jet fuel. While no shortages of energy or fuel have been experienced to date, substantial increases in energy and fuel prices, including jet fuel prices, in the

 

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United States have negatively affected and may continue to negatively affect our operating results. The extent of the impact is subject to the magnitude and duration of the energy and fuel price increases, which impact could be material. In addition, energy and gasoline price increases in areas that constitute a significant source of customers for our properties could result in a decline in disposable income of potential customers, an increase in the cost of travel and a corresponding decrease in visitation and spending at our properties, which could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Certain of our stockholders own large interests in our capital stock and may significantly influence our affairs.

William S. Boyd, our Executive Chairman, together with his immediate family, beneficially owned approximately 36% of our outstanding shares of common stock as of December 31, 2007. As a result, the Boyd family has the ability to significantly influence our affairs, including the electing of our directors and, except as otherwise provided by law, approving or disapproving other matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, including a merger, consolidation or sale of assets.

Some of our hotel casinos are located on leased property. If we default on one or more leases, the applicable lessors could terminate the affected leases and we could lose possession of the affected hotel casino.

We lease certain parcels of land on which The Orleans, Suncoast, Sam’s Town Tunica, Treasure Chest and Sam’s Town Shreveport are located. In addition, we lease other parcels of land on which portions of the California and the Fremont are located. If we were to default on any one or more of these leases, the applicable lessors could terminate the affected leases and we could lose possession of the affected land and any improvements on the land, including the hotel casinos. This would have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations as we would then be unable to operate all or portions of the affected facilities.

We have a significant amount of indebtedness.

We had total consolidated long-term debt, net of current maturities, of approximately $2.3 billion at December 31, 2007. We expect that our long-term indebtedness will substantially increase in connection with the capital expenditures we anticipate making as a result of our planned expansion, development, investment and renovation projects. Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences. For example, it could:

 

   

make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations under our current indebtedness;

 

   

increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, which would reduce the availability of our cash flows to fund working capital, capital expenditures, expansion efforts and other general corporate purposes;

 

   

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

 

   

place us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and

 

   

limit, along with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our indebtedness, among other things, our ability to borrow additional funds. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could have a significant adverse effect on us.

The interest rates on a portion of our long-term debt are subject to fluctuation based upon changes in short-term interest rates and, as a result, our interest expense could increase.

 

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Our current debt service requirements on our bank credit facility primarily consist of interest payments on outstanding indebtedness. The bank credit facility consists of a $4.0 billion revolving credit facility that matures in May 2012. Subject to certain limitations, we may at any time, without the consent of the lenders under our bank credit facility, request incremental commitments to increase the size of the revolving credit facility, or request new commitments to add a term loan facility, by up to an aggregate amount of $1.0 billion.

Debt service requirements under our current outstanding senior subordinated notes consist of semi-annual interest payments (based upon fixed annual interest rates ranging from 6.75% to 7.75%) and repayment of the $300 million, $350 million and $250 million of principal on December 15, 2012, April 15, 2014, and February 1, 2016, respectively.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, and to fund planned capital expenditures and expansion efforts will depend upon our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. It is unlikely that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to us under our bank credit facility, in amounts sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness as it matures and to fund our other liquidity needs. We believe that we will need to refinance all or part of our indebtedness at or prior to each maturity; however, we may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. We may have to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing or delaying planned expenses and capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring debt, or obtaining additional equity or debt financing or joint venture partners. These financing strategies may not be affected on satisfactory terms, if at all. In addition, certain states’ laws contain restrictions on the ability of companies engaged in the gaming business to undertake certain financing transactions. Some restrictions may prevent us from obtaining necessary capital.

Our common stock price may fluctuate substantially, and your investment could decline in value.

The market price of our common stock may be volatile and could fluctuate substantially due to many factors, including:

 

   

actual or anticipated fluctuations in our results of operations;

 

   

announcements of significant acquisitions or other agreements by us or by our competitors;

 

   

our sale of common stock or other securities in the future;

 

   

the trading volume of our common stock;

 

   

conditions and trends in the gaming and destination entertainment industries;

 

   

changes in the estimation of the future size and growth of our markets; and

 

   

general economic conditions, including, among other things, changes in the cost of fuel and air travel.

In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to companies’ operating performance. Broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, shareholder derivative lawsuits securities class action litigation has often been instituted against that company. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources.

 

ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

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ITEM 2. Properties

Information relating to the location and general characteristics of our properties appears in tabular format under Item 1. “Business—Properties” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Substantially all of our real and personal property (other than stock and other equity interests), including each of our wholly-owned casino properties, is pledged as collateral for our bank credit facility.

As of December 31, 2007, some of our hotel casinos and development projects are located on leased property, including:

 

   

The Orleans is located on 77 acres of leased land.

 

   

Suncoast is located on 49 acres of leased land.

 

   

California is located on 13.9 acres of owned land and 1.6 acres of leased land.

 

   

Fremont is located on 1.4 acres of owned land and 0.9 acres of leased land.

 

   

Sam’s Town Tunica is located on 272 acres of leased land.

 

   

Treasure Chest is located on 14 acres of leased land.

 

   

Sam’s Town Shreveport is located on 18 acres of leased land.

 

ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

Copeland. Alvin C. Copeland, the sole shareholder of an unsuccessful applicant for a riverboat license at the location of our Treasure Chest Casino, has made several attempts to have the Treasure Chest license revoked and awarded to his company. In 1999 and 2000, Copeland unsuccessfully opposed the renewal of the Treasure Chest license and has brought two separate legal actions against us. In November 1993, Copeland objected to the relocation of Treasure Chest from the Mississippi River to its current site on Lake Pontchartrain. The predecessor to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board allowed the relocation over Copeland’s objection. Copeland then filed an appeal of the agency’s decision with the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. Through a number of amendments to the appeal, Copeland unsuccessfully attempted to transform the appeal into a direct action suit and sought the revocation of the Treasure Chest license. Treasure Chest intervened in the matter in order to protect its interests. The appeal/suit, as it related to Treasure Chest, was dismissed by the District Court and that dismissal was upheld on appeal by the First Circuit Court of Appeal. Additionally, in 1999, Copeland filed a direct action against Treasure Chest and certain other parties seeking the revocation of Treasure Chest’s license, an award of the license to him and monetary damages. The suit was dismissed by the trial court citing that Copeland failed to state a claim on which relief could be granted. The dismissal was appealed by Copeland to the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal. On June 21, 2002, the First Circuit Court of Appeal reversed the trial court’s decision and remanded the matter to the trial court. On January 14, 2003, we filed a motion to dismiss the matter and that motion was partially denied. The Court of Appeals refused to reverse the denial of the motion to dismiss. In May 2004, we filed additional motions to dismiss on other grounds. There was no activity regarding this matter during 2005 and 2006, and the case was set to be dismissed by the court for failure to prosecute by the plaintiffs in mid-May 2007; however on May 1, 2007, the plaintiff filed a motion to set a hearing date related to the motions to dismiss. The hearing was scheduled for September 10, 2007, at which time all parties agreed to postpone the hearing indefinitely. We currently are vigorously defending the lawsuit. If this matter ultimately results in the Treasure Chest license being revoked, it could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are also parties to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We believe that, except for the Copeland matter discussed previously, all pending claims, if adversely decided, would not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.

 

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ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

There were no matters subject to a vote of our security holders during the fourth quarter of 2007.

 

ITEM 4A. Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following table sets forth the non-director executive officers of Boyd Gaming Corporation as of February 29, 2008:

 

Name

   Age   

Position

Paul J. Chakmak

   43    Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Brian A. Larson

   52    Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel

Josh Hirsberg

   46    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (principal financial officer)

Jeffrey G. Santoro

   46    Senior Vice President and Controller (principal accounting officer)

Paul J. Chakmak has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective January 1, 2008. Mr. Chakmak joined us in February 2004 as our Senior Vice President – Finance and Treasurer, and was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer on June 1, 2006.

Brian A. Larson has served as our Executive Vice President and General Counsel since January 1, 2008 and as our Secretary since February 2001. Mr. Larson became our Senior Vice President and General Counsel in January 1998. He became our Associate General Counsel in March 1993 and Vice President—Development in June 1993.

Josh Hirsberg joined the Company as our Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer effective January 1, 2008. Mr. Hirsberg was most recently the Chief Financial Officer for EdgeStar Partners, a Las Vegas-based resort development concern. He previously held several senior-level finance positions in the gaming industry, including Vice President and Treasurer for Caesars Entertainment and Vice President, Strategic Planning and Investor Relations for Harrah’s Entertainment.

Jeffrey G. Santoro has been our Senior Vice President and Controller effective January 1, 2008, and served as a Vice President since February 2001 and Controller since May 1998. Mr. Santoro joined the Company in March 1997 as our Director of Financial Reporting.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BYD.” Information with respect to sales prices and record holders of our common stock is set forth below:

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

The following table sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the high and low sales prices of our common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.

 

     High    Low

2006

     

First Quarter

   $ 50.72    $ 41.50

Second Quarter

     54.72      37.63

Third Quarter

     40.29      33.10

Fourth Quarter

     48.10      38.05

2007

     

First Quarter

   $ 49.73    $ 43.88

Second Quarter

     54.08      44.62

Third Quarter

     54.22      35.90

Fourth Quarter

     45.40      33.89

On February 15, 2008, the closing sales price of our common stock on the NYSE was $24.89 per share. On that date, we had approximately 950 holders of record of our common stock.

Dividends are declared at the discretion of our Board of Directors. We are subject to certain limitations regarding the payment of dividends, such as restricted payment limitations related to our outstanding notes and our bank credit facility. The following table sets forth the cash dividends declared and paid during the two years ended December 31, 2007:

 

Payment Date

  

Record Date

   Dividend
Per
Share

March 1, 2006

   February 10, 2006    $ 0.125

June 1, 2006

   May 12, 2006      0.135

September 1, 2006

   August 11, 2006      0.135

December 1, 2006

   November 10, 2006      0.135

March 1, 2007

   February 9, 2007      0.135

June 1, 2007

   May 11, 2007      0.150

September 4, 2007

   August 17, 2007      0.150

December 3, 2007

   November 16, 2007      0.150

We did not repurchase any securities during the fourth quarter of 2007 and have approximately 0.9 million shares that may yet be purchased under our share repurchase program as of December 31, 2007. In the future, we may acquire our debt or equity securities, through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers, redemptions or otherwise, upon such terms and at such prices as we may determine. Item 12 of Part III of this report contains information concerning securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.

 

ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data

We have derived the selected consolidated financial data presented below as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 from the audited consolidated financial

 

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statements contained elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The selected consolidated financial data presented below as of December 31, 2005 and as of and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not contained herein. Operating results for the periods presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future years.

The following is a listing of significant events affecting our business during the five year period ended December 31, 2007:

 

   

We began construction on Echelon, our multi-billion dollar Las Vegas Strip development project, in the second quarter of 2007 and plan to open Echelon in the third quarter of 2010. Echelon will be located on the former Stardust site, which we closed on November 1, 2006 and demolished in March 2007.

 

   

On February 27, 2007, we completed our exchange transaction, whereby we exchanged our Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino and its related 4.2 acres of land for approximately 24 acres located north of and contiguous to our Echelon development project on the Las Vegas Strip in a nonmonetary, tax-free transaction. The results of Barbary Coast are classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

 

   

On October 25, 2006, we sold our South Coast Hotel and Casino for total consideration of approximately $513 million, consisting of approximately $401 million in cash and approximately 3.4 million shares of our common stock valued at $112 million. The results of South Coast are classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

 

   

On January 31, 2006, we expanded our Blue Chip Hotel and Casino through the construction of a single-level boat that allowed us to expand our casino and increase the number of slot machines by approximately 25%. In connection with this expansion, we also added a new parking structure and enhanced the land-based pavilion. In October 2006, we announced a $130 million expansion project at Blue Chip that will add a second hotel with approximately 300 guest rooms to our existing 184-room hotel, a spa and fitness center, additional meeting and event space as well as more dining and nightlife experiences. We began construction on the project during the first quarter 2007 and it is expected to open in December 2008.

 

   

On July 1, 2004, we consummated a $1.3 billion merger in stock and cash with Coast Casinos, Inc., or Coast, pursuant to which Coast became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boyd Gaming Corporation.

 

   

On May 19, 2004, we acquired all of the outstanding limited and general partnership interests of the partnership that owned the Shreveport Hotel and Casino in Shreveport, Louisiana, for approximately $197 million. After the acquisition, we renamed the property Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino, and we refer to the property as Sam’s Town Shreveport.

 

   

We and MGM MIRAGE each own 50% of a limited liability company that owns and operates Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, a destination resort located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Borgata commenced operations on July 3, 2003. In June 2006, Borgata completed a $200 million expansion that added both gaming and non-gaming amenities, including additional slot machines, table games, poker tables, restaurants and a nightclub. In addition to this expansion, in January 2006 construction commenced on The Water Club, a $400 million project that will add an 800-room hotel, additional meeting space, a world class spa and six retail shops. This expansion project is expected to be completed in June 2008. We use the equity method to account for our investment in Borgata.

 

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     Year Ended December 31,
     2007(a)    2006(b)    2005(c)    2004(d)    2003(e)
     (In thousands, except per share data)

OPERATING DATA

              

Net revenues

   $ 1,997,119    $ 2,192,634    $ 2,161,085    $ 1,707,207    $ 1,253,070

Operating income

     354,232      404,650      405,687      304,279      148,800

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     120,908      161,348      164,368      111,286      40,933

PER SHARE DATA—DILUTED

              

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   $ 1.36    $ 1.80    $ 1.82    $ 1.42    $ 0.62

Weighted average diluted common shares

     88,608      89,593      90,507      78,235      66,163

Cash dividends declared per common share

   $ 0.585    $ 0.53    $ 0.46    $ 0.32    $ 0.15
     December 31,
     2007    2006    2005    2004    2003
     (In thousands)

BALANCE SHEET DATA

              

Total assets

   $ 4,487,596    $ 3,901,299    $ 4,424,953    $ 3,919,028    $ 1,872,997

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

     2,265,929      2,133,016      2,552,795      2,304,343      1,097,589

Total stockholders’ equity

     1,385,406      1,109,952      1,098,004      943,770      441,253

All note references below are to the footnotes accompanying our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15, “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules” of this report.

 

(a) 2007 includes the following pre-tax items: $22.8 million of preopening expenses (see Note 1), a $16.9 million loss on the early retirements of debt (see Note 6), $12.1 million of write-downs and other charges, net (see Note 10), $3.2 million for a one-time retroactive property tax adjustment at Blue Chip (see Note 8) and $1.3 million of one-time permanent tax benefits resulting from a charitable contribution and a state income tax credit. (see Note 15)
(b) 2006 includes the following pre-tax items: $20.6 million of preopening expenses (see Note 1), $11.2 million of accelerated depreciation related to the Stardust and related assets (see Note 3), $8.8 million of write-downs and other charges, net (see Note 10), and $6.7 million for a one-time retroactive gaming tax assessment at Par-A-Dice (see Note 8).
(c) 2005 includes the following pre-tax items: $64.6 million of write-downs and other charges, net (see Note 10), a $17.5 million loss on the early retirement of debt (see Note 6), $7.7 million of preopening expenses (see Note 1) and $1.5 million of retention tax credits related to the hurricanes that impacted our Louisiana operations. (see Note 15)
(d) 2004 includes the following pre-tax items: a $9.7 million Borgata investment tax credit, a $5.7 million one-time Indiana gaming tax charge, a $4.3 million loss on the early retirement of debt, $2.0 million of preopening expenses and $1.2 million of write-downs and other charges, net.
(e) 2003 includes the following pre-tax items: $19.6 million of preopening expenses related to Borgata and a $3.5 million retroactive gaming tax adjustment at Blue Chip.

 

ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

We are a diversified operator of 15 wholly-owned gaming entertainment properties and one joint venture property. Headquartered in Las Vegas, we have casino gaming operations in Nevada, Illinois, Louisiana,

 

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Mississippi, Indiana and New Jersey. We aggregate certain of our properties in order to present five segments: Las Vegas Locals, Downtown Las Vegas, Midwest and South, Stardust (which closed November 1, 2006) and our 50% joint venture that owns a limited liability company that operates Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey. We own 87 acres on the Las Vegas Strip where our Echelon project is currently under development.

In March 2007, we renamed our Central Region segment as our Midwest and South segment. Due to the disposition of Barbary Coast in February 2007 and the South Coast in October 2006, the operating results from these two properties are classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations. As such, we have reclassified their results for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 to conform to the current presentation. For further information related to our segment information, including the property compositions of each segment, the definition of Adjusted EBITDA and reconciliations of certain financial information, see Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements presented at Item 15. “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules”.

Our main business emphasis is on slot revenues, which are highly dependent on the volume of customers at our properties. Gross revenues are one of the main performance indicators of our properties. Most of our revenue is cash-based, and our properties have historically generated significant operating cash flow. Our industry is capital intensive, and we rely heavily on the ability of our properties to generate operating cash flow to repay debt financing, pay income taxes, fund maintenance capital expenditures and provide excess cash for future development and the payment of dividends.

Overall Outlook

Over the past few years, we have been working to strategically position our Company for greater success by strengthening our operating foundation and effecting strategic growth. Our most recently completed areas of growth include:

 

   

Opening of Borgata’s public space expansion in June 2006, which includes three new signature restaurants and nine additional casual dining outlets, additional casino games, an 85-table poker room and an ultra lounge.

 

   

Expansion of Blue Chip in January 2006 through the construction of a single-level boat that allowed us to expand our gaming space and increase the number of slot machines and table games. In connection with this expansion project, we also added a new parking structure and enhanced the land-based pavilion.

 

   

Opening of 206-room hotel at Delta Downs in March 2005.

We are currently focused on future expansion projects, such as Echelon, our Las Vegas Strip development, which we expect to open in the third quarter of 2010, our new hotel at Blue Chip, which we expect to open in December 2008 and the addition of The Water Club, an 800-room boutique hotel expansion project at Borgata that is expected to open in June 2008. See “Development Projects” below for a more comprehensive description of all of our expansion projects.

In October 2006, we completed the sale of South Coast, which provided us with additional capital for future growth opportunities and reduced our issued and outstanding common stock by approximately 3.4 million shares. In February 2007, we completed our exchange of Barbary Coast for approximately 24 acres of land on the Las Vegas Strip adjacent to our Echelon development project, which provides us with additional opportunity for future growth. These transactions are described in more detail at “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations—Discontinued Operations”.

In addition to our expansion projects mentioned above, we regularly evaluate opportunities for growth through development of gaming operations in existing or new markets and through acquiring other gaming entertainment facilities.

 

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Summary Financial Results

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005
     (In thousands)

Gross revenues

        

Las Vegas Locals

   $ 943,117    $ 946,176    $ 969,165

Downtown Las Vegas

     277,660      278,737      282,363

Midwest and South

     1,001,242      1,074,989      967,381

Stardust

     —        135,019      183,020
                    

Total gross revenues

   $ 2,222,019    $ 2,434,921    $ 2,401,929
                    

Operating income

   $ 354,232    $ 404,650    $ 405,687
                    

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   $ 120,908    $ 161,348    $ 164,368
                    

Significant events that affected our 2007 results as compared to 2006, or that may affect our future results, are described below:

 

   

The impact of slowing economic conditions and its effect on consumer spending negatively affected our gross revenues during the latter part of 2007, and these effects may continue for the foreseeable future.

 

   

The opening of the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan (which is located approximately fifteen miles from Blue Chip) in August 2007.

 

   

A decline in 2007 operating results at Treasure Chest, reflecting normalization of its results as the Gulf Coast continued to rebuild and other forms of entertainment have reopened after the impact of Hurricane Katrina.

 

   

A $28 million charge during 2006 to write-off the net book value of the original Blue Chip gaming vessel, which was replaced with a new gaming vessel in connection with our 2006 expansion project.

 

   

The closing of the Stardust on November 1, 2006 to make way for the development of Echelon on the Las Vegas Strip. In 2007, we incurred $11.1 million of property closure costs related to demolition related expenses. In 2006, we incurred $13.4 million of property closure costs, primarily representing exit and disposal costs related to one-time termination benefits and contract termination costs, as well as $11.2 million for accelerated depreciation.

 

   

The addition of a new property by a major competitor in the Las Vegas Locals market in April 2006.

 

   

A $16.9 million loss on the early retirements of our $250 million principal amount 8.75% senior subordinated notes and our former bank credit facility during 2007.

Significant events that affected our 2006 results as compared to 2005, or that may affect our future results, are described below:

 

   

The closing of the Stardust on November 1, 2006 to make way for the development of Echelon. In 2006, we incurred $13.4 million of property closure costs, primarily representing exit and disposal costs related to one-time termination benefits and contract termination costs, as well as $11.2 million for accelerated depreciation. In 2005, we recorded a $56 million non-cash impairment charge to write down the long-lived assets at Stardust to their estimated fair value.

 

   

The completion of our expansion project at Blue Chip on January 31, 2006, which included a new gaming vessel with an expanded casino floor located on one level. We also incurred a $28 million non-cash charge to write-off the net book value of our original Blue Chip gaming vessel in 2006.

 

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We were impacted in 2005 by two hurricanes that affected certain of our Midwest and South Region properties. Treasure Chest closed in August 2005 as a result of Hurricane Katrina and remained closed for 44 days, reopening in October 2005. Delta Downs closed in September 2005 as a result of Hurricane Rita and remained closed for 42 days, reopening in November 2005. Horse races at Delta Downs resumed in April 2006. We incurred $9.3 million of net hurricane and related expenses during 2005. In 2006, we recorded a $36 million gain related to the final settlement of our insurance claims related to hurricane damages at Delta Downs.

 

   

A significant increase in operating results at Treasure Chest due to the economic changes resulting in an increase in discretionary leisure spending in the New Orleans area following the impact of Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast region in August 2005. However, as casinos and other forms of entertainment reopened in the Gulf Coast region during 2006, Treasure Chest’s operating results began to normalize.

 

   

An increase in operating results at Delta Downs due in part to the opening of its 206-room hotel in March 2005 and the completion of the majority of its hurricane restoration project during the first quarter of 2006.

 

   

$21 million of non-cash share-based compensation expense in 2006 resulting from the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R, Share-Based Payment on January 1, 2006; there was no such expense recorded prior to 2006.

 

   

Operating income from our Las Vegas Locals segment was negatively impacted by increased capacity in the market with the addition of new competition in 2006.

Adjusted EBITDA

We have aggregated certain of our properties in order to present the five segments listed in the table below. See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements presented at Item 15. “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules,” for a definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of this financial information to operating income and income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle presented in accordance with GAAP.

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005
     (In thousands)

Adjusted EBITDA

        

Las Vegas Locals

   $ 275,510    $ 273,797    $ 299,913

Downtown Las Vegas

     52,127      53,573      52,295

Midwest and South

     212,620      257,570      224,816

Stardust

     —        15,403      24,651

Our share of Borgata's operating income before net amortization, preopening and other items

     86,470      91,963      97,392

The significant factors that affected Adjusted EBITDA for 2007 as compared to 2006 are listed below:

 

   

Las Vegas Locals Adjusted EBITDA increased slightly during 2007 as compared to 2006 despite the reduction in gross revenues due to the impact of slowing economic conditions and its affect on consumer spending, as well as increased competition and promotional spending in the market. This segment has experienced margin improvement due to operational efficiencies resulting from the integration of our properties and the standardization of certain operating processes.

 

   

Midwest and South Adjusted EBITDA decreased primarily due to the following items:

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA at Blue Chip declined during 2007 as compared to 2006 due primarily to the opening of the Four Winds Casino in August 2007, as well as the January 2006 grand opening of our new gaming vessel, which resulted in a significant increase in customer volume and operating results during 2006. In addition, results at Blue Chip during 2007 were impacted by a $3.2

 

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million estimated property tax charge retroactive to January 1, 2006. This charge was the result of receiving a notice indicating an unanticipated increase of nearly 400% to Blue Chip’s assessed property value.

 

   

The normalization of Adjusted EBITDA at Treasure Chest during 2007 as compared to 2006 as the Gulf Coast continued to rebuild and other forms of entertainment have reopened after the impact of Hurricane Katrina. Results at Treasure Chest appear to have stabilized.

 

   

We closed the Stardust on November 1, 2006 to make way for the development of Echelon on the Las Vegas Strip.

 

   

See “Operating Data for Borgata—our 50% joint venture in Atlantic City” for a discussion of the decrease in our Adjusted EBITDA from Borgata.

The significant factors that affected Adjusted EBITDA for 2006 as compared to 2005 are listed below:

 

   

Las Vegas Locals Adjusted EBITDA decreased due primarily to the addition of increased competition and promotional spending in the market.

 

   

Significant factors that affected Midwest and South Region Adjusted EBITDA include the following items:

 

   

Treasure Chest’s Adjusted EBITDA increased due to the increase in gross revenues coupled with lower payroll and marketing expenses at the property due to changes in operations caused by the impact of Hurricane Katrina. However, as casinos and other forms of entertainment reopened in the Gulf Coast region during 2006, Treasure Chest’s Adjusted EBITDA began to normalize.

 

   

Blue Chip’s Adjusted EBITDA increased due to the increase in gross revenues related to the opening of its newly expanded casino and pavilion in January 2006, which was partially offset by an increase in marketing and promotional expenses incurred in an effort to generate trial and repeat visitation.

 

   

Delta Downs’ Adjusted EBITDA increased due to the opening of its 206-room hotel in March 2005 and the completion of the majority of its hurricane restoration project during the first quarter of 2006.

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA from Par-A-Dice decreased primarily due to $9.8 million of additional gaming tax expense resulting from a June 2006 modification by the Illinois State Legislature requiring licensees to pay an additional 5% tax on adjusted gross gaming revenues retroactive to July 1, 2005, $6.7 million of which related to the twelve months ended June 30, 2006.

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA at Sam’s Town Shreveport declined 27% in 2006 as compared to 2005 due primarily to a 6.3% decrease in gross revenue.

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA at Stardust decreased due to a decline in customer volume as a result of the wind-down of operations and the closure of the property on November 1, 2006.

 

   

See “Operating Data for Borgata—our 50% joint venture in Atlantic City” for a discussion of the decrease in our Adjusted EBITDA from Borgata.

 

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Operating Data for Borgata—our 50% joint venture in Atlantic City

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain operating data for Borgata, our 50% joint venture in Atlantic City. We use the equity method to account for our investment in Borgata.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (In thousands)  

Gross revenues

   $ 1,034,679     $ 1,009,024     $ 944,705  

Operating income

     168,868       174,988       194,623  

Total non-operating expenses

     (27,536 )     (21,155 )     (23,435 )

Net income

     141,332       153,833       171,188  

The following table reconciles the presentation of our share of Borgata’s operating income.

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005
     (In thousands)

Operating income from Borgata, as reported on our consolidated statements of operations

   $ 83,136    $ 86,196    $ 96,014

Net amortization expense related to our investment in Borgata

     1,298      1,298      1,298
                    

Our share of Borgata’s operating income

     84,434      87,494      97,312

Our share of Borgata’s preopening expenses

     1,558      3,260      —  

Our share of Borgata’s write-downs and other charges, net

     478      1,209      80
                    

Our share of Borgata’s operating income before net amortization, preopening and other expenses

   $ 86,470    $ 91,963    $ 97,392
                    

Our share of Borgata’s operating income before net amortization, preopening and other expenses decreased $5.5 million in 2007 as compared to 2006. This decline is mainly attributable to the heightened competitive environment in Atlantic City as a result of new competition from surrounding jurisdictions, as well as higher fixed costs associated with Borgata’s public space expansion that opened in June 2006.

Our share of Borgata’s operating income before net amortization, preopening and other expenses decreased $5.4 million in 2006 as compared to 2005. In June 2006, Borgata opened its $200 million public space expansion which resulted in higher marketing and promotional expenses, depreciation, utilities and other fixed charges that more than offset its increase in gross revenues.

Borgata Tax Credits. Based on New Jersey state income tax rules, Borgata is eligible for a refundable state tax credit under the New Jersey New Jobs Investment Tax Credit (“New Jobs Tax Credit”) because it made a qualified investment in a new business facility that created new jobs. The total net credit related to Borgata’s original investment was approximately $75 million over a five-year period that ended in 2007. An incremental net credit related to Borgata’s public space expansion is estimated to be approximately $2.7 million over a five-year period ending in 2010. Borgata recorded $17.4 million, $16.9 million and $18.7 million, respectively, of net New Jobs Tax Credits in arriving at its state income tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. Borgata expects to generate net New Jobs Tax Credits of approximately $0.6 million per annum for the years 2008 through 2010. Borgata may also be entitled to incremental New Jobs Tax Credits as a result of its second hotel project, The Water Club, which is expected to be completed in June 2008.

Due to the absorption of the original New Job Tax Credits, Borgata is expected to record a state tax provision in 2008. This tax provision will be principally based upon Borgata’s pre-tax income and the nine percent New Jersey statutory tax rate.

 

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Operating Results—Discussion of Certain Expenses and Charges

The following expenses and charges are further discussed below:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005
     (In thousands)

Corporate expense

   $ 48,960    $ 39,981    $ 44,101

Depreciation and amortization

     167,257      189,837      171,958

Preopening expenses

     22,819      20,623      7,690

Share-based compensation expense

     14,802      19,278      —  

Write-downs and other charges, net

     12,101      8,838      64,615

Corporate Expense. Corporate expense represents unallocated payroll, professional fees, aircraft costs and various other expenses not directly related to our casino hotel operations. In 2007, we commenced design work on our consolidated new players club program in order to build and reward customer loyalty and drive cross-property visitation. The increase in corporate expense in 2007 as compared to 2006 is due, in part, to expenses incurred for our new players club program. We launched the first phase of the program in January 2008 and expect to complete the rollout of this program in the second quarter of 2008. We expect the launch of the program to cause corporate expense to increase by $8 million to $10 million in 2008.

Depreciation and Amortization. The decline in depreciation and amortization expense during 2007 as compared to 2006 is principally due to the closure of the Stardust on November 1, 2006. Additionally, in connection with the planned closure of the Stardust, we reevaluated the useful lives of all of the depreciable assets residing on the land associated with our Echelon development project, including our corporate office building, and we recorded an additional $11.2 million in accelerated depreciation related to these assets during 2006.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased in 2006 as compared to 2005 due to the completion of the Blue Chip expansion project in January 2006 and the Delta Downs expansion project in March 2005, as well as the completion of the hurricane reconstruction project at Delta Downs in March 2006. Additionally, in connection with the planned closure of the Stardust, we reevaluated the useful lives of all of the depreciable assets residing on the land associated with our Echelon development project, including our corporate office building, and we recorded an additional $11.2 million in accelerated depreciation related to these assets during 2006.

Preopening Expenses

 

   

In 2007, preopening expenses related to the following items:

   

$15.6 million for our Echelon development project;

   

$5.3 million for the Dania Jai Alai project; and

   

$1.9 million for other projects.

 

   

In 2006, preopening expenses related to the following items:

   

$11.6 million for our Echelon development project;

   

$2.6 million for our Blue Chip expansion project;

   

$1.1 million for our Dania Jai Alai project; and

   

$5.3 million for other projects.

 

   

In 2005, preopening expenses related to the following items:

   

$3.5 million for our Echelon development project;

   

$1.3 million for our Blue Chip expansion project;

   

$1.3 million for our Dania Jai Alai project; and

   

$1.6 million for other projects.

Share-Based Compensation Expense. On January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, using the modified prospective method. This statement requires us to measure the cost of employee services

 

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received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). For the year ended December 31, 2007, we incurred $16.1 million of share-based compensation expense related to continuing operations, of which $1.3 million is included in preopening expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2006, we incurred $20.6 million of share-based compensation expense related to continuing operations, of which $1.3 million is included in preopening expenses.

On November 7, 2007 and December 6, 2007, we granted options to purchase approximately 1.3 million and 0.5 million shares of our common stock, respectively, at an exercise price of $39.78 per share and $38.11 per share, respectively, representing the closing market price of our common stock on those dates. The fair value of these grants, combined with our other share-based payment awards currently outstanding, will result in estimated share-based compensation costs of approximately $15 million for the year ending December 31, 2008. The grant of any additional share-based payment awards will increase our estimate of share-based compensation costs. Our financial statements for periods prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R do not reflect any restated amounts related to the adoption of this standard.

Write-downs and Other Charges, net.

In 2007, write-downs and other charges, net, primarily consist of the following:

 

   

In connection with our Echelon development project on the Las Vegas Strip, we closed the Stardust on November 1, 2006 and demolished the property in 2007. During 2007, we recorded $11.1 million in property closure costs, the majority of which represents demolition and rubble removal costs.

 

   

We incurred $0.9 million of acquisition-related expenses in connection with our purchase of Dania Jai-Alai on March 1, 2007.

In 2006, write-downs and other charges, net, primarily consist of the following:

 

   

A gain of $36 million recognized upon the final settlement with our insurance carrier for insurance claims related to hurricane damages at Delta Downs.

 

   

A $28 million non-cash charge related to the write-off of the net book value of the original Blue Chip gaming vessel in June 2006, which was replaced with a new gaming vessel in conjunction with our expansion project. After analysis of alternative uses for the original vessel, management decided in June 2006 to permanently retire the asset from further operations.

 

   

In connection with our Echelon development plan, we closed the Stardust on November 1, 2006 and demolished the property in March 2007. During 2006, we recorded $13.4 million in property closure costs, the majority of which represents exit and disposal costs related to one-time termination benefits and contract termination costs.

 

   

A $3.0 million non-cash write-down in September 2006 related to land held for sale in Pennsylvania that we previously planned to utilize as a site for a potential gaming operation. We withdrew our application for gaming approval, which led to our decision to sell the land.

In 2005, write-downs and other charges, net, primarily consist of the following:

 

   

We recorded a $56 million non-cash impairment loss to write-down the long-lived assets at Stardust to their estimated fair value. Because we intend to redevelop the land on which the Stardust was located and our plans included demolishing Stardust’s existing buildings and abandoning other related assets, we performed an impairment test for this property. This non-cash charge was the result of our calculation of the estimated remaining net cash flows for Stardust compared to the net book value of the assets to be demolished or abandoned. For more information about this project, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations, Other Items Affecting Liquidity—Expansion Projects.”

 

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Due to the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on two of our properties, Treasure Chest and Delta Downs, we recorded $9.3 million of net hurricane and related expenses in 2005.

Other Operating Items

Asset Impairment

Due to a prior history of operating losses at Sam’s Town Tunica, in prior reporting periods, we tested the assets of Sam’s Town Tunica for recoverability pursuant to SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” The asset recoverability test required the estimation of Sam’s Town Tunica’s undiscounted future cash flows and comparing that aggregate total to the property’s carrying value. Sam’s Town Tunica’s financial performance improved during 2007 and its profitability is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. In 2007, the property’s estimated undiscounted future cash flows exceeded its carrying value; therefore, we do not believe Sam’s Town Tunica’s assets to be impaired and we did not perform an impairment test of its long-lived assets; however, we will continue to monitor the performance of Sam’s Town Tunica and, if necessary, continue to update our asset recoverability test under SFAS No. 144. If future asset recoverability tests indicate that the assets of Sam’s Town Tunica are impaired, we will be subject to a non-cash write-down of its assets, which could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated statements of operations.

We have significant amounts of goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” we perform an annual impairment test of these assets in the second quarter of each year, which resulted in no impairment charge for the years end December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005; however, if our ongoing estimates of projected cash flows related to these assets are not met, we may be subject to a non-cash write-down of these assets in the future, which could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated statements of operations.

Dania Jai-Alai

On March 1, 2007, we acquired Dania Jai-Alai and approximately 47 acres of related land located in Dania Beach, Florida. Dania Jai-Alai is one of four pari-mutuel facilities in Broward County approved under Florida law to operate 2,000 Class III slot machines (see Note 8, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for information related to the Broward County slot initiative and the pending challenge to its validity). We purchased Dania Jai-Alai with the intention of redeveloping the property into a slot-based casino. We paid approximately $81 million to close this transaction, and, if certain conditions are satisfied, we will be required to pay an additional $75 million, plus interest accrued at the prime rate (the “contingent payment”), in March 2010 or earlier.

In February 2008, management completed its analysis of our opportunity to operate slot machines at Dania Jai-Alai and decided to postpone redevelopment of the facility due to the following considerations: the continued poor performance of the Broward County pari-mutuel casinos; the introduction of Class III slot machines and the probable pending addition of table games at a nearby Native American casino; the prohibitively high gaming tax rate for pari-mutuel slot operators; the pending introduction of casino gaming in Miami-Dade County and the introduction of legislation to allow for slot machines at all pari-mutuel facilities in the State of Florida. As circumstances change, management will monitor our opportunities with respect to Dania Jai-Alai.

Due to the change in circumstances, during the first quarter of 2008, we will test Dania Jai-Alai’s long-lived and intangible assets, as well as any goodwill that may arise from the finalization of our purchase price allocation, for impairment. Although we cannot quantify an amount at this time, we expect this impairment test to result in the write-down of a portion of these assets. In addition, we may be subject to another impairment charge if and when the contingent payment is resolved and added to the cost of the acquisition.

 

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Blue Chip

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, a federally recognized Native American tribe, commenced operations of the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan (which is located approximately fifteen miles from Blue Chip) in August 2007. Although we have expanded our facility at Blue Chip in an effort to be more competitive in this market, the Four Winds Casino has had, and could continue to have, an adverse impact on the operations of Blue Chip.

We review our goodwill, intangible and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If our ongoing estimates of projected cash flows at Blue Chip are not met due to the negative impact of increased competition or otherwise, we may be subject to a non-cash write-down of these assets, which could have an adverse impact on our consolidated statements of operations.

Sam’s Town Las Vegas

A smaller hotel casino located directly across from Sam’s Town Las Vegas is currently being redeveloped. This enhanced facility is expected to open in the third quarter of 2008 and may have an adverse impact on the results of operations at Sam’s Town Las Vegas.

Borgata

Borgata is in the process of its second expansion that will add a second hotel, The Water Club, which will include an 800-room hotel, five swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa and additional meeting room space. This expansion project is estimated to cost approximately $400 million. Borgata expects to finance the expansion from its cash flow from operations and from its bank credit agreement. We do not expect to make further capital contributions to Borgata for this project.

On September 23, 2007, The Water Club sustained a fire that caused approximately $11.4 million in property damage, based on current estimates. Borgata carries insurance policies that its management believes will cover most of the replacement costs related to the property damage, with the exception of minor amounts principally related to insurance deductibles and certain other limitations. During 2007, Borgata incurred $0.3 million of expenses related to the fire. Although the fire damage will delay its opening, Borgata currently believes The Water Club will be able to open in June 2008; however, no assurances can be made that it will open by that time, that insurance will cover the total replacement cost of the property damage, or that the costs related to the property damage will not increase above current estimates. In addition, Borgata has “delay-in-completion” insurance coverage for The Water Club for certain costs totaling up to $40 million, subject to various limitations and deductibles, which Borgata believes may help to offset some of the costs related to the postponement of its opening. In addition, Borgata maintains business interruption insurance that covers certain lost profits; however, Borgata has not pursued a possible claim at this time. As such, Borgata’s insurance carrier has yet to confirm or deny coverage. Recoveries, if any, from the insurance carrier for lost profits will be recorded by Borgata when earned and realized. As of December 31, 2007, Borgata had received $7 million in advances from its insurance carrier.

 

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Other Non-Operating Costs and Expenses

Interest Expense, Net

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (In thousands)  

Interest costs

   $ 159,732     $ 181,522     $ 152,405  

Less capitalized interest

     (18,060 )     (7,481 )     (22,930 )

Less effects of interest rate swaps

     (3,499 )     (2,249 )     (452 )

Less interest costs related to discontinued operations

     (600 )     (26,247 )     (2,711 )

Less interest income

     (119 )     (112 )     (224 )
                        

Interest expense, net

   $ 137,454     $ 145,433     $ 126,088  
                        

Average debt balance

   $ 2,187,536     $ 2,512,676     $ 2,389,741  
                        

Average interest rate

     7.1 %     7.1 %     6.4 %
                        

Interest costs decreased during 2007 as compared to 2006 principally due to a decrease in the average levels of debt outstanding as a result of the application of the $401 million of cash proceeds we received from the sale of South Coast in October 2006. Capitalized interest increased during 2007 as compared to 2006 due primarily to an increase in capital spending on our Echelon development project. We expect interest costs and capitalized interest to increase during 2008 due primarily to expected increases in capital spending on our Echelon development project and our new hotel project at Blue Chip.

Interest costs increased in 2006 as compared to 2005 due to an increase in the average levels of debt incurred to finance our expansion projects. In addition, the interest rates on our variable interest rate debt increased period-over-period. Capitalized interest decreased in 2006 as compared to 2005 due primarily to the opening of South Coast in December 2005 and the completion of the Blue Chip expansion project in January 2006.

Included in the loss from discontinued operations during 2006 is an allocation of interest expense related to $401 million of debt that was repaid as a result of the South Coast disposition, as well as other consolidated interest based on the ratio of: (i) the net assets of our discontinued operations less the debt repaid as a result of the South Coast disposition, to (ii) the sum of total consolidated net assets and consolidated debt of the Company, other than the debt repaid as a result of the disposition. With the February 2007 completion of the Barbary Coast exchange transaction, there were no further allocations of interest to discontinued operations from these transactions.

Loss on Early Retirements of Debt

On May 24, 2007, we entered into a new $4.0 billion revolving bank credit facility that matures on May 24, 2012. The bank credit facility replaces our former $1.85 billion bank credit facility. We recorded a $4.4 million non-cash loss on early retirement of debt during 2007 for the write-off of unamortized debt fees associated with our former bank credit facility.

On April 16, 2007, we redeemed our $250 million aggregate principal amount of 8.75% senior subordinated notes that were originally due to mature in April 2012. In connection with the redemption of these notes, we terminated our $50 million notional amount fixed-to-floating interest rate swap. During 2007, we recorded a loss on the early retirement of these notes and related interest rate swap of $12.5 million.

In 2005, we recorded a loss on early retirement of debt related to our $200 million aggregate principal amount of 9.25% senior notes originally due in 2009. The $17.5 million loss is comprised of the premium

 

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related to the call for redemption of these notes, unamortized deferred loan costs and the notes’ market adjustments from fair value hedges.

Change in Value of Derivative Instruments

During 2007 and 2006, we had certain interest rate swaps that we did not designate or qualify for hedge accounting; therefore, the decline in the fair value of these interest rate swaps of $1.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively, was recorded on our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. In July 2007, we terminated all of our interest rate swaps that we did not designate or qualify for hedge accounting. In addition, we entered into forward-starting interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $750 million to hedge the variability in the cash flows of our floating rate borrowings through June 30, 2011 (see Note 7, “Derivative Instrument,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements). We have designated and qualified these forward starting swaps as cash flow hedges in an effort to limit the impact of the change in the market value of these interest rate swaps on our future operating results.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for continuing operations in 2007 was 35% as compared to 35% in 2006 and 34% in 2005. The 2007 tax provision includes one-time permanent tax benefits resulting from a charitable contribution and a state income tax credit. The 2005 tax provision includes a net tax benefit of $1.5 million for a tax retention credit related to the hurricanes that impacted our Louisiana operations.

Income from Continuing Operations

As a result of the factors discussed above, we reported $121 million, $161 million and $164 million in income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows Summary

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (In thousands)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 283,682     $ 419,513     $ 419,908  
                        

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Capital expenditures

     (296,894 )     (436,464 )     (618,444 )

Net cash paid for Dania Jai-Alai

     (80,904 )     —         —    

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated subsidiaries

     (10,297 )     (2,966 )     —    

Net proceeds from sale of undeveloped land and other assets

     7,859       3,198       4,001  

Net proceeds from sale of South Coast

     —         401,430       —    

Insurance recoveries for replacement assets

     —         34,450       6,000  
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (380,236 )     (352 )     (608,443 )
                        

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Net (payments) borrowings under bank credit facility

     379,600       (653,500 )     446,800  

Payments on retirement of long-term debt

     (260,938 )     —         (209,325 )

Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     —         246,300       —    

Dividends paid on common stock

     (51,195 )     (46,662 )     (40,735 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     15,561       19,510       21,999  

Other

     9,830       (3,818 )     (2,521 )
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     92,858       (438,170 )     216,218  
                        

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (3,696 )   $ (19,009 )   $ 27,683  
                        

 

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Cash Flows from Operating Activities and Working Capital

For 2007, we generated operating cash flow of $284 million compared to $420 million in each of 2006 and 2005. The primary reason for the decrease in operating cash flows was due to a decline in operating results in our Midwest and South segment, as well as the sale of the South Coast on October 25, 2006, the closure of the Stardust on November 1, 2006 and the exchange of the Barbary Coast on February 27, 2007. In addition, our distributions from Borgata declined from $82.6 million in 2006 to $70.6 million in 2007 primarily due to a decline in Borgata’s operating results. Borgata has significant uses for its cash flows, including maintenance and expansion capital expenditures, interest payments, state income taxes and the repayment of debt. Borgata’s cash flows are primarily used for its business needs and are not generally available (except to the extent distributions are paid to us) to service our indebtedness.

As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had balances of cash and cash equivalents of $166 million and $169 million, respectively. We had a working capital deficit of $41.0 million as of December 31, 2007. Working capital was $42.7 million as of December 31, 2006.

Historically, we have operated with minimal or negative levels of working capital in order to minimize borrowings and related interest costs under our revolving bank credit facility. The revolving bank credit facility generally provides any necessary funds for our day-to-day operations, interest and tax payments as well as capital expenditures. On a daily basis, we evaluate our cash position and adjust the revolver balance as necessary by either paying it down with excess cash or borrowing under the revolver. We also plan the timing and the amounts of our capital expenditures. We believe that our revolving bank credit facility and cash flows from operating activities will be sufficient to meet our projected operating and maintenance capital expenditures for the next twelve months. The source of funds for our development projects, such as Blue Chip’s new hotel project and our Echelon development project, is expected to come primarily from cash flows from operations and availability under our bank credit facility, to the extent availability exists after we meet our working capital needs. We could also seek to fund these projects in whole or in part through incremental bank financing and additional debt or equity offerings. If availability does not exist under our bank credit facility, additional financing may not be available to us, or, if available, may not be on terms favorable to us.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Cash paid for capital expenditures on major projects for the year ended December 31, 2007 included the following:

 

   

Echelon development project;

 

   

New corporate offices; and

 

   

New hotel project at Blue Chip.

Spending on these and other expansion projects totaled $169 million in 2007. We also paid $128 million for maintenance capital expenditures during 2007. In addition, we paid approximately $81 million in 2007 for our acquisition of Dania Jai-Alai.

Cash paid for capital expenditures on major projects and land acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2006, included the following:

 

   

South Coast expansion project, the majority of which was substantially complete on October 25, 2006, the date on which it was sold;

 

   

Acquisition of North Las Vegas land;

 

   

Acquisition of land and building for our new corporate office;

 

   

Hurricane restoration costs at Delta Downs;

 

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The new Blue Chip vessel that opened in January 2006; and

 

   

Echelon development project.

Spending on these and other expansion projects totaled $308 million in 2006. Maintenance capital expenditures totaled $128 million in 2006.

Cash flows from investing activities during 2006 include $401 million in cash from the sale of the South Coast and $34 million of property insurance recoveries for the reimbursement of our capital spending related to our hurricane restoration project at Delta Downs.

Cash paid for capital expenditures in 2005 on major projects and land acquisitions included costs related to the following:

 

   

The new Blue Chip vessel that opened in January 2006;

 

   

South Coast that opened in December 2005;

 

   

Delta Downs 206-room hotel that opened in March 2005 and the hurricane restoration project;

 

   

Acquisition of Pennsylvania land that we have since entered into an agreement to sell; and

 

   

Acquisition of land at the Barbary Coast.

Spending on these and other projects totaled $499 million in 2005. Maintenance capital expenditures totaled $119 million in 2005.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Substantially all of the funding for our acquisitions and our renovation and expansion projects comes from cash flows from existing operations, as well as debt financing and equity issuances.

On April 16, 2007, we redeemed our outstanding $250 million aggregate principal amount of 8.75% senior subordinated notes that were due to mature in April 2012 for $261 million. This redemption was funded by availability under our bank credit facility.

On January 30, 2006, we issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 7.125% senior subordinated notes due February 2016. The $246 million of net proceeds from this debt issuance was used to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings under our bank credit facility.

During 2005, we redeemed the entire outstanding $200 million aggregate principal amount of our 9.25% senior notes originally due in 2009 for approximately $209 million. This redemption was funded by availability under our bank credit facility.

Dividends are declared at the discretion of our Board of Directors. We are subject to certain limitations regarding the payment of dividends, such as restricted payment limitations related to our outstanding notes and our bank credit facility.

In the future, we may acquire our debt or equity securities, through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers, redemptions or otherwise, upon such terms and at such prices as we may determine.

Other Items Affecting Liquidity

Development Projects

Echelon. In January 2006, we announced plans to develop Echelon on the Las Vegas Strip and commenced construction in June 2007, with a planned opening in the third quarter 2010. We estimate that the wholly-owned components of Echelon will cost approximately $3.3 billion. In addition, we have completed the design

 

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and development work on two joint-venture elements of Echelon, which include our hotel joint venture with Morgans Hotel Group LLC (“Morgans”), and our High Street retail promenade joint venture with General Growth Properties (“GGP”).

We expect that Echelon will include a total of approximately 5,000 rooms in five unique hotels as well as the following amenities:

 

   

Casino space: 140,000 square feet

 

   

Entertainment venues: 4,000-seat and 1,500-seat theaters, operated by AEG Live

 

   

High Street retail promenade: 300,000 square feet, operated by GGP

 

   

Meeting and Convention space: 750,000 square feet

 

   

Parking: approximately 9,000 spaces

Echelon will also include approximately 30 dining, nightlife and beverage venues in addition to an approximately 5.5 acre multi-level swimming pool and recreation deck.

On February 27, 2007, we exchanged the Barbary Coast for 24 acres on the Las Vegas Strip, bringing our total land holdings to 87 contiguous acres on the Echelon site. The additional land allowed us to modify the site layout of Echelon and increase the overall size of the project to 65 acres, and provides us with two additional parcels of six and 16 acres that could allow for the addition of another distinct hotel, a residential component, and additional retail, dining, meeting and casino space.

In connection with our 50/50 joint venture with Morgans to develop, construct and operate the Delano Las Vegas and the Mondrian Las Vegas hotels at Echelon, we will contribute approximately 6.1 acres of land and Morgans will ultimately contribute $91.5 million to the venture. The expected cost of the project, including the land, is estimated to be approximately $950 million; however, we can provide no assurances that the estimated cost will approximate the actual cost. Construction on the Delano and Mondrian hotels is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2008. Given the current state of the credit markets, we anticipate that additional equity and/or credit support will be necessary to obtain construction financing for the remaining cost of the project. This additional equity and/or credit support may be contributed by us or Morgans, or from both parties, and/or from one or more additional equity sponsors. If the joint venture is unable to obtain adequate project financing in a timely manner or at all, we may be forced to sell assets in order to raise capital for the project, limit the scope of the project, defer the project or cancel the project altogether. Should we postpone or cancel this project, we expect to continue the construction of the remaining aspects of our Echelon development project; however, our expected returns from the Echelon development project would be adversely impacted due to the change in the scope of the overall project.

In May 2007, we formed our 50/50 joint venture with GGP, whereby we will initially contribute the above-ground real estate (air rights) and GGP will initially contribute $100 million to develop the High Street retail promenade at Echelon. The expected cost of this project, including the air rights, is estimated to be approximately $500 million; however, we can provide no assurances that the estimated cost will approximate the actual cost. We expect that the joint venture will be 100% equity funded. We anticipate that any additional cash outlay from us will come from cash flows from operations and availability under our bank credit facility, to the extent availability exists after we meet our working capital needs. If availability under our bank credit facility does not exist, additional financing may not be available to us, or, if available, may not be on terms favorable to us.

Blue Chip. In October 2006, we announced a $130 million expansion project at Blue Chip to add a second hotel with approximately 300 guest rooms, a spa and fitness center, additional meeting and event space, as well as more dining and nightlife venues. We began construction on the project in March 2007 and it is expected to open in December 2008.

 

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Dania Jai-Alai. On March 1, 2007, we acquired Dania Jai-Alai and approximately 47 acres of related land located in Dania Beach, Florida. Dania Jai-Alai is one of four pari-mutuel facilities in Broward County approved under Florida law to operate 2,000 Class III slot machines (see Note 8, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for information related to the Broward County slot initiative and the pending challenge to its validity). We purchased Dania Jai-Alai with the intention of redeveloping the property into a slot-based casino. We paid approximately $81 million to close this transaction and, if certain conditions are satisfied, we will be required to pay an additional $75 million, plus interest accrued at the prime rate (the “contingent payment”), in March 2010 or earlier. We can provide no assurances as to when, or whether, such conditions will be satisfied. We will not record a liability for the contingent payment unless or until the contingency has been resolved and the additional consideration is distributable. If the contingency is resolved and the contingent payment is made, it will be added to the cost of the acquisition.

In February 2008, management completed its analysis of our opportunity to operate slot machines at Dania Jai-Alai and decided to postpone redevelopment of the facility due to the following considerations: the continued poor performance of the Broward County pari-mutuel casinos; the introduction of Class III slot machines and the probable pending addition of table games at a nearby Native American casino; the prohibitively high gaming tax rate for pari-mutuel slot operators; the pending introduction of casino gaming in Miami-Dade County and the introduction of legislation to allow for slot machines at all pari-mutuel facilities in the State of Florida. As circumstances change, management will monitor our opportunities with respect to Dania Jai-Alai.

Due to the change in circumstances, during the first quarter of 2008, we will test Dania Jai-Alai’s long-lived and intangible assets, as well as any goodwill that may arise from the finalization of our purchase price allocation, for impairment. Although we cannot quantify an amount at this time, we expect this impairment test to result in the write-down of a portion of these assets. In addition, we may be subject to another impairment charge if and when the contingent payment is resolved and added to the cost of the acquisition.

Pennsylvania Land. On September 5, 2007 (the “effective date”), we entered into an agreement to sell approximately 125 acres of land that we own in Pennsylvania for $26.5 million, before selling costs, contingent upon certain conditions. As of the date of this filing, the sale has not closed; however, the closing date of the sale must occur no later than fifteen months after the effective date. We expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of the land to reduce our outstanding balance under our revolving bank credit facility. The closing of this transaction is subject to various conditions; therefore, we can provide no assurances that the transaction will close on time, if at all.

We can provide no assurances that our expansion and development projects will be completed within our current estimates, commence operations as expected, include all of the anticipated amenities, features or facilities, or achieve market acceptance. In addition, our development projects are subject to those additional risks inherent in the development and operation of a new or expanded business enterprise, including potential unanticipated operating problems. Also see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors—“Our expansion, development, investment and renovation projects may face significant risks inherent in construction projects or implementing a new marketing strategy, including receipt of necessary government approvals.” If our expansion, development, investment or renovation projects do not become operational within the time frame and project costs currently contemplated or do not successfully compete in their markets, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Once our projects become operational, they will face many of the same risks that our current properties face including, but not limited to, increases in taxes due to changes in legislation.

Recently, there have been significant disruptions in the global capital markets that have adversely impacted the ability of borrowers to access capital. We anticipate that these disruptions may continue for the foreseeable future. Despite these disruptions, we anticipate that we will be able to fund our currently planned expansion projects, including our Blue Chip expansion project, our wholly-owned portion of the Echelon project, and our share of our equity contribution to the High Street retail promenade joint venture, using cash flows from operations and availability under our bank credit facility, to the extent availability exists after we meet our

 

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working capital needs. Any additional financing that is needed may not be available to us, or, if available, may not be on terms favorable to us.

Other Opportunities

We regularly investigate and pursue additional expansion opportunities in markets where casino gaming is currently permitted. We also pursue expansion opportunities in jurisdictions where casino gaming is not currently permitted in order to be prepared to develop projects upon approval of casino gaming. Such expansions will be affected and determined by several key factors, including:

 

   

outcome of gaming license selection processes;

 

   

approval of gaming in jurisdictions where we have been active but where casino gaming is not currently permitted;

 

   

identification of additional suitable investment opportunities in current gaming jurisdictions; and

 

   

availability of acceptable financing.

Additional projects may require us to make substantial investments or may cause us to incur substantial costs related to the investigation and pursuit of such opportunities, which investments and costs we may fund through cash flow from operations or availability under our bank credit facility. To the extent such sources of funds are not sufficient, we may also seek to raise such additional funds through public or private equity or debt financings or from other sources. No assurance can be given that additional financing will be available or that, if available, such financing will be obtainable on terms favorable to us.

Indebtedness

Our long-term debt primarily consists of a bank credit facility and senior subordinated notes. We currently pay a variable rate interest based on LIBOR on our bank credit facility, which matures in May 2012. At December 31, 2007, we had availability under our bank credit facility of $2.6 billion. We pay fixed rates of interest ranging from 6.75% to 7.75% on our senior subordinated notes.

On May 24, 2007, we entered into a $4.0 billion revolving bank credit facility that matures on May 24, 2012. The bank credit facility may be increased at our request up to an aggregate of $1.0 billion if certain commitments are obtained. The interest rate on the bank credit facility is based upon, at our option, the LIBOR rate or the “base rate,” plus an applicable margin in either case. The applicable margin is a percentage per annum (which ranges from 0.625% to 1.625% if we elect to use the LIBOR rate, and 0.0% to 0.375% if we elect to use the base rate) determined in accordance with a specified pricing grid based upon our predefined total leverage ratio. In addition, we incur commitment fees on the unused portion of the bank credit facility that range from 0.200% to 0.350% per annum. The bank credit facility is guaranteed by our material subsidiaries and is secured by the capital stock of those subsidiaries.

The bank credit facility replaced our previous $1.85 billion bank credit facility. We recorded a $4.4 million non-cash loss on early retirement of debt during 2007 for the write-off of unamortized debt fees associated with our former bank credit facility.

On April 16, 2007, we redeemed our outstanding $250 million aggregate principal amount of 8.75% senior subordinated notes that were originally due to mature in April 2012 at a redemption price of $1,043.75 per $1,000.00 principal amount of notes. The redemption was funded by availability under our former bank credit facility. In connection with the redemption of these notes, we terminated our $50 million notional amount fixed-to-floating interest rate swap. During 2007, we recorded a loss on the early retirement of these notes and related interest rate swap of $12.5 million.

 

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Bank Credit Facility Covenants. The bank credit facility contains certain financial and other covenants, including various covenants (i) requiring the maintenance of a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, (ii) establishing a maximum permitted consolidated total leverage ratio, (iii) imposing limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness, (iv) imposing limitations on transfers, sales and other dispositions, and (v) imposing restrictions on investments, dividends and certain other payments. Management believes that we are in compliance with the bank credit facility covenants at December 31, 2007.

Notes. Our $300 million, $350 million and $250 million principal amounts of senior subordinated notes due 2012, 2014, and 2016, respectively, contain limitations on, among other things, (i) our ability and our restricted subsidiaries’ (as defined in the indentures governing the notes) ability to incur additional indebtedness, (ii) the payment of dividends and other distributions with respect to our capital stock and of our restricted subsidiaries and the purchase, redemption or retirement of our capital stock and of our restricted subsidiaries, (iii) the making of certain investments, (iv) asset sales, (v) the incurrence of liens, (vi) transactions with affiliates, (vii) payment restrictions affecting restricted subsidiaries, and (viii) certain consolidations, mergers and transfers of assets. Management believes that we are in compliance with the covenants related to notes outstanding at December 31, 2007.

Our ability to service our debt will be dependent on future performance, which will be affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, certain of which are beyond our control. It is unlikely that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations to enable us to pay our indebtedness as it matures and to fund our other liquidity needs. Management believes that we will need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness at each maturity.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments. The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2007.

 

     Payments Due by Period
     Total    2008    2009    2010    2011    2012    Thereafter
     (In thousands)

Contractual obligations

                    

Long-term debt obligations

   $ 2,266,558    $ 629    $ 616    $ 652    $ 690    $ 1,653,630    $ 610,341

Capital lease obligations

     —        —        —        —        —        —        —  

Operating lease obligations

     519,782      16,017      14,441      11,434      10,997      9,023      457,870

Interest obligations on fixed rate debt(1)

     413,162      65,449      65,415      65,379      65,341      65,300      86,278

Purchase obligations:

                    

Entertainment contracts

     2,608      2,608      —        —        —        —        —  

Construction projects(2)

     838,896      590,957      173,587      74,232      90      30      —  

Other(3)

     70,248      33,907      31,136      4,006      499      430      270

Other long-term contracts(4)

     594,101      668      660      6,375      23,647      23,546      539,205
                                                

Total contractual obligations

   $ 4,705,355    $ 710,235    $ 285,855    $ 162,078    $ 101,264    $ 1,751,959    $ 1,693,964
                                                

 

(1)

Includes interest rate obligations on our fixed rate debt that comprises $0.9 billion of our total December 31, 2007 debt balance of $2.3 billion. Our variable rate debt at December 31, 2007 consists of $1.4 billion in outstanding balances on our bank credit facility. Interest payments for future periods related to the variable rate debt are dependent upon, at our option, the LIBOR rate or the “base rate,” plus an applicable margin in either case. The applicable margin is a percentage per annum (which ranges from 0.625% to 1.625% if we elect to use the LIBOR rate, and 0.0% to 0.375% if we elect to use the base rate) determined in accordance with a specified pricing grid based upon our predefined total leverage ratio. In addition, we incur commitment fees on the unused portion of the bank credit facility that range from

 

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0.200% to 0.350% per annum. At December 31, 2007, the blended interest rate for outstanding borrowings under the bank credit facility was 6.0%.

(2) Construction projects consist primarily of purchase obligations related to the Echelon development project.

(3)

Other consists of various contracts for goods and services, including our contract for Hawaiian air charter operations.

(4)

Other long-term obligations relate primarily to our Energy Services Agreement at Echelon and deferred compensation balances.

Certain of our executive officers participate in a long-term management incentive plan (the “Plan”), which currently extends through December 31, 2010. The components of the Plan cannot be measured until the end of the performance period, as they will not be known until the end of the performance period. As such, we do not accrue for these items over the life of the Plan, but rather accrue for that portion of the Plan when it becomes measurable. Possible future maximum payouts are $5.2 million for each of the years ending December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

In connection with our 50/50 joint venture with Morgans to develop, construct and operate the Delano Las Vegas and the Mondrian Las Vegas hotels at Echelon, we will contribute approximately 6.1 acres of land and Morgans will ultimately contribute $91.5 million to the venture. The expected cost of the project, including the land, is estimated to be approximately $950 million; however, we can provide no assurances that the estimated cost will approximate the actual cost. Construction on the Delano and Mondrian hotels is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2008. Given the current state of the credit markets, we anticipate that additional equity and/or credit support will be necessary to obtain construction financing for the remaining cost of the project. This additional equity and/or credit support may be contributed by us or Morgans, or from both parties, and/or from one or more additional equity sponsors. If the joint venture is unable to obtain adequate project financing in a timely manner or at all, we may be forced to sell assets in order to raise capital for the project, limit the scope of the project, defer the project or cancel the project altogether. Should we postpone or cancel this project, we expect to continue the construction of the remaining aspects of our Echelon development project; however, our expected returns from the Echelon development project would be adversely impacted due to the change in the scope of the overall project.

In May 2007, we formed our 50/50 joint venture with GGP, whereby we will initially contribute the above-ground real estate (air rights) and GGP will initially contribute $100 million to develop the High Street retail promenade at Echelon. The expected cost of this project, including the air rights, is estimated to be approximately $500 million; however, we can provide no assurances that the estimated cost will approximate the actual cost. We expect that the joint venture will be 100% equity funded. We anticipate that any additional cash outlay from us will come from cash flows from operations and availability under our bank credit facility, to the extent availability exists after we meet our working capital needs. If availability under our bank credit facility does not exist, additional financing may not be available to us, or, if available, may not be on terms favorable to us.

Suncoast is situated on approximately 49 acres of leased land. The landlord has the option to require us to purchase the property at the end of 2014 and each year-end through 2018, at the fair market value of the real property at the time the landlord exercises the option, subject to certain pricing limitations. If we do not purchase the property if and when required, we would be in default under the lease agreement.

We are required to pay the City of Kenner, Louisiana a boarding fee of $2.50 for each passenger boarding our Treasure Chest riverboat casino during the year. The future minimum payment due in 2008 to the City of Kenner, based upon a portion of actual passenger counts from the prior year, is approximately $2.6 million.

Due to uncertainties surrounding the various audits related to our income taxes, we cannot establish a reasonably reliable estimate of the period of future cash settlements related to our $39.4 million of other long-term tax liabilities as of December 31, 2007; therefore, we have excluded this amount from the contractual obligations table above.

 

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Off Balance Sheet Arrangements. Our off balance sheet arrangements mainly consist of investments in unconsolidated affiliates, which is primarily our investment in Borgata. We have not entered into any transactions with special purpose entities, nor have we engaged in any derivative transactions other than interest rate swaps, interest rate collars and interest rate caps. Our joint venture investments allow us to realize the benefits of owning a full-scale resort in a manner that lessens our initial investment. We do not guarantee financing obtained by Borgata nor are there any other provisions of the venture agreements which are unusual or subject us to risks to which we would not be subjected if we had full ownership of the respective properties.

We have entered into certain agreements that contain indemnification provisions such as indemnification agreements with our executive officers and directors and provide indemnity insurance pursuant to which directors and officers are indemnified or insured against liability or loss under certain circumstances which may include liability or related loss under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. In addition, our Restated Articles of Incorporation and Restated Bylaws contain provisions that provide for indemnification of our directors, officers, employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by law.

At December 31, 2007, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $12.4 million.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements— An Amendment of ARB No. 51.” SFAS No. 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, this statement requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS No. 160 clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. Such gain or loss will be measured using the fair value of the noncontrolling equity investment on the deconsolidation date. SFAS No. 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 160 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations.” SFAS No. 141(R) retains the fundamental requirements in SFAS No. 141 that the acquisition method be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) defines the acquirer as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in the business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date that the acquirer achieves control. By applying the acquisition method to all transactions and other events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses, this statement improves the comparability of the information about business combinations provided in financial reports. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS No. 159 permits companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing companies with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. The fair value option established by SFAS No. 159 permits all companies to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. At each

 

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subsequent reporting date, companies must report in earnings any unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of a company’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the company also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (see below). We are currently evaluating whether to adopt the fair value option under SFAS No. 159 and evaluating what impact such adoption would have on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating whether to adopt the fair value option under SFAS No. 157 and evaluating what impact such adoption would have on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (“SAB No. 108”), which adds Section N to Topic 1, “Financial Statements”. Section N provides guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of a materiality assessment. To provide full disclosure, registrants electing not to restate prior periods should reflect the effects of initially applying the guidance in Topic 1N in their financial statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006. The adoption of SAB No. 108 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and applies to all tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109. See Note 15, “Income Taxes,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for disclosure regarding the effect of FIN 48 on our consolidated financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As such, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts included in our consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from the estimates. We believe the following critical accounting policies may require a higher degree of judgment and complexity.

Goodwill, Intangible and Other Long-Lived Assets. We evaluate our goodwill, intangible and other long-lived assets in accordance with the applications of SFAS No. 142 related to goodwill and other intangible assets and SFAS No. 144 related to impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. For goodwill and intangible assets, we review the carrying values on an annual basis and between annual dates in certain circumstances. For assets to be disposed of we recognize the asset at the lower of carrying value or fair market value less costs of disposal, as estimated based on comparable asset sales, solicited offers, or a discounted cash flow model. For assets to be held and used, we review for impairment whenever indicators of impairment exist.

 

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Inherent in the reviews of the carrying amounts of the above assets are various estimates. First, management must determine the usage of the asset. To the extent management decides that an asset will be sold or disposed of, it is more likely that an impairment may be recognized. Assets must be tested at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. This means that some assets must be grouped, and management has some discretion in the grouping of assets. Future cash flow estimates are, by their nature, subjective and actual results may differ materially from our estimates. If our ongoing estimates of future cash flows are not met, we may have to record additional impairment charges in future accounting periods. Our estimates of cash flows are based on the current regulatory, social and economic climates, recent operating information and budgets of the various properties where we conduct operations. These estimates could be negatively impacted by changes in federal, state or local regulations, economic downturns, or other events affecting various forms of travel and access to our properties.

In February 2008, management completed its analysis of our opportunity to operate slot machines at Dania Jai-Alai and decided to postpone redevelopment of the facility due to the following considerations: the continued poor performance of the Broward County pari-mutuel casinos; the introduction of Class III slot machines and the probable pending addition of table games at a nearby Native American casino; the prohibitively high gaming tax rate for pari-mutuel slot operators; the pending introduction of casino gaming in Miami-Dade County and the introduction of legislation to allow for slot machines at all pari-mutuel facilities in the State of Florida. As circumstances change, management will monitor our opportunities with respect to Dania Jai-Alai.

Due to the change in circumstances, during the first quarter of 2008, we will test Dania Jai-Alai’s long-lived and intangible assets, as well as any goodwill that may arise from the finalization of our purchase price allocation, for impairment. Although we cannot quantify an amount at this time, we expect this impairment test to result in the write-down of a portion of these assets. In addition, we may be subject to another impairment charge if and when the contingent payment is resolved and added to the cost of the acquisition.

Due to a prior history of operating losses at Sam’s Town Tunica, in prior reporting periods, we tested the assets of Sam’s Town Tunica for recoverability pursuant to SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” The asset recoverability test required the estimation of Sam’s Town Tunica’s undiscounted future cash flows and comparing that aggregate total to the property’s carrying value. Sam’s Town Tunica’s financial performance improved during 2007 and its profitability is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. In 2007, the property’s estimated undiscounted future cash flows exceeded its carrying value; therefore, we do not believe Sam’s Town Tunica’s assets to be impaired and we did not perform an impairment test of its long-lived assets; however, we will continue to monitor the performance of Sam’s Town Tunica and, if necessary, continue to update our asset recoverability test under SFAS No. 144. If future asset recoverability tests indicate that the assets of Sam’s Town Tunica are impaired, we will be subject to a non-cash write-down of its assets, which could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated statements of operations.

On July 25, 2006, we entered into a Unit Purchase Agreement, as amended, (the “Agreement”) to sell South Coast to Michael J. Gaughan for a total purchase price of approximately $513 million. In connection with entering into the Agreement, we met all of the criteria required to classify certain of the assets and liabilities of South Coast as held for sale on our consolidated balance sheets. As such, we ceased depreciation of those assets and they were measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. This resulted in an estimated non-cash, pretax impairment charge of $65 million in September 2006, as the fair value of the assets were less than their carrying value at that time.

We recorded a $28 million non-cash charge related to the write-off of the net book value of the original Blue Chip gaming vessel in June 2006, which was replaced with a new gaming vessel in conjunction with our expansion project. After analysis of alternative uses for the original vessel, management decided in June 2006 to permanently retire the asset from further operations.

We recorded a $3.0 million asset write-down during the year ended December 31, 2006 related to land held for sale in Pennsylvania that we previously planned to utilize as a site for a gaming operation. In September 2006, we withdrew our application for gaming approval, which led to our decision to sell the land.

 

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We determined that the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita was a triggering event requiring impairment tests for Treasure Chest and Delta Downs’ assets during 2005. Our impairment tests were based upon estimated future cash flows from these properties. Based upon the results of the tests, no impairment was indicated for any of the assets tested.

Because we intend to redevelop the land on which Stardust is located and our plans included the demolition of Stardust’s existing buildings and abandoning other related assets, we performed an impairment test for this property. Based upon the results of this test, we recorded a $56 million non-cash impairment loss in 2005 to write down the long-lived assets of the Stardust to their estimated fair value.

Capital Expenditures and Depreciation. We must also make estimates and assumptions when accounting for capital expenditures. Whether an expenditure is considered a maintenance expense or a capital asset is a matter of judgment. Our depreciation expense is highly dependent upon the assumptions we make about our assets’ estimated useful lives. We determine the estimated useful lives based upon our experience with similar assets. Whenever events or circumstances occur which change the estimated useful life of an asset, we account for the change prospectively. In connection with the closure and demolition of Stardust, we reevaluated the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets residing on the land associated with our Echelon development project, including our corporate office building, and recorded $11.2 million of accelerated depreciation expense in 2006.

Capitalized Interest. We capitalize interest costs associated with major construction projects as part of the cost of the constructed assets. When no debt is incurred specifically for a project, interest is capitalized on amounts expended for the project using our weighted-average cost of borrowing. Capitalization of interest ceases when the project (or discernible portions of the project) is substantially complete. We amortize capitalized interest over the estimated useful life of the related asset.

Derivative Instruments. We utilize an investment policy for managing risks associated with our current and anticipated future borrowings, such as interest rate risk and its potential impact on our fixed and variable rate debt. Under this policy, we may utilize derivative contracts that effectively convert our borrowings from either floating rate to fixed or fixed rate to floating. The policy does not allow for the use of derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. To the extent we employ such financial instruments pursuant to this policy, and the instruments qualify for hedge accounting, we may designate and account for them as hedged instruments. In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the underlying hedged item must expose us to risks associated with market fluctuations and the financial instrument used must be designated as a hedge and must reduce our exposure to market fluctuations throughout the hedged period. If these criteria are not met, a change in the market value of the financial instrument is recognized as a gain or loss in the period of change. Otherwise, gains and losses are not recognized except to the extent that the hedged debt is disposed of prior to maturity or to the extent that acceptable ranges of ineffectiveness exist in the hedge. Net interest paid or received pursuant to the financial instrument is included in interest expense in the period. We measure the fair value of our interest rate hedges via a discounted cash flow analysis of the projected future receipts or payments based upon the forward yield curve on the date of measurement.

Share-Based Employee Compensation. On January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” using the modified prospective method and as such, results for prior periods have not been restated. This statement requires us to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). This cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Under the modified prospective method, we expense the cost of share-based compensation awards issued after January 1, 2006. Additionally, we recognize compensation cost for the portion of awards outstanding on January 1, 2006 for which the requisite service has not been rendered over the period the requisite service is being rendered after January 1, 2006. Compensation costs related to stock option awards are calculated based on the fair value of each major option grant on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model that requires the formation of assumptions to be used in the model, such as expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rates,

 

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expected option lives and dividend yields. We formed our assumptions using historical experience and observable conditions.

Income Taxes. We are subject to income taxes in the United States and several states in which we operate. We account for income taxes according to SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” SFAS No. 109 requires the recognition of deferred tax assets, net of applicable reserves, related to net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards and certain temporary differences. A valuation allowance is recognized if, based upon the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be recognized.

Our income tax returns are subject to examination by tax authorities. We regularly assess the potential outcome of these examinations in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes and our income tax liabilities. To determine necessary reserves, we must make assumptions and judgments about potential actions by taxing authorities, partially based on past experiences. Our estimate of the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issue is highly judgmental, and we believe we have adequately provided for any reasonable and foreseeable outcomes relating to uncertain tax matters. When actual results of tax examinations differ from our estimates or when potential actions are settled differently than we expected, we adjust the income tax provision and our tax reserves in the current period.

Self-Insurance Reserves. We are self-insured up to certain stop loss amounts for employee health coverage, workers’ compensation and general liability costs. Insurance claims and reserves include accruals of estimated settlements for known claims, as well as accruals of estimates for claims incurred but not yet reported. In estimating these accruals, we consider historical loss experience and make judgments about the expected levels of costs per claim. We believe our estimates of future liability are reasonable based upon our methodology; however, changes in health care costs, accident frequency and severity and other factors could materially affect the estimate for these liabilities.

Litigation, Claims and Assessments. We also utilize estimates for litigation, claims and assessments related to our business and tax matters. These estimates are based upon our knowledge and experience about past and current events and also upon reasonable assumptions about future events. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate risk, specifically long-term U.S. treasury rates and the applicable spreads in the high-yield investment market and short-term and long-term LIBOR rates, and its potential impact on our long-term debt. We attempt to limit our exposure to interest rate risk by managing the mix of our long-term fixed-rate borrowings and short-term borrowings under our bank credit facility. Borrowings under our bank credit facility are based upon, at our option, the LIBOR rate or the “base rate,” plus an applicable margin in either case. The applicable margin is a percentage per annum (which ranges from 0.625% to 1.625% if we elect to use the LIBOR rate, and 0.0% to 0.375% if we elect to use the base rate) determined in accordance with a specified pricing grid based upon our predefined total leverage ratio. We also attempt to manage the impact of interest rate risk on our long-term debt by utilizing derivative financial instruments in accordance with established policies and procedures. We do not utilize derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. For more information, see Note 7, “Derivative Instruments” in the notes to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

During the year ended December 31, 2007, we utilized interest rate swap agreements. Interest differentials resulting from these agreements are recorded on an accrual basis as an adjustment to interest expense. Interest rate swaps related to debt are matched to specific debt obligations.

 

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We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the interest rate swap agreements outstanding at December 31, 2007; however, we believe that this risk is minimized because we monitor the credit ratings of the counterparties to the swaps. If we had terminated our swaps as of December 31, 2007, we would have been required to pay $22.7 million based on the fair values of the derivative instruments.

The following table provides information about our derivative instruments and other financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, including interest swaps and debt obligations. For our debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For our interest rate swaps, the table presents the notional amounts and weighted-average interest rates by the expected (contractual) maturity dates. The notional amounts are used to calculate the contractual cash flows to be exchanged under the contracts. The weighted-average variable rates are based upon prevailing interest rates.

The scheduled maturities of our long-term debt and interest rate swap agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2007 for the years ending December 31 are as follows:

 

     Year Ending December 31,
     Expected Maturity Date     Fair
Value
     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     Thereafter     Total    
     (In thousands)

Liabilities

                

Long-term debt (including current portion):

                

Fixed-rate

   $ 629     $ 616     $ 652     $ 690     $ 300,730     $ 610,341     $ 913,658     $ 888,408

Average interest rate

     5.7 %     5.7 %     5.7 %     5.7 %     7.8 %     6.9 %     7.2 %  

Variable-rate

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 1,352,900     $ —       $ 1,352,900     $ 1,352,900

Average interest rate

     —   %     —   %     —   %     —   %     6.0 %     —   %     6.0 %  

Interest rate derivatives

                

Derivative Instruments:

                

Pay fixed

   $ —       $ 250,000     $ —       $ 500,000     $ —       $ —       $ 750,000     $ 22,658

Average receivable rate

     —   %     5.2 %     —         5.2 %     —   %     —         5.2 %  

Average payable rate

     —   %     4.6 %     —         5.1 %     —   %     —         5.0 %  

The following table provides other information about our long-term debt at December 31, 2007:

 

     Outstanding
Face Amount
   Carrying
Value
   Estimated
Fair Value
     (In thousands)

Bank credit facility

   $ 1,352,900    $ 1,352,900    $ 1,352,900

7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2012

     300,000      300,000      306,000

6.75% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2014

     350,000      350,000      332,500

7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2016

     250,000      250,000      236,250

Other

     13,658      13,658      13,658
                    

Total

   $ 2,266,558    $ 2,266,558    $ 2,241,308
                    

 

ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The information required by this item is contained in the financial statements listed in Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Financial Statements.” In addition, audited consolidated financial statements for Marina District Development Company, LLC, d.b.a. Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, our 50% Atlantic City joint venture, as of and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 are included in Exhibit 99.2 and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

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ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosures during the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007.

 

ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Based on the evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we include a report of management’s assessment of the design and effectiveness of our internal controls as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. Our independent registered public accounting firm also attested to, and reported on, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report and the independent registered public accounting firm’s attestation report are located below.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the most recent fiscal year, December 31, 2007, based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our assessment under the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of the end of our most recent fiscal year, December 31, 2007.

Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which is included below.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Management’s Assessment on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Boyd Gaming Corporation and Subsidiaries:

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Boyd Gaming Corporation and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007, of the Company and our report dated February 29, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements, and includes explanatory paragraphs regarding the Company’s adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes–an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, Share-Based Payment and Emerging Issues Task Force D-108, Use of the Residual Method of Value Acquired Assets Other Than Goodwill.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Las Vegas, Nevada

February 29, 2008

 

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ITEM 9B. Other Information

None.

PART III

 

ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information regarding the members of our board of directors and our audit committee, including our audit committee financial expert, is set forth under the captions “Board Committees—Audit Committee”, “Director Nominees”, and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding non-director executive company officers is set forth in Item 4A of Part I of this Report on Form 10-K.

Code of Ethics. We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (“code of ethics”) that applies to each of our directors, officers and employees. Our code of ethics is posted on our website at www.boydgaming.com. Any waivers or amendments to our code of ethics will be posted on our website.

 

ITEM 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this item is set forth under the captions “Executive Officer and Director Compensation,” “Compensation and Stock Option Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” and “Compensation and Stock Option Committee Report” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this item is set forth under the captions “Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item is set forth under the captions “Transactions with Related Persons” and “Director Independence” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Information about principal accounting fees and services, as well as the audit committee’s pre-approval policies appears under the captions “Audit and Non-Audit Fees” and “Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

          Page No.

(a)

   Financial Statements. The following financial statements for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 are filed as part of this report:   
   Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm    53
   Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2007 and 2006    54
   Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2007    55
   Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2007    57
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2007    58
   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    60
   Audited consolidated financial statements for Marina District Development Company, LLC, d.b.a. Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, as of and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 are presented in Exhibit 99.2 and are incorporated herein by reference.   

(b)

   Exhibits. Refer to (c) on page 100.   

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Boyd Gaming Corporation and Subsidiaries:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Boyd Gaming Corporation and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Boyd Gaming Corporation and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes— an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 and recorded the cumulative effect on January 1, 2007.

As discussed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2006, the Company changed their method of accounting for share-based compensation to conform to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, Share-Based Payment.

As discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2005, the Company changed its method of accounting for intangible assets to conform to Emerging Issues Task Force D-108, Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other Than Goodwill, and recorded a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 29, 2008, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Las Vegas, Nevada

February 29, 2008

 

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

       December 31,
       2007      2006
       (In thousands, except per share data)

ASSETS

       

Current assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

     $ 165,701      $ 169,397

Restricted cash

       52,244        12,604

Accounts receivable, net

       23,602        26,275

Inventories

       11,269        11,037

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

       39,896        42,417

Assets held for sale, net of cash

       23,188        102,977

Income taxes receivable

       17,969        8,286

Deferred income taxes

       5,259        1,685
                 

Total current assets

       339,128        374,678

Property and equipment, net

       2,716,036        2,129,445

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated subsidiaries, net

       393,616        385,751

Other assets, net

       96,515        100,469

Intangible assets, net

       538,095        506,750

Goodwill, net

       404,206        404,206
                 

Total assets

     $ 4,487,596      $ 3,901,299
                 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

       

Current liabilities

       

Current maturities of long-term debt

     $ 629      $ 5,550

Accounts payable

       74,073        77,532

Construction payables

       72,215        23,516

Accrued liabilities

       

Payroll and related

       65,272        72,162

Interest

       17,597        20,620

Gaming

       60,717        64,085

Accrued expenses and other

       89,629        65,532

Liabilities related to assets held for sale

       —          2,993
                 

Total current liabilities

       380,132        331,990

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

       2,265,929        2,133,016

Deferred income taxes

       365,370        301,639

Other long-term tax liabilities

       39,361        —  

Other liabilities

       51,398        24,702

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

       

Stockholders’ equity

       

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized

       —          —  

Common stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 87,747,080 and 87,105,106 shares outstanding

       877        871

Additional paid-in capital

       599,751        561,298

Retained earnings

       795,693        544,080

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net

       (10,915 )      3,703
                 

Total stockholders’ equity

       1,385,406        1,109,952
                 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

     $ 4,487,596      $ 3,901,299
                 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Revenues

      

Gaming

   $ 1,666,422     $ 1,811,716     $ 1,772,053  

Food and beverage

     273,036       304,864       311,119  

Room

     153,691       172,781       172,617  

Other

     128,870       145,560       146,140  
                        

Gross revenues

     2,222,019       2,434,921       2,401,929  

Less promotional allowances

     224,900       242,287       240,844  
                        

Net revenues

     1,997,119       2,192,634       2,161,085  
                        

Costs and expenses

      

Gaming

     752,047       836,675       783,863  

Food and beverage

     163,775       187,908       193,961  

Room

     46,574       55,052       51,012  

Other

     95,401       110,106       128,028  

Selling, general and administrative

     310,926       311,551       313,410  

Maintenance and utilities

     96,278       100,659       94,072  

Depreciation and amortization

     165,959       188,539       170,660  

Corporate expense

     60,143       54,229       44,101  

Preopening expenses

     22,819       20,623       7,690  

Write-downs and other charges, net

     12,101       8,838       64,615  
                        

Total costs and expenses

     1,726,023       1,874,180       1,851,412  
                        

Operating income from Borgata

     83,136       86,196       96,014  
                        

Operating income

     354,232       404,650       405,687  
                        

Other income (expense)

      

Interest income

     119       112       224  

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

     (137,573 )     (145,545 )     (126,312 )

Decrease in value of derivative instruments

     (1,130 )     (1,801 )     —    

Loss on early retirements of debt

     (16,945 )     —         (17,529 )

Other non-operating expenses from Borgata, net

     (13,768 )     (10,577 )     (11,718 )
                        

Total

     (169,297 )     (157,811 )     (155,335 )
                        

Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     184,935       246,839       250,352  

Provision for income taxes

     (64,027 )     (85,491 )     (85,984 )
                        

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     120,908       161,348       164,368  

Discontinued operations:

      

Income (loss) from discontinued operations (including a gain on disposition of $285,033 in 2007 and an impairment loss of $65,000 in 2006)

     281,949       (69,219 )     (5,253 )

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes

     (99,822 )     24,649       1,934  
                        

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

     182,127       (44,570 )     (3,319 )
                        

Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     303,035       116,778       161,049  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting for intangible assets, net of taxes of $8,984

     —         —         (16,439 )
                        

Net income

   $ 303,035     $ 116,778     $ 144,610  
                        

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS—continued

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007    2006     2005  

Basic net income per common share:

       

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   $ 1.38    $ 1.83     $ 1.86  

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

     2.08      (0.51 )     (0.04 )

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting for intangible assets, net of taxes

     —        —         (0.19 )
                       

Net income

   $ 3.46    $ 1.32     $ 1.63  
                       

Weighted average basic shares outstanding

     87,567      88,380       88,528  
                       

Diluted net income per common share:

       

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   $ 1.36    $ 1.80     $ 1.82  

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

     2.06      (0.50 )     (0.04 )

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting for intangible assets, net of taxes

     —        —         (0.18 )
                       

Net income

   $ 3.42    $ 1.30     $ 1.60  
                       

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

     88,608      89,593       90,507  
                       

Dividends declared per common share

   $ 0.585    $ 0.53     $ 0.46  
                       

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

    Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Common Stock     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss),
Net
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
      Shares     Amount          
    (In thousands, except per share data)  

Balances, January 1, 2005

    87,537,122     $ 875     $ 574,723     $ 370,089     $ (1,917 )   $ 943,770  

Net income

  $ 144,610     —         —         —         144,610       —         144,610  

Derivative instruments market adjustment, net of taxes of $3.2 million

    5,340     —         —         —         —         5,340       5,340  

Restricted available for sale securities market adjustment, net of taxes

    (128 )   —         —         —         —         (128 )     (128 )
                   

Comprehensive income

  $ 149,822              
                   

Stock options exercised, including taxes of $23.1 million

    1,749,369       18       45,129       —         —         45,147  

Dividends paid on common stock

    —         —         —         (40,735 )     —         (40,735 )
                                               

Balances, December 31, 2005

    89,286,491       893       619,852       473,964       3,295       1,098,004  

Net income

  $ 116,778     —         —         —         116,778       —         116,778  

Derivative instruments market adjustment, net of taxes of $0.2 million

    358     —         —         —         —         358       358  

Restricted available for sale securities market adjustment, net of taxes of $28

    50     —         —         —         —         50       50  
                   

Comprehensive income

  $ 117,186              
                   

Stock options exercised

    1,266,116       12       19,498       —         —         19,510  

Tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements

    —         —         12,256       —         —         12,256  

Stock repurchased and retired

    (3,447,501 )     (34 )     (111,956 )     —         —         (111,990 )

Share-based compensation costs

    —         —         21,648       —         —         21,648  

Dividends paid on common stock

    —         —         —         (46,662 )     —         (46,662 )
                                               

Balances, December 31, 2006

    87,105,106       871       561,298       544,080       3,703       1,109,952  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting for uncertainty in income taxes

    —         —         —         (105 )     —         (105 )

Our share of Borgata’s cumulative effect of a change in accounting for uncertainty in income taxes

    —         —         —         (122 )     —         (122 )

Net income

  $ 303,035     —         —         —         303,035       —         303,035  

Derivative instruments market adjustment, net of taxes of $8.3 million

    (14,727 )   —         —         —         —         (14,727 )     (14,727 )

Restricted available for sale securities market adjustment, net of taxes of $59

    109     —         —         —         —         109       109  
                   

Comprehensive income

  $ 288,417              
                   

Stock options exercised

    641,974       6       15,555       —         —         15,561  

Tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements

    —         —         5,528       —         —         5,528  

Share-based compensation costs

    —         —         17,370       —         —         17,370  

Dividends paid on common stock

    —         —         —         (51,195 )     —         (51,195 )
                                               

Balances, December 31, 2007

    87,747,080     $ 877     $ 599,751     $ 795,693     $ (10,915 )   $ 1,385,406  
                                               

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (In thousands)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

      

Net income

   $ 303,035     $ 116,778     $ 144,610  

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

      

Depreciation and amortization

     165,959       208,187       174,939  

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     5,180       4,486       4,784  

Deferred income taxes

     68,370       (14,108 )     (18,253 )

Operating and non-operating income from Borgata

     (69,369 )     (75,618 )     (84,296 )

Distributions of earnings received from Borgata

     70,570       82,603       29,338  

Share-based compensation expense

     16,059       20,818       —    

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements

     (4,614 )     (12,256 )     —    

Gain on disposition of Barbary Coast

     (285,033 )     —         —    

Loss on early retirements of debt

     16,945       —         17,529  

Decrease in value of derivative instruments

     1,130       1,801       —    

Asset write-downs

     3,744       101,592       56,000  

Gain from insurance recoveries for property damage

     —         (33,450 )     —    

Tax benefit from stock options exercised

     —         —         23,148  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     —         —         25,423  

Other

     194       830       1,432  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Restricted cash

     (8,216 )     (4,192 )     (1,011 )

Accounts receivable, net

     3,067       (983 )     3,552  

Insurance receivable

     —         4,313       372  

Inventories

     (103 )     3,052       (1,805 )

Prepaid expenses and other

     5,915       (5,180 )     (4,507 )

Income taxes receivable

     (5,069 )     10,972       9,002  

Other assets

     (16,238 )     4,237       (8,343 )

Other current liabilities

     (32,446 )     559       41,290  

Other liabilities

     5,346       5,072       6,704  

Other long-term tax liabilities

     39,256       —         —    
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     283,682       419,513       419,908  
                        

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

      

Capital expenditures

     (296,894 )     (436,464 )     (618,444 )

Net cash paid for Dania Jai-Alai

     (80,904 )     —         —    

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated subsidiaries

     (10,297 )     (2,966 )     —    

Net proceeds from sale of undeveloped land and other assets

     7,859       3,198       4,001  

Net proceeds from sale of South Coast

     —         401,430       —    

Insurance recoveries for replacement assets

     —         34,450       6,000  
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (380,236 )     (352 )     (608,443 )
                        

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

      

Payments on long-term debt

     (502 )     (16,074 )     (684 )

Borrowings under bank credit facility

     817,100       496,950       965,400  

Payments under bank credit facility

     (437,500 )     (1,150,450 )     (518,600 )

Payments on retirement of long-term debt

     (260,938 )     —         (209,325 )

Proceeds from termination of derivative instruments

     5,718       —         —    

Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     —         246,300       —    

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     15,561       19,510       21,999  

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements

     4,614       12,256       —    

Dividends paid on common stock

     (51,195 )     (46,662 )     (40,735 )

Other

     —         —         (1,837 )
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     92,858       (438,170 )     216,218  
                        

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (3,696 )     (19,009 )     27,683  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     169,397       188,406       160,723  
                        

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 165,701     $ 169,397     $ 188,406  
                        

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—continued

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2007     2006    2005

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

       

Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized

   $ 135,940     $ 162,332    $ 128,234

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds

     60,279       63,974      61,171

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

       

Payables for capital expenditures

   $ 79,811     $ 28,326    $ 137,524

Capitalized share-based compensation costs

     1,311       830      —  

Restricted cash received as a deposit for Morgans Las Vegas, LLC joint venture

     31,424       —        —  

Restricted cash proceeds from maturities of restricted investments

     8,381       1,450      —  

Restricted cash used to purchase restricted investments

     6,765       1,783      3,773

Restricted cash proceeds from sales of restricted investments

     8,589       —        4,539

Land acquired in exchange for Barbary Coast

     364,000       —        —  

Non-monetary portion of land exchange

     18,177       —        —  

Repurchase of common stock for issuance of note payable to related party

     —         111,990      —  

Transfer of land from property and equipment, net to assets held for sale, net of cash

     —         26,188      —  

Acquisition of Dania Jai-Alai

       

Fair value of non-cash assets acquired

   $ 84,724     $ —      $ —  

Net cash paid

     (80,904 )     —        —  
                     

Liabilities assumed

   $ 3,820     $ —      $ —  
                     

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1.—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Boyd Gaming Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates which are 50% or less owned and do not meet the consolidation criteria of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46(R) (as amended), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—An Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (“FIN 46(R)”), are accounted for under the equity method. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

As of December 31, 2007, we wholly-owned and operated 15 casino entertainment facilities located in Nevada, Mississippi, Illinois, Louisiana and Indiana. In addition, we own and operate a pari-mutuel jai alai facility located in Dania Beach, Florida, two travel agencies and an insurance company that underwrites travel-related insurance. We are also a 50% partner in a joint venture that owns a limited liability company that operates Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

We are developing Echelon, our Las Vegas Strip development project, which we expect to open in the third quarter of 2010, and have entered into two joint ventures associated with Echelon:

Morgans Las Vegas, LLC—This entity is a 50/50 joint venture with Morgans Hotel Group LLC (“Morgans”), which will develop, construct and operate the Delano Las Vegas and the Mondrian Las Vegas hotels at Echelon (see Note 4, “Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Subsidiaries, Net” and Note 8, “Commitments and Contingencies”). We currently account for this joint venture under the equity method as we are not the primary beneficiary of this entity under FIN 46(R). We will continue to evaluate our accounting treatment for this joint venture under FIN 46(R) as the entity is developed.

Echelon Place Retail Promenade, LLC—This entity is a 50/50 joint venture with General Growth Properties (“GGP”), which will develop, construct and operate the High Street retail promenade at Echelon (see Note 8, “Commitments and Contingencies”). We currently consolidate this joint venture as we are currently the primary beneficiary of this entity under FIN 46(R). We will continue to evaluate our accounting treatment for this joint venture under FIN 46(R) as the entity is developed.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at their date of purchase. The carrying value of these investments approximates their fair value due to their short maturities.

Restricted Cash

At December 31, 2007, our restricted cash consisted primarily of a $30 million deposit, plus accrued interest, from Morgans as an advance toward their $91.5 million capital contribution to be made to our joint venture at Echelon (see Note 8, “Commitments and Contingencies”), customer payments related to advanced bookings with our Hawaiian travel agency that are invested in investments with a maximum maturity of 90 days (see Note 2, “Restricted Cash and Investments”) and amounts on deposit for horse racing purposes at Delta Downs.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Accounts Receivable, net

Accounts receivable consist primarily of casino, hotel and other receivables, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $4.8 million and $4.6 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based upon our collection experience and the age of the receivables.

Inventories

Inventories consist primarily of food and beverage and retail items and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the weighted-average inventory method.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, for leasehold improvements, over the shorter of the asset’s useful life or life of the lease. Gains or losses on disposal of assets are recognized as incurred. Costs of major improvements are capitalized, while costs of normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.

Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate our long-lived assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” For assets to be disposed of, we recognize the asset at the lower of carrying value or fair market value less costs of disposal, as estimated based on comparable asset sales, solicited offers, or a discounted cash flow model. For assets to be held and used, we review for impairment whenever indicators of impairment exist. We then compare the estimated future cash flows of the asset, on an undiscounted basis, to the carrying value of the asset. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is indicated. If the undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, then an impairment is recorded based on the fair value of the asset, typically measured using a discounted cash flow model. All recognized impairment losses, whether for assets to be disposed of or for assets to be held and used, are recorded as operating losses. See Note 10, “Write-Downs and Other Charges, Net” and Note 11, “Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale”, for information related to impairment charges for long-lived assets recognized in the three years ended December 31, 2007.

Due to a prior history of operating losses at Sam’s Town Tunica, in prior reporting periods, we tested the assets of Sam’s Town Tunica for recoverability pursuant to SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” The asset recoverability test required the estimation of Sam’s Town Tunica’s undiscounted future cash flows and comparing that aggregate total to the property’s carrying value. Sam’s Town Tunica’s financial performance improved during 2007 and its profitability is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. In 2007, the property’s estimated undiscounted future cash flows exceeded its carrying value; therefore, we do not believe Sam’s Town Tunica’s assets to be impaired and we did not perform an impairment test of its long-lived assets; however, we will continue to monitor the performance of Sam’s Town Tunica and, if necessary, continue to update our asset recoverability test under SFAS No. 144. If future asset recoverability tests indicate that the assets of Sam’s Town Tunica are impaired, we will be subject to a non-cash write-down of its assets, which could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated statements of operations.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization, but are reviewed for impairment at least annually and between annual test dates in certain circumstances. In September 2004, new accounting literature was introduced related to impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets. Refer to

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill” for additional information relating to its effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Capitalized Interest

Interest costs associated with major construction projects are capitalized as part of the cost of the constructed assets. When no debt is incurred specifically for a project, interest is capitalized on amounts expended for the project using our weighted-average cost of borrowing. Capitalization of interest ceases when the project (or discernible portions of the project) is substantially complete. We amortize capitalized interest over the estimated useful life of the related asset. Capitalized interest for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $18.1 million, $7.5 million and $22.9 million, respectively.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the expected terms of the related debt agreements.

Self-Insurance Reserves

We are self-insured up to certain stop loss amounts for employee health coverage, workers’ compensation and general liability costs. Insurance claims and reserves include accruals of estimated settlements for known claims, as well as accruals of estimates for claims incurred but not yet reported. In estimating these accruals, we consider historical loss experience and make judgments about the expected levels of costs per claim. We believe our estimates of future liability are reasonable based upon our methodology; however, changes in health care costs, accident frequency and severity and other factors could materially affect the estimate for these liabilities. Self-insurance reserves are included in accrued expenses and other on our consolidated balance sheets.

Revenue Recognition and Promotional Allowances

Gaming revenue represents the net win from gaming activities, which is the difference between gaming wins and losses. All other revenue is recognized as the service is provided. The majority of our gaming revenue is counted in the form of cash and chips and therefore is not subject to any significant or complex estimation procedures. Gross revenues include the estimated retail value of rooms, food and beverage, and other goods and services provided to customers on a complimentary basis. Such amounts are then deducted as promotional allowances. The estimated costs and expenses of providing these promotional allowances are charged to the gaming department in the following amounts:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005
     (In thousands)

Room

   $ 23,597    $ 24,189    $ 21,400

Food and beverage

     118,968      128,360      126,147

Other

     6,906      6,568      5,617
                    

Total

   $ 149,471    $ 159,117    $ 153,164
                    

Promotional allowances also include incentives such as cash, goods and services (such as complimentary rooms and food and beverages) earned in our slot club and other gaming loyalty programs. We reward customers, through the use of loyalty programs, with points based on amounts wagered or won that can be redeemed for a specified period of time, principally for cash, and to a lesser extent for goods or services,

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

depending upon the casino property. We record the estimated retail value of these goods and services as revenue and then deduct them as a promotional allowance.

Corporate Expense

Corporate expense represents unallocated payroll, professional fees, aircraft costs and various other expenses not directly related to our casino hotel operations. Corporate expense totaled $60.1 million, $54.2 million and $44.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Preopening Expenses

We expense certain costs of start-up activities as incurred. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we expensed $22.8 million in preopening costs, including $15.6 million related to our Echelon development project. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we expensed $20.6 million in preopening costs, including $11.6 million related to Echelon. During the year ended December 31, 2005, we expensed $7.7 million in preopening costs, including $3.5 million related to Echelon. The remaining expense incurred in 2007, 2006 and 2005 relates to various projects, including our expansion projects at Blue Chip and Dania Jai-Alai, and efforts to develop gaming activities in other jurisdictions.

Advertising Expense

Direct advertising costs are expensed the first time such advertising appears. Advertising costs from continuing operations are included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and totaled $25.7 million, $29.3 million and $26.3 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

Derivative Instruments and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, require all derivative instruments to be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes must be adjusted to fair value through income. If the derivative qualifies and is designated as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in its fair value will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged item through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings. During the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, we utilized derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk on certain of our borrowings. In addition, Borgata, our joint venture, utilized derivative financial instruments to comply with the requirements of its bank credit agreement. For further information, see Note 7, “Derivative Instruments.”

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—An Amendment of ARB No. 51.” SFAS No. 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, this statement requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS No. 160 clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

deconsolidated. Such gain or loss will be measured using the fair value of the noncontrolling equity investment on the deconsolidation date. SFAS No. 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 160 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations.” SFAS No. 141(R) retains the fundamental requirements in SFAS No. 141 that the acquisition method be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) defines the acquirer as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in the business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date that the acquirer achieves control. By applying the acquisition method to all transactions and other events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses, this statement improves the comparability of the information about business combinations provided in financial reports. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” SFAS No. 159 permits companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing companies with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. The fair value option established by SFAS No. 159 permits all companies to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. At each subsequent reporting date, companies must report in earnings any unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of a company’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the company also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (see below). We are currently evaluating whether to adopt the fair value option under SFAS No. 159 and evaluating what impact such adoption would have on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating whether to adopt the fair value option under SFAS No. 157 and evaluating what impact such adoption would have on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (“SAB No. 108”), which adds Section N to Topic 1, “Financial Statements”. Section N provides guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of a materiality assessment. To provide full disclosure, registrants electing not to restate prior periods should reflect the effects of initially applying the guidance in Topic 1N in their financial statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006. The adoption of SAB No. 108 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income

 

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taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and applies to all tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109. See Note 15, “Income Taxes,” for disclosure regarding the effect of FIN 48 on our consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates incorporated into our consolidated financial statements include the estimated useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets, the estimated allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, the estimated valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, certain tax liabilities, estimated cash flows in assessing the recoverability of long-lived assets, asset impairments, goodwill and related intangible assets, share-based payment valuation assumptions, fair value of derivative instruments, fair values of acquired assets and liabilities, property closure costs, our self-insured liability reserves, slot bonus point programs, contingencies and litigation, claims and assessments. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts in the consolidated financial statements, including the discontinued operations presentation on the consolidated statements of operations and assets and liabilities held for sale related to discontinued operations on the consolidated balance sheets, have been reclassified to conform to the December 31, 2007 presentation due to the sale of our South Coast Hotel and Casino on October 25, 2006, and the exchange of our Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino for certain real property on February 28, 2007. These reclassifications had no effect on our net income as previously reported. For further information, see Note 11, “Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale—Discontinued Operations.”

NOTE 2.—RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS

Pursuant to our investment policy related to customer payments for advanced bookings with our Hawaii travel agency, we invest in certain financial instruments. Hawaii regulations require us to maintain a separate charter tour client trust account solely for the purpose of the travel agency’s charter tour business. Our investment policy generally allowed us to invest these restricted funds in investments with a maximum maturity of three years and with certain credit ratings as determined by specified rating agencies; however, in April 2007, we amended our investment policy to allow these restricted funds to be invested in investments that have a maximum maturity of 90 days.

At December 31, 2006, our restricted investments consisted of domestic fixed income U.S Treasury bonds. We have classified these investments as available for sale. The table below sets forth certain information about our restricted investments.

 

            Gross Unrealized     Market
Value
     Cost      Gains      Losses    
     (In thousands)

December 31, 2006

   $ 10,029      5      (174 )   $ 9,860
                            

We have classified the fair market value of these restricted investments on our accompanying consolidated balance sheet as current or long-term based upon the maturities of the investments. Investments maturing in less

 

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than one year have been presented in prepaid expenses and other, while all other long-term investments have been presented in other assets. Net unrealized holding gains and losses have been recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2005, we sold certain of our restricted investments and recorded restricted cash proceeds of approximately $8.6 million and $4.5 million respectively, which approximated our cost basis in these investments as determined by specific identification. There were no sales of our restricted investments during the year ended December 31, 2006.

NOTE 3.—PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consists of the following:

 

     Estimated Life
(Years)
   December 31,
        2007    2006
     (In thousands)

Land

   —      $ 677,314    $ 261,428

Buildings and improvements

   10-40      1,829,335      1,939,611

Furniture and equipment

   3-10      790,451      718,647

Riverboats and barges

   10-40      166,287      165,362

Construction in progress

   —        241,241      95,556
                

Total

        3,704,628      3,180,604

Less accumulated depreciation

        988,592      1,051,159
                

Property and equipment, net

      $ 2,716,036    $ 2,129,445
                

Major items included in construction in progress at December 31, 2007 consisted principally of construction related to Echelon. In addition, land with a book value of approximately $215 million at December 31, 2007 is currently under development for Echelon.

In connection with the closing of the Stardust on November 1, 2006, we reevaluated the useful lives of all of the depreciable assets residing on the land associated with our Echelon development project, including our corporate office building, and recorded an additional $11.2 million in accelerated depreciation related to these assets during 2006.

NOTE 4.—INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO UNCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES, NET

Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa

We and MGM MIRAGE, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, each have a 50% interest in Marina District Development Holding Co., LLC (“Holding Company”). Holding Company owns all the equity interests in Marina District Development Company, LLC, d.b.a. Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. As the managing venturer, we are responsible for the day-to-day operations of Borgata, including the operation and improvement of the facility and business. Borgata employs a management team and full staff to perform these services for the property. We maintain the oversight responsibility for the operations, but do not directly operate Borgata. As such, we do not receive a management fee from Borgata. Borgata’s bank credit agreement is secured by substantially all of its real and personal property and is non-recourse to MGM MIRAGE and us.

 

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Summarized financial information of Borgata is as follows:

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

 

     December 31,
     2007    2006
     (In thousands)

Assets

  

Current assets

   $ 136,145    $ 126,446

Property and equipment, net

     1,379,932      1,201,607

Other assets, net

     26,004      23,155
             

Total assets

   $ 1,542,081    $ 1,351,208
             

Liabilities and Member Equity

     

Current liabilities

   $ 131,719    $ 114,125

Long-term debt

     722,700      554,600

Other liabilities

     20,981      15,750

Member equity

     666,681      666,733
             

Total liabilities and member equity

   $ 1,542,081    $ 1,351,208
             

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (In thousands)  

Gaming revenue

   $ 748,649     $ 735,145     $ 696,965  

Non-gaming revenue

     286,030       273,879       247,740  
                        

Gross revenues

     1,034,679       1,009,024       944,705  

Less promotional allowances

     196,036       195,759       180,722  
                        

Net revenues

     838,643       813,265       763,983  

Expenses

     597,127       566,252       512,249  

Depreciation and amortization

     68,576       63,088       56,951  

Preopening expenses

     3,116       6,519       —    

Write-downs and other charges, net

     956       2,418       160  
                        

Operating income

     168,868       174,988       194,623  
                        

Interest and other expenses, net

     (31,194 )     (23,271 )     (24,738 )

Benefit from income taxes

     3,658       2,116       1,303  
                        

Total non-operating expenses

     (27,536 )     (21,155 )     (23,435 )
                        

Net income

   $ 141,332     $ 153,833     $ 171,188  
                        

 

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Our share of Borgata’s results has been included in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the following periods on the following lines:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (In thousands)  

Our share of Borgata’s operating income

   $ 84,434     $ 87,494     $ 97,312  

Net amortization expense related to our investment in Borgata

     (1,298 )     (1,298 )     (1,298 )
                        

Our share of Borgata’s operating income, as reported

   $ 83,136     $ 86,196     $ 96,014  
                        

Our share of Borgata’s non-operating expenses, net

   $ (13,768 )   $ (10,577 )   $ (11,718 )
                        

Borgata Tax Credits. Based on New Jersey state income tax rules, Borgata is eligible for a refundable state tax credit under the New Jersey New Jobs Investment Tax Credit (“New Jobs Tax Credit”) because it made a qualified investment in a new business facility that created new jobs. The total net credit related to Borgata’s original investment was approximately $75 million over a five-year period that ended in 2007. An incremental net credit related to Borgata’s public space expansion is estimated to be approximately $2.7 million over a five-year period ending in 2010. Borgata recorded $17.4 million, $16.9 million and $18.7 million, respectively, of net New Jobs Tax Credits in arriving at its state income tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. Borgata expects to generate net New Jobs Tax Credits of approximately $0.6 million per annum for the years 2008 through 2010. Borgata may also be entitled to incremental New Jobs Tax Credits as a result of its second hotel project, The Water Club, which is expected to be completed in June 2008.

Borgata Expansions. Borgata completed its $200 million public space expansion in June 2006 which added both gaming and non-gaming amenities, including additional slot machines, table games, poker tables, restaurants and a nightclub.

Borgata is in the process of its second expansion that will add a second hotel, The Water Club, which will include an 800-room hotel, five swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa and additional meeting room space. This expansion project is estimated to cost approximately $400 million. Borgata expects to finance the expansion from its cash flow from operations and from its bank credit agreement. We do not expect to make further capital contributions to Borgata for this project.

On September 23, 2007, The Water Club sustained a fire that caused approximately $11.4 million in property damage, based on current estimates. Borgata carries insurance policies that its management believes will cover most of the replacement costs related to the property damage, with the exception of minor amounts principally related to insurance deductibles and certain other limitations. During 2007, Borgata incurred $0.3 million of expenses related to the fire. Although the fire damage will delay its opening, Borgata currently believes The Water Club will be able to open in June 2008; however, no assurances can be made that it will open by that time, that insurance will cover the total replacement cost of the property damage, or that the costs related to the property damage will not increase above current estimates. In addition, Borgata has “delay-in-completion” insurance coverage for The Water Club for certain costs totaling up to $40 million, subject to various limitations and deductibles, which Borgata believes may help to offset some of the costs related to the postponement of its opening. In addition, Borgata maintains business interruption insurance that covers certain lost profits; however, Borgata has not pursued a possible claim at this time. As such, Borgata’s insurance carrier has yet to confirm or deny coverage. Recoveries, if any, from the insurance carrier for lost profits will be recorded by Borgata when earned and realized. As of December 31, 2007, Borgata had received $7 million in advances from its insurance carrier.

 

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Borgata Distributions. Borgata began distributions of its earnings to us in 2005 and distributed a total of $70.6 million, $82.6 million and $29.3 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Both the joint venture agreement related to Borgata and Borgata’s bank credit agreement allow for certain limited distributions to be made to its partners. In February 2006, Borgata amended its bank credit agreement, which increased the amount of allowable distributions to us. Borgata has significant uses for its cash flows, including maintenance and expansion capital expenditures, interest payments, state income taxes and debt principal payments. Borgata’s cash flows are primarily used for its business needs and are not generally available (except to the extent distributions are paid to us) to service our indebtedness.

Other Unconsolidated Entities

In January 2006, we formed a 50/50 joint venture with Morgans to develop two hotel properties, the Delano Las Vegas and the Mondrian Las Vegas at Echelon. We will contribute approximately 6.1 acres of land and Morgans will ultimately contribute approximately $91.5 million to the venture. The expected cost of the project, including the land, is estimated to be approximately $950 million; however, we can provide no assurances that the estimated cost will approximate the actual cost. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, our net investment in and advances to the Morgans joint venture were $13.1 million and $3.0 million, respectively, and are presented in investments in and advances to unconsolidated subsidiaries, net, on our consolidated balance sheets.

We also have a one-third investment in Tunica Golf Course, L.L.C. (d.b.a. River Bend Links) located in Tunica, Mississippi. We account for our share of the golf course’s net loss under the equity method of accounting. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, our net investment in and advances to the golf course were $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively, and are presented in investments in and advances to unconsolidated subsidiaries, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The following table reconciles our investments in and advances to our unconsolidated subsidiaries.

 

     December 31,  
     2007      2006  
     (In thousands)  

Investment in and advances to Borgata (50%):

  

Cash contributions

   $ 254,157      $ 254,157  

Accumulated amortization of 50% of our unilateral equity contribution

     (1,540 )      (1,155 )

Deferred gain on sale of asset to Borgata, net

     (360 )      (383 )

Capitalized interest, net

     33,219        34,155  

Equity income

     277,220        206,554  

Distributed earnings

     (182,512 )      (111,941 )

Other advances, net

     (44 )      805  
                 

Net investment in Borgata

     380,140        382,192  

Investment in and advances to Morgans Las Vegas, LLC (50%)

     13,105        2,966  

Investment in and advances to Tunica Golf Course, L.L.C. (33.3%)

     371        593  
                 

Total investments in and advances to unconsolidated subsidiaries, net

   $ 393,616      $ 385,751  
                 

Our net investment in Borgata differs from our share of the underlying equity in Borgata. In 2004, pursuant to an agreement with MGM MIRAGE related to the funding of Borgata’s project costs, we made a unilateral capital contribution to Borgata of approximately $31 million. We are ratably amortizing $15.4 million (50% of the unilateral contribution which corresponds to our ownership percentage of Borgata) over 40 years. Also,

 

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during Borgata’s initial development, construction and preopening phases, we capitalized interest on our investment and are ratably amortizing our capitalized interest over 40 years. Additionally, we are ratably accreting a $0.4 million deferred gain related to the sale of our airplane to Borgata over the airplane’s remaining useful life.

NOTE 5.—INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

During 2007, we acquired Dania Jai-Alai (see Note 12, “Acquisition of Dania Jai-Alai”) and in 2004, we acquired Sam’s Town Shreveport and Coast Casinos. In connection with those transactions, we recorded significant amounts of intangible assets and goodwill that are included in the tables below. In 2005, as further described below, we wrote-down Delta Downs’ license rights by $25.4 million.

Intangible assets consist of the following:

 

     December 31,
     2007      2006
     (In thousands)

Midwest and South license rights

   $ 521,217      $ 486,064

Midwest and South customer lists

     100        100

Las Vegas Locals trademarks

     50,700        54,400

Las Vegas Locals customer lists

     300        350
               

Total intangible assets

     572,317        540,914

Less accumulated amortization:

       

License rights

     33,939        33,939

Customer lists

     283        225
               

Total accumulated amortization

     34,222        34,164
               

Intangible assets, net

   $ 538,095      $ 506,750
               

The following table sets forth the change in our intangible assets, net during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):

 

Balance as of January 1, 2006

   $ 506,838  

Amortization expense

     (88 )
        

Balance as of December 31, 2006

     506,750  

Intangible license right from Dania Jai-Alai acquisition (see Note 12)

     35,153  

Write-off of Barbary Coast trademark

     (3,700 )

Write-off of Barbary Coast customer list, net

     (28 )

Amortization expense

     (80 )
        

Balance as of December 31, 2007

   $ 538,095  
        

License rights are intangible assets acquired from the purchase of gaming entities that are located in gaming jurisdictions where competition is limited to a specified number of licensed gaming operators. License rights and trademarks are not subject to amortization as we have determined that they have an indefinite useful life.

 

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Customer lists are being ratably amortized over a five-year period. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, amortization expense for the customer lists was less than $0.1 million. For each year in the period ending December 31, 2009, amortization expense related to the customer lists is expected to be approximately $0.1 million, at which time the assets are expected to be fully amortized.

Included in intangible assets, net, on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2006, is the Barbary Coast trademark with a carrying value of $3.7 million. This trademark was excluded from the February 27, 2007 exchange transaction pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement entered into between Coast Hotels and Casinos, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, and Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., or Harrah’s, (see Note 11, “Asset and Liabilities Held for Sale—Discontinued Operations: Barbary Coast” for information related to the transaction); however, as we do not have any intended future use for this trademark, it was written off during 2007 upon the completion of the exchange transaction, as the underlying cash flows of the Barbary Coast would no longer support its carrying value.

In September 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”), of the FASB issued EITF D-108, “Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other Than Goodwill,” which requires the application of the direct value method for intangible assets acquired in business combinations completed after September 29, 2004. In addition, EITF D-108 requires companies that have applied the residual method to the valuation of intangible assets acquired prior to such date for purposes of impairment testing to perform an impairment test using the direct value method beginning with their fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2004. Impairments of intangible assets recognized upon application of the direct value method should be reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.

We have utilized a residual cash flow methodology in performing our annual impairment tests for all of our indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired prior to 2004. Beginning with the transition testing in 2005, as well as annually thereafter, we utilize the direct value method to perform our impairment tests on such indefinite-lived intangible assets. Effective January 1, 2005, we completed this transition testing for all of our intangible license rights and determined that the fair value of our Delta Downs intangible license right was less than its book value. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2005, we recorded a non-cash charge of $25.4 million, $16.4 million net of taxes, to reduce the balance of this asset to its fair value. This charge has been reflected as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of taxes, in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

Goodwill represents the excess of total acquisition costs over the fair market value of net assets acquired in a business combination and consists of the following:

 

     December 31,
     2007    2006
     (In thousands)

Las Vegas Locals goodwill

   $ 381,024    $ 381,024

Downtown Las Vegas goodwill

     6,997      6,997

Midwest and South goodwill

     22,319      22,319
             

Total goodwill

     410,340      410,340

Less accumulated amortization

     6,134      6,134
             

Goodwill, net

   $ 404,206    $ 404,206
             

Goodwill and indefinite-lived assets must be tested for impairment at least annually and between annual test dates in certain circumstances. We perform our annual impairment test for goodwill and indefinite-lived assets in the second quarter of each year. No impairments were indicated as a result of the annual impairment reviews for

 

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goodwill and indefinite-lived assets for 2007, 2006 or 2005. During 2005, we performed impairment tests on our license rights at Treasure Chest and Delta Downs pursuant to triggering events related to hurricanes. For more information, see Note 10, “Write-Downs and Other Charges, Net – Hurricane and Related Items.”

NOTE 6.—LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2006  
     (In thousands)  

Bank credit facility

   $ 1,352,900     $ 973,300  

8.75% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2012

     —         250,000  

7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2012

     300,000       300,000  

6.75% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2014

     350,000       350,000  

7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2016

     250,000       250,000  

Other

     13,658       14,160  
                

Total long-term debt

     2,266,558       2,137,460  

Less current maturities

     (629 )     (5,550 )

Market value adjustment related to interest rate swaps

     —         1,106  
                

Total

   $ 2,265,929     $ 2,133,016  
                

In connection with our fair value hedging transaction, as of December 31, 2006 we increased the carrying value of certain of our long-term debt instruments by $1.1 million and also recorded a corresponding asset on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, representing the fair market value of the derivative instrument at that date.

Bank Credit Facility. On May 24, 2007, we entered into a $4.0 billion revolving bank credit facility that matures on May 24, 2012. The bank credit facility may be increased at our request by up to an aggregate of $1.0 billion if certain commitments are obtained. The interest rate on the bank credit facility is based upon, at our option, the LIBOR rate or the “base rate,” plus an applicable margin in either case. The applicable margin is a percentage per annum (which ranges from 0.625% to 1.625% if we elect to use the LIBOR rate, and 0.0% to 0.375% if we elect to use the base rate) determined in accordance with a specified pricing grid based upon our predefined total leverage ratio. In addition, we incur commitment fees on the unused portion of the bank credit facility that range from 0.200% to 0.350% per annum. The bank credit facility is guaranteed by our material subsidiaries and is secured by the capital stock of those subsidiaries.

The blended interest rates for outstanding borrowings under our bank credit facility at December 31, 2007 and 2006 were 6.0% and 6.8%, respectively. At December 31, 2007, approximately $1.4 billion was outstanding under our revolving credit facility with $12.4 million allocated to support various letters of credit, leaving availability under the bank credit facility of approximately $2.6 billion.

The bank credit facility contains certain financial and other covenants, (i) requiring the maintenance of a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, (ii) establishing a maximum permitted consolidated total leverage ratio, (iii) imposing limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness, (iv) imposing limitations on transfers, sales and other dispositions, and (v) imposing restrictions on investments, dividends and certain other payments. Management believes that we are in compliance with the bank credit facility covenants at December 31, 2007.

The bank credit facility replaced our previous $1.85 billion bank credit facility. We recorded a $4.4 million non-cash loss on the early retirement of debt during 2007 for the write-off of unamortized debt fees associated with our former bank credit facility.

 

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7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due December 2012. On December 30, 2002, we issued $300 million principal amount of 7.75% senior subordinated notes due December 2012. The notes require semi-annual interest payments on June 15th and December 15th of each year that began in June 2003 and will continue through December 2012, at which time the entire principal balance becomes due and payable. The notes contain certain restrictive covenants regarding, among other things, incurrence of debt, sales of assets, mergers and consolidations and limitations on restricted payments (as defined in the indenture governing the notes). We believe we are in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2007. After December 15, 2007, we may redeem all or a portion of the notes at redemption prices ranging from 103.875% in 2007 to 100% in 2010 and thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

6.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due April 2014. On April 15, 2004, we issued, through a private placement, $350 million principal amount of 6.75% senior subordinated notes due April 2014. In July 2004, all but $50,000 in aggregate principal amount of these notes were exchanged for substantially similar notes that were registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The notes require semi-annual interest payments on April 15 and October 15 of each year that began in October 2004 and will continue through April 2014, at which time the entire principal balance becomes due and payable. The notes contain certain restrictive covenants regarding, among other things, incurrence of debt, sales of assets, mergers and consolidations and limitations on restricted payments (as defined in the indenture governing the notes). We believe we are in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2007. After April 15, 2009, we may redeem all or a portion of the notes at redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) ranging from 103.375% in 2009 to 100% in 2012 and thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due February 2016. On January 30, 2006, we issued $250 million principal amount of 7.125% senior subordinated notes due February 2016. The net proceeds of this debt issuance were approximately $246 million, which were used to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings on the revolving portion of our bank credit facility. The notes require semi-annual interest payments on February 1st and August 1st of each year that began in August 2006 and will continue through February 2016, at which time the entire principal balance becomes due and payable. The notes contain certain restrictive covenants regarding, among other things, incurrence of debt, sales of assets, mergers and consolidations and limitations on restricted payments (as defined in the indenture governing the notes). We believe we are in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2007. At any time prior to February 1, 2009, we may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes with the net proceeds from one or more public equity offerings at a redemption price of 107.125% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, subject to certain conditions. At any time prior to February 1, 2011, we may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, pursuant to a “make-whole” call as provided in the indenture governing the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. On or after February 1, 2011, we may redeem all or a portion of the notes at redemption prices ranging from 103.563% in 2011 to 100% in 2014 and thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

8.75% Senior Subordinated Notes Originally due April 2012. On April 16, 2007, we redeemed our $250 million principal amount of 8.75% senior subordinated notes that were originally due to mature in April 2012 at a redemption price of $1,043.75 per $1,000.00 principal amount of notes. The redemption was funded by availability under our former bank credit facility. In connection with the redemption of these notes, we terminated our $50 million notional amount fixed-to-floating interest rate swap. During 2007, we recorded a loss on the early retirement of these notes and related interest rate swap of $12.5 million.

9.25% Senior Notes Originally due August 2009. On August 1, 2005, we redeemed all $200 million principal amount of our 9.25% senior notes originally due in 2009 at a redemption price of $1.046.25 per $1,000.00 principal amount of notes. The redemption was funded by availability under our bank credit facility. A loss on the early retirement of debt of $17.5 million, comprised of the premium related to the call for redemption of

 

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these notes, unamortized deferred loan costs for the notes and the notes’ market adjustments from fair value hedges, was recorded on our consolidated statement of operations during 2005.

Other Debt. In November 2004, in connection with the acquisition of certain real estate, we assumed a mortgage with a balance of $15.8 million that was secured by the real property. The mortgage was payable in equal monthly installments of principal and interest at the rate of 8.8% per annum through May 1, 2007, when the remaining balance was to become due and payable. We paid the remaining balance of approximately $15.4 million in October 2006.

In February 2003, we issued a note in the amount of $16 million to finance the purchase of a company airplane. The note bears interest at the rate of 5.7% per annum. The note is payable in 120 equal monthly installments of principal and interest until March 2013, when the remaining balance becomes due and payable. The note is secured by the airplane.

The estimated fair value of our long-term debt at December 31, 2007 was approximately $2.2 billion, versus its book value of $2.3 billion. The estimated fair value of our long-term debt at December 31, 2006 was approximately $2.2 billion, versus its book value of $2.1 billion. The estimated fair value amounts were based on quoted market prices on or about December 31, 2007 and 2006 for our debt securities that are traded. For the debt securities that are not traded, fair value was based on book value due primarily to the short maturities of the debt components.

The scheduled maturities of long-term debt for the years ending December 31 are as follows (in thousands):

 

2008

   $ 629

2009

     616

2010

     652

2011

     690

2012

     1,653,630

Thereafter

     610,341
      

Total

   $ 2,266,558
      

NOTE 7.—DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

GAAP requires all derivative instruments to be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes must be adjusted to fair value through income. If the derivative qualifies and is designated as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in its fair value will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged item through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings.

We utilize derivative instruments to manage certain interest rate risk. The net effect of our interest rate swaps resulted in a reduction in interest expense of $3.5 million, $2.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, as compared to the contractual rate of the underlying hedged debt for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

 

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The following tables report the effects of the mark-to-market valuations of our derivative instruments:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (In thousands)  

Net gains (losses) from cash flow hedges from:

      

Change in value of derivatives excluded from the assessment of hedge ineffectiveness

   $ (3,546 )   $ (1,801 )   $ —    

Net gain from ineffective portion of change in value of cash flow hedges

     2,416       —         —    
                        

Decrease in value of derivative instruments, as reported on our consolidated statements of operations

   $ (1,130 )   $ (1,801 )   $ —    
                        

Derivative instruments market adjustment

   $ (23,001 )   $ 558     $ 8,539  

Tax effect of derivative instruments market adjustment

     8,274       (200 )     (3,199 )
                        

Net derivative instruments market adjustment, as reported on our consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity

   $ (14,727 )   $ 358     $ 5,340  
                        

A portion of the net derivative instruments market adjustment included in other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2007 relates to certain derivative instruments that we de-designated as cash flow hedges in connection with breaking certain LIBOR contracts under our previous bank credit facility (see Note 6, “Long-term Debt”). As a result, $2.1 million of deferred net gain included in other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2007 related to these derivative instruments will be accreted as a reduction of interest expense on our consolidated statement of operations during the next twelve months.

At December 31, 2007, we were a party to four interest rate swaps which were accounted for as cash flow hedges. Our bank credit facility is the underlying debt associated with these interest rate swaps. The principal terms of these interest rate swaps at December 31, 2007 are as follows:

 

Effective
Date

   Notional
Amount
   Fair Value
Liability
   Maturity
Date
(In thousands)

September 28, 2007

   $ 100,000    $ 4,073    June 30, 2011

September 28, 2007

     200,000      8,156    June 30, 2011

September 28, 2007

     250,000      3,025    June 30, 2009

June 30, 2008

     200,000      7,404    June 30, 2011
                
   $ 750,000    $ 22,658   
                

 

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At December 31, 2006, we were a party to eight interest rate swaps, seven of which were accounted for as cash flow hedges and one as a fair value hedge, and two interest rate collars. Our bank credit facility was the underlying debt associated with the cash flow hedges, while our $250 million principal amount of 8.75% senior subordinated notes was the underlying debt associated with the fair value hedge. The principal terms of these interest rate swaps at December 31, 2006 were as follows:

 

Effective
Date

   Notional
Amount
   Fair Value
Asset/(Liability)
    Termination
Date
          (In thousands)      

Fair Value Hedge

       

April 25, 2002

   $ 50,000    $ 1,106     April 16, 2007

Cash Flow Hedges

       

June 30, 2005

     50,000      1,380     July 31, 2007

June 30, 2005

     50,000      1,571     July 31, 2007

June 30, 2005

     50,000      1,380     July 31, 2007

June 30, 2005

     50,000      1,589     July 31, 2007

Interest Rate Collars

       

August 16, 2005

     50,000      323     July 31, 2007

August 16, 2005

     50,000      320     July 31, 2007

Cash Flow Hedges

       

June 30, 2008

     50,000      (133 )   July 31, 2007

June 30, 2008

     50,000      (123 )   July 31, 2007

June 30, 2008

     100,000      (1,546 )   July 31, 2007
                 
   $ 550,000    $ 5,867    
                 

We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to our interest rate swap agreements; however, we believe that this risk is minimized because we monitor the credit ratings of the counterparties to the agreements. If we had terminated our interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2007, we would have been required to pay a total of $22.7 million based on the fair values of these derivative instruments. If we had terminated our interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2006, we would have received a net total of $5.9 million based on the fair values of these derivative instruments.

Borgata Derivative Instruments. In addition, Borgata, our joint venture, utilized derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the last of which expired in December 2005. Our share of the change in fair value of certain financial instruments related to hedges deemed to be ineffective was a net loss of $0.4 million in 2005 and is reported on our accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

NOTE 8.—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases

In connection with the July 1, 2004 merger with Coast Casinos, we assumed certain land leases. The Orleans is situated on approximately 77 acres of leased land. The lease had an effective commencement date of October 1, 1995, an initial term of 50 years, and includes an option, exercisable by us, to extend the initial term for an additional 25 years. The lease provides for monthly rental payments of $0.2 million through February 2006 and $0.3 million during the 60-month period thereafter. In March 2011, annual rental payments will increase in a compounding basis at a rate of 3.0% per annum. In addition, we have an option to purchase the real property during the two-year period commencing in February 2016.

Suncoast is situated on approximately 49 acres of leased land. The initial term of the land lease expires in December 2055. The lease contains three options to extend the term of the lease for 10 years each. The lease

 

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provides for monthly rental payments of approximately $0.2 million in 2004 that increase slightly each year. The landlord has the option to require us to purchase the property at the end of 2014 and each year-end through 2018, at the fair market value of the real property at the time the landlord exercises the option, subject to certain pricing limitations. If we do not purchase the property if and when required, we would be in default under the lease agreement.

In addition, we have other land leases related primarily to the California, the Fremont, Sam’s Town Tunica, Treasure Chest and Sam’s Town Shreveport. Future minimum lease payments required under noncancelable operating leases (primarily for land leases) as of December 31, 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

 

2008

   $ 16,017

2009

     14,441

2010

     11,434

2011

     10,997

2012

     9,023

Thereafter

     457,870
      

Total

   $ 519,782
      

Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $22.0 million, $22.3 million and $31.1 million, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.

Echelon

In January 2006, we formed a 50/50 joint venture with Morgans to develop, construct and operate two hotel properties, the Delano Las Vegas and the Mondrian Las Vegas hotels at Echelon. We will contribute approximately 6.1 acres of land and Morgans will ultimately contribute approximately $91.5 million to the venture. The expected cost of the project, including the land, is estimated to be approximately $950 million; however, we can provide no assurances that the estimated cost will approximate the actual cost. Pursuant to an amendment on May 15, 2006 to our joint venture agreement, Morgans deposited $30 million with us as an advance toward their $91.5 million capital contribution to be made to the venture. This deposit, plus accrued interest, is included in restricted cash and accrued expenses and other on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006.

In May 2007, we formed a 50/50 joint venture with GGP whereby we will initially contribute above-ground real estate (air rights) and GGP will initially contribute $100 million to develop the High Street retail promenade at Echelon. The expected cost of the project, including air rights, is estimated to be approximately $500 million; however, we can provide no assurances that the estimated cost will approximate the actual cost. We expect that the joint venture will be 100% equity funded. We anticipate that any additional cash outlay from us will come from cash flows from operations and availability under our bank credit facility, to the extent availability exists after we meet our working capital needs.

In April 2007, we entered into an Energy Services Agreement (“ESA”) with a third party, who will design, construct, own and operate a central energy center and energy distribution system that will provide electricity, emergency generation and chilled and hot water to Echelon. The term of the ESA is 25 years beginning when Echelon commences commercial operations. We pay a monthly service fee, which is comprised of a fixed capacity charge and an escalating operations and maintenance charge that is based upon our capacity requirement for energy at Echelon. Our fixed portion of the service fee is $23.4 million annually over the term of the ESA.

 

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Dania Jai-Alai Slot Initiative

On August 8, 2006, a three-judge panel of the First District Court of Appeals in Broward County, Florida overturned a lower court decision, which, in turn, could lead to the invalidation of a November 2004 initiative approved by Florida voters to operate slot machines at certain pari-mutuel gaming facilities in Broward County. This decision was essentially reaffirmed by the First District Court of Appeals on November 30, 2006, with two questions being certified to the Florida Supreme Court. On March 27, 2007, the Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction to hear the certified questions. On September 27, 2007, the Florida Supreme Court reconsidered its March 27, 2007 decision and declined jurisdiction over the matter. Consequently, the matter has been remanded to the circuit court for a trial on the merits. If the initiative is invalidated, we may not be able to operate slot machines at the Dania Jai-Alai facility, which would materially affect any potential revenue and cash flow expected from the Dania Jai-Alai facility (see Note 12, “Acquisition of Dania Jai-Alai”). In February 2008, management decided to postpone redevelopment of the Dania Jai-Alai facility.

Copeland

Alvin C. Copeland, the sole shareholder of an unsuccessful applicant for a riverboat license at the location of our Treasure Chest Casino, has made several attempts to have the Treasure Chest license revoked and awarded to his company. In 1999 and 2000, Copeland unsuccessfully opposed the renewal of the Treasure Chest license and has brought two separate legal actions against us. In November 1993, Copeland objected to the relocation of Treasure Chest Casino from the Mississippi River to its current site on Lake Pontchartrain. The predecessor to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board allowed the relocation over Copeland’s objection. Copeland then filed an appeal of the agency’s decision with the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. Through a number of amendments to the appeal, Copeland unsuccessfully attempted to transform the appeal into a direct action suit and sought the revocation of the Treasure Chest license. Treasure Chest intervened in the matter in order to protect its interests. The appeal/suit, as it related to Treasure Chest Casino, was dismissed by the District Court and that dismissal was upheld on appeal by the First Circuit Court of Appeal. Additionally, in 1999, Copeland filed a direct action against Treasure Chest and certain other parties seeking the revocation of Treasure Chest’s license, an award of the license to him and monetary damages. The suit was dismissed by the trial court citing that Copeland failed to state a claim on which relief could be granted. The dismissal was appealed by Copeland to the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal. On June 21, 2002, the First Circuit Court of Appeal reversed the trial court’s decision and remanded the matter to the trial court. On January 14, 2003, we filed a motion to dismiss the matter and that motion was partially denied. The Court of Appeals refused to reverse the denial of the motion to dismiss. In May 2004, we filed additional motions to dismiss on other grounds. There was no activity regarding this matter during 2005 and 2006, and the case was set to be dismissed by the court for failure to prosecute by the plaintiffs in mid-May 2007; however on May 1, 2007, the plaintiff filed a motion to set a hearing date related to the motions to dismiss. The hearing was scheduled for September 10, 2007, at which time all parties agreed to postpone the hearing indefinitely. We currently are vigorously defending the lawsuit. If this matter ultimately results in the Treasure Chest license being revoked, it could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Blue Chip Property Taxes

In May 2007, Blue Chip received a valuation notice indicating an unanticipated increase of nearly 400% to its assessed property value as of January 1, 2006. At that time, we estimated that the increase in assessed property value could result in a property tax assessment ranging between $4 million and $11 million for the eighteen-month period ended June 30, 2007. We recorded an additional charge of $3.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 to increase our property tax liability to $5.8 million at June 30, 2007, as we believed that was the most likely amount to be assessed within the range. We subsequently received a property tax bill related to our 2006 tax assessment for $6.2 million in December 2007. As we have appealed the assessment, Indiana

 

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statutes allow for a minimum required payment of $1.9 million, which was paid against the $6.2 million assessment in January 2008. We believe the assessment for the twenty four-month period ended December 31, 2007 could result in a property tax assessment ranging between $4 million and $13 million. We have accrued approximately $7.5 million of property tax liability as of December 31, 2007, based on what we believe to be the most likely assessment within our range, once all appeals have been exhausted; however, we can provide no assurances that the estimated amount will approximate the actual amount. The final 2006 assessment, post appeals, as well as the March 1, 2007 assessment notice which is not expected until the second quarter of 2008, could result in further adjustment to our estimated property tax liability at Blue Chip.

State of Illinois Wagering Tax

In 2005, the Illinois legislature passed new legislation for wagering taxes that imposes a minimum wagering tax for casinos for the next two state-based fiscal years ending June 30, 2007. Under these minimum wagering tax provisions, during each of the State’s fiscal years ending June 30, 2006 and 2007, Par-A-Dice was required to remit to the State the amount, if any, by which $43 million exceeded the wagering taxes actually paid by Par-A-Dice during each of those fiscal years. The payments, if any, were required by each of June 15, 2006 and 2007. Effective July 1, 2005, we incorporated this minimum payment provision into the effective gaming tax rate for Par-A-Dice. Par-A-Dice paid $13.7 million and $6.2 million for Illinois State wagering taxes on June 15, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

In addition, Par-A-Dice paid $6.7 million on June 15, 2006 for a retroactive Illinois gaming tax assessment, which was the result of a 2006 modification by the Illinois State Legislature requiring licensees to pay an additional 5% tax on adjusted gross gaming revenues retroactive to July 1, 2005.

Treasure Chest

We are required to pay to the City of Kenner, Louisiana, a boarding fee of $2.50 for each passenger boarding our Treasure Chest riverboat casino during the year. The future minimum payment due in 2008 to the City of Kenner, based upon a portion of actual passenger counts from the prior year, is approximately $2.6 million.

Long-term Management Incentive Plan

Certain of our executive officers participate in a long-term management incentive plan (the “Plan”), which currently extends through December 31, 2010. The components of the Plan cannot be measured until the end of the performance period, as they will not be known until the end of the performance period. As such, we do not accrue for these items over the life of the Plan, but rather accrue for that portion of the Plan when it becomes measurable. Possible future maximum payouts are $5.2 million for each of the years ending December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Legal Matters

We are also parties to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We believe that, except for the matters discussed above, all pending claims, if adversely decided, would not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.

NOTE 9.—STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS

On January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” using the modified prospective method and as such, results for prior periods have not been restated. This statement requires us to measure the

 

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cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). This cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Under the modified prospective method, we expense the cost of share-based compensation awards issued after January 1, 2006. Additionally, we recognize compensation cost for the portion of awards outstanding on January 1, 2006 for which the requisite service has not been rendered over the period the requisite service is being rendered after January 1, 2006.

Stock Options

As of December 31, 2007, we had two stock option plans in effect, both of which have been approved by our shareholders. Stock options awarded under these plans are granted to our employees and directors. The number of authorized but unissued shares of common stock under these plans as of December 31, 2007 was approximately 9.5 million shares.

Options granted under the plans generally become exercisable ratably over a three-year period from the date of grant. Options that have been granted under the plans had an exercise price equal to the market price of our common stock on the date of grant and will expire no later than ten years after the date of grant.

Share-based compensation costs related to stock option awards are calculated based on the fair value of each option grant on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following table discloses the weighted-average assumptions used in estimating the fair value of our significant stock option grants during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Expected stock price volatility

     34.3 %     38.0 %     38.1 %

Annual dividend rate

     1.5 %     1.4 %     1.2 %

Risk-free interest rate

     3.7 %     4.6 %     4.3 %

Expected option life (years)

     4.3       4.5       4.1  

Estimated fair value per share of options granted

   $ 11.62     $ 13.27     $ 13.01  

For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we recorded compensation costs related to our share-based employee compensation plans in our consolidated financial statements in the following categories:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2007      2006
     (In thousands)

Gaming

   $ 571      $ 732

Food and beverage

     94        103

Room

     54        50

Selling, general and administrative

     2,900        4,212

Corporate expense

     11,183        14,248

Preopening expenses

     1,257        1,268
               

Total share-based compensation expense from continuing operations

     16,059        20,613

Discontinued Operations

     —          205
               

Total share-based compensation expense

     16,059        20,818

Capitalized share-based compensation

     1,311        830
               

Total share-based compensation costs

   $ 17,370      $ 21,648
               

 

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The total income tax benefit recognized in income resulting from share-based compensation expense was $5.6 million and $7.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, we presented the benefit of all tax deductions resulting from the exercise of stock options as an operating activity in our consolidated statements of cash flows. SFAS No. 123R requires the excess tax benefit from stock option exercises (tax deduction in excess of compensation costs recognized) to be reported as a financing activity on our consolidated statement of cash flows. Excess tax benefits of $4.6 million and $12.3 million recorded during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

For periods prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for employee stock options in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations.” No share-based employee compensation cost was reflected in net income for those periods as all options granted under our plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the common stock on the date of grant.

The following table illustrates the effect on our income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and net income and the related per share amounts as if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R to share-based employee compensation for the year ended December 31, 2005:

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

   Year Ended
December 31, 2005
 

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

  

As reported

   $ 164,368  

Pro forma share-based compensation expense, net of tax

     (13,378 )
        

Pro forma

   $ 150,990  
        

Net income

  

As reported

   $ 144,610  

Pro forma share-based compensation expense, net of tax

     (13,513 )
        

Pro forma

   $ 131,097  
        

Basic income per share from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

  

As reported

   $ 1.86  

Pro forma

     1.71  

Diluted income per share from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

  

As reported

   $ 1.82  

Pro forma

     1.67  

Basic net income per share

  

As reported

   $ 1.63  

Pro forma

     1.48  

Diluted net income per share

  

As reported

   $ 1.60  

Pro forma

     1.45  

 

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Summarized stock option plan activity for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:

 

     Options     Range of
Options
Prices
   Weighted
Average
Option
Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

(In
thousands)

Options outstanding at January 1, 2005

   6,637,511     $ 4.35 - $36.76    $ 20.97      

Options granted

   1,895,000       39.96 - 52.35      40.14      

Options canceled

   (195,913 )     4.56 - 36.76      20.88      

Options exercised

   (1,749,369 )     4.50 - 36.76      12.58      
                 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2005

   6,587,229     $ 4.35 - $52.35    $ 28.71      

Options granted

   1,694,000       39.00 - 48.40      39.18      

Options canceled

   (463,326 )     4.56 - 39.96      37.08      

Options exercised

   (1,266,116 )     4.50 - 39.96      15.42    7.91   
                   

Options outstanding at December 31, 2006

   6,551,787     $ 4.35 - $52.35    $ 33.40       $ 78,280

Options granted

   1,918,700       38.11 - 48.65      39.66      

Options canceled

   (158,161 )     5.56 - 39.96      38.03      

Options exercised

   (641,076 )     4.50 - 39.96      24.27      
                 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2007

   7,671,250     $ 4.35 - $52.35    $ 35.63    1.95    $ 20,398
                               

Options exercisable at December 31, 2006

   3,193,713        $ 27.75    6.64    $ 55,194
                           

Options exercisable at December 31, 2007

   4,145,649        $ 32.27    6.87    $ 20,376
                           

Shares available for grant at December 31, 2007

   2,147,676             
                 

The following table summarizes the information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2007:

 

     Options Outstanding    Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise Prices

   Number
Outstanding
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Number
Exercisable
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

$  4.35 - $25.75

   1,078,349    4.95    $ 15.15    1,076,349    $ 15.14

  36.76 -   36.76

   1,546,991    6.93      36.76    1,546,991      36.76

  38.11 -   38.11

   491,000    9.93      38.11    —        —  

  39.00 -   39.00

   1,592,334    8.83      39.00    532,049      39.00

  39.78 -   52.35

   2,962,576    8.78      40.27    990,260      40.26
                      
   7,671,250    7.95      35.63    4,145,649      32.27
                  

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $11.62, $13.27 and $13.01, respectively. The total intrinsic value of in-the-money options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $15.8 million and $35.0 million,

 

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respectively. The total fair value of options vested during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was approximately $24.8 and $21.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2007, there was approximately $32 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation costs related to unvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over approximately two years, the weighted average remaining requisite service period.

Restricted Stock Units

On May 18, 2006, our board of directors amended and restated our 2002 Stock Incentive Plan to provide for the grant of Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”). An RSU is an award which may be earned in whole or in part upon the passage of time or the attainment of performance criteria and which may be settled for cash, shares or other securities or a combination of cash, shares or other securities. The RSUs do not contain voting rights and are not entitled to dividends. In May 2007 and May 2006, we awarded to certain members of our board of directors a total of 19,600 and 17,500 RSUs with a grant date fair value of $43.27 and $43.17 per unit, respectively, each fully vested upon grant and to be paid in shares of common stock upon cessation of service on the board of directors. We recorded $0.8 million in both 2007 and 2006 for expenses related to the issuance of these RSUs.

Career Shares

Our Career Shares Program is a stock incentive award program for certain executive officers to provide for additional capital accumulation opportunities for retirement and reward long-service executives. Our Career Shares Program was adopted in December 2006 as part of the overall update of our compensation programs. In January 2008 and January 2007, we issued approximately 37,000 and 26,000 Career Shares with a grant date fair value of $33.31 per share and $44.36 per share, respectively, to certain of our executive management employees. The Career Shares reward eligible executives with annual grants of Boyd Gaming stock units, to be paid out at retirement. The payout at retirement is dependent upon the respective executive’s age at retirement and the number of years of service with the Company. Executives must be at least 60 years old and have at least 15 years of service to receive a payout at retirement. We recorded $0.3 million annually in 2008 and 2007 for expenses related to the issuance of these Career Shares and we paid out 848 Career Shares in 2007.

Stock Repurchase Plan

On November 11, 2002, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to two million shares of our common stock. Depending upon market conditions, shares may be repurchased from time-to-time at prevailing market prices through open market or negotiated transactions. No date was established for the completion of the share repurchase program. We are not obligated to repurchase any shares. Subject to applicable corporate securities laws, repurchases may be made at such times and in such amounts as management deems appropriate. Repurchases under the program can be discontinued at any time management feels additional repurchases are not warranted.

During the year ended December 31, 2006, we repurchased approximately 3.4 million shares of our common stock at a price per share of $32.4844. These shares were repurchased pursuant to the terms of the Unit Purchase Agreement that we entered into with Michael J. Gaughan in connection with the sale of South Coast and were not purchased as a part of the aforementioned repurchase program. See Note 11, “Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale:—Discontinued Operations: South Coast” for more information related to this sale. We did not repurchase any stock during the years ended December 31, 2007 or 2005. As of December 31, 2007, approximately 0.9 million shares of our common stock was available to be repurchased under the plan.

 

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Dividends

Dividends are declared at our Board’s discretion. We are subject to certain limitations regarding the payment of dividends, such as restricted payment limitations related to our outstanding notes and our bank credit facility. The following table sets forth the cash dividends declared and paid in 2007 and 2006.

 

Payment Date

  

Record Date

  

Dividend
Per
Share

March 1, 2006

   February 10, 2006    $ 0.125

June 1, 2006

   May 12, 2006      0.135

September 1, 2006

   August 11, 2006      0.135

December 1, 2006

   November 10, 2006      0.135

March 1, 2007

   February 9, 2007      0.135

June 1, 2007

   May 11, 2007      0.150

September 4, 2007

   August 17, 2007      0.150

December 3, 2007

   November 16, 2007      0.150

Dividends paid in 2007 and 2006 totaled $51.2 million and $46.7 million, respectively. On February 7, 2008, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share of our common stock, payable March 3, 2008 to shareholders of record on February 18, 2008.

NOTE 10.—WRITE-DOWNS AND OTHER CHARGES, NET

Write-downs and other charges, net include the following:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007    2006     2005  
     (In thousands)  

Property closure costs

   $ 11,141    $ 13,354     $ —    

Asset write-downs

     16      31,778       56,000  

Acquisition related expenses

     944      —         —    

Hurricane and related items

     —        (36,294 )     9,274  

Gain on sales of undeveloped land and other assets

     —        —         (659 )
                       

Total write-downs and other charges, net

   $ 12,101    $ 8,838     $ 64,615  
                       

Property Closure Costs

In connection with our Echelon development project, we closed the Stardust Hotel and Casino on November 1, 2006 and demolished the property in March 2007. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we recorded $11.1 million in property closure costs related to demolition and rubble removal costs. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we recorded $13.4 million in property closure costs, the majority of which represents exit and disposal costs related to one-time employee termination benefits and contract termination costs.

Asset Write-downs

Asset write-downs during the year ended December 31, 2006 include $28 million related to the write-off of the net book value of the original Blue Chip gaming vessel, which was replaced with a new gaming vessel in conjunction with our expansion project. After analysis of alternative uses for the original vessel, management decided in June 2006 to permanently retire the asset from further operations, resulting in the write-off. In addition, we recorded a $3.0 million asset write-down during the year ended December 31, 2006 related to land

 

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held for sale in Pennsylvania that we previously planned to utilize as a site for a gaming operation. In September 2006, we withdrew our application for gaming approval, which led to our decision to sell the land (see Note 11, “Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale—Land Held for Sale”).

During the year ended December 31, 2005, we recorded a $56 million non-cash impairment loss to write down the long-lived assets at Stardust to their estimated fair value. Because we intend to redevelop the land on which Stardust is located and our plans included demolishing Stardust’s existing buildings and abandoning other related assets, we performed an impairment test for this property. This non-cash charge was the result of our calculation of the estimated remaining net cash flows for Stardust compared to the net book value of the assets expected to be demolished or abandoned.

Hurricane and Related Items

On August 27, 2005, Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner, Louisiana closed as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The property suffered minor damage from the hurricane and reopened for business on October 10, 2005. On September 22, 2005, Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel closed as a result of Hurricane Rita. Delta Downs reopened for business on November 3, 2005 with limited hours of operation and limited food and beverage outlets. Delta Downs resumed normal operating hours beginning in December 2005 and horse racing resumed in April 2006. During the year ended December 31, 2005, we recorded $9.3 million of net hurricane related expenses. In December 2006, we reached a final settlement with our insurance carrier for our coverage at Delta Downs and recognized a gain of $36 million during the year ended December 31, 2006. See Note 13, “Insurance Coverage Related to Hurricane Impacts” for additional information.

Acquisition Related Expenses

Acquisition related expenses represent indirect and general costs incurred in connection with our acquisition of Dania Jai-Alai (see Note 12, “Acquisition of Dania Jai-Alai”).

NOTE 11.—ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE

Land Held for Sale

In September 2006, we made the decision to sell land that we own in Pennsylvania that we previously planned to utilize as a site for a gaming operation. We withdrew our application for gaming approval, which led to our decision to sell the land and record a $3.0 million non-cash write-down of the land to its fair value less estimated costs to sell. The remaining $23.2 million carrying value of the land is classified as held for sale on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. On September 5, 2007 (the “effective date”), we entered into an agreement to sell the land for $26.5 million, before selling costs, contingent upon certain conditions. As of the date of this filing, the sale has not closed; however, the closing date of the sale must occur no later than fifteen months after the effective date. The closing of the transaction is subject to various conditions; therefore, we can provide no assurances that the transaction will close on time, if at all. The expected gain will be recognized on our consolidated statement of operations if and when the sale is closed.

Discontinued Operations

South Coast

On July 25, 2006, we entered into a Unit Purchase Agreement, as amended, (the “Agreement”) to sell South Coast to Michael J. Gaughan for a total purchase price of approximately $513 million. This transaction closed on October 25, 2006.

 

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As consideration for South Coast, Mr. Gaughan:

 

   

paid us the net proceeds from the public offering of his 12,342,504 shares of our common stock and

 

   

applied the principal amount of the term note described below to the purchase price.

A total of 12,342,504 shares of our common stock owned by Mr. Gaughan were sold to a group of underwriters in a registered public offering for $32.4844 per share, or an aggregate of approximately $401 million.

Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, on August 7, 2006, we repurchased 3,447,501 shares of our common stock from Mr. Gaughan directly. As consideration for the repurchase, we issued a term note to Mr. Gaughan in the aggregate amount of approximately $112 million. In connection with the closing of the transaction, the term note was cancelled on October 25, 2006.

Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Mr. Gaughan resigned from his position as a member of our board of directors on September 6, 2006 and ceased to be a Boyd Gaming employee on October 25, 2006. In addition, on August 4, 2006, Mr. Gaughan surrendered all of his options to acquire Boyd Gaming common stock, effectively canceling his vested options to purchase 88,334 shares and forfeiting his unvested options to purchase 176,666 shares.

In connection with the sale of South Coast, we recorded a loss on the sale of approximately $69 million during the year ended December 31, 2006, which is included in the loss from discontinued operations on our consolidated statement of operations.

Barbary Coast

On February 27, 2007, we completed our exchange of the Barbary Coast and its related 4.2 acres of land for a total of approximately 24 acres located north of and contiguous to our Echelon development project on the Las Vegas Strip in a nonmonetary, tax-free transaction with Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (“Harrah’s”). Harrah’s purchased the 24-acre site in October 2006 from unrelated third parties for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $364 million. Upon the closing of this transaction, we recorded a non-cash, pre-tax gain of approximately $285 million and wrote-off the $3.7 million carrying value of the Barbary Coast trademark as we will retain the trademark but no longer have underlying cash flows to support its value.

Summary Financial Information for Discontinued Operations

The operating results of South Coast and Barbary Coast for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are presented as net income (loss) from discontinued operations on our consolidated statements of operations. The assets held for sale and liabilities related to assets held for sale for South Coast and Barbary Coast are separately presented on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2006. Included in the income (loss) from discontinued operations is an allocation of interest expense related to the $401 million of debt repaid as a result of the South Coast disposition, as well as other consolidated interest based on the ratio of: (i) the net assets of our discontinued operations less the debt repaid as a result of the South Coast disposition, to (ii) the sum of total consolidated net assets and consolidated debt of the Company, other than the debt repaid as a result of the disposition. The amount of interest expense that was allocated to discontinued operations was $0.6 million, $26.2 million and $2.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

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Summary operating results for the discontinued operations are as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (In thousands)  

Net revenues

   $ 10,179     $ 204,819     $ 61,935  

Asset impairment charges

     (3,700 )     (65,000 )     —    

Loss on disposition of South Coast

     —         (3,606 )     —    

Operating loss

     (2,484 )     (42,972 )     (2,542 )

Gain on disposition of Barbary Coast

     285,033       —         —    

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     281,949       (69,219 )     (5,253 )

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes

     (99,822 )     24,649       1,934  

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

     182,127       (44,570 )     (3,319 )

The major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2006 were as follows (in thousands):

 

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 40

Inventories

     312

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     —  

Property and equipment, net

     102,625

Other assets, net

     —  

Accrued liabilities

     2,993

NOTE 12.—ACQUISITION OF DANIA JAI-ALAI

On March 1, 2007, we acquired Dania Jai-Alai and approximately 47 acres of related land located in Dania Beach, Florida. Dania Jai-Alai is one of four pari-mutuel facilities in Broward County approved under Florida law to operate 2,000 Class III slot machines (see Note 8, “Commitments and Contingencies,” for information related to the Broward County slot initiative and the pending challenge to its validity). We purchased Dania Jai-Alai with the intention of redeveloping the property into a slot casino. We paid approximately $81 million to close this transaction and, if certain conditions are satisfied, we will be required to pay an additional $75 million, plus interest accrued at the prime rate (the “contingent payment”), in March 2010 or earlier. We can provide no assurances as to when, or whether, such conditions will be satisfied. We will not record a liability for the contingent payment unless or until the contingency has been resolved and the additional consideration is distributable. If the contingency is resolved and the contingent payment is made, it will be added to the cost of the acquisition.

We are in the process of finalizing our valuation of significant identifiable intangible assets, as well as other assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. Our initial allocation is preliminary and may be adjusted up to one year after the acquisition date; therefore, we can provide no assurances that our preliminary allocations will approximate the final allocations or that the estimated fair value will approximate the actual fair value.

 

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The following table sets forth the preliminary allocation of the purchase price:

 

     March 1, 2007  
     (In thousands)  

Current assets, including cash of $780

   $ 4,351  

Property and equipment

     46,000  

Intangible gaming license right

     35,153  
        

Total assets acquired

     85,504  

Current liabilities assumed

     (3,820 )
        

Net assets acquired

   $ 81,684  
        

The intangible gaming license right is not subject to amortization as we have determined that it has an indefinite useful life.

We also reported $0.9 million of indirect and general expenses related to this acquisition, which is included in write-downs and other charges, net on our condensed consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2007 (see Note 10, “Write-downs and Other Charges, Net”). In addition, pro forma financial information is not provided herein as Dania Jai-Alai is not a significant subsidiary of the Company and its primary gaming operations have not yet commenced.

In February 2008, management completed its analysis of our opportunity to operate slot machines at Dania Jai-Alai and decided to postpone redevelopment of the facility due to the following considerations: the continued poor performance of the Broward County pari-mutuel casinos; the introduction of Class III slot machines and the probable pending addition of table games at a nearby Native American casino; the prohibitively high gaming tax rate for pari-mutuel slot operators; the pending introduction of casino gaming in Miami-Dade County and the introduction of legislation to allow for slot machines at all pari-mutuel facilities in the State of Florida. As circumstances change, management will monitor our opportunities with respect to Dania Jai-Alai.

Due to the change in circumstances, during the first quarter of 2008 we will test Dania Jai-Alai’s long-lived and intangible assets, as well as any goodwill that may arise from the finalization of our purchase price allocation, for impairment. Although we cannot quantify an amount at this time, we expect this impairment test to result in the write-down of a portion of these assets. In addition, we may be subject to another impairment charge if and when the contingent payment is resolved and added to the cost of the acquisition.

NOTE 13.—INSURANCE COVERAGE RELATED TO HURRICANE IMPACTS

Treasure Chest Casino. On August 27, 2005, Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner, Louisiana closed as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The property suffered minor damage from the hurricane and reopened for business on October 10, 2005.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel. On September 22, 2005, Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel closed as a result of Hurricane Rita. Delta Downs reopened for business on November 3, 2005 with limited hours of operation and limited food and beverage outlets. Delta Downs resumed normal operating hours beginning in December 2005 and horse racing resumed in April 2006.

Property Damage—Delta Downs. Our insurance policy carried on Delta Downs for the policy year ended June 30, 2006 included coverage for replacement costs related to property damage with an associated deductible of $1.0 million and certain other limitations. We have submitted insurance claims for the property damage sustained by Delta Downs from the hurricane because the damage exceeded the related insurance deductible.

During 2006, we completed substantially all of the hurricane reconstruction work at Delta Downs and incurred approximately $42 million of capital expenditures related to this reconstruction project. As of

 

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December 31, 2006, we had received insurance advances related to property damage at Delta Downs of $40 million. In December 2006, we reached a final settlement with our insurance carrier and recognized a gain of $36 million on our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006, $33 million of which represents the amount of insurance advances related to property damage in excess of the $7.0 million net book value of assets damaged or destroyed by the hurricane.

Business Interruption—Delta Downs. For the policy year ended June 30, 2006, Delta Downs maintained business interruption insurance that covers lost profits and continuing normal operating expenses, up to a maximum of $1 million per day. During 2006 and 2005, we had received advances totaling $11.7 million related to business interruption coverage as part of the final settlement from our insurance carrier, approximately $9.1 million of which relates to recoveries of post-closing costs and $2.6 million of which related to lost profits at Delta Downs. The $2.6 million of insurance recoveries related to lost profits has been included in our gain of $36 million on our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Business Interruption—Treasure Chest. For the policy year ended June 30, 2006, Treasure Chest maintained business interruption insurance that covers lost profits and continuing normal operating expenses, up to a maximum amount of $10 million. This coverage pertains to business interruption due to civil authority, ingress/egress or off-premise utility interruption. Our insurance carrier has notified us that they are denying our business interruption claim. Therefore, we have not recorded a receivable from our insurance carrier for post-closing expenses as recovery of these amounts currently does not appear to be probable. We intend to vigorously pursue our claims under Treasure Chest’s insurance policy.

NOTE 14.—EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

We contribute to multi-employer pension plans under various union agreements. Contributions, based on wages paid to covered employees, totaled approximately $1.1 million, $2.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. Our share of the unfunded liability related to multi-employer plans, if any, is not determinable.

We have retirement savings plans under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code covering our non-union employees. The plans allow employees to defer up to the lesser of the Internal Revenue Code prescribed maximum amount or 100% of their income on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the plans. We expensed our voluntary contributions to the 401(k) profit-sharing plans and trusts of $8.6 million, $11.7 million and $10.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

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NOTE 15.—INCOME TAXES

A summary of the provision (benefit) for income taxes is as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (In thousands)  

Current

      

Federal

   $ 56,669     $ 81,737     $ 90,930  

State

     (1,207 )     (310 )     1,059  
                        
     55,462       81,427       91,989  
                        

Deferred

      

Federal

     7,362       1,821       (5,093 )

State

     1,203       2,243       (912 )
                        
     8,565       4,064       (6,005 )
                        

Provision for income taxes related to continuing operations

   $ 64,027     $ 85,491     $ 85,984  
                        

Income tax provision (benefit) included on the consolidated statements of operations

      

Provision for income taxes related to continuing operations

   $ 64,027     $ 85,491     $ 85,984  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes related to discontinued operations

     99,822       (24,649 )     (1,934 )

Income tax benefit related to cumulative effect of a change in change in accounting principle

     —         —         (8,984 )
                        

Total

   $ 163,849     $ 60,842     $ 75,066  
                        

The following table provides a reconciliation between the federal statutory rate and the effective income tax rate from continuing operations where both are expressed as a percentage of income.

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Tax provision at statutory rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

Other, net

   (0.4 )   (0.4 )   (0.7 )
                  

Total

   34.6 %   34.6 %   34.3 %
                  

 

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The tax items comprising our net deferred tax liabilities are as follows:

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2006  
     (In thousands)  

Deferred tax liabilities:

  

Difference between book and tax basis of property

   $ 283,789     $ 207,120  

Difference between book and tax basis of intangible assets

     109,174       99,675  

State tax liability, net of federal effect

     4,614       11,339  

Prepaid services and supplies

     4,280       2,177  

Reserve differential for gaming activities

     —         2,965  

Derivative instruments market adjustment

     —         2,298  

Other

     2,234       2,169  
                

Gross deferred tax liabilities

     404,091       327,743  
                

Deferred tax assets:

    

Reserve for employee benefits

     12,207       9,509  

Share-based compensation

     11,510       6,999  

State net operating loss carryforwards, net of federal effect

     8,155       5,110  

Derivative instruments market adjustment

     5,916       —    

Preopening expenses

     5,529       2,038  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     3,251       2,888  

Reserve differential for gaming activities

     733       —    

Other

     4,900       2,873  
                

Gross deferred tax assets

     52,201       29,417  

Valuation allowance

     (8,221 )     (1,628 )
                

Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance

     43,980       27,789  
                

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ 360,111     $ 299,954  
                

The items comprising our deferred income taxes as presented on the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

 

     December 31,
     2007    2006
     (In thousands)

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ 360,111    $ 299,954

Current deferred tax asset separately presented

     5,259      1,685
             

Deferred income taxes

   $ 365,370    $ 301,639
             

The Internal Revenue Service is currently examining our federal tax returns filed for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. Additionally, although tax years 2001 and 2002 are closed by statute, the tax returns filed in those years are subject to adjustment to the extent of the net operating losses carried back for refund in these years. Our acquired subsidiary, Coast Casinos, Inc., is currently under examination for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the six-month period ended June 30, 2004, the day prior to our acquisition date. We do not believe that the resolution of these examinations will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

We are currently under examination for various state income and franchise tax matters. Based on our current expectations for the final resolutions of these matters, we believe that we will have adequately reserved for any tax liability; however, the ultimate resolution of these examinations may result in an outcome that is

 

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different from our current expectation. We do not believe that the resolution of these examinations will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

As of December 31, 2007, we have state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $152 million, primarily in the states of Indiana and Louisiana, to reduce future state income taxes. The net operating losses will expire at various dates from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2027 if not fully utilized. A valuation allowance has been recorded to reflect state net operating losses which are not presently expected to be realized. Certain state net operating losses arising from stock option exercises will result in approximately $2.6 million of additional paid-in capital, if realized. Our valuation allowance also includes amounts related to goodwill acquired in connection with the original purchase of one of our operating properties that was closed in 2007. Realization of the tax benefit associated with the goodwill is contingent upon the occurrence of future events which, at present, we do not believe likely to occur.

The 2007 tax provision includes one-time permanent tax benefits resulting from a charitable contribution and a state income tax credit. The 2005 tax provision includes a net tax benefit of $1.5 million for tax retention credits related to the hurricanes that impacted our Louisiana operations.

Other Long-term Tax Liabilities

Under FIN 48, the impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and applies to all tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109.

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits upon the adoption of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007 was $32.7 million. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, we recognized a $31.7 million increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits which was accounted for as follows (in thousands):

 

Reduction in retained earnings (cumulative effect)

   $ 105

Additional deferred tax assets

     31,639
      

Increase in income tax liabilities

   $ 31,744
      

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance at January 1, 2007

   $ 32,744  

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     3,164  

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     (158 )

Reductions for settlements with taxing authorities

     (1,000 )
        

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 34,750  
        

Included in the $34.8 million balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2007, are benefits of $6.0 million, net of federal taxes that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. Included in the total unrecognized tax benefits is $4.5 million, net of federal taxes, that will not have an impact on our effective tax rate if realized (or remeasured) prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 141R, but would have an impact on our effective tax rate if realized (or remeasured) after the adoption of SFAS No. 141R. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 141R, the adjustment to the FIN 48 reserve is recorded as an increase to goodwill if an expense and, if a

 

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benefit, is applied to (a) reduce to zero any goodwill related to the acquisition, (b) reduce to zero other noncurrent intangible assets related to the acquisition, and (c) reduce income tax expense. Subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No. 141R (effective on January 1, 2009), the preceding rule will no longer apply and any expense or benefit associated with realizing (or remeasuring) the unrecognized tax benefit will be recorded as income tax expense.

We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our income tax provision. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we recognized accrued interest of $2.2 million. We recognized a reduction of $1.0 million and an increase of $1.8 million in accrued interest and penalties during the years ended 2006 and 2005, respectively. We recorded $4.6 million and $2.8 million of accrued interest at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Upon our adoption of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007, we decreased accrued interest by $0.4 million.

Our federal and material state income tax returns are subject to examination for tax years ended on or after December 31, 2001. As we are in various stages of the appeal process in connection with many of our audits, it is difficult to determine when these examinations will be closed; however, it is reasonably possible that over the next twelve-month period we may experience a decrease in our unrecognized tax benefits which, as of December 31, 2007, were less than $5.0 million, none of which would impact our effective tax rate. Such a reduction is due primarily to IRS examination adjustments related to Coast Casino properties prior to our acquisition. Other than the resolution of the audit discussed above, we do not anticipate any additional changes to our unrecognized tax benefits over the next twelve-month period.

NOTE 16.—EARNINGS PER SHARE

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and the weighted-average number of common shares and common share equivalents used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share consisted of the following:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005
     (In thousands)

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   $ 120,908    $ 161,348    $ 164,368
                    

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     87,567      88,380      88,528

Dilutive effect of stock options

     1,041      1,213      1,979
                    

Weighted-average common and potential shares outstanding

     88,608      89,593      90,507
                    

Anti-dilutive options not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share amounted to 2.0 million shares, 2.0 million shares and 0.4 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

NOTE 17.—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Percentage Ownership

William S. Boyd, our Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, together with his immediate family, beneficially owned approximately 36% of our outstanding shares of common stock as of December 31, 2007. As a result, the Boyd family has the ability to significantly influence our affairs, including the election of our directors and, except as otherwise provided by law, approving or disapproving other matters submitted to a vote

 

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of our stockholders, including a merger, consolidation or sale of assets. For the three years ended December 31, 2007, there were no related party transactions between us and the Boyd family.

South Coast Sale

On July 25, 2006, we entered into the Agreement to sell South Coast to Mr. Gaughan, who at the time was an Officer and a member of our Board of Directors, for a purchase price equal to the net proceeds from the sale of all 15,790,005 shares of Boyd Gaming stock owned by Mr. Gaughan. The transaction closed on October 25, 2006. See Note 11, “Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale – Discontinued Operations: South Coast” for additional information related to the South Coast sale. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, for a period of five years following the closing of the sale of South Coast, Mr. Gaughan cannot sell South Coast to any party other than us, or an affiliate of ours, and for three additional years thereafter we will have a right of first refusal on any potential sale of South Coast.

North Las Vegas Land

In February 2006, we purchased a 40-acre, fully entitled casino site in North Las Vegas for approximately $35 million from a group that included the father of Michael J. Gaughan. At the time of the purchase, Michael J. Gaughan was an officer and a member of our Board of Directors.

NOTE 18.—SEGMENT INFORMATION

We have aggregated certain of our properties in order to present five segments: Las Vegas Locals, Downtown Las Vegas, Midwest and South, Stardust and Borgata, our 50% joint venture in Atlantic City. The table below lists the classification of each of our properties. Beginning in 2007, we renamed what we previously referred to as the Central Region segment, as the Midwest and South segment. Due to the disposition of Barbary Coast and South Coast, the operating results from these two properties are classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations and are excluded from our presentation in the Las Vegas Locals segment. In addition, we ceased operations at the Stardust on November 1, 2006. Results for Downtown Las Vegas include the results of our two travel agencies and our insurance company. Results for the Midwest and South include the results of Dania Jai-Alai, our pari-mutuel jai alai facility located in Dania Beach, Florida.

 

Las Vegas Locals         Downtown Las Vegas     

Gold Coast Hotel and Casino

   Las Vegas, NV   

California Hotel and Casino

   Las Vegas, NV

The Orleans Hotel and Casino

   Las Vegas, NV   

Fremont Hotel and Casino

   Las Vegas, NV

Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall

   Las Vegas, NV   

Main Street Station Casino, Brewery and Hotel

   Las Vegas, NV

Suncoast Hotel and Casino

   Las Vegas, NV    Midwest and South   

Eldorado Casino

   Henderson, NV   

Sam’s Town Hotel and

  

Jokers Wild Casino

   Henderson, NV   

Gambling Hall

   Tunica, MS
     

Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino

   East Peoria, IL

Stardust Resort and Casino

   Las Vegas, NV   

Treasure Chest Casino

   Kenner, LA
     

Blue Chip Hotel and Casino

   Michigan City, IN

Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa

   Atlantic City, NJ   

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel

   Vinton, LA
     

Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino

   Shreveport, LA

 

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The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain operating data for our reportable segments.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (In thousands)  

Gross Revenues

      

Las Vegas Locals

   $ 943,117     $ 946,176     $ 969,165  

Downtown Las Vegas

     277,660       278,737       282,363  

Midwest and South

     1,001,242       1,074,989       967,381  

Stardust(2)

     —         135,019       183,020  
                        

Total gross revenues

   $ 2,222,019     $ 2,434,921     $ 2,401,929  
                        

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

      

Las Vegas Locals

   $ 275,510     $ 273,797     $ 299,913  

Downtown Las Vegas

     52,127       53,573       52,295  

Midwest and South(3)

     212,620       257,570       224,816  

Stardust(2)

     —         15,403       24,651  
                        

Wholly-owned property Adjusted EBITDA

     540,257       600,343       601,675  

Corporate expense(7)

     (48,960 )     (39,981 )     (44,101 )
                        

Wholly-owned Adjusted EBITDA

     491,297       560,362       557,574  

Our share of Borgata's operating income before net amortization, preopening and other items(8)

     86,470       91,963       97,392  
                        

Total Adjusted EBITDA

     577,767       652,325       654,966  
                        

Other operating costs and expenses

      

Deferred rent

     4,520       4,630       4,936  

Depreciation and amortization(9)

     167,257       189,837       171,958  

Preopening expenses

     22,819       20,623       7,690  

Our share of Borgata’s preopening expenses

     1,558       3,260       —    

Our share of Borgata’s write-downs and other charges, net

     478       1,209       80  

Share-based compensation expense(4)

     14,802       19,278       —    

Write-downs and other charges, net

     12,101       8,838       64,615  
                        

Total other operating costs and expenses

     223,535       247,675       249,279  
                        

Operating income

     354,232       404,650       405,687  
                        

Other non-operating costs and expenses

      

Interest expense, net(5)

     137,454       145,433       126,088  

Loss on early retirements of debt

     16,945       —         17,529  

Decrease in value of derivative instruments

     1,130       1,801       —    

Our share of Borgata’s non-operating expenses, net

     13,768       10,577       11,718  
                        

Total other non-operating costs and expenses

     169,297       157,811       155,335  
                        

Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     184,935       246,839       250,352  

Provision for income taxes

     (64,027 )     (85,491 )     (85,984 )
                        

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   $ 120,908     $ 161,348     $ 164,368  
                        

 

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     December 31,
     2007    2006
     (In thousands)

Property and Equipment, Intangible Assets and Goodwill

  

Las Vegas Locals

   $ 1,471,728    $ 1,474,955

Downtown Las Vegas

     132,022      134,124

Midwest and South

     1,276,136      1,194,812

Stardust

     —        45,859
             

Total properties’ assets

     2,879,886      2,849,750

Corporate entities

     778,451      190,651
             

Total assets(6)

   $ 3,658,337    $ 3,040,401
             

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006    2005  
     (In thousands)  

Additions to Property and Equipment and Other Assets

       

Las Vegas Locals

   $ 69,765     $ 48,716    $ 39,677  

Downtown Las Vegas

     14,081       22,877      15,297  

Midwest and South

     73,631       82,059      173,650  

Stardust

     —         222      6,928  

Discontinued operations

     36       59,778      423,845  
                       

Total properties’ additions

     157,513       213,652      659,397  

Corporate entities

     190,866       113,614      35,216  
                       

Total additions to property and equipment and other assets

     348,379       327,266      694,613  

Change in accrued property additions

     (51,485 )     109,198      (76,169 )
                       

Cash-based property additions

   $ 296,894     $ 436,464    $ 618,444  
                       

 

(1)

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, is a commonly used measure of performance in our industry which we believe, when considered with measures calculated in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), gives investors a more complete understanding of operating results before the impact of investing and financing transactions and income taxes and facilitates comparisons between us and our competitors. Management has historically adjusted EBITDA when evaluating operating performance because we believe that the inclusion or exclusion of certain recurring and non-recurring items is necessary to provide the most accurate measure of our core operating results and as a means to evaluate period-to-period results. We have chosen to provide this information to investors to enable them to perform more meaningful comparisons of past, present and future operating results and as a means to evaluate the results of core on-going operations. We do not reflect such items when calculating EBITDA; however, we adjust for these items and refer to this measure as Adjusted EBITDA. We have historically reported this measure to our investors and believe that the continued inclusion of Adjusted EBITDA provides consistency in our financial reporting. We use Adjusted EBITDA because we believe it is useful to investors in allowing greater transparency related to a significant measure used by management in its financial and operational decision-making. Adjusted EBITDA is among the more significant factors in management’s internal evaluation of total company and individual property performance and in the evaluation of incentive compensation related to property management. Management also uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure in determining the value of acquisitions and dispositions. Adjusted EBITDA is also widely used by management in the annual budget process. Externally, we believe these measures continue to be used by investors in their assessment of our operating performance and the

 

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valuation of our company. Adjusted EBITDA reflects EBITDA adjusted for deferred rent, preopening expenses, share-based compensation expense, change in value of derivative instruments, loss on early retirements of debt, write-downs and other charges, net and our share of Borgata’s non-operating expenses, preopening expenses and write-downs and other charges, net.

(2) We closed the Stardust on November 1, 2006 to make way for Echelon, our Las Vegas Strip development project.
(3) Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2007 includes a $3.2 million retroactive property tax assessment at Blue Chip. Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2006 includes a $6.7 million retroactive gaming tax assessment at Par-A-Dice.
(4) We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R (“SFAS 123R”), “Share Based Payment,” on January 1, 2006 and therefore, we did not record any share-based compensation costs during the year ended December 31, 2005 (see Note 9).
(5) Net of interest income and amounts capitalized.
(6) Total assets represent total property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization.
(7) The following table reconciles the presentation of corporate expense on our consolidated statements of operations to the presentation on the accompanying table:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2007     2006     2005
     (In thousands)

Corporate expense as reported on our consolidated statements of operations

   $ 60,143     $ 54,229     $ 44,101

Corporate share-based compensation expense

     (11,183 )     (14,248 )     —  
                      

Corporate expense as reported on accompanying table

   $ 48,960     $ 39,981     $ 44,101
                      

 

(8) The following table reconciles the presentation of our share of Borgata’s operating income on our consolidated statements of operations to the presentation of our share of Borgata’s results on the accompanying table:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005
     (In thousands)

Operating income from Borgata, as reported on our consolidated statements of operations

   $ 83,136    $ 86,196    $ 96,014

Add back:

        

Net amortization expense related to our investment in Borgata

     1,298      1,298      1,298

Our share of Borgata’s preopening expenses

     1,558      3,260      —  

Our share of Borgata's write-downs and other charges, net

     478      1,209      80
                    

Our share of Borgata's operating income before net amortization, preopening and other items as reported on the accompanying table

   $ 86,470    $ 91,963    $ 97,392
                    

 

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(9) The following table reconciles the presentation of depreciation and amortization on our consolidated statements of operations to the presentation on the accompanying table:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005
     (In thousands)

Depreciation and amortization as reported on our consolidated statements of operations

   $ 165,959    $ 188,539    $ 170,660

Net amortization expense related to our investment in Borgata

     1,298      1,298      1,298
                    

Depreciation and amortization as reported on accompanying table

   $ 167,257    $ 189,837    $ 171,958
                    

 

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NOTE 19.—SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

    Year Ended December 31, 2007  
    First     Second     Third     Fourth   Total  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  

Net revenues

  $ 517,030     $ 511,391     $ 490,055     $ 478,643   $ 1,997,119  

Operating income

    95,276       87,168       91,051       80,737     354,232  

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

    35,105       22,941       31,885       30,977     120,908  

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

    182,761       (829 )     (57 )     252     182,127  

Net income

    217,866       22,112       31,828       31,229     303,035  

Basic and diluted net income per common share:

         

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle—basic

  $ 0.40     $ 0.26     $ 0.36     $ 0.35   $ 1.38  

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle—diluted

    0.40       0.26       0.36       0.35     1.36  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations—basic

    2.10       (0.01 )     —         0.01     2.08  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations—diluted

    2.06       (0.01 )     —         —       2.06  

Net Income—basic

    2.50       0.25       0.36       0.36     3.46  

Net Income—diluted

    2.46       0.25       0.36       0.35     3.42  
    Year Ended December 31, 2006  
    First     Second     Third     Fourth   Total  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  

Net revenues

  $ 589,622     $ 551,490     $ 530,686     $ 520,836   $ 2,192,634  

Operating income

    138,382       57,476       85,692       123,100     404,650  

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

    65,269       12,366       28,076       55,637     161,348  

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

    (2,029 )     (2,206 )     (41,006 )     671     (44,570 )

Net income (loss)

    63,240       10,160       (12,930 )     56,308     116,778  

Basic and diluted net income per common share:

         

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle—basic

  $ 0.73     $ 0.14     $ 0.32     $ 0.64   $ 1.83  

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle—diluted

    0.72       0.14       0.32       0.63     1.80  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations—basic

    (0.02 )     (0.03 )     (0.47 )     0.01     (0.51 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations—diluted

    (0.02 )     (0.03 )     (0.47 )     0.01     (0.50 )

Net income (loss)—basic

    0.71       0.11       (0.15 )     0.65     1.32  

Net income (loss)—diluted

    0.70       0.11       (0.15 )     0.64     1.30  

 

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(c) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Document

2.1   Purchase Agreement, entered into as of June 5, 2006, by and among the Registrant, FGB Development, Inc., Boyd Florida, LLC, The Aragon Group, Inc., Summersport Enterprises, LLLP, the Shareholders of The Aragon Group, Inc., The Limited Partners of Summersport Enterprises, LLLP, and Stephen F. Snyder, individually and as Shareholder Representative With Respect to Dania Jai Alai (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006).
2.2   Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2006, as amended, by and among the Registrant, Coast Hotels and Casinos, Inc., Silverado South Strip, LLC, and Michael J. Gaughan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on October 31, 2006).
2.3   Agreement for Exchange of Assets and Joint Escrow Instructions, dated as of September 29, 2006, entered into by and between Coast Hotels and Casinos, Inc. and Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006).
2.4   Letter Agreement entered into as of February 26, 2007, by and between Coast Hotels and Casinos, Inc. and Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. amending that certain Agreement for Exchange of Assets and Joint Escrow Instructions previously entered into by and between the parties as of September 29, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007).
2.5   Letter Agreement entered into as of August 11, 2006, by and among the Registrant, FGB Development, Inc., Boyd Florida, LLC, The Aragon Group, Inc., Summersport Enterprises, LLLP, and Stephen F. Snyder, individually and as Shareholder Representative, amending certain provisions of that certain Purchase Agreement previously entered into among the parties as of June 5, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006).
2.6**   Second Amendment to the Purchase Agreement entered into as of February 16, 2007, by and among Boyd Gaming Corporation, the Aragon Group and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007).
3.1   Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 11, 2007).
3.2   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 24, 2006).
4.1   Form of Indenture relating to $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 8.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012, dated as of April 8, 2002, by and between the Registrant, as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee, including the Form of Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-89774, which was declared effective on June 19, 2002).
4.2   Form of Indenture relating to $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012, dated as of December 30, 2002, by and between the Registrant, as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee, including Form of Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-103023, which was declared effective on May 15, 2003).

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Document

4.3    Form of Indenture relating to $350,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014, dated as of April 15, 2004, by and between the Registrant, as Issuer, and the Initial Purchasers, named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-116373, which was declared effective on June 25, 2004).
4.4    Form of Indenture relating to senior debt securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Registrant’s Automatic Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated December 16, 2005).
4.5    Form of Indenture relating to subordinated debt securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Registrant’s Automatic Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated December 16, 2005).
4.6    Form of Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Registrant’s Automatic Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated December 16, 2005).
4.7    Form of Indenture relating to subordinated debt securities, dated as of January 25, 2006, by and between the Registrant, as Issuer, and the Initial Purchasers, named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 25, 2006).
4.8    First Supplemental Indenture with respect to the 7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016, dated as of January 30, 2006, by and between the Registrant, as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 31, 2006).
10.1    Ninety-Nine Year Lease dated June 30, 1954, by and among Fremont Hotel, Inc., and Charles L. Ronnow and J.L. Ronnow, and Alice Elizabeth Ronnow (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-51672, of California Hotel and Casino and California Hotel Finance Corporation, which was declared effective on November 18, 1992).
10.2    Lease Agreement dated October 31, 1963, by and between Fremont Hotel, Inc. and Cora Edit Garehime (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-51672, of California Hotel and Casino and California Hotel Finance Corporation, which was declared effective on November 18, 1992).
10.3    Lease Agreement dated December 31, 1963, by and among Fremont Hotel, Inc., Bank of Nevada and Leon H. Rockwell, Jr. (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-51672, of California Hotel and Casino and California Hotel Finance Corporation, which was declared effective on November 18, 1992).
10.4    Lease Agreement dated June 7, 1971, by and among Anthony Antonacci, Margaret Fay Simon and Bank of Nevada, as Co-Trustees under Peter Albert Simon’s Last Will and Testament, and related Assignment of Lease dated February 25, 1985 to Sam-Will, Inc. and Fremont Hotel, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-51672, of California Hotel and Casino and California Hotel Finance Corporation, which was declared effective on November 18, 1992).
10.5    Lease Agreement dated July 25, 1973, by and between CH&C and William Peccole, as Trustee of the Peter Peccole 1970 Trust (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1995).
10.6    Lease Agreement dated July 1, 1974, by and among Fremont Hotel, Inc. and Bank of Nevada, Leon H. Rockwell, Jr. and Margorie Rockwell Riley (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-51672, of California Hotel and Casino and California Hotel Finance Corporation, which was declared effective on November 18, 1992).

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Document

10.7    Ninety-Nine Year Lease, dated December 1, 1978, by and between Matthew Paratore, and George W. Morgan and LaRue Morgan, and related Lease Assignment dated November 10, 1987, to Sam-Will, Inc., d.b.a. Fremont Hotel and Casino (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-51672, of California Hotel and Casino and California Hotel Finance Corporation, which was declared effective on November 18, 1992).
10.8    Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-64006, which was declared effective on October 15, 1993).
10.9*    1993 Flexible Stock Incentive Plan and related agreements (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-64006, which was declared effective on October 15, 1993).
10.10*    1993 Directors Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan and related agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-79895, dated June 3, 1999).
10.11*    1993 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and related agreement (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-64006, which was declared effective on October 15, 1993).
10.12    401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-51672, of California Hotel and Casino and California Hotel Finance Corporation, which was declared effective on November 18, 1992).
10.13*    2000 Executive Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Commission on April 21, 2000).
10.14*    1996 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended on May 25, 2000) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000).
10.15    Second Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement with Marina District Development Company, dated as of August 31, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).
10.16    Contribution and Adoption Agreement by and among Marina District Development Holding Co., LLC, MAC, Corp. and Boyd Atlantic City, Inc., effective as of December 13, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000).
10.17*    Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002).
10.18*    Form of Stock Option Award Agreement under the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).
10.19*    Form of Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).
10.20*    The Boyd Gaming Corporation Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for the Board of Directors and Key Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).
10.21*    Amendment Number 1 to the Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Document

10.22*    Amendment Number 2 to the Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).
10.23*    Amendment Number 3 to the Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).
10.24*    Amendment Number 4 to the Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).
10.25    Ground Lease dated as of October 1, 1995, between the Tiberti Company and Coast Hotels and Casinos, Inc. (as successor to Gold Coast Hotel and Casino) (incorporated by reference to an exhibit to Coast Resorts, Inc.’s Amendment No. 2 to General Form for Registration of Securities on Form 10 (Commission File No. 000-26922) filed with the Commission on January 12, 1996).
10.26*    Form of Stock Option Award Agreement Under the Registrant’s Directors’ Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005).
10.27*    Boyd Gaming Corporation’s 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended and restated on May 12, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Appendix B of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Commission on April 12, 2005).
10.28    Joint Venture Agreement dated January 3, 2006, between Morgans/LV Investment LLC and Echelon Resorts Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.51 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 3, 2006).
10.29*    Summary of Compensation Arrangements.
10.30*    Amendment Number 5 to the Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005).
10.31*    Amended and Restated 2000 Executive Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 24, 2006).
10.32*    Amended and Restated 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 24, 2006).
10.33*    Form of Award Agreement for Restricted Stock Units under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006).
10.34    First Amendment to Morgans Las Vegas, LLC Limited Liability Company Agreement, by and between Morgans Las Vegas LLC and Echelon Resorts Corporation, Dated May 15, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006).
10.35    Letter Agreement to the Morgans Las Vegas, LLC Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated May 15, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006).

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Document

10.36    First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2007, among the Registrant, as Borrower, certain commercial lending institutions as the Lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as the Administrative Agent and L/C Issuer, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as the Syndication Agent and Swing Line Lender, and Citibank, N.A., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Merrill Lynch Bank USA and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Co-Documentation Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007).
10.37    Stock Purchase Agreement, entered into as of August 1, 2006, by and between Michael J. Gaughan and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006).
10.38    Form of Term Note issued by the Registrant to Michael J. Gaughan on August 1, 2006 in connection with the Stock Purchase Agreement entered into between the parties on the same date (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006).
10.39*    Form of Award Agreement for Restricted Stock Units under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plans (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 24, 2006).
10.40*    Form of Career Restricted Stock Unit Award Unit Agreement under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 13, 2006).
10.41*    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement and Notice of Award Pursuant to the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 8-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007).
10.42*    Change in Control Severance Plan for Tier I, II and III Executives I incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006).
21.1    Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.2    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
24    Power of Attorney (included in Part IV to this Form 10-K).
31.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
31.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
32.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. § 1350.
32.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. § 1350.
99.1    Governmental Gaming Regulations.
99.2    Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Marina District Development Company, LLC, d.b.a. Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, as of and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007.

 

* Management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.
** Certain confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on February 29, 2008.

 

BOYD GAMING CORPORATION
By:   /S/    JEFFREY G. SANTORO
 

Jeffrey G. Santoro

Senior Vice President and Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Keith E. Smith, Josh Hirsberg and Jeffrey G. Santoro, and each of them, his of her attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him or her in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

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

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    WILLIAM S. BOYD        

William S. Boyd

   Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors   February 29, 2008

/S/    MARIANNE BOYD JOHNSON        

Marianne Boyd Johnson

   Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Executive Vice President and Director   February 29, 2008

/S/    KEITH E. SMITH        

Keith E. Smith

   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)   February 29, 2008

/S/    JOSH HIRSBERG        

Josh Hirsberg

  

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer)

  February 29, 2008

/S/    JEFFREY G. SANTORO        

Jeffrey G. Santoro

   Senior Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)   February 29, 2008

/S/    WILLIAM R. BOYD        

William R. Boyd

   Vice President and Director   February 29, 2008

/S/    ROBERT L. BOUGHNER        

Robert L. Boughner

   President and Chief Executive Officer of Echelon Resorts LLC and Director   February 29, 2008

 

105


Table of Contents

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    THOMAS V. GIRARDI        

Thomas V. Girardi

   Director   February 29, 2008

/S/    LUTHER W. MACK, JR.        

Luther W. Mack, Jr.

   Director   February 29, 2008

/S/    MICHAEL O. MAFFIE        

Michael O. Maffie

   Director   February 29, 2008

/S/    MAJ. GEN. BILLY G. MCCOY        

Maj. Gen. Billy G. McCoy, Ret. USAF

   Director   February 29, 2008

/S/    FREDERICK J. SCHWAB        

Frederick J. Schwab

   Director   February 29, 2008

/S/    PETER M. THOMAS        

Peter M. Thomas

   Director   February 29, 2008

/S/    VERONICA J. WILSON        

Veronica J. Wilson

   Director   February 29, 2008

 

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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

10.29*    Summary of Compensation Arrangements.
21.1    Subsidiaries of Registrant.
23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.2    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
24    Power of Attorney (included in Part IV to this Form 10-K).
31.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
31.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
32.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. § 1350.
32.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. § 1350.
99.1    Governmental Gaming Regulations
99.2    Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Marina District Development Company, LLC, d.b.a. Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, as of and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007.

 

* Management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.

 

107

EX-10.29 2 dex1029.htm SUMMARY OF COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS Summary of Compensation Arrangements

EXHIBIT 10.29

SUMMARY OF COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS

Annual Base Salary

Our executive officers are “at will” employees. Currently we have no written or oral employment arrangements with our executive officers. A copy or description of any future such employment arrangement will be filed to the extent required.

The table below summarizes the current annual base salary we have with each of our named executive officers and directors. All of the compensation arrangements we have with our executive officers are reviewed and may be modified from time to time by the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of our Board of Directors.

 

Name

   Annual Base Salary

William S. Boyd

  

Chairman of the Board and Executive Chairman

   2008: $ 1,000,000

Robert L. Boughner

  

President and Chief Executive Officer of Echelon Resorts LLC

   2008: $ 1,100,000

Keith E. Smith

  

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

   2008: $ 1,100,000

Paul J. Chakmak

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

   2008: $ 675,000

Marianne Boyd Johnson

  

Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President

   2008: $ 242,000

Josh Hirsberg

  

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

   2008: $ 435,000

Bonus Plans, Director Compensation Arrangements and Other Compensation

The information regarding bonus plans, director compensation arrangements and other compensation is set forth in our most recent definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (and any definitive Annual Proxy Statement filed after the date hereof), which information is incorporated herein by reference.

EX-21.1 3 dex211.htm SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT Subsidiaries of the Registrant

EXHIBIT 21.1

BOYD GAMING CORPORATION

LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES:

California Hotel and Casino

d.b.a. California Hotel and Casino

d.b.a. Sam’s Town Hotel, Gambling Hall and Bowling Center

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Nevada

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 88-0121743

Boyd Tunica, Inc.

d.b.a. Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Mississippi

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 64-0829658

Boyd Kenner, Inc.

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Louisiana

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 88-0319489

Sam-Will, Inc.

d.b.a. Fremont Hotel and Casino

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Nevada

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 88-0203673

Eldorado, Inc.

d.b.a. Eldorado Casino

d.b.a. Jokers Wild Casino

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Nevada

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 88-0093922

MSW, Inc.

d.b.a. Main Street Station Hotel, Casino and Brewery

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Nevada

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 88-0310765

Par-A-Dice Gaming Corporation

d.b.a. Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Illinois

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 37-1268902

Boyd Louisiana L.L.C.

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Nevada

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 86-0880651

Treasure Chest Casino, LLC.

d.b.a. Treasure Chest Casino

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Louisiana

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 72-1248550

Blue Chip Casino, LLC.

d.b.a. Blue Chip Hotel and Casino

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Indiana

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 35-2087676

Boyd Atlantic City, Inc.

(State of Incorporation or Organization) New Jersey

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 93-1221994

California Hotel Finance Co.


(State of Incorporation or Organization) Nevada

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 88-0217850

Boyd Louisiana Racing, Inc.

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Louisiana

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 88-0494602

Boyd Racing, L.L.C.

d.b.a. Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Louisiana

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 91-2121472

Coast Casinos, Inc.

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Nevada

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 20-0836222

Coast Hotels and Casinos, Inc.

d.b.a. Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino

d.b.a. Gold Coast Hotel and Casino

d.b.a. The Orleans Hotel and Casino

d.b.a. Suncoast Hotel and Casino

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Nevada

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 88-0345706

Boyd Shreveport, L.L.C.

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Louisiana

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 20-0635765

Boyd Red River, L.L.C.

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Louisiana

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 20-0635770

Red River Entertainment of Shreveport Partnership in Commendam

d.b.a. Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Louisiana

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 20-0753582

Boyd Pennsylvania, Inc.

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Pennsylvania

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 51-0559543

Boyd Pennsylvania Partners, LP

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Pennsylvania

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 20-3944905

Echelon Resorts Corporation

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Nevada

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 32-0163131

Echelon Resorts LLC

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Nevada

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 30-0346702

Boyd Florida LLC

(State of Incorporation or Organization) Mississippi

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 35-2271901

FGB Development, Inc.


(State of Incorporation or Organization) Florida

(IRS Employer Identification Number) 20-2310247

EX-23.1 4 dex231.htm CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-17941, 333-79895, 333-68130, 333-90840, 333-119850, and 333-129421 on Form S-8 and No. 333-130404 on Form S-3 ASR of our reports dated February 29, 2008, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Boyd Gaming Corporation and subsidiaries (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes explanatory paragraphs relating to the adoption in 2007 of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, the adoption in 2006 of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, Share Based Payment, and the adoption in 2005 of Emerging Issues Task Force D-108, Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other Than Goodwill), and the effectiveness of Boyd Gaming Corporation and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Boyd Gaming Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2007.

/S/    DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Las Vegas, Nevada

February 29, 2008

EX-23.2 5 dex232.htm CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP

Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-17941, 333-79895, 333-68130, 333-90840, 333-119850, and 333-129421 on Form S-8 and 333-130404 on Form S-3ASR of our reports dated February 29, 2008 relating to the financial statements of Marina District Development Company, LLC and subsidiary appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Boyd Gaming Corporation and subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

/S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Parsippany, New Jersey

February 29, 2008

EX-31.1 6 dex311.htm CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302

Exhibit 31.1

BOYD GAMING CORPORATION

CERTIFICATION

I, Keith E. Smith, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Boyd Gaming Corporation;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: February 29, 2008     /s/ Keith E. Smith
   

Keith E. Smith

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2 7 dex312.htm CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302

Exhibit 31.2

BOYD GAMING CORPORATION

CERTIFICATION

I, Josh Hirsberg, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Boyd Gaming Corporation;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: February 29, 2008     /s/ Josh Hirsberg
   

Josh Hirsberg

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

EX-32.1 8 dex321.htm CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906

Exhibit 32.1

BOYD GAMING CORPORATION

CERTIFICATION

In connection with the periodic report of Boyd Gaming Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Keith E. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify as of the date hereof, solely for purposes of Title 18, Chapter 63, Section 1350 of the United States Code, that to the best of my knowledge:

 

  (1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

 

  (2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company at the dates and for the periods indicated.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

This Certification has not been, and shall not be deemed, “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Date: February 29, 2008     /s/ Keith E. Smith
   

Keith E. Smith

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2 9 dex322.htm CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906

Exhibit 32.2

BOYD GAMING CORPORATION

CERTIFICATION

In connection with the periodic report of Boyd Gaming Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Josh Hirsberg, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, hereby certify as of the date hereof, solely for purposes of Title 18, Chapter 63, Section 1350 of the United States Code, that to the best of my knowledge:

 

  (1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

 

  (2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company at the dates and for the periods indicated.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

This Certification has not been, and shall not be deemed, “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Date: February 29, 2008     /s/ Josh Hirsberg
   

Josh Hirsberg

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

EX-99.1 10 dex991.htm GOVERNMENTAL GAMING REGULATIONS Governmental Gaming Regulations

Exhibit 99.1

GOVERNMENTAL GAMING REGULATIONS

We are subject to extensive regulation under laws, rules and supervisory procedures primarily in the jurisdictions where our facilities are located or docked. If additional gaming regulations are adopted in a jurisdiction in which we operate, such regulations could impose restrictions or costs that could have a significant adverse effect on us. From time to time, various proposals have been introduced in the legislatures of some of the jurisdictions in which we have existing or planned operations that, if enacted, could adversely affect the tax, regulatory, operational or other aspects of the gaming industry and us. We do not know whether such legislation will be enacted. The federal government has also previously considered a federal tax on casino revenues and the elimination of betting on amateur sporting events and may consider such a tax or eliminations on betting in the future. In addition, gaming companies are currently subject to significant state and local taxes and fees in addition to normal federal and state corporate income taxes, and such taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time. Any material increase in these taxes or fees could adversely affect us.

Some jurisdictions, including Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey and Florida, empower their regulators to investigate participation by licensees in gaming outside their jurisdiction and require access to periodic reports respecting those gaming activities. Violations of laws in one jurisdiction could result in disciplinary action in other jurisdictions.

Under provisions of gaming laws in jurisdictions in which we have operations, and under our organizational documents, certain of our securities are subject to restrictions on ownership which may be imposed by specified governmental authorities. The restrictions may require a holder of our securities to dispose of the securities or, if the holder refuses, or is unable, to dispose of the securities, we may be required to repurchase the securities.

The indenture governing our outstanding notes provides that if a holder of a note or beneficial owner of a note is required to be licensed, qualified or found suitable under the applicable gaming laws and is not so licensed, qualified or found suitable within the time period specified by the applicable gaming authority, the holder will be required, at our request, to dispose of its notes within a time period that either we prescribe or such other time period prescribed by the applicable gaming authority, and thereafter, we shall have the right to redeem such holder’s notes.

Nevada

The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in Nevada are subject to the Nevada Gaming Control Act and the regulations promulgated by the Nevada Gaming Commission thereunder, which we refer to as the Nevada Act, including various local codes and ordinances. Our gaming operations are subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Nevada Gaming Commission, which we refer to as the Nevada Commission, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, which we refer to as the Nevada Board, the Clark County Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board, and the City of Las Vegas, which, with the Nevada Commission and the Nevada Board, we collectively refer to as the Nevada Gaming Authorities.

The laws, regulations and supervisory procedures of the Nevada Gaming Authorities are based upon declarations of public policy that are concerned with, among other things:

 

   

the prevention of unsavory or unsuitable persons from having a direct or indirect involvement with gaming at any time or in any capacity;

 

   

the establishment and maintenance of responsible accounting practices and procedures;

 

   

the maintenance of effective controls over the financial practices of licensees, including establishing minimum procedures for internal fiscal affairs and the safeguarding of assets and revenues;

 

   

providing reliable record keeping and requiring the filing of periodic reports with the Nevada Gaming Authorities;

 

   

the prevention of cheating and fraudulent practices;

 

   

the maintenance of a Gaming Compliance and Reporting Plan, including the establishment of a Gaming Compliance Committee and the retention of a Corporate Compliance Officer; and

 

   

the provision of a source of state and local revenues through taxation and licensing fees.

Changes in such laws, regulations and procedures could have an adverse effect on our gaming operations and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Corporations that operate casinos in Nevada are required to be licensed by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. A gaming license requires the periodic payment of fees and taxes and is not transferable. We are registered by the Nevada Commission

 

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as a publicly traded corporation, or a Registered Corporation. As a Registered Corporation, we are required periodically to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada Commission and furnish any other information which the Nevada Commission may require. We have been found suitable by the Nevada Commission to own the stock of California Hotel and Casino and of Coast Casinos, Inc. California Hotel and Casino is licensed by the Nevada Commission to operate non-restricted gaming activities at the California and Sam’s Town Las Vegas and is additionally registered as a holding company and approved by the Nevada Gaming Authorities to own the stock of Sam-Will, Inc., the operator of the Fremont, Eldorado, Inc., the operator of the Eldorado Casino and Jokers Wild, and M.S.W., Inc., the operator of Main Street Station. Coast Casinos, Inc. is registered as a holding company and approved by the Nevada Gaming Authorities to own the stock of Coast Hotels and Casinos, Inc., the operator of Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, The Orleans Hotel and Casino, Suncoast Hotel and Casino, and the sports pool only at Renata’s Supper Club. In 2003, the Nevada Commission approved Boyd Louisiana Racing Inc. and Boyd Racing L.L.C., d.b.a. Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino & Hotel, to share in the revenue from the conduct of off-track pari-mutuel wagering, under certain conditions, as it pertains to the broadcast of live racing events to licensed Nevada pari-mutuel race books. No person may become a stockholder of, or receive any percentage of profits from, California Hotel and Casino or its subsidiaries or of Coast Casinos, Inc. or its subsidiary without first obtaining licenses and approvals from the Nevada Gaming Authorities, we refer to all of the foregoing entities collectively as the Licensed Subsidiaries. Boyd Gaming and all of its Licensed Subsidiaries have obtained from the Nevada Gaming Authorities the various registrations, approvals, permits and licenses required in order to engage in gaming activities in Nevada.

The Nevada Gaming Authorities may investigate any individual who has a material relationship to, or material involvement with, Boyd Gaming and its Licensed Subsidiaries in order to determine whether such individual is suitable or should be licensed as a business associate of a gaming licensee. Officers, directors and certain key employees of the Licensed Subsidiaries must file applications with the Nevada Gaming Authorities and may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. Our officers, directors and key employees who are actively and directly involved in gaming activities of the Licensed Subsidiaries may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. The Nevada Gaming Authorities may deny an application for licensing for any cause which they deem reasonable. A finding of suitability is comparable to licensing, and both require submission of detailed personal and financial information followed by a thorough investigation. The applicant for licensing or a finding of suitability must pay all the costs of the investigation. Changes in licensed positions must be reported to the Nevada Gaming Authorities within 30 days as proscribed by law and, in addition to their authority to deny an application for a finding of suitability or licensure, the Nevada Gaming Authorities have jurisdiction to disapprove a change in a corporate position.

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

Boyd Gaming and its Licensed Subsidiaries are required to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada Commission. Substantially all material loans, leases, sales of securities and similar financing transactions by the Licensed Subsidiaries must be reported to, and/or approved by, the Nevada Commission.

If it were determined that the Nevada Act was violated by any of the Licensed Subsidiaries, the gaming licenses they hold could be limited, conditioned, suspended or revoked, subject to compliance with certain statutory and regulatory procedures. In addition, Boyd Gaming and the persons involved could be subject to substantial fines for each separate violation of the Nevada Act or Regulations at the discretion of the Nevada Commission. Further, a supervisor could be nominated by the Nevada Commission for court appointment to operate our gaming properties and, under certain circumstances, earnings generated during the supervisor’s appointment (except for reasonable rental value of our gaming properties) could be forfeited to the State of Nevada. Limitation, conditioning or suspension of any gaming license or the appointment of a supervisor could (and revocation of any gaming license would) materially adversely affect our gaming operations and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Any beneficial holder of our voting securities, regardless of the number of shares owned, may be required to file an application, be investigated and have his suitability reviewed as a beneficial holder of our voting securities if the Nevada Commission has reason to believe that such ownership would otherwise be inconsistent with the declared policies of the State of Nevada. The applicant must pay all costs of investigation incurred by the Nevada Gaming Authorities in conducting any such investigation.

The Nevada Act requires any person who acquires more than 5% of our voting securities to report the acquisition to the Nevada Commission. The Nevada Act requires that beneficial owners of more than 10% of our voting securities apply to the Nevada Commission for a finding of suitability within 30 days after the Chairman of the Nevada Board mails the written

 

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notice requiring such filing. Under certain circumstances, an “institutional investor,” as defined in the Nevada Act, which acquires more than 10%, but not more than 15%, of our voting securities may apply to the Nevada Commission for a waiver of such finding of suitability if such institutional investor holds the voting securities for investment purposes only. An institutional investor shall not be deemed to hold voting securities for investment purposes unless the voting securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business as an institutional investor and not for the purpose of causing, directly or indirectly, the election of a majority of the members of our board of directors, any change in our corporate charter, bylaws, management, policies or operations, or any of our gaming affiliates, or any other action which the Nevada Commission finds to be inconsistent with holding our voting securities for investment purposes only. Activities that are not deemed to be inconsistent with holding voting securities for investment purposes include only:

 

   

voting on all matters voted on by stockholders;

 

   

making financial and other inquiries of management of the type normally made by securities analysts for informational purposes and not to cause a change in our management, policies or operations; and

 

   

such other activities as the Nevada Commission may determine to be consistent with such investment intent.

If the beneficial holder of voting securities who must be found suitable is a corporation, partnership or trust, it must submit detailed business and financial information including a list of beneficial owners. The applicant is required to pay all costs of investigation.

Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability or a license within 30 days after being ordered to do so by the Nevada Commission or the Chairman of the Nevada Board, may be found unsuitable. The same restrictions apply to a record owner if the record owner, after request, fails to identify the beneficial owner. Any stockholder found unsuitable and who holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership of the common stock of a Registered Corporation beyond such period of time as may be prescribed by the Nevada Commission may be guilty of a criminal offense. We are subject to disciplinary action if, after we receive notice that a person is unsuitable to be a stockholder or to have any other relationship with us, or any of our Licensed Subsidiaries, we:

 

   

pay that person any dividend or interest upon voting securities of Boyd Gaming;

 

   

allow that person to exercise, directly or indirectly, any voting right conferred through securities held by the person;

 

   

pay remuneration in any form to that person for services rendered or otherwise; or

 

   

fail to pursue all lawful efforts to require such unsuitable person to relinquish their voting securities for cash at fair market value.

Additionally, the Clark County Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board has taken the position that it has the authority to approve all persons owning or controlling the stock of any corporation controlling a gaming license.

The Nevada Commission may, at its discretion, require the holder of any debt security of a Registered Corporation to file applications, be investigated and be found suitable to own the debt security of a Registered Corporation. If the Nevada Commission determines that a person is unsuitable to own such security, then pursuant to the Nevada Act, the Registered Corporation can be sanctioned, including the loss of its approvals, if without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission, it:

 

   

pays to the unsuitable person any dividend, interest, or any distribution whatsoever;

 

   

recognizes any voting right by such unsuitable person in connection with such securities;

 

   

pays the unsuitable person remuneration in any form; or

 

   

makes any payment to the unsuitable person by way of principal, redemption, conversion, exchange, liquidation, or similar transaction.

We are required to maintain a current stock ledger in Nevada which may be examined by the Nevada Gaming Authorities at any time. If any securities are held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may be required to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to the Nevada Gaming Authorities. A failure to make such disclosure may be grounds for finding the record holder unsuitable. We are also required to render maximum assistance in determining the identity of the beneficial owner.

We may not make a public offering of our securities without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission if the securities or the proceeds therefrom are intended to be used to construct, acquire or finance gaming facilities in Nevada, or to retire or extend obligations incurred for such purposes. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful. In September 2007, the Nevada Commission granted us two years, the maximum time permitted, in which to make public offerings of debt or equity. This two-year approval or continuous or delayed public offering approval, also known as a shelf approval, is subject to certain conditions and expires in September 2009, at which time we will seek to renew the approval. The Nevada Commission’s approval may be rescinded for good cause without prior notice upon the issuance of an interlocutory stop order by the Chairman of the Nevada Board.

 

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

The Nevada legislature has declared that some corporate acquisitions opposed by management, repurchase of voting securities and corporate defense tactics affecting Nevada gaming licensees, and Registered Corporations that are affiliated with those licensees, may be injurious to stable and productive corporate gaming. The Nevada Commission has established a regulatory scheme to ameliorate the potentially adverse effects of these business practices upon Nevada’s gaming industry and to further Nevada’s policy to:

 

   

assure the financial stability of corporate gaming operators and their affiliates;

 

   

preserve the beneficial aspects of conducting business in the corporate form; and

 

   

promote a neutral environment for the orderly governance of corporate affairs.

Approvals are, in certain circumstances, required from the Nevada Commission before we can make exceptional repurchases of voting securities above the current market price thereof and before a corporate acquisition opposed by management can be consummated. As a Registered Corporation, the Nevada Act also requires prior approval of a plan of recapitalization proposed by our board of directors in response to a tender offer made directly to our stockholders for the purposes of acquiring control of us.

License fees and taxes, computed in various ways depending on the type of gaming or activity involved, are payable to the State of Nevada, Clark County and the City of Las Vegas. Depending upon the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes are payable either monthly, quarterly or annually and are based upon:

 

   

a percentage of the gross revenues received;

 

   

the number of gaming devices operated; or

 

   

the number of table games operated.

An excise tax is also paid by casino operations upon admission to certain facilities offering live entertainment, including the selling of food, refreshment and merchandise in connection therewith.

Any person who is licensed, required to be licensed, registered, required to be registered, or is under common control with such persons, which we refer to as Licensees, and who proposes to become involved in a gaming venture outside of Nevada is required to deposit with the Nevada Board, and thereafter maintain, a revolving fund in the amount of $10,000 to pay the expenses of investigation of the Nevada Board of their participation in such foreign gaming. The revolving fund is subject to increase or decrease in the discretion of the Nevada Commission. Thereafter, Licensees are required to comply with certain reporting requirements imposed by the Nevada Act. Licensees are also subject to disciplinary action by the Nevada Commission if they knowingly violate any laws of the foreign jurisdiction pertaining to the foreign gaming operation, fail to conduct the foreign gaming operation in accordance with the standards of honesty and integrity required of Nevada gaming operations, engage in activities that are harmful to the State of Nevada or its ability to collect gaming taxes and fees, or employ a person in the foreign operation who has been denied a license or finding of suitability in Nevada on the ground of personal unsuitability.

The sale of food or alcoholic beverages at our Nevada casinos is subject to licensing, control and regulation by the applicable local authorities. All licenses are revocable and are not transferable. The agencies involved have full power to limit, condition, suspend or revoke any such license, and any such disciplinary action could, and a revocation would, have a significant adverse effect upon the operations of the affected casino or casinos.

Illinois

We are subject to the jurisdiction of the Illinois gaming authorities as a result of our ownership and operation of Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino in East Peoria, Illinois.

In February 1990, the State of Illinois legalized riverboat gambling. The Illinois Riverboat Gambling Act, which we refer to as the initial Illinois Act, authorizes the five-member Illinois Gaming Board, which we refer to as the Illinois Board,

 

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to issue up to ten riverboat gaming owners’ licenses on navigable streams within or forming a boundary of the State of Illinois except for Lake Michigan and any waterway in Cook County, which includes Chicago. Pursuant to the initial Illinois Act, a licensed owner who holds greater than a 10% interest in one riverboat operation, could hold no more than a 10% interest in any other riverboat operation. In addition, the initial Illinois Act restricted the location of certain of the ten owners’ licenses. Four of the licenses were to be located on the Mississippi River, one license was to be at a location on the Illinois River south of Marshall County and one license had to be located on the Des Plaines River in Will County. The remaining licenses were not restricted as to location. Currently, nine owner’s licenses are in operation, including one license in each of Alton, Aurora, East Peoria, East St. Louis, Elgin, Metropolis, Rock Island and two licenses in Joliet.

The tenth license that was initially granted to Emerald Casino Inc. – an operator in East Dubuque which we refer to as Emerald Casino – was not renewed by the Illinois Board and has been the subject of protracted litigation that has recently concluded. Various appeals in the Illinois Appellate Court for the First and Fourth Districts followed the Illinois Board’s denial of Emerald Casino’s request for renewal of the tenth license on March 6, 2001 and subsequent revocation of the license in December 2005. Although the Illinois Appellate Court ultimately ordered the Illinois Board to issue Emerald Casino’s license for renewal, the Illinois Appellate Court also affirmed the Illinois Board’s decision to revoke that license. The Illinois Supreme Court refused Emerald Casino’s request to review the latter decision, and Emerald Casino recently announced that it would not be pursuing any additional appeals in the matter. As a result, the Board has authorized a bid process to issue the tenth license to a new operator. On December 6, 2007, the Illinois Department of Central Management Services issued a Request for Proposal to receive bids from investment banking firms to oversee the bid process. Bids from interested investment banking firms must be received by January 14, 2007 and the anticipated date of the announcement of a successful investment banker bidder is January 25, 2007. It is anticipated that the tenth license will be issued in the fourth quarter of 2008. The exact location of the operation of the successful bidder of the tenth license is unknown at this time.

Furthermore, under the initial Illinois Act, no gambling could be conducted while a riverboat was docked. A gaming excursion could last no more than four hours, and a gaming excursion was deemed to have started when the first passenger boarded a riverboat. Gaming could continue during passenger boarding for a period of up to 30 minutes. Gaming was also allowed for a period of up to 30 minutes after the gangplank or its equivalent was lowered, thereby allowing passengers to exit the riverboat. During the 30-minute exit time period, new passengers were not allowed to board the riverboat. Although riverboats were mandated to cruise, there were certain exceptions. If a riverboat captain reasonably determined that either it was unsafe to transport passengers on the waterway due to inclement weather or the riverboat had been rendered temporarily inoperable by unforeseeable mechanical or structural difficulties or river icing, the riverboat could remain dockside or return to the dock. In those situations, a gaming excursion could commence or continue while the gangplank or its equivalent was raised and remained raised, in which event the riverboat was not considered docked. If a gaming excursion had to begin or continue with the gangplank or its equivalent raised, and the riverboat did not leave the dock, entry of new patrons on to the riverboat was prohibited until the completion of the excursion.

In June of 1999, amendments to the Illinois Act, which we refer to as the Amended Illinois Act, were passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor. The Amended Illinois Act redefined the conduct of gaming in the state. Pursuant to the Amended Illinois Act, riverboats can conduct gambling without cruising, and passengers can enter and leave a riverboat at any time. In addition, riverboats may now be located upon any water within Illinois, and not just navigable waterways. There is no longer any prohibition of a riverboat being located in Cook County. Riverboats are now defined as self-propelled excursion boats or permanently moored barges. The Amended Illinois Act requires that only three, rather than four, owner’s licenses, be located on the Mississippi River. The 10% ownership prohibition has also been removed. Therefore, subject to certain Illinois Board rules, individuals or entities could own more than one riverboat operation.

The Amended Illinois Act also allows for the relocation of a riverboat home dock. A licensee that was not conducting riverboat gambling on January 1, 1998, may apply to the Illinois Board for renewal and approval of relocation to a new home dock and the Illinois Board shall grant the application and approval of the new home dock upon the licensee providing to the Illinois Board authorization from the new dockside community. Any licensee that relocates in accordance with the provisions of the Amended Illinois Act must attain a level of at least 20% minority ownership of such a gaming operation.

The initial Illinois Act strictly regulates the facilities, persons, associations and practices related to gaming operations. The initial Illinois Act grants the Illinois Board specific powers and duties, and all other powers necessary and proper to fully and effectively execute the initial Illinois Act for the purpose of administering, regulating and enforcing the system of riverboat gaming. The Illinois Board has authority over every person, association, corporation, partnership and trust involved in riverboat gaming operations in the State of Illinois.

The initial Illinois Act requires the owner of a riverboat gaming operation to hold an owner’s license issued by the Illinois Board. Each owner’s license permits the holder to own up to two riverboats, however, gaming participants are limited to 1,200 for any owner’s license. The number of gaming participants will be determined by the number of gaming positions available. Gaming positions are counted as follows:

 

   

electronic gaming devices positions will be determined as 90% of the total number of devices available for play;

 

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craps tables will be counted as having ten gaming positions; and

 

   

games utilizing live gaming devices, except for craps, will be counted as having five gaming positions.

Each owner’s license initially runs for a period of three years. Thereafter, the license must be renewed annually. Under the Amended Illinois Act, the Board may renew an owner’s license for up to four years. An owner licensee is eligible for renewal upon payment of the applicable fee and a determination by the Illinois Board that the licensee continues to meet all of the requirements of the initial Illinois Act and Illinois Board rules. The owner’s license for Par-A-Dice Riverboat Casino initially expired in February 1995. Since that time, the license has been renewed annually. The most recent renewal approved by the Illinois Board in March of 2004 was for a term of four years. The Par-A-Dice Casino has filed all requisite documents with the Board pertaining to its license renewal, which is expected in March of 2008. An ownership interest in an owner’s license may not be transferred or pledged as collateral without the prior approval of the Illinois Board.

Pursuant to the Amended Illinois Act, which lifted the 10% ownership prohibition, the Illinois Board established certain rules to effectuate this statutory change. In deciding whether to approve direct or indirect ownership or control of an owner’s license, the Illinois Board shall consider the impact of any economic concentration of the ownership or control. No direct or indirect ownership or control shall be approved which will result in undue economic concentration of the ownership of riverboat gambling operations in Illinois. Undue economic concentration means that a person or entity would have actual or potential domination of riverboat gambling in Illinois sufficient to:

 

   

substantially impede or suppress competition among holders of owner’s licenses;

 

   

adversely impact the economic stability of the riverboat casino industry in Illinois; or

 

   

negatively impact the purposes of the initial Illinois Act, including tourism, economic development, benefits to local communities, and State and local revenues.

The Illinois Board will consider the following criteria in determining whether the approval of the issuance, transfer or holding of a license will create undue economic concentration:

 

   

the percentage share of the market presently owned or controlled by the person or entity;

 

   

the estimated increase in the market share if the person or entity is approved to hold the owner’s license;

 

   

the relative position of other persons or entities that own or control owner’s licenses in Illinois;

 

   

the current and projected financial condition of the riverboat gaming industry;

 

   

the current market conditions, including proximity and level of competition, consumer demand, market concentration, and any other relevant characteristics of the market;

 

   

whether the license to be approved has separate organizational structures or other independent obligations;

 

   

the potential impact on the projected future growth and development of the riverboat gambling industry, the local communities in which licenses are located, and the State of Illinois;

 

   

the barriers to entry into the riverboat gambling industry and if the approval of the license will operate as a barrier to new companies and individuals desiring to enter the market;

 

   

whether the approval of the license is likely to result in enhancing the quality and customer appeal of products and services offered by riverboat casinos in order to maintain or increase their respective market shares;

 

   

whether a restriction on the approval of the additional license is necessary in order to encourage and preserve competition in casino operations; and

 

   

any other relevant information.

The initial Illinois Act does not limit the maximum bet or per patron loss. Minimum and maximum wagers on games are set by the owner licensee. Wagering may not be conducted with money or other negotiable currency. No person under the age of 21 is permitted to wager and wagers may only be received from a person present on the riverboat. With respect to electronic gaming devices, the payout percentage may not be less than 80% nor more than 100%.

An admission tax is imposed on the owner of a riverboat operation. Effective July 1, 2003, additional amendments to the Amended Illinois Act were passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor, which we refer to as the Second Amended Illinois Act. Under the Second Amended Illinois Act, for an owner licensee that admitted 2,300,000 persons or fewer in the previous calendar year, the admission tax is $4.00 per person and for a licensee that admitted more that 2,300,000 persons in the previous calendar year, the admission tax is $5.00. Additionally, a wagering tax is imposed on the adjusted gross receipts, as defined in the initial Illinois Act, of a riverboat operation. As of July 1, 2003, pursuant to the Second Amended Illinois Act, the wagering tax was increased as follows: 15% of annual adjusted gross receipts up to and

 

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including $25 million; 27.5% of annual adjusted gross receipts in excess of $25 million but not exceeding $37.5 million; 32.5% of annual adjusted gross receipts in excess of $37.5 million but not exceeding $50 million; 37.5% of annual adjusted gross receipts in excess of $50 million but not exceeding $75 million; 45% of annual adjusted gross receipts in excess of $75 million but not exceeding $100 million; 50% of annual adjusted gross receipts in excess of $100 million but not exceeding $250 million; and 70% of annual adjusted gross receipts in excess of $250 million. The owner licensee is required, on a daily basis, to wire the wagering tax payment to the Illinois Board. The wagering tax as outlined in the Second Amended Illinois Act shall no longer be imposed beginning on the earlier of (i) July 1, 2005; (ii) the first date after the effective date of the Second Amended Illinois Act that riverboat gambling operations are conducted pursuant to the dormant tenth license or (iii) the first day that riverboat gambling operations are conducted under the authority of an owners license that is in addition to the 10 owners’ licenses authorized by the Initial Act. The tax will rollback to the rates as outlined in the Amended Illinois Act.

Effective July 1, 2005, additional amendments to the Second Amended Act were passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor, which we refer to as the Third Amended Illinois Act. Under the Third Amended Act, for an owner that admitted 1,000,000 persons or fewer in calendar year 2004, the admission tax is $2.00 and for all other licensees it is $3.00 per person admitted. Additionally, the wagering tax provisions were “rolled back” to the rates as defined in the Amended Illinois Act. Thus, the effective wager tax rates are: 15% of annual adjusted gross receipts up to and including $25 million; 22.5% of annual adjusted gross receipts in excess of $25 million but not exceeding $50 million; 27.5% of annual adjusted gross receipts in excess of $50 million but not exceeding $75 million; 32.5% of annual adjusted gross receipts in excess of $75 million but not exceeding $100 million; 37.5% of annual adjusted gross receipts in excess of $100 million but not exceeding $150 million; 45% of annual adjusted gross receipts in excess of $150 million but not exceeding $200 million; and $50% of annual adjusted gross receipts in excess of $200 million, which we refer to as the Privilege Tax. In addition to payment of the above listed amounts, by June 15 of each year, each owner (other than an owner that admitted 1,000,000 or fewer persons in calendar year 2004) must pay to the Illinois Board the amount, if any, by which the base amount for the licensed owner exceeds the amount of tax paid pursuant to the Third Amended Act. The base amount for a riverboat in East Peoria is $43 million. This obligation terminates on the earliest of (i) July 1, 2007, (ii) the first day after the effective date of the Third Amended Act that riverboat gambling operations are conducted pursuant to a dormant license, (iii) the first day that riverboat gambling operations are conducted under the authority of an owners license that is in addition to the 10 owners licenses initially authorized, or (iv) the first day that a licensee under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 conducts gaming operations with slot machines or other electronic gaming devices. The obligation to meet these base amount requirements terminated on July 1, 2007.

The Illinois Board has the authority to reduce the above mentioned wagering tax obligation imposed under the Third Amended Act by an amount the Board deems reasonable for acts of God, terrorism, bioterrorism or a condition beyond the control of the owner licensee. There can be no assurance that the Illinois legislature will not enact additional legislation regarding admission and wagering tax rates.

Effective May 26, 2006, additional amendments to the Third Amended Act were passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor, which we refer to as the Fourth Amended Act. Under the Fourth Amended Act, and for a period of two (2) years beginning May 26, 2006, owners licensees that operate a riverboat with adjusted gross receipts in 2004 greater than $200 million must pay – in addition to the amounts referenced above – an amount equal to 3% of the adjusted gross receipts received into the Horse Racing Equity Trust Fund, which we refer to as the Surcharge. This provision has affected four owners licensees, but does not apply to Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino in East Peoria, Illinois.

On May 30, 2006, four days after the Fourth Amended Act was signed into law, the four casinos affected by the Surcharge filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in Will County, Illinois against the Treasurer of the State of Illinois and the Illinois Racing Board. The four-count Complaint sought a declaratory judgment that the Fourth Amended Act’s Surcharge was unconstitutional and a permanent injunction against its enforcement. On March 26, 2007, the Illinois circuit court granted summary judgment in favor of the four casinos for violation of the Illinois Constitution’s Uniformity Clause, but in favor of the defendants and the racetracks that later intervened on the remaining claims in the complaint. The defendants and the racetracks have since filed an appeal with the Illinois Supreme Court, briefs were filed and arguments have been made on both sides. A final decision is expected to be made by the Illinois Supreme Court in the first quarter of 2008.

Effective June 6, 2006, additional amendments to the Fourth Amended Act were passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor, which we refer to as the Fifth Amended Act to restate and clarify the Third Amended Act as to the amount of payments an owners licensee is required to make to the Illinois Board. The Fifth Amended Act now provides that – in addition to any amounts due pursuant to the Privilege Tax – each owners licensee (other than an owner that admitted 1,000,000 or fewer persons in calendar year 2004) must pay to the Illinois Board the amount by which its pre-determined base amount exceeds the amount of “net privilege tax” remitted. The Fifth Amended Act defines “net privilege tax” as all

 

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Privilege Taxes paid by a licensed owner to the Illinois Board, less the amount equal to 5% of the adjusted gross receipts generated by an owners licensee that is paid from the State Gaming Fund to the unit of local government designated as the home dock of the owners licensee’s riverboat. As stated above, the requirement to pay the difference between pre-determined base amounts and “net privilege taxes” terminated on July 1, 2007.

In addition to owner’s licenses, the Illinois Board also requires licensing for all vendors of gaming supplies and equipment and for all employees of a riverboat gaming operation. The Illinois Board is authorized to conduct investigations into the conduct of gaming and into alleged violations of the Illinois Act and the Illinois Board rules. Employees and agents of the Illinois Board have access to and may inspect any facilities relating to the riverboat gaming operation.

A holder of any license is subject to the imposition of fines, suspension or revocation of such license, or other action for any act or failure to act by himself or his agents or employees, that is injurious to the public health, safety, morals, good order and general welfare of the people of the State of Illinois, or that would discredit or tend to discredit the Illinois gaming industry or the State of Illinois. Any riverboat operations not conducted in compliance with the initial Illinois Act may constitute an illegal gaming place and consequently may be subject to criminal penalties, which penalties include possible seizure, confiscation and destruction of illegal gaming devices and seizure and sale of riverboats and dock facilities to pay any unsatisfied judgment that may be recovered and any unsatisfied fine that may be levied. The initial Illinois Act also provides for civil penalties, equal to the amount of gross receipts derived from wagering on the gaming, whether unauthorized or authorized, conducted on the day of any violation. The Illinois Board may revoke or suspend licenses, as the Illinois Board may see fit and in compliance with applicable laws of the State of Illinois regarding administrative procedures and may suspend an owner’s license, without notice or hearing, upon a determination that the safety or health of patrons or employees is jeopardized by continuing a riverboat’s operation. The suspension may remain in effect until the Illinois Board determines that the cause for suspension has been abated and it may revoke the owner’s license upon a determination that the owner has not made satisfactory progress toward abating the hazard.

If the Illinois Board has suspended, revoked or refused to renew the license of an owner or if a riverboat gambling operation is closing and the owner is voluntarily surrendering its owner’s license, the Illinois Board may petition the local circuit court, which we refer to as the Court, in which the riverboat is situated for appointment of a receiver. The court will have sole jurisdiction over any and all issues pertaining to the appointment of a receiver. The Illinois Board will specify the specific powers, duties and limitations for the receiver, including but not limited to the authority to:

 

   

hire, fire, promote and discipline personnel and retain outside employees or consultants;

 

   

take possession of any and all property, including but not limited to its books, records, and papers;

 

   

preserve or dispose of any and all property;

 

   

continue and direct the gaming operations under the monitoring of the Illinois Board;

 

   

discontinue and dissolve the gaming operation;

 

   

enter into and cancel contracts;

 

   

borrow money and pledge, mortgage or otherwise encumber the property;

 

   

pay all secured and unsecured obligations;

 

   

institute or defend actions by or on behalf of the holder of an owner’s license; and

 

   

distribute earnings derived from gaming operations in the same manner as admission and wagering taxes are distributed under Sections 12 and 13 of the initial Illinois Act.

The Illinois Board will submit at least three nominees to the Court. The nominees may be individuals or entities selected from an Illinois Board approved list of pre-qualified receivers who meet the same criteria for a finding of preliminary suitability for licensure under Sections 3000.230(c)(2)(B) and (C). In the event that the Illinois Board seeks the appointment of a receiver on an emergency basis, the Illinois Board will submit at least two nominees selected from the Illinois Board approved list of pre-qualified receivers to the Court and will issue a Temporary Operating Permit to the receiver appointed by the Court. A receiver, upon appointment by the court, will before assuming his or her duties, execute and post the same bond as an owner’s licensee pursuant to Section 10 of the initial Illinois Act.

The receiver will function as an independent contractor, subject to the direction of the Court. However, the receiver will also provide to the Illinois Board regular reports and provide any information deemed necessary for the Illinois Board to ascertain the receiver’s compliance with all applicable rules and laws. From time to time, the Illinois Board may, at its sole discretion, report to the Court on the receiver’s level of compliance and any other information deemed appropriate for disclosure to the Court. The term and compensation of the receiver shall be set by the Court. The receiver will provide to the Court and the Illinois Board at least 30 days written notice of any intent to withdraw from the appointment or to seek modification of the appointment. Except as otherwise provided by action to the Illinois Board, the gaming operation will be deemed a licensed operation subject to all rules of the Illinois Board during the tenure of any receivership.

 

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The Illinois Board requires that a “Key Person” of an owner licensee submit a Personal Disclosure or Business Entity Form and be investigated and approved by the Illinois Board. The Illinois Board shall certify for each applicant for or holder of an owner’s license each position, individual or Business Entity that is to be approved by the Board and maintain suitability as a Key Person. With respect to an applicant for or the holder of an owner’s license, Key Person shall include:

 

   

any Business Entity and any individual with an ownership interest or voting rights of more than 5% in the licensee or applicant, and the trustee of any trust holding such ownership interest or voting rights;

 

   

the directors of the licensee or applicant and its chief executive officer, president and chief operating officer, or their functional equivalents; and

 

   

all other individuals or Business Entities that, upon review of the applicant’s or licensees Table of Organization, Ownership and Control (as discussed below), the Board determines hold a position or a level of ownership, control or influence that is material to the regulatory concerns and obligations of the Illinois Board for the specified licensee or applicant.

In order to assist the Illinois Board in its determination of Key Persons, applicants for or holders of an owner’s license shall provide to the Illinois Board a Table of Organization, Ownership and Control, which we refer to as the Table. The Table will identify in sufficient detail the hierarchy of individuals and Business Entities that, through direct or indirect means, manage own or control the interest and assets of the applicant or licensee holder. If a Business Entity identified in the Table is a publicly traded company, the following information must be provided in the Table:

 

   

the name and percentage of ownership interest of each individual or Business Entity with ownership of more than 5% of the voting shares of the entity, to the extent such information is known or contained in Schedule 13D or 13G of Securities and Exchange Commission filings;

 

   

to the extent known, the names and percentage of interest of ownership of persons who are relatives of one another and who together (as individuals or through trusts) exercise control over or own more than 10% of the voting shares of the entity; and

 

   

any trust holding more than 5% ownership or voting interest in the entity, to the extent such information is known or contained in Schedule 13D or 13G of Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The Table may be disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act.

Each owner licensee must provide a means for the economic disassociation of a Key Person in the event such economic disassociation is required by an order of the Illinois Board. Based upon findings from an investigation into the character, reputation, experience, associations, business probity and financial integrity of a Key Person, the Illinois Board may enter an order upon the licensee or require the economic disassociation of such Key Person.

Furthermore, each applicant or owner licensee must disclose the identity of every person, association, trust or corporation having a greater than 1% direct or indirect pecuniary interest in an owner licensee or in the riverboat gaming operation with respect to which the license is sought. The Illinois Board may also require an applicant or owner licensee to disclose any other principal or investor and require the investigation and approval of such individuals.

The Illinois Board (unless the investor qualifies as an Institutional Investor) requires a Personal Disclosure Form from any person or entity who or which, individually or in association with others, acquires directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership of more than 5% of any class of voting securities or non-voting securities convertible into voting securities of a publicly-traded corporation which holds an ownership interest in the holder of an owner’s license. If the Illinois Board denies an application for such a transfer and if no hearing is requested, the applicant for the transfer of ownership interest must promptly divest those shares in the publicly-traded parent corporation. The holder of an owner’s license would not be able to distribute profits to a publicly-traded parent corporation until such shares have been divested. If a hearing is requested, the shares need not be divested and profits may be distributed to a publicly-held parent corporation pending the issuance of a final order from the Illinois Board.

An Institutional Investor that individually or jointly with others, cumulatively acquires, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of any class of voting securities of a publicly-traded licensee or a licensee’s publicly-traded parent corporation shall, within no less than ten days after acquiring such securities, notify the Administrator of the Board of such ownership and shall provide any additional information as may be required. If an Institutional Investor (as specified above) acquires 10% or more of any class of voting securities of a publicly-traded licensee or a licensee’s publicly-traded parent corporation, then it shall file an Institutional Investor Disclosure Form within 45 days after acquiring such level of ownership interest. The owner licensee shall notify the Administrator as soon as possible after it becomes aware that it or its parent is involved in an ownership acquisition by an Institutional Investor. The Institutional Investor also has an obligation to notify the Administrator of its ownership interest.

In addition to Institutional Investor Disclosure Forms, certain other forms may be required to be submitted to the Illinois Board. An owner-licensee must submit a Marketing Agent Form to the Illinois Board for each Marketing Agent with

 

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whom it intends to do business. A Marketing Agent is a person or entity, other than a junketeer or an employee of a riverboat gaming operation, who is compensated by the riverboat gaming operation in excess of $100 per patron per trip for identifying and recruiting patrons. Key Persons of owner-licensees must submit Trust Identification Forms for trusts, excluding land trusts, for which they are a grantor, trustee or beneficiary each time such a trust relationship is established, amended or terminated.

Applicants for and holders of an owner’s license are required to obtain formal approval from the Illinois Board for changes in the following areas:

 

   

Key Persons;

 

   

type of entity;

 

   

equity and debt capitalization of the entity;

 

   

investors or debt holders;

 

   

source of funds;

 

   

applicant’s economic development plan;

 

   

riverboat capacity or significant design change;

 

   

gaming positions;

 

   

anticipated economic impact; or

 

   

agreements, oral or written, relating to the acquisition or disposition of property (real or personal) of a value greater than $1 million.

A holder of an owner’s license is allowed to make distributions to its stockholders only to the extent that such distribution would not impair the financial viability of the gaming operation. Factors to be considered by the licensee include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

cash flow, casino cash and working capital requirements;

 

   

debt service requirements, obligations and covenants associated with financial instruments;

 

   

requirements for repairs and maintenance and capital improvements;

 

   

employment or economic development requirements of the Amended Illinois Act; and

 

   

a licensee’s financial projections.

The Illinois Board may waive any licensing requirement or procedure provided by rule if it determines that such waiver is in the best interests of the public and the gaming industry. Also, the Illinois Board may, from time to time, amend or change its rules. In general, uncertainty exists regarding the Illinois gaming regulatory environment due to limited experience in interpreting the Illinois Act.

From time to time, various proposals have been introduced in the Illinois legislature that, if enacted, would affect the taxation, regulation, operation or other aspects of the gaming industry or Boyd Gaming. Some of this legislation, if enacted, could adversely affect the gaming industry or Boyd Gaming, and no assurances can be given as to whether such legislation or similar legislation will be enacted.

One such piece of legislation that may affect the profitability of the gaming industry in Illinois is the Smoke Free Illinois Act, which became effective on January 1, 2008 and bans smoking in nearly all public places in Illinois, including bars, restaurants, work places, schools and casinos. Senate Bill 890, which we refer to as Bill SB890, was introduced on May 25, 2007 in an attempt to exempt the casinos – including Boyd’s Par-A-Dice riverboat casino in East Peoria, Illinois – from the Smoke Free Illinois Act for a period of five years. Although the Senate Executive Committee voted 9-4 to approve a casino exemption on May 30, 2007, the Illinois Senate ultimately voted down Bill SB890 on June 1, 2007. The effect the Smoke Free Illinois Act has had on the profitability of the gaming industry, and our Par-A-Dice casino in particular, remains unclear.

A potential piece of legislation that may have affected the gaming industry in Illinois is House Bill 4194, which we refer to as Bill 4194 that was introduced to the Illinois General Assembly on December 11, 2007. Bill 4194 was an attempt to expand gaming in Illinois by introducing one additional riverboat license, a land-based casino located in Chicago, Illinois, the ability of existing and new casinos to purchase additional gaming positions, and the ability of Illinois horse race tracks to operate slot machines and video poker upon the payment of a per-position fee. Bill 4194 also called for the formation of a new Gaming Board appointed by the Governor and a new Gaming Enforcement Division to monitor gaming operations, conduct background checks, conduct investigations and investigate violations of the Illinois Gaming Act. Although Bill 4194 was not enacted, it is expected that a gaming expansion bill may be introduced in 2008 that will provide similar terms to expand gaming in Illinois. The terms and any affect of such expansion on the Par-A-Dice Casino is unknown at this time.

 

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The issue of keeping minors and self-excluded patrons out of Illinois casinos has prompted the Illinois Board to consider issuing a requirement that each Illinois casino check the identification of all patrons entering the casinos’ gaming areas. The Illinois Board held a special meeting on December 3, 2007 to allow the public and industry representatives to speak on the issue. The Illinois Board also conducted studies at selected casinos during which the identification of all patrons was checked for a specific period of time. Although the Illinois Board has not yet decided the issue of whether to make identification checks mandatory, it is anticipated that the issue will continue to be of interest to the Illinois Board. Industry leaders in Illinois have expressed concern that mandatory identification checks may adversely affect gaming revenues, as such checks not only invoke privacy concerns, but may affect the number of patrons visiting Illinois casinos by causing some of them to visit casinos in neighboring states that do not perform such checks.

New Jersey

On June 11, 2003 the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, or NJCCC, found that Marina District Development Company, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company, which we refer to as the Operating Company, complied with all the requirements of the Casino Control Act for the issuance of a casino license to own and operate Borgata. The effective date of the license was July 2, 2003, the date the NJCCC Commission issued the Operating Company with an Operation Certificate. Such casino license was valid for a one year period and was renewed in June of 2004 for an additional one year period. On June 30, 2005 the casino license of the Operating Company was renewed for a five year period and is subject to successive five year renewal periods thereafter.

MDDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marina District Development Holding Company, LLC, which we refer to as the Holding Company, i.e. the Holding Company is the sole member of the Operating Company. Boyd Atlantic City, Inc., or BAC and MAC Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mirage Resorts, Inc., or MAC, are members of the Holding Company and have 50% ownership interests therein, and BAC is the Managing Member of the Holding Company.

The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in New Jersey are subject to the Casino Control Act. In general, the Casino Control Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder contain detailed provisions concerning, among other things:

 

   

the granting of casino licenses;

 

   

the suitability of the approved hotel facility and the amount of authorized casino space and gaming units permitted therein;

 

   

the qualification of natural persons and entities related to the casino licensee;

 

   

the licensing and registration of employees and vendors of casino licensees;

 

   

the rules of the games;

 

   

the selling and redeeming of gaming chips;

 

   

the granting and duration of credit and the enforceability of gaming debts;

 

   

the management control procedures, accountability, and cash control methods and reports to gaming agencies;

 

   

the security standards;

 

   

the manufacture and distribution of gaming equipment;

 

   

the equal opportunity for employees and casino operators, contractors of casino facilities, and others; and

 

   

the advertising, entertainment, and alcoholic beverages.

The NJCCC is empowered under the Casino Control Act to regulate a wide spectrum of gaming and non-gaming related activities and to approve the form of ownership and financial structure of not only a casino licensee, but also its entity qualifiers and intermediary and holding companies.

No casino hotel facility may operate unless the appropriate license and approvals are obtained from the NJCCC, which has broad discretion with regard to the issuance, renewal, revocation, and suspension of such licenses and approvals, which are nontransferable. The qualification criteria with respect to the holder of a casino license include the following:

 

   

its financial stability, integrity and responsibility;

 

   

the integrity and adequacy of its financial resources which bear any relation to the casino project;

 

   

its good character, honesty, and integrity; and

 

   

the sufficiency of its business ability and casino experience to establish the likelihood of creation and maintenance of a successful, efficient casino operation.

The NJCCC may reopen licensing hearings at any time and must reopen a licensing hearing at the request of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, or the NJDGE.

To be considered financially stable, a licensee must demonstrate the following ability:

 

   

to pay winning wagers when due;

 

11


   

to achieve a gross operating profit;

 

   

to pay all local, state, and federal taxes when due;

 

   

to make necessary capital and maintenance expenditures to insure that it has a superior first-class facility; and

 

   

to pay, exchange, refinance or extend debts which will mature and become due and payable during the license term.

In the event a licensee fails to demonstrate financial stability, the NJCCC may take such action as it deems necessary to fulfill the purposes of the Casino Control Act and protect the public interest, including:

 

   

issuing conditional license approvals or determinations;

 

   

establishing an appropriate cure period;

 

   

imposing reporting requirements;

 

   

placing restrictions on the transfer of cash or the assumption of liability;

 

   

requiring reasonable reserves or trust accounts;

 

   

denying licensure; or

 

   

appointing a conservator.

Pursuant to the Casino Control Act, NJCCC regulations and precedent, no entity may hold a casino license unless:

 

   

each officer, director, principal employee, person who directly or indirectly holds any beneficial interest or ownership in the licensee;

 

   

each person who in the opinion of the NJCCC has the ability to control or elect a majority of the board of directors of the licensee (other than a banking or other licensed lending institution which makes a loan or holds a mortgage or other loan acquired in the ordinary course of business); and

 

   

any lender, whom the NJCCC may consider appropriate, obtains and maintains qualification approval from the NJCCC. Qualification approval means qualification requirements as a casino key employee, as described below.

An entity qualifier or intermediary or holding company is required to register with the NJCCC and meet the same basic standards for approval as a casino licensee; provided, however, that the NJCCC, with the concurrence of the Director of the NJDGE, may waive compliance by a publicly-traded corporate holding company as to any officer, director, lender, underwriter, agent or employee thereof, or person directly or indirectly holding a beneficial interest or ownership of the securities of such company, where the NJCCC and the Director of the NJDGE are satisfied that such persons are not significantly involved in the activities of the corporate licensee, and in the case of security holders, do not have the ability to control the publicly-traded corporation or elect one or more of its directors.

The NJCCC may require all financial backers, investors, mortgagors, bond holders and holders of notes or other evidence of indebtedness, either in effect or proposed, which bears any relation to the casino project, publicly-traded securities of an entity which holds a casino license or is an entity qualifier, subsidiary, or holding company of a casino licensee (a Regulated Company), to qualify as financial sources.

An Institutional Investor is defined by the Casino Control Act as any:

 

   

retirement fund administered by a public agency for the exclusive benefit of federal, state, or local public employees;

 

   

investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940;

 

   

collective investment trust organized by banks under Part Nine of the Rules of the Comptroller of the Currency;

 

   

closed end investment trust;

 

   

chartered or licensed life insurance company or property and casualty insurance company;

 

   

banking and other chartered or licensed lending institution;

 

   

investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940; and

 

   

such other persons as the NJCCC may determine for reasons consistent with the policies of the Casino Control Act.

An Institutional Investor is granted a waiver by the NJCCC from financial source or other qualification requirements applicable to a holder of publicly-traded securities, in the absence of a prima facie showing by the NJDGE that there is any cause to believe that the Institutional Investor may be found unqualified, on the basis of NJCCC findings that:

 

   

its holdings were purchased for investment purposes only and, upon request by the NJCCC, it files a certified statement to the effect that is has no intention of influencing or affecting the affairs of the issuer, the casino licensee or its holding or intermediary companies; provided, however, that the Institutional Investor will be permitted to vote on matters put to the vote of the outstanding security holders; and

 

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if the securities are debt securities of a casino licensee’s holding or intermediary companies or another subsidiary company of the casino licensee’s holding or intermediary companies which is related in any way to the financing of the casino licensee and represent either:

 

   

20% or less of the total outstanding debt of the company; or

 

   

50% or less of any issue of outstanding debt of the company;

 

   

the securities are under 10% of the equity securities of a casino licensee’s holding or intermediary companies; or

 

   

if the securities so held exceed such percentages, upon a showing of good cause. The NJCCC may grant a waiver of qualification to an Institutional Investor holding a higher percentage of such securities upon a showing of good cause and if the conditions specified above are met.

Generally, the NJCCC requires each institutional holder seeking waiver of qualification to execute a certification to the effect that:

 

   

the holder has reviewed the definition of Institutional Investor under the Casino Control Act and believes that it meets the definition of Institutional Investor;

 

   

the securities are those of a publicly-traded corporation;

 

   

the holder purchased the securities for investment purposes only and holds them in the ordinary course of business;

 

   

the holder has no involvement in the business activities of, and no intention of influencing or affecting the affairs of the issuer, the casino licensee, or any affiliate; and

 

   

if the holder subsequently determines to influence or affect the affairs of the issuer, the casino licensee or any affiliate, will provide not less than 30 days’ prior notice of such intent and will file with the NJCCC an application for qualification before taking any such action.

If an Institutional Investor changes its investment intent, or if the NJCCC finds reasonable cause to believe that it may be found unqualified, the Institutional Investor may take no action with respect to the security holdings, other than to divest itself of such holdings, until it has applied for interim casino authorization and has executed a trust agreement pursuant to such an application.

The Casino Control Act imposes certain restrictions upon the issuance, ownership, and transfer of securities of a Regulated Company, and defines the term “security” to include instruments which evidence a direct or indirect beneficial ownership or creditor interest in a Regulated Company including, but not limited to, mortgages, debentures, security agreements, notes and warrants.

If the NJCCC finds that a holder of such securities is not qualified under the Casino Control Act, it has the right to take any remedial action it may deem appropriate, including the right to force divestiture by such disqualified holder of such securities. In the event that certain disqualified holders fail to divest themselves of such securities, the NJCCC has the power to revoke or suspend the casino license affiliated with the Regulated Company which issued the securities. If a holder is found unqualified, it is unlawful for the holder:

 

   

to exercise, directly or through any trustee or nominee, any right conferred by such securities; or

 

   

to receive any dividends or interest upon any such securities or any remuneration, in any form, from its affiliated casino licensee for services rendered or otherwise.

With respect to non-publicly-traded securities, the Casino Control Act and NJCCC regulations require that the corporate charter or partnership agreement of a Regulated Company establish:

 

   

a right in the NJCCC of prior approval with regard to transfers of securities, shares and other interests; and

 

   

an absolute right in the Regulated Company to repurchase at the market price or the purchase price, whichever is the lesser, any such security, share, or other interest in the event that the NJCCC disapproves a transfer.

With respect to publicly-traded securities, such corporate charter or partnership agreement is required to establish that any such securities of the entity are held subject to the condition that, if a holder thereof is found to be disqualified by the NJCCC, such holder shall dispose of such securities.

Whenever any person enters into a contract to transfer any property which relates to an on-going casino operation, including a security of the casino licensee or a holding or intermediary company or entity qualifier, under circumstances which would require that the transferee obtain licensure or be qualified under the Casino Control Act, and that person is not already licensed or qualified, the transferee is required to apply for interim authorization. Furthermore, the closing or settlement date in the contract may not be earlier than the 121st day after the submission of a complete application for licensure or qualification together with a fully executed trust agreement in a form approved by the NJCCC. If, after the report of the NJDGE and a hearing by the NJCCC, the NJCCC grants interim authorization, the property will be subject to a trust. If

 

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the NJCCC denies interim authorization, the contract may not close or settle until the NJCCC makes a determination on the qualifications of the applicant. If the NJCCC denies qualification, the contract will be terminated for all purposes, and there will be no liability on the part of the transferor.

If, as the result of a transfer of publicly-traded securities of a Regulated Company or a financing entity of a Regulated Company, any person is required to qualify under the Casino Control Act, that person is required to file an application for licensure or qualification within 30 days after the NJCCC determines that qualification is required or declines to waive qualification.

The application must include a fully executed trust agreement in a form approved by the NJCCC, or in the alternative, within 120 days after the NJCCC determines that qualification is required, the person whose qualification is required must divest such securities as the NJCCC may require in order to remove the need to qualify.

The NJCCC may grant interim casino authorization where it finds by clear and convincing evidence that:

 

   

statements of compliance have been issued pursuant to the Casino Control Act;

 

   

the casino hotel is an approved hotel in accordance with the Casino Control Act;

 

   

the trustee satisfies qualification criteria applicable to casino key employees, except for residency; and

 

   

interim operation will best serve the interests of the public.

When the NJCCC finds the applicant qualified, the trust will terminate. If the NJCCC denies qualification to a person who has received interim casino authorization, the trustee is required to endeavor, and is authorized, to sell, assign, convey, or otherwise dispose of the property subject to the trust to such persons who are licensed or qualified or shall themselves obtain interim casino authorization.

Where a holder of publicly-traded securities is required, in applying for qualification as a financial source or qualifier, to transfer such securities to a trust in application for interim casino authorization and the NJCCC thereafter orders that the trust become operative:

 

   

during the time the trust is operative, the holder may not participate in the earnings of the casino hotel or receive any return on its investment or debt security holdings; and

 

   

after disposition, if any, of the securities by the trustee, proceeds distributed to the unqualified holder may not exceed the lower of their actual cost to the unqualified holder or their value calculated as if the investment had been made on the date the trust became operative.

The NJCCC may permit a licensee to increase its casino space if the licensee agrees to add a prescribed number of qualifying sleeping units within two years after the commencement of gaming operations in the additional casino space. However, if the casino licensee does not fulfill such agreement due to conditions within its control, the licensee will be required to close the additional casino space, or any portion of thereof that the NJCCC determines should be closed.

The NJCCC is authorized to establish annual fees for the renewal of casino licenses. The renewal fee is based upon the cost of maintaining control and regulatory activities prescribed by the Casino Control Act, and may not be less than $100,000 for a one-year casino license nor less than $200,000 for a four-year casino license. Additionally, casino licenses are subject to potential assessments to fund any annual operating deficits incurred by the NJCCC or the NJDGE. There is also an annual license fee of $500 for each slot machine maintained for use or in use in any casino. Additionally, each casino licensee is also required to pay an annual tax of 8% on its gross casino revenues. Furthermore, there is a $3.00 room tax fee on all rooms, including complimentary rooms, the proceeds of which, commencing in fiscal year 2007, will be primarily deposited into a special fund for use by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. There is also a tax of 4.25% on the value of complimentary or reduced price rooms, food, beverages and entertainment. Finally, commencing in state fiscal year 2004, a tax at the rate of 7.5% was imposed on the adjusted net income of a casino licensee.

Each party to an agreement for the management of a casino is required to hold a casino license, and the party who is to manage the casino must own at least 10% of all the outstanding equity securities of the casino licensee. Such an agreement shall provide for:

 

   

the complete management of the casino;

 

   

the sole and unrestricted power to direct the casino operations; and

 

   

a term long enough to ensure the reasonable continuity, stability, independence and management of the casino.

An investment alternative tax imposed on the gross casino revenues of each licensee in the amount of 2.5% is due and payable on the last day of April following the end of the calendar year. A licensee is obligated to pay the investment alternative tax for a period of 30 years. This investment alternative tax may be offset by investment tax credits equal to 1.25% of gross gaming revenue, which are obtained by purchasing bonds issued by, or investing in housing or other development projects approved by, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.

 

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If, at any time, it is determined that a Regulated Company has violated the Casino Control Act, or that any such entity cannot meet the qualification requirements of the Casino Control Act, such entity could be subject to fines or the suspension or revocation of its license or qualification. If a Regulated Company’s license is suspended for a period in excess of 120 days or revoked, or upon the failure or refusal to renew a casino license, the NJCCC could appoint a conservator to operate or dispose of such entity’s casino hotel facilities. The conservator would be required to act under the direct supervision of the NJCCC and would be charged with the duty of conserving, preserving and, if permitted, continuing the operation of such casino hotel. During the period of true conservatorship, a former or suspended casino licensee is entitled to a fair rate of return out of net earnings, if any, on the property retained by the conservator. The NJCCC may also discontinue any conservatorship action and direct the conservator to take such steps as are necessary to affect an orderly transfer of the property of a former or suspended casino licensee.

Casino employees are subject to more stringent requirements than non-casino employees and must meet applicable standards pertaining to financial stability, responsibility, good character, honesty, integrity and New Jersey residency. These requirements have resulted in significant competition among Atlantic City casino operators for the services of qualified employees.

Casinos must follow certain procedures which are outlined in the Casino Control Act when granting gaming credit and recording counter checks which have been exchanged, redeemed or consolidated. Gaming debts arising in Atlantic City in accordance with applicable regulations are enforceable in the courts of the State of New Jersey.

On January 15, 2006, the New Jersey State Legislature enacted the Smoke-Free Air Act that became effective April 15, 2006. This law called for smoke-free environments in essentially all indoor workplaces and places open to the public including places of business and service-related activities. The law contains several exceptions including an exemption for all casino floor space and 20% of a hotel’s designated hotel rooms. On February 15, 2007, Atlantic City promulgated a local ordinance that is more restrictive than the aforementioned state law. Specifically this ordinance reduced the casino floor exemption to 25% of a casino’s floor space. As such, smoking will be prohibited on 75% of a casino’s floor space and permitted on 25% of a casino’s floor space subject to the following conditions:

 

   

By April 15, 2007, casinos were required to limit smoking to 25% of their casino floor space, which areas initially were not required to be enclosed and separately ventilated.

 

   

Ultimately, the 25% of the casino floor in which smoking would be permissible will be required to be enclosed and separately ventilated. Casinos will have five months from April 15, 2007 to submit construction plans for such enclosures to applicable authorities for the issuance of building permits and related required approvals. Once permits are issued, the casinos will have 90 days to commence construction of the enclosures. Borgata submitted its construction plans to the applicable authorities and is waiting on the required approvals.

Under the Atlantic City ordinance, smoking will remain permissible in 20% of a hotel’s designated hotel rooms, consistent with state law.

Louisiana

In the State of Louisiana, we, through our wholly owned subsidiaries, own and operate three gaming properties: Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner, Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino & Hotel in Vinton and Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino in Shreveport. The operation and management of riverboat casinos, slot machine operations at certain racetracks and live racing facilities in Louisiana are subject to extensive state regulation. The Louisiana Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Control Act, or the Riverboat Act, became effective on July 19, 1991. The Louisiana Pari-Mutuel Live Racing Facility Economic Redevelopment and Gaming Control Act, or the Slots Act, became effective on July 9, 1997. The statutory scheme regulating live and off-track betting, or the Horse Racing Act, has been in existence for decades.

The Riverboat Act states, among other things, that certain of the policies of the State of Louisiana are:

 

   

to develop a historic riverboat industry that will assist in the growth of the tourism market;

 

   

to license and supervise the riverboat industry from the period of construction through actual operation;

 

   

to regulate the operators, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of gaming devices; and

 

   

to license all entities involved in the riverboat gaming industry.

The Slots Act states, among other things, that certain policies of the State of Louisiana are:

 

   

to revitalize and rehabilitate pari-mutuel racing facilities through the allowance of slot machine operations at certain racetracks; and

 

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to regulate and license owners of such facilities.

The Horse Racing Act states, among other things, that certain policies of the State of Louisiana are:

 

   

to encourage the development of horse racing with pari-mutuel wagering on a high plane;

 

   

to encourage the development and ownership of race horses;

 

   

to regulate the business of racing horses and to provide the orderly conduct of racing;

 

   

to provide financial assistance to encourage the business of racing horses; and

 

   

to provide a program for the regulation, ownership, possession, licensing, keeping, breeding and inoculation of horses.

Both the Riverboat Act and the Slots Act make it clear, however, that no holder of a license or permit possesses any vested interest in such license or permit and that the license or permit may be revoked at any time.

In a special session held in April 1996, the Louisiana legislature passed the Louisiana Gaming Control Act, or the Gaming Control Act, which created the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, or the Gaming Control Board. Pursuant to the Gaming Control Act, all of the regulatory authority, control and jurisdiction of licensing for both riverboats and slot facilities was transferred to the Gaming Control Board. The Gaming Control Board came into existence on May 1, 1996 and is made up of nine members and two ex-officio members (the Secretary of Revenue and Taxation and the superintendent of Louisiana State Police). It is domiciled in Baton Rouge and regulates riverboat gaming, the land-based casino in New Orleans, racetrack slot facilities and video poker. The Attorney General acts as legal counsel to the Gaming Control Board. Any material alteration in the method whereby riverboat gaming or slot facilities is regulated in the State of Louisiana could have an adverse effect on the operations of the Treasure Chest, Delta Downs and Sam’s Town Shreveport.

Riverboats

The Louisiana legislature also passed legislation requiring each parish (county) where riverboat gaming is currently authorized to hold an election in order for the voters to decide whether riverboat gaming will remain legal in that parish. Treasure Chest is located in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Jefferson Parish approved riverboat gaming at a special election held on November 6, 1996. Sam’s Town Shreveport is located in Caddo Parish, Louisiana which approved riverboat gaming at the special election held on November 6, 1996.

The Riverboat Act approved the conducting of gaming activities on a riverboat, in accordance with the Riverboat Act, on twelve separate waterways in Louisiana. The Riverboat Act allows the Gaming Control Board to issue up to fifteen licenses to operate riverboat gaming projects within the state, with no more than six in any one parish. There are presently fifteen licenses issued and thirteen riverboats operating currently. Two riverboats are not operational due to recent storms. Harrah’s sold both of the entities which once owned riverboats in Lake Charles to Pinnacle Entertainment. Pinnacle plans to move one riverboat adjacent to its existing property in Lake Charles and move the other to Baton Rouge.

Pursuant to the Riverboat Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, each applicant which desired to operate a riverboat casino in Louisiana was required to file a number of separate applications for a Certificate of Preliminary Approval, all necessary gaming licenses and a Certificate of Final Approval. No final Certificate was issued without all necessary and proper certificates from all regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, local port authorities and local levee authorities.

Both the Treasure Chest project and the Sam’s Town Shreveport project applications for a Certificate of Preliminary Approval were properly filed and each received a Certificate of Preliminary Approval in 1993 (at that time Sam’s Town Shreveport was owned by Harrah’s Entertainment) and both received their original license in 1994. These licenses have been renewed and are subject to certain general operational conditions and are subject to revocation pursuant to applicable laws and regulations.

We and certain of our directors and officers and certain of our key personnel were found suitable to operate riverboat gaming in the State of Louisiana. New directors, officers and certain key employees associated with gaming must also be found suitable by the Gaming Control Board prior to working in gaming-related areas. These approvals may be immediately revoked for a number of causes as determined by the Gaming Control Board. The Gaming Control Board may deny any application for a certificate, permit or license for any cause found to be reasonable by the Gaming Control Board. The Gaming Control Board has the authority to require us to sever our relationships with any persons for any cause deemed reasonable by the Gaming Control Board or for the failure of that person to file necessary applications with the Gaming Control Board.

The current Louisiana riverboat gaming license of Treasure Chest was valid for five years and was to expire on May 18, 2005. An application for renewal was filed and on January 18, 2005, the renewal was approved by the Gaming

 

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Control Board for an additional five-year period; the license is set to expire on May 18, 2010. The Sam’s Town Shreveport license was to expire in March of 2005 and on January 18, 2005, the renewal was approved by the Gaming Control Board for an additional five-year period; the license is set to expire on March 8, 2010.

We are involved in legal proceedings with an unsuccessful applicant for the original Treasure Chest riverboat license in Louisiana.

Alvin C. Copeland, the sole shareholder of an unsuccessful applicant for a riverboat license at the location of our Treasure Chest Casino, has made several attempts to have the Treasure Chest license revoked and awarded to his company. In 1999 and 2000, Copeland unsuccessfully opposed the renewal of the Treasure Chest license and has brought two separate legal actions against us. In November 1993, Copeland objected to the relocation of Treasure Chest Casino from the Mississippi River to its current site on Lake Pontchartrain. The predecessor to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board allowed the relocation over Copeland’s objection. Copeland then filed an appeal of the agency’s decision with the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. Through a number of amendments to the appeal, Copeland improperly attempted to transform the appeal into a direct action suit and sought the revocation of the Treasure Chest license. Treasure Chest intervened in the matter in order to protect its interests. The appeal/suit, as it related to Treasure Chest Casino, was dismissed by the District Court and that dismissal was upheld on appeal by the First Circuit Court of Appeal. Additionally, in 1999, Copeland filed a direct action against Treasure Chest and certain other parties seeking the revocation of Treasure Chest’s license, an award of the license to him and monetary damages. The suit was dismissed by the trial court citing that Copeland failed to state a claim on which relief could be granted. The dismissal was appealed by Copeland to the First Circuit Court of Appeal. On June 21, 2002, the First Circuit Court of Appeal reversed the trial court’s decision and remanded the matter to the trial court. On January 14, 2003, we filed a motion to dismiss the matter and that motion was partially denied. The Court of Appeal refused to reverse the denial of the motion to dismiss. In May 2004, we filed additional motions to dismiss on other grounds. There was no activity regarding this matter during 2005 and 2006, and the case was set to be dismissed by the court for failure to prosecute by the plaintiffs in mid-May 2007; however on May 1, 2007, the plaintiff filed a motion to set a hearing date related to the motions to dismiss. The hearing was scheduled for September 10, 2007, at which time all parties agreed to postpone the hearing indefinitely. We currently are vigorously defending the lawsuit. If this matter ultimately results in the Treasure Chest license being revoked, it could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Annual fees are currently charged to each riverboat project as follows:

 

   

$50,000 per year for the first year and $100,000 for each year thereafter; and

 

   

21.5% of net gaming proceeds.

Additionally, each local government may charge a boarding fee or admissions tax. Treasure Chest pays the City of Kenner a fee of $2.50 per passenger boarding the vessel. Sam’s Town Shreveport pays admission taxes of 4.75% of adjusted gross receipts to various local governmental bodies. Any increase in these fees or taxes could have a material and detrimental effect on the operations of Treasure Chest and Sam’s Town.

Slot Facilities

The Slots Act allows for three separate “eligible facilities” to operate slot machines at live horse racing pari-mutuel facilities (one each in Calcasieu Parish, St. Landry Parish and Bossier Parish). Each facility may, upon proper licensure, operate slot machines in up to 15,000 square feet of gaming space.

Gaming licenses and approvals are issued by the Gaming Control Board, and are subject to revocation for any cause deemed reasonable by the Gaming Control Board. Our operation of slot machines at Delta Downs is subject to strict regulation by the Gaming Control Board and the Louisiana State Police. Extensive regulations concerning accounting, internal controls, underage patrons and other aspects of slot machine operations have been promulgated by the Gaming Control Board. Failure to adhere to these rules and regulations can result in substantial fines and the suspension or revocation of the license to conduct slot machine operations. Any failure to comply with the Louisiana Gaming Control Board’s rules or regulations in the future could ultimately result in the revocation of our license to operate slot machines at Delta Downs.

Annual Fees and taxes currently charged Delta Downs under the Slots Acts are as follows:

 

   

15% of the annual net slot machine proceeds are dedicated to supplement purses of the live horse race meets held at the facility;

 

   

3% of the annual net slot machine proceeds dedicated to horse breeders associations;

 

   

18.5% taxable net slot machine proceeds are paid to the state;

 

   

$0.25 per person attending live racing and off-track betting facilities during those periods when it is conducting race meetings, only on those days when there are scheduled live races at its racetrack (currently Thursdays through

 

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Sundays) from the hours of 6:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. and during those periods when it is not conducting live racing (i.e., between race meetings) only on Thursdays through Mondays from the hours of 12:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. Delta Down’s current license is valid through October of 2011.

Gaming Control Board

At any time, the Gaming Control Board may investigate and require the finding of suitability of any stockholder, beneficial stockholder, officer or director of Boyd Gaming or of any of its subsidiaries. The Gaming Control Board requires all holders of more than a 5% interest in the license holder to submit to suitability requirements. Additionally, if a shareholder who must be found suitable is a corporate or partnership entity, then the shareholders or partners of the entity must also submit to investigation. The sale or transfer of more than a 5% interest in any riverboat or slot project is subject to Gaming Control Board approval.

Pursuant to the regulations promulgated by the Gaming Control Board, all licensees are required to inform the Gaming Control Board of all debt, credit, financing and loan transactions, including the identity of debt holders. Our subsidiaries, Treasure Chest Casino, L.L.C., Boyd Racing, L.L.C., and Red River Entertainment of Shreveport Partnership in Commendam (Sam’s Town Shreveport) are licensees and are subject to these regulations. In addition, the Gaming Control Board, in its sole discretion, may require the holders of such debt securities to file applications and obtain suitability certificates from the Gaming Control Board. Although the Riverboat Act and the Slots Act do not specifically require debt holders to be licensed or to be found suitable, the Gaming Control Board retains the discretion to investigate and require that any holders of debt securities be found suitable under the Riverboat Act or the Slots Act. Additionally, if the Gaming Control Board finds that any holder exercises a material influence over the gaming operations, a suitability certificate will be required. If the Gaming Control Board determines that a person is unsuitable to own such a security or to hold such an indebtedness, the Gaming Control Board may propose any action which it determines proper and necessary to protect the public interest, including the suspension or revocation of the license. The Gaming Control Board may also, under the penalty of revocation of license, issue a condition of disqualification naming the person(s) and declaring that such person(s) may not:

 

   

receive dividends or interest in debt or securities;

 

   

exercise directly or through a nominee a right conferred by the securities or indebtedness;

 

   

receive any remuneration from the licensee;

 

   

receive any economic benefit from the licensee; or

 

   

continue in an ownership or economic interest in a licensee or remain as a manager, director or partner of a licensee.

Any violation of the Riverboat Act, the Slots Act or the rules promulgated by the Gaming Control Board could result in substantial fines, penalties (including a revocation of the license) and criminal actions. Additionally, all licenses and permits issued by the Gaming Control Board are revocable privileges and may be revoked at any time by the Gaming Control Board.

Live Horse Racing

Pari-mutuel betting and the conducting of live horse race meets in Louisiana are strictly regulated by the Louisiana State Racing Commission, which we refer to as the Racing Commission. The Racing Commission is comprised of ten members and is domiciled in New Orleans, Louisiana. In order to be approved to conduct a live race meet and to operate pari-mutuel wagering (including off-track betting), an applicant must show, among other things:

 

   

racing experience;

 

   

financial qualifications;

 

   

moral and financial qualifications of applicant and applicant’s partners, officers and officials;

 

   

the expected effect on the breeding and horse industry;

 

   

the expected effect on the State’s economy; and

 

   

the hope of financial success.

In May 2001, a subsidiary of Boyd Gaming applied for and received approval from the Racing Commission to buy Delta Downs. Approval was also granted to conduct live race meets and to operate pari-mutuel wagering at the Delta Downs facility and to conduct off-track wagering at Delta Downs. The term of these licenses is ten years.

Any alteration in the regulation of riverboat casinos, slot machine operations at certain racetracks, or live racing facilities could have a material adverse effect on the operations of Treasure Chest, Delta Downs, or Sam’s Town Shreveport.

 

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Mississippi

The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in the State of Mississippi, such as those at Sam’s Town Tunica, are subject to extensive state and local regulation, but primarily the licensing and regulatory control of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, or the Mississippi Commission.

The Mississippi Gaming Control Act, or the Mississippi Act, is similar to the Nevada Gaming Control Act. The Mississippi Commission has adopted regulations that are also similar in many respects to the Nevada gaming regulations.

The laws, regulations and supervisory procedures of the Mississippi Commission are based upon declarations of public policy that are concerned with, among other things:

 

   

the prevention of unsavory or unsuitable persons from having a direct or indirect involvement with gaming at any time or in any capacity;

 

   

the establishment and maintenance of responsible accounting practices and procedures;

 

   

the maintenance of effective controls over the financial practices of licensees, including the establishment of minimum procedures for internal fiscal affairs and the safeguarding of assets and revenues, providing for reliable record keeping and requiring the filing of periodic reports with the Mississippi Commission;

 

   

the prevention of cheating and fraudulent practices;

 

   

providing a source of state and local revenues through taxation and licensing fees; and

 

   

ensuring that gaming licensees, to the extent practicable, employ Mississippi residents.

The regulations are subject to amendment and interpretation by the Mississippi Commission. We believe that our compliance with the licensing procedures and regulatory requirements of the Mississippi Commission will not affect the marketability of our securities. Changes in Mississippi laws or regulations may limit or otherwise materially affect the types of gaming that may be conducted and such changes, if enacted, could have an adverse effect on us and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Mississippi Act provides for legalized gaming in each of the fourteen counties that border the Gulf Coast or the Mississippi River, but only if the voters in the county have not voted to prohibit gaming in that county.

Currently, gaming is permissible in nine of the fourteen eligible counties in the state and gaming operations have commenced in seven counties. Traditionally, Mississippi law required gaming vessels to be located on the Mississippi River or on navigable waters in eligible counties along the Mississippi River, or in the waters lying south of the counties along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Recently, however, the Mississippi Legislature amended the Mississippi Act to permit licensees in the three counties along the Gulf Coast to establish land-based casino operations provided the gaming areas do not extend more than 800 feet beyond the nineteen-year mean high water line, except in Harrison County where the 800-foot limit can be extended as far as the southern boundary of Highway 90.

Our Sam’s Town Tunica casino is located on barges situated in a specially constructed basin several hundred feet inland from the Mississippi River. In the past, whether basins such as the one in which our casino barges are located constituted “navigable waters” suitable for gaming under Mississippi law was a controversial issue. The Mississippi Attorney General issued an opinion in July 1993 addressing legal locations for gaming vessels under the Mississippi Act and the Mississippi Commission later approved the location of the casino barges on the Sam’s Town Tunica site as legal under the opinion of the Mississippi Attorney General. Although a competitor requested the Mississippi Commission to review and reconsider its decision, the Mississippi Commission declined to do so and since that date has issued or renewed licenses to Sam’s Town Tunica on several separate occasions. Continued licensing of Sam’s Town Tunica requires demonstration of compliance with the Mississippi Attorney General’s “navigable waters” opinion, a requirement which has been imposed on many Tunica County licensees. We believe that Sam’s Town Tunica is in compliance with the Mississippi Act and the Mississippi Attorney General’s “navigable waters” opinion. However, no assurance can be given that a court ultimately would conclude that our casino barges at Sam’s Town Tunica are located on navigable waters within the meaning of Mississippi law. If the basin in which our Sam’s Town Tunica casino barges presently are located were not deemed navigable waters within the meaning of Mississippi law, such a decision would have a significant adverse effect on us and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Mississippi Act permits unlimited stakes gaming on a 24-hour basis and does not restrict the percentage of space which may be utilized for gaming. The Mississippi Act permits substantially all traditional casino games and gaming devices.

We and any subsidiary of ours that operates a casino in Mississippi, which we refer to as a Gaming Subsidiary, are subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Mississippi Commission. We are registered under the Mississippi Act as a publicly traded corporation, or a Registered Corporation, of Boyd Tunica, Inc., the owner and operator of Sam’s Town

 

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Tunica, a licensee of the Mississippi Commission. As a Registered Corporation, we are required periodically to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Mississippi Commission and furnish any other information the Mississippi Commission may require. If we are unable to continue to satisfy the registration requirements of the Mississippi Act, we and any Gaming Subsidiary cannot own or operate gaming facilities in Mississippi. No person may become a stockholder of or receive any percentage of profits from a licensed subsidiary of a Registered Corporation without first obtaining licenses and approvals from the Mississippi Commission. We have obtained such approvals in connection with the licensing of Sam’s Town Tunica.

A Gaming Subsidiary must maintain a gaming license from the Mississippi Commission to operate a casino in Mississippi. Such licenses are issued by the Mississippi Commission subject to certain conditions, including continued compliance with all applicable state laws and regulations. There are no limitations on the number of gaming licenses that may be issued in Mississippi. Gaming licenses require the payment of periodic fees and taxes, are not transferable, are issued for a three-year period (and may be continued for two additional three-year periods) and must be renewed periodically thereafter. Sam’s Town Tunica’s current gaming license expires in December of 2010.

Certain of our officers and employees and the officers, directors and certain key employees of Sam’s Town Tunica must be found suitable or approved by the Mississippi Commission. We believe that we have obtained, applied for or are in the process of applying for all necessary findings of suitability with respect to Boyd Gaming or Sam’s Town Tunica, although the Mississippi Commission, in its discretion, may require additional persons to file applications for findings of suitability. In addition, any person having a material relationship or involvement with us may be required to be found suitable, in which case those persons must pay the costs and fees associated with such investigation. The Mississippi Commission may deny an application for a finding of suitability for any cause that it deems reasonable. Changes in certain licensed positions must be reported to the Mississippi Commission. In addition to its authority to deny an application for a finding of suitability, the Mississippi Commission has jurisdiction to disapprove a change in any corporate position or title and such changes must be reported to the Mississippi Commission. The Mississippi Commission has the power to require us and our Mississippi Gaming Subsidiary to suspend or dismiss officers, directors and other key employees or sever relationships with other persons who refuse to file appropriate applications or whom the authorities find unsuitable to act in such capacities. Determination of suitability or questions pertaining to licensing are not subject to judicial review in Mississippi.

At any time, the Mississippi Commission has the power to investigate and require the finding of suitability of any record or beneficial stockholder of Boyd Gaming. The Mississippi Act requires any person who acquires more than five percent of any class of voting securities of a Registered Corporation, as reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, to report the acquisition to the Mississippi Commission, and such person may be required to be found suitable. Also, any person who becomes a beneficial owner of more than ten percent of any class of voting securities of a Registered Corporation, as reported to the SEC, must apply for a finding of suitability by the Mississippi Commission and must pay the costs and fees that the Mississippi Commission incurs in conducting the investigation. If a stockholder who must be found suitable is a corporation, partnership or trust, it must submit detailed business and financial information including a list of beneficial owners.

The Mississippi Commission generally has exercised its discretion to require a finding of suitability of any beneficial owner of more than five percent of any class of voting securities of a Registered Corporation. However, under certain circumstances, an “institutional investor,” as defined in the Mississippi Commission’s regulations, which acquires more than ten percent, but not more than fifteen percent, of the voting securities of a Registered Corporation may apply to the Mississippi Commission for a waiver of such finding of suitability if such institutional investor holds the voting securities for investment purposes only. An institutional investor shall not be deemed to hold voting securities for investment purposes unless the voting securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business as an institutional investor and not for the purpose of causing, directly or indirectly, the election of a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Registered Corporation, any change in the corporate charter, bylaws, management, policies or operations, or any of its gaming affiliates, or any other action which the Mississippi Commission finds to be inconsistent with holding the voting securities for investment purposes only. Activities which are not deemed to be inconsistent with holding voting securities for investment purposes include:

 

   

voting on all matters voted on by stockholders;

 

   

making financial and other inquiries of management of the type normally made by securities analysts for informational purposes and not to cause a change in management, policies or operations; and

 

   

such other activities as the Mississippi Commission may determine to be consistent with such investment intent.

Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability or a license within thirty days after being ordered to do so by the Mississippi Commission may be found unsuitable. The same restrictions apply to a record owner if the record

 

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owner, after request, fails to identify the beneficial owner. Any person found unsuitable and who holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership of our securities beyond such time as the Mississippi Commission prescribes, may be guilty of a misdemeanor. We may be subject to disciplinary action if, after receiving notice that a person is unsuitable to be a stockholder or to have any other relationship with us or any Gaming Subsidiary owned by us, the company involved:

 

   

pays the unsuitable person any dividend or other distribution upon such person’s voting securities;

 

   

recognizes the exercise, directly or indirectly, of any voting rights conferred by securities held by the unsuitable person;

 

   

pays the unsuitable person any remuneration in any form for services rendered or otherwise, except in certain limited and specific circumstances; or

 

   

fails to pursue all lawful efforts to require the unsuitable person to divest himself of the securities, including, if necessary, the immediate purchase of the securities for cash at a fair market value.

We may be required to disclose to the Mississippi Commission, upon request, the identities of the holders of our debt or other securities. In addition, under the Mississippi Act the Mississippi Commission, in its discretion, may require the holder of any debt security of a Registered Corporation to file an application, be investigated and be found suitable to own the debt security if the Mississippi Commission has reason to believe that the ownership of the debt security by the holder would be inconsistent with the declared policies of the State.

Although the Mississippi Commission generally does not require the individual holders of obligations such as notes to be investigated and found suitable, the Mississippi Commission retains the discretion to do so for any reason, including but not limited to, a default, or where the holder of the debt instruments exercises a material influence over the gaming operations of the entity in question. Any holder of debt securities required to apply for a finding of suitability must pay all investigative fees and costs of the Mississippi Commission in connection with such an investigation.

If the Mississippi Commission determines that a person is unsuitable to own a debt security, then the Registered Corporation may be sanctioned, including the loss of its approvals, if without the prior approval of the Mississippi Commission, it:

 

   

pays to the unsuitable person any dividend, interest, or any distribution whatsoever;

 

   

recognizes any voting right by the unsuitable person in connection with those securities;

 

   

pays the unsuitable person remuneration in any form; or

 

   

makes any payment to the unsuitable person by way of principal, redemption, conversion, exchange, liquidation, or similar transaction.

Each Mississippi Gaming Subsidiary must maintain in Mississippi a current ledger with respect to the ownership of its equity securities and we must maintain in Mississippi a current list of our stockholders which must reflect the record ownership of each outstanding share of any class of our equity securities. The ledger and stockholder lists must be available for inspection by the Mississippi Commission at any time. If any securities are held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may be required to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to the Mississippi Commission. A failure to make such disclosure may be grounds for finding the record holder unsuitable. We must also render maximum assistance in determining the identity of the beneficial owner.

The Mississippi Act requires that the certificates representing securities of a Registered Corporation bear a legend indicating that the securities are subject to the Mississippi Act and the regulations of the Mississippi Commission. We have received from the Mississippi Commission a waiver of this legend requirement. The Mississippi Commission has the power to impose additional restrictions on the holders of our securities at any time.

Substantially all material loans, leases, sales of securities and similar financing transactions by a Registered Corporation or a Gaming Subsidiary must be reported to or approved by the Mississippi Commission. A Mississippi Gaming Subsidiary may not make a public offering of its securities but may pledge or mortgage casino facilities. A Registered Corporation may not make a public offering of its securities without the prior approval of the Mississippi Commission if any part of the proceeds of the offering is to be used to finance the construction, acquisition or operation of gaming facilities in Mississippi or to retire or extend obligations incurred for those purposes. Such approval, if given, does not constitute a recommendation or approval of the investment merits of the securities subject to the offering. We have received a waiver of the prior approval requirement with respect to public offerings and private placements of securities, subject to certain conditions, including the ability of the Mississippi Commission to issue a stop order with respect to any such offering if the staff determines it would be necessary to do so.

Under the regulations of the Mississippi Commission, a Gaming Subsidiary may not guarantee a security issued by an affiliated company pursuant to a public offering, or pledge its assets to secure payment or performance of the obligations

 

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evidenced by the security issued by the affiliated company, without the prior approval of the Mississippi Commission. A pledge of the stock of a Gaming Subsidiary and the foreclosure of such a pledge are ineffective without the prior approval of the Mississippi Commission. Moreover, restrictions on the transfer of an equity security issued by a Gaming Subsidiary or its holding companies and agreements not to encumber such securities are ineffective without the prior approval of the Mississippi Commission. We have obtained approvals from the Mississippi Gaming Commission for such guarantees, pledges and restrictions in connection with offerings of securities, subject to certain restrictions, but we must obtain separate prior approvals from the Mississippi Commission for pledges and stock restrictions in connection with certain financing transactions. Moreover, the regulations of the Mississippi Commission require us to file a Loan to Licensees report with the Mississippi Gaming Commission within thirty (30) days following certain financing transactions and the offering of certain debt securities. If the Mississippi Commission were to deem it appropriate, the Mississippi Commission could order such transaction rescinded.

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

The Mississippi legislature has declared that some corporate acquisitions opposed by management, repurchases of voting securities and other corporate defense tactics that affect corporate gaming licensees in Mississippi and Registered Corporations may be injurious to stable and productive corporate gaming. The Mississippi Commission has established a regulatory scheme to ameliorate the potentially adverse effects of these business practices upon Mississippi’s gaming industry and further Mississippi’s policy to:

 

   

assure the financial stability of corporate gaming operators and their affiliates;

 

   

preserve the beneficial aspects of conducting business in the corporate form; and

 

   

promote a neutral environment for the orderly governance of corporate affairs.

Approvals are, in certain circumstances, required from the Mississippi Commission before a Registered Corporation may make exceptional repurchases of voting securities (such as repurchases which treat holders differently) in excess of the current market price and before a corporate acquisition opposed by management can be consummated. Mississippi’s gaming regulations also require prior approval by the Mississippi Commission of a plan of recapitalization proposed by the Registered Corporation’s board of directors in response to a tender offer made directly to the Registered Corporation’s shareholders for the purpose of acquiring control of the Registered Corporation.

Neither we nor any Gaming Subsidiary may engage in gaming activities in Mississippi while also conducting gaming operations outside of Mississippi without approval of the Mississippi Commission. The Mississippi Commission may require determinations that, among other things, there are means for the Mississippi Commission to have access to information concerning the out-of-state gaming operations of us and our affiliates. We previously have obtained a waiver of foreign gaming approval from the Mississippi Commission for operations in other states in which we conduct gaming operations and will be required to obtain approval or a waiver of such approval from the Mississippi Commission prior to engaging in any additional future gaming operations outside of Mississippi.

If the Mississippi Commission were to determine that we or Sam’s Town Tunica had violated a gaming law or regulation, the Mississippi Commission could limit, condition, suspend or revoke our approvals and the license of Sam’s Town Tunica, subject to compliance with certain statutory and regulatory procedures. In addition, we, Sam’s Town Tunica and the persons involved could be subject to substantial fines for each separate violation. Because of such a violation, the Mississippi Commission could attempt to appoint a supervisor to operate the casino facilities. Limitation, conditioning or suspension of any gaming license or approval or the appointment of a supervisor could (and revocation of any gaming license or approval would) materially adversely affect us and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

License fees and taxes, computed in various ways depending on the type of gaming or activity involved, are payable to the State of Mississippi and to the counties and cities in which a Gaming Subsidiary’s operations are conducted. Depending upon the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes are payable either monthly, quarterly or annually. Gaming taxes are based upon the following:

 

   

a percentage of the gross gaming revenues received by the casino operation;

 

   

the number of gaming devices operated by the casino; or

 

   

the number of table games operated by the casino.

 

22


The license fee payable to the State of Mississippi is based upon “gaming receipts” (generally defined as gross receipts less payouts to customers as winnings) and the current maximum tax rate imposed is eight percent of all gaming receipts in excess of $134,000 per month. The foregoing license fees we pay are allowed as a credit against our Mississippi income tax liability for the year paid. The gross revenues fee imposed by Tunica County in which Sam’s Town Tunica is located equals approximately four percent of the gaming receipts.

The Mississippi Commission’s regulations require as a condition of licensure or license renewal that an existing licensed gaming establishment’s plan include adequate parking facilities in close proximity to the casino complex and infrastructure facilities, such as hotels, which amount to at least 100% of the casino cost. The Mississippi Commission’s current infrastructure requirement applies to new casinos or acquisitions of closed casinos. Sam’s Town Tunica was grandfathered under a prior version of that regulation that required the infrastructure investment to equal only 25% of the casino’s cost.

The sale of alcoholic beverages by Sam’s Town Tunica is subject to licensing, control and regulation by both the local jurisdiction and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, or ABC, of the Mississippi State Tax Commission. Sam’s Town Tunica is in an area designated as special resort area, which allows Sam’s Town Tunica to serve alcoholic beverages on a 24-hour basis. If the ABC laws are violated, the ABC has the full power to limit, condition, suspend or revoke any license for the serving of alcoholic beverages or to place such licensee on probation with or without conditions. Any such disciplinary action could (and revocation would) have a significant adverse effect upon us and our business, financial condition and results of operations. Certain of our officers and managers at Sam’s Town Tunica must be investigated by the ABC in connection with our liquor permits and changes in certain key positions must be approved by the ABC.

Indiana

The Indiana Riverboat Gaming Act, or the Indiana Act, was passed in 1993 and authorized the issuance of up to eleven Riverboat Owner’s Licenses to be operated from counties that are contiguous to the Ohio River, Lake Michigan and Patoka Lake. Five riverboats operate from counties contiguous to the Ohio River and five operate from counties contiguous to Lake Michigan. Subsequent legislation has amended or modified the Indiana Act, including:

 

   

Legislation adopted in May 2003 that eliminated the Riverboat Owner’s License for a riverboat to be docked in a county contiguous to Patoka Lake. However, the General Assembly authorized the Indiana Gaming Commission to enter into a contract pursuant to which an Operating Agent can operate a riverboat in Orange County, which is contiguous to Patoka Lake, on behalf of the Indiana Gaming Commission. This contract was awarded to Blue Sky Casino, LLC, which commenced operations on November 3, 2006.

 

   

Legislation enacted in April 2007 that:

 

   

specified a riverboat cannot be moved from the county in which it was docked on January 1, 2007, to another county; and

 

   

authorized two horse tracks, located in Anderson and Shelbyville, Indiana, to install 2,000 slot machines at each facility. The Indiana Gaming Commission may authorize the installation of additional slot machines. Each track must pay a licensure fee of $250 million in two annual installments. The Indiana Gaming Commission will have jurisdiction over the slot machine operation while the Indiana Horse Racing Commission will maintain oversight of the track operations. Each Slot Track Licensee must make a minimum of $100 million in capital expenditures as a condition of licensure. The slot operations at the tracks are anticipated to open in the second quarter of 2008.

The Indiana Act and rules promulgated thereunder provide for the strict regulation of the facilities, persons, associations and practices related to gaming operations. The Indiana Act vests the seven member Indiana Gaming Commission with the power and duties of administering, regulating and enforcing riverboat gaming in Indiana. In 2005 the Indiana Act was amended to change the residency requirements of Indiana Gaming Commission members requiring only one member, rather than three, reside in counties contiguous to Lake Michigan and to the Ohio River. The Indiana Gaming Commission’s jurisdiction extends to every person, association, corporation, partnership and trust involved in any riverboat gaming operation located in the State of Indiana.

The Indiana Act requires that the owner of a riverboat gambling operation hold a Riverboat Owner’s License issued by the Indiana Gaming Commission. The applicants for a Riverboat Owner’s License must submit a comprehensive application and the substantial owners and key persons must submit personal disclosure forms. The company, substantial owners and key persons must undergo an exhaustive background investigation prior to the issuance of a Riverboat Owner’s License. A person who owns or will own five percent of a Riverboat Owner’s License must automatically undergo the background

 

23


investigation. The Indiana Gaming Commission may investigate any person with any level of ownership interest. The Operating Agent of an Orange County riverboat will undergo the same background investigation as a Riverboat Licensee. If the holder of a Riverboat license, the Riverboat Licensee or the Operating Agent is a publicly-traded corporation, its Articles of Incorporation must contain language concerning transfer of ownership, suitability determinations and possible divestiture of ownership if a shareholder is found unsuitable.

A Riverboat Owner’s License and Operating Contract entitle the licensee or the Operating Agent to operate one riverboat. The Indiana Act was amended in May 2003 to allow a person to hold up to one hundred percent of two individual Riverboat Owner’s Licenses. In addition, a transfer fee of two million dollars will be imposed on a Riverboat Licensee who purchases or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in a second Indiana Riverboat Owner’s License. On June 7, 2007, the Indiana Gaming Commission adopted an emergency rule that requires the Indiana Gaming Commission to “consider the extent by which the State would share in any monetary payment to or economic benefit realized by the person divesting the [five percent or more] ownership interest” in a riverboat licensee or gambling games licensee. The Indiana Gaming Commission readopted this rule on December 6, 2007. House Bill 1224 is currently pending in the Indiana General Assembly. If enacted in its current form, House Bill 1224 would void the emergency rule adopted by the Indiana Gaming Commission on June 7, 2007.

All riverboats must comply with applicable federal and state laws including, but not limited to, U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Each riverboat must be certified to carry at least five hundred passengers and be at least one hundred fifty feet in length. Those riverboats located in counties contiguous to the Ohio River must replicate historic Indiana steamboat passenger vessels of the nineteenth century. The Indiana Act does not limit the number of gaming positions allowed on each riverboat. The only limitation on the number of permissible patrons allowed is established by the U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection in the specification of the riverboat’s capacity. In 2005 the Indiana Act was amended to allow the Indiana Gaming Commission to adopt an alternative certification process if the U.S. Coast Guard discontinues issuing Certifications of Inspections to Indiana riverboats. On June 7, 2007, the Indiana Gaming Commission adopted the Guide for Alternate Certification of Continuously Moored, Self-Propelled, Riverboat Gaming Vessels in the State of Indiana. Vessels with an existing Certificate of Inspection operating as a dockside riverboat casino will be accepted as-is into the Alternative Certification program, subject to satisfactory completion of the United States Coast Guard procedures for becoming a Permanently Moored Vessel and a satisfactory inspection by ABS Consulting. Upon surrendering the United States Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection rules and regulation of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration will apply to the vessel and its crew, including casino personnel.

The Indiana Gaming Commission, after consultation with the Corps, may determine those navigable waterways located in counties contiguous to Lake Michigan or the Ohio River that are suitable for riverboats. If the Corps rescinds approval for the operation of a riverboat gambling facility, the Riverboat Owner’s License issued by the Indiana Gaming Commission is void and the Riverboat Licensee may not commence or must cease conducting gambling operations.

The initial Riverboat Owner’s License runs for a period of five years. Thereafter, the license is subject to renewal on an annual basis upon a determination by the Indiana Gaming Commission that it continues to be eligible to hold a Riverboat Owner’s License pursuant to the Indiana Act and rules promulgated thereunder. After the expiration of the initial license, the Riverboat Owner’s License must be renewed annually with each Riverboat Licensee undergoing a complete reinvestigation every three years. The Indiana Gaming Commission reserves the right to investigate Riverboat Licensees at any time it deems necessary. The initial license was issued to Blue Chip Casino, Inc., the predecessor to Blue Chip Casino, LLC, in August of 1997. Blue Chip underwent a reinvestigation in 2005 and its license was renewed. Blue Chip’s license was renewed on August 18, 2007. Blue Chip’s next requisite reinvestigation will occur in August 2008. The Operating Contract for an Orange County riverboat is valid for a period of twenty years. However, the Operating Agent is to be reinvestigated every three years to determine continued suitability. In addition, the Indiana Gaming Commission has the right to reinvestigate the Operating Agent at any time it deems necessary. Slot track licenses must be renewed annually with a reinvestigation every three years. All licensees must apply for and hold all other licenses necessary for the operation of a riverboat gambling operation, including, but not limited to, alcoholic beverage licenses and food preparation licenses.

Neither the Riverboat Owner’s License nor the Operating Contract may be leased, hypothecated or have money borrowed or loaned against it. An ownership interest in a Riverboat Owner’s License or an Operating Contract may only be transferred in accordance with the Indiana Act and rules promulgated thereunder.

The Indiana Act does not limit the amount a patron may bet or lose. Minimum and maximum wagers for each game are set by the Riverboat Licensee or an Operating Agent. Wagering may not be conducted with money or other negotiable currency. No person under the age of 21 is permitted to wager on or be present on a riverboat. Wagers may only be taken from a person present on the riverboat. All electronic gaming devices must pay out between eighty and one hundred percent of the amount wagered. In addition, in May 2003, the Indiana General Assembly adopted legislation authorizing twenty-four

 

24


hour operation for all Indiana riverboats upon application to, and approval by, the Indiana Gaming Commission. The Indiana Gaming Commission had previously allowed only twenty-one hour gaming. As a result of the legislative change and upon receipt of the requisite approval, Blue Chip commenced twenty-four hour gaming on August 1, 2003.

Pursuant to legislation adopted in May 2003, the Indiana Gaming Commission adopted rules to establish and implement a voluntary exclusion program that requires, among other things, (i) that persons who participate in the voluntary exclusion program be included on a list of persons excluded from all Indiana riverboats, (ii) that persons who participate in the voluntary exclusion program may not seek readmittance to Indiana riverboats, (iii) Riverboat Licensees and Operating Agents must make reasonable efforts, as determined by the Indiana Gaming Commission, to cease all direct marketing efforts to a person participating in the voluntary exclusion program, and (iv) a Riverboat Licensee or Operating Agent may not cash a check of, or extend credit to, a person participating in the voluntary exclusion program. The voluntary exclusion program does not preclude a Riverboat Licensee or Operating Agent from seeking payment of a debt accrued by a person before entry into the voluntary exclusion program. The Indiana Gaming Commission has commenced the voluntary exclusion program and, as of January 2008, 2,241 individuals had requested voluntary exclusion from Indiana riverboats.

The Indiana General Assembly amended the Indiana Act in 2002 to allow riverboats to choose between continuing to conduct excursions or operate dockside. The Indiana Gaming Commission authorized riverboats to commence dockside operations on August 1, 2002. Blue Chip opted to operate dockside and commenced dockside operations on August 1, 2002. Pursuant to the legislation, the tax rate was increased from 20% to 22.5% during any time an Indiana riverboat does not operate dockside. For those riverboats that operate dockside, the following graduated tax rate is applicable: (i) 15% of the first $25 million of adjusted gross receipts, which we refer to as AGR; (ii) 20% of AGR in excess of $25 million, but not exceeding $50 million; (iii) 25% of AGR in excess of $50 million, but not exceeding $75 million; (iv) 30% of AGR in excess of $75 million, but not exceeding $150 million; and (v) 35% of AGR in excess of $150 million, but not exceeding $600 million; (vi) 40% of AGR in excess of $600 million. AGR is based on Indiana’s fiscal year (July 1 of one year through June 30 of the following year). The Operating Agent in Orange County will pay the wagering tax on the same basis as the other ten Indiana riverboats. The Indiana Act requires that Riverboat Licensees pay a $3.00 admission tax for each person. A riverboat that opts to continue excursions pays the admission tax on a per excursion basis while a riverboat that operates dockside pays the admission tax on a per entry basis. Legislation enacted in April 2007 provides the Indiana Gaming Commission with the authority to adopt rules to determine the point at which a patron is considered admitted to a riverboat. The Orange County Operating Agent must pay a $4.00 admission tax for each person that enters the riverboat. Slot Track Licensees must pay the following graduated wagering tax: (i) 25% of the first $100 million; (ii) 30% of AGR in excess of $100 million, but not exceeding $200 million; (iii) 35% of AGR in excess of $200 million. The Indiana Act provides for the suspension or revocation of a license whose owner does not timely submit the wagering or admission tax. Slot track licensees must also pay (i) a 3% county slot machines wagering fee not to exceed $8 million in a fiscal year; (ii) an annual $500,00 problem gambling fee; (iii) 15% of its respective AGR to horsemen’s purses, horsemen’s associations and the gaming integrity fee; and (iv) an annual supplemental fee of 1% AGR to the Operating Agent for the first five years of operation and, thereafter, an annual renewal fee of $100 per slot machine.

In April 2007 the Indiana General Assembly amended the manner in which riverboats are to be taxed for property tax purposes. Retroactive to March 1, 2006, riverboats are to be taxed based on the lowest valuation as determined by an application of each of the following methodologies: (i) cost approach; (ii) sales comparison approach; and (iii) income capitalization approach. Alternatively the Riverboat Licensee and the respective Township Assessor may reach an agreement regarding the value of the riverboat. All Indiana state excise taxes, use taxes and gross retail taxes apply to sales made on a riverboat. In 2004 the Indiana Supreme Court ruled that vessels purchased out of the State of Indiana and brought into the State of Indiana would be subject to Indiana sales tax. Additionally, the Supreme Court declined to hear an Indiana Tax Court case that determined wagering tax payments made by a riverboat could not be deducted from the riverboat’s adjusted gross income.

The Indiana Gaming Commission is authorized to conduct investigations into gambling games, the maintenance of equipment, and violations of the Indiana Act as it deems necessary. The Indiana Gaming Commission may subject a Riverboat Licensee, an Operating Agent or a Slot Track Licensee to fines, suspension or revocation of its license or Operating Contract for any conduct that violates the Indiana Act, rules promulgated thereunder or that constitutes a fraudulent act.

A Riverboat Licensee, Operating Agent and Slot Track Licensee must post a bond during the period of the initial five-year license in an amount the Indiana Gaming Commission deems will secure the obligations of a Riverboat Licensee for infrastructure and other facilities associated with the riverboat gambling operation and that may be used as payment to the local community, the state and other aggrieved parties. The bond must be payable to the Indiana Gaming Commission as obligee. The initial bond posted by Blue Chip has been reduced as Blue Chip met its obligations to the local community and the State. As a condition of relicensure, Blue Chip must maintain a bond in the amount of $1 million to meet general legal and financial obligations to the local community and the State. The Riverboat Licensee, Operating Agent and Slot Track Licensee must carry insurance in types and amounts as required by the Indiana Gaming Commission.

 

25


By rule promulgated by the Indiana Gaming Commission, neither a Riverboat Licensee, Operating Agent nor a Slot Track Licensee may enter into or perform any contract or transaction in which it transfers or receives consideration that is not commercially reasonable or that does not reflect the fair market value of goods and services rendered or received. All contracts are subject to disapproval by the Indiana Gaming Commission and contracts should reflect the potential for disapproval.

The Indiana Act places special emphasis on minority and women business enterprise participation in the riverboat industry. The Indiana Gaming Commission recently hired consultants who performed a Statistical Analysis of the Utilization of minority and women business enterprises by Riverboat Licensees and the Operating Agents. Based on the results of that Statistical Analysis Riverboat Licensees, Operating Agents and Slot Track Licensees must establish goals of expending ten and nine-tenths percent of the total dollars spent on construction expenditures with women business enterprises. The Indiana Gaming Commission encourages the purchase of goods and services in the following categories from minority and women business enterprises based on the capacity measurement determined by the Statistical Analysis: (i) Twenty-three and two-tenths percent with minority-owned construction firms; (ii) four and two-tenths percent with minority-owned procurement firms; (iii) two and five-tenths percent with women-owned procurement firms; (iv) eleven and two-tenths percent with minority-owned professional services firms; (v) seven and eight-tenths percent with women-owned professional services firms; (vi) two and nine-tenths percent of other expenditures with minority-owned firms; and (vii) one and eight-tenths percent with other women-owned firms. Riverboat Licensees, Operating Agents and Slot Track Licensees may be subject to a disciplinary action for failure to meet the minority and women business enterprise expenditure goals.

By rule promulgated by the Indiana Gaming Commission, a Riverboat Licensee or affiliate may not enter into a debt transaction in excess of $1 million without the prior approval of the Indiana Gaming Commission. A debt transaction is any transaction that will result in the encumbrance of assets. Unless waived, approval of debt transactions requires consideration by the Indiana Gaming Commission at two business meetings. The Indiana Gaming Commission, by resolution, has authorized the Executive Director, subject to subsequent approval by the Indiana Gaming Commission, to approve debt transactions after a review of the documents and consultation with the Chair and the Indiana Gaming Commission’s outside financial analyst.

A rule promulgated by the Indiana Gaming Commission requires the reporting of currency transactions to the Indiana Gaming Commission after the transactions are reported to the federal government. Indiana rules also require that Riverboat Licensees track and maintain logs of transactions that exceed $3,000. The Indiana Gaming Commission has promulgated a rule that prohibits distributions, excluding distributions for the payment of taxes, by a Riverboat Licensee to its partners, shareholders, itself or any affiliated entity if the distribution would impair the financial viability of the riverboat gaming operation. The Indiana Gaming Commission has also promulgated a rule mandating Riverboat Licensees to maintain a cash reserve to protect patrons against defaults in gaming debts. The cash reserve is to be equal to a Riverboat Licensee’s average payout for a three-day period based on the riverboat’s performance the prior calendar quarter. The cash reserve can consist of cash on hand, cash maintained in Indiana bank accounts and cash equivalents not otherwise committed or obligated.

The Indiana Act prohibits contributions to a candidate for a state legislative or local office or to a candidate’s committee or to a regular party committee by:

 

   

a person who owns at least one percent of a Riverboat Licensee, Operating Agent or Slot Track Licensee;

 

   

a person who is an officer of a Riverboat Licensee, Operating Agent or Slot Track Licensee;

 

   

a person who is an officer of a person that owns at least one percent of a Riverboat Licensee, Operating Agent or Slot Track Licensee; or

 

   

a person who is a political action committee of a Riverboat Licensee, Operating Agent, or Slot Track Licnesee.

The prohibition against political contributions extends for three years following a change in the circumstances that resulted in the prohibition.

Individuals employed on a riverboat and in certain positions must hold an occupational license issued by the Indiana Gaming Commission. Suppliers of gaming equipment and gaming or revenue tracking services must hold a supplier’s license issued by the Indiana Gaming Commission. By rule promulgated by the Indiana Gaming Commission, Riverboat Licensees, Operating Agents (and it is anticipated Slot Track Licensees) who employ non-licensed individuals in positions requiring licensure or who purchase supplies from a non-licensed entity may be subject to a disciplinary action.

 

26


Florida

In the State of Florida, we, through wholly owned subsidiaries, own and operate one gaming facility, the Dania Jai-Alai Fronton in Dania, Broward County, Florida. Jai-Alai is a Spanish ball game that under Florida law allows the operator of the Fronton, to accept pari-mutuel wagers on the outcome of the game. Pari-mutuel wagering on Jai-Alai games is subject to extensive state regulation under Chapter 550 of the Florida Statutes and Chapter 61D of the Florida Administrative Code. The statutory scheme regulating the conduct of Jai-Alai games has been in existence since the 1930s.

Two separate pari-mutuel permits operate at the Dania Jai-Alai Fronton. The main Jai-Alai permit, presently owned by our subsidiary, The Aragon Group, Inc., which we refer to as Aragon, was issued by the State of Florida in 1953; and under law, that permit was originally authorized to operate only during the winter tourist season, running from December 1 through the following April 30. In 1980, the Florida legislature enacted a law that allowed for the creation of a summer Jai-Alai permit in both Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, which permit was authorized to operate from May 1 through November 30. After passage of the law authorizing summer Jai-Alai activities, a summer Jai-Alai license was issued by the State of Florida to the predecessor to the current owner of the permit, Summersport Enterprises, Ltd., which we refer to as Summersport. Summersport is one of our subsidiaries. By holding both permits, year round Jai-Alai operations were authorized for the Dania Jai-Alai Fronton. Through subsequent legislative changes, the restriction on the number of days the Jai-Alai permit owned by Aragon could operate was lifted, thereby allowing year round operation under that permit. The restriction on the operational days for the summer Jai-Alai permit was not lifted, however, and therefore remains in effect. Presently, we own and operate under both of the permits.

In addition to conducting pari-mutuel wagering on Jai-Alai games, the following additional forms of gaming are authorized at the Dania Jai-Alai Fronton:

 

   

simulcast wagering on pari-mutuel events, including wagering on all of the other pari-mutuel sports authorized under Florida law, such as thoroughbred and harness horse racing and greyhound racing;

 

   

poker and dominoes under a special cardroom license held by certain Florida pari-mutuel permitholders including Aragon and Summersport; and

 

   

slot machine gaming under a special slot machine gaming license held by a limited number of Florida pari-mutuel permitholders including Aragon.

Jai-Alai and other pari-mutuel wagering activities

Conducting Jai-Alai games and accepting pari-mutuel wagering on those games is strictly regulated by the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, which we refer to as the Pari-Mutuel Division. The Pari-Mutuel Division is an executive branch administrative agency, with the director serving at the pleasure of the Governor. All actions taken by the Pari-Mutuel Division are subject to the provisions of the Florida Administrative Procedures Act as contained in Chapter 120 of the Florida Statutes.

The Pari-Mutuel Division’s authority is granted under Chapter 550 of the Florida Statutes. Chapter 550 of the Florida Statutes imposes a number of statutory duties on the Pari-Mutuel Division, including the duty to:

 

   

adopt rules for the control, supervision and direction over all applicants, permitholders and licensees and over the conduct of all pari-mutuel activities and events to assure compliance with the provisions of Chapter 550 and to otherwise protect the interest of the public by assuring the integrity of the outcome of the pari-mutuel events;

 

   

oversee the making and distribution of all pari-mutuel pools;

 

   

collect taxes and require compliance with all financial reporting requirements; and

 

   

conduct investigations of applicants for permits and licenses to assure compliance with the moral and financial qualifications set forth in Chapter 550.

Other provisions of Chapter 550 grant Jai-Alai permitholders, including Aragon and Summersport, the right to accept pari-mutuel wagers on other pari-mutuel events that are conducted live at other pari-mutuel facilities within and without the State of Florida. The foregoing sections, which grant additional rights to pari-mutuel wagering, list many exceptions to the general rule authorizing the simulcasting of signals. These exceptions include restrictive provisions designed to protect a permitholder’s live meet from the forced transmission of a simulcast signal within the live permitholder’s “market area.” Nonetheless, both Aragon and Summersport are actively engaged in the business of accepting wagers on simulcast events conducted by consenting facilities that have elected not to enforce the “market area” restrictions or which are conducted by consenting facilities outside of the “market area.”

 

27


Poker and domino activities under Cardroom license

In 1996, the Florida legislature first authorized the issuance of Cardroom licenses to the holders of pari-mutuel permits, subject to a local option approval by the county commission in the Florida county where the pari-mutuel permitholder conducted its business. Section 849.086 of the Florida Statutes contains the statutory authority for cardroom activities and also contains the applicable regulatory framework. Cardroom activity was authorized by the Broward County Commission in 1996 and shortly thereafter both Aragon and Summersport applied for and received from the Pari-Mutuel Division Cardroom licenses. Initially, poker games only were authorized under section 849.086, however, during the 2007 session of the legislature, this section was expanded to include dominoes as an authorized game. In addition, the 2007 legislation made other important changes to the regulatory scheme under which cardrooms operate, including increasing the maximum bet to $5.00 with three raises per round, modifying the days of operation of cardrooms so that cardroom activities may now occur on days when no live pari-mutuel activities are being conducted, loosening the limitations on tournament play, authorizing giveaways and jackpots and increasing the annual license fee per table to $1,000.

The legislative changes to Section 849.086 discussed in the preceding paragraph became effective on July 1, 2007.

Slot Machine Gaming

In November 2004, voters in the State of Florida amended the Constitution of the State of Florida to allow the voters of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to decide whether to approve slot machine gaming within existing pari-mutuel facilities in their respective county. Our Fronton is located in Broward County and therefore met the initial qualification threshold contained in the constitutional amendment. Broward County voters approved the local referendum in March 2005. Accordingly, slot machine gaming may be lawfully conducted at the facility known as the Dania Jai-Alai Fronton.

The regulatory scheme for slot machine gaming is contained within Chapter 551 of the Florida Statutes, which law became effective on January 4, 2006. Although there are pari-mutuel facilities in numerous other counties in the State of Florida, the legislation, tracking the constitutional amendment, also restricted slot machine gaming to pari-mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Further, only existing pari-mutuel facilities can be approved locations for slot machine gaming.

The 2006 law governing slot machine gaming included the following material features:

 

   

the facility may be operated 365 days per year, 16 hours per day;

 

   

the maximum number of machines is 1,500 Vegas-style (Class III) slot machines per facility;

 

   

the annual license fee is $3 million;

 

   

the tax payable to the State of Florida is 50% of net slot revenue;

 

   

the machines will not accept coins or currency, but are ticket in/ticket out;

 

   

the minimum age to play the machines is 21 years;

 

   

ATMs are not permitted within the facility; and

 

   

the Pari-Mutuel Division is required to enforce the provisions of Chapter 551, including through use of its investigatory and police powers.

Beginning in late 2006, slot machine gaming began at other pari-mutuel facilities in Broward County, with Gulfstream Park, a thoroughbred racing facility located in Hallandale, Florida, which opened in October 2006; Mardi Gras Gaming, a greyhound racing facility also located in Hallandale, Florida, which opened in December 2006; and Pompano Park, a harness horse racing facility located in Pompano Beach, Florida, which opened in April 2007. In March, 2007, Aragon was granted a slot machine license by the Pari-Mutuel Division.

Based upon the initial activity at the other facilities, the legislature in 2007 made several amendments to Chapter 551, including:

 

   

the increase of authorized slot machines to 2,000 per facility;

 

   

allowing ATMs to be placed within the pari-mutuel wagering areas of the facility;

 

   

authorizing off-site storage facilities for slot machines; and

 

28


   

increasing the hours of operation to 18 hours per weekday and 24 hours per weekend day.

The foregoing described legislative changes became effective on June 27, 2007.

In October 2004, a group of plaintiffs brought suit in the Circuit Court in Leon County, Florida, against a group of defendants, including the Florida Secretary of State among others, seeking to permanently enjoin a proposed ballot measure to amend the Florida Constitution to allow Florida voters to approve slot machines at certain pari-mutuel gaming facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, which we refer to as the Slot Initiative. The plaintiffs in this action claim that the Slot Initiative was improperly placed on the ballot because a portion of the required signatures needed to place it on the ballot were forged. The relief sought in this action included an injunction to prevent inclusion of the Slot Initiative in the ballot for Florida’s 2004 general election. Prior to the issuance of a final order from the Circuit Court, the Slot Initiative was approved by the electorate in November 2004.

In January 2005, the Circuit Court dismissed the complaint with prejudice, citing among other reasons that the approval of the voters had cured the alleged procedural deficiencies identified by the plaintiffs. The District Court of Appeal for Florida’s First Appellate District reversed the ruling of the Circuit Court, holding that procedural deficiencies identified in a lawsuit initiated before an election are not cured by the election and therefore the plaintiffs should be given the opportunity to prove in court whether the allegations of their complaint are true. The District Court, recognizing the potential impact of its decision, certified to the Florida Supreme Court the following two questions: (1) whether validations of signatures by supervisors of elections can be challenged based on allegations of fraud after certifications of signatures have been accepted by the Secretary of State and the ballot printed and absentee voting commenced in accordance with Florida law; and (2) whether an amendment to the Florida Constitution that is approved by the vote of the electors may be subsequently invalidated if, in an action filed before the election, there is a showing made after the election that necessary signatures on the petition proposing the amendment were fraudulently obtained.

On March 27, 2007, the Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction to hear the certified questions. If the Circuit Court decision is upheld by the Supreme Court, then the case will be deemed dismissed with prejudice and the constitutional amendment will continue in effect. If the District Court of Appeal’s decision is upheld by the Supreme Court, then the matter will be returned to the Circuit Court for a trial on the plaintiffs’ allegations, with the burden of proof on the plaintiffs to prove than the petition supporting inclusion of the Slot Imitative on the 2004 ballot was supported by an insufficient number of valid signatures. If the matter is tried and the plaintiffs are unsuccessful, then the amendment will continue in effect. If the matter is tried and the plaintiffs are successful, then it is likely that the amendment will be invalidated.

If the amendment is invalidated, it is unclear whether the result will require a cease to slot machine gaming in Florida as such activity currently is authorized in Florida under a validly enacted statute through which slot machine gaming was specifically authorized by the Florida Legislature and approved by the then sitting Governor. We cannot assure you as to the outcome of this litigation, or the subsequent interpretation of the validity of the statute authorizing slot machine gaming.

 

29

EX-99.2 11 dex992.htm AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Audited Consolidated Financial Statements

Exhibit 99.2

Marina District Development Company, LLC and Subsidiary

LOGO

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Marina District Development Holding Co., LLC)

Consolidated Financial Statements

for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

and Report of Independent Auditors

 


Marina District Development Company, LLC and Subsidiary

LOGO

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Marina District Development Holding Co., LLC)

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   1

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2007 and 2006

   2

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   3

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Member Equity and Other Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   6

 


LOGO

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Member of

Marina District Development Company, LLC and subsidiary

Atlantic City, New Jersey

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Marina District Development Company, LLC and subsidiary (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in member equity and other comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards as established by the Auditing Standards Board (United States) and in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Marina District Development Company, LLC and subsidiary at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

February 28, 2008


Marina District Development Company, LLC and Subsidiary

LOGO

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Marina District Development Holding Co., LLC)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

 

     December 31,
     2007    2006

Assets

     

Current assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 52,866    $ 53,807

Accounts receivable, net

     39,195      40,319

Income tax receivable

     26,380      22,806

Insurance receivable

     4,265      —  

Inventories

     4,386      4,062

Prepaid expenses and other

     7,802      4,008

Deferred income taxes

     1,251      1,444
             

Total current assets

     136,145      126,446

Property and equipment, net

     1,379,932      1,201,607

Investment in ACES

     2,251      400

Deferred financing fees, net

     6,188      7,943

Other assets, net

     17,565      14,812
             

Total assets

   $ 1,542,081    $ 1,351,208
             

Liabilities and Member Equity

     

Current liabilities

     

Accounts payable

   $ 6,049    $ 11,111

Construction payables

     39,173      18,139

Income taxes payable

     3,109      1,834

Accrued payroll and related

     25,425      26,928

Accrued interest

     5,750      3,602

Accrued gaming liabilities

     21,681      21,783

Accrued and other liabilities

     30,532      30,728
             

Total current liabilities

     131,719      114,125

Long-term debt

     722,700      554,600

Deferred income taxes

     7,289      6,612

Other long-term tax liabilities

     9,704      4,543

Other liabilities

     3,988      4,595

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

     

Member equity

     666,681      666,733
             

Total liabilities and member equity

   $ 1,542,081    $ 1,351,208
             

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

2


Marina District Development Company, LLC and Subsidiary

LOGO

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Marina District Development Holding Co., LLC)

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Revenues

      

Gaming

   $ 748,649     $ 735,145     $ 696,965  

Food and beverage

     141,061       133,700       121,013  

Room

     100,898       97,646       91,257  

Other

     44,071       42,533       35,470  
                        

Gross revenues

     1,034,679       1,009,024       944,705  

Less promotional allowances

     196,036       195,759       180,722  
                        

Net revenues

     838,643       813,265       763,983  
                        

Costs and expenses

      

Gaming

     304,984       289,749       265,024  

Food and beverage

     61,012       56,333       45,510  

Room

     12,436       11,417       11,205  

Other

     33,218       32,805       31,515  

Selling, general and administrative

     123,873       119,267       106,819  

Maintenance and utilities

     61,604       56,681       52,176  

Depreciation and amortization

     68,576       63,088       56,951  

Write-downs and other charges, net

     956       2,418       160  

Preopening expenses

     3,116       6,519       —    
                        

Total

     669,775       638,277       569,360  
                        

Operating income

     168,868       174,988       194,623  
                        

Other expense

      

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

     (31,194 )     (23,271 )     (23,930 )

Net loss on derivative financial instruments

     —         —         (808 )
                        

Total

     (31,194 )     (23,271 )     (24,738 )
                        

Income before benefit from income taxes

     137,674       151,717       169,885  

Benefit from income taxes

     3,658       2,116       1,303  
                        

Net income

   $ 141,332     $ 153,833     $ 171,188  
                        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Marina District Development Company, LLC and Subsidiary

LOGO

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Marina District Development Holding Co., LLC)

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Member Equity and Other Comprehensive Income

For The Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(In thousands)

 

     Capital
Contributions
   Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total
Member
Equity
    Total
Comprehensive
Income

Balances, January 1, 2005

   $ 477,507    $ 88,088     $ (5,854 )   $ 559,741    

Distributions

     —        (58,676 )     —         (58,676 )  

Net income

     —        171,188       —         171,188     $ 171,188

Derivative instruments market adjustment, net of taxes of $0.6 million

     —        —         5,854       5,854       5,854
               

Total comprehensive income

     —        —         —         —       $ 177,042
                                     

Balances, December 31, 2005

     477,507      200,600       —         678,107    

Distributions

     —        (165,207 )     —         (165,207 )  

Net income

     —        153,833       —         153,833     $ 153,833
               

Total comprehensive income

     —        —         —         —       $ 153,833
                                     

Balances, December 31, 2006

     477,507      189,226       —         666,733    

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     —        (244 )     —         (244 )  

Distributions

     —        (141,140 )     —         (141,140 )  

Net income

     —        141,332       —         141,332     $ 141,332
               

Total comprehensive income

     —        —         —         —       $ 141,332
                                     

Balances, December 31, 2007

   $ 477,507    $ 189,174     $ —       $ 666,681    
                                 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Marina District Development Company, LLC and Subsidiary

LOGO

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Marina District Development Holding Co., LLC)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities       

Net income

   $ 141,332     $ 153,833     $ 171,188  

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

      

Depreciation and amortization

     68,576       63,088       56,951  

Amortization of deferred financing fees

     2,057       1,959       2,020  

Write-downs of assets, net

     734       2,418       160  

Net loss on derivative financial instruments

     —         —         808  

Deferred income taxes

     5,788       2,056       3,313  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     5,866       7,287       4,381  

Preopening of ACES

     78       —         —    

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

      

Accounts receivable

     (4,742 )     (13,744 )     (14,016 )

Income tax receivable / payable

     (2,299 )     (10,248 )     5,190  

Inventories

     (324 )     (955 )     (121 )

Prepaid expenses and other

     (3,794 )     521       471  

Other assets

     (3,749 )     (7,272 )     (4,473 )

Other current liabilities

     (4,272 )     12,959       14,891  

Other long-term tax liabilities

     4,917       4,543       —    

Other liabilities

     (5,525 )     (2,987 )     3,706  
                        

Net Cash provided by Operating Activities

     204,643       213,458       244,469  
                        
Cash Flows from Investing Activities       

Acquisition of property and equipment

     (237,313 )     (255,509 )     (89,612 )

Insurance proceeds for replacement assets

     7,000       —         —    

Investment in ACES

     (1,929 )     (400 )     —    
                        

Net Cash used in Investing Activities

     (232,242 )     (255,909 )     (89,612 )
                        

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

      

Financing fees

     (302 )     (1,283 )     —    

Borrowings under bank credit agreements

     843,000       778,500       573,000  

Payments under bank credit agreements

     (674,900 )     (565,600 )     (656,900 )

Distributions paid

     (141,140 )     (165,207 )     (58,676 )
                        

Net Cash provided by (used in) Financing Activities

     26,658       46,410       (142,576 )
                        

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (941 )     3,959       12,281  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     53,807       49,848       37,567  
                        

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 52,866     $ 53,807     $ 49,848  
                        

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

      

Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized

   $ 26,988     $ 18,454     $ 26,019  
                        

Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes, net

   $ (7,146 )   $ 5,952     $ (15,702 )
                        

Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Investing Activities

      

Payables for capital expenditures

   $ 39,173     $ 18,139     $ 20,996  
                        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

5


Marina District Development Company, LLC and Subsidiary

LOGO

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Marina District Development Holding Co., LLC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include the accounts of Marina District Development Company, LLC, d.b.a. Borgata, (“MDDC, LLC”) and Marina District Finance Company, Inc. (“MDFC”), its wholly-owned subsidiary, collectively referred to herein as the “Company”, “we”, or “us”. The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marina District Development Holding Co., LLC (“Holding Company” or “Parent”). Holding Company is jointly owned by MAC, Corp. (“MAC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MGM MIRAGE, and Boyd Atlantic City, Inc. (“BAC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boyd Gaming Corporation. Our purpose is to develop, own, and operate a hotel casino and spa facility at Renaissance Pointe in Atlantic City, New Jersey. We opened Borgata on July 3, 2003 with approximately 2,000 hotel rooms, a 125,000 square foot casino, and other amenities. On June 30, 2006, we opened our first expansion (“Public Space Expansion”), a project with a cost of approximately $200 million. The Public Space Expansion consists of approximately 35,000 square feet of additional casino space and substantial additions of non-gaming amenities including three additional fine dining restaurants, a second nightclub, and a multi-concept quick service dining facility.

We are currently in the process of our second expansion (“Rooms Expansion”). The centerpiece of the Rooms Expansion is a new hotel tower, The Water Club, a signature hotel by Borgata, containing approximately 800 rooms and suites, and is being built on a portion of the existing surface parking lot, near the existing porte cochere. In addition to the hotel, which will have access separate from our existing hotel tower, the Rooms Expansion will include a new spa, additional meeting room space, and a new parking structure. Construction of the Rooms Expansion, which is being built on land leased from MGM MIRAGE, began January 2006 and is expected to open in June 2008 at an estimated cost of approximately $400 million (see Note 3). BAC and MAC do not expect to make further capital contributions to us for the expansion project as we expect to finance the project from our cash flow from operations and from our bank credit facility (see Note 6).

Pursuant to the Joint Venture Agreement (the “JV Agreement”), BAC, as the managing venturer of the Holding Company, has oversight responsibility for the management of Borgata which includes the design, development, and construction as well as the day-to-day operations. We do not record a management fee to BAC, as our management team directly performs these services or negotiates contracts to provide for these services. As a result, the costs of these services are directly borne by the Company and are reflected in our accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

6


Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at their date of purchase. The carrying value of these investments approximates their fair value due to their short maturities.

Accounts Receivable, net

Accounts receivable consist primarily of casino, hotel and other receivables, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $19.7 million and $15.9 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based upon our collection experience and the age of the receivables.

Inventories

Inventories consist primarily of food and beverage and retail items and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the average cost method.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (see Note 2). Costs of major improvements are capitalized, while costs of normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Losses on disposal of assets are recognized when such assets are impaired while gains are recognized as realized.

Capitalized Interest

Interest costs associated with our expansion projects are capitalized as part of the cost of our constructed assets. Interest costs, which include commitment fees, letter of credit fees and the amortized portion of deferred financing fees, are capitalized on amounts expended for the respective projects using our weighted-average cost of borrowing. Capitalization of interest will cease when the respective project, or discernible portions of the projects, are substantially complete. We amortize capitalized interest over the estimated useful life of the related asset. Capitalized interest for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $12.6 million, $6.5 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

Deferred Financing Fees

Deferred financing fees incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are amortized over the terms of the related debt agreement.

 

7


Revenue and Promotional Allowances

Gaming revenue represents the net win from gaming activities, which is the difference between gaming wins and losses. All other revenue is recognized as the service is provided. The majority of our gaming revenue is counted in the form of cash and chips and therefore is not subject to any significant or complex estimation procedures. Gross revenues include the estimated retail value of rooms, food and beverage, and other goods and services provided to customers on a complimentary basis. Such amounts are then deducted as promotional allowances. The estimated costs and expenses of providing these promotional allowances are charged to the gaming department in the following amounts (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005

Room

   $ 17,801    $ 17,641    $ 17,089

Food and beverage

     49,728      51,381      44,028

Other

     12,656      9,947      7,744
                    

Total

   $ 80,185    $ 78,969    $ 68,861
                    

Promotional allowances also include incentives such as cash, goods and services (such as complimentary rooms and food and beverages) earned in our slot club and other gaming programs. We reward customers, through the use of loyalty programs, with points based on amounts wagered that can be redeemed for a specified period of time, principally for restricted free play slot machine credits and complimentary goods or services. We record the estimated retail value of these incentives as revenue and then deduct them as a promotional allowance. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, these incentives were $60.4 million, $62.8 million and $58.8 million, respectively.

Income Taxes

We are treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes; therefore, federal income taxes are the responsibility of MAC and BAC. In New Jersey, casino partnerships are subject to state income taxes under the Casino Control Act; therefore, we are required to record New Jersey state income taxes (see Note 8). In 2004, we were granted permission by the state of New Jersey, pursuant to a ruling request, to file a consolidated New Jersey corporation business tax return with MAC and BAC. The amounts reflected in our consolidated financial statements are on a stand-alone basis; however, we file a state consolidated tax return with MAC and BAC. The amounts due to MAC and BAC are a result of the tax attributes MAC and BAC have contributed to the consolidated state tax return. A reconciliation of the components of our stand-alone state income taxes payable is presented below (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2007
    December 31,
2006
 

Amounts receivable – state

   $ (718 )   $ (8 )

Amounts payable to MAC and BAC

     3,827       1,842  
                

Income taxes payable

   $ 3,109     $ 1,834  
                

 

8


Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and notes. Significant estimates incorporated into our accompanying consolidated financial statements include the estimated useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets, the estimated allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, the estimate for available tax credits, the estimated insurance receivable related to the Water Club fire, the estimated liabilities for our self-insured medical plan, slot club programs, contingencies and litigation, claims and assessments. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.

Preopening Expenses

We expense certain costs of start-up activities as incurred. Preopening expenses were $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, consisting primarily of payroll related expenses and ground lease expenses related to our expansion project. These expenses were $6.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. There were no such expenses for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Advertising Expense

Advertising costs are expensed the first time such advertising appears. Total advertising costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations were $10.6 million, $14.2 million and $8.7 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

Employee Benefit Plans

We contribute to pension plans under various union agreements. Contributions, based on wages paid to covered employees, totaled approximately $4.6 million, $4.6 million and $3.8 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

We have a retirement savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code covering our non-union employees. The plan allows employees to defer up to the lessor of the Internal Revenue Code prescribed maximum amount or 100% of their income on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the plan. We expensed our voluntary contributions to the 401(k) plan of $3.4 million, $3.1 million and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Self Insurance

We are currently self insured up to $75 million, $1 million, $0.3 million, and $0.2 million with respect to each catastrophe related property damage claim, non-catastrophe related property damage claim, general liability claim, and non-union employee medical case, respectively. We have accrued $3.9 million and $3.2 million for such claims at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and incurred expenses of approximately $14.9 million, $11.2 million and $12.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Other Comprehensive Income

All of our interest rate protection agreements matured on or before December 31, 2005 (see Note 7). We accounted for our interest rate protection agreements as derivative financial instruments in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative

 

9


Instruments. Our derivative financial instruments were utilized to reduce interest rate risk. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. SFAS No. 133 requires all derivatives to be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges must be adjusted to fair value through income. For derivatives designated as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives are either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged item through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings.

We accounted for our comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income. Such amounts of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to our derivative financial instruments reversed through our consolidated statements of operations over the lives of the derivative financial instruments.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – An Amendment of ARB No. 51. SFAS No. 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, this statement requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS No. 160 clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. Such gain or loss will be measured using the fair value of the noncontrolling equity investment on the deconsolidation date. SFAS No. 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 160 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations. SFAS No. 141(R) retains the fundamental requirements in SFAS No. 141 that the acquisition method be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) defines the acquirer as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in the business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date that the acquirer achieves control. By applying the acquisition method to all transaction and other events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses, this Statement improves the comparability of the information about business combinations provided in financial reports. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. SFAS No. 159 permits companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing companies with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. The fair value option established by SFAS No. 159 permits all companies to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. At each subsequent reporting date, companies must report in

 

10


earnings any unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of a company’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the company also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (see below). We are currently evaluating whether to adopt the fair value option under SFAS No. 159 and evaluating what impact such adoption would have on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating whether to adopt the fair value option under SFAS No. 159 and evaluating what impact such adoption would have on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (“SAB No. 108”), which adds Section N to Topic 1, “Financial Statements”. Section N provides guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of a materiality assessment. To provide full disclosure, registrants electing not to restate prior periods should reflect the effects of initially applying the guidance in Topic 1N in their financial statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006. The adoption of SAB No. 108 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. See Note 8 for disclosure regarding the effect of FIN 48 on our consolidated financial statements.

 

11


Note 2. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     Estimated Life
(Years)
   December 31,
      2007    2006

Land

   —      $ 87,301    $ 87,301

Building and improvements

   3-40      996,607      960,374

Furniture and equipment

   3-7      228,841      216,995

Construction in progress

   —        326,986      134,549
                

Total

        1,639,735      1,399,219

Less accumulated depreciation

        259,803      197,612
                

Property and equipment, net

      $ 1,379,932    $ 1,201,607
                

Depreciation expense was $67.9 million, $62.4 million and $56.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. At December 31, 2007, our Rooms Expansion was in process (see Note 1). The majority of the total expenditures for this project as of December 31, 2007 are classified as construction in progress in the above table.

Note 3. Write-downs and Other Charges, net

A summary of total write-downs and other charges, net is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005

Loss on disposal of assets

   $ 607    $ 2,418    $ 160

Fire related write-downs and other charges, net

     349      —        —  
                    

Total write-downs and other charges, net

   $ 956    $ 2,418    $ 160
                    

On September 23, 2007, The Water Club, our 800-room boutique hotel expansion currently under construction, sustained a fire that caused approximately $11.4 million in property damage, based on current estimates. We carry insurance policies that we believe will cover most of the replacement costs related to property damage, with the exception of minor amounts principally related to insurance deductibles and certain other limitations. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we incurred $0.3 million of expenses related to the fire. Although the fire damage will delay its opening, we believe The Water Club will be able to open in June 2008; however, we can provide no assurance that it will open by that time, that insurance will cover the total replacement cost of the property damage, or that the costs related to the property damage will not increase above current estimates. In addition, we have “delay-in-completion” insurance coverage for The Water Club for certain costs totaling up to $40 million, subject to various limitations and deductibles, which may help to offset some of the costs related to the postponement of its opening. We also maintain business interruption insurance that covers certain lost profits; however, we have not pursued a possible claim at this time. As such, our insurance carrier has yet to confirm or deny coverage at this time. Recoveries, if any, from the insurance carrier for our lost profits will be recorded when earned and realized.

 

12


The following table presents estimated expense and insurance payment and receivable information related to The Water Club fire (in thousands):

 

Net book value of damaged assets

   $ 11,392  

Repairs and maintenance

     59  

Legal and accounting fees

     163  
        

Total estimated property damage incurred

     11,614  

Insurance receivable

     (4,265 )

Insurance proceeds

     (7,000 )
        

Fire related write-downs and other charges, net

   $ 349  
        

Note 4. Investment in ACES

In 2006, we entered into an agreement with two other Atlantic City casinos to form Atlantic City Express Service, LLC (“ACES”). With each member having a 33.3% interest, this New Jersey limited liability company was formed for the purpose of contracting with New Jersey Transit to operate express rail service between Manhattan and Atlantic City. The responsibilities of the managing member will rotate annually among the members. Our anticipated investment in ACES will be approximately $6.5 million. ACES is currently in the development stage and is expected to be operational by late 2008.

We account for our share of ACES under the equity method of accounting. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, we made capital contributions totaling $2.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively, which is included on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Our share of ACES’ net loss was less than $0.1 million for both of the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, and is included in preopening expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Note 5. Related Parties

Pursuant to the JV Agreement, MAC is solely responsible for any investigation, analyses, clean-up, detoxification, testing, monitoring, or remediation related to Renaissance Pointe. MAC is also responsible for their allocable share of expenses related to master plan and government improvements at Renaissance Pointe. The related amounts due from MAC for these types of expenditures incurred by us were less than $0.1 million and $0.2 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Reimbursable expenditures incurred were $0.5 million, $0.7 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

In 2005, we entered into a series of ground lease agreements with MAC related to our expansion projects which increased our leased premises from a total of 15.5 acres to a total of 19.0 acres (see Note 9). These new ground lease agreements and the modified existing employee parking garage ground lease agreement provide the land on which our existing employee parking garage, the Public Space Expansion, the Rooms Expansion, and a modified surface parking lot will reside. The lease terms extend until December 31, 2070 with the exception of the surface parking lot lease which could be terminated by either party upon 18 months written notice. MAC has provided us with written notice to terminate this lease effective April 2009. The related amounts due to MAC for these types of expenditures were $0 at December 31, 2007 and 2006. Related rent incurred was $6.0 million, $5.5 million and $4.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, portions of which were capitalized on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and portions of which were included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

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Pursuant to the ground lease agreements, we are responsible for reimbursing MAC for related property taxes paid on our behalf. The related amounts due to MAC for these types of expenditures were $0 at December 31, 2007 and 2006. Related property tax incurred was $6.2 million, $3.7 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, portions of which were capitalized on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and portions of which were included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

We reimburse BAC for compensation paid to employees performing services for us on a full-time basis and for out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred related to travel. BAC is also reimbursed for various payments made on our behalf, primarily related to third party legal fees, insurance, investigative fees and other. The related amounts due to BAC for these types of expenditures paid by BAC were $0.1 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Reimbursable expenditures during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $15.5 million, $11.0 million and $6.0 million, respectively, which were included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

The related party balances are non-interest bearing and are included in either accounts receivable or accrued and other liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Note 6. Debt

Amounts outstanding under our bank credit agreement are as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
     2007    2006

Revolving line of credit

   $ 722,700    $ 554,600

Less current maturities

     —        —  
             

Total long-term debt

   $ 722,700    $ 554,600
             

On February 15, 2006, the First Amendment was made to our First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among MDFC, MDDC, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and certain other financial institutions. The amended bank credit agreement modified our existing amended bank credit agreement and consists of a $750 million revolving credit facility that matures on January 31, 2011. Availability under the revolving credit facility was used to repay in full the outstanding term loan component of the previous bank credit agreement. On February 27, 2007, we increased the revolving credit facility to $850 million. At December 31, 2007, $722.7 million was outstanding under the revolving credit facility and $3.6 million was allocated to support a letter of credit, leaving availability under the bank credit facility of $123.7 million.

The interest rate on the revolving credit facility is based upon either (i) the agent bank’s quoted base rate or (ii) the Eurodollar rate, plus an applicable margin that is determined by the level of a predefined financial leverage ratio. In addition, we incur a commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility that ranges from 0.2% to 0.375% per annum. The blended interest rates for outstanding borrowings under the bank credit agreements at December 31, 2007 and 2006 were 6.5% and 6.6%, respectively. The bank credit agreement is secured by substantially all of our real and personal property and is non-recourse to MAC and BAC.

 

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The bank credit agreement contains certain financial and other covenants, including, without limitation, various covenants (i) establishing a maximum permitted total leverage ratio, (ii) establishing a minimum required interest coverage ratio, (iii) imposing limitations on the incurrence of additional secured indebtedness, and (iv) imposing restrictions on investments, dividends and certain other payments. We believe that we are in compliance with the covenants related to the bank credit agreement at December 31, 2007.

The scheduled maturities of long-term debt for the years ending December 31 are as follows (in thousands):

 

2008

   $ —  

2009

     —  

2010

     —  

2011

     722,700
      

Total

   $ 722,700
      

Note 7. Interest Rate Protection Agreements

On March 8, 2001, we entered into several interest rate protection agreements to comply with the requirements of our original bank credit agreement at an initial cost of $0.8 million. All of our interest rate protection agreements matured on or before December 31, 2005. The interest rate protection agreements were cash flow hedges and consisted of interest rate swaps, caps and collars with a combined total initial aggregate notional amount of $310 million that commenced and matured at various dates ranging from December 2001 to December 2005. The interest rate protection agreements were accounted for as derivative financial instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133. The net effect of our interest rate swaps resulted in an increase in interest of $5.1 million greater than the contractual rate of the underlying hedged debt for the year ended December 31, 2005.

The increase or decrease in fair value of certain hedges deemed to be ineffective is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The increase or decrease in fair value of certain hedges deemed to be effective is reported in other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of member equity on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The following table reports the effects of the mark-to-market valuations of our derivative financial instruments for the year ended December 31, 2005 (in thousands):

 

Net loss on derivative financial instruments due to ineffectiveness in certain hedges

   $ (808 )
        

Derivative financial instruments market adjustment

   $ 6,434  

Tax effect of derivative financial instruments market adjustment

     (580 )
        

Net derivative financial instruments market adjustment

   $ 5,854  
        

 

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Note 8. Income Taxes

A summary of the benefit from state income taxes is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

State

      

Current

   $ (9,446 )   $ (4,172 )   $ (4,037 )

Deferred

     5,788       2,056       2,734  
                        

Benefit from state income taxes

   $ (3,658 )   $ (2,116 )   $ (1,303 )
                        

The following table provides a reconciliation between the state statutory rate and the effective income tax rate where both are expressed as a percentage of income.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Tax provision at state statutory rate

   9.0 %   9.0 %   9.0 %

New jobs investment tax credit

   (12.7 )   (11.2 )   (11.0 )

Adjusted net profits tax

   0.0     1.3     2.2  

Adjusted net profits tax credit

   0.0     (0.6 )   (1.1 )

Other, net

   1.0     0.1     0.1  
                  

Total state income tax benefit

   (2.7 )%   (1.4 )%   (0.8 )%
                  

The components comprising the Company’s net deferred state tax liability are as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2006  

Deferred state tax assets:

    

Provision for doubtful accounts

   $ 1,774     $ 1,435  

State tax credit carryforwards

     1,658       1,657  

Gaming taxes

     1,575       —    

Preopening expense

     543       1,629  

Reserve for employee benefits

     261       450  

Reserve differential for gaming activities

     —         76  

Other

     1,075       1,106  
                

Gross deferred state tax asset

     6,886       6,353  
                

Deferred state tax liabilities:

    

Difference between book and tax basis of property

     12,253       11,115  

Reserve differential for gaming activities

     19       —    

Other

     652       406  
                

Gross deferred state tax liability

     12,924       11,521  
                

Net deferred state tax liability

   $ (6,038 )   $ (5,168 )
                

 

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The items comprising our deferred income taxes as presented on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2006  

Current deferred income tax asset

   $ 1,251     $ 1,444  

Non-current deferred income tax liability

     (7,289 )     (6,612 )
                

Net deferred state tax liability

   $ (6,038 )   $ (5,168 )
                

Adjusted Net Profits Tax

Pursuant to an amendment to the Casino Control Act, effective July 1, 2003, we were subject to a 7.5% Adjusted Net Profits Tax which was imposed on a casino’s adjusted net income as defined in the Casino Control Commission regulations. This tax of $3.8 million per year was based on our adjusted net income for our first twelve months of operations ended on June 30, 2004 and was imposed for each of the three fiscal years ending June 30, 2004 through June 30, 2006. We were entitled to a 50% credit against our Adjusted Net Profits Tax if we made qualifying capital expenditures, as defined by statute. In connection with our Public Space Expansion project, we made qualifying expenditures that allowed us to recognize tax credits of $1.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively, in arriving at our state tax benefit on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005.

New Jersey New Jobs Investment Tax Credit

Based on New Jersey state income tax rules, we are eligible for a refundable state tax credit under the New Jersey New Jobs Investment Tax Credit (“New Jobs Tax Credit”) because we made a qualified investment in a new business facility that created new jobs. The total net credit related to our original investment was approximately $75 million over a five-year period that ended in 2007. An incremental net credit related to our Public Space Expansion is estimated to be approximately $2.7 million over a five-year period ending in 2010. We have recorded $17.4 million, $16.9 million and $18.7 million, respectively, of net New Jobs Tax Credits in arriving at our state income tax benefit on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005. We expect to generate net New Jobs Tax Credits of approximately $0.6 million per year for years 2008 through 2010. We may also be entitled to incremental New Jobs Tax Credits as a result of our Rooms Expansion as discussed in Note 1.

In connection with our formation in 2000, MAC contributed assets consisting of land and South Jersey Transportation Authority bonds with a tax basis of approximately $9.2 million and $13.8 million, respectively. The recorded book value of those assets was $90 million. Pursuant to the Joint Venture and Tax Sharing Agreements between MAC and BAC, any subsequent gain or loss associated with the sale of the MAC contributed property would be allocated directly to MAC for both state and federal income tax purposes. As such, no state deferred tax liability has been recorded in connection with the book and tax basis differences related to the MAC contributed property.

Adoption of FIN 48

Under FIN 48, the impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 for public companies and applies to all tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109.

 

17


The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits upon our early adoption of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007 was $6.5 million. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, we recognized a $2.0 million increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits which was accounted for as follows (in thousands):

 

Reduction in retained earnings (cumulative effect)

   $ 244

Additional deferred tax assets

     1,736
      

Increase in other tax liabilities

   $ 1,980
      

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

Balance at January 1, 2007

   $ 6,523  

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     1,684  

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     26  

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     (13 )
        

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 8,220  
        

Included in the $8.2 million balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2007 are $5.6 million of tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate and $2.7 million of tax benefits that, if recognized, would result in adjustments to other tax accounts, primarily deferred taxes.

We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the income tax provision. During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, we recognized accrued interest and penalties of approximately $1.0 million, $0.2 million, and $0.2 million, respectively. We had $1.7 million and $0.5 million for the payment of interest and penalties accrued at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Upon adoption of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007, we increased our accrual for interest and penalties to $0.7 million.

We are subject to state taxation in New Jersey and our state tax returns are subject to examination for tax years ended on or after December 31, 2001. Our state tax return for the year ended December 31, 2001 is open to the extent of a net operating loss carryforward utilized in subsequent years. As we are a partnership for federal income tax purposes, we are not subject to federal income tax. The federal tax liabilities of MAC and BAC would be affected by any tax adjustments resulting from federal audits.

We are currently under examination for federal income tax purposes related to the tax returns filed for the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003. Any adjustments related to the federal examination would affect MAC and BAC, as we are not subject to federal income tax. We are not under examination for New Jersey state income tax purposes and we do not anticipate any material changes, over the next 12 month period, to our recorded unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2007.

 

18


Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies

Future Minimum Lease Payments

Future minimum lease payments required under noncancelable operating leases (principally for land, see Note 5) as of December 31, 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

 

2008

   $ 7,401

2009

     5,925

2010

     5,505

2011

     5,154

2012

     5,160

Thereafter

     283,273
      

Total

   $ 312,418
      

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, total rent expense was $13.5 million, $11.9 million and $6.8 million, respectively, portions of which were capitalized on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and portions of which were included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Utility Contract

In 2005, we amended our executory contracts with a wholly-owned subsidiary of a local utility company extending the end of the terms to 20 years from the opening of our Rooms Expansion. The utility company provides us with electricity and thermal energy (hot water and chilled water). Obligations under the thermal energy executory contract contain both fixed fees and variable fees based upon usage rates. The fixed fee components under the thermal energy executory contract are currently estimated at approximately $6.5 million per annum. We also committed to purchase a certain portion of our electricity demand at essentially a fixed rate which is estimated at approximately $4.8 million per annum. Electricity demand in excess of the commitment is subject to market rates based on our tariff class.

Investment Alternative Tax

The New Jersey Casino Control Act provides, among other things, for an assessment of licensees equal to 1.25% of their gross gaming revenues in lieu of an investment alternative tax equal to 2.5% of gross gaming revenues. Generally, we may satisfy this investment obligation by investing in qualified eligible direct investments, by making qualified contributions or by depositing funds with the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (“CRDA”). Funds deposited with the CRDA may be used to purchase bonds designated by the CRDA or, under certain circumstances, may be donated to the CRDA in exchange for credits against future CRDA investment obligations. CRDA bonds have terms up to fifty years and bear interest at below market rates.

Our CRDA obligations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $9.4 million, $9.2 million and $8.8 million, respectively, of which valuation provisions of $5.3 million, $4.3 million and $4.7 million, respectively, are included in selling general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations due to the respective underlying agreements.

 

19


Grant and Donations Agreement

In June 2004, Borgata and the eleven other casinos in the Atlantic City gaming market (collectively, the “Casinos”) entered into a Grant and Donations Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority (the “NJSEA”) and the CRDA in the interest of deferring or preventing the proliferation of competitive gaming at New Jersey racing tracks.

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Casinos shall pay to the NJSEA $34 million to be used for certain authorized purposes (the “Authorized Uses”) as defined by the Agreement. The $34 million to be paid by the Casinos shall be payable over a four-year period as follows: $7 million was paid October 15, 2004; $8 million was paid October 15, 2005; $9 million was paid on October 15, 2006; and $10 million was paid on October 15, 2007. In the event any of the $34 million is not used by NJSEA for the Authorized Uses by January 1, 2009, the unused funds shall be returned by NJSEA to the Casinos pro rata based upon the share each casino contributed. For each year, each casino’s share of the $34 million will equate to a percentage representing its gross gaming revenue for the twelve months ending June 30th prior to the October 15 payment date compared to the gross gaming revenues for that period for all Casinos. The Casinos, individually and collectively, shall be responsible for the payment of all amounts due. In the event that any casino shall fail to make its payment as required, the remaining Casinos shall pay a pro rata share of the defaulted payment based upon their share of the gross gaming revenue for the period as compared to the gross gaming revenues for the period for all Casinos calculated without the gross gaming revenue of the defaulting casino. As a result, we will expense our pro rata share of the $34 million totaling $4.7 million on a straight-line basis over the applicable term of the Agreement. Based upon the gross gaming revenues for all Casinos for the twelve months ended June 30, 2007, our share of the $10 million paid on October 15, 2007 was approximately 14.5%, or $1.5 million. Based upon the gross gaming revenues for all Casinos for the twelve months ended June 30, 2006, our share of the $9 million paid on October 15, 2006 was approximately 13.9%, or $1.3 million. Based upon the gross gaming revenues for all Casinos for the twelve months ended June 30, 2005, our share of the $8 million paid on October 15, 2005 was approximately 13.9%, or $1.1 million. Based upon the gross gaming revenues for all Casinos for the twelve months ended June 30, 2004, our share of the $7 million paid on October 15, 2004 was approximately 12.0%, or $0.8 million. We recorded an expense of $1.0 million, $1.0 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, which is included in selling general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Also under the terms of the Agreement, the CRDA approved donations in the aggregate amount of $62 million from the Casino’s North Jersey Obligations (pursuant to the New Jersey Casino Control Act) for certain uses as defined by the Agreement including casino projects approved pursuant to rules of the CRDA. The CRDA shall credit 100% of the donations received from each casino against that casino’s obligation to purchase bonds. The donation shall provide that each casino’s share of the $62 million will equate to a percentage representing its gross gaming revenue for the twelve months ended June 30, 2004 compared to the gross gaming revenues for that period for all Casinos. Each casino’s respective annual donation shall be made first from uncommitted current and future funds in the North Jersey Project Fund established in accordance with the CRDA Urban Revitalization Act of that Casino and shall be credited as fulfilling said obligation on behalf of the particular casino making the payment. To the extent such North Jersey Project funds of that casino are not adequate to pay a Casino’s share of the required donations, then that casino’s other uncommitted current and future North Jersey Obligations shall be utilized. As a result, we will expense our pro rata share of the $62 million on a straight-line basis over the applicable term of the Agreement; however, our Rooms Expansion project may qualify, pursuant to rules of the CRDA, for eligibility to receive future credits of approximately $6.8 million under this Agreement. Based upon the gross gaming revenues for all Casinos for the twelve months ended June 30, 2004, our share of the $62 million is approximately 12.0%, or $7.4 million. We recorded an expense of $1.6 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, which is included in selling general and administrative

 

20


expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Based on current gross gaming revenue projections, we expect it will take approximately 10 to 12 years to fully fund this obligation as the third quarter of 2006 was the first quarter we were subject to fund North Jersey Obligations.

Legal Matters

We are subject to various claims and litigation in the normal course of business. In our opinion, all pending legal matters are either adequately covered by insurance, or if not insured, will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

21

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-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----