Table of Contents

 

 

 

United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C.  20549
 

Form 10-K

 

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

 

Commission file number 1-16791

 

Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

51-0414140

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, Delaware  19901

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(302) 674-4600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Title of Class

 

Name of Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, $.10 Par Value

 

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 o No x

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes o  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 that 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 o

 

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. x

 

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.

 

Large accelerated filer o  Accelerated filer x  Non-accelerated filer o  Smaller reporting company o

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $84,869,017 as of June 30, 2008 (the last day of our most recently completed second quarter).

 

As of February 27, 2009, the number of shares of each class of the registrant’s common stock outstanding is as follows:

 

Common Stock -

 

15,464,610 shares

Class A Common Stock -

 

16,603,173 shares

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

 

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held April 29, 2009 are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10 through 14 of this report.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

Part I

 

References in this document to “we,” “us” and “our” mean Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and/or its wholly owned subsidiaries, as appropriate.

 

Item 1.            Business

 

We are a diversified gaming and entertainment company whose operations consist of Dover Downs Casino – a 165,000 square-foot video lottery casino complex featuring the latest in slot machine offerings, including multi-player electronic table games with virtual dealers; the Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center – a 500 room AAA Four Diamond hotel with conference, banquet, fine dining, ballroom, concert hall and spa facilities; and Dover Downs Raceway – a harness racing track with pari-mutuel wagering on live and simulcast horse races. Our entertainment complex is located in Dover, the capital of the State of Delaware.

 

On July 10, 2008, our Phase VI casino expansion, The Colonnade, was partially opened to the public with approximately 500 additional slot machines, Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House, Sweet Perks Too and the Dover Downs’ Fire & Ice Lounge debuting.  Four retail outlets opened and space for two additional outlets was completed in late September 2008.  The expansion, which is now complete, added approximately 68,000 square-feet of space bringing our video lottery casino complex to 165,000 square-feet housing approximately 3,110 slot machines.

 

We entered into a letter of intent on October 14, 2008 with UG Entertainment LLC (“UGE “) to provide management services for the operation of a video lottery facility at Underground Atlanta.  UGE has made presentations to the Georgia Lottery relative to the possibility of commencing video lottery operations at Underground Atlanta.  Such video lottery operations are not presently authorized and would require regulatory action by the Georgia Lottery and possibly legislative approval by the State of Georgia.  The letter of intent between us and UGE provides for a five year management agreement and affords us two renewal options for two years each subject to the attainment of certain financial criteria by the new facility. The letter of intent contemplates that the parties will negotiate and enter into an acceptable management agreement with terms and conditions comparable to management agreements of a similar nature.  Our compensation would consist of a management fee based on gross revenues and an incentive fee based on net earnings before taxes.  We have agreed to make a $500,000 non-interest bearing loan to UGE subject to certain conditions set forth in the letter of intent.  The letter of intent also contemplates that we will have the right to purchase up to 10% of the equity of UGE.

 

Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. is a public holding company that has two wholly owned subsidiaries: Dover Downs, Inc. and Dover Downs Management Corp.  Dover Downs, Inc. was incorporated in 1967 and began motorsports and harness racing operations in 1969.  In June of 1994, legislation authorizing video lottery operations in the State of Delaware (the “State”) was adopted. Our video lottery (slots) casino operations began on December 29, 1995.  As a result of several restructurings, Dover Downs, Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Dover Motorsports, Inc. (formerly known as Dover Downs Entertainment, Inc.) (“DVD”), and became the operating entity for all of DVD’s gaming operations.

 

Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. was incorporated in the State in December of 2001 as a wholly owned subsidiary of DVD.  Effective March 31, 2002, DVD completed a tax-free spin-off of its gaming operations by contributing 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of Dover Downs, Inc. to Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc., and subsequently distributing 100% of our issued and outstanding common stock to DVD stockholders.  Immediately following the spin-off, Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. became an independent public company.

 

Dover Downs, Inc. is authorized to conduct video lottery operations as one of three “Licensed Agents” under the Delaware State Lottery Code. Pursuant to Delaware’s Horse Racing Redevelopment Act, enacted in 1994, the Delaware State Lottery Office administers and controls the operation of the video lottery.

 

Our license from the Delaware Harness Racing Commission (the “Commission”) to hold harness race meetings on our premises and to offer pari-mutuel wagering on live and simulcast horse races must be renewed on an annual

 

2



Table of Contents

 

basis. In order to maintain our license to conduct video lottery operations, we are required to maintain our harness horse racing license.  We have received an annual license from the Commission for the past 40 consecutive years and management believes that our relationship with the Commission remains good.

 

Due to the nature of our business activities, we are subject to various federal, state and local regulations.

 

Dover Downs Casino

 

Our video lottery (slot) machine casino opened in December 1995 with approximately 500 video lottery (slot) machines.  Due to its popularity, the video lottery (slot) machine casino has expanded six times since its opening and the number of machines has increased steadily to approximately 3,110 at December 31, 2008.  The most recent expansion, which was completed in September of 2008, added approximately 68,000 square-feet of space bringing our video lottery casino complex to 165,000 square-feet.  We are now open for business 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

 

Our video lottery (slot) machines range from our popular penny machines to $100 machines in the Premium Slots area and include most popular games found in the country’s major gaming jurisdictions.  We have added multi-player electronic table games, such as Blackjack, Roulette and Poker, which accommodate up to five players in an interactive setting that features a virtual dealer.  Our facilities are open every day of the year, except Christmas and Easter, and we estimated that the facility was visited by 3.2 million patrons in 2008.

 

The Delaware State Lottery Office administers and controls our video lottery (slot) machine operations. We are a Licensed Agent authorized to conduct video lottery operations under the Delaware State Lottery Code and one of only three locations permitted to do so in the State of Delaware. We are permitted by law to set the payout to customers between 87% and 95%.

 

We use sophisticated database marketing to enable us to develop long-term relationships with our patrons and to target promotions to specific customer segments. Our Capital Club®, a slots players club and tracking system, allows us to identify customers and to reward their level of play through various marketing programs. Membership in this club currently stands at approximately 150,000 active patrons.

 

We have implemented extensive procedures for financial and accounting controls, safekeeping and accounting of monies, and security provisions. Security over the gaming operations involves the integration of surveillance cameras, observation and oversight by employees, security and gaming staff, and various security features built into the video lottery (slot) machines. The above, when combined with proper internal control procedures and daily monitoring of each video lottery (slot) machine by the Delaware State Lottery Office, are intended to maintain the security, integrity and accountability of the video lottery operations.

 

Legislation has been introduced in Delaware to consider the resumption of sports betting.  Three Delaware state agencies (the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Finance, and the Controller General’s office) participated in a report issued January 10, 2008 which concludes as follows: “[W]hile all the options for the implementation of sports betting in the State of Delaware are feasible, the most reasonable option for phased-in legalization is a racino based operation.”  By Federal law, Delaware is the only state east of Montana, and one of only four states in the United States, where sports betting is legally permitted.  We continue to pursue this with the legislature.

 

Dover Downs Hotel

 

Our luxury hotel facility, the Dover Downs Hotel, connects to our casino.  The facility includes 500 rooms, including eleven luxury spa suites, a multi-purpose ballroom/concert hall, a fine dining restaurant, swimming pool and a luxurious 6,000 square-foot full-service spa.  When we built the original hotel we also built a 425-seat buffet restaurant and renovated our enclosed harness racing grandstand with state-of-the-art simulcasting facilities.  By offering a wide range of entertainment options to our patrons, including concerts featuring prominent entertainers, live boxing, gourmet dining, spa facilities, trade shows and conferences, we believe we are able to attract new patrons and lengthen the stay of current patrons.  Since opening the Dover Downs Hotel in 2002, we have managed

 

3



Table of Contents

 

its operations ourselves.  In 2008, hotel occupancy averaged 82% and the hotel was awarded the AAA Four Diamond Award for the sixth consecutive year.

 

Dover Downs Raceway

 

Dover Downs Raceway has presented pari-mutuel harness racing events for 40 consecutive years. Live harness races are conducted at Dover Downs Raceway from late October until April and are simulcast to more than 400 tracks and other off-track betting locations across North America on each of our more than 130 live race dates.  The harness horse racing track is a 5/8-mile track and is lighted for nighttime operations.  The track is adjacent to our casino and hotel on land owned by DVD on the inside of DVD’s auto racing superspeedway.  Use of the track is pursuant to an easement granted by DVD which does not require the payment of any rent.

 

Within our main grandstand is the simulcast parlor where our patrons can wager on harness and thoroughbred races received by satellite into Dover Downs Raceway year round from numerous tracks across North America.  Television monitors throughout the parlor area provide views of all races simultaneously and the parlor’s betting windows are connected to a central computer allowing bets to be received on all races from all tracks.  Additional amenities include the Winners Circle® Restaurant overlooking the horse racing track.

 

Harness racing in the State of Delaware is governed by the Delaware Harness Racing Commission. We hold a license from the Commission authorizing us to hold harness race meetings on our premises and to offer pari-mutuel wagering on live and simulcast horse races.

 

In harness racing, competing horses are harnessed to a two-wheeled sulky, which carries the driver.  Pari-mutuel wagering is pooled betting by which the wagering public, not the track, determines the odds and the payoff. The track retains a commission, which is a percentage of the total amount wagered, or the “handle.”  Simulcasting is the transmission of live horse racing by television, cable or satellite signal from one race track to another with pari-mutuel wagering being conducted at the sending and receiving track and a portion of the handle being shared by the sending and receiving tracks.

 

The legislation authorizing video lottery operations in the State of Delaware was adopted in June 1994, and is referred to as the “Horse Racing Redevelopment Act.” The Delaware General Assembly’s stated purpose in approving the legislation was to (i) provide non-state supported assistance in the form of increased economic activity and vitality for Delaware’s harness and thoroughbred horse racing industries, which activity and vitality will enable the industry to improve its facilities and breeding stock, and cause increased employment; and (ii) restrict the location of such lottery to locations where wagering is already permitted and controls exist. A portion of the proceeds from the wagering on the video lottery (slot) machines is allocated to increase the purses for harness horse races held at Dover Downs Raceway and is intended to provide increased vitality for Delaware’s horse racing industry.

 

We have an agreement with the Delaware Standardbred Owner’s Association, Inc. (“DSOA”) effective May 1, 2007 and continuing through July 31, 2010.  DSOA’s membership consists of owners, trainers and drivers of harness horses participating in harness race meetings at our facilities and elsewhere in the United States and Canada. The DSOA has been organized and exists for the purpose of promoting the sport of harness racing; improving the lot of owners, drivers and trainers of harness racing horses participating in race meetings; establishing health, welfare and insurance programs for owners, drivers and trainers of harness racing horses; negotiating with harness racing tracks on behalf of owners, trainers, drivers and grooms of harness racing horses; and generally rendering assistance to them whenever and wherever possible. Under the DSOA agreement, we are required to distribute as purses for races conducted at our facilities a percentage of our retained share of pari-mutuel revenues.

 

We enjoy a good relationship with representatives of DSOA and anticipate that this relationship will continue. We believe that the DSOA agreement is typical of similar agreements in the industry.

 

4



Table of Contents

 

Licensing and Regulation by Gaming and Other Authorities

 

General

 

We are subject to extensive federal, state and local regulations related to our operations, particularly our video lottery (slot) operations, live harness racing and pari-mutuel wagering. These operations are contingent upon continued government approval of such operations as forms of legalized gaming and could be subjected at any time to additional or more restrictive regulations.  The following is a brief outline of some of the more significant regulations affecting our gaming operations and not intended as a recitation of all regulations applicable to our business.

 

Delaware law regulates the percentage of commission we are entitled to receive from our gaming activities, which comprises a significant portion of our overall revenues.  Our licenses to conduct video lottery (slot) machine operations, harness horse races and pari-mutuel wagering could be modified or repealed at any time and we could be required to terminate our gaming operations.

 

Video Lottery (Slot) Operations

 

General.  Video lottery (slot) operations are by statute operated and administered by the Director of the Delaware State Lottery Office (the “Lottery Director”).  We are a Licensed Agent authorized to conduct video lottery (slot) operations under the Delaware State Lottery Code.

 

A “video lottery (slot) machine” is defined by law as any machine in which bills, coins or tokens are deposited in order to play in a game of chance in which the results, including options available to the player, are randomly and immediately determined by the machine.  A machine may use spinning reels or video displays or both, and may or may not dispense coins or tokens directly to winning players.  A machine shall be considered a video lottery (slot) machine notwithstanding (i) the use of an electronic credit system making the deposit of bills, coins or tokens unnecessary, or (ii) the fact that the video lottery (slot) machine has employed dual function terminal technology.  Various video lottery (slot) machines are in use at our casino.

 

The Lottery Director has discretion to adopt such rules and regulations as the Lottery Director deems necessary or desirable for the efficient and economical operation and administration of the system, including (i) type and number of games permitted, (ii) pricing of games, (iii) numbers and sizes of prizes, (iv) manner of payment, (v) value of bills, coins or tokens needed to play, (vi) requirements for licensing agents and service providers, (vii) standards for advertising, marketing and promotional materials used by Licensed Agents, (viii) procedures for accounting and reporting, (ix) registration, kind, type, number and location of video lottery (slot) machines on a Licensed Agent’s premises, (x) security arrangements for the video lottery system, and (xi) reporting and auditing of financial information of Licensed Agents.

 

Licensing Requirements.  We were granted a license on December 13, 1995.  Delaware gaming licenses do not have an expiration date.

 

There are continuing licensure requirements for all officers, directors, key employees and persons who own directly or indirectly 10% or more of a Licensed Agent, which licensure requirements shall include the satisfaction of such security, fitness and background standards as the Lottery Director may deem necessary relating to competence, honesty and integrity, such that a person’s reputation, habits and associations do not pose a threat to the public interest of the State or to the reputation of or effective regulation and control of the video lottery; it being specifically understood that any person convicted of any felony, a crime involving gambling, or a crime of moral turpitude within 10 years prior to applying for a license or at any time thereafter shall be deemed unfit.

 

There are similar licensure requirements for providers of the video lottery (slot) machines and certain companies that seek to provide services to a Licensed Agent.

 

Revocation, Suspension or Modification of License.  The Lottery Director may revoke or suspend the license of a Licensed Agent, such as ours, for “cause.”  “Cause” is broadly defined and could potentially include falsifying any application for license or report required by the rules and regulations, the failure to report any information required

 

5



Table of Contents

 

by the rules and regulations, the material violation of any rules and regulations promulgated by the Lottery Director or any conduct by the licensee which undermines the public confidence in the video lottery system or serves the interest of organized gambling or crime and criminals in any manner.  A license may be revoked for an unintentional violation of any federal, state or local law, rule or regulation provided that the violation is not cured within a reasonable time as determined by the Lottery Director.  A hearing officer’s decision revoking or suspending the license shall be appealable to the Delaware Superior Court under the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act.  All existing or new officers, directors, key employees and owners of a Licensed Agent are subject to background investigation.  Failure to satisfy the background investigation may constitute cause for suspension or revocation of the License.

