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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 033-80655
MOHEGAN TRIBAL GAMING AUTHORITY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable | 06-1436334 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
One Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT | 06382 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(860) 862-8000
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class |
Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered | |
NONE | NONE |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of Class
NONE
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act: Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act: Yes x No ¨
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 ¨
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 registrants 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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files): Yes ¨ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer x Smaller reporting company ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act): Yes ¨ No x
Table of Contents
MOHEGAN TRIBAL GAMING AUTHORITY
Page Number | ||||
1 | ||||
PART I | ||||
Item 1. | 2 | |||
Item 1A. | 35 | |||
Item 1B. | 45 | |||
Item 2. | 45 | |||
Item 3. | 46 | |||
Item 4. | 46 | |||
PART II | ||||
Item 5. | 47 | |||
Item 6. | 47 | |||
Item 7. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
48 | ||
Item 7A. | 88 | |||
Item 8. | 88 | |||
Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
88 | ||
Item 9A(T). | 89 | |||
Item 9B. | 90 | |||
PART III | ||||
Item 10. | 91 | |||
Item 11. | 94 | |||
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
102 | ||
Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
102 | ||
Item 14. | 105 | |||
PART IV | ||||
Item 15. | 107 | |||
108 | ||||
108 | ||||
F-1 | ||||
S-1 |
Table of Contents
References in this Form 10-K to the Authority and the Mohegan Tribe or Tribe are to the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority and the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, respectively. The terms we, us and our refer to the Authority.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Form 10-K contains statements about future events, including, without limitation, information relating to business development activities, as well as capital spending, financing sources, the effects of regulation (including gaming and tax regulation) and increased competition. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements sometimes can be identified by our use of forward-looking words such as may, will, anticipate, estimate, expect, or intend and similar expressions. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated future results and, accordingly, such results may differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. You should review carefully all of the information in this Form 10-K, including the consolidated financial statements.
In addition to the risk factors described under Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors, the following important factors, among others, could affect our future financial condition or results of operations, causing actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements:
| the financial performance of Mohegan Sun and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs and the Pennsylvania off-track wagering facilities; |
| the local, regional, national or global economic climate, including the economic recession, which has affected our revenues and earnings; |
| increased competition, including the legalization or expansion of gaming in New England, New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania; |
| our suspension of the hotel, retail and new parking garage elements of Project Horizon; |
| our leverage and ability to meet our debt service obligations and maintain compliance with financial debt covenants; |
| the continued availability of financing; |
| our dependence on existing management; |
| our ability to integrate new amenities from our Project Horizon expansion into Mohegan Suns current operations and manage the expanded resort; |
| our ability to integrate and operate new amenities from our Project Sunrise expansion at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs; |
| changes in federal or state tax laws or the administration of such laws; |
| changes in gaming laws or regulations, including the limitation, denial or suspension of licenses required under gaming laws and regulations; |
| changes in applicable laws pertaining to the service of alcohol, smoking or other amenities offered at Mohegan Sun and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs; |
| our ability to implement successfully our diversification strategy; and |
| an act of terrorism on the United States. |
These factors and the other risk factors discussed in this Form 10-K are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of the forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on our future results. The forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K are made only as of the date of this Form 10-K. We do not have and do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. We cannot assure you that projected results or events will be achieved or will occur.
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PART I
Overview
The Tribe and the Authority
The Mohegan Tribe is a federally-recognized Indian tribe with an approximately 507-acre reservation situated in southeastern Connecticut, adjacent to Uncasville, Connecticut. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, or the IGRA, federally-recognized Indian tribes are permitted to conduct full-scale casino gaming operations on tribal lands, subject to, among other things, the negotiation of a gaming compact with the state in which they operate. The Tribe and the State of Connecticut have entered into such a compact, the Mohegan Compact, which has been approved by the United States Secretary of the Interior. We were established as an instrumentality of the Tribe, with the exclusive power to conduct and regulate gaming activities on tribal lands and the non-exclusive authority to conduct such activities elsewhere. Our gaming operation at Mohegan Sun is one of only two legally authorized gaming operations in New England offering traditional slot machines and table games. Through our subsidiary, Downs Racing, L.P., or Downs Racing, we also own and operate Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, a gaming and entertainment facility offering slot machines and harness racing situated on a 400-acre site in Plains Township, Pennsylvania, and several off-track wagering facilities, or OTW, located elsewhere in Pennsylvania, collectively the Pocono Downs entities. We are governed by a nine-member Management Board, whose members also comprise the Mohegan Tribal Council, the governing body of the Tribe. Any change in the composition of the Mohegan Tribal Council results in a corresponding change in our Management Board.
Our mailing address is One Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT 06382 and our telephone number is (860) 862-8000. Our website is located at www.mtga.com. Through our website, we make available, free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file these materials with, or furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Mohegan Sun
In October 1996, we opened a gaming and entertainment complex known as Mohegan Sun. Mohegan Sun is located on a 185-acre site on the Tribes reservation overlooking the Thames River with direct access from Interstate 395 and Connecticut Route 2A. Mohegan Sun is approximately 125 miles from New York City, New York and approximately 100 miles from Boston, Massachusetts. In fiscal 2002, we completed a major expansion of Mohegan Sun known as Project Sunburst, which included increased gaming, restaurant and retail space, an entertainment arena, an approximately 1,200-room luxury Sky Hotel Tower and approximately 100,000 square feet of convention space. In fiscal 2007 and 2008, we completed the Sunrise Square and Casino of the Wind components of Project Horizon, respectively.
Mohegan Sun operates in an approximately 3.1 million square-foot facility, which includes the following:
Casino of the Earth
As of September 30, 2009, Casino of the Earth had approximately 188,000 square feet of gaming space and offered:
| approximately 3,700 slot machines and 190 table games (including blackjack, roulette, craps and baccarat); |
| food and beverage amenities, including Birches Bar & Grill, an approximately 200-seat full-service restaurant, three full-service themed fine dining restaurants, with a fourth area featuring cuisine from all three adjacent restaurant themes, a 630-seat buffet, a Hong Kong-style food outlet offering authentic |
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Southeast Asian cuisine, an 87-seat Bobby Flays Bobbys Burger Palace and multiple service bars, all operated by us, as well as Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, operated by a third-party, and the recently opened Fidelias Market, a 123-seat multi-station food court, operated by us and third parties, for a total seating of approximately 2,000; |
| the Wolf Den, an approximately 10,000-square-foot, 400-seat lounge featuring live entertainment seven days a week; |
| an approximately 9,000-square-foot simulcasting Racebook facility; |
| four retail shops providing shopping opportunities ranging from Mohegan Sun logo souvenirs to cigars; and |
| Sunrise Square, a 9,800-square-foot Asian-themed gaming area offering 46 table games. |
Casino of the Sky
As of September 30, 2009, Casino of the Sky had approximately 119,000 square feet of gaming space and offered:
| approximately 2,300 slot machines and 110 table games (including blackjack, roulette and craps); |
| food and beverage amenities, including a full-service restaurant, a 24-hour coffee shop, a 330-seat buffet and five lounges and bars, all operated by us, as well as five full-service restaurants, three quick-service restaurants and a multi-station food court, operated by third parties, for a total seating of approximately 2,600; |
| Mohegan After Dark, consisting of Ultra 88, a nightclub Luckys Lounge and Dubliner, an Irish pub, all operated by a third-party; |
| the Mohegan Sun Arena with seating for up to 10,000; |
| The Shops at Mohegan Sun containing 32 retail shops, seven of which we own; |
| an approximately 1,200-room luxury Sky Hotel Tower with a private high limit table games suite; |
| an approximately 20,000-square-foot spa operated by a third-party; |
| approximately 100,000 square feet of convention space; and |
| a child care facility and an arcade-style entertainment area operated by a third-party. |
Casino of the Wind
As of September 30, 2009, Casino of the Wind had approximately 45,000 square feet of gaming space and offered:
| approximately 700 slot machines, 30 table games (including blackjack, roulette and craps) and a 42-table themed poker room; and |
| 20,000 square feet of dining and retail amenities, including a two-level, 16,000-square-foot Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville Restaurant, operated by a third-party, and Chiefs Deli, a casual dining restaurant operated by us. |
Mohegan Sun has parking spaces for approximately 13,000 guests and 3,900 employees. In addition, we operate a gasoline and convenience center, an approximately 3,600-square-foot, 20-pump facility located adjacent to Mohegan Sun.
Project Horizon
Project Horizon, Mohegan Suns second major expansion, was initially planned to include four major components: Sunrise Square, Casino of the Wind, Property Infrastructure, including a new parking garage, additional surface parking lots, site development and road improvements, and the Earth Expansion, including a new hotel and related retail areas, as well as improvements to the existing Winter Parking Garage and Winter
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Entrance. As of September 30, 2009, two of the components, Sunrise Square and Casino of the Wind, have been completed. Additionally, the Winter Parking Garage improvements, surface parking lots, site development and road improvements were completed as of September 30, 2009.
Sunrise Square was completed in August 2007 and includes 9,800 square feet of gaming space offering 46 table games, a 3,500-square-foot bus lobby and a 4,000-square-foot Hong Kong-style food outlet.
Casino of the Wind was completed in August 2008 and adds approximately 45,000 square feet of gaming space, approximately 700 slot machines, 30 table games and a 42-table themed poker room, as well as approximately 20,000 square feet of dining and retail amenities.
In September 2008, we announced the suspension of the hotel, retail and new parking garage elements of Project Horizon due to a slowdown in business volumes and uncertainties in the financial markets resulting from the national economic recession. The costs incurred for the suspended elements were related to excavation and foundation work for the planned podium and hotel tower, as well as professional fees for design and architectural work. We are currently evaluating our options with respect to the development of the suspended elements, including the new hotel; however, we can provide no assurance as to if or when the suspended elements will resume.
The Winter Entrance of the Earth Expansion, which connects the Winter Parking Garage to Casino of the Earth, opened in early July 2009. The renovated Winter Entrance incorporates new food and beverage facilities, including: Bobby Flays Bobbys Burger Palace, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and Fidelias Market, a quick-serve dining area featuring Jasper Whites Summer Shack Express, Woodland Wok and Chiefs Bagels, Subs & Sweets. Additionally, Bobby Flays Bar American and The Original SoupMan were opened in November 2009. Bobby Flays Bar Americain is located in the area previously occupied by Fidelias Restaurant. The Original SoupMan is located in Fidelias Market. Estimated remaining project costs relating to the Winter Entrance consist primarily of costs to complete the theming of the Winter Entrance.
Mohegan Basketball Club
In January 2003, we formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Mohegan Basketball Club, LLC, or MBC, for the purpose of owning and operating a professional basketball team in the Womens National Basketball Association, or WNBA. MBC entered into a membership agreement with the WNBA permitting it to operate the Connecticut Sun basketball team. The team plays its home games in the Mohegan Sun Arena.
Mohegan Golf
In November 2006, we formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Mohegan Golf, LLC, or Mohegan Golf, to purchase and operate a golf course in southeastern Connecticut. In May 2007, Mohegan Golf acquired substantially all of the assets of Pautipaug Country Club Inc., or PCC, which included a golf course located in Sprague and Franklin, Connecticut. The golf course was renamed Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug and reopened under the ownership of Mohegan Golf in June 2007.
Pocono Downs
Through Downs Racing, we own and operate the slot machine and harness racing facility known as Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs situated on a 400-acre site in Plains Township, Pennsylvania, and OTWs located in Carbondale, East Stroudsburg, Hazleton and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Harness racing has been conducted at Pocono Downs since 1965. The Lehigh Valley OTW is a 28,000-square-foot facility and is the largest OTW in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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Downs Racing completed the 2009 harness racing season at Pocono Downs in November 2009 and will continue its harness racing activities when the 2010 racing season begins in the spring of 2010. Year-round simulcast pari-mutuel racing activities also are conducted at Pocono Downs and the OTW facilities. Construction of a new paddock, adjacent to the racetrack, was completed in April 2009.
Downs Racing holds a Category One slot machine license issued by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, or PGCB, for the operation of slot machines at Pocono Downs. This license permits Downs Racing to install and operate up to 3,000 slot machines at Pocono Downs. Under certain circumstances, Downs Racing may install and operate up to a total of 5,000 slot machines.
Pocono Downs became the first location to offer slot machine gaming in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania when Phase I of its gaming and entertainment facility opened in November 2006. The total cost incurred for development of the Phase I facility was approximately $70.0 million.
Pocono Downs opened Project Sunrise on July 17, 2008. Pocono Downs offers approximately 2,500 slot machines and electronic table games and several dining options including: Ruths Chris Steakhouse, Rustic Kitchen Bistro and Bar, which features dining and a live cooking show, Bar Louie, a casual bar and restaurant, Timbers Buffet, a 300-seat Mohegan Indian cultural heritage themed buffet, and a food court, including: Johnny Rockets, Hot Dog Hall of Fame, Puck Express by Wolfgang Puck and Ben & Jerrys Ice Cream. Pocono Downs also offers a wide array of retail amenities, including: Brookstone, Marshall Rousso womens couture, Misura mens fine apparel boutique, Crossing Vineyards Wine and Cheese Shop, and MOGO, the Pocono Downs logo store. Project Sunrise also added three bars/lounges: Sunburst Bar, featured in the center of the gaming floor, Breakers Night Club and Pearl Sushi Bar. In addition, the food court that previously operated in the Phase I facility has been renovated as a 275-seat banquet and meeting venue, which opened in October 2008. The renovated facility now serves as a multi-purpose venue. The final cost of Project Sunrise, including the Phase I renovation, is anticipated to be approximately $198.0 million, excluding capitalized interest.
In March 2009, we and a subsidiary of Penn National Gaming, Inc. entered into an amendment to the purchase agreement for Pocono Downs. Pursuant to the amendment, the parties agreed to accelerate the remaining $16.0 million refund payment due to us and discount the amount of such balance to approximately $13.1 million, which we received in March 2009. We incurred a non-cash loss in connection with this transaction totaling approximately $1.6 million.
Other Diversification Projects
The Tribe has determined that it is in its long-term best interest to pursue diversification of its business interests, both directly and through us. As a result, from time to time, we and the Tribe receive and evaluate various proposed business opportunities. These opportunities primarily include the proposed development and management of, investment in, or proposed ownership of additional gaming enterprises through direct investments, acquisitions, joint venture arrangements and loan transactions. In addition to the developments described below, we and the Tribe are currently exploring other opportunities; there is no assurance, however, that we or the Tribe will continue to pursue any of these opportunities or that any of them will be consummated.
Cowlitz Project
In July 2004, we formed Mohegan Ventures-Northwest, LLC, or Mohegan Ventures-NW, one of three current members in Salishan-Mohegan, LLC, or Salishan-Mohegan. Salishan-Mohegan was formed to participate in a proposed development and management of a casino to be located in Clark County, Washington, or the Cowlitz Project, and owned by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, or the Cowlitz Tribe. Mohegan Ventures-NW holds a 49.15% membership interest, the Mohegan Tribe holds a 7.85% membership interest and Salishan Company, LLC, or Salishan Company, holds a 43% membership interest in Salishan-Mohegan. Mohegan Ventures-NW and the Mohegan Tribe each hold one of four seats on the Board of Managers of Salishan-Mohegan.
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In September 2004, Salishan-Mohegan entered into development and management agreements with the Cowlitz Tribe regarding the Cowlitz Project, which agreements have been amended from time to time. Under the terms of the development agreement, Salishan-Mohegan administers and oversees the planning, designing, development, construction and furnishing, and provides assistance with the securing of financing, of the Cowlitz Project. The development agreement provides for certain development fees of 3% of total Project Costs, as defined under the development agreement, which are to be distributed to Mohegan Ventures-NW pursuant to the Salishan-Mohegan operating agreement. As of April 2006, Salishan-Mohegan purchased the land to be used as the site for the proposed casino, which will be transferred to the Cowlitz Tribe or the United States under certain conditions in the development agreement. The management agreement is for a period of seven years commencing with the opening of the proposed casino, during which Salishan-Mohegan will manage, operate and maintain the proposed casino. The management agreement provides for a management fee of 24% of Net Revenues, as defined under the management agreement, which approximates net income from the Cowlitz Project. Pursuant to the operating agreement, management fees will be allocated to the members of Salishan-Mohegan based on their respective membership interest percentages. Development of the Cowlitz Project is subject to certain governmental and regulatory approvals, including, but not limited to, negotiation of a gaming compact with the State of Washington and acceptance by the United States Department of the Interior of land into trust on behalf of the Cowlitz Tribe. The development agreement provides for termination of Salishan-Mohegans exclusive development rights if the land is not taken into trust by a certain date. In July 2009, the development agreement was amended to extend that date from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2015. The management agreement is subject to approval by the National Indian Gaming Commission, or the NIGC.
In May 2008, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, or BIA, published a final rule relating to gaming on trust lands acquired after October 17, 1988. The new rule addresses, among other things, the process used by the BIA to determine what lands should be taken into trust for an initial reservation or restored lands for a tribe, such as the Cowlitz Tribe, seeking its initial or restored reservation. The new rule also expressly provides that a tribe may rely on earlier final agency decisions, including decisions of the NIGC, regarding lands to be taken into trust. In November 2005, the Cowlitz Tribe received an opinion from the NIGC determining that if the Secretary of the Interior takes the Cowlitz Project site into trust, the land will constitute restored lands of the Cowlitz Tribe. Based on this opinion by the NIGC, the additional analysis called for under the May 2008 rule is not expected to apply to the BIAs decision in connection with the Cowlitz Tribe. In May 2008, the BIA published a Final Environmental Impact Statement, or Final EIS, for the Cowlitz Project site.
In February 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in a case involving the State of Rhode Island and the Narragansett Indian Tribe, which held that the Secretary of the Interior may exercise his authority to acquire trust title to land for an Indian tribe under the Indian Reorganization Act only if the tribe was under federal jurisdiction when the Indian Reorganization Act was enacted on June 18, 1934 (Carcieri v. Salazar, 555 U.S. (2009) or the Carcieri decision). Since the trust land application for the Cowlitz Project requires action by the Secretary of the Interior under the Indian Reorganization Act, the Carcieri decision may delay action on that application until the BIA and the United States Department of the Interior determine whether the Cowlitz Tribe was under federal jurisdiction at that time, and an adverse decision may lead to a rejection of the trust land application. The Cowlitz Tribe did not receive federal recognition until 2000, so, based on the Carcieri decision, the tribe must establish that it was under federal jurisdiction in 1934 by separate means. In September 2009, following earlier congressional hearings on the Carcieri decision, the Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee introduced legislation to reverse the impact of the decision and reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian tribes regardless of when the tribe was recognized by the federal government. On December 17, 2009, the full Senate Indian Affairs Committee passed the bill. We believe that the Cowlitz Tribe, as a federally-recognized but landless tribe, will ultimately be able to establish its reservation and that casino gaming will be permitted on such lands; however, we can provide no assurance in this regard.
In light of the aforementioned and the inherent uncertainty in the development of the Cowlitz Project, we maintain a reserve for doubtful collection of the Salishan-Mohegan receivables, which is based on our estimate
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of the probability that the receivables will be collected. While certain events described above, including the publication of the Final EIS for the Cowlitz Project site, are generally positive steps in furtherance of the project, other events, including the Carcieri decision, may ultimately delay or prevent the completion of the project. However, considered collectively, these events have not materially changed our current interest in or assessment of the Cowlitz Project, nor do such events affect the extent to which we plan to continue our involvement in the Cowlitz Project.
Menominee Project
In October 2004, we entered into a management agreement with the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, or the Menominee Tribe, and the Menominee Kenosha Gaming Authority, or MKGA. The terms of the management agreement grant us the exclusive right and obligation to manage, operate and maintain a proposed casino and destination resort to be located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, or the Menominee Project, for a period of seven years commencing with the opening of the proposed casino, in consideration of a management fee of 13.4% of Net Revenues, as defined under the management agreement, which approximates net income earned from the Menominee Project. The management agreement is subject to approval by the NIGC.
In March 2007, Wisconsin Tribal Gaming, LLC, or WTG, was formed to participate in the Menominee Project. WTG consists of two members, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Mohegan Ventures Wisconsin, LLC, or MVW, which holds an 85.4% membership interest in WTG, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mohegan Tribe, Mohegan Ventures, LLC, or MV, which holds the remaining 14.6% membership interest. Following formation in March 2007, WTG purchased the development rights for the Menominee Project under a development agreement with the Menominee Tribe and MKGA, which was executed in October 2003, along with certain other assets, and assumed certain liabilities from Kenesah Gaming Development, LLC, for consideration of $6.4 million. The development agreement provides for certain development fees of 13.4% of Available Revenue Flow, as defined under the development agreement, which approximates net income from the Menominee Project over a period of seven years following the opening of the proposed casino, which are to be paid to WTG and distributed to us and the Mohegan Tribe, through MVW and MV, respectively. Development of the Menominee Project is subject to certain governmental and regulatory approvals, including, but not limited to, the United States Department of the Interior accepting land into trust for the Menominee Tribes project site in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
In January 2009, the BIA informed the Menominee Tribe of the decision by the United States Secretary of the Interior to decline to take the Menominee Project site in Kenosha into trust for the Menominee Tribe. The rejection of the application to take the Kenosha site into trust was based on a policy for reviewing trust land acquisitions for off-reservation gaming projects adopted by the BIA in January 2008 in a guidance memorandum and contradicted an earlier recommendation from the BIAs Regional Director. In March 2009, the Menominee Tribe withdrew a related lawsuit against the federal government while reserving its right to re-file in the event the January 2008 guidance memorandum is not withdrawn and the decision on the Menominee Project site is not reconsidered and reversed by the Secretary of the Interior. The United States Supreme Courts Carcieri decision, discussed above, is not expected to affect the Menominee Project. We believe the rejection of the land into trust application for the Kenosha site announced in January 2009 decreased the probability that the Menominee Tribe will obtain the necessary regulatory approvals in order to proceed with the Menominee Project, and officials appointed by the new presidential administration have not yet taken a position on reversal of the January 2008 guidance memorandum or the January 2009 rejection of the Kenosha application. As of September 30, 2008, we had fully reserved the WTG receivables pertaining to reimbursable development costs and expenses in connection with the Menominee Project and have written-off the remaining related development rights intangible asset. As of September 30, 2009, the WTG receivables remain fully reserved.
Pursuant to an option agreement, as amended, which was assigned to WTG upon its purchase of the development rights for the Menominee Project, for the purchase of Dairyland Greyhound Park in Kenosha, the proposed site for the Menominee Project, in November 2009, WTG consented to the cessation of operations at the Dairyland Greyhound Park and the option payments were accordingly adjusted, subject to various conditions. The current operators of the Dairyland Greyhound Park have announced that the facility will be closed in January 2010.
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Other Projects
In March 2008, we formed Mohegan Gaming & Hospitality, LLC, or MG&H, with the Tribe to evaluate and pursue new business opportunities. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, MTGA Gaming, LLC, or MTGA Gaming, holds a 49% membership interest in MG&H and the Tribe holds the remaining 51% membership interest. MG&H subsequently formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Mohegan Resorts, LLC, or Mohegan Resorts. It is anticipated that certain of our and the Tribes future diversification efforts will be conducted, either directly or indirectly, through MG&H and/or Mohegan Resorts. Mohegan Resorts is currently evaluating potential gaming opportunities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mohegan Resorts has entered into a ground lease for approximately 152 acres of land located in Palmer, Massachusetts, which would serve as a potential site for future gaming development, if legalized in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Mohegan Resorts also was a partner in an unsuccessful effort, ended in September 2008, to secure a gaming license for the development of a gaming facility in the State of Kansas.
Strategy
Our overall strategy is to profit from gaming in our core markets, as well as to diversify the Tribes business interests in the gaming industry outside of Mohegan Sun. Mohegan Suns success has resulted primarily from patronage from guests residing within 100 miles of Mohegan Sun, which represents our primary market. We also have enjoyed additional patronage from guests residing within a 100 to 200 mile radius of Mohegan Sun, which represents our secondary market. Based upon Mohegan Suns results and experiences, we believe gaming in these markets continues to be strong despite recent reductions in our profits resulting from the national economic recession. With the completion of Project Sunburst in 2002, we developed Mohegan Sun into a full-scale entertainment and destination resort, which has led to increases in the number of guests and lengthened the duration of their stays at our facility. We believe our addition of Casino of the Wind and Sunrise Square enables us to further strengthen our position in the Northeast gaming market by capitalizing on the demand for gaming and non-gaming amenities and enhancing our premier destination resort to mitigate impacts from future competition.
With the opening of the slot machine facility at Pocono Downs in November 2006, and with the completion of Project Sunrise in July 2008, we have taken significant steps in our diversification efforts with what we believe to be another first class gaming and entertainment property enabling us to diversify our revenue sources from a new gaming market outside of Mohegan Sun.
Market and Competition from Other Gaming Operations
Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino, or Foxwoods, are the only two legally authorized gaming operations offering both traditional slot machines and table games in New England. Foxwoods, operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, or the MPT, under procedures approved by the United States Department of the Interior, is located approximately 10 miles from Mohegan Sun.
Since the completion of Project Sunburst in 2002, we have broadened Mohegan Suns target market beyond day-trip customers to include guests making overnight stays at the resort. Consequently, Mohegan Sun also now competes directly for customers with resort casinos located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Some of these casinos have greater resources, operating experience and name recognition than Mohegan Sun.
Under current law, outside of Atlantic City, New Jersey, full-scale commercial casino gaming in the Northeastern United States may be conducted only by federally-recognized Indian tribes operating under federal Indian gaming laws or on cruise ships in international waters. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of Indian tribes seeking to engage in commercial casino gaming, including full-scale commercial casinos, in the Northeastern United States and in the number of individual groups seeking to obtain federal recognition as Indian tribes so that they may engage in commercial casino gaming in the Northeastern United States. Under federal law, after obtaining federal recognition and before gaming operations may commence, an Indian tribe must,
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among other things, have land taken into trust by the federal government, negotiate a gaming compact with the state in which they intend to engage in commercial casino gaming, adopt a tribal gaming ordinance and construct a facility. An Indian tribe also may need to negotiate a gaming management agreement and obtain funding to construct a facility. As described below, efforts continue by groups seeking federal recognition as Indian tribes and by recognized Indian tribes seeking to establish or expand their reservation lands with an interest in operating commercial casinos on those lands.
In February 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in the Carcieri case, as discussed above under Cowlitz Project. The result of action by Congress or the Obama administration on the Carcieri decision and other issues involving the establishment of initial reservations for newly-recognized Indian tribes, or the taking of off-reservation land into trust for gaming by Indian tribes, may have an impact on competition from both tribal and commercial casinos in the Northeast region.
As states have struggled with unprecedented budget deficits in 2008 and 2009, there have been various proposals and debates among state legislatures regarding authorization or expansion of state-licensed gaming throughout New England, the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. States also are considering or instituting regulatory and promotional measures to retain or enhance revenues from gaming, such as expanded state lottery or video lottery games and expanded hours of operations, which affects competition for both Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs. In addition, Congress has adopted and continues to consider legislation to limit or otherwise regulate on-line poker and other on-line gaming by U.S. residents. While one of those measures, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, or the UIGEA, was signed into law in October 2006, the effective date for compliance by banks and financial institutions with the provisions prohibiting the processing of credit card and other electronic transactions by U.S. residents has been delayed until June 1, 2010. Congress is expected to consider new legislation to establish a licensing, taxing and enforcement framework for internet gaming prior to that date.
Under federal law, cruises to nowhere, offering casino gaming activities on board cruise boats once the boat is in international waters or approximately 12 nautical miles from a coast, are permitted unless prohibited by the state from which they operate. Since 1998, we have seen a small number of such cruise boats operating out of Lynn, Massachusetts, Portland, Maine, New York City and Freeport, New York. Due to the difference in the gaming experience and limited success of such ventures, we do not believe that such cruises pose significant competition to Mohegan Sun or Pocono Downs.
Based on internal analysis of the existing and potential gaming market in our market areas, we believe that competition from other commercial casino gaming operations will continue to increase in the future.
We are unable to predict whether any of the efforts by other federally-recognized Indian tribes or individual groups attempting to gain federal recognition as Indian tribes or legalization of commercial casino gaming by non-Indian tribes will lead to the establishment of additional commercial casino gaming operations in the Northeastern United States. If established, we are uncertain of the impact such commercial casino gaming operations will have on our operations and our ability to meet our financial obligations.
Mohegan Sun
The following is a summary of recent developments involving competition affecting Mohegan Sun:
Connecticut
Currently, only the Tribe and the MPT are authorized to conduct commercial casino gaming in the State of Connecticut. As required by their individual Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU, with the State of Connecticut, the Tribe and the MPT make monthly contribution payments to the state based on a portion of monthly revenues from their slot machines. Pursuant to the terms of an exclusivity clause in each MOU, the contribution payments to the state will terminate if there is any change in state law that permits operation of slot machines or other commercial casino games or if any other person lawfully operates slot machines or other commercial casino games within the State of Connecticut, except those consented to by the Tribe and the MPT.
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According to various reports, in the fall of 2009, the MPT defaulted on certain bond payment obligations and entered into a forbearance agreement with its lenders. The forbearance agreement reportedly expires in January 2010 and relates to the MPTs $700 million bank credit facility, which matures in June 2010. It is uncertain whether any action related to the debt structure of Foxwoods will affect the competitive gaming market in Connecticut or the Northeast region or if any lenders, bondholders or creditors will seek to exert any influence over the operation or management of Foxwoods that could have an effect on competition in the Northeast region.
In October 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled against the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, based in western Connecticut, in an appeal seeking to overturn adverse decisions regarding its federal recognition and the reinstatement of an earlier recognition decision. In December 2009, the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation requested a new hearing before the full Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
Leaders of the Eastern Pequot Tribe, based in southeastern Connecticut, have stated that they continue to consider further appeals to challenge the rejection of their petition for federal recognition.
Rhode Island
Commercial gaming facilities in the State of Rhode Island, through the states two pari-mutuel facilities, Twin River in Lincoln and Newport Grand in Newport, together currently offer more than 6,200 video lottery terminals, or VLTs, and have recently added virtual blackjack and virtual roulette.
The operator of Twin River filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief in June 2009, and has sought agreements with its creditors and the Governor of Rhode Island to relinquish control over the facility and cease greyhound racing at Twin River. In July 2009, the Governor vetoed a bill that required at least 200 days of live greyhound racing and permitted VLT gaming 24-hour per day, seven-day per week at Twin River. However, in November 2009, the state lottery authorized the expansion of 24-hour gaming per day, seven-day per week at Twin River. In December 2009, Twin Rivers owner, which is still operating the facility as a debtor-in-possession, filed its proposed reorganization plan with the bankruptcy court. According to reports, the proposed reorganization plan contemplates transferring operation of Twin River to owners chosen by the current lenders, extinguishing $290 million of debt and ending greyhound racing at the facility.
The Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island, with a reservation in Charlestown, is the only federally-recognized Indian tribe in the State of Rhode Island, and the only tribe directly impacted by the U.S. Supreme Courts Carcieri decision, discussed above. Under specific terms of the Narragansett Land Claims Settlement Act passed by Congress in 1983, the Narragansett Indian Tribe is prohibited from opening a gaming facility under the IGRA on its settlement lands, but any legislation adopted by Congress in response to the Carcieri decision could have an impact on the tribes ability to conduct gaming on lands outside of the tribes existing reservation.
New York
Mohegan Sun also currently faces competition from several commercial casinos and gaming facilities located on Indian tribal lands in the State of New York, and from racetracks in the state that operate, or are planning to operate, VLTs. The State of New York has six federally-recognized Indian tribes located in the central, northern and western regions of the state. Three of these tribes, the Oneida Nation of New York, the Seneca Nation and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe of New York, currently engage in commercial casino gaming. In addition to these tribes, other Indian tribes have been pursuing potential casino projects which, if completed, will add significant gaming space as well as hotel capacity to the Northeastern United States gaming market. In addition, racetracks located in Yonkers, Batavia, Hamburg, Nichols, Vernon, Monticello, Saratoga Springs and Farmington currently operate an aggregate of approximately 13,000 VLTs.
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In October 2001, the New York State Legislature approved legislation that permitted as many as six gaming operations by Indian tribes in the State of New York, in addition to the Oneida Nations Turning Stone Casino and St. Regis Akwesasne Mohawk Casino. This legislation approved the use of traditional slot machines, rather than VLTs, where the possession and use of traditional slot machines is authorized pursuant to a tribal-state compact. Up to three of these additional gaming operations may be owned by the Seneca Nation, while the remaining three may be located in either Ulster County or Sullivan County in the Catskills region of the state. The Governor of New York reached tentative land claim settlements with various Indian tribes and supported legislation for as many as five tribal commercial casinos in the Catskills region between 2001 and 2005. However, a 2005 U.S. Supreme Courts decision regarding tribal jurisdiction over Indian tribal lands not held in trust by the United States and subsequent federal court decisions led to the withdrawal of these settlement agreements. Several federally-recognized Indian tribes, including the Seneca Nation, St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe of Wisconsin, have renewed plans to pursue tribal casinos in the Catskills region, with newly announced support from New Yorks state officials and the states congressional delegation.
Summarized below is the status of current and potential gaming operations by federally-recognized Indian tribes in the State of New York:
| Oneida NationThe Oneida Nation operates Turning Stone Casino Resort in Verona, approximately 270 miles from Mohegan Sun. Turning Stone Casino Resort reportedly offers approximately 2,400 VLTs, 80 table games, 20 poker tables and more than 800 hotel rooms. Turning Stone Casino Resort primarily attracts customers from the Syracuse region. |
| St. Regis Mohawk TribeThe St. Regis Mohawk Tribe operates Akwesasne Mohawk Casino in Akwesasne, approximately 400 miles from Mohegan Sun. Akwesasne Mohawk Casino reportedly offers approximately 1,600 slot machines and 20 table games. The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe has been pursuing an off-reservation casino in the Catskills region for several years. In January 2008, the BIA notified the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe of its rejection of the tribes application to take a 29-acre racino in Monticello, currently operated by Empire Resorts, Inc., into trust for a full-scale commercial casino. This decision followed the BIAs rejection of 10 other land into trust applications and the issuance of new guidance regarding taking off-reservation land into trust for tribal gaming, which requires greater scrutiny of the perceived benefits to the tribe in such acquisitions the greater the distance between a proposed project and the tribes existing reservation. |
| Seneca NationUnder the compact between the Seneca Nation and the State of New York and the 2001 legislation, the Seneca Nation is permitted to operate three casinos in the western portion of the state. With the July 2007 opening of a temporary casino in Buffalo, joining the tribes two casinos in Niagara Falls and Salamanca, the Seneca Nation now operates all three casinos, with the closest facility more than 400 miles from Mohegan Sun. Construction of a permanent facility in Buffalo remains on hold according to reports. |
| Cayuga Indian Nation of New YorkThe Cayuga Indian Nations bingo gaming halls in Union Springs and Seneca Falls, previously operated by the tribe as Class II facilities, remain closed while the tribes application with the BIA to take 125 acres into trust for gaming at those facilities remains pending. The tribe also has pursued gaming developments in the Catskills region at various times. |
On December 15, 2009, the state-recognized Shinnecock Indian Nation, based in southeastern Long Island, received preliminary recognition from the BIA, following a 30-year administrative and judicial process in pursuit of federal recognition. A decision on final federal recognition is expected before June 2010, according to a court-sanctioned schedule. In September 2009, the Governor of New York announced support for the tribes federal recognition. The Shinnecock Indian Nation has an approximately 800-acre state reservation on the east side of Shinnecock Bay, near Southampton, Tuckahoe and Shinnecock Hills. In 2003, the Shinnecock Indian Nation halted construction of a gaming facility on land owned by the tribe and in recent years was a bidder for the Aqueduct Raceway in Queens. In 2006, the tribes federal lawsuit claiming approximately 3,600 acres in the Southampton region was dismissed, following precedent in other New York tribal cases. In December 2008,
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county legislators in Suffolk County proposed county legislation to form a task force to expedite the selection of a possible casino location for the tribe within 75 miles of the tribes reservation. According to reports, following the BIAs December 2009 preliminary recognition decision, the tribe is considering a Class II gaming facility on the tribes land in southeastern Long Island. Other potential locations include Aqueduct Raceway in Queens, Belmont Park in Nassau County and a former Northrop Grumman site in Calverton in eastern Long Island, approximately 72 miles from Manhattan and the Catskills region. If the Shinnecock Indian Nation receives final recognition by the BIA, gaming on the tribes existing land or at any other location will likely require various additional regulatory approvals and/or legislation.
There are several pending federal recognition petitions from other New York Indian tribes, but we believe none are being actively considered by the BIA for federal recognition. It is not clear if or when federal recognition for these groups will be achieved.
In October 2006, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway, in Yonkers, opened with approximately 1,800 VLTs. In March 2007, Empire City opened its Gotham Palace facility, which added 3,700 additional VLTs, as well as a new restaurant, bar area and bandstand. Empire City has previously reported plans to increase its VLTs to 7,500 as permitted under state law. Given its geographic proximity to New York City, Empire City may have distinct advantages over Mohegan Sun in competition for day-trip and other customers from the New York metropolitan region.
During the 2009 regular session, the New York State Legislature failed to enact new legislation to expand hours and legalize electronic table games at racinos in the state. The state lottery has taken the legal position that electronic versions of roulette, baccarat, blackjack and craps are legal in the state and may be introduced as early as 2010.
According to reports, in February 2008, Empire Resorts, Inc., owner of the Monticello Raceway, entered into an agreement with Concord Associates, L.P., for the development of a resort, harness racetrack and VLT facility at the Concord Hotel property in Kiamesha Lake, to replace the current Monticello Raceway and Mighty M VLT facility. In April 2008, demolition of certain buildings at the Concord Hotel property commenced. In July 2008, the Governor signed a bill that included various incentives for the development of the Concord Hotel property into a $1 billion casino and resort, including a reduction in VLT revenue-sharing payments to the state to 25%, significantly lower than the current rate paid by Empire Resorts and other VLT operators in the state. Construction and development plans for the facility have been halted and the owners are reportedly considering using the site for a possible casino to be owned by the Seneca Nation. In August 2009, the Kien Huat Realty III Limited, part of the Malaysian-based gaming group Genting, reportedly invested $55 million for just under 50% of the voting power of Empire Resorts, Inc., and named the former Chief Executive Officer at Foxwoods and Seneca Gaming Corporation as one of the companys representatives on the Board of Directors to serve as non-executive Chairman of the company. The company is reportedly continuing to pursue its earlier gaming project with the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and land into trust application for the Monticello property.
In February 2008, the New York Racing Authority, or NYRA, and the State of New York reached a new agreement permitting NYRA to continue operating thoroughbred racing at the three NYRA racetracks for a new term of 25 years. In September 2008, NYRA was discharged from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In October 2008, VLT rights at NYRAs Aqueduct Racetrack were initially awarded to Delaware North Companies and its partner, Saratoga Harness Racing, Inc. However, that award was rescinded and bidding reopened in 2009. In May 2009, seven developers submitted new bids to develop the Aqueduct Racetrack VLT facility. In addition, the Authority also submitted a proposal limited to management of the proposed VLT facility, but that proposal was not selected for further consideration. According to reports, the selection of a developer is imminent. The proposed VLT facility is expected to open within 14 months to two years following the selection of the developer. While the Shinnecock Tribe submitted a proposal in the first round of bidding, it did not re-submit a new proposal.
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Currently, there are no non-Indian casinos operating in the State of New York, and the establishment of non-Indian commercial casino operations would require the approval of two successive state legislatures, followed by the voters in a statewide referendum.
Massachusetts
In October 2007, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts filed legislation calling for the award of licenses for three major gaming facilities to be built in the western, southeastern and metropolitan Boston areas of the state. A partnership with a federally-recognized, eligible Massachusetts Indian tribe was identified as one of the criteria to be used to assess proposals. Various groups have expressed interest in constructing and operating these facilities, including the Authority, which has proposed plans to develop a facility on leased land in Palmer in the western portion of the state. In March 2008, the Massachusetts House of Representatives defeated the Governors casino proposal bill by a vote of 108 to 46.
While hearings on the subject were held in 2009, no votes were taken, and the process is expected to continue into 2010 with new legislative leadership support.
In November 2008, voters in the state passed a ban on all greyhound racing in the state, effective January 1, 2010.
The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, located on the island of Marthas Vineyard, is one of two federally-recognized Indian tribes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe is currently subject to certain restrictions with respect to gaming, including gaming on its existing reservation on Marthas Vineyard.
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, the other federally-recognized Indian tribe in the state, is proceeding with plans for a casino and hotel project on what would be a portion of the tribes initial reservation in Middleboro. In April 2009, the tribe announced that the proposed casino and hotel project will likely be smaller in scale and may take longer than originally anticipated as a result of current economic conditions and the U.S. Supreme Courts Carcieri decision, discussed above. In November 2009, the tribe announced that it had terminated its agreement with Trading Cove Associates in connection with its proposed development and will instead be proceeding with the Kien Huat Realty III Limited, part of the Malaysian-based gaming group Genting, as developer.
A number of other petitions for federal recognition are pending in the state, but even if these petitions are ultimately successful, we believe final recognition would, at the earliest, be several years away.
New Jersey
Mohegan Sun primarily competes with casinos located in Atlantic City for overnight customers. The Atlantic City gaming market currently consists of 11 casino properties, with a total of approximately 17,000 hotel rooms and 1.4 million square feet of gaming space, including approximately 31,000 slot machines and 1,600 table games.
Several proposed developments and expansions of casino, hotel, retail and entertainment space also have commenced or have been completed in Atlantic City, while others have been suspended, delayed or cancelled in the past two years due to adverse economic conditions and various properties have reported debt issues or bankruptcy. A summary of recent projects and status changes within the Atlantic City gaming market include:
| The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, or the Borgata, a casino resort complex completed in 2003, has expanded in two phases since its opening. The first phase of the Borgata expansion was completed in June 2006 and featured several new restaurants, a food court, 500 slot machines, 45 table games, an 85-table poker room and a new nightclub. The second phase of the Borgata expansion was completed in June 2008 with the opening of a new 43-story hotel tower, the Water Club. The combined Borgata facility reportedly now features approximately 2,800 hotel rooms and suites, 161,000 square feet of gaming space, 4,100 slot machines and 200 table games. |
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| In October 2007, MGM Mirage, Inc., announced a $5 billion plan to build a three-tower, 3,000-room casino resort, or the MGM Grand Atlantic City, in a joint venture with Boyd Gaming Corporation on a 72-acre site located next to the Borgata. The MGM Grand Atlantic City was scheduled to open in 2012 with the largest casino floor in Atlantic City, including approximately 5,000 slot machines, 200 table games and a poker room, however, it has been reported that development work has been suspended indefinitely. |
| In March 2008, Harrahs Entertainment, Inc., opened its new 44-story, 960-room Waterfront Tower, which represents the final phase of a $550 million expansion at Harrahs Marina and increased Harrahs Marina hotel room capacity to 2,590 guest rooms. |
| In February 2009, Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc., owner of the Trump Marina, Taj Mahal and Trump Plaza properties, filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 for a third time. In December 2009, financier Carl Icahn announced his purchase of most of the companys bank debt. A court decision on a bondholder reorganization plan remains pending. |
| In May 2008, Tropicana Entertainment, LLC, the parent company of the Tropicana Casino and Resort, filed for bankruptcy, and in June 2009, the court approved its sale to a group led by investor, Carl Icahn, pending regulatory approvals. |
| In November 2009, Resorts Atlantic City, Atlantic Citys first casino, reportedly received approval for the transfer of ownership of the facility to a lender group led by Credit Suisse Group A.G. in exchange for the cancellation of approximately $360 million of debt. Resorts International Hotel, Inc., will continue to operate the property. |
There are no federally-recognized Indian tribes in the State of New Jersey; however, at least one state tribe, the Unalachtigo Band of the Nanticoke Lenni Lenape Nation, is reportedly seeking federal recognition and possible casino gaming. In addition, the New Jersey State Legislature has considered adding slot machines or VLTs at state racetracks.
Maine
Currently, no full-scale casino gaming operations are allowed in the State of Maine. There are four federally-recognized Indian tribes in the state, one of which, the Penobscot Tribe, operates a high stakes bingo facility in Old Town in the east central region of the state. The Penobscot Tribe and the Passamaquoddy Tribe also are attempting to gain approval for full-scale casino operations at various locations throughout the state, however, to date, such efforts have been unsuccessful. In November 2007, voters in the state rejected a proposal by the Passamaquoddy Tribe to build a racetrack, high stakes bingo parlor, hotel and casino on 700 acres in Calais, along the St. Croix River bordering New Brunswick, Canada. The proposed facility reportedly would have offered 1,500 slot machines. In the 2008 legislative session, the state legislature approved a bill allowing 100 slot machines on the Penobscot Tribes reservation, but that bill was vetoed by the Governor. In November 2008, voters in the state rejected a proposed non-tribal development of a $184 million casino with 1,500 slot machines, a 300-room hotel and conference center in the town of Oxford in Oxford County. None of the other federally-recognized Indian tribes in the state have negotiated a tribal-state compact or taken any other significant steps towards developing casino operations.
Penn National Gaming, Inc., operates Hollywood Slots Hotel and Raceway, a racino located in Bangor, with 1,000 slot machines and a six-story hotel.
New Hampshire
Currently, gaming is not allowed in the State of New Hampshire, however, in July 2009, the Governor issued an executive order establishing a new gambling study commission, which subsequently began hearing recommendations from consultants, including a recommendation for up to two full-scale casinos in the state. In
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recent years, a number of legislative initiatives seeking to expand legalized gambling activities in the state, particularly at racetracks, have been defeated. There is no federally-recognized Indian tribe in the state and no announced petition for recognition pending.
Vermont
Currently, gaming is not allowed in the State of Vermont nor are there any significant initiatives underway to legalize commercial casino gaming in the state. There is no federally-recognized Indian tribe in the state. In June 2007, the BIA issued a final determination rejecting a petition for federal recognition from the St. Francis/Sokoki Band of Abenakis in Swanton. In October 2007, the BIA dismissed, as untimely, the tribes request for reconsideration of that final determination.
Delaware
In May 2009, the state legislature enacted a new law, signed by the Governor, to legalize single-game sports betting and live table games in the State of Delaware. In September 2009, following a decision by the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit that the plan violated a 1992 federal law, a U.S. District Court judge issued a permanent injunction to prohibit the planned September 2009 commencement of single-game sports betting in the state. Under earlier rulings, only multi-game betting is allowed in the state.
Pocono Downs
The following is a summary of recent developments involving competition affecting Pocono Downs:
In July 2004, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania signed the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, or the Pennsylvania Gaming Act, permitting up to 61,000 slot machines at 14 locations throughout the state. The Pennsylvania Gaming Act authorized slot machines at seven harness and thoroughbred racetracks and five stand-alone slot facilities. Each facility may initially install and operate up to 3,000 slot machines and can be expanded to up to 5,000 slot machines after six months of operation and upon gaining the approval of the PGCB. In addition, the legislation authorized two resort facilities with up to 500 slot machines. The Pennsylvania Gaming Act also includes prohibitions against locating facilities in close proximity to other operations, including, among other things, a prohibition against locating another harness or thoroughbred facility with slots or a stand-alone slot facility within 20 linear miles of Pocono Downs, and a prohibition against locating a resort facility within 15 linear miles of Pocono Downs. In 2009, with the support of the Governor, state legislators have debated proposals to amend the Pennsylvania Gaming Act to allow the operation of table games at slot facilities, including Pocono Downs. In December 2009, the state House and Senate each passed versions of a bill to authorize table games. According to various reports, the Governor has requested that a bill be signed into law no later than January 8, 2010 in order to avoid certain state job lay-offs. In connection with this proposed legislation, we have announced plans to add table games, as well as a potential hotel at Pocono Downs, if suitable legislation is adopted. The legislature also is considering adding additional Category Three resort facilities with up to 500 or more slot machines and authorizing bars and restaurants in the state to operate some form of gaming. Any of these proposals, if adopted, could impact Pocono Downs.
Category One slot machine licenses have been awarded to owners of the six existing racetracks in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: three thoroughbred racetracks, Philadelphia Park in Bensalem (approximately 115 miles southeast of Pocono Downs); Penn National Race Course in Grantville (approximately 85 miles southwest of Pocono Downs); Presque Isle Downs in Summit Township, near Erie (approximately 325 miles from Pocono Downs); and two harness racetracks, the Meadows in Meadow Lands, near Pittsburgh (approximately 300 miles from Pocono Downs), and Harrahs Chester Casino and Racetrack in Chester (approximately 115 miles from Pocono Downs). In addition, Indianapolis-based Centaur, LLC, which had been awarded a harness racing license and had begun construction of Valley View Downs in Lawrence County, near Pittsburgh (approximately 300 miles from Pocono Downs), reportedly lost its financing in 2008. In October 2009, Centaur, LLCs two affiliates in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief.
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The PGCB has awarded conditional Category Two slot machine licenses to the owners of five stand-alone slot facilities, two of which are located in Philadelphia, with a third located in Pittsburgh. The remaining two facilities selected, which are located closer to Pocono Downs and are more likely to have an impact on our Pocono Downs operations, are as follows:
| Mount Airy, LLC was approved for a conditional Category Two slot machine license to operate a slot machine parlor at the former Mount Airy Lodge in Mount Pocono, which is approximately 40 miles from Pocono Downs. In October 2007, Mount Airy, LLC opened its $412 million Mount Airy Resort and Casino, or Mount Airy, which currently operates approximately 2,500 slot machines. In November 2007, a 188-room hotel, which includes a spa, salon and fitness center, was opened at Mount Airy. Mount Airy also operates five restaurants, three lounges and an 18-hole golf course. |
| Sands Bethworks Gaming, a partnership between BethWorks and Las Vegas Sands, Inc., was approved for a conditional Category Two slot machine license to operate a gaming facility in Bethlehem, which is approximately 70 miles from Pocono Downs. In May 2009, Sands Bethworks Gaming opened its Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, or Sands Bethlehem, which currently operates approximately 3,250 slot machines. Sands Bethlehem also currently operates five restaurants, a multi-station food court and three lounges. Sands Bethworks Gamings published expansion plans include a 302-room hotel, 200,000 square feet of retail space and 48,000 square feet of meeting, convention and special event space. |
In addition to existing slot operations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pocono Downs also faces competition from the VLT facility at the Monticello Raceway in Monticello, New York. The Catskills are approximately 90 miles from Pocono Downs. Additionally, Pocono Downs faces competition from Tioga Downs Racetrack in Nichols, New York, approximately 100 miles from Pocono Downs, which features a racetrack and gaming floor with 750 VLTs. Pocono Downs also faces potential competition from any full-scale casino gaming operation that is ultimately developed by an Indian tribe in the Catskills region. Also, in November 2008, voters in the State of Maryland passed a referendum authorizing state-licensed slot operations with up to 15,000 slot machines at up to five locations and the State of Maryland has begun the process of licensing sites for these facilities. In November 2009, voters in the State of Ohio passed a similar referendum authorizing up to four gaming facilities in that state. Since Pocono Downs is located more than 150 miles and 300 miles from any likely gaming facility in the State of Maryland or the State of Ohio, respectively, such gaming facilities would be less likely to have a direct impact on our Pocono Downs operations. The expansion of gaming in nearby states may affect overall gaming in Pennsylvania, the OTW facilities and other gaming facilities with which Pocono Downs competes for patrons.
Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut
General
The Tribe has lived in a cohesive community for hundreds of years in what is today southeastern Connecticut, and became a federally-recognized Indian tribe in 1994. The Tribe currently has approximately 1,800 members including 1,100 adult voting members. The Tribe historically has cooperated with the United States and is proud of the fact that members of the Tribe have fought on the side of the United States in every war from the Revolutionary War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Tribe believes that this philosophy of cooperation exemplifies its approach to developing Mohegan Sun and pursuing diversification of its business interests.
Although the Tribe is a sovereign entity, it has sought to work with, and to gain the support of, local communities in establishing Mohegan Sun. For example, the Tribe settled its claim to extensive tracts of land that had been guaranteed by various treaties in consideration for certain arrangements in the Mohegan Compact. As a result, local residents and businesses whose property values had been clouded by this dispute were able to gain clear title to their property. In addition, the Tribe has been sensitive to the concerns of the local community in developing Mohegan Sun. This philosophy of cooperation has enabled the Tribe to build a solid alliance among local, state and federal officials to achieve its goal of economic development through the success of Mohegan Sun and other projects.
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Governance of the Tribe
The Tribes Constitution provides for the governance of the Tribe by a Tribal Council consisting of nine members, and a Council of Elders consisting of seven members. The registered voters of the Tribe elect all members of the Tribal Council and the Council of Elders. As the result of an amendment to the Tribes Constitution in September 2003, the members of both the Council of Elders and the Tribal Council are elected on a staggered term basis and members of each Council are currently-elected for four-year terms. The terms of three members of the Council of Elders expire in October 2010, and the terms for the remaining four members will expire in October 2012. The terms for four members of the Tribal Council expire in October 2011 and the terms for the remaining five members will expire in October 2013. Members of the Tribal Council must be at least 21 years of age when elected, and members of the Council of Elders must be at least 55 years of age when elected. The members of the Tribal Council also serve as members and officers on our Management Board.
The Tribes Constitution vests all legislative and executive powers of the Tribe in the Tribal Council, with the exception of the enrollment of Tribal members and cultural duties, which are vested in the Council of Elders. The powers of the Tribal Council include the power to establish an executive branch departmental structure with agencies and subdivisions and to delegate appropriate powers to such agencies and sub-divisions.
The Tribe may amend the provisions of its Constitution that established us and the Gaming Disputes Court, which is described below. Such an amendment requires the approval of two-thirds of the members of the Tribal Council and must be ratified by registered voters of the Tribe by a two-thirds majority of all votes cast, with at least 40% of the registered voters of the Tribe voting. In addition, the Tribes Constitution currently prohibits the Tribe from enacting any law that would impair the obligations of contracts entered into in furtherance of the development, construction, operation and promotion of gaming on Tribal lands. An amendment to this provision requires the affirmative vote of 75% of all registered voters of the Tribe. Prior to the enactment of any such amendment by the Tribal Council, any non-Tribal party would have the opportunity to seek a ruling from the Appellate Branch of the Gaming Disputes Court that the proposed amendment would constitute an impermissible impairment of contract.
The Council of Elders acts in the capacity of an appellate court of final review and may hear appeals of any case or controversy arising under the Tribes Constitution, except those matters related to Mohegan Sun, which are required to be submitted to the Gaming Disputes Court.
Gaming Disputes Court
Under the Constitution and laws of the Tribe, the Gaming Disputes Court is vested with exclusive jurisdiction over all disputes related to gaming and associated facilities on Tribal lands, including appeals from certain final administrative agency decisions. The Gaming Disputes Court is composed of a Trial Branch and an Appellate Branch. Cases tried in the Trial Branch are heard by a single judge, whose decision can be appealed to the Appellate Branch. Appeals are decided by a panel of three judges, consisting of the Chief Judge and two judges selected in rotation, and the judge whose decision is on appeal may not serve on the appellate panel. Decisions of the Appellate Branch are final, and no further appeal is available.
The Gaming Disputes Court has jurisdiction over all disputes or controversies related to gaming between any person or entity and us or the Tribe. The Gaming Disputes Court also has jurisdiction over certain appeals arising out of tribal agency regulatory powers, including licensing actions. The Tribe has adopted the substantive law of the State of Connecticut as the applicable law of the Gaming Disputes Court to the extent that such law is not in conflict with Mohegan Tribal Law. Also, the Tribe has adopted all of Connecticuts rules of civil and appellate procedure and professional and judicial conduct to govern the Gaming Disputes Court.
Judges of the Gaming Disputes Court are chosen by the Tribal Council from a publicly available list of eligible retired federal judges and Connecticut Attorney Trial Referees, who are appointed by the Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court, each of whom must remain licensed to practice law in the State of Connecticut.
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Judges are selected sequentially as cases are filed with the clerk of the Gaming Disputes Court. The Chief Judge of the Gaming Disputes Court, who serves as the Gaming Disputes Courts administrative superintendent, is chosen by the Tribal Council from the list of eligible judges and serves a five-year term. The remaining judges may serve an unlimited term on the bench. Judges of the Gaming Disputes Court are subject to discipline and removal for cause pursuant to the rules of the Gaming Disputes Court. The Chief Judge is vested with the sole authority to revise the rules of the Gaming Disputes Court. Judges are compensated by the Tribe at an agreed rate of pay commensurate with their duties and responsibilities. Such rate cannot be diminished during a judges tenure.
Below is a description of certain information regarding judges currently serving on the Gaming Disputes Court:
Paul M. Guernsey, Chief Judge. Age: 59. Judge Guernsey has served on the Gaming Disputes Court since 1996. He was appointed Acting Chief Judge in November 1999 and appointed as Chief Judge in January 2000. Judge Guernsey also has served as Fact Finder for the New London Judicial District from 1990 to 1992 and as State of Connecticut Attorney Trial Referee, Judicial District of New London, since 1992.
F. Owen Eagan, Judge. Age: 79. Judge Eagan was appointed to the Gaming Disputes Court in 1996. He served as U.S. Magistrate Judge from 1975 to 1996 and was formerly Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut and U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. He is currently an adjunct law faculty member at Western New England College School of Law, a position he has held since 1978.
Frank A. Manfredi, Judge. Age: 58. Judge Manfredi was appointed to the Gaming Disputes Court in 2001. He has been a partner at Cotter, Greenfield, Manfredi & Lanes, P.C., since 1983. Judge Manfredi also has served as State of Connecticut Attorney Trial Referee since 1993, State of Connecticut Attorney Fact Finder since 1992 and Town Attorney for the Town of Preston since 1988.
Thomas B. Wilson, Judge. Age: 69. Judge Wilson was appointed to the Gaming Disputes Court in 1996. Judge Wilson served as a partner and director at Suisman, Shapiro, Wool, Brennan & Gray, P.C., from 1967 to 2003. Judge Wilson also has served as State Attorney Trial Referee since 1988 and as Town Attorney for the Town of Ledyard from 1971 to 1979, 1983 to 1991 and 1995 to the present.
Workers Compensation Department
Effective September 1, 2004, the Tribal Council established a Workers Compensation Department that oversees a self-administered workers compensation program for employees of the Tribe and us, but does not include employees of any of the Pocono Downs entities. Prior to the formation of this department, we participated in the State of Connecticut workers compensation program. Duties of the Workers Compensation Department, including judgment on claims, are performed by two commissioners retained by the Tribe.
Below is a description of certain information regarding the commissioners serving in the Workers Compensation Department:
Giancarlo Rossi, Chief Commissioner. Age: 60. Mr. Rossi was appointed Chief Commissioner of the Tribes Workers Compensation Department in September 2004. Mr. Rossi is a practicing attorney with over 20 years of workers compensation experience in Connecticut.
Louis M. Pacelli, Commissioner. Age: 55. Mr. Pacelli was appointed Commissioner of the Tribes Workers Compensation Department in September 2004. Mr. Pacelli is a partner in the law firm of Grillo and Pacelli, LLC in East Haven, Connecticut and has practiced general law, including workers compensation matters, for over 20 years in Connecticut.
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Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority
We were established by the Tribe in July 1995 with the exclusive power to conduct and regulate gaming activities on tribal lands for the Tribe and the non-exclusive authority to conduct such activities elsewhere. We are governed by a nine-member Management Board, whose members also comprise the Mohegan Tribal Council, the governing body of the Tribe. Any change in the composition of the Mohegan Tribal Council results in a corresponding change in our Management Board. See Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut and Part III. Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.
We have three major functions. The first major function is to direct the operation, management and promotion of gaming enterprises on tribal lands and all related activities. The second major function is to regulate gaming activities on tribal lands. Our Management Board has appointed an independent Director of Regulation to be responsible for the regulation of gaming activities at Mohegan Sun. The Director of Regulation serves at the will of the Management Board and ensures the integrity of the gaming operation through the promulgation and enforcement of appropriate regulations. The Director of Regulation and his staff also are responsible for performing background investigations and licensing of non-gaming employees, as well as vendors seeking to provide non-gaming products or services within the casino. Pursuant to the Mohegan Compact, the State of Connecticut is responsible for performing background investigations and licensing of gaming employees, as well as gaming vendors seeking to provide gaming products or services within the casino. The third major function is to identify and evaluate various diversification opportunities in conjunction with the Tribe. These opportunities primarily include the development and/or management, ownership or investments in, other gaming enterprises through direct investment, acquisition, joint venture arrangements and loan transactions.
Government Regulation
General
Our operations at Mohegan Sun are subject to certain federal, state and tribal laws applicable to both commercial relationships with Indians generally and to Indian gaming and the management and financing of Indian casinos specifically. Our operations at Pocono Downs also are subject to Pennsylvania laws and regulations applicable to harness racing, simulcasting and slot machine gaming. The following description of the regulatory environment in which gaming takes place and in which we operate is only a summary and not a complete recitation of all applicable law. Moreover, since this regulatory environment is susceptible to changes in public policy considerations, it is impossible to predict how particular provisions will be interpreted, from time to time, or whether they will remain intact. Changes in such laws could have a material adverse impact on our operations. See Risk Factors.
Tribal Law and Legal Systems
Applicability of State and Federal Law
Federally-recognized Indian tribes are independent governments, subordinate to the United States, with sovereign powers, except as those powers may have been limited by treaty or by Congress. The power of Indian tribes to enact their own laws to regulate gaming derives from the exercise of this tribal sovereignty. Indian tribes maintain their own governmental systems and often their own judicial systems. Indian tribes have the right to tax persons and enterprises conducting business on tribal lands, and also have the right to require licenses and to impose other forms of regulations and regulatory fees on persons and businesses operating on their lands.
Absent the consent of the Tribe or action of Congress, the laws of the State of Connecticut do not apply to us or the Tribe. Pursuant to the federal law that settled the Tribes land claims in 1994, the United States and the Tribe consented to, among other things, the extension of Connecticut criminal law and Connecticut state traffic controls over Mohegan Sun.
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Waiver of Sovereign Immunity; Jurisdiction; Exhaustion of Tribal Remedies
Indian tribes enjoy sovereign immunity from unconsented suit similar to that of the states and the United States. In order to sue an Indian tribe (or an agency or instrumentality of an Indian tribe, such as us), the Tribe must have effectively waived its sovereign immunity with respect to the matter in dispute. Further, in most commercial disputes with Indian tribes, the jurisdiction of the federal courts, which are courts of limited jurisdiction, may be difficult or impossible to obtain. A commercial dispute is unlikely to present a federal question, and some courts have ruled that an Indian tribe as a party is not a citizen of any state for purposes of establishing diversity jurisdiction in the federal courts. State courts also may lack jurisdiction over suits brought by non-Indians against Indian tribes in Connecticut. The remedies available against an Indian tribe also depend, at least in part, upon the rules of comity requiring initial exhaustion of remedies in tribal tribunals and, as to some judicial remedies, the tribes consent to jurisdictional provisions contained in the disputed agreements. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that, where a tribal court exists, jurisdiction in that forum first must be exhausted before any dispute can be heard properly by federal courts which otherwise would have jurisdiction. Where a dispute as to the jurisdiction of the tribal forum exists, the tribal court first must rule as to the limits of its own jurisdiction.
In connection with some of our contractual arrangements, including substantially all of our outstanding indebtedness, we, the Tribe, MBC, Mohegan Ventures-NW, Mohegan Golf and to the extent applicable, the Pocono Downs entities, WTG, MTGA Gaming and certain other of our subsidiaries and entities have agreed to waive our and their respective sovereign immunity from unconsented suit to permit any court of competent jurisdiction to: (1) enforce and interpret the terms of our applicable outstanding indebtedness, and award and enforce the award of damages owing as a consequence of a breach thereof, whether such award is the product of litigation, administrative proceedings, or arbitration; (2) determine whether any consent or approval of the Tribe or us has been granted improperly or withheld unreasonably; (3) enforce any judgment prohibiting the Tribe or us from taking any action, or mandating or obligating the Tribe or us to take any action, including a judgment compelling the Tribe or us to submit to binding arbitration; and (4) adjudicate any claim under the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968, 25 U.S.C. § 1302 (or any successor statute).
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988
Regulatory Authority
The operation of casinos and of all gaming on Indian land is subject to IGRA, which is administered by the NIGC, an independent agency within the United States Department of the Interior, which exercises primary federal regulatory responsibility over Indian gaming. The NIGC has exclusive federal authority to issue regulations governing tribal gaming activities, approve tribal ordinances for regulating Class II and Class III Gaming (as described below), approve management agreements for gaming facilities, conduct investigations and generally monitor tribal gaming. Certain responsibilities under IGRA (such as the approval of gaming revenue allocation plans for tribal members and the review of application to take land into trust for gaming) are retained by the BIA. The BIA also has responsibility to review and approve certain agreements and land leases relating to Indian lands. The U.S. Department of Justice also retains responsibility for federal criminal law enforcement on the Mohegan reservation.
The NIGC is empowered to inspect and audit all Indian gaming facilities, to conduct background checks on all persons associated with Class II Gaming and management contractors involved in Class III Gaming, to hold hearings, issue subpoenas, take depositions, adopt regulations and assess fees and impose civil penalties for violations of IGRA. IGRA also prohibits illegal gaming on Indian land and theft from Indian gaming facilities. The NIGC has adopted rules implementing specific provisions of IGRA, which govern, among other things, the submission and approval of tribal gaming ordinances or resolutions and require an Indian tribe to have the sole proprietary interest in and responsibility for the conduct of any gaming. Tribes are required to issue gaming licenses only under articulated standards, to conduct or commission financial audits of their gaming enterprises, to perform or commission background investigations for primary management officials and key employees and
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to maintain their facilities in a manner that adequately protects the environment and the public health and safety. These rules also set out review and reporting procedures for tribal licensing of gaming operation employees and tribal gaming facilities.
Tribal Ordinances
Under IGRA, except to the extent otherwise provided in a tribal-state compact, Indian tribal governments have primary regulatory authority over Class III Gaming on land within a tribes jurisdiction. Therefore, our gaming operations, and persons engaged in gaming activities, are guided by and subject to the provisions of the Tribes ordinances and regulations regarding gaming, in addition to the provisions of the Mohegan Compact.
IGRA requires that the NIGC review tribal gaming ordinances and authorizes the NIGC to approve such ordinances only if they meet specific requirements relating to: (1) the ownership, security, personnel background, record keeping and auditing of a tribes gaming enterprises; (2) the use of the revenues from such gaming; and (3) the protection of the environment and the public health and safety. The Tribe adopted its gaming ordinance in July 1994, and the NIGC approved the gaming ordinance in November 1994.
Classes of Gaming
IGRA classifies games that may be conducted on Indian lands into three categories. Class I Gaming includes social games solely for prizes of minimal value or traditional forms of Indian gaming engaged in by individuals as part of, or in connection with, tribal ceremonies or celebrations. Class II Gaming includes bingo, pull-tabs, lotto, punch boards, tip jars, certain non-banked card games (if such games are played legally elsewhere in the state), instant bingo and other games similar to bingo, if those games are played at the same location where bingo is played. Class III Gaming includes all other forms of gaming, such as slot machines, video casino games (e.g., video blackjack and video poker), so-called table games (e.g., blackjack, craps and roulette) and other commercial gaming (e.g., sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering).
Class I Gaming on Indian lands is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Indian tribes and is not subject to IGRA. Class II Gaming is permitted on Indian lands if: (1) the state in which the Indian lands lie permits such gaming for any purpose by any person, organization or entity; (2) the gaming is not otherwise specifically prohibited on Indian lands by federal law; (3) the gaming is conducted in accordance with a tribal ordinance or resolution which has been approved by the NIGC; (4) an Indian tribe has sole proprietary interest and responsibility for the conduct of gaming; (5) the primary management officials and key employees are tribally licensed; and (6) several other requirements are met. Class III Gaming is permitted on Indian lands if the conditions applicable to Class II Gaming are met, and in addition, the gaming is conducted in conformance with the terms of a tribal-state compact (a written agreement between the tribal government and the government of the state within whose boundaries the tribes lands lie).
With the growth of the Internet and other modern advances, computers and other technology aids are increasingly used to conduct specific kinds of gaming, such as poker or wagering on horse racing. Congress has adopted and continues to consider legislation to limit or otherwise regulate on-line gaming by U.S. residents. While the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, or the UIGEA, was signed into law on October 13, 2006, the effective date for compliance by banks and financial institutions with provisions prohibiting the processing of credit card and other electronic transactions by U.S. residents was delayed until December 1, 2009. In November 2009, just prior to that deadline, the U.S. Treasury Department and Federal Reserve Board delayed the effective date by six months, to June 1, 2010. Congress is expected to consider new legislation to establish a licensing, taxing and enforcement framework for internet gaming prior to that extended effective date.
Tribal-State Compacts
IGRA requires states to negotiate in good faith with Indian tribes that seek to enter into tribal-state compacts for the conduct of Class III Gaming. Such tribal-state compacts may include provisions for the allocation of criminal and civil jurisdiction between the state and the Indian tribe necessary for the enforcement of such laws and
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regulations, taxation by the Indian tribe of gaming activities in amounts comparable to those amounts assessed by the state for comparable activities, remedies for breach of compacts, standards for the operation of gaming and maintenance of the gaming facility, including licensing and any other subjects that are directly related to the operation of gaming activities. While the terms of tribal-state compacts vary from state to state, compacts within one state tend to be substantially similar. Tribal-state compacts usually specify the types of permitted games, establish technical standards for gaming, set maximum and minimum machine payout percentages, entitle the state to inspect casinos, require background investigations and licensing of casino employees and may require the tribe to pay a portion of the states expenses for establishing and maintaining regulatory agencies. Some tribal-state compacts are for set terms, while others are for an indefinite duration.
IGRA provides that if an Indian tribe and state fail to successfully negotiate a tribal-state compact, the United States Department of the Interior may approve gaming procedures pursuant to which Class III Gaming may be conducted on Indian lands. The Mohegan Compact, approved by the United States Secretary of the Interior in 1994, does not have a specific term and will remain in effect until terminated by written agreement of both parties, or the provisions are modified as a result of a change in applicable law. Our gaming operations are subject to the requirements and restrictions contained in the Mohegan Compact, which authorizes the Tribe to conduct most forms of Class III Gaming.
Tribal-state compacts have been the subject of litigation in a number of states, including Alabama, California, Florida, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. Tribes frequently seek to enforce the provision of IGRA which entitles tribes to bring suit in federal court against a state that fails to negotiate a tribal-state compact in good faith. The U.S. Supreme Court resolved this issue by holding that the Indian Commerce Clause does not grant Congress authority to abrogate sovereign immunity granted to the states under the Eleventh Amendment. Accordingly, IGRA does not grant jurisdiction over a state that did not consent to be sued.
There has been litigation in a number of states challenging the authority of state governors, under state law, to enter into tribal-state compacts without legislative approval. Federal courts have upheld such authority in Louisiana and Mississippi. The highest state courts of Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, New York and Rhode Island have held that the governors of those states did not have authority to enter into such compacts without the consent or authorization of the legislatures of those states. In the New Mexico and Kansas cases, the courts held that the authority to enter into such compacts is a legislative function under their respective state constitutions. The court in the New Mexico case also held that state law does not permit casino-style gaming.
In Connecticut, there has been no litigation challenging the governors authority to enter into tribal-state compacts. If such a suit were filed, however, the Tribe does not believe that the precedent in the New Mexico or Kansas cases would apply. At the time of execution of the Mohegan Compact, the Connecticut Attorney General issued a formal opinion, which states that, existing state statutes provide the Governor with the authority to negotiate and execute the Mohegan Compact. Thus, the Attorney General declined to follow the Kansas case. In addition, in a case brought by the MPT, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has held that Connecticut law authorizes casino gaming. After execution of the Mohegan Compact, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a law requiring that future gaming compacts be approved by the legislature, but that law does not apply to previously executed compacts such as the Mohegan Compact.
Possible Changes in Federal Law
Several bills have been introduced in Congress which would amend IGRA. While there have been a number of technical amendments to the law, to date, there have been no material changes to IGRA. Any amendment to IGRA could change the regulatory environment and requirements within which the Tribe could conduct gaming.
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Pennsylvania Racing Regulations
Our harness racing operations at the Pocono Downs entities are subject to extensive regulation under the Pennsylvania Racing Act. Under that law, the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission, or Harness Racing Commission, is responsible for, among other things:
| granting permission annually to maintain racing licenses and schedule races; |
| approving, after a public hearing, the opening of additional OTWs and racetracks; |
| approving simulcasting activities; |
| licensing all officers, directors, racing officials and certain other employees of a company; and |
| approving all contracts entered into by a company affecting racing, pari-mutuel wagering, phone/internet wagering and OTW operations. |
As in most states, the regulations and oversight applicable to our operations in Pennsylvania are intended primarily to safeguard the legitimacy of the sport and its freedom from inappropriate or criminal influences. The Harness Racing Commission has broad authority to regulate in the best interests of racing and may, to that end, disapprove the involvement of certain personnel in our operations, deny approval of certain acquisitions following their consummation or withhold permission for a proposed OTW site for a variety of reasons, including community opposition. The Pennsylvania legislature also has reserved the right to revoke the power of the Harness Racing Commission to approve additional OTWs and could, at any time, terminate pari-mutuel wagering as a form of legalized gaming in Pennsylvania or subject such wagering to additional restrictive regulation or taxation.
We have obtained permission from the Harness Racing Commission to conduct live racing at Pocono Downs and to operate the several OTWs that we own. The Harness Racing Commission can refuse to grant permission to continue to operate existing facilities.
Pennsylvania Gaming Regulations
Our slot machine operations at Pocono Downs are subject to extensive regulation under the Pennsylvania Gaming Act. Under that law, the PGCB is responsible for, among other things:
| granting permission annually to maintain existing slot machine licenses; |
| approving, after a public hearing, the granting of additional slot machine licenses (to the extent allowed under the Pennsylvania Gaming Act); |
| licensing all officers, directors, gaming officials and certain other employees of a company with slot machine operations; and |
| approving all contracts entered into by a company affecting slot machine operations. |
As in most states, the regulations and oversight applicable to our operations in Pennsylvania are intended primarily to safeguard the legitimacy of gaming and its freedom from inappropriate or criminal influences. The PGCB has broad authority to regulate in the best interests of gaming and may, to that end, disapprove the involvement of certain personnel in our operations, deny approval of certain acquisitions following their consummation or withhold permission on applicable gaming matters for a variety of reasons.
Material Agreements
The following is a summary of the material terms of several of our and the Tribes material agreements. This summary does not restate these agreements in their entirety. We urge you to read these agreements because they, and not these summaries, define our rights and obligations and the rights and obligations of the Tribe. Copies of these agreements are included as exhibits to this Form 10-K or by reference to previous filings in the schedule of exhibits hereto.
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Gaming Compact with the State of Connecticut
In April 1994, the Tribe and the State of Connecticut entered into a gaming compact to authorize and regulate the Tribes conduct of gaming on the Tribes land in Connecticut. The Mohegan Compact has a perpetual term and is substantively similar to the procedures that govern gaming operations of the MPT in Connecticut and provide, among other things, as follows:
(1) The Tribe is authorized to conduct on its reservation those Class III Gaming activities specifically enumerated in the Mohegan Compact or amendments thereto. The forms of Class III Gaming authorized under the Mohegan Compact include: (a) specific types of games of chance; (b) video facsimiles of such authorized games of chance (i.e., slot machines); (c) off-track pari-mutuel betting on animal races; (d) pari-mutuel betting, through simulcasting, on animal races; and (e) certain other types of pari-mutuel betting on games and races conducted at the gaming facility (some types currently are together with off-track pari-mutuel telephone betting on animal races, under a moratorium).
(2) The Tribe must establish standards of operations and management of all gaming operations in order to protect the public interest, ensure the fair and honest operation of gaming activities and maintain the integrity of all Class III Gaming activities conducted on the Tribes lands. The first of these standards was set forth in the Mohegan Compact and approved by the State of Connecticut gaming agency. State of Connecticut gaming agency approval is required for any revision to such standards affecting gaming. The Tribe must supervise the implementation of these standards by regulation through a Tribal gaming agency.
(3) Criminal law enforcement matters relating to Class III Gaming activities are under the concurrent jurisdiction of the State of Connecticut and the Tribe.
(4) All gaming employees must obtain and maintain a gaming employee license issued by the State of Connecticut gaming agency.
(5) Any enterprise providing gaming services or gaming equipment to the Tribe is required to hold a valid, current gaming services registration issued by the State of Connecticut gaming agency.
(6) The State of Connecticut annually assesses the Tribe for the costs attributable to its regulation of the Tribes gaming operations and for the provision of law enforcement at the Tribes gaming facility.
(7) Net revenues from the Tribes gaming operations may be applied only for purposes related to Tribal government operations and general welfare, Tribal economic development, charitable contributions and payments to local governmental agencies.
(8) Tribal ordinances and regulations governing health and safety standards at the gaming facilities shall be no less rigorous than certain State of Connecticut standards.
(9) Service of alcoholic beverages within any gaming facility is subject to regulation by the State of Connecticut.
(10) The Tribe waives any defense which it may have by virtue of sovereign immunity with respect to any action brought by the State of Connecticut to enforce the Mohegan Compact in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut.
In May 1994, the Tribe and the State of Connecticut entered into a MOU, which sets forth certain matters regarding the implementation of the Mohegan Compact. The MOU stipulates that a portion of the revenues earned on slot machines must be paid to the State of Connecticut. This payment is known as the Slot Win Contribution. For each 12-month period commencing July 1, 1995, the Slot Win Contribution shall be the lesser of: (1) 30% of gross revenues from slot machines, or (2) the greater of (a) 25% of gross revenues from slot machines or (b) $80.0 million. The Slot Win Contribution payments will not be required if the State of Connecticut legalizes any other gaming operations with slot machines or other commercial casino games within the State of Connecticut except those operations consented to by the Tribe and the MPT.
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Agreement with the Town of Montville
On June 16, 1994, the Tribe and the Town of Montville entered into an agreement whereby the Tribe agreed to pay to the town $500,000 annually to minimize the impact on the town resulting from the decreased tax revenues on reservation land held in trust. The Tribe assigned its rights and obligations in the agreement with the Town of Montville to us.
Land Lease from the Tribe to the Authority
Mohegan Sun is located upon land that is held in trust for the Tribe by the United States. We entered into a land lease with the Tribe under which the Tribe leases to us the property and all buildings, improvements and related facilities constructed or installed on the property. The lease was approved by the Secretary of the Interior on, and became effective as of, September 29, 1995. Summarized below are several key provisions of this lease. See also Part I. Item 2. Properties.
Term
The term of the lease is 25 years with an option, exercisable by us, to extend the term for one additional 25-year period. Upon the termination of the lease, we will be required to surrender to the Tribe possession of the property and improvements, excluding any equipment, furniture, trade fixtures or other personal property.
Rent and Other Operating Expenses
We are required to pay to the Tribe a nominal annual rental fee. For any period when the Tribe or another agency or instrumentality of the Tribe is not the tenant under the lease, the rent will be 8% of the tenants gross revenues from the premises. We are responsible for the payment of all costs of owning, operating, constructing, maintaining, repairing, replacing and insuring the leased property.
Use of Leased Property
We may use the leased property and improvements solely for the construction and operation of Mohegan Sun, unless prior approval is obtained from the Tribe for any proposed alternative use. Similarly, no construction or alteration of any building or improvement located on the leased property by us may be made unless complete and final plans and specifications have been approved by the Tribe. Following foreclosure of any mortgage on our interest under the lease or any transfer of such interest to the holder of such mortgage in lieu of foreclosure, the leased property and improvements may be used for any lawful purpose, subject only to applicable codes and governmental regulations; provided, however, that a non-Indian holder of the leased property may not conduct gaming operations on the property.
Permitted Mortgages and Rights of Permitted Mortgagees
We may not mortgage, pledge or otherwise encumber our leasehold estate in the leased property except to a holder of a permitted mortgage. Under the lease, a permitted mortgage includes the leasehold mortgage securing our obligations under our secured financing granted by us that provides, among other things, that: (1) the Tribe will have the right to notice of, and to cure, any default by us; (2) the Tribe will have the right to prior notice of an intention by the holder to foreclose on the permitted mortgage and the right to purchase the mortgage in lieu of any foreclosure; and (3) the permitted mortgage is subject and subordinated to any and all access and utility easements granted by the Tribe under the lease. As provided under the lease, each holder of a permitted mortgage has the right to notice of any default by us under the lease and the opportunity to cure such default within any applicable cure period.
Default Remedies
We will be in default under the lease if, subject to the notice provisions, we fail to make lease payments or to comply with our covenants under the lease or if we pledge, encumber or convey our interest in the lease in
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violation of the terms of the lease. Following a default, the Tribe may, with approval from the United States Secretary of the Interior, terminate the lease unless a permitted mortgage remains outstanding with respect to the leased property. In that case, the Tribe may not: (1) terminate the lease or our right to possession of the leased property; (2) exercise any right of re-entry; (3) take possession of and/or relet the leased property or any portion thereof; or (4) enforce any other right or remedy which may materially and adversely affect the rights of the holder of the permitted mortgage, unless the default triggering such rights was a monetary default which such holder failed to cure after notice.
Priority Distribution Agreement with the Tribe
On August 1, 2001, we entered into a priority distribution agreement with the Tribe, which obligates us to make monthly payments to the Tribe to the extent of our net cash flows, as defined under the priority distribution agreement. The priority distribution agreement, which has a perpetual term, also clarifies and records the terms pursuant to which we made such payments to the Tribe prior to the effective date of the priority distribution agreement. The priority distribution agreement obligates us to make monthly priority distribution payments to the Tribe in a maximum aggregate amount of $14.0 million per calendar year, adjusted annually in accordance with the formula specified in the priority distribution agreement to reflect the effects of inflation. However, payments pursuant to the priority distribution agreement do not reduce our obligation to make payments for governmental services provided by the Tribe or any payments under any other agreements with the Tribe to the extent that such agreements are permitted under our bank credit facility. See Certain IndebtednessBank Credit Facility. The monthly payments under the priority distribution agreement are our limited obligations payable only to the extent of our net cash flows and are not secured by a lien or encumbrance on any of our assets or property.
Relinquishment Agreement with Trading Cove Associates
General
In February 1998, we entered into a relinquishment agreement with Trading Cove Associates, or TCA, under which we and TCA agreed to terminate a then-existing management agreement with TCA. This termination occurred on December 31, 1999. On January 1, 2000, we assumed the day-to-day management of Mohegan Sun. To compensate TCA for terminating its management rights, we agreed to pay to TCA 5% of revenues, as defined under the relinquishment agreement, generated by Mohegan Sun during the 15-year period commencing on January 1, 2000 and ending on December 31, 2014.
Relinquishment Payments
The payments under the relinquishment agreement are divided into senior relinquishment payments and junior relinquishment payments, each of which are 2.5% of revenues (as defined under the relinquishment agreement). Senior relinquishment payments are payable quarterly in arrears and commenced on April 25, 2000, and the junior relinquishment payments are payable semi-annually in arrears and commenced on July 25, 2000. Under the relinquishment agreement, revenues are defined as gross gaming revenues (other than Class II Gaming revenue) and all other facility revenues (including hotel revenues, room service, food and beverage sales, parking revenues, ticket revenues and other fees or receipts from the Mohegan Sun Arena and convention center and all rental or other receipts from the lessees, licensees and concessionaires, but not the gross receipts of such lessees, licensees and concessionaires, and proceeds of business interruption insurance) derived directly or indirectly from the facilities (as such term is defined under the relinquishment agreement). Under the relinquishment agreement, the definition of revenues excludes revenues generated from certain expansion areas of Mohegan Sun, such as the Casino of the Wind, as such areas do not constitute facilities as defined under the relinquishment agreement. Accordingly, revenues generated from such areas are not subject to the relinquishment agreement.
Subordination of Relinquishment Payments/Priority Distribution to the Tribe
The relinquishment agreement provides that each of the senior and junior relinquishment payments are subordinated in right of payment to senior secured obligations, which includes our bank credit facility and capital
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lease obligations, and that the junior relinquishment payments are further subordinated to payment of all other senior obligations. The relinquishment agreement also provides that all relinquishment payments are subordinated in right of payment to the minimum priority distribution payment, as defined under the relinquishment agreement, from us to the Tribe to the extent then due.
Trademarks
In connection with the relinquishment agreement, TCA granted us an exclusive, irrevocable, perpetual, world-wide and royalty-free license with respect to trademarks and other similar rights including the Mohegan Sun name, used at or developed for Mohegan Sun. We capitalized $130.0 million of the relinquishment liability in connection with the trademark value of the Mohegan Sun brand name.
Pocono Downs Purchase Agreement
In October 2004, we entered into a purchase agreement with a subsidiary of Penn National Gaming, Inc., pursuant to which we acquired the Pocono Downs entities for approximately $280.0 million. In August 2006, we entered into an amendment to the purchase agreement with the seller, a subsidiary of Penn National Gaming, Inc. Pursuant to the amendment, in exchange for our agreement to modify certain provisions of the purchase agreement, including the elimination of our post-closing termination rights, we agreed to receive an aggregate refund of $30.0 million of the original purchase price for the Pocono Downs entities, payable in five annual installments of $7.0 million, $7.0 million, $6.5 million, $6.0 million and $3.5 million in November 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. We received the $7.0 million installments due in November 2007 and 2008.
In March 2009, we entered into an agreement to accelerate the remaining $16.0 million outstanding refund payments due and discount the amount of such balance to approximately $13.1 million, which we received in March 2009.
Management and Development Agreements with Other Tribes
Cowlitz Project
In September 2004, Salishan-Mohegan entered into development and management agreements with the Cowlitz Tribe regarding the Cowlitz Project. Under the terms of the development agreement, Salishan-Mohegan administers and oversees the planning, designing, development, construction and furnishing, and provides assistance with the financing, of the Cowlitz Project. The development agreement provides for certain development fees of 3.0% of total Project Costs, as defined under the development agreement, which are to be distributed to Mohegan VenturesNW and the Mohegan Tribe pursuant to the Salishan-Mohegan operating agreement. As of April 2006, Salishan-Mohegan purchased the land to be used as the site for the proposed casino, which will be transferred to the Cowlitz Tribe or the United States under certain conditions in the development agreement. The management agreement is for a period of seven years commencing with the opening of the proposed casino, during which Salishan-Mohegan will manage, operate and maintain the proposed casino. The management agreement provides for a management fee of 24.0% of Net Revenues, as defined under the management agreement, which approximates net income from the Cowlitz Project. Pursuant to the operating agreement, management fees will be allocated to the members of Salishan-Mohegan based on their respective membership interest percentages. Development of the Cowlitz Project is subject to certain governmental and regulatory approvals, including, but not limited to, negotiation of a gaming compact with the State of Washington and acceptance by the United States Department of the Interior of land into trust on behalf of the Cowlitz Tribe. The development agreement provides for termination of Salishan-Mohegans exclusive development rights if the land is not taken into trust by a certain date. In July 2009, amendment to the development agreement was amended to extend that date from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2015. The management agreement is subject to approval by the NIGC.
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Menominee Project
In October 2004, we entered into a management agreement with the Menominee Tribe and the Menominee Kenosha Gaming Authority, or MKGA, regarding the Menominee Project. Terms of the management agreement grant us the exclusive right and obligation to manage, operate and maintain a proposed casino and destination resort to be located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, for a period of seven years commencing with the opening of the proposed casino, in consideration of a management fee of 13.4% of Net Revenues, as defined under the management agreement, which approximates net income earned from the Menominee Project. The management agreement is subject to approval by the NIGC.
In March 2007, WTG was formed to participate in the development of the Menominee Project. WTG consists of two members, our wholly-owned subsidiary, MVW, which holds an 85.4% membership interest in WTG, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mohegan Tribe, MV, which holds the remaining 14.6% membership interest. Following formation in March 2007, WTG purchased the development rights for the Menominee Project under a development agreement with the Menominee Tribe and MKGA executed in October 2003, along with certain other assets, and assumed certain liabilities from Kenesah Gaming Development, LLC for consideration of $6.4 million. As a result of the purchase, we and the Mohegan Tribe, through MVW and MV, respectively, will receive development fees payable to WTG of 13.4% of Available Revenue Flow, as defined under the development agreement with the Menominee Tribe and MKGA, which approximates net income from the Menominee Project over a period of seven years following the opening of the casino. Development of the Menominee Project is subject to certain governmental and regulatory approvals, including but not limited to, the United States Department of the Interior accepting new land into trust for gaming at the project site in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Certain Indebtedness
The following is a summary of the material terms of our material debt obligations. This summary does not restate in entirety the terms of the agreements under which we incurred the indebtedness. We urge you to read these agreements because they, and not these summaries, define our rights and obligations, and, in some cases, those of the Tribe. Some of these agreements are included as exhibits to this Form 10-K or by reference to previous filings in the schedule of exhibits hereto.
Bank Credit Facility
In December 2008, we amended our bank credit facility pursuant to a third amended and restated loan agreement. As of September 30, 2009, the bank credit facility provided for up to $850.0 million of borrowing capacity, consisting of a $150.0 million term loan and $700.0 million of revolving commitments, from a syndicate of 23 financial institutions and commercial banks, with Bank of America, N.A., serving as Administrative Agent. As of September 30, 2009, the term loan under the bank credit facility amortized at a rate of $750,000 per quarter until June 30, 2010, at which time the amortization rate was to increase to $30.0 million per quarter (with an automatic and permanent reduction of the revolving commitments by such amount following repayment). The maturity date of the bank credit facility is March 9, 2012, upon which date the remaining balances outstanding are payable. See below for further discussion of the bank credit facility as amended by subsequent event.
As of September 30, 2009, there was $713.0 million drawn on the bank credit facility, which was comprised of a $147.0 million term loan and $566.0 million in revolving loans. The revolving loans outstanding as of September 30, 2009 reflect the repayment of our 2003 senior subordinated notes at maturity on July 15, 2009 with proceeds from the bank credit facility. As of September 30, 2009, the amount under letters of credit issued pursuant to the bank credit facility totaled $4.6 million, of which no amounts were drawn. Inclusive of the term loan and letters of credit which reduce borrowing availability, and after taking into account restrictive financial covenants under the bank credit facility, line of credit and note indentures, we had approximately $129.4 million of borrowing capacity under the bank credit facility as of September 30, 2009.
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At our option, each advance of loan proceeds accrues interest on the basis of a base rate or on the basis of a one-month, two-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month Eurodollar rate, plus in either case, the applicable rate based on either the applicable pricing period as set forth under the bank credit facility or our total leverage ratio, depending on whether the term loan remains outstanding (as each term is defined under the bank credit facility). We also pay commitment fees for the unused portion of the revolving loans on a quarterly basis equal to the product obtained by multiplying the applicable rate for commitment fees by the average daily unused commitment for that calendar quarter. As of September 30, 2009: (1) the applicable rate for base rate loans was between 2.25% and 3.25% if the term loan remains outstanding, and between 0.75% and 2.25% after full repayment of the term loan; (2) the applicable rate for Eurodollar rate loans was between 3.50% and 4.50% if the term loan remains outstanding, and between 2.00% and 3.50% after full repayment of the term loan; and (3) the applicable rate for commitment fees was 0.50% if the term loan remains outstanding, and between 0.20% and 0.50% after full repayment of the term loan. The base rate is the higher of Bank of Americas announced prime rate, the LIBOR rate for one-month contracts plus 1.25% or the federal funds rate plus 0.50%. Interest on base rate loans is payable quarterly in arrears. Interest on Eurodollar rate loans is payable at the end of each applicable interest period or quarterly in arrears, if earlier. As of September 30, 2009, we had $713.0 million in Eurodollar rate loans and no base rate loans outstanding. The Eurodollar rate loans outstanding at September 30, 2009 were comprised of: (1) a $147.0 million term loan based on a one-month Eurodollar rate of 0.25% plus an applicable rate of 3.75%, and (2) $566.0 million in revolving loans based on a one-month Eurodollar rate of 0.24% plus an applicable rate of 3.75%. The applicable rate for commitment fees was 0.50% as of September 30, 2009.
The bank credit facility is collateralized by a lien on substantially all of our assets, including the assets that comprise Pocono Downs and a leasehold mortgage on the land previously taken into trust by the federal government and improvements which comprise Mohegan Sun. We also will be required to pledge additional assets as collateral for the bank credit facility as we or our guarantor subsidiaries acquire them. Our obligations under the bank credit facility are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by MBC, Mohegan Ventures-NW, MCV-PA, the Pocono Downs entities, Mohegan Golf, MVW, WTG and MTGA Gaming. The bank credit facility subjects us to a number of restrictive covenants, including financial covenants. These financial covenants relate to, among other things, our maximum total leverage and senior leverage ratios, minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and maximum capital expenditures.
The bank credit facility includes non-financial covenants by us and the Tribe of the type customarily found in loan agreements for similar transactions including requirements that:
| the Tribe preserve its existence as a federally-recognized Indian tribe; |
| the Tribe cause us to continually operate Mohegan Sun and the Pocono Downs entities in compliance with all applicable laws; and |
| except under specific conditions, limit us from selling or disposing of our assets, limit the transfer of our and our guarantor subsidiaries assets to non-guarantor entities, limit the incurrence by us and our guarantor subsidiaries of other debt or contingent obligations and limit us and our guarantor subsidiaries ability to extend credit, make investments or commingle our assets with assets of the Tribe. |
As of September 30, 2009, we and the Tribe were in compliance with all of our respective covenant requirements under the bank credit facility.
On October 26, 2009, we issued $200.0 million second lien senior secured notes with fixed interest payable at a rate of 11 1/2% per annum, or the 2009 second lien senior secured notes. The net proceeds from this financing were used to repay, among other things, the existing term loan under the bank credit facility, in full, as well as $41.0 million of revolving loans, including a $25.0 million permanent reduction in the revolving commitments. Concurrently with the issuance of the 2009 second lien senior secured notes, we entered into an amendment to the terms of the bank credit facility. Among other things, the amendment: (1) modified our maximum total
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leverage and senior leverage ratio covenants; (2) provided the ability to obtain a release from liens securing the bank credit facility of a portion of the land on which Pocono Downs is sited to permit its sale or lease to a third-party in connection with the development of a potential hotel project, consisting of a minimum of 200 rooms, subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions; (3) modified the terms of our covenant relating to the incurrence of permitted indebtedness to allow us or our subsidiaries to incur additional debt (which may consist of capital lease obligations) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $55.0 million, at any one time outstanding, in connection with the development of the potential hotel project at Pocono Downs; (4) modified the terms of our permitted capital expenditures covenant to affirmatively allow for the existing $125.0 million of permitted capital expenditures to be utilized for Pocono Downs in addition to Mohegan Sun and related businesses, including the payment of licensing fees associated with those operations; (5) permanently reduced the revolving commitments by $25.0 million; and (6) modified the applicable pricing rates as follows: (a) the applicable rate for base rate loans will be between 1.25% and 2.75%, and (b) the applicable rate for Eurodollar rate loans will be between 2.50% and 4.00%.
Upon the repayment of the $147.0 million term loan with proceeds from the issuance of the 2009 second lien senior secured notes and the $25.0 million permanent reduction in revolving commitments, the total commitment of the bank credit facility was reduced from $850.0 million to $675.0 million.
2005 6 1/8% Senior Unsecured Notes
In February 2005, we issued $250.0 million senior unsecured notes with fixed interest payable at a rate of 6.125% per annum, or the 2005 senior unsecured notes. The net proceeds from this financing were used to repay amounts outstanding under the then existing bank credit facility and to pay fees and expenses associated with the issuance. The 2005 senior unsecured notes mature on February 15, 2013. The first call date for the 2005 senior unsecured notes was February 15, 2009. Interest on the 2005 senior unsecured notes is payable semi-annually on February 15th and August 15th. The 2005 senior unsecured notes are uncollateralized general obligations, which are effectively subordinated, to the extent of the collateral, to all of our existing and future senior secured indebtedness, including the bank credit facility and the 2009 second lien senior secured notes. The 2005 senior unsecured notes rank equally in right of payment with the 2009 second lien senior secured notes and our senior relinquishment payment obligations under the relinquishment agreement that are then due and owing and rank senior to our junior relinquishment payment obligations under the relinquishment agreement that are then due and owing, the 2001 senior subordinated notes, the 2002 senior subordinated notes, the 2004 senior subordinated notes and the 2005 senior subordinated notes. The 2005 senior unsecured notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by MBC, Mohegan Ventures-NW, MCV-PA, the Pocono Downs entities, Mohegan Golf, MVW, WTG and MTGA Gaming.
2001 8 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes
In July 2001, we issued $150.0 million senior subordinated notes with fixed interest payable at a rate of 8.375% per annum, or the 2001 senior subordinated notes. The proceeds from this financing were used to pay transaction costs, pay down $90.0 million on the then existing bank credit facility and fund costs related to Project Sunburst. Interest on the 2001 senior subordinated notes is payable semi-annually on January 1st and July 1st. The 2001 senior subordinated notes mature on July 1, 2011. The first call date for the 2001 senior subordinated notes was July 1, 2006. The 2001 senior subordinated notes are uncollateralized general obligations and are subordinated to the bank credit facility, the 2005 senior unsecured notes, the 2009 second lien senior secured notes and, in a liquidation, bankruptcy or similar proceeding, our senior relinquishment payment obligations under the relinquishment agreement that are then due and owing. The 2001 senior subordinated notes rank equally with the 2002 senior subordinated notes, the 2004 senior subordinated notes, the 2005 senior subordinated notes and our junior relinquishment payment obligations under the relinquishment agreement that are then due and owing. The 2001 senior subordinated notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed solely by MBC.
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In August 2004, we completed a cash tender offer and consent solicitation to repurchase any or all of the outstanding 2001 senior subordinated notes. As part of the tender offer, we solicited and received requisite consents to certain proposed amendments to the indentures governing the 2001 senior subordinated notes, which substantially eliminated all of the restrictive covenants thereunder. At such time, the aggregate principal amount of the 2001 senior subordinated notes tendered was $133.7 million.
We or our affiliates may, from time to time, seek to purchase or otherwise retire the remaining 2001 senior subordinated notes or other indebtedness for cash in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, to reduce the amount of our outstanding indebtedness. Any such transactions will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity, covenant restrictions and other factors.
2002 8% Senior Subordinated Notes
In February 2002, we issued $250.0 million senior subordinated notes with fixed interest payable at a rate of 8.000% per annum, or the 2002 senior subordinated notes. The proceeds from this financing were used to pay transaction costs and pay down $243.0 million on the then existing bank credit facility. Interest on the 2002 senior subordinated notes is payable semi-annually on April 1st and October 1st. The 2002 senior subordinated notes mature on April 1, 2012. The first call date for the 2002 senior subordinated notes was April 1, 2007. The 2002 senior subordinated notes are uncollateralized general obligations and are subordinated to the bank credit facility, the 2005 senior unsecured notes, the 2009 second lien senior secured notes and, in a liquidation, bankruptcy or similar proceeding, our senior relinquishment payment obligations under the relinquishment agreement that are then due and owing. The 2002 senior subordinated notes rank equally with the 2001 senior subordinated notes, the 2004 senior subordinated notes, the 2005 senior subordinated notes and our junior relinquishment payment obligations under the relinquishment agreement that are then due and owing. The 2002 senior subordinated notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by MBC, Mohegan Ventures-NW, MCV-PA, the Pocono Downs entities, Mohegan Golf, MVW, WTG and MTGA Gaming.
2003 6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes
In July 2003, we issued $330.0 million senior subordinated notes with fixed interest payable at a rate of 6.375% per annum, or the 2003 senior subordinated notes. The proceeds from this financing were used to repurchase substantially all of the outstanding 8.75% senior subordinated notