Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Business

Business – Canterbury Park Holding Corporation (the "Company") was incorporated under the laws of Minnesota and acquired land and buildings to conduct pari-mutuel horse racing operations (the "Racetrack") in March 1994. The Racetrack is located in Shakopee, Minnesota, approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. In May 1994, we commenced year-round horse racing simulcast operations and hosted the first annual live race meet during the summer of 1995. Our live racing operations are a seasonal business as we host live race meets each year from May until early September. We earn additional pari-mutuel revenue by televising our live racing to out-of-state racetracks around the country. Canterbury Park's Card Casino operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is limited by Minnesota State law to a maximum of 80 tables. The Card Casino currently offers a variety of poker and table games. Our three largest sources of revenues, Card Casino operations, pari-mutuel operations and concessions sales, generate cash revenues. We also derive revenues from related services and activities, such as advertising, parking and publication sales and from other entertainment events and activities held at the

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition – Our revenues are derived primarily from the operations of a Card Casino, pari-mutuel wagering on simulcast and live horse races, concession sales, and related activities. Collection revenue from Card Casino operations, a set percentage of wagers, is recognized at the time that the wagering process is complete. Pari-mutuel revenues are recognized upon occurrence of the live race that is presented for wagering and after that live race is made official by the respective state's racing regulatory body. Revenues related to concession and publication sales and parking and admission fees are recognized as revenue when the service has been performed or the product has been delivered. All sales taxes are presented on a net basis and are excluded from revenue.

Estimates

Estimates – The preparation of the consolidated 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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Unrestricted Cash

Unrestricted Cash – Cash includes all investments with original maturities of three months or less or which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and are not legally restricted. Accounts at each institution are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash – Restricted cash represents refundable deposits and amounts due to horsemen for purses, stakes and awards, and amounts accumulated in card game progressive jackpot pools, the player pool and poker promotional fund to be used to repay card players in the form of promotions, giveaways, prizes, or by other means.

Short-Term Investments

Short-term Investments – Securities are classified as held to maturity when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity, and are measured at amortized cost. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, all investments were classified as held-to-maturity. The Company continually reviews its investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other than temporary. If the decline in fair value is judged to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value and the amount of the write-down is included in earnings. Short-term investments consist of certificates of deposits at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Amortized cost approximated fair value for both periods.

Uncashed Winning Tickets

Uncashed Winning Tickets – The Company records a liability for winning tickets upon the completion of a race. As winning tickets are redeemed, this liability is reduced for the respective cash payment. We recognize revenue associated with the uncashed winning tickets when the likelihood of the redemption of the winning ticket is remote.

Promotional Allowances

Promotional Allowances – The Company offers certain promotional allowances at no charge to patrons who participate in our player rewards program. The retail value of these promotional items is shown as a deduction from total revenues on the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

Due To Minnesota Horsemen's Benevolent And Protective Association, Inc. ("MHBPA")

Due to Minnesota Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc. ("MHBPA") – The Minnesota Pari-mutuel Horse Racing Act specifies that the Company is required to segregate a portion of funds (recorded as purse expense in the statements of operations), received from card room operations and wagering on simulcast and live horse races, for future payment as purses for live horse races or other uses of the horsepersons' associations. Pursuant to an agreement with the MHBPA, the Company transferred into a trust account or paid directly to the MHBPA, approximately $2,575,000 and $2,425,000 for the six-month periods ending June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, related to thoroughbred races. Minnesota Statutes specify that amounts transferred into the trust account are the property of the trust and not of the Company.

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets – Management of the Company periodically reviews the carrying value of property and equipment for potential impairment by comparing the carrying value of these assets with their related expected future net cash flows. Should the sum of the related expected future net cash flows be less than the carrying value, management will determine whether an impairment loss should be recognized. An impairment loss would be measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Management has determined that no impairment of these assets exists at June 30, 2012.

Land, Buildings, And Equipment

Land, Buildings, and Equipment – Land, buildings, equipment, and building improvements are capitalized at a level of$1,000 or greater and are recorded at cost. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to operations when incurred. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from 5 – 7 years, while buildings are depreciated over 15 – 39 years. Building improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the useful life of the assets.

Card Casino Accruals

Card Casino Accruals – Minnesota law allows the Company to collect amounts from patrons to fund progressive jackpot pools in the Card Casino. These amounts, along with amounts earned by the player pool, promotional pools and the outstanding chip liability, are accrued as short-term liabilities at each balance sheet date.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes – Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effective income tax rate for 2012 is higher than the statutory rate primarily due to non-deductible lobbying expenses.

Interest and penalties associated with uncertain income tax positions are presented in income tax expense. During the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, we did not recognize any expense related to interest and penalties. Additionally, we do not have any amounts accrued at June 30, 2012 for the payment of interest and penalties.