 

Ownership Changes.  Under Delaware law, a change of ownership of a Licensed Agent will automatically terminate its license 90 days after the change of ownership occurs, unless the Lottery Director determines after application to issue a new license to the new owners.  Change of ownership may occur if any new individual or entity acquires, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the Licensed Agent or if more than 20% of the legal or beneficial interest in the Licensed Agent is transferred, whether by direct or indirect means.  The Commission may require extensive background investigations of any new owner acquiring a 10% or greater interest in a Licensed Agent, including criminal background checks.  Accordingly, we have a restrictive legend on our shares of common stock which require that (a) any holders of common stock found to be disqualified or unsuitable or not possessing the qualifications required by any appropriate gaming authority could be required to dispose of such stock and (b) any holder of common stock intending to acquire 10% or more of our outstanding common stock must first obtain prior written approval from the Delaware State Lottery Office.

 

Harness Racing Events.  In order to maintain our license for video lottery (slot) machine gaming, we are required to maintain our license for harness horse racing with the Commission and must conduct a minimum of 80 live race days each racing season, subject to the availability of racing stock.

 

Control Over Equipment and Technology.  We do not own or lease the video lottery (slot) machines or computer systems used by the State in connection with our video lottery gaming operations.  The Lottery Director enters into contracts directly with the providers of the video lottery (slot) machines and computer systems (the “Technology Providers”).  Equipment is provided to the State by sale or lease and all Technology Providers must be licensed by the Lottery Director.  Our operations could be disrupted in the event that a licensed Technology Provider in any way breaches its agreement with the State or ceases to be properly licensed for any reason.  Such an event would be outside of our control.

 

Harness Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering

 

Licensing Requirements.  Harness racing in the State of Delaware is governed by the Delaware Harness Racing Commission.  We hold a license from the Commission by which we are authorized to hold harness race meetings on our premises and to make, conduct and sell pools by the use of pari-mutuel machines or totalizators.  The license must be renewed on an annual basis.  The Commission may reject an application for a license for any cause which it deems sufficient and the action of the Commission is final.  The Commission may also suspend or revoke a license which it has issued and its action in that respect is final, subject to review, upon questions of law only, by the Superior Court of the County within which the license was granted.  The action of the Commission stands unless and until reversed by the Court.  We have received an annual license from the Commission for the past 40 consecutive years and management believes that our relationship with the Commission remains good.  However, there can be no assurances that we will continue to be licensed by the Commission in the future.

 

Under the law, the Commission has broad powers of supervision and regulation.  The Commission may prescribe rules, regulations and conditions under which all harness racing and betting pools shall be conducted; may regulate the performance of any service or the sale of any article on the premises of a licensee; may compel the production of books and documents of a licensee and require that books and records be kept in such manner as the Commission may prescribe; may visit, investigate and place accountants or other persons as it deems necessary, at the expense of a licensee, in the office, track or place of business of a licensee; may summon witnesses and administer oaths; and may require the removal of any employee or official employed by a licensee.  All proposed extensions, additions or improvements to the property of a licensee are subject to the approval of the Commission.

 

6



Table of Contents

 

The Commission is required to inspect a licensee’s racing plant not less than five days prior to a race meeting and may withdraw the license for the meeting if the racing plant is found to be unsafe for animals or persons or is not rendered safe prior to the opening of the meeting.  A licensee must deposit with the Commission, ten days before a race meeting, a policy of insurance against personal injury liability in an amount to be approved by the Commission.

 

USTA.  Any license granted by the Commission is also subject to such reasonable rules and regulations as may be prescribed from time to time by the United States Trotting Association (“USTA”).  The USTA sets various rules relating to the conduct of harness racing.  According to its Articles of Incorporation, the purposes of the USTA shall include the improvement of the breed of trotting and pacing horses, the establishment of rules regulating standards and the registration of such horses thereunder, the advancement and promotion of the interest of harness racing in the United States, the investigation, ascertainment and registration of the pedigrees of such horses, the regulation and government of the conduct of the sport of harness racing, the establishment of rules for the conduct thereof, not inconsistent with the laws of the various states, and the sanctioning of the holding of exhibitions of such horses and meetings for the racing thereof, the issuance of licenses to qualified persons to officiate at harness race meetings and exhibitions, the issuance of licenses to the owners of horses permitting the exhibition and racing of such horses and the qualification thereof, the issuance of licenses to drivers of horses participating in such races or exhibitions, and providing for the enforcement of the rules promulgated by the USTA, and providing for the fixing of penalties, fines, and the suspension or expulsion from membership, or privileges or for any other misconduct detrimental to the sport.

 

Gaming Taxes and Fees

 

We believe that the prospect of significant additional tax revenue is one of the primary reasons why jurisdictions have legalized gaming.  As a result, gaming operators are typically subject to significant taxes and fees in addition to normal federal and state corporate income taxes.  These taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time.  We pay substantial taxes and fees with respect to our operations and would likely incur similar burdens in any other jurisdiction in which we may conduct gaming operations in the future.

 

Effective July 1, 2008, the State enacted legislation that (1) increases the existing surcharge on the portion of slot win that we retain, (2) requires that we pay the costs of all franchise games which were previously shared with the State, and (3) requires that we pay an additional annual amount to a certain horse racing industry organization previously funded by the State.  That legislation also allows us to operate all day on Sundays and eliminates the prior legislatively imposed limit on our use of free promotional slot play.

 

Compliance with Other Laws

 

We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations in addition to gaming regulations. 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.

 

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) requires operators of casinos located in the United States to file information returns for United States citizens, including names and addresses of winners, for all winnings in excess of stipulated amounts. The IRS also requires operators to withhold taxes on certain winnings.

 

Regulations adopted by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the Treasury Department (“FinCEN”) require us to report currency transactions in excess of stipulated amounts occurring within a gaming day, including identification of the patron by name and social security number. FinCEN has also established regulations that require us to file suspicious activity reports on all transactions that we know, suspect, or have reason to suspect fall into specific categories that are deemed to be suspicious. We believe our programs meet the requirements of the applicable regulations.

 

Laws and regulations are always subject to change, can be interpreted differently in the future, and new laws and regulations may be enacted which could adversely affect the tax, regulatory, operational or other aspects of the

 

7



Table of Contents

 

gaming industry and our company. Furthermore, noncompliance with one or more of these laws and regulation could result in the imposition of substantial penalties against us.

 

Competition

 

The gaming industry in the United States is intensely competitive and features many participants, including riverboat casinos, dockside casinos, land-based casinos, video lottery (slot) and poker machines, whether or not located in casinos, native American gaming, pari-mutuel wagering on live and simulcast horse racing, off-track betting, state run lotteries, internet gambling and other forms of gambling. Gaming competition is particularly intense in each of these sectors.

 

We compete in local and regional markets with horse tracks, off-track betting parlors, state run lotteries, casinos and other gaming facilities.  We cannot be certain that we will maintain our market share or compete more effectively with our competitors.  The introduction or expansion of gaming in neighboring jurisdictions, particularly Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania or New Jersey, or the legalization of additional gaming venues in Delaware, could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows and results of operations.  From time to time legislation is proposed for adoption in these jurisdictions which if enacted, would further expand state gambling and wagering opportunities, including video lottery (slot) machines at racetracks. Enactment of such legislation could increase our competition and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and overall profitability.  The Maryland Legislature passed legislation in 2008 that will permit up to 15,000 slot machines in five different specific locations throughout Maryland. The legislation required a Constitutional amendment which passed on a referendum vote in November 2008.  The establishment of any gaming locations in the State remains subject to local zoning prohibitions and may face further opposition.  As the number of machines and the specific locations of the gaming establishments are set by the State’s Constitution, any changes to the number of machines or the locations would require further amendment to the State Constitution.   It is difficult for us to predict what types of gaming establishments may ultimately be built in Maryland or when they are likely to become operational.  Management has estimated that approximately 43% of our total slot win comes from Maryland patrons.  Approximately 69% of our Capital Club® member slot win comes from out of state patrons.  In July 2004, Pennsylvania adopted legislation which authorizes up to 61,000 slot machines at various existing and proposed venues throughout the state.  It is difficult for us to predict the effect that such legislation will ultimately have on us, but several facilities in Pennsylvania began operations by the end of 2006.  Management has estimated that slot win from Pennsylvania patrons currently represents approximately 3% of our total slot win which is the same as the prior year.

 

All states in our geographic region have state-run lotteries. Atlantic City, New Jersey is located approximately 100 miles from our entertainment facility and offers a full range of gaming products.  Virginia and Washington, D.C. do not currently permit video lottery (slot) machine operations.

 

Competition in horse racing is varied since racetracks in the surrounding area differ in many respects. Some tracks only offer thoroughbred or harness horse racing; others have both. Tracks have live racing seasons that may or may not overlap with neighboring tracks. Depending on the purse structure, tracks that are farther apart may compete with each other more for quality horses than for patrons.

 

Live harness racing also competes with simulcasts of thoroughbred and harness racing. All racetracks in the region are involved with simulcasting. In addition, a number of off-track betting parlors compete with track simulcasting activities. With respect to the simulcasting of our live harness races to tracks and other locations, our simulcast signals are in direct competition with live races at the receiving track and other races being simulcast to the receiving location.

 

Within the State of Delaware, we face little direct live competition from the State’s other two tracks. Harrington Raceway, a south central Delaware fairgrounds track, conducts harness horse racing periodically between April and October. There is no overlap presently with our live race season. Delaware Park, a northern Delaware track, conducts thoroughbred horse racing from April through mid-November. Its race season only overlaps with ours for approximately six weeks each year.

 

8



Table of Contents

 

We compete with harness and thoroughbred racing and simulcasting facilities in the neighboring states of Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey.  We also receive simulcast harness and thoroughbred races from approximately 80 race tracks.

 

Competition for our hotel varies and consists of local and regional competition. With respect to hotel accommodations only, we compete with a variety of nearby hotels in the Dover area; however, none of these offer the luxury accommodations and amenities that we offer.  Our hotel is the only hotel in the Dover area, and one of only three hotels in the State, to receive the AAA Four Diamond Award.  With respect to trade shows, conferences, concerts and hotel room packages tied to these events or tied to our casino and other gaming offerings, we compete at a regional level with the other gaming operations referred to above and with convention centers and larger hotels in major cities such as Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Wilmington.

 

In addition, our activities compete with other leisure, entertainment and recreational activities.

 

Growth Strategies

 

We offer a unique gaming and entertainment experience and make available to our patrons a number of different options: slot machine gaming, live harness horse racing, fine dining, national recording and entertainment acts, night club, retail shopping, live boxing and simulcasting of thoroughbred and harness horse races from across North America. Our mission is simple: to provide all of our customers a premier gaming and entertainment experience with a focus on unparalleled customer service.  Our growth strategy is to foster customer loyalty by following this mission, focus on our most valuable customers, expand and improve the quality of our slot gaming positions, enhance our gaming products with additional entertainment offerings and create an exciting gaming environment while focusing on areas that we believe will increase our revenue and profitability. Our efforts in this regard include the following:

 

Increase The Utilization Of Our Casino

 

We use a sophisticated database marketing program to enable us to develop long-term relationships with our patrons and to target promotions to specific customer segments.  Our Capital Club, a slots players club and tracking system, allows us to identify customers and to reward their level of play through various marketing programs. Membership in this club currently stands at approximately 150,000 active patrons.  We attempt to increase attendance at both our casino and hotel through effective promotional use of our database and by making improvements to our facilities and gaming offerings based on what we learn from our Capital Club members. For example, we continue to add the most popular machines with differing denominations. Additionally, we have added multi-player electronic table games, such as Blackjack, Roulette and Poker, which seat up to five players in an interactive setting that features a virtual dealer.

 

         On July 10, 2008, our Phase VI casino expansion, The Colonnade, was partially opened to the public with approximately 500 additional slot machines, Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House, Sweet Perks Too and the Dover Downs’ Fire & Ice Lounge debuting.  Four retail outlets opened and space for two additional outlets was completed in late September 2008.  The expansion, which is now complete, added approximately 68,000 square-feet of space bringing our video lottery casino complex to 165,000 square-feet housing approximately 3,110 slot machines.

 

Legislation was introduced in 2008 in Delaware to consider the resumption of sports betting.  Recently, three Delaware state agencies (the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Finance, and the Controller General’s office) participated in a report issued January 10, 2008 which concludes as follows: “[W]hile all the options for the implementation of sports betting in the State of Delaware are feasible, the most reasonable option for phased-in legalization is a racino based operation.”  By Federal law, Delaware is the only state east of Montana, and one of only four states in the United States, where sports betting is legally permitted.  We continue to pursue this with the legislature.

 

Capitalize On Our Luxury Hotel

 

Our luxury hotel facility, the Dover Downs Hotel, connects to our casino.  It is the only hotel in the Dover area, and one of only three hotels in the State, to receive the AAA Four Diamond Award.  The facility includes 500

 

9



Table of Contents

 

rooms, including eleven luxury spa suites, a multi-purpose ballroom/concert hall, a fine dining restaurant, swimming pool and a luxurious 6,000 square-foot spa.  When we built the original hotel we also built a 425-seat buffet restaurant and renovated our enclosed harness racing grandstand with state-of-the-art simulcasting facilities.  By offering a wide range of entertainment options to our patrons, including concerts featuring prominent entertainers, live boxing, gourmet dining, trade shows and conferences, we believe we are able to attract new patrons and lengthen the stay of current patrons.

 

Increase Wagering On Live Harness Horse Racing Through Increased Purse Levels

 

With a percentage of video lottery (slot) machine revenues supplementing the purses for the horsemen, we have experienced dramatic increases in the amount of our purses.  By the end of our 2007-2008 season, our average daily purse distribution increased to approximately $220,000 from $8,000 in 1995.  The result is that we continue to attract higher quality horses.  We have prestigious events such as our annual “Progress Pace” with an estimated $400,000 purse, an event which attracts the country’s top three-year-old horses.  Bettors are attracted to races with larger purses and typically wager more on the higher quality and more predictable horses. We have also completed various upgrades to enhance the harness horse racing facilities, including renovations to the track and grounds, receiving barn and paddock areas and, more recently, our simulcast parlor which has state-of-the-art facilities that allow year round wagering. We continue to focus on improvements that we believe allow us to increase attendance and wagering, including wagering on our events from other tracks and off-track wagering facilities that receive our racing signal.

 

Pursue Management Agreements

 

We entered into a letter of intent on October 14, 2008 with UG Entertainment LLC to provide management services for the operation of a video lottery facility at Underground Atlanta.  UGE has made presentations to the Georgia Lottery relative to the possibility of commencing video lottery operations at Underground Atlanta.  Such video lottery operations are not presently authorized and would require regulatory action by the Georgia Lottery and possibly legislative approval by the State of Georgia.  The letter of intent between us and UGE provides for a five year management agreement and affords us two renewal options for two years each subject to the attainment of certain financial criteria by the new facility. The letter of intent contemplates that the parties will negotiate and enter into an acceptable management agreement with terms and conditions comparable to management agreements of a similar nature.  Our compensation would consist of a management fee based on gross revenues and an incentive fee based on net earnings before taxes.  We have agreed to make a $500,000 non-interest bearing loan to UGE subject to certain conditions set forth in the letter of intent.  The letter of intent also contemplates that we will have the right to purchase up to 10% of the equity of UGE.

 

Seasonality

 

Our quarterly operating results are affected by weather and the general economic conditions in the United States.  Our quarterly operating results are generally distributed evenly throughout the year. However, the results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in any future period.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2008, we had 789 full-time employees and 109 part-time employees. We engage temporary personnel to assist during our live harness racing season. None of our employees are party to a collective bargaining agreement and we believe that our relationship with our employees is good.

 

Available Information

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, information statements and other information with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.  The address of that site is http://www.sec.gov.

 

10



Table of Contents

 

Internet Address

 

We maintain a website where additional information concerning our business and various upcoming events can be found.  The address of our Internet website is http://www.doverdowns.com. We provide a link on our website, under Investor Relations, to our filings with the SEC, including our annual report on Form 10-K, proxy statement, Section 16 reports, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports.

 

Item 1A.         Risk Factors

 

Disclosure regarding the most significant factors that may adversely affect our business, operations, industry or financial position or our future financial performance is set forth under the section entitled, “Factors That May Affect Operating Results; Forward-Looking Statements,” beginning on page 21.

 

Item 1B.         Unresolved Staff Comments

 

We have not received any written comments that were issued more than 180 days before December 31, 2008, the end of the fiscal year covered by this report, from the SEC staff regarding our periodic or current reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that remain unresolved.

 

Item 2.            Properties

 

We own our principal executive office located in Dover, Delaware; Dover Downs Casino – our 165,000 square-foot casino featuring the latest in slot machine offerings such as multi-player electronic table games with virtual dealers; the Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center – a 500 room AAA Four Diamond hotel with conference, banquet, fine dining, ballroom, concert hall and spa facilities; and the Dover Downs Raceway – indoor grandstands, betting and simulcasting parlors, all of which are located at our entertainment complex situated on approximately 69 acres of land owned by us.

 

Our use of DVD’s 5/8-mile harness racing track is pursuant to an easement granted to us by DVD which does not require the payment of any rent. Under the terms of the easement, we have exclusive use of the harness track during the period beginning November 1 of each year and ending April 30 of the following year, together with set up and tear down rights for the two weeks before and after such period.  The harness track is located on property owned by DVD and is on the inside of DVD’s motorsports superspeedway.  Our indoor grandstands are used by DVD at no charge in connection with its major motorsports events. DVD also leases its principal office space from us.  Various easements and agreements relative to access, utilities and parking have also been entered into between DVD and us relative to our respective Dover, Delaware facilities.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We have various registered and common law trademark rights, including, but not limited to, “Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment,” “Dover Downs,” “Capital Club,” “Capital Gold,” “Capital Platinum,” “Dover Downs Hotel & Casino,” “Dover Downs is Cooking,” “Sweet Perks,” “Gazebo Bar,” “Winners Circle,” “Michele’s at Dover Downs,” “Rollins Center,” “$1 Million Jackpot Slot,” “Come Play!.”  We also have limited rights to use the names and logos of other businesses in connection with promoting our facilities and special events at those facilities.  Due to the value of our intellectual property rights for promotional purposes, it is our intention to vigorously protect these rights, through litigation, if necessary.

 

Item 3.            Legal Proceedings

 

We are a party to ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business.  Management does not believe that the resolution of any of these matters is likely to have a serious negative effect on our financial condition, cash flows or profitability.

 

11



Table of Contents

 

Item 4.            Submission Of Matters To A Vote Of Security Holders

 

No matters were submitted during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report to a vote of security holders.

 

Executive Officers Of The Registrant

 

See Part III, Item 10 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information about our executive officers.

 

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 ticker symbol “DDE.”  Our Class A common stock is not publicly traded but is freely convertible on a one-for-one basis into common stock at any time at the option of the holder thereof.  As of February 27, 2009, there were 15,464,610 shares of common stock and 16,603,173 shares of Class A common stock outstanding.  There were 1,034 holders of record for common stock and 20 holders of record for Class A common stock.

 

The high and low sales prices for our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange and the dividends declared per share for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are detailed in the following table.

 

Quarter Ended:

 

High

 

Low

 

Dividends
Declared

 

December 31, 2008

 

$

8.09

 

$

2.27

 

$

0.050

 

September 30, 2008

 

$

9.49

 

$

6.03

 

$

0.050

 

June 30, 2008

 

$

9.32

 

$

6.38

 

$

0.050

 

March 31, 2008

 

$

11.34

 

$

8.00

 

$

0.050

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

 

$

12.56

 

$

9.89

 

$

0.050

 

September 30, 2007

 

$

15.23

 

$

9.77

 

$

0.050

 

June 30, 2007

 

$

15.32

 

$

12.06

 

$

0.045

 

March 31, 2007

 

$

15.71

 

$

11.76

 

$

0.045

 

 

On October 23, 2002, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 3,000,000 shares of our outstanding common stock.  The purchases may be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions as conditions warrant.  The repurchase authorization does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares and may be suspended at any time.  No repurchases were made in the fourth quarter of 2008 and we had remaining purchase authority of 1,653,333 shares.

 

12



Table of Contents

 

Common Stock Performance

 

The graph below compares the cumulative total return of the following:

 

·      our Common Stock;

 

·      the Russell 2000 Index; and

 

·      an index of peer companies.

 

The peer index we selected consists of the following companies engaged in the gaming business:  Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc., MTR Gaming Group, Inc., Ameristar Casinos, Inc., Penn National Gaming, Inc., Churchill Downs, Inc., Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., and Magna Entertainment Corp.  The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our Common Stock and each index was 100 at December 31, 2003 and all dividends were reinvested.  The comparisons in this table are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission and, therefore, are not intended to forecast or be necessarily indicative of any future return on our Common Stock.

 

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*

AMONG DOVER DOWNS GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT, INC., THE RUSSELL 2000 INDEX

AND A PEER GROUP

 

 


*       $100 invested on December 31, 2003 in stock or index—including reinvestment of dividends.  Fiscal year ending December 31.

 

13



Table of Contents

 

Item 6.            Selected Financial Data

 

The table below summarizes certain selected consolidated financial data and should be read together with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our consolidated financial statements and notes contained elsewhere in this document.

 

Five Year Selected Financial Data

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Consolidated Statement of Earnings Data (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gaming

 

$

219,878

 

$

224,760

 

$

220,412

 

$

202,372

 

$

193,922

 

Other operating

 

19,254

 

17,606

 

16,039

 

14,480

 

13,822

 

 

 

239,132

 

242,366

 

236,451

 

216,852

 

207,744

 

Less - non-recurring gaming charge (a)

 

 

 

 

 

448

 

 

 

239,132

 

242,366

 

236,451

 

216,852

 

207,296

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gaming

 

169,360

 

166,040

 

163,288

 

151,973

 

152,725

 

Non-recurring gaming charge (a)

 

 

 

 

 

1,802

 

Other operating

 

16,101

 

15,268

 

14,202

 

13,167

 

13,013

 

General and administrative

 

6,317

 

6,319

 

5,905

 

4,765

 

4,603

 

Depreciation

 

10,849

 

7,843

 

7,146

 

6,998

 

6,791

 

 

 

202,627

 

195,470

 

190,541

 

176,903

 

178,934

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of shopping center (b)

 

 

 

 

5,837

 

 

Operating earnings

 

36,505

 

46,896

 

45,910

 

45,786

 

28,362

 

Interest expense

 

3,484

 

2,741

 

2,943

 

1,875

 

762

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

33,021

 

44,155

 

42,967

 

43,911

 

27,600

 

Income taxes

 

13,510

 

18,070

 

17,639

 

17,871

 

11,219

 

Net earnings

 

$

19,511

 

$

26,085

 

$

25,328

 

$

26,040

 

$

16,381

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings per common share (c) :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.62

 

$

0.81

 

$

0.78

 

$

0.73

 

$

0.41

 

Diluted

 

$

0.62

 

$

0.80

 

$

0.77

 

$

0.72

 

$

0.41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.19

 

$

0.175

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Consolidated Operating Data (unaudited):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of slot machines

 

2,888

 

2,719

 

2,599

 

2,500

 

2,432

 

Casino square-footage

 

165,000

 

97,000

 

97,000

 

91,000

 

91,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital

 

$

14,456

 

$

7,065

 

$

11,979

 

$

9,216

 

$

8,505

 

Total assets

 

241,332

 

225,180

 

173,027

 

153,461

 

160,300

 

Long-term debt (b)

 

108,325

 

92,425

 

59,425

 

24,075

 

51,950

 

Total stockholders’ equity (c)

 

101,085

 

89,599

 

77,259

 

93,270

 

72,770

 

 


(a)    Effective December 2004, we changed our policy relating to our point loyalty program to allow points earned by customers to be redeemed for cash under certain circumstances.  As a result, we recorded a non-recurring charge of $2,250,000 ($1,338,000 after income tax benefit) in the fourth quarter of 2004 to record the net impact of the program change.  The estimated amount of points redeemable for cash was recorded as a reduction of revenue and the estimated amount of points redeemable for services and merchandise was recorded as gaming expense.

 

14



Table of Contents

 

(b)    On December 28, 2005, we closed on the sale of a shopping center we owned in Dover, Delaware.  The sales price was $12,450,000 and we recognized a gain on the sale of $5,837,000 ($3,461,000 after income taxes).  The proceeds from the sale were used to pay down outstanding amounts on our credit facility.

 

(c)    On November 10, 2004, we commenced a tender offer to purchase up to 1,560,632 shares of our common stock and up to 2,411,259 shares of our Class A common stock at a fixed price of $8.00 per share.  The offer expired on December 10, 2004.  We purchased 1,560,632 shares of our common stock and 2,400,000 shares of our Class A common stock for $32,045,000, including expenses, in connection with the tender offer.

 

On December 19, 2005, we commenced a tender offer to purchase up to 1,595,906 shares of our common stock and up to 1,988,202 shares of our Class A common stock at a fixed price of $9.67 per share.  The offer expired on January 19, 2006. We purchased 1,595,906 shares of our common stock and 1,987,500 shares of our Class A common stock for $34,996,000, including expenses, in connection with the tender offer.

 

On October 23, 2002, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 3,000,000 shares of our outstanding common stock. The purchases may be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions as conditions warrant.  The repurchase authorization has no expiration date, does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares and may be suspended at any time.  During the year ended December 31, 2008, we purchased and retired 98,500 shares of our outstanding common stock pursuant to this plan at an average purchase price of $9.09 per share, not including nominal brokerage commissions.  During the year ended December 31, 2007, we purchased and retired 916,900 shares of our outstanding common stock pursuant to this plan at an average purchase price of $10.72 per share, not including nominal brokerage commissions.  No purchases of our equity securities were made pursuant to this authorization during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005.  During the year ended December 31, 2004, we purchased and retired 76,350 shares of our outstanding common stock pursuant to this plan at an average purchase price of $6.63 per share, not including nominal brokerage commissions.

 

Item 7.            Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

 

The following discussion is based upon and should be read together with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this document.

 

Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. is a diversified gaming and entertainment company whose operations consist of Dover Downs Casino – a 165,000 square-foot video lottery casino complex featuring the latest in slot machine offerings, including multi-player electronic table games with virtual dealers; the Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center – a 500 room AAA Four Diamond hotel with conference, banquet, fine dining, ballroom, concert hall and spa facilities; and Dover Downs Raceway – a harness racing track with pari-mutuel wagering on live and simulcast horse races.

 

On July 10, 2008, our Phase VI casino expansion, The Colonnade, was partially opened to the public with approximately 500 additional slot machines, Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House, Sweet Perks Too and the Dover Downs’ Fire & Ice Lounge debuting.  Four retail outlets opened and space for two additional outlets was completed in late September 2008.  The expansion, which is now complete, added approximately 68,000 square-feet of space bringing our video lottery casino complex to 165,000 square-feet housing approximately 3,110 slot machines.

 

Approximately 90% of our revenue is derived from video lottery (slot) machine win.  Several factors contribute to the video lottery (slot) machine win for any gaming company, including, but not limited to:

 

·      Proximity to major population bases,

·      Competition in the market,

·      The quantity and types of slot machines available,

·      The quality of the physical property,

·      Other amenities offered on site,

·      Customer service levels,

 

15



Table of Contents

 

·      Marketing programs, and

·      General economic conditions.

 

We believe that we hold a strong position in each of these areas.  Our entertainment complex is located in Dover, the capital of the State of Delaware. We draw patrons from several major metropolitan areas. Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. are all within a two hour drive. According to the 2000 United States Census, approximately 32.8 million people live within 150 miles of our complex.  There are significant barriers to entry related to the gaming business in Delaware.  By law, only three existing horse racing facilities in the State are allowed to have a gaming license.  Our property is similar to properties found in the country’s largest gaming markets.  Our recently expanded luxury hotel is the only casino-hotel in Delaware, providing a strong marketing tool, especially to higher-end players.  We also utilize our slot marketing system to allow for the most efficient marketing programs and the highest levels of customer service.

 

Because all of our operations are located at one facility, we face the risk of increased competition from the legalization of new or additional gaming venues.  We have therefore focused on creating the region’s premier gaming destination and building and rewarding customer loyalty through innovative marketing efforts, unparalleled customer service and a variety of amenities.

 

Results of Operations

 

Gaming revenues represent (i) the net win from video lottery (slot) machine wins and losses and (ii) commissions from pari-mutuel wagering.  Other operating revenues consist of hotel rooms revenue, food and beverage sales and other miscellaneous income.  Revenues do not include the retail amount of hotel rooms, food and beverage and other miscellaneous goods and services provided without charge to customers as promotional items. The estimated direct cost of providing these items has been charged to the casino through interdepartmental allocations and is included in gaming expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings.

 

For the video lottery operations, the difference between the amount wagered by bettors and the amount paid out to bettors is referred to as the win. The win is included in the amount recorded in our consolidated financial statements as gaming revenue. The Delaware State Lottery Office sweeps the win from the video lottery operations, collects the State’s share of the win and the amount due to the vendors under contract with the State who provide the video lottery (slot) machines and associated computer systems, collects the amount allocable to purses for harness horse racing and remits the remainder to us as our commission for acting as a Licensed Agent. Gaming expenses include the amounts collected by the State (i) for the State’s share of the win, (ii) for remittance to the providers of the video lottery (slot) machines and associated computer systems, and (iii) for harness horse racing purses. We recognize revenues from pari-mutuel commissions earned from live harness horse racing and importing of simulcast signals from other race tracks when the race occurs. Revenues from hotel rooms, food and beverage sales and other miscellaneous income are recognized at the time the service is provided.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2008 vs. Year Ended December 31, 2007

 

Gaming revenues decreased by $4,882,000, or 2.2%, to $219,878,000 in 2008 primarily as a result of decreased play in our casino.  We believe that the decrease in casino play can be attributed to the general downturn in economic conditions and the related impact on consumer spending.  We believe that the decrease would have been more significant but for the opening of our Phase VI casino expansion in the third quarter of 2008, the opening of our hotel expansion during the latter part of 2007, targeted marketing efforts using our player database and our efforts to provide our customers with enhanced casino products and other amenities.  Our average number of machines increased from 2,719 in 2007 to 2,888 in 2008 due to our Phase VI casino expansion.

 

Other operating revenues were $19,254,000 in 2008 as compared to $17,606,000 in 2007.  Net food and beverage revenues increased $448,000 to $12,571,000 from $12,123,000 in 2007 primarily due to the opening of the Dover Downs’ Fire & Ice Lounge and our Sweet Perks Too coffee shop in July 2008 and increased sales at our renovated Michele’s fine dining restaurant.  Additionally, cash rooms revenue increased $980,000 in 2008 mainly due to the hotel expansion.  All other operating revenues increased $220,000 primarily due to an increase in concert and other miscellaneous revenues.  Other operating revenues do not include the retail amount of promotional allowances which are provided to customers on a complimentary basis of $17,758,000 and $15,770,000 in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

16



Table of Contents

 

Gaming expenses increased by $3,320,000, or 2.0%, primarily as a result of legislation enacted by the State effective July 1, 2008 that (1) increases the existing surcharge on the portion of slot win that we retain, (2) requires that we pay the costs of all franchise games which were previously shared with the State, and (3) requires that we pay an additional annual amount to a certain horse racing industry organization previously funded by the State.  That legislation also allows us to operate all day on Sundays.  Prior legislation enacted by the State effective May 10, 2007 established a one-time increase in the amount remitted to the State by its three video lottery agents and a tax on promotional slot play in excess of a legislative limit for the period ended June 30, 2008 which also contributed to the increased gaming expenses.  The increased surcharge and fees were approximately $2,100,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008.  Higher marketing costs, real estate taxes and utility expenses were primarily responsible for the remainder of the increase.

 

Other operating expenses increased by $833,000, or 5.5%, reflecting the higher revenues.  Expenses related to our food and beverage operations were $12,873,000 in 2008 and $12,552,000 in 2007.  These increased expenses included initial costs of operations related to our new Dover Downs’ Fire & Ice Lounge and Sweet Perks Too coffee shop which opened in the third quarter of 2008.  Expenses related to our rooms operations increased $312,000 in 2008 primarily due to the hotel expansion.  We also incurred approximately $500,000 in expenses during the fourth quarter of 2008 related to the termination of two restaurant leases on our property.

 

General and administrative expenses remained consistent at $6,317,000 in 2008 as compared to $6,319,000 in 2007.

 

Depreciation expense was $10,849,000 in 2008 as compared to $7,843,000 in 2007.  The increase resulted primarily from the opening of our hotel expansion during the second half of 2007 and our Phase VI casino expansion during the third quarter of 2008.

 

Interest expense increased by $743,000 due to higher average outstanding borrowings on our credit facility used to fund our hotel expansion which was completed in October 2007, our casino expansion which was completed in the third quarter of 2008 and repurchases of our outstanding common stock at the end of 2007 and beginning of 2008.  Additionally, the amount of interest we capitalized decreased to $567,000 during 2008 from $1,539,000 during 2007.  The interest expense associated with the borrowings for our hotel and casino expansions was being capitalized as part of the project cost.  Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in our average interest rate on our credit facility.

 

Our effective income tax rate was 40.9% for years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2007 vs. Year Ended December 31, 2006

 

Gaming revenues increased by $4,348,000, or 2.0%, to $224,760,000 in 2007, entirely the result of increased play in our casino.  This increase in video lottery (slot) machine win was partially offset by lower horse racing commissions.  We believe that the increase in casino play can be attributed to the opening of our hotel expansion during the later part of 2007, the conversion of 4,000 square-feet of space within our existing complex to gaming space which allowed us to add more than 200 new machines in July of 2006, targeted marketing efforts using our player database, and our efforts to provide our customers with enhanced casino products and other amenities.  Our average number of machines increased from 2,599 in 2006 to 2,719 in 2007.

 

Other operating revenues were $17,606,000 in 2007 as compared to $16,039,000 in 2006.  Net food and beverage revenues increased $1,177,000 to $12,123,000 from $10,946,000 in 2006 primarily due to an increase in banquet sales and sales at our Festival Buffet restaurant.  Additionally, cash rooms revenue increased $585,000 in 2007 mainly due to the hotel expansion.  Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in concert ticket sales as a result of promoting fewer shows during 2007.  Other operating revenues do not include the retail amount of promotional allowances which are provided to customers on a complimentary basis of $15,770,000 and $15,152,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

Gaming expenses increased by $2,752,000, or 1.7%, reflecting the higher gaming revenues.  Amounts retained by the State of Delaware and the amount collected by the State for payment to the vendors under contract with the State who provide the video lottery (slot) machines and associated computer systems increased by $1,025,000 and $1,115,000, respectively.  Additionally, amounts allocated from the video lottery operation for harness horse racing purses increased from $25,333,000 in 2006 to $25,887,000 in 2007.

 

17



Table of Contents

 

Other operating expenses increased by $1,066,000, or 7.5%.  Expenses related to our food and beverage operations were $12,552,000 in 2007 and $11,815,000 in 2006.  Expenses related to our rooms operations increased $262,000 in 2007 primarily due to the hotel expansion.  All other operating expenses increased $67,000 in 2007 as compared to 2006.

 

General and administrative expenses increased by $414,000 to $6,319,000 from $5,905,000 in 2006, primarily the result of higher stock based compensation expenses, higher benefits costs and losses on the disposal of property and equipment.  Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in legal expenses.

 

Depreciation expense was $7,843,000 in 2007 as compared to $7,146,000 in 2006.  The increase resulted primarily from the opening of our hotel expansion during 2007.

 

Interest expense decreased by $202,000 due to the amount of interest we capitalized during 2007 as compared to 2006, despite higher average outstanding borrowings and an increase in our average interest rate on our credit facility.  During 2006, the majority of our credit facility borrowings were used to fund our $34,986,000 self-tender in January 2006.  During 2007, the majority of our credit facility borrowings were used for our hotel expansion project and to a lesser extent our casino expansion project.  The interest expense associated with the borrowings for our hotel and casino expansions is being capitalized as part of the project cost.

 

Our effective income tax rate was 40.9% and 41.1% for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $26,808,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $36,420,000 for the year ended December 31, 2007.  The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in net earnings and other working capital changes.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $40,266,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $52,134,000 for the year ended December 31, 2007 and was primarily related to capital improvements.  Capital expenditures for 2008 related primarily to the Phase VI casino expansion.  Capital expenditures for 2007 related primarily to the Dover Downs Hotel expansion and to a lesser extent, our Phase VI casino expansion.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $8,891,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $18,150,000 for the year ended December 31, 2007.  During 2008, we borrowed an additional $15,900,000 under our credit facility compared to $33,000,000 during 2007.  We repurchased and retired $1,040,000 of our outstanding common stock during 2008 compared to $9,990,000 during 2007.  We paid $6,360,000 and $6,036,000 in cash dividends during 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

On January 28, 2009, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on both classes of common stock of $0.05 per share.  The dividend is payable on March 10, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 10, 2009.

 

On October 23, 2002, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 3,000,000 shares of our outstanding common stock.  The purchases may be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions as conditions warrant.  The repurchase authorization has no expiration date, does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares and may be suspended at any time.  During the year ended December 31, 2008, we purchased and retired 98,500 shares of our outstanding common stock pursuant to this plan at an average purchase price of $9.09 per share, not including nominal brokerage commissions.  During the year ended December 31, 2007, we purchased and retired 916,900 shares of our outstanding common stock pursuant to this plan at an average purchase price of $10.72 per share, not including nominal brokerage commissions.  At December 31, 2008, we had remaining repurchase authority of 1,653,333 shares.

 

During 2007, we increased the number of hotel rooms in the Dover Downs Hotel from 232 to 500, including eleven luxury spa suites, and added a luxurious 6,000 square-foot spa.  Construction began in the second quarter of 2006 and was completed in October 2007.  The cost of the hotel expansion was approximately $47,500,000.  On July 10, 2008, our Phase VI casino expansion, the Colonnade, was partially opened to the public with approximately 500 additional slot machines, Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House, Sweet Perks Too and the Dover Downs’ Fire & Ice

 

18



Table of Contents

 

Lounge debuting. Four retail outlets opened and space for two additional outlets was completed in late September 2008.  The expansion, which is now complete, added approximately 68,000 square-feet of space bringing our video lottery casino complex to 165,000 square-feet housing approximately 3,110 slot machines.  The cost of the Phase VI casino expansion was approximately $51,000,000, of which approximately $49,500,000 was paid as of December 31, 2008. The remainder is expected to be paid during the first quarter of 2009.  Based on current business conditions, we expect to make capital expenditures of approximately $2,000,000 during 2009, primarily for renovations to our existing casino facility, casino equipment and improvements in our food and beverage departments. Additionally, we expect to contribute between $1,500,000 and $3,000,000 to our pension plans in 2009 in order to satisfy minimum statutory funding requirements.

 

We have a credit facility with Wilmington Trust Company that expires on April 17, 2012.  At December 31, 2008, the maximum borrowing limit under the facility was $125,000,000 which reduces to $100,000,000 on January 1, 2010, to $85,000,000 on January 1, 2011 and to $75,000,000 on January 1, 2012.  Interest is based, at our option, upon LIBOR plus a margin that varies between 75 and 125 basis points (125 basis points at December 31, 2008) depending on the ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (the “leverage ratio”) or the base rate (the greater of the prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.5%) less a margin that varies between 50 and 100 basis points (50 basis points at December 31, 2008) depending on the leverage ratio.  The credit facility has minimum net worth, interest coverage and maximum leverage requirements.  Material adverse changes in our results of operations could impact our ability to satisfy these requirements.  In addition, the credit agreement also includes a material adverse change clause.  The facility is for seasonal funding needs, capital improvements and other general corporate purposes.  At December 31, 2008, we were in compliance with all terms of the facility and there was $108,325,000 outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 2.37%.  At December 31, 2008, $16,675,000 was available pursuant to the facility.

 

Effective January 15, 2009, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement that effectively converts $35,000,000 of our variable-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis, thereby hedging against the impact of potential interest rate changes.  The agreement terminates on April 17, 2012.  Pursuant to this agreement, we will pay a fixed interest rate of 1.74%, plus a margin that varies between 75 and 125 basis points depending on our leverage ratio (125 basis points at December 31, 2008).  In return, the issuing lender will refund to us the variable-rate interest paid to the bank group under our revolving credit agreement on the same notional principal amount, excluding the margin.

 

Effective July 1, 2008, the State enacted legislation that (1) increases the existing surcharge on the portion of slot win that we retain, (2) requires that we pay the costs of all franchise games which were previously shared with the State, and (3) requires that we pay an additional annual amount to a certain horse racing industry organization previously funded by the State.  That legislation also allows us to operate all day on Sundays and eliminates the prior legislatively imposed limit on our use of free promotional slot play.  These increased surcharge and fees were approximately $1,500,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

We expect that our net cash flows from operating activities and funds available from our credit facility will be sufficient to provide for our working capital needs and capital spending requirements at least through the next twelve months, as well as any cash dividends our Board of Directors may declare.  We expect cash flows from operating activities and funds available from our credit facility to also provide for long-term liquidity.

 

The introduction or expansion of gaming in and around our market area could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows and results of operations.  See Part I, Item 1 – Business included elsewhere in this document for further discussion.

 

19



Table of Contents

 

Contractual Obligations

 

At December 31, 2008, we had the following contractual obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

 

 

Total

 

2009

 

2010 – 2011

 

2012 – 2013

 

Thereafter

 

Revolving line of credit

 

$

108,325,000

 

$

 

$

23,325,000

 

$

85,000,000

 

$

 

Estimated interest payments on revolving line of credit(a)

 

8,187,000

 

2,785,000

 

4,820,000

 

582,000

 

 

Pension contributions(b)

 

2,250,000

 

2,250,000

 

 

 

 

Purchase obligations(c)

 

1,500,000

 

1,500,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

120,262,000

 

$

6,535,000

 

$

28,145,000

 

$

85,582,000

 

$

 

 


(a) The future interest payments on our revolving credit agreement were estimated using the current outstanding principal or the maximum borrowing limit as of December 31, 2008.  For $35,000,000 of our outstanding borrowings, we used the fixed interest rate per the interest rate swap agreement we entered into effective January 15, 2009.  For the remaining $73,325,000 of our outstanding borrowings, we used our interest rates as of December 31, 2008.

 

(b) We expect to contribute between $1,500,000 and $3,000,000 to our pension plans for 2009 in order to satisfy minimum statutory funding requirements.  For years subsequent to 2009, we are unable to estimate what our pension contributions will be.

 

(c) The purchase obligations in the above table represent the estimated remaining payments to be made on our Phase VI casino expansion.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

See NOTE 10 — Related Party Transactions to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document for a full description of related party transactions.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The accounting policies described below are those considered critical by us in preparing our consolidated financial statements and/or include significant estimates made by management using information available at the time the estimates are made.  As described below, these estimates could change materially if different information or assumptions were used.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from 5 to 10 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment and up to 40 years for facilities.  These estimates require assumptions that are believed to be reasonable.  We perform reviews for impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.  No such events or changes in circumstances have occurred to date.  An impairment loss would be measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.  Generally, fair value will be determined using valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows.

 

Accrued Pension Cost

 

The benefits provided by our defined-benefit pension plans are based on years of service and employee’s remuneration over their employment with us.  Accrued pension costs are developed using actuarial principles and assumptions which consider a number of factors, including estimates for the discount rate, assumed rate of compensation increase, and expected long-term rate of return on

 

20



Table of Contents

 

assets.  Changes in these estimates would impact the amounts that we record in our consolidated financial statements and our funding contributions to the plans.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

See NOTE 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document for a description of recent accounting pronouncements including the expected dates of adoption and effects on results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

Factors That May Affect Operating Results; Forward-Looking Statements

 

In addition to historical information, this Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, relating to our financial condition, profitability, liquidity, resources, business outlook, proposed acquisitions, market forces, corporate strategies, consumer preferences, contractual commitments, legal matters, capital requirements and other matters.  Documents incorporated by reference into this Annual Report may also contain forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. To comply with the terms of the safe harbor, we note that a variety of factors could cause our actual results and experience to differ substantially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements. When words and expressions such as: “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “intends,” “objectives,” “goals,” “aims,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “possible,” “seeks,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “might,” “likely,” “enable” or similar words or expressions are used in this document, as well as statements containing phrases such as “in our view,” “there can be no assurance,” “although no assurance can be given” or “there is no way to anticipate with certainty,” forward-looking statements are being made.

 

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

 

·     general market and economic conditions, including consumer and corporate spending sentiment;

 

·     success of any expansion to or renovation of our existing facilities or changes in our growth strategies;

 

·     expansion of gaming in neighboring jurisdictions;

 

·                  trends and uncertainties in the gaming industry;

 

·     patron demographics;

 

·     our ability to finance future business requirements;

 

·     our ability to effectively compete in the marketplace;

 

·     the availability of adequate levels of insurance;

 

·     our development and potential acquisition of new facilities;

 

·     our ability to successfully integrate acquired companies and businesses;

 

·     management retention and development;

 

·     changes in Federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including environmental, gaming license and tax legislation;

 

·     the effect of weather conditions or travel on attendance at our facilities;

 

21



Table of Contents

 

·     military or other government actions; and

 

·     national or local catastrophic events.

 

The above risks and uncertainties and the cautionary statements below should be considered in connection with any future forward-looking statements we make. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of future developments, events or conditions.  New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ significantly from those forecast in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, stockholders should not overly rely or attach undue weight to our forward-looking statements as an indication of our actual future results.

 

Our Gaming Activities Compete Directly With Other Gaming Facilities And Other Entertainment Businesses

 

We compete in local and regional markets with horse tracks, off-track betting parlors, state run lotteries, casinos and other gaming facilities.  We cannot be certain that we will maintain our market share or compete more effectively with our competitors.  The introduction or expansion of gaming in neighboring jurisdictions, particularly Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania or New Jersey, or the legalization of additional gaming venues in Delaware, could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows and results of operations.  From time to time legislation is proposed for adoption in these jurisdictions which if enacted, would further expand state gambling and wagering opportunities, including video lottery (slot) machines at racetracks. Enactment of such legislation could increase our competition and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and overall profitability.  The Maryland Legislature passed legislation in 2008 that will permit up to 15,000 slot machines in five different specific locations throughout Maryland. The legislation requires a Constitutional amendment which passed on a referendum vote in November 2008.  The establishment of any gaming locations in the State remains subject to local zoning prohibitions and may face further opposition.  As the number of machines and the specific locations of the gaming establishments are set by the State’s Constitution, any changes to the number of machines or the locations would require further amendment to the State Constitution.   It is difficult for us to predict what types of gaming establishments may ultimately be built in Maryland or when they are likely to become operational.  Management has estimated that approximately 43% of our total slot win comes from Maryland patrons.  Approximately 69% of our Capital Club® member slot win comes from out of state patrons.  In July 2004, Pennsylvania adopted legislation which authorizes up to 61,000 slot machines at various existing and proposed venues throughout the state.  It is difficult for us to predict the effect that such legislation will ultimately have on us, but several facilities in Pennsylvania began operations by the end of 2006.  Management has estimated that slot win from Pennsylvania patrons currently represents approximately 3% of our total slot win which is the same as the prior year.

 

All Of Our Facilities Are In One Location

 

Our facilities are located adjacent to one another at a single location in Dover, Delaware. Any prolonged disruption of operations at these facilities due to damage or destruction or other reasons could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We maintain property and business interruption insurance to protect against such types of disruption, but there can be no assurance that the proceeds of such insurance would be adequate to repair or rebuild our facilities or to compensate us for lost profits.

 

The Revocation, Suspension Or Modification Of Our Gaming Licenses Would Adversely Affect Our Gaming Business

 

The Delaware State Lottery Office and the Delaware Harness Racing Commission regulate our gaming operations. Our license from the Commission must be renewed on an annual basis. To keep our license for video lottery (slot) machine gaming, we must remain licensed for harness horse racing by the Commission and conduct at least 80 live race days each racing season, subject to the availability of harness race horses. The Commission has broad discretion to reject any application for a license or suspend or revoke a license once it is issued. The Director of the Delaware State Lottery Office (the “Lottery Director”) has broad discretion to revoke, suspend or modify the terms of a video lottery license. Any modification or termination of existing licensing regulations or any revocation,

 

22



Table of Contents

 

suspension or modification of our licenses could adversely affect our business, financial condition and overall profitability.

 

Our Gaming Activities Are Subject To Extensive Government Regulation And Any Additional Government Regulation Or Taxation Of Gaming Activities Could Substantially Reduce Our Revenue Or Profit

 

Video lottery (slot) machine gaming, harness horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering are subject to extensive government regulation. Delaware law regulates the win we are entitled to retain and the percentage of commission we are entitled to receive from our gaming revenues, which comprises a significant portion of our overall revenues. The State granted us a license to conduct video lottery (slot) machine operations and a license to conduct harness horse races and pari-mutuel wagering. The laws under which these licenses are granted could be modified or repealed at any time and we could be required to terminate our gaming operations. If we are required to terminate our gaming operations or if the amount of the commission we receive from the State for conducting our gaming operations is decreased, our business operations and overall profitability would be significantly impaired.

 

We believe that the prospect of significant additional tax revenue is one of the primary reasons why jurisdictions have legalized gaming. As a result, gaming operators are typically subject to significant taxes and fees in addition to normal federal and state corporate income taxes. These taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time. We pay substantial taxes and fees with respect to our operations and would likely incur similar burdens in any other jurisdiction in which we may conduct gaming operations in the future. Any material increase in taxes or fees, or the adoption of additional taxes or fees, may have a material adverse effect on our future financial results.

 

Effective July 1, 2008, the State enacted legislation that (1) increases the existing surcharge on the portion of slot win that we retain, (2) requires that we pay the costs of all franchise games which were previously shared with the State, and (3) requires that we pay an additional annual amount to a certain horse racing industry organization previously funded by the State.  That legislation also allows us to operate all day on Sundays and eliminates the prior legislatively imposed limit on our use of free promotional slot play.  These increased surcharge and fees were approximately $1,500,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations in addition to gaming regulations. 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 are always subject to change, can be interpreted differently in the future, and new laws and regulations may be enacted which could adversely affect the tax, regulatory, operational or other aspects of our gaming operations. Furthermore, noncompliance with one or more of these laws and regulations could result in the imposition of substantial penalties against us.

 

We Do Not Own Or Lease Our Video Lottery (Slot) Machines And Related Technology

 

We do not own or lease the video lottery (slot) machines or computer systems used by the State in connection with our video lottery gaming operations.  The Lottery Director enters into contracts directly with the providers of the video lottery (slot) machines and computer systems. The State purchases or leases all equipment and the Lottery Director licenses all technology providers. Our operations could be disrupted if a licensed technology provider violates its agreement with the State or ceases to be licensed for any reason. Such an event would be outside of our control and could adversely affect our gaming revenues.

 

Due to Our Concentrated Stock Ownership, Stockholders May Have No Effective Voice In Our Management

 

We have elected to be treated as a “controlled corporation” as defined by New York Stock Exchange Rule 303A.  We are a controlled corporation because a single person, Henry B. Tippie, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, controls in excess of fifty percent of our voting power. This means that he has the ability to determine the outcome of the election of directors at our annual meetings and to determine the outcome of many significant corporate transactions, many of which only require the approval of a majority of our voting power. Such a concentration of voting power could also have the effect of delaying or preventing a third party from acquiring us at a premium.  In addition, as a controlled corporation, we are not required to comply with certain New York Stock Exchange rules.

 

23



Table of Contents

 

Item 7A.         Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to financial market risk resulting from changes in interest rates.  At December 31, 2008 and for the year then ended, we did not engage in speculative or leveraged transactions, hold any derivative financial instruments, nor hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

 

At December 31, 2008, we have marketable securities of $103,000.  These securities, which consist of mutual funds, are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair-value in our consolidated balance sheet.  Fair-value is determined based on the current market values.

 

At December 31, 2008, there was $108,325,000 outstanding under our revolving credit facility.  Effective January 15, 2009, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement that effectively converts $35,000,000 of our variable-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis, thereby hedging against the impact of potential interest rate changes. Taking into account the impact of the interest rate swap, a change in interest rates of one percent on the balance outstanding at December 31, 2008 would cause a change in total annual interest costs of $733,000.  The carrying values of these borrowings approximate their fair values at December 31, 2008.

 

Item 8.            Financial Statements And Supplementary Data

 

Our consolidated financial statements and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm included in this report are shown on the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 32.

 

Item 9.                                   Changes In And Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting And Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

Item 9A.         Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to us, including our consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the officers who certify our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors.

 

Based on their evaluation as of December 31, 2008, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective to ensure that the information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.

 

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2008 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

(c) Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.  KPMG LLP independently assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008.  KPMG LLP has issued their report which is included herein.

 

24



Table of Contents

 

(d) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc.:

 

We have audited Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc.’s (the Company’s) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  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 (Item 9A(c)). Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the effectiveness of 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, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audit also included 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 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 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, Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008, and our report dated March 6, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

 

 

KPMG LLP

 

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

March 6, 2009

 

 

25



Table of Contents

 

Item 9B.         Other Information

 

None.

 

Part III

 

Item 10.         Directors, Executive Officers And Corporate Governance

 

Except as presented below, biographical information relating to our directors and executive officers, information regarding our audit committee financial experts and information on Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance called for by this Item 10 are incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 29, 2009.

 

We have a Code of Business Conduct applicable to all of our employees, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  We also have a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors and Executive Officers and Related Party Transactions Policy applicable to all directors and executive officers.  Copies of these Codes and other corporate governance documents are available on our website at http://www.doverdowns.com under the heading Investor Relations. We will post on our website any amendments to, or waivers from, these Codes as required by law.

 

Executive Officers of the Registrant.  As of December 31, 2008, our executive officers were:

 

Name

 

Position

 

Age

 

Term of Office

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denis McGlynn

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

62

 

11/79 to date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edward J. Sutor

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

 

59

 

3/99 to date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timothy R. Horne

 

Sr. Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

42

 

11/96 to date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Klaus M. Belohoubek

 

Sr. Vice President-General Counsel and Secretary

 

49

 

7/99 to date

 

Our Chairman of the Board, Henry B. Tippie, is a non-employee director and, therefore, not an executive officer.  Mr. Tippie has served as Chairman of the Board since our initial public offering in 2002.  Mr. Tippie also serves as Chairman of the Board to DVD as a non-employee director.

 

Denis McGlynn has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer for 29 years.  Mr. McGlynn also serves as President and Chief Executive Officer to DVD.

 

Edward J. Sutor has been Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since 1999.  Previously, Mr. Sutor served as Senior Vice President of Finance at Caesars Atlantic City from 1983 until 1999.

 

Timothy R. Horne has been Sr. Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer since November 1996.  Mr. Horne also serves as Sr. Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer to DVD.

 

Klaus M. Belohoubek has been Sr. Vice President-General Counsel and Secretary since 1999 and has provided us legal representation in various capacities since 1990.  Mr. Belohoubek also serves as Sr. Vice President-General Counsel and Secretary to DVD.

 

26



Table of Contents

 

Item 11.         Executive Compensation

 

The information called for by this Item 11 is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 29, 2009.

 

Item 12.                            Security Ownership Of Certain Beneficial Owners And Management And Related Stockholder Matters

 

The information called for by this Item 12 is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 29, 2009.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information
 

We have a stock incentive plan which provides for the grant of up to 2,250,000 shares of common stock to our officers and key employees through stock options and/or awards valued in whole or in part by reference to our common stock, such as restricted stock awards.  Refer to NOTE 8-Stockholders’ Equity to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document for further discussion.  Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans at December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

 

 

Number of 

 

 

 

Number of securities

 

 

 

securities to be

 

 

 

remaining available for

 

 

 

issued upon

 

Weighted-average

 

future issuance under

 

 

 

 exercise of 

 

exercise price of 

 

equity compensation

 

 

 

outstanding

 

outstanding

 

plans (excluding

 

 

 

options, warrants

 

options, warrants

 

securities reflected in

 

Plan Category

 

and rights

 

and rights

 

column (a))

 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

666,630

 

$

6.97

 

822,070

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

 

 

Total

 

666,630

 

$

6.97

 

822,070

 

 

Item 13.         Certain Relationships And Related Transactions, And Director Independence

 

The information called for by this Item 13 is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 29, 2009.

 

Item 14.         Principal Accounting Fees And Services

 

The information called for by this Item 14 is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 29, 2009.

 

Part IV

 

Item 15.         Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a)

(1)

Financial Statements — See accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 32.

 

 

 

 

(2)

Financial Statement Schedules — None.

 

27



Table of Contents

 

 

(3)

Exhibits:

 

 

 

 

2.1

Amended and Restated Agreement Regarding Distribution and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of February 15, 2002, by and between Dover Motorsports, Inc. (formerly known as Dover Downs Entertainment, Inc.) and Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Form 10 filed on February 26, 2002, which was declared effective on March 7, 2002).

 

 

 

 

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation of Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10 filed on November 21, 2001, which was declared effective on March 7, 2002).

 

 

 

 

3.2

Amended and Restated By-laws of Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. dated March 1, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 10 filed on March 7, 2002).

 

 

 

 

4.1

Form of Common Stock Certificate of Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 10 filed on November 21, 2001, which was declared effective on March 7, 2002).

 

 

 

 

4.2

Rights Agreement dated as of January 2, 2002 between Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Mellon Investor Services, as Rights Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 10 filed on January 16, 2002, which was declared effective on March 7, 2002).

 

 

 

 

10.1

Employee Benefits Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2002, by and between Dover Motorsports, Inc. (formerly known as Dover Downs Entertainment, Inc.) and Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10 filed on January 16, 2002, which was declared effective on March 7, 2002).

 

 

 

 

10.2

Transition Support Services Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2002, by and between Dover Motorsports, Inc. (formerly known as Dover Downs Entertainment, Inc.) and Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10 filed on January 16, 2002, which was declared effective on March 7, 2002).

 

 

 

 

10.3

Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2002, by and between Dover Motorsports, Inc. (formerly known as Dover Downs Entertainment, Inc.) and Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10 filed on January 16, 2002, which was declared effective on March 7, 2002).

 

 

 

 

10.4

Real Property Agreement dated as of January 15, 2002, by and between Dover Motorsports, Inc. (formerly known as Dover Downs Entertainment, Inc.) and Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10 filed on January 16, 2002, which was declared effective on March 7, 2002).

 

 

 

 

10.5

Agreement between Dover Downs, Inc. and Delaware Standardbred Owners Association, Inc. dated May 1, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10-K filed on March 7, 2008).

 

 

 

 

10.6

Credit Agreement among Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, dated as of January 15, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Form 10 filed on January 16, 2002, which was declared effective on March 7, 2002).

 

 

 

 

10.7

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as agent, dated as of March 25, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2002).

 

 

 

 

10.8

Amended and Restated Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement by and between Dover Downs, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as agent, dated as of March 25, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2002).

 

28



Table of Contents

 

 

10.9

Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as agent, dated as of August 12, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2002).

 

 

 

 

10.10

Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as agent, dated as of February 19, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Form 10-K filed on March 9, 2004).

 

 

 

 

10.11

Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as agent, dated as of November 5, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Form 10-K filed on March 10, 2005).

 

 

 

 

10.12

Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as agent, dated as of December 14, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on December 16, 2005).

 

 

 

 

10.13

Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as agent, dated as of April 18, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on April 21, 2006).

 

 

 

 

10.14

Sixth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as agent, dated as of March 30, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2007).

 

 

 

 

10.15

Seventh Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as agent, dated as of January 15, 2009.

 

 

 

 

10.16

Eighth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as agent, dated as of February 27, 2009.

 

 

 

 

10.17

Amended and Restated Employment and Non-Compete Agreement between Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Denis McGlynn dated February 13, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on February 17, 2006).

 

 

 

 

10.18

Amended and Restated Employment and Non-Compete Agreement between Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Edward J. Sutor dated February 13, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on February 17, 2006).

 

 

 

 

10.19

Amended and Restated Employment and Non-Compete Agreement between Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Timothy R. Horne dated February 13, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K filed on February 17, 2006).

 

 

 

 

10.20

Amended and Restated Employment and Non-Compete Agreement between Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Klaus M. Belohoubek dated February 13, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 8-K filed on February 17, 2006).

 

 

 

 

10.21

Amendment to certain agreements between Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and selected executives and directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q filed on November 3, 2008).

 

 

 

 

10.22

Non-Compete Agreement between Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and Henry B. Tippie dated June 16, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Form 10-Q filed on August 6, 2004).

 

 

 

 

10.23

Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to our Proxy Statement filed on March 29, 2004).

 

29



Table of Contents

 

 

10.24

Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement Used with Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q filed on November 3, 2004).

 

 

 

 

10.25

Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement Used with Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q filed on November 3, 2004).

 

 

 

 

10.26

Description of Annual Salary and Certain Discretionary Incentives to Executive Officers (incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 2, 2009).

 

 

 

 

10.27

Construction Management Agreement dated March 30, 2007 between Dover Downs, Inc. and T.N. Ward Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2007).

 

 

 

 

10.28

Letter of Intent dated October 14, 2008 between Dover Downs Gaming Management Corp. and UG Entertainment, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 14, 2009).

 

 

 

 

21.1

List of Subsidiaries of Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc.

 

 

 

 

24.1

Powers of Attorney for Directors

 

 

 

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

 

 

 

 

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

 

 

 

 

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

99.1

Information Statement dated as of March 7, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Form 10 filed on March 7, 2002).

 

 

 

 

99.2

Audit Committee Charter of Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit B to our Proxy Statement filed on March 29, 2004).

 

30



Table of Contents

 

Signatures

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

DATED:

March 6, 2009

 

Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc.

 

Registrant

 

 

 

 

 

BY:

/s/ Denis McGlynn

 

 

Denis McGlynn

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

 

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 dates indicated:

 

 

/s/ Timothy R. Horne

 

Sr. Vice President-Finance,

March 6, 2009

Timothy R. Horne

 

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

The Directors of the registrant (listed below) executed a power of attorney appointing Denis McGlynn and Timothy R. Horne their attorneys-in-fact, empowering either of them to sign this report, or any amendments, on their behalf.

 

 

Henry B. Tippie, Chairman of the Board

 

Kenneth K. Chalmers, Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee

 

R. Randall Rollins, Director

 

Patrick J. Bagley, Director

 

John W. Rollins, Jr., Director

 

Jeffrey W. Rollins, Director

 

 

/s/ Denis McGlynn

 

As Attorney-in-Fact and Director

March 6, 2009

Denis McGlynn

 

 

 

 

31



Table of Contents

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Page

Statement of Management Responsibility

33

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

34

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

35

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2007

36

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

37

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

38

 

32



Table of Contents

 

STATEMENT OF MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

 

Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) management is responsible for the preparation, integrity and objectivity of the consolidated financial statements and other financial information included in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and reflect the effects of certain estimates and judgments made by management.

 

The Company’s management also is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and transactions are properly recorded and executed in accordance with management’s authorization. The system is regularly monitored by direct management review and by internal auditors who conduct an extensive program of audits throughout the Company.  The Director of Internal Audit reports directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.  We have confidence in our financial reporting, the underlying system of internal controls, and our people, who are objective in their responsibilities and operate under the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and with the highest level of ethical standards.  These standards are a key element of the Company’s control system.

 

The Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on the Company’s evaluation, management of the Company concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.

 

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which is comprised entirely of independent directors, has direct and private access to and meets regularly with management, the internal auditors and the independent registered public accounting firm to review accounting, reporting, auditing and internal control matters.

 

 

/s/ Denis McGlynn

 

/s/ Timothy R. Horne

Denis McGlynn

 

Timothy R. Horne

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

Sr. Vice President – Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

33



Table of Contents

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

As discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans,” on December 31, 2006; and Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements,” effective January 1, 2006.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 6, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

KPMG LLP

 

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

March 6, 2009

 

 

34



Table of Contents

 

DOVER DOWNS GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gaming

 

$

219,878

 

$

224,760

 

$

220,412

 

Other operating

 

19,254

 

17,606

 

16,039

 

 

 

239,132

 

242,366

 

236,451

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gaming

 

169,360

 

166,040

 

163,288

 

Other operating

 

16,101

 

15,268

 

14,202

 

General and administrative

 

6,317

 

6,319

 

5,905

 

Depreciation

 

10,849

 

7,843

 

7,146

 

 

 

202,627

 

195,470

 

190,541

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating earnings

 

36,505

 

46,896

 

45,910

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

3,484

 

2,741

 

2,943

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

33,021

 

44,155

 

42,967

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

13,510

 

18,070

 

17,639

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

19,511

 

26,085

 

25,328

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of income tax benefit of $12

 

(19

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in pension net actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $1,367 and ($143), respectively

 

(1,995

)

210

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive earnings

 

$

17,497

 

$

26,295

 

$

25,328

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings per common share (Note 2):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.62

 

$

0.81

 

$

0.78

 

Diluted

 

$

0.62

 

$

0.80

 

$

0.77

 

 

The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

35



Table of Contents

 

DOVER DOWNS GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

17,889

 

$

22,456

 

Accounts receivable

 

2,661

 

4,560

 

Due from State of Delaware

 

10,870

 

10,530

 

Inventories

 

2,025

 

1,858

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

2,029

 

1,902

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1,317

 

1,227

 

Total current assets

 

36,791

 

42,533

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

203,522

 

182,298

 

Other assets

 

1,019

 

349

 

Total assets

 

$

241,332

 

$

225,180

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

4,679

 

$

13,382

 

Purses due horsemen

 

9,395

 

9,689

 

Accrued liabilities

 

7,419

 

11,940

 

Payable to Dover Motorsports, Inc.

 

11

 

18

 

Income taxes payable

 

619

 

341

 

Deferred revenue

 

212

 

98

 

Total current liabilities

 

22,335

 

35,468

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving line of credit

 

108,325

 

92,425

 

Liability for pension benefits

 

6,099

 

2,510

 

Deferred income taxes

 

3,488

 

5,178

 

Total liabilities

 

140,247

 

135,581

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (see Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.10 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: none

 

 

 

Common stock, $.10 par value; 74,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: 15,209,544 and 14,737,821, respectively

 

1,521

 

1,474

 

Class A common stock, $.10 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: 16,603,173 and 17,003,173, respectively

 

1,660

 

1,700

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

933

 

63

 

Retained earnings

 

99,263

 

86,640

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(2,292

)

(278

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

101,085

 

89,599

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

241,332

 

$

225,180

 

 

The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

36



Table of Contents

 

DOVER DOWNS GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

19,511

 

$

26,085

 

$

25,328

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

10,849

 

7,843

 

7,146

 

Amortization of credit facility origination fees

 

40

 

40

 

44

 

Stock-based compensation

 

998

 

895

 

732

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(316

)

(333

)

(218

)

Cumulative effect of accounting change

 

 

 

(1,541

)

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

1,899

 

(235

)

(520

)

Due from State of Delaware

 

(340

)

442

 

(1,872

)

Inventories

 

(167

)

(93

)

190

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

(768

)

(453

)

118

 

Accounts payable

 

(610

)

(65

)

79

 

Purses due horsemen

 

(294

)

790

 

567

 

Accrued liabilities

 

(4,521

)

742

 

269

 

Payable to/receivable from Dover Motorsports, Inc.

 

(7

)

9

 

24

 

Income taxes payable/prepaid income taxes

 

193

 

469

 

(3,480

)

Deferred revenue

 

114

 

61

 

(75

)

Other liabilities

 

227

 

223

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

26,808

 

36,420

 

26,791

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(40,166

)

(52,134

)

(22,065

)

Purchase of available-for-sale securities

 

(100

)

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(40,266

)

(52,134

)

(22,065

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings from revolving line of credit

 

186,725

 

177,255

 

196,010

 

Repayments of revolving line of credit

 

(170,825

)

(144,255

)

(160,660

)

Dividends paid

 

(6,360

)

(6,036

)

(5,510

)

Repurchase of common stock

 

(1,040

)

(9,990

)

(35,052

)

Proceeds from stock options exercised

 

366

 

1,114

 

470

 

Excess tax benefit on stock awards

 

25

 

62

 

50

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

8,891

 

18,150

 

(4,692

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash

 

(4,567

)

2,436

 

34

 

Cash, beginning of year

 

22,456

 

20,020

 

19,986

 

Cash, end of year

 

$

17,889

 

$

22,456

 

$

20,020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

3,204

 

$

2,564

 

$

2,720

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

13,606

 

$

17,870

 

$

20,235

 

Change in accounts payable for capital expenditures

 

$

(8,093

)

$

5,275

 

$

3,280

 

 

The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

37



Table of Contents

 

DOVER DOWNS GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1—Business Operations

 

References in this document to “we,” “us” and “our” mean Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and/or its wholly owned subsidiaries, as appropriate.

 

We are a diversified gaming and entertainment company whose operations consist of Dover Downs Casino — a 165,000 square-foot video lottery casino complex featuring the latest in slot machine offerings, including multi-player electronic table games with virtual dealers; the Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center — a 500 room AAA Four Diamond hotel with conference, banquet, fine dining, ballroom, concert hall and spa facilities; and Dover Downs Raceway — a harness racing track with pari-mutuel wagering on live and simulcast horse races. Our entertainment complex is located in Dover, the capital of the State of Delaware.

 

On July 10, 2008, our Phase VI casino expansion, The Colonnade, was partially opened to the public with approximately 500 additional slot machines, Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House, Sweet Perks Too and the Dover Downs’ Fire & Ice Lounge debuting.  Four retail outlets opened and space for 2 additional outlets was completed in late September 2008.  The expansion, which is now complete, added approximately 68,000 square-feet of space bringing our video lottery casino complex to 165,000 square-feet housing approximately 3,110 slot machines.

 

We entered into a letter of intent on October 14, 2008 with UG Entertainment LLC (“UGE “) to provide management services for the operation of a video lottery facility at Underground Atlanta.  UGE has made presentations to the Georgia Lottery relative to the possibility of commencing video lottery operations at Underground Atlanta.  Such video lottery operations are not presently authorized and would require regulatory action by the Georgia Lottery and possibly legislative approval by the State of Georgia.  The letter of intent between us and UGE provides for a five year management agreement and affords us two renewal options for two years each subject to the attainment of certain financial criteria by the new facility. The letter of intent contemplates that the parties will negotiate and enter into an acceptable management agreement with terms and conditions comparable to management agreements of a similar nature.  Our compensation would consist of a management fee based on gross revenues and an incentive fee based on net earnings before taxes.  We have agreed to make a $500,000 non-interest bearing loan to UGE subject to certain conditions set forth in the letter of intent.  The letter of intent also contemplates that we will have the right to purchase up to 10% of the equity of UGE.

 

Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. is a public holding company that has two wholly owned subsidiaries: Dover Downs, Inc. and Dover Downs Management Corp.  Dover Downs, Inc. was incorporated in 1967 and began motorsports and harness racing operations in 1969.  In June of 1994, legislation authorizing video lottery operations in the State of Delaware (the “State”) was adopted. Our video lottery (slots) casino operations began on December 29, 1995.  As a result of several restructurings, Dover Downs, Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Dover Motorsports, Inc. (formerly known as Dover Downs Entertainment, Inc.) (“DVD”), and became the operating entity for all of DVD’s gaming operations.

 

Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. was incorporated in the State in December of 2001 as a wholly owned subsidiary of DVD.  Effective March 31, 2002, DVD completed a tax-free spin-off of its gaming operations by contributing 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of Dover Downs, Inc. to Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc., and subsequently distributing 100% of our issued and outstanding common stock to DVD stockholders.  Immediately following the spin-off, Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. became an independent public company.

 

Dover Downs, Inc. is authorized to conduct video lottery operations as one of three “Licensed Agents” under the Delaware State Lottery Code. Pursuant to Delaware’s Horse Racing Redevelopment Act, enacted in 1994, the Delaware State Lottery Office administers and controls the operation of the video lottery.

 

38



Table of Contents

 

Our license from the Delaware Harness Racing Commission (the “Commission”) to hold harness race meetings on our premises and to offer pari-mutuel wagering on live and simulcast horse races must be renewed on an annual basis. In order to maintain our license to conduct video lottery operations, we are required to maintain our harness horse racing license.  We have received an annual license from the Commission for the past 40 consecutive years and management believes that our relationship with the Commission remains good.

 

Due to the nature of our business activities, we are subject to various federal, state and local regulations.

 

NOTE 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

Investments—Investments, which consist of mutual funds, are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair-value in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.  Changes in fair value are reported in other comprehensive income (loss).  See NOTE 8 — Stockholders’ Equity and NOTE 9 — Financial Instruments for further discussion.

 

Inventories—Inventories, consisting primarily of food and beverage items, are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out basis.

 

Property and equipment—Property and equipment is stated at cost.  Depreciation is provided for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

 

Facilities

 

10-40 years

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

5-10 years

 

We perform reviews for impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. No such events or changes in circumstances have occurred to date. An impairment loss would be measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.  Generally, fair value will be determined using valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows.

 

Interest capitalization—Interest is capitalized in connection with the construction of major facilities. The capitalized interest is amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset to which it relates.  During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, we incurred $4,051,000, $4,280,000 and $3,255,000 of interest cost, of which $567,000, $1,539,000 and $312,000 was capitalized.

 

Income taxes—Deferred income taxes are provided on all differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements based upon enacted statutory tax rates in effect at the balance sheet date.  Tax years after 2004 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which we are subject.

 

Point loyalty program—We currently have a point loyalty program for our video lottery customers which allows them to earn points based on the volume of their video lottery activity.  All reward points earned by customers are expensed in the period they are earned.  The estimated amount of points redeemable for cash is recorded as a reduction of gaming revenue and the estimated amount of points redeemable for services and merchandise is recorded as gaming expense. In determining the amount of the liability, which was $1,838,000 and $1,932,000, respectively, at December 31, 2008 and 2007, we estimate a redemption rate, a cost of rewards to be offered and the mix of cash, goods and services for which reward points will be redeemed.  We use historical data to estimate those amounts.

 

Revenue and expense recognition—Gaming revenues represent (i) the net win from video lottery (slot) machine wins and losses and (ii) commissions from pari-mutuel wagering.  Other operating revenues consist of hotel rooms revenue, food and beverage sales and other miscellaneous income.  Revenues do not include the retail amount of

 

39



Table of Contents

 

hotel rooms, food and beverage and other miscellaneous goods and services provided without charge to customers as promotional items of $17,758,000, $15,770,000 and $15,152,000 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The estimated direct cost of providing these items has been charged to the casino through interdepartmental allocations and is included in gaming expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.

 

For the video lottery operations, which account for approximately 90% of revenues for all periods presented, the difference between the amount wagered by bettors and the amount paid out to bettors is referred to as the win. The win is included in the amount recorded in our consolidated financial statements as gaming revenue. The Delaware State Lottery Office sweeps the win from the video lottery operations, collects the State’s share of the win and the amount due to the vendors under contract with the State who provide the video lottery (slot) machines and associated computer systems, collects the amount allocable to purses for harness horse racing and remits the remainder to us as our commission for acting as a Licensed Agent. Gaming expenses include the amounts collected by the State (i) for the State’s share of the win, (ii) for remittance to the providers of the video lottery (slot) machines and associated computer systems, and (iii) for harness horse racing purses. We recognize revenues from pari-mutuel commissions earned from live harness horse racing and importing of simulcast signals from other race tracks when the race occurs. Revenues from hotel rooms, food and beverage sales and other miscellaneous income are recognized at the time the service is provided.

 

Advertising costs—The cost of general advertising is charged to operations as incurred.

 

Net earnings per common share—Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net earnings per common share (“EPS”) are as follows:

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

Basic EPS

 

31,436,000

 

32,239,000

 

32,353,000

 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

134,000

 

372,000

 

568,000

 

Diluted EPS

 

31,570,000

 

32,611,000

 

32,921,000

 

 

Dilutive securities include stock options and nonvested stock awards.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2008, options to purchase 666,630 shares of common stock were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted EPS because they would have been anti-dilutive.  There were no anti-dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

Accounting for stock-based compensation—We recorded total stock-based compensation expense for our nonvested restricted stock awards and stock options of $998,000, $895,000 and $732,000 as general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  We recorded income tax benefits of $319,000, $231,000 and $147,000 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to our nonvested restricted stock awards.

 

Use of estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 those estimates.

 

Fair value of financial instruments—The carrying amounts of financial instruments reported in the balance sheet for current assets and current liabilities approximates their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments.  The carrying value of our revolving line of credit at December 31, 2008 and 2007 approximates its fair value based on the interest rates available on similar borrowings.

 

Segment information—We account for our operating segment in accordance with FASB Statement No. 131, Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.  Statement No. 131 establishes guidelines for public companies in determining operating segments based on those used for internal reporting to management.  Based on these guidelines, we report information under a single gaming and entertainment segment.

 

40



Table of Contents

 

Recent accounting pronouncements—In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Statement No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and, accordingly, Statement No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. Statement No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years, for financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delays the effective date of Statement No. 157’s fair value measurement requirements for non-financial assets and liabilities that are not required or permitted to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  Non-recurring non-financial assets and liabilities for which we have not applied the provisions of Statement No. 157 include our long-lived assets measured at fair value under the provisions of FASB Statement No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.  The impact of adoption of Statement No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities is discussed in NOTE 9 — Financial Instruments.  We do not expect the adoption of Statement No. 157 for non-recurring non-financial assets and liabilities to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 3—Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consists of the following as of December 31:

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Land

 

$

785,000

 

$

785,000

 

Casino facility

 

75,643,000

 

32,881,000

 

Hotel facility

 

112,875,000

 

109,402,000

 

Harness racing facilities

 

10,005,000

 

9,975,000

 

General facilities

 

15,552,000

 

15,277,000

 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

50,871,000

 

43,692,000

 

Construction in progress

 

2,323,000

 

24,477,000

 

 

 

268,054,000

 

236,489,000

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(64,532,000

)

(54,191,000

)

 

 

$

203,522,000

 

$

182,298,000

 

 

NOTE 4—Accrued Liabilities

 

Accrued liabilities consist of the following as of December 31:

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Point loyalty program

 

$

1,838,000

 

$

1,932,000

 

Payroll and related items

 

2,004,000

 

2,524,000

 

Win due to Delaware State Lottery Office

 

2,367,000

 

6,273,000

 

Other

 

1,210,000

 

1,211,000

 

 

 

$

7,419,000

 

$

11,940,000

 

 

NOTE 5—Credit Facility

 

We have a credit facility with Wilmington Trust Company that expires on April 17, 2012.  At December 31, 2008, the maximum borrowing limit under the facility was $125,000,000 which reduces to $100,000,000 on January 1, 2010, to $85,000,000 on January 1, 2011 and to $75,000,000 on January 1, 2012.  Interest is based, at our option, upon LIBOR plus a margin that varies between 75 and 125 basis points (125 basis points at December 31, 2008) depending on the ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (the “leverage ratio”) or the base rate (the greater of the prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.5%) less a margin that varies between 50 and 100 basis points (50 basis points at December 31, 2008) depending on the leverage ratio.  The credit facility has minimum net worth, interest coverage and maximum leverage requirements.  Material adverse changes in our results of operations could impact our ability to satisfy these requirements.  In addition, the credit agreement also includes a material adverse change clause.  The facility is for seasonal funding needs, capital improvements and other general corporate purposes.  At December 31, 2008, we were in compliance with all terms of the facility and

 

41



Table of Contents

 

there was $108,325,000 outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 2.37%.  At December 31, 2008, $16,675,000 was available pursuant to the facility.

 

Effective January 15, 2009, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement that effectively converts $35,000,000 of our variable-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis, thereby hedging against the impact of potential interest rate changes.  The agreement terminates on April 17, 2012.  Pursuant to this agreement, we will pay a fixed interest rate of 1.74%, plus a margin that varies between 75 and 125 basis points depending on our leverage ratio (125 basis points at December 31, 2008).  In return, the issuing lender will refund to us the variable-rate interest paid to the bank group under our revolving credit agreement on the same notional principal amount, excluding the margin.

 

NOTE 6—Income Taxes

 

The current and deferred income tax provisions are as follows:

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

10,845,000

 

$

14,556,000

 

$

14,112,000

 

State

 

2,981,000

 

3,938,000

 

3,745,000

 

 

 

13,826,000

 

18,494,000

 

17,857,000

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

(227,000

)

(364,000

)

(247,000

)

State

 

(89,000

)

(60,000

)

29,000

 

 

 

(316,000

)

(424,000

)

(218,000

)

Total income taxes

 

$

13,510,000

 

$

18,070,000

 

$

17,639,000

 

 

A reconciliation of the effective income tax rate with the applicable statutory federal income tax rate is as follows:

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

Federal tax at statutory rate

 

35.0

%

35.0

%

35.0

%

State taxes, net of federal benefit

 

5.7

%

5.7

%

5.7

%

Other

 

0.2

%

0.2

%

0.4

%

Effective income tax rate

 

40.9

%

40.9

%

41.1

%

 

The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows as of December 31:

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Deferred income tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Point loyalty program

 

$

747,000

 

$

785,000

 

Accrued expenses

 

2,626,000

 

1,015,000

 

Other

 

521,000

 

374,000

 

Total deferred income tax assets

 

3,894,000

 

2,174,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation — property and equipment

 

(6,065,000

)

(6,125,000

)

Total deferred income tax liabilities

 

(6,065,000

)

(6,125,000

)

Net deferred income tax liabilities

 

$

(2,171,000

)

$

(3,951,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:

 

 

 

 

 

Current deferred income tax assets

 

$

1,317,000

 

$

1,227,000

 

Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities

 

(3,488,000

)

(5,178,000

)

 

 

$

(2,171,000

)

$

(3,951,000

)

 

42



Table of Contents

 

NOTE 7—Pension Plans

 

We maintain a non-contributory, tax qualified defined benefit pension plan. All of our full time employees are eligible to participate in this qualified pension plan.  Benefits provided by our qualified pension plan are based on years of service and employees’ remuneration over their term of employment.  We also maintain a non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plan for certain employees.  This excess plan provides benefits that would otherwise be provided under the qualified pension plan but for maximum benefit and compensation limits applicable under federal tax law.  The cost associated with the excess plan is determined using the same actuarial methods and assumptions as those used for our qualified pension plan.

 

The following table sets forth the plans’ funded status and amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31:

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Change in benefit obligation:

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

 

$

9,052,000

 

$

8,047,000

 

Service cost

 

1,277,000

 

1,218,000

 

Interest cost

 

583,000

 

497,000

 

Actuarial loss (gain)

 

732,000

 

(500,000

)

Benefits paid

 

(138,000

)

(199,000

)

Other

 

 

(11,000

)

Benefit obligation at end of year

 

11,506,000

 

9,052,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

 

6,542,000

 

5,407,000

 

Actual (loss) gain on plan assets

 

(2,047,000

)

334,000

 

Employer contribution

 

1,050,000

 

1,000,000

 

Benefits paid

 

(138,000

)

(199,000

)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

 

5,407,000

 

6,542,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unfunded status

 

$

(6,099,000

)

$

(2,510,000

)

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31 are as follows:

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net actuarial loss

 

$

3,797,000

 

$

426,000

 

Prior service cost

 

33,000

 

42,000

 

 

 

$

3,830,000

 

$

468,000

 

 

For the year ending December 31, 2009, we expect to recognize the following amounts as components of net periodic benefit cost which are included in accumulated comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2008:

 

Actuarial loss

 

$

214,000

 

Prior service cost

 

9,000

 

 

 

$

223,000

 

 

We expect to contribute between $1,500,000 and $3,000,000 to our pension plans in 2009 in order to satisfy minimum statutory funding requirements.

 

The accumulated benefit obligation was $9,146,000 and $7,122,000, respectively, as of December 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

43



Table of Contents

 

Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as follows:

 

2009

 

$

168,000

 

2010

 

$

206,000

 

2011

 

$

291,000

 

2012

 

$

395,000

 

2013

 

$

468,000

 

2014-2018

 

$

3,561,000

 

 

The components of net periodic pension cost for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

Service cost

 

$

1,277,000

 

$

1,218,000

 

$

1,233,000

 

Interest cost

 

583,000

 

497,000

 

415,000

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(601,000

)

(502,000

)

(391,000

)

Recognized net actuarial loss

 

9,000

 

11,000

 

72,000

 

Recognized prior service cost

 

9,000

 

9,000

 

9,000

 

 

 

$

1,277,000

 

$

1,233,000

 

$

1,338,000

 

 

The principal assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, and the actuarial value of the benefit obligation at December 31, 2008 and 2007 (the measurement dates) for our pension plans are as follows:

 

 

 

Net Periodic Pension Cost

 

Benefit Obligation

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2008

 

2007

 

Weighted-average discount rate

 

6.50

%

6.15

%

5.85

%

6.10

%

6.50

%

Weighted-average rate of compensation increase

 

5.00

%

5.00

%

5.00

%

5.00

%

5.00

%

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

 

8.50

%

8.50

%

9.00

%

n/a

 

n/a

 

 

For 2008, we assumed a long-term rate of return on plan assets of 8.5%.  In developing the 8.5% expected long-term rate of return assumption, we reviewed asset class return expectations and long-term inflation assumptions and considered our historical compounded return, which was consistent with our long-term rate of return assumption.

 

Our pension plan asset allocation at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and target allocation for 2009 are as follows:

 

 

 

Percentage of Plan
Assets at December 31,

 

Target
Allocation

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2009

 

Asset Category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity mutual funds

 

70

%

68

%

50

%

Fixed income mutual funds

 

29

%

30

%

40

%

Other

 

1

%

2

%

10

%

Total

 

100

%

100

%

100

%

 

Our investment goals are to maximize returns subject to specific risk management policies.  Our risk management policies permit investments in mutual funds, and prohibit direct investments in debt and equity securities and derivative financial instruments.  We address diversification by the use of mutual fund investments whose underlying investments are in domestic and international equity and fixed income securities.  These mutual funds are readily marketable and can be sold to fund benefit payment obligations as they become payable.

 

We maintain a defined contribution 401(k) plan which permits participation by substantially all employees. Our matching contributions to the 401(k) plan were $86,000, $80,000 and $64,000 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

44



Table of Contents

 

NOTE 8—Stockholders’ Equity

 

Changes in the components of stockholders’ equity are as follows:

 

 

 

Common
Stock

 

Class A
Common
Stock

 

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

 

Retained
Earnings

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

 

Deferred
Compensation

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

$

1,064

 

$

1,326

 

$

36,461

 

$

55,459

 

$

 

$

(1,040

)

Reclassification of deferred compensation upon adoption of FASB Statement No. 123R

 

 

 

(1,040

)

 

 

1,040

 

Cumulative effect of accounting change for adoption of SAB No. 108

 

 

 

 

(1,541

)

 

 

Net earnings

 

 

 

 

25,328

 

 

 

Dividends paid, $.17 per share

 

 

 

 

(5,510

)

 

 

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

 

(106

)

(133

)

(34,813

)

 

 

 

Proceeds from stock options exercised

 

5

 

 

465

 

 

 

 

Issuance of nonvested stock awards, net of forfeitures

 

6

 

 

(6

)

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

732

 

 

 

 

Excess tax benefit on stock awards

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

 

Conversion of Class A common stock to common stock

 

77

 

(77

)

 

 

 

 

Three-for-two stock split

 

496

 

584

 

(1,080

)

 

 

 

Adoption of FASB Statement No.158, net of income tax benefit of $333

 

 

 

 

 

(488

)

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

 

1,542

 

1,700

 

769

 

73,736

 

(488

)

 

Net earnings

 

 

 

 

26,085

 

 

 

Dividends paid, $.185 per share

 

 

 

 

(6,036

)

 

 

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

 

(92

)

 

(2,753

)

(7,145

)

 

 

Proceeds from stock options exercised

 

16

 

 

1,098

 

 

 

 

Issuance of nonvested stock awards, net of forfeitures

 

8

 

 

(8

)

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

895

 

 

 

 

Excess tax benefit on stock awards

 

 

 

62

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service costs and unrealized losses on pension plans, net of income tax expense of $143

 

 

 

 

 

210

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2007

 

1,474

 

1,700

 

63

 

86,640

 

(278

)

 

Net earnings

 

 

 

 

19,511

 

 

 

Dividends paid, $.20 per share

 

 

 

 

(6,360

)

 

 

Proceeds from stock options exercised

 

6

 

 

360

 

 

 

 

Issuance of nonvested stock awards, net of forfeitures

 

12

 

 

(12

)

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

998

 

 

 

 

Excess tax benefit on stock awards

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

 

Change in pension net actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of income tax benefit of $1,367

 

 

 

 

 

(1,995

)

 

Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of income tax benefit of $12

 

 

 

 

 

(19

)

 

 

45



Table of Contents

 

 

 

Common
Stock

 

Class A
Common
Stock

 

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

 

Retained
Earnings

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

 

Deferred
Compensation

 

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

 

(11

)

 

(501

)

(528

)

 

 

Conversion of Class A common stock to common stock

 

40

 

(40

)

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2008

 

$

1,521

 

$

1,660

 

$

933

 

$

99,263

 

$

(2,292

)

$

 

 

We have 125,000,000 shares of authorized capital stock which consists of 74,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.10 per share; 50,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $.10 per share; and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.10 per share.

 

On April 26, 2006, our Board of Directors approved a three-for-two split of both classes of our common stock. The split was effected in the form of a stock dividend by issuing one additional share of stock for every two shares of stock held. On June 15, 2006, 4,967,650 shares of common stock and 5,837,343 shares of Class A common stock were distributed to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 10, 2006.  No fractional shares were issued.  Shareholders were paid cash in lieu of any fractional shares.  All share and per share amounts have been restated to give effect to the stock split.  The statement of stockholders’ equity reflects the stock split by reclassifying from additional paid-in capital to common stock and Class A common stock an amount equal to the par value of the additional shares issued to effect the stock split.

 

The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share and the holders of our Class A common stock are entitled to 10 votes per share.  There is no cumulative voting.  Shares of Class A common stock are convertible at any time into our shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis at the option of the stockholder. Subject to rights of any preferred stockholder, holders of our common stock and Class A common stock are entitled to receive on a pro rata basis such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. At the discretion of our Board of Directors, we may pay to the holders of common stock a cash dividend greater than the dividend, if any, paid to the holders of Class A common stock.

 

Under Delaware law, a change of ownership of a Licensed Agent will automatically terminate its license 90 days after the change of ownership occurs, unless the Director of the Delaware State Lottery Office determines after application to issue a new license to the new owners.  Change of ownership may occur if any new individual or entity acquires, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the Licensed Agent or if more than 20% of the legal or beneficial interest in the Licensed Agent is transferred, whether by direct or indirect means.  The Commission may require extensive background investigations of any new owner acquiring a 10% or greater interest in a Licensed Agent, including criminal background checks.  Accordingly, we have a restrictive legend on our shares of common stock which require that (a) any holders of common stock found to be disqualified or unsuitable or not possessing the qualifications required by any appropriate gaming authority could be required to dispose of such stock and (b) any holder of common stock intending to acquire 10% or more of our outstanding common stock must first obtain prior written approval from the Delaware State Lottery Office.

 

We adopted a stockholder rights plan in 2002. The rights are attached to and trade in tandem with our common stock and Class A common stock. Each right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us one share of common stock at a purchase price of $200 per share. The rights, unless earlier redeemed by our Board of Directors, will detach and trade separately from our common stock upon the occurrence of certain events such as the unsolicited acquisition by a third party of beneficial ownership of 10% or more of our outstanding combined common stock and Class A common stock or the announcement by a third party of the intent to commence a tender or exchange offer for 10% or more of our outstanding combined common stock and Class A common stock. After the rights have detached, the holders of such rights would generally have the ability to purchase such number of either shares of our common stock or stock of an acquirer of ours having a market value equal to twice the exercise price of the right being exercised, thereby causing substantial dilution to a person or group of persons attempting to acquire control of us. The rights may serve as a significant deterrent to unsolicited attempts to acquire control of us, including transactions involving a premium to the market price of our stock.  The rights expire on January 1, 2012, unless earlier redeemed.

 

46



Table of Contents

 

We adopted SAB No. 108 during the quarter ended December 31, 2006.  Prior to adopting SAB No. 108, our approach to quantifying misstatements only considered the amount of the error originating in the current year statement of earnings.  Thus the effects of correcting the portion of the balance sheet misstatement that originated in prior years were not considered.  Upon adopting SAB No. 108, we changed our approach to quantifying the effects of misstatements to include an analysis of the impact on the current year statement of earnings for the cumulative balance of any known errors, regardless of when they originated.  When we applied the new approach to quantifying the effects of misstatements to our 2006 consolidated financial statements, we identified an error that was not material to our consolidated statement of earnings in any prior quarter or annual period; however, the cumulative error would have been material to correct in the current period.  The error resulted from a difference in the amount of slot win we recorded from our meters as compared to the amount of cash slot win that was taken out of the slot machines and had accumulated over several years.  Since the error was not material to any prior statement of earnings, we were not required to restate prior year financial statements.  The consolidated financial statements were corrected with an adjustment of $1,541,000, net of income tax effect of $1,055,000, to the beginning balance of retained earnings at January 1, 2006.

 

On January 28, 2009, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on both classes of common stock of $.05 per share.  The dividend is payable on March 10, 2009 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 10, 2009.

 

On October 23, 2002, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 3,000,000 shares of our outstanding common stock.  The purchases may be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions as conditions warrant.  The repurchase authorization has no expiration date, does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares and may be suspended at any time.  During the year ended December 31, 2008, we purchased and retired 98,500 shares of our outstanding common stock pursuant to this plan at an average purchase price of $9.09 per share, not including nominal brokerage commissions.  During the year ended December 31, 2007, we purchased and retired 916,900 shares of our outstanding common stock pursuant to this plan at an average purchase price of $10.72 per share, not including nominal brokerage commissions.  No purchases of our equity securities were made pursuant to this authorization during the year ended December 31, 2006.  At December 31, 2008, we had remaining repurchase authority of 1,653,333 shares.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we purchased and retired 13,881, 8,288 and 3,431 shares of our outstanding common stock for $139,000, $112,000 and $56,000, respectively.  These purchases were made from employees in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards under our stock incentive plan and were not pursuant to the aforementioned repurchase authorization. Since the vesting of a restricted stock award is a taxable event to our employees for which income tax withholding is required, the plan allows employees to surrender to us some of the shares that would otherwise have vested in satisfaction of their tax liability.  The surrender of these shares is treated by us as a purchase of the shares.

 

On December 19, 2005, our Board of Directors authorized us to commence a tender offer to purchase up to 1,595,906 shares of our common stock and up to 1,988,202 shares of our Class A common stock at a fixed price of $9.67 per share.  The offer expired on January 19, 2006. We purchased 1,595,906 shares of our common stock and 1,987,500 shares of our Class A common stock for $34,996,000, including expenses, in connection with the tender offer.

 

We have a stock incentive plan which provides for the grant of up to 2,250,000 shares of common stock to our officers and key employees through stock options and/or awards valued in whole or in part by reference to our common stock, such as nonvested stock awards.  Under the plan, option grants must have an exercise price of not less than 100% of the fair market value of the underlying shares of common stock at the date of the grant.  The stock options have eight-year terms and generally vest equally over a period of six years from the date of grant.  Once the options are exercised, our plan requires that the common stock be held for a minimum of one year.  The nonvested stock vests an aggregate of twenty percent each year beginning on the second anniversary date of the grant.  As of December 31, 2008, there were 822,070 shares available for granting options or stock awards.

 

47



Table of Contents

 

Stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2008 was as follows:

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in yrs)

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

 

746,107

 

$

6.87

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

(18,373

)

$

5.98

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(61,104

)

$

5.99

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

 

666,630

 

$

6.97

 

1.6

 

$

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2008

 

590,377

 

$

7.06

 

1.5

 

$

 

 

No stock options were granted during the three year period ending December 31, 2008.  The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $165,000, $1,089,000 and $560,000, respectively, on the exercise date.

 

Nonvested stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2008 was as follows:

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

Nonvested at December 31, 2007

 

201,450

 

$

2.92

 

Vested

 

(125,197

)

$

3.08

 

Nonvested at December 31, 2008

 

76,253

 

$

2.67

 

 

The total fair value of stock options vested during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $385,000, $407,000 and $457,000, respectively.  We recorded, within general and administrative expenses, compensation expense of $214,000, $326,000 and $372,000 related to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  As of December 31, 2008, there was $3,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options granted to employees under our stock incentive plan.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.5 years.

 

Nonvested restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2008 was as follows:

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

Nonvested at December 31, 2007

 

298,300

 

$

10.25

 

Granted

 

123,000

 

$

10.51

 

Vested

 

(51,300

)

$

8.79

 

Nonvested at December 31, 2008

 

370,000

 

$

10.54

 

 

The aggregate market value of the nonvested restricted stock at the date of issuance is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the six-year service period.  The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $451,000, $247,000 and $109,000, respectively.  The grant-date fair value of nonvested restricted stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $10.51, $13.54 and $9.58, respectively.  We recorded, within general and administrative expenses, compensation expense of $784,000, $569,000 and $360,000 related to nonvested restricted stock awards for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  As of December 31, 2008, there was $2,711,000 of total deferred compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards granted to employees under our stock incentive plan.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.9 years.

 

On December 31, 2006, we adopted the provisions of Statement No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, which requires an employer to (a) recognize in its statement of financial position an asset for a plan’s overfunded status or a liability for a plan’s underfunded status, (b) measure a plan’s assets and its obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year, and (c) 

 

48



Table of Contents

 

recognize changes in the funded status of a defined postretirement plan in the year in which the changes occur (reported in comprehensive income).  As a result of adopting Statement No. 158, we increased our pension liability and recorded accumulated other comprehensive loss in the amount of $821,000 ($488,000 after income tax benefit) in our December 31, 2006 consolidated balance sheet.  Additionally, we reclassified our pension liability from accrued liabilities (current) to liability for pension benefits (non-current).  The adoption of Statement No. 158 did not have an impact on our 2006 consolidated statement of earnings or cash flows.

 

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of the following:

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net actuarial loss and prior service cost not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost, net of income tax benefit of $1,557 and $190, respectively

 

$

(2,273,000

)

$

(278,000

)

Accumulated unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of income tax benefit of $12

 

(19,000

)

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

$

(2,292,000

)

$

(278,000

)

 

NOTE 9—Financial Instruments

 

We adopted FASB Statement No. 157 effective January 1, 2008 for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis. Statement No. 157 applies to all financial assets and financial liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis. There was no impact from the adoption of Statement No. 157 to the consolidated financial statements. Statement No. 157 requires disclosure that establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. The statement requires fair value measurement be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

 

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

 

Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;

 

Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

 

Our short-term investments and financial instruments as of December 31, 2008 consist of marketable equity securities which are recorded at fair value in our consolidated financial statements based on quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs).  As of December 31, 2008, these investments had a cost basis and fair value of $134,000 and $103,000, respectively.

 

The carrying amounts of other financial instruments reported in the balance sheet for current assets and current liabilities approximates their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments.

 

The carrying value of our revolving line of credit at December 31, 2008 and 2007 approximates its fair value based on the interest rates available on similar borrowings.

 

NOTE 10—Related Party Transactions

 

During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we allocated costs of $2,104,000, $1,873,000 and $1,614,000, respectively, to DVD, a company related through common ownership, for certain administrative and operating services.  Additionally, DVD allocated costs of $295,000, $229,000 and $121,000 to us for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The allocations were based on an analysis of each company’s share of the costs.  In connection with DVD’s 2008, 2007 and 2006 NASCAR event weekends at Dover International Speedway, we provided certain services for which DVD was invoiced $1,237,000, $1,207,000 and $965,000, respectively.  Additionally, DVD invoiced us $434,000, $429,000 and $149,000, respectively, for our rental of a skybox suite, tickets and other services during DVD’s 2008, 2007 and 2006 NASCAR event weekends at Dover

 

49



Table of Contents

 

International Speedway.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, our consolidated balance sheet includes an $11,000 and $18,000 payable to DVD, respectively, for the aforementioned items.  We settled these payables in January of 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The net costs incurred by each company for these services are not necessarily indicative of the costs that would have been incurred if the companies had been unrelated entities and/or had otherwise independently managed these functions; however, management believes that these costs are reasonable.

 

Our use of DVD’s 5/8-mile harness racing track is pursuant to an easement granted to us by DVD which does not require the payment of any rent. Under the terms of the easement, we have exclusive use of the harness track during the period beginning November 1 of each year and ending April 30 of the following year, together with set up and tear down rights for the two weeks before and after such period.  The harness track is located on property owned by DVD and is on the inside of DVD’s motorsports superspeedway.  Our indoor grandstands are used by DVD at no charge in connection with its major motorsports events. DVD also leases its principal office space from us.  Various easements and agreements relative to access, utilities and parking have also been entered into between DVD and us relative to our respective Dover, Delaware facilities.

 

In conjunction with the spin-off from DVD, we and DVD entered into various agreements that addressed the allocation of assets and liabilities between the two companies and that define the companies’ relationship after the separation.  Among these are the Real Property Agreement and the Transition Support Services Agreement.

 

The Real Property Agreement governs certain real property transfers, leases and easements affecting our Dover, Delaware facility.

 

The Transition Support Services Agreement provides for each of us and DVD to provide each other with certain administrative and operational services.  The party receiving the services is required to pay for them within 30 business days after receipt of an invoice at rates agreed upon by us and DVD.  The agreement may be terminated in whole or in part 90 days after the request of the party receiving the services or 180 days after the request of the party providing the services.

 

Henry B. Tippie, Chairman of our Board of Directors, controls in excess of fifty percent of our voting power.  Mr. Tippie’s voting control emanates from his direct and indirect holdings of common stock and Class A common stock, from his status as trustee of the RMT Trust, our largest stockholder, and from certain shares as to which he has voting rights pursuant to a voting agreement with R. Randall Rollins, one of our directors.  This means that Mr. Tippie has the ability to determine the outcome of our election of directors and to determine the outcome of many significant corporate transactions, many of which only require the approval of a majority of our voting power.

 

Patrick J. Bagley, Kenneth K. Chalmers, Denis McGlynn, Jeffrey W. Rollins, John W. Rollins, Jr., R. Randall Rollins and Henry B. Tippie are all Directors of ours and DVD. Denis McGlynn is the President and Chief Executive Officer of both companies, Klaus M. Belohoubek is the Senior Vice President — General Counsel and Secretary of both companies and Timothy R. Horne is the Senior Vice President — Finance and Chief Financial Officer of both companies.  Mr. Tippie controls in excess of fifty percent of the voting power of DVD.

 

NOTE 11—Commitments and Contingencies

 

We are a party to ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business.  Management does not believe that the resolution of any of these matters is likely to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

As of December 31, 2008, we have purchase obligations related to the Phase VI expansion of our casino.  Construction began in the first quarter of 2007 and was completed in October 2008.  The estimated cost of the casino expansion is $51,000,000, of which approximately $49,500,000 was paid through December 31, 2008, and approximately $1,500,000 is included in accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

Effective July 1, 2008, the State enacted legislation that (1) increases the existing surcharge on the portion of slot win that we retain, (2) requires that we pay the costs of all franchise games which were previously shared with the State, and (3) requires that we pay an additional annual amount to a certain horse racing industry organization

 

50



Table of Contents

 

previously funded by the State.  We are unable to quantify the overall effect of this new legislation on our operations going forward.

 

We have employment, severance and noncompete agreements with certain of our officers and directors under which certain change of control, severance and noncompete payments and benefits might become payable in the event of a change in our control, defined to include a tender offer or the closing of a merger or similar corporate transactions.  In the event of such a change in our control and the subsequent termination of employment of all employees covered under these agreements, we estimate that the maximum contingent liability would range from $9,100,000 to $10,200,000 depending on the tax treatment of the payments.

 

To the extent that any of the potential payments or benefits due under the agreements constitute an excess “parachute payment” under the Internal Revenue Code and result in the imposition of an excise tax, each agreement requires that we pay the amount of such excise tax plus any additional amounts necessary to place the officer or director in the same after-tax position as he would have been had no excise tax been imposed. We estimate that the tax gross ups that could be paid under the agreements in the event the agreements were triggered due to a change of control could be between $1,100,000 and $2,200,000 and these amounts have been included in the maximum contingent liability disclosed above. This maximum tax gross up assumes that none of the payments made after the hypothetical change in control would be characterized as reasonable compensation for services rendered. Each agreement with an executive officer provides that fifty percent of the monthly amount paid during the term is paid in consideration of the executive officer’s non-compete covenants. The exclusion of these amounts would reduce the calculated amount of excess parachute payments subject to tax. We are unable to conclude whether the Internal Revenue Service would characterize all or some of these non-compete payments as reasonable compensation for services rendered.

 

NOTE 12—Quarterly Results (unaudited)

 

 

 

March 31

 

June 30

 

September 30

 

December 31

 

Year Ended December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

59,789,000

 

$

59,971,000

 

$

63,929,000

 

$

55,443,000

 

Operating earnings

 

$

9,934,000

 

$

10,271,000

 

$

9,458,000

 

$

6,842,000

 

Net earnings

 

$

5,321,000

 

$

5,698,000

 

$

4,996,000

 

$

3,496,000

 

Net earnings per share-basic

 

$

0.17

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.11

 

Net earnings per share-diluted

 

$

0.17

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

60,631,000

 

$

57,868,000

 

$

64,566,000

 

$

59,301,000

 

Operating earnings

 

$

12,188,000

 

$

11,306,000

 

$

13,308,000

 

$

10,094,000

 

Net earnings

 

$

6,881,000

 

$

6,404,000

 

$

7,435,000

 

$

5,365,000

 

Net earnings per share-basic

 

$

0.21

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.17

 

Net earnings per share-diluted

 

$

0.21

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.17

 

 

Per share data amounts for the quarters have each been calculated separately.  Accordingly, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of differences in the average common shares outstanding during each period.

 

51