STATION CASINOS INC - 10-K Annual Report

STATION CASINOS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

2411 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89102
(Address of principal executive offices, Zip Code)

Title of each class Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value		Name of each exchange on which registered New York Stock Exchange

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 ý 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 the Form 10-K. ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer. Yes ý No o

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates (all persons other than executive officers or directors) of the registrant as of June 28, 2002, based on the closing price per share of $17.85 as reported on the New York Stock Exchange was $709,562,901.

As of March 14, 2003, the registrant has 57,146,370 shares of common stock outstanding.

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Registrant's 2002 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 21, 2003 (which has not been made publicly available as of the date of this filing) are incorporated by reference into Part III.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, all references to the "Company" refer to Station Casinos, Inc. and all references to "Station", "we", "our", "ours" and "us" refer to Station Casinos, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

When used in this report and elsewhere by management from time to time, the words "believes," "anticipates," and "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and our business including our expansion, development and acquisition projects, legal proceedings and employee matters. Certain important factors, including but not limited to, financial market risks, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Further information on potential factors which could affect our financial condition, results of operations and business including, without limitation, the ability to maintain existing management, integration of acquisitions, competition within the gaming industry, the cyclical nature of the hotel business and gaming business, economic conditions, development and construction risks, regulatory matters and litigation are included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly release any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

We are a gaming and entertainment company that currently owns and operates eight major hotel/casino properties (one of which is 50% owned) and three smaller casino properties (one of which is 50% owned), in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Our growth strategy includes the master-planned expansion of our existing gaming facilities in Nevada, the development of gaming facilities on certain real estate we own in the Las Vegas valley, as well as the evaluation and pursuit of additional acquisition or development opportunities in Nevada and other gaming markets.

We own and operate Palace Station Hotel & Casino ("Palace Station"), Boulder Station Hotel & Casino ("Boulder Station"), Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel ("Texas Station"), Sunset Station Hotel & Casino ("Sunset Station"), Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino ("Santa Fe Station"), Fiesta Rancho Casino Hotel ("Fiesta Rancho"), Fiesta Henderson Casino Hotel ("Fiesta Henderson"), Wild Wild West Gambling Hall & Hotel ("Wild Wild West") and Wildfire Casino ("Wildfire"). We also own a 50% interest in Green Valley Ranch Station Casino ("Green Valley Ranch Station") and Barley's Casino & Brewing Company ("Barley's"). Each of our casinos caters primarily to local Las Vegas area residents. We market the six "Station" casinos (including Green Valley Ranch Station) together under the Station Casinos' brand and the two "Fiesta" casinos under the Fiesta brand, offering convenience and choices to residents throughout the Las Vegas valley with our strategically located properties.

We believe that the following key principles have been integral to our success as a gaming operator and we intend to continue to employ these strategies at each of our properties.

Our operating strategy emphasizes attracting and retaining customers primarily from the local and repeat visitor markets. Our casino properties attract customers through innovative, frequent and high-profile promotional programs directed towards the local market, focused marketing efforts and

convenient locations, aggressive marketing to the repeat visitor market and the development of strong relationships with specifically targeted travel wholesalers. Although perceived value initially attracts a customer to our casino properties, actual value generates customer satisfaction and loyalty. We believe that actual value becomes apparent during the customer's visit through an enjoyable, affordable and high-quality entertainment experience. Las Vegas, which is and has been one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, is characterized by a historically strong economy and demographics, which include an increasing number of retirees and other active gaming customers. We believe that our out-of-town patrons are also discerning customers who enjoy our value-oriented, high-quality approach. We believe that our patrons view our hotel and casino product as a preferable alternative to attractions located on the Las Vegas Strip and downtown Las Vegas.

Because we target the repeat customer, we are committed to providing a high-value entertainment experience for our customers in our restaurants, hotels, casinos and other entertainment amenities. We develop regional entertainment destinations for locals that include other amenities such as movie theaters, bowling centers, live entertainment venues and child care facilities. In addition, we believe the value offered by restaurants at each of our casino properties is a major factor in attracting local gaming customers, as dining is a primary motivation for casino visits by many locals. Through their restaurants, each of which has a distinct theme and style of cuisine, our casino properties offer generous portions of high-quality food at reasonable prices. In addition, our operating strategy focuses on slot and video poker machine play. Our target market consists of frequent gaming patrons who seek not only a friendly atmosphere and convenience, but also higher than average payout rates. Because locals and repeat visitors demand variety and quality in their slot and video poker machine play, our casino properties offer the latest in slot and video poker technology, including several games designed exclusively for Station Casinos.

As part of our commitment to providing a quality entertainment experience for our patrons, we are dedicated to ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and loyalty by providing attentive customer service in a friendly, casual atmosphere. We recognize that consistent quality and a comfortable atmosphere stem from the collective care and friendliness of each employee. We began as a family-run business, and have maintained close-knit relationships among our management and we endeavor to instill among our employees this same sense of loyalty. Toward this end, we take a hands-on approach through active and direct involvement with employees at all levels.

We employ an innovative marketing strategy that utilizes frequent high profile promotional programs in order to attract customers and establish a high level of name recognition. In addition to aggressive marketing through television, radio and newspaper advertising, we have created and sponsored such promotions as "Paycheck Bonanza" and "Great Giveaway," a popular football season contest. These promotions have become a tradition in the locals' market and have had a positive impact upon our patronage during their respective promotion periods.

We are heavily focused on using cutting edge technology to drive customer traffic with products such as "Xtra Play Cash", "Jumbo Bingo", "Jumbo Poker" and "Sports Connection". We believe that these products create sustainable competitive advantages and distinguish us from our competitive set.

In April 1999, we introduced a unified Boarding Pass player rewards program at our Station properties. The Boarding Pass program allows guests to earn points based on their level of gaming activity. These points can then be redeemed for food, entertainment and merchandise at any of our Station properties. We believe that this "single card", for which the technology was developed in-house, sets us apart from our competition in the Las Vegas locals' market. The Fiesta properties offer a similar player rewards program called the Amigo Club. Members of the Boarding Pass and the Amigo Club can redeem

points at any of our properties for meals in any of the restaurants, for hotel rooms, movie passes, show tickets or for merchandise in our gift shops.

Set forth below is certain information as of December 31, 2002, concerning our properties, all of which we own and operate except as otherwise indicated. The properties are more fully described following the table.

Palace Station is strategically located on approximately 39 acres at the intersection of Sahara Avenue and Interstate 15, one of Las Vegas' most heavily traveled areas. Palace Station is a short distance from McCarran International Airport and from major attractions on the Las Vegas Strip and downtown Las Vegas. Palace Station features a turn-of-the-20^th-century railroad station theme with non-gaming amenities including seven full-service restaurants, several fast-food outlets, a 250-seat entertainment lounge, five additional bars, two swimming pools, an approximately 20,000-square foot banquet and convention center, a 24-hour gift shop and a non-gaming video arcade.

Palace Station's seven full-service restaurants have a total of over 1,300 seats. These restaurants offer a variety of high-quality food at reasonable prices, including the 24-hour Palace Cafe (featuring American and Chinese fare), an all-you-can-eat buffet known as "The Feast," Broiler (a steak and seafood restaurant), Pasta Palace (an Italian restaurant), Guadalajara Bar & Grille (a Mexican restaurant), Jack's

Irish Pub and a 17-seat Oyster Bar. In addition to these restaurants, Palace Station offers various fast-food outlets. Palace Station's guests may also enjoy the Laugh Trax Comedy Club.

Boulder Station, which opened in August 1994, is strategically located on approximately 46 acres on Boulder Highway and immediately adjacent to the Interstate 515 interchange. We believe that this highly visible location at this well-traveled intersection offers a competitive advantage relative to existing hotels and casinos located on Boulder Highway. Boulder Station is located approximately four miles east of the Las Vegas Strip and approximately four miles southeast of downtown Las Vegas. Boulder Station features a turn-of-the-20^th-century railroad station theme with non-gaming amenities including five full-service restaurants, several fast-food outlets, a 750-seat entertainment lounge, seven additional bars, an 11-screen movie theater complex, a Kid's Quest child-care facility, a swimming pool, a non-gaming video arcade and a gift shop.

Boulder Station's five full-service restaurants have a total of over 1,400 seats. These restaurants offer a variety of high-quality meals at reasonable prices. Restaurant themes and menus are similar to Palace Station's, allowing Boulder Station to benefit from the market acceptance and awareness of this product. Restaurants include the 24-hour Boulder Cafe (featuring American and Chinese fare), an all-you-can-eat buffet known as "The Feast," Broiler (a steak and seafood restaurant), Pasta Palace (an Italian restaurant), and Guadalajara Bar & Grille (a Mexican restaurant). In addition to these restaurants, Boulder Station offers various fast-food outlets. Boulder Station's restaurants and bars are located in open settings that are designed to intermingle the dining and gaming experience.

Texas Station, which opened in July 1995, is strategically located on approximately 47 acres at the corner of Lake Mead Boulevard and Rancho Road in North Las Vegas. Texas Station features a friendly, "down-home" Texas atmosphere, highlighted by distinctive early Texas architecture with non-gaming amenities including five full-service restaurants, several fast-food outlets, a Kid's Quest child-care facility, a 300-seat entertainment lounge, a 1,700-seat event center, eight additional bars, an 18-screen movie theater complex, a swimming pool, a non-gaming video arcade, a gift shop, a 60-lane bowling center and approximately 40,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. The theater complex and adjacent food court provide a competitive advantage for the property and are additional attractions that draw a significant number of patrons to Texas Station.

Texas Station's five full-service restaurants have a total of approximately 1,230 seats. These restaurant facilities offer a variety of high-quality food at reasonable prices, including the 24-hour Texas Cafe, Austin's Steakhouse, San Lorenzo (an Italian restaurant), The Feast Buffet (featuring seven different food stations) and Texas Star Oyster Bar, which has 110 seats. In addition to the Texas Station-themed restaurants, guests may also enjoy the unique features of several bars and lounges including the Martini Ranch, the Whiskey Bar, the Garage Bar, or the Armadillo Honky Tonk. Texas Station also offers a variety of fast-food outlets to enhance the customers' dining selection. The quality and variety of the restaurants offered at the facility are a major draw in the rapidly growing North Las Vegas and Summerlin markets.

Sunset Station, which opened in June 1997, is strategically located on an approximately 85-acre parcel at the intersection of Interstate 515 and Sunset Road. Multiple access points provide customers convenient access to the gaming complex and parking areas. Situated in a highly concentrated commercial corridor along Interstate 515, Sunset Station has prominent visibility from the freeway and the Sunset commercial corridor. Sunset Station is located approximately nine miles east of McCarran International Airport and approximately seven miles southeast of Boulder Station.

Sunset Station features a Spanish/Mediterranean-style theme with non-gaming amenities including seven full-service restaurants themed to capitalize on the familiarity of the restaurants at our other properties, a 520-seat entertainment lounge and a 4,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, seven additional bars, a gift shop, a non-gaming video arcade, a 13-screen movie theater complex, a Kid's Quest child-care facility, and a swimming pool, as well as several fast-food outlets and franchises.

Sunset Station's seven full-service restaurants have a total of approximately 2,300 seats featuring "live-action" cooking and simulated patio dining. These restaurant facilities offer a variety of high-quality food at reasonable prices, including the 24-hour Sunset Cafe (featuring American and Chinese fare), Sonoma Cellar (a steakhouse), Costa Del Sol (a seafood restaurant), Capri (an Italian restaurant), Guadalajara Bar & Grille (a Mexican restaurant), The Feast Around the World, a live action buffet featuring Mexican, Italian, barbecue, American and Chinese cuisine and a 65-seat Oyster Bar. Guests may also enjoy the Gaudi Bar, a centerpiece of the casino featuring over 8,000 square feet of stained glass and a water light display. Sunset Station also offers a variety of fast-food outlets to enhance the customers' dining selection.

We have developed only approximately 70 acres of the 85 acres on which Sunset Station is located. We are currently evaluating potential development plans for the undeveloped property. Uses for the land could include a lifestyle entertainment retail center and the development of several pads for various build-to-suit retail, restaurant and entertainment concepts. We have not yet determined the timing and definitive plans for such a development. During 2002, we sold approximately 10 acres of land on which Sunset Station is located.

On October 2, 2000, we purchased substantially all of the assets of the Santa Fe Hotel & Casino for $205 million and renamed the property "Santa Fe Station." Santa Fe Station is strategically located on approximately 38 acres at the intersection of Interstate 95 and Rancho Road, approximately five miles northwest of Texas Station. Santa Fe Station features a Southwestern theme with non-gaming amenities including three full-service restaurants, several fast food outlets, a gift shop, a non-gaming video arcade, a swimming pool, a 250-seat entertainment lounge, five additional bars, a 60-lane bowling center, a regulation-sized ice skating arena and 10,000 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities.

Santa Fe Station's three full-service restaurants have a total of over 700 seats, and include the 24-hour Santa Fe Cafe, Taos Steakhouse and Memphis Championship Barbecue, which opened in February 2002. Santa Fe Station also offers a variety of fast-food outlets to enhance the customers' dining selection.

Green Valley Ranch Station, located at the intersection of Interstate 215 and Green Valley Parkway in Henderson, Nevada, opened on December 18, 2001. Green Valley Ranch Station is approximately five minutes from McCarran International Airport and seven minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. We jointly developed the project on 40 acres of a 170-acre multi-use commercial development with GCR Gaming. In addition to our 50% ownership, we are also the managing partner of Green Valley Ranch Station and receive a management fee equal to 2% of the property's revenues and approximately 5% of EBITDA.

Green Valley Ranch Station was designed to complement the Green Valley master-planned community. The resort features a Mediterranean-style villa theme with non-gaming amenities including six full-service restaurants, a fast-food court with six quick-serve outlets, a 4,200 square-foot non-gaming arcade, a state-of-the-art spa with outdoor pools, two tennis courts, a 10-screen movie theater, a gift shop and approximately 11,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Green Valley Ranch Station also offers "Whiskey Beach", an 8-acre complex featuring private poolside cabanas, luxurious open lawn areas, a contemporary poolside bar, three acres of vineyards and an outdoor performance venue.

Green Valley Ranch Station's six full-service restaurants include Il Fornaio Cucina Italiano (an Italian restaurant), BullShrimp (featuring steak and seafood), Trophy's (a sports bar/restaurant), Fado's Irish Pub, The Original Pancake House and The Feast Around the World, a live action buffet featuring Mexican, Italian, barbecue, American and Chinese cuisine. In addition, Green Valley Ranch Station is opening an Asian restaurant in the second quarter of 2003. Green Valley Ranch Station also offers a variety of fast-food outlets to enhance the customers' dining selection. Guests may also enjoy the Drop Bar, a centerpiece of the casino, and the Whiskey Bar, a 5,300 square-foot nightspot.

On January 4, 2001, we purchased substantially all of the assets of the Fiesta Casino Hotel for $170 million and renamed the property Fiesta Rancho in December 2001. Fiesta Rancho is strategically located on approximately 25 acres at the intersection of Lake Mead Boulevard and Rancho Road in North Las Vegas across from Texas Station. Fiesta Rancho features a Southwestern theme with non-gaming amenities including six full-service restaurants, several fast-food outlets, a gift shop, a non-gaming video arcade, a swimming pool, a 970-seat entertainment lounge and five additional bars.

Fiesta Rancho's six full-service restaurants have a total of over 1,100 seats, and include the 24-hour Cafe Fiesta (featuring American fare), Garduno's (a Mexican restaurant), Fiesta Steakhouse, Festival Buffet, Roxy's and Blue Agave Oyster Bar. Fiesta Rancho also offers a variety of fast-food outlets to enhance the customers' dining selection.

On January 30, 2001, we purchased substantially all of the assets of The Reserve Hotel & Casino for $71.8 million. In December 2001, the property was renamed Fiesta Henderson and was re-themed to our Fiesta brand. Fiesta Henderson is strategically located on approximately 46 acres at the intersection of Interstate 215 and Interstate 515. The property features three full-service restaurants, a gift shop, a swimming pool, three bars and lounges and meeting space.

Fiesta Henderson's three full-service restaurants have a total of over 900 seats, and include the 24-hour Baja Beach Cafe (featuring American and Chinese fare), Fuego Steakhouse and the Festival Buffet.

Wild Wild West, which we acquired in July 1998, is strategically located on approximately 19 acres on Tropicana Avenue and immediately adjacent to Interstate 15. Wild Wild West offers non-gaming amenities including a full-service restaurant, a bar, a gift shop and a truck plaza.

Barley's, which opened in January 1996, is a casino and brew pub located in Henderson, Nevada. We are the managing partner and own a 50% interest in Barley's. Barley's offers non-gaming amenities including a full-service restaurant, a pizza kitchen and a bar.

We purchased the Wildfire in January 2003 for $8.0 million. The Wildfire is located on Rancho Road in Las Vegas, across from Texas Station. The 20,000 square-foot facility features 170 slot machines, six table games, a sports book, lounge, outdoor patio and a full-service restaurant.

We believe that a highly visible location, convenient access and ample parking are critical factors in attracting local patronage and repeat visitors. Additionally, sites must be large enough to support multi-phased master-planned growth to capitalize on growing demand in incremental stages. We select sites that are located within a dense population base so that the facility cannot be cut-off from its primary market. These sites generally have been adjacent to high-traffic surface streets and interstate highways. We believe that each of our casino properties' locations has provided us with a significant competitive advantage to attract our targeted customer base.

Our expansion strategy includes the master-planned expansion of our existing and future gaming locations. In designing project sites, we plan and engineer for multi-phased facility expansion to accommodate future growth and to allow us to develop dominant properties in each market place. A project's master-planned design typically allows the option of adding hotel rooms, casino space, parking structures and non-gaming entertainment such as movie theaters, additional restaurants, retail shops and various other entertainment venues.

We continually evaluate the timing and scope of our master-planned developments at each of our properties and may determine from time to time to expand the scope of, improve on or suspend the implementation of our master plans. These decisions are dependent upon the availability of financing, competition and future economic and gaming regulatory environments, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, we have acquired several parcels of land in the Las Vegas valley, which can be used for new development.

We also evaluate other development and acquisition opportunities in current and emerging gaming markets, including land-based, dockside, riverboat, Native American Indian and Internet gaming opportunities. Our decision whether to proceed with any new gaming development or acquisition opportunity is dependent upon future economic and regulatory factors, the availability of financing and competitive and strategic considerations, many of which are beyond our control.

We have entered into a Development Services Agreement and a Management Agreement with the United Auburn Indian Community (the "UAIC"). Pursuant to those agreements, and in compliance with a Memorandum of Understanding entered by the UAIC and Placer County, California, we are developing, with the UAIC, Thunder Valley Casino, a gaming and entertainment facility on 49 acres located approximately seven miles north of Interstate 80, in Placer County, California, near Sacramento. On September 17, 2002, the United States Department of the Interior accepted the land into trust on behalf of the UAIC. The acceptance of the land into trust followed the decision of the United States District Court for the District of Washington, D.C., dismissing a lawsuit filed by the cities of Roseville and Rocklin, California, and Citizens for Safer Communities, which challenged the United States Department of the Interior's preliminary decision to accept the land into trust. Immediately following the District Court's decision, the plaintiffs appealed the decision to the Washington, D.C. court of appeals and filed an emergency motion for stay of the District Court's decision. The court of appeals denied the plaintiffs' emergency action. Notwithstanding the denial of the plaintiffs' emergency motion and the acceptance of the land into trust, there can be no assurances that the plaintiffs will not seek other extraordinary remedies and there can be no assurances as to the ultimate outcome of the plaintiffs' pending appeal. Our seven-year Management Agreement to manage Thunder Valley Casino was approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission (the "NIGC") in December 2002. Upon the opening of Thunder Valley

Casino, we will receive a management fee equal to 24% of the facility's income. We will also receive a development fee equal to 2% of the cost of the project. The development fee is payable upon the opening of the facility.

It is anticipated that Thunder Valley Casino will house between 1,256 and 1,906 Class III slot machines and approximately 100 table games, including a private VIP gaming area. The facility will have numerous dining and entertainment amenities, including a center pit bar, three specialty restaurants, a 500-seat buffet, a food court and parking for over 3,000 vehicles. Construction began on October 26, 2002, and we anticipate that the casino will open in June 2003 with the remainder of the facility to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2003. The cost of the project is expected to be approximately $215 million. We also assisted the UAIC in obtaining $142.5 million of financing for the project through a group of lenders, and we provided an unlimited completion guaranty and credit support for all amounts outstanding under such financing. Any amounts required under the completion guaranty are recoverable after the facility has opened. We, along with the UAIC, are currently working on completing the remainder of the financing; however, to the extent the additional funds cannot be raised through third parties, we will fund any shortfall. As of December 31, 2002, we had advanced approximately $34.5 million to the UAIC for the development of Thunder Valley Casino, which is included as a note receivable on our consolidated balance sheets. Based on the current terms of the credit financing, our advances cannot be repaid prior to the maturity of the credit facility, which is scheduled for January 2009. Our advances to the UAIC are subordinated to the credit facility and carry an interest rate of 10%, which will be recorded upon the opening of the facility. As of December 31, 2002, the accrued interest on our advances to the UAIC was approximately $2.6 million.

The gaming industry includes land-based casinos, dockside casinos, riverboat casinos, casinos located on Indian reservations and other forms of legalized gaming. There is intense competition among companies in the gaming industry, many of which have significantly greater resources than we do. Certain states have recently legalized, and several other states are currently considering legalizing, casino gaming in designated areas. Legalized casino gaming in such states and on Indian reservations will provide strong competition to us and could adversely affect our operations, particularly to the extent that such gaming is conducted in areas close to our operations. Indian gaming in California, as it currently exists, has had little, if any impact on our operations to date, although there are no assurances as to future impact. In September 1999 the Governor negotiated, and the Legislature ratified, compacts with 57 Indian tribes that became effective with the passage of Proposition 1A on March 7, 2000. These tribes were allowed to operate slot machines, lottery games, and banking and percentage games (including "21") on Indian lands. The compacts are currently being renegotiated with the state. While the outcome of the negotiations is yet to be determined, the possibility exists that the current facilities operating in California will be allowed to expand. It is not certain how any expansion will affect us; however, because visitors from California make up Nevada's largest visitors market. Increased competition from Indian gaming may result in a decline in our revenues and may have a material adverse effect on our business.

The casino properties face more direct competition from 34 non-restricted gaming locations primarily targeted to the local and the repeat visitor markets. Some of these competitors have completed expansions and existing competitors and new entrants into these markets are in the planning stages or under construction on other projects. Although we have competed strongly in these marketplaces, there can be no assurance that additional capacity will not have a negative impact on our business.

Our casino properties face competition from all other casinos and hotels in the Las Vegas area, including to some degree, from each other. In addition, our casino properties face competition from all smaller non-restricted gaming locations and restricted gaming locations (locations with 15 or fewer slot machines) in the greater Las Vegas area. As of December 31, 2002, there were 1,381 restricted gaming locations with a total of 13,783 slot machines. We compete with other locals oriented hotel/casinos by focusing on repeat customers and attracting these customers through innovative marketing programs. Our

value-oriented, high-quality approach is designed to generate repeat business. Additionally, our casino properties are strategically located and designed to permit convenient access and ample parking, which are critical factors in attracting local visitors and repeat patrons. Currently, there are approximately 32 major gaming properties located on or near the Las Vegas Strip, 14 located in the downtown area and several located in other areas of Las Vegas. Major additions, expansions or enhancements of existing properties or the construction of new properties by competitors, could also have a material adverse effect on the businesses of our casino properties. While past additions to capacity have had little, if any, impact on our casino properties' hotel occupancy or casino volume to date, there can be no assurance that hotel occupancy or casino volume will not be adversely affected in the future.

To a lesser extent, our operations compete with gaming operations in other parts of the state of Nevada, such as Reno, Laughlin and Lake Tahoe, riverboat gaming markets in the Midwest and South, facilities in Atlantic City, New Jersey, casinos located on Indian reservations and other parts of the world and with state-sponsored lotteries, on-and-off-track pari-mutuel wagering, card parlors and other forms of legalized gambling.

In 1997, the Nevada legislature enacted Senate Bill 208. This legislation identified certain gaming enterprise districts and classifications of real property wherein gaming development would be permitted throughout the Las Vegas valley. We believe the growth in gaming supply in the Las Vegas locals' market has been, and will continue to be, limited by the provisions of Senate Bill 208.

The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities and the manufacture and distribution of gaming devices in Nevada are subject to: (i) the Nevada Gaming Control Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the "Nevada Act"); and (ii) various local ordinances and regulations. Our gaming operations are subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Nevada Gaming Commission ("Nevada Commission"), the Nevada State Gaming Control Board ("Nevada Board"), the City of Las Vegas, the Clark County Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board (the "Clark County Board"), the City of North Las Vegas, the City of Henderson and certain other local regulatory agencies. The Nevada Commission, the Nevada Board, the City of Las Vegas, the Clark County Board, the City of North Las Vegas, the City of Henderson, and certain other local regulatory agencies are collectively referred to as the "Nevada Gaming Authorities".

The laws, regulations and supervisory procedures of the Nevada Gaming Authorities are based upon declarations of public policy which are concerned with, among other things: (i) the prevention of unsavory or unsuitable persons from having a direct or indirect involvement with gaming at any time or in any capacity; (ii) the establishment and maintenance of responsible accounting practices and procedures; (iii) the maintenance of effective controls over the financial practices of licensees, including the establishment of minimum procedures for internal controls and the safeguarding of assets and revenues, providing reliable record keeping and requiring the filing of periodic reports with the Nevada Gaming Authorities; (iv) the prevention of cheating and fraudulent practices; and (v) providing a source of state and local revenues through taxation and licensing fees. Change in such laws, regulations and procedures could have an adverse effect on our gaming operations.

Our direct and indirect subsidiaries that conduct gaming operations in Nevada are required to be licensed by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. The gaming licenses require the periodic payment of fees and taxes and are not transferable. Palace Station Hotel & Casino, Inc. ("PSHC"), Boulder Station, Inc. ("BSI"), Texas Station LLC ("TSL"), Sunset Station, Inc. ("SSI"), Tropicana Station, Inc. ("TRSI"), Santa Fe Station, Inc. ("SFSI"), Fiesta Station, Inc. ("FSI"), Rancho Station, LLC ("RSL") and Lake Mead Station, Inc. ("LMSI") have received licenses to conduct nonrestricted gaming operations. In addition, Green Valley Ranch Gaming, LLC ("GVRG") has received licenses to conduct nonrestricted gaming operations at Green Valley Ranch Station Casino. The Company's ownership in GVRG is held through an

intermediary company known as GV Ranch Station, Inc. ("GVRS"), which is licensed as a member and manager of GVRG. Town Center Amusements, Inc. ("TCAI") has been licensed to conduct nonrestricted gaming operations at Barley's Casino & Brewing Company ("Barley's"), a micro brewery and casino located in Henderson, Nevada. Station Casinos' ownership in TCAI is held through an intermediary company known as Green Valley Station, Inc. ("GVSI") which is licensed as a member and manager of TCAI. We also own a minority interest in Fiesta Palms, LLC, d.b.a. Palms Casino Resort, which we hold through our subsidiary, Palms Station, LLC ("PSL"). Station Casinos is registered by the Nevada Commission as a publicly traded corporation (a "Registered Corporation") and has been found suitable to own the stock of PSHC, BSI, SSI, TRSI, GVSI, SFSI, GVRS, FSI, RSL and LMSI. We are also licensed as a manufacturer and distributor. PSHC, BSI, SSI, TRSI, GVSI, SFSI, GVRG, FSI and LMSI are each a corporate gaming licensee and TCAI, TSL, GVRG, RSL and PSL are each a limited liability company licensee (individually a "Gaming Subsidiary" and collectively the "Gaming Subsidiaries") under the terms of the Nevada Act. As a Registered Corporation, Station Casinos is required periodically to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada Commission and the Nevada Board and furnish any other information, which the Nevada Commission or the Nevada Board may require. No person may become a stockholder or holder of an interest of, or receive any percentage of profits from the Gaming Subsidiaries without first obtaining licenses and approvals from the Nevada Gaming Authorities. Station Casinos and the Gaming Subsidiaries have obtained from the Nevada Gaming Authorities the various registrations, findings of suitability, approvals, permits and licenses (individually, a "Gaming License" and collectively, the "Gaming Licenses") required in order to engage in gaming activities in Nevada.

The Nevada Gaming Authorities may investigate any individual who has a material relationship to, or material involvement with, a Registered Corporation, such as Station Casinos or the Gaming Subsidiaries, which hold a license, in order to determine whether such individual is suitable or should be licensed as a business associate of a Registered Corporation or a gaming licensee. Officers, directors and certain key employees of the Gaming Subsidiaries must file applications with the Nevada Gaming Authorities and may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. Officers, directors and key employees of Station Casinos who are actively and directly involved in gaming activities of the Gaming Subsidiaries may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. The Nevada Gaming Authorities may deny an application for licensing for any cause, which they deem reasonable. A finding of suitability is comparable to licensing, and both require submission of detailed personal and financial information followed by a thorough investigation. The applicant for licensing or a finding of suitability must pay all the costs of the investigation. Changes in licensed positions must be reported to the Nevada Gaming Authorities and in addition to their authority to deny an application for a finding of suitability or licensure, the Nevada Gaming Authorities have jurisdiction to disapprove a change in corporate position.

If the Nevada Gaming Authorities were to find an officer, director or key employee unsuitable for licensing or unsuitable to continue to have a relationship with Station Casinos or the Gaming Subsidiaries, the companies involved would have to sever all relationships with such person. In addition, the Nevada Commission may require Station Casinos or the Gaming Subsidiaries to terminate the employment of any person who refuses to file the appropriate applications. Determinations of suitability or questions pertaining to licensing are not subject to judicial review in Nevada.

Station Casinos and the Gaming Subsidiaries are required to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada Commission. Substantially all material loans, leases, sales of securities and similar financing transactions by us and our Gaming Subsidiaries must be reported to or approved by the Nevada Commission and/or the Nevada Board.

If it were determined that the Nevada Act was violated by a Gaming Subsidiary, the gaming licenses it holds could be limited, conditioned, suspended or revoked, subject to compliance with certain statutory and regulatory procedures. In addition, Station Casinos, the Gaming Subsidiaries and the persons involved could be subject to substantial fines for each separate violation of the Nevada Act at the discretion of the Nevada Commission. Further, a supervisor could be appointed by the Nevada Commission to operate

Palace Station, Boulder Station, Texas Station, Sunset Station, Santa Fe Station, Green Valley Ranch Station, Fiesta Rancho, Fiesta Henderson, Wild Wild West, Wildfire and Barley's and, under certain circumstances, earnings generated during the supervisor's appointment (except for the reasonable rental value of the premises) could be forfeited to the State of Nevada. Limitation, conditioning or suspension of the Gaming Licenses of the Gaming Subsidiaries or the appointment of a supervisor could (and revocation of any Gaming License would) have a material adverse affect on our gaming operations.

Any beneficial owner of Station Casinos, Inc. voting securities, regardless of the number of shares owned, may be required to file an application, be investigated, and have their suitability as a beneficial owner of our voting securities determined if the Nevada Commission has reason to believe that such ownership would otherwise be inconsistent with the declared policies of the state of Nevada. The applicant must pay all costs of investigation incurred by the Nevada Gaming Authorities in conducting any such investigation.

The Nevada Act provides that persons who acquire beneficial ownership of more than 5% of the voting securities of a Registered Corporation must report the acquisition to the Nevada Commission. The Nevada Act also requires that beneficial owners of more than 10% of the voting securities of a Registered Corporation must apply to the Nevada Commission for a finding of suitability within thirty days after the Chairman of the Nevada Board mails the written notice requiring such filing. An "institutional investor," as defined in the Nevada Commission's regulations, which acquires beneficial ownership of more than 10%, but not more than 15% of Station Casinos voting securities may apply to the Nevada Commission for a waiver of such finding of suitability if such institutional investor holds the voting securities for investment purposes only. An institutional investor shall not be deemed to hold voting securities for investment purposes unless the voting securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business as an institutional investor and not for the purpose of causing, directly or indirectly, the election of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Station Casinos, any change in our corporate charter, bylaws, management policies or operations of Station Casinos, or any of its gaming affiliates, or any other action which the Nevada Commission finds to be inconsistent with holding our voting securities for investment purposes only. Activities which are not deemed to be inconsistent with holding voting securities for investment purposes only include: (i) voting on all matters voted on by stockholders; (ii) making financial and other inquiries of management of the type normally made by securities analysts for informational purposes and not to cause a change in our management, policies or operations; and (iii) such other activities as the Nevada Commission may determine to be consistent with such investment intent. If the beneficial holder of voting securities who must be found suitable is a corporation, partnership or trust, it must submit detailed business and financial information including a list of beneficial owners. The applicant is required to pay all costs of investigation.

Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability or a license within thirty days after being ordered to do so by the Nevada Commission or the Chairman of the Nevada Board, may be found unsuitable. The same restrictions apply to a record owner if the record owner, after request, fails to identify the beneficial owner. Any stockholder who is found unsuitable and who holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership of the common stock of a Registered Corporation beyond such period of time as may be prescribed by the Nevada Commission may be guilty of a criminal offense. We are subject to disciplinary action if, after we receive notice that a person is unsuitable to be a stockholder or to have any other relationship with us or our Gaming Subsidiaries, we (i) pay that person any dividend or interest upon voting securities of Station Casinos, (ii) allow that person to exercise, directly or indirectly, any voting right conferred through securities held by that person, (iii) pay remuneration in any form to that person for services rendered or otherwise, or (iv) fail to pursue all lawful efforts to require such unsuitable person to relinquish his voting securities including, if necessary, the immediate purchase of said voting securities for cash at fair market value. Additionally, the Clark County Board has the authority to approve all persons owning or controlling the stock of any corporation controlling a gaming licensee.

The Nevada Commission may, in its discretion, require the holder of any debt security of a Registered Corporation to file applications, be investigated and be found suitable to own the debt security of a

Registered Corporation if the Nevada Commission has reason to believe that such ownership would otherwise be inconsistent with the declared policies of the State of Nevada. If the Nevada Commission determines that a person is unsuitable to own such security, then pursuant to the Nevada Act, the Registered Corporation can be sanctioned, including the loss of its approvals, if without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission, it: (i) pays to the unsuitable person any dividend, interest, or any distribution whatsoever; (ii) recognizes any voting right by such unsuitable person in connection with such securities; (iii) pays the unsuitable person remuneration in any form; or (iv) makes any payment to the unsuitable person by way of principal, redemption, conversion, exchange, liquidation or similar transaction.

We are required to maintain a current stock ledger in Nevada, which may be examined by the Nevada Gaming Authorities at any time. If any securities are held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may be required to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to the Nevada Gaming Authorities. A failure to make such disclosure may be grounds for finding the record holder unsuitable. We are also required to render maximum assistance in determining the identity of the beneficial owner. The Nevada Commission has the power to require our stock certificates to bear a legend indicating that the securities are subject to the Nevada Act. However, to date, the Nevada Commission has not imposed such a requirement on us.

We may not make a public offering of our securities without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission if the securities or proceeds therefrom are intended to be used to construct, acquire or finance gaming facilities in Nevada, or to retire or extend obligations incurred for such purposes. On May 17, 2001, the Nevada Commission granted us prior approval to make public offerings for a period of two years, subject to certain conditions ("Shelf Approval"). The Shelf Approval has been amended several times to reflect the addition of new subsidiaries, most recently on November 19, 2001. However, the Shelf Approval may be rescinded for good cause without prior notice upon the issuance of an interlocutory stop order by the Chairman of the Nevada Board and must be renewed at the end of the two-year approval period. The Shelf Approval also applies to any affiliated company wholly owned by Station Casinos (an "Affiliate"), which is a publicly traded corporation or would thereby become a publicly traded corporation pursuant to a public offering. The Shelf Approval also includes approval for the Gaming Subsidiaries to guarantee any security issued by, or to hypothecate their assets to secure the payment or performance of any obligations evidenced by a security issued by, Station Casinos or an Affiliate in a public offering under the Shelf Approval. The Shelf Approval does not constitute a finding, recommendation or approval by the Nevada Commission or the Nevada Board as to the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus or the investment merits of the securities offered. The Shelf Approval also includes approval for us to place restrictions upon the transfer of, and to enter into agreements not to encumber the equity securities of the Gaming Subsidiaries, as applicable, in conjunction with public offerings made under the Shelf Approval. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful. On October 25, 2002, we filed the requisite applications seeking approval for a new Shelf Approval.

Changes in control of Station Casinos through merger, consolidation, stock or asset acquisitions, management or consulting agreements, or any act or conduct by a person whereby such person obtains control, may not occur without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission. Entities seeking to acquire control of a Registered Corporation must satisfy the Nevada Board and the Nevada Commission that they meet a variety of stringent standards prior to assuming control of such Registered Corporation. The Nevada Commission may also require controlling stockholders, officers, directors and other persons having a material relationship or involvement with the entity proposing to acquire control, to be investigated and licensed as part of the approval process relating to the transaction.

The Nevada legislature has declared that some corporate acquisitions opposed by management, repurchases of voting securities and corporate defense tactics affecting Nevada corporate gaming licensees, and Registered Corporations that are affiliated with those operations, may be injurious to stable and productive corporate gaming. The Nevada Commission has established a regulatory scheme to ameliorate the potentially adverse effects of these business practices upon Nevada's gaming industry and to further Nevada's policy to: (i) assure the financial stability of corporate gaming licensees and their affiliates;

(ii) preserve the beneficial aspects of conducting business in the corporate form; and (iii) promote a neutral environment for the orderly governance of corporate affairs. Approvals are, in certain circumstances, required from the Nevada Commission before a Registered Corporation can make exceptional repurchases of voting securities above the current market price thereof and before a corporate acquisition opposed by management can be consummated. The Nevada Act also requires prior approval of a plan of re-capitalization proposed by the Registered Corporation's Board of Directors in response to a tender offer made directly to the Registered Corporation's stockholders for the purpose of acquiring control of the Registered Corporation.

License fees and taxes, computed in various ways depending on the type of gaming or activity involved, are payable to the State of Nevada and to the counties and cities in which the Nevada licensee's respective operations are conducted. Depending upon the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes are payable either monthly, quarterly or annually and are based upon either: (i) a percentage of the gross revenues received; (ii) the number of gaming devices operated; or (iii) the number of table games operated. A casino entertainment tax is also paid by casino operations where entertainment is furnished in connection with the serving or selling of food or refreshments or the selling of any merchandise. Nevada licensees that hold a license as an operator of a slot route, or manufacturer's or distributor's license also pay certain fees and taxes to the state of Nevada.

Any person who is licensed, required to be licensed, registered, required to be registered, or is under common control with such persons (collectively, "Licensees"), and who proposes to become involved in a gaming venture outside of Nevada, is required to deposit with the Nevada Board, and thereafter maintain, a revolving fund in the amount of $10,000 to pay the expenses of investigation by the Nevada Board of their participation in such foreign gaming. The revolving fund is subject to increase or decrease at the discretion of the Nevada Commission. Thereafter, licensees are required to comply with certain reporting requirements imposed by the Nevada Act. Licensees are also subject to disciplinary action by the Nevada Commission if they knowingly violate any laws of the foreign jurisdiction pertaining to the foreign gaming operation, fail to conduct the foreign gaming operation in accordance with the standards of honesty and integrity required of Nevada gaming operations, engage in activities or enter into associations that are harmful to the state of Nevada or its ability to collect gaming taxes and fees, or employ, contract with or associate with a person in the foreign operation who has been denied a license or finding of suitability in Nevada on the grounds of unsuitability or whom a court in the state of Nevada has found guilty of cheating. The loss or restriction of our gaming licenses in Nevada would have a material adverse effect on our business and could require us to cease gaming operations in Nevada.

The sale of alcoholic beverages at Palace Station, Wildfire and Santa Fe Station is subject to licensing, control and regulation by the City of Las Vegas. The sale of alcoholic beverages at Boulder Station and Wild Wild West is subject to licensing control and regulation by the Clark County Board. Texas Station and Fiesta Rancho are subject to licensing control and regulation of the City of North Las Vegas. Sunset Station, Green Valley Ranch Station, Fiesta Henderson and Barley's are subject to the licensing control and regulation of the City of Henderson and the Department of Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, as applicable. All licenses are revocable and are not transferable. The agencies involved have full power to limit, condition, suspend or revoke any such license, and any such disciplinary action could (and revocation would) have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Gaming Subsidiaries.

The terms and conditions of management contracts and the operation of casinos and all gaming on Native American Indian land in the United States are subject to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 ("IGRA"), which is administered by the National Indian Gaming Commission ("NIGC") and the gaming regulatory agencies of tribal governments. IGRA is subject to interpretation by the NIGC and may be subject to judicial and legislative clarification or amendment.

IGRA requires NIGC approval of management contracts for Class II and Class III gaming as well as the review of all agreements collateral to the management contracts. The management contract relating to the Company's proposed casino for the United Auburn Indian Community was approved by the NIGC. The NIGC will not approve a management contract if a director or a 10% shareholder of the management company: (i) is an elected member of the Indian tribal government which owns the facility purchasing or leasing the games; (ii) has been or is convicted of a felony gaming offense; (iii) has knowingly and willfully provided materially false information to the NIGC or the tribe; (iv) has refused to respond to questions from the NIGC; or (v) is a person whose prior history, reputation and associations pose a threat to the public interest or to effective gaming regulation and control, or create or enhance the chance of unsuitable activities in gaming or the business and financial arrangements incidental thereto. In addition, the NIGC will not approve a management contract if the management company or any of its agents have attempted to unduly influence any decision or process of tribal government relating to gaming, or if the management company has materially breached the terms of the management contract or the tribe's gaming ordinance, or a trustee, exercising due diligence, would not approve such management contract. A management contract can be approved only after the NIGC determines that the contract provides, among other things, for: (i) adequate accounting procedures and verifiable financial reports, which must be furnished to the tribe; (ii) tribal access to the daily operations of the gaming enterprise, including the right to verify daily gross revenues and income; (iii) minimum guaranteed payments to the tribe, which must have priority over the retirement of development and construction costs; (iv) a ceiling on the repayment of such development and construction costs and (v) a contract term not exceeding five years and a management fee not exceeding 30% of net revenues (as determined by the NIGC); provided that the NIGC may approve up to a seven year term and a management fee not to exceed 40% of net revenues if the NIGC is satisfied that the capital investment required, and the income projections for the particular gaming activity require the larger fee and longer term. There is no periodic or ongoing review of approved contracts by the NIGC. The only post-approval action that could result in possible modification or cancellation of a contract would be as the result of an enforcement action taken by the NIGC based on a violation of the law or an issue affecting suitability.

IGRA established three separate classes of tribal gaming-Class I, Class II and Class III. Class I includes all traditional or social games solely for prizes of minimal value played by a tribe in connection with celebrations or ceremonies. Class II gaming includes games such as bingo, pull-tabs, punchboards, instant bingo and non-banked card games (those that are not played against the house), such as poker. Class III gaming is casino-style gaming and includes banked table games such as blackjack, craps and

roulette, and gaming machines such as slots, video poker, lotteries and pari-mutuel wagering. Thunder Valley Casino may provide Class II gaming and, as limited by the tribal-state compact, Class III gaming.

IGRA prohibits all forms of Class III gaming unless the tribe has entered into a written agreement with the state that specifically authorizes the types of Class III gaming the tribe may offer (a "tribal-state compact"). These compacts provide, among other things, the manner and extent to which each state will conduct background investigations and certify the suitability of the manager, its officers, directors, and key employees to conduct gaming on tribal lands. The Company has been licensed by the relevant tribal gaming authorities to manage Thunder Valley Casino.

Title 25, Section 81 of the United States Code states that "no agreement shall be made by any person with any tribe of Indians, or individual Indians not citizens of the United States, for the payment or delivery of any money or other thing of value... in consideration of services for said Indians relative to their lands... unless such contract or agreement be executed and approved" by the Secretary or his or her designee. An agreement or contract for services relative to Native American Indian lands which fails to conform with the requirements of Section 81 is void and unenforceable. All money or other thing of value paid to any person by any Native American Indian or tribe for or on his or their behalf, on account of such services, in excess of any amount approved by the Secretary or his or her authorized representative will be subject to forfeiture. We believe that we have complied with the requirements of section 81 with respect to our management contracts for Thunder Valley Casino and intend to comply with Section 81 with respect to any other contract to manage casinos located on Native American Indian land in the United States.

Native American Indian tribes are sovereign with their own governmental systems, which have primary regulatory authority over gaming on land within the tribes' jurisdiction. Therefore, persons engaged in gaming activities, including the Company, are subject to the provisions of tribal ordinances and regulations on gaming. These ordinances are subject to review by the NIGC under certain standards established by IGRA. The NIGC may determine that some or all of the ordinances require amendment, and that additional requirements, including additional licensing requirements, may be imposed on us. We have received no such notification regarding the Thunder Valley Casino. The possession of valid licenses from the United Auburn Indian Community are ongoing conditions of our agreements with the tribe.

If we become involved in gaming operations in any other jurisdictions, such gaming operations will subject us and certain of our officers, directors, key employees, stockholders and other affiliates ("Regulated Persons") to strict legal and regulatory requirements, including mandatory licensing and approval requirements, suitability requirements, and ongoing regulatory oversight with respect to such gaming operations. Such legal and regulatory requirements and oversight will be administered and exercised by the relevant regulatory agency or agencies in each jurisdiction (the "Regulatory Authorities"). Station Casinos and the Regulated Persons will need to satisfy the licensing, approval and suitability requirements of each jurisdiction in which we seek to become involved in gaming operations. These requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but generally concern the responsibility, financial stability and character of the owners and managers of gaming operations as well as persons financially interested or involved in gaming operations. In general, the procedures for gaming licensing, approval and finding of suitability require Station Casinos and each Regulated Person to submit detailed personal history information and financial information to demonstrate that the proposed gaming operation has adequate financial resources generated from suitable sources and adequate procedures to comply with the operating controls and requirements imposed by law and regulation in each jurisdiction, followed by a thorough investigation by such Regulatory Authorities. In general, Station Casinos and each Regulated Person must pay the costs of such investigation. An application for any gaming license, approval or finding of suitability may be denied for any cause that the Regulatory Authorities deem reasonable. Once obtained, licenses and approvals may be subject to periodic renewal and generally are not transferable. The Regulatory Authorities may at any time revoke, suspend, condition, limit or restrict a license, approval or

finding of suitability for any cause that they deem reasonable. Fines for violations may be levied against the holder of a license or approval and in certain jurisdictions, gaming operation revenues can be forfeited to the state under certain circumstances. There can be no assurance that we will obtain all of the necessary licenses, approvals and findings of suitability or that our officers, directors, key employees, other affiliates and certain other stockholders will satisfy the suitability requirements in one or more jurisdictions, or that such licenses, approvals and findings of suitability, if obtained, will not be revoked, limited, suspended or not renewed in the future.

Failure by Station Casinos to obtain, or the loss or suspension of, any necessary licenses, approval or findings of suitability would prevent us from conducting gaming operations in such jurisdiction and possibly in other jurisdictions. We may be required to submit detailed financial and operating reports to Regulatory Authorities.

The laws, regulations and procedures pertaining to gaming are subject to the interpretation of the Regulatory Authorities and may be amended. Any changes in such laws, regulations, or their interpretations could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

Our properties draw a substantial number of customers from the Las Vegas valley, as well as certain geographic areas, including Southern California, Arizona and Utah. Adverse economic conditions in any of these regions could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Since all of our properties are located in the Las Vegas valley, any terrorist activities or disasters in or around Southern Nevada could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our properties use significant amounts of electricity, natural gas and other forms of energy. While no shortages of energy have been experienced, the substantial increases in the cost of electricity, natural gas and gasoline in the United States during 2001 and 2002 have and may continue to negatively affect our operating results. In addition, energy price increases in the regions that constitute a significant source of customers for our properties could result in a decline in disposable income of potential customers and a corresponding decrease in visitation and spending at our properties, which could negatively impact revenues.

The gaming industry represents a significant source of tax revenue, particularly to the State of Nevada and its counties and municipalities. From time to time, various state and federal legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax law, or in the administration of such law, affecting the gaming industry. The Nevada legislature is currently considering various proposals to increase taxes on our operations. While the final tax bill has not yet been enacted, it is likely that we will be subject to increased taxes, however, the magnitude of any increase in taxes is yet to be determined.

As of February 28, 2003, we had approximately 10,200 employees, which includes Green Valley Ranch Station and Barley's. From time to time, certain of our employees are contacted by unions and we engage in discussions with such employees regarding establishment of collective bargaining agreements. In 1998, approximately 12 of our employees voted to be represented by a union. While we are faced with such movements by employees from time to time, we do not believe that such movements will have any broad- based impact on our employees; however there can be no assurances to that effect. We believe that we have good relationships with our employees.

Station Casinos, Inc. is a reporting company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and files annual reports, quarterly reports, proxy statements and other documents with the SEC. The public may read and copy any of our filings at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street N.W., 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. Because we make filings to the SEC electronically, access to this information is available at the SEC's Internet website (www.sec.gov). This site contains reports and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. We also make available, free of charge, through our Internet website (www.stationcasinos.com) our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and, if applicable, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

All of the property that we own and lease is subject to a lien to secure borrowings under our Revolving Facility.

Palace Station is situated on approximately 39 acres located on the west side of Las Vegas, Nevada. We own 26 acres and lease the remaining 13 acres pursuant to five long-term ground leases with unaffiliated third parties.

Boulder Station is situated on approximately 46 acres located on the east side of Las Vegas, Nevada. We own 19 acres and lease the remaining 27 acres from KB Enterprises, a company owned by Frank J. Fertitta, Jr. and Victoria K. Fertitta (the "Related Lessor"), the parents of Frank J. Fertitta III, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Lorenzo J. Fertitta, the President of the Company. The lease has a maximum term of 65 years, ending in June 2058. The lease provides for monthly payments of $135,525 through June 2003. In July 2003, and every ten years thereafter, the rent will be adjusted to the product of the fair market value of the land and the greater of (i) the then prevailing annual rate of return for comparably situated property or (ii) 8% per year. In no event will the rent for any period be less than the immediately preceding period. In July 2008, and every ten years thereafter, the rent will be adjusted by a cost of living factor. Pursuant to the ground lease, we have an option, exercisable at five-year intervals with the next option in June 2003, to purchase the land at fair market value. We believe that the terms of the ground lease are as fair to us as could be obtained from an independent third party.

Texas Station is situated on approximately 47 acres located in North Las Vegas, Nevada. We lease this land from Texas Gambling Hall & Hotel, Inc., a company owned by the Related Lessor. The lease has a maximum term of 65 years, ending in July 2060. The lease provides for monthly rental payments of $287,500 through June 2005. In July 2005, and every ten years thereafter, the rent will be adjusted by a cost of living factor. In July 2010, and every ten years thereafter, the rent will be adjusted to the product of the fair market value of the land and the greater of (i) the then prevailing annual rate of return being realized for owners of comparable land in Clark County or (ii) 8% per year. In no event will the rent for any period be less than the immediately preceding period. Pursuant to the ground lease, we have an option, exercisable at five-year intervals with the next option in May 2005, to purchase the land at fair market value. We believe that the terms of the ground lease are as fair to us as could be obtained from an independent third party.

Sunset Station is situated on approximately 85 acres located in the Green Valley/Henderson area of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Santa Fe Station is situated on approximately 38 acres that we own on the northwest side of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Green Valley Ranch Station, a 50% owned joint venture, is situated on approximately 40 acres of a 170-acre multi-use commercial development and is located in Henderson, Nevada approximately six miles southwest of Sunset Station.

Fiesta Rancho is situated on approximately 25 acres that we own in North Las Vegas, Nevada across from Texas Station.

Fiesta Henderson is situated on approximately 46 acres that we own in Henderson, Nevada.

We currently own or lease five sites, which have been acquired for potential gaming projects, consisting of 151 acres, with options on an additional 66 acres adjacent to two of the sites, in the Las Vegas valley and 98 acres near the Thunder Valley Casino in Sacramento, California.

Station Casinos and our subsidiaries are defendants in various lawsuits relating to routine matters incidental to our business. As with all litigation, no assurance can be provided as to the outcome of the following matters and litigation inherently involves significant costs.

On April 26, 1994, a suit seeking status as a class action lawsuit was filed by plaintiff, William H. Poulos, et al., as class representative, in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, naming 41 manufacturers, distributors and casino operators of video poker and electronic slot machines, including Station Casinos. On May 10, 1994, a lawsuit alleging substantially identical claims was filed by another plaintiff, William Ahearn, et al., as class representative, in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, against 48 manufacturers, distributors and casino operators of video poker and electronic slot machines, including Station Casinos and most of the other major hotel/casino companies. The lawsuits allege that the defendants have engaged in a course of fraudulent and misleading conduct intended to induce persons to play such games based on a false belief concerning how the gaming machines operate, as well as the extent to which there is an opportunity to win. The two lawsuits have been consolidated into a single action, and have been transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Nevada (the "Nevada District Court"). On September 26, 1995, a lawsuit alleging substantially identical claims was filed by plaintiff, Larry Schreier, et al., as class representative, in the Nevada District Court, naming 45 manufacturers, distributors, and casino operators of video poker and electronic slot machines, including the Company. Motions to dismiss the Poulos/Ahearn and Schreier cases were filed by defendants. On April 17, 1996, the Poulos/Ahearn lawsuits were dismissed, but plaintiffs were given leave to file Amended Complaints on or before May 31, 1996. On May 31, 1996, an Amended Complaint was filed, naming William H. Poulos, et al., as plaintiff. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss. On August 15, 1996, the Schreier lawsuit was dismissed with leave to amend. On September 27, 1996, Schreier filed an Amended Complaint. Defendants filed motions to dismiss the Amended Complaint. In December 1996, the Court consolidated the Poulos/Ahearn, the Schreier, and a third case not involving the Company and ordered all pending motions be deemed withdrawn without prejudice, including Defendants' Motions to Dismiss the Amended Complaints. The plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Amended Complaint on February 13, 1997. On or about December 19, 1997, the Court issued formal opinions granting in part and denying in part the defendants' motion to dismiss. In so doing, the Court ordered plaintiffs to file an amended complaint in accordance with the Court's orders in January of 1998. Accordingly, plaintiffs amended their complaint and filed it with the Nevada District Court in February 1998. The Company and all other defendants continue to deny the allegations contained in the amended complaint filed on behalf of plaintiffs. The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory, special, consequential, incidental, and punitive damages in unspecified amounts. On June 25, 2002, the Nevada District Court denied plaintiffs' motion for class certification. On July 11, 2002, plaintiffs filed a petition for permission to appeal such class certification ruling with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. On August 15, 2002, the

Ninth Circuit granted plaintiffs' petition for permission to appeal such class certification ruling. While no assurances can be made with respect to any litigation, the Company believes that the plaintiffs' claims are without merit and does not expect that the lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

On December 20, 2000, the Company and Kansas City Station Corporation were named as defendants in an action styled Fitzgerald Sugar Creek, Inc. v. Kansas City Station Corp., et al., No. 00CV230480 (Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri). The plaintiff alleges that the defendants are liable for unspecified actual and punitive damages and other relief, based on alleged tortuous interference with the plaintiff's business expectancy of receiving a Missouri gaming license in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The allegations of the petition appear to be based on the same issues involved in the investigation by the Missouri Gaming Commission related to activities of Michael Lazaroff, an attorney who formerly represented the Company in Missouri. The plaintiff also alleged claims based on fraudulent concealment and civil conspiracy. The Company and its subsidiary responded to this lawsuit on January 19, 2001 and moved to remove the case to bankruptcy court in Nevada. On March 29, 2001, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri remanded the case to the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri. On April 19, 2001, defendants filed a motion to dismiss plaintiff's petition. On August 10, 2001, the Circuit Court (1) granted that motion to dismiss as to the civil conspiracy claim, and (2) denied that motion to dismiss as to the tortuous interference with business expectancy and fraudulent concealment claims. On November 21, 2001, Philip Griffith and the City of Sugar Creek, Missouri (the "City") were added as plaintiffs in this case. The new plaintiffs also allege claims for tortuous interference with business expectancy and fraudulent concealment. On December 17, 2001, defendants filed a motion to dismiss all of Griffith's and the City's claims. On March 15, 2002, the Circuit Court denied that motion to dismiss in its entirety. While no assurances can be made with respect to any litigation, the Company believes that the plaintiff's claims are without merit and does not expect that the lawsuit will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

On July 13, 2001, the Company and five of its major operating subsidiaries were named as defendants in a lawsuit brought by Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. and Harrah's Operating Company, Inc. in the United States District Court, District of Nevada (CV-S-01-0825-PMP-RJJ). The plaintiffs allege that the Company and its subsidiaries are liable for unspecified actual and punitive damages, and they seek injunctive and other relief, based on allegations that the Company's "Boarding Pass Rewards Program" infringes on various patents held by the plaintiffs. On October 5, 2001, the Company and the subsidiaries filed their answer and counterclaim. On April 4, 2002, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, which added an affiliate of the Company as an additional defendant. On April 22, 2002, the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliate filed their amended answer and counterclaim. The amended counterclaim seeks a declaratory judgment that plaintiffs' patents (1) are not infringed by the Company's and the subsidiaries' actions, (2) are invalid under federal patent law, and (3) are rendered unenforceable due to plaintiffs' inequitable conduct. In January 2003, both the Company and plaintiffs filed motions for summary judgment. The District Court, however, has yet to rule on those motions. While no assurances can be made with respect to any litigation, the Company believes that the plaintiffs' claims are without merit and does not expect that the lawsuit will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2002.

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "STN". The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sale price per share of our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.

		High		Low
Year Ending December 31, 2002
	First Quarter	$	17.03	$	10.80
	Second Quarter		19.20		15.95
	Third Quarter		18.10		11.21
	Fourth Quarter		19.20		15.21
Year Ending December 31, 2001
	First Quarter	$	16.00	$	12.80
	Second Quarter		17.43		13.15
	Third Quarter		16.45		7.50
	Fourth Quarter		11.75		7.51

As of March 14, 2003, there were 592 holders of record of our common stock and the closing price of our common stock was $19.86.

We have never paid cash dividends on any shares of our common stock. We do not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future so that we may reinvest our earnings in the development of our business. There is currently proposed legislation at the Federal level that would eliminate the double taxation of dividends. If this legislation passes, we would consider paying dividends in the future. The payment of dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors. Restrictions imposed by our debt instruments and other agreements limit the payment of dividends (see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Description of Certain Indebtedness and Capital Stock").

The following table lists all equity compensation plans that provide for the award of our securities or the grant of options as of December 31, 2002:

The selected consolidated financial data presented below as of and for the Transition Period 1998 and for our fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 have been derived from consolidated financial statements which, except for 1998 and 1999, are contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected consolidated financial data set forth below are qualified in their entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements, the notes thereto and other financial and statistical information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Property		Hotel Rooms	Slots(1)	Gaming Tables(2)	Parking Spaces(3)
Casino Properties
	Palace Station	1,021	2,037	46	2,600
	Boulder Station	300	2,896	42	4,400
	Texas Station	200	2,470	38	5,000
	Sunset Station	457	2,847	53	7,100
	Santa Fe Station	200	2,133	28	3,750
	Green Valley Ranch Station (50% owned)	201	2,212	49	3,600
	Fiesta Rancho	100	1,810	21	2,300
	Fiesta Henderson	224	1,473	23	2,250
Other Properties
	Wild Wild West	258	233	7	600
	Barley's (50% owned)	—	191	8	—
	Wildfire (4)	—	170	6	200

Plan category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options	Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options		Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders	12,192,594	$	10.34	410,905
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders (a)	1,340,950	$	12.89	1,086,920

Total	13,533,544	$	10.59	1,497,825

	For the years ended December 31,
	For the years ended December 31,								Transition Period 1998(c)
	2002		2001(a)		2000(b)		1999		Transition Period 1998(c)
	(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Operating Results:
Net revenues	$	792,865	$	836,857	$	990,060	$	940,663	$	640,869
Operating costs and expenses, excluding the following items		638,164		689,770		782,351		776,163		547,507
Impairment loss (d)		8,791		4,001		—		137,435		30,011
Preopening expenses (e)		—		6,413		3,858		—		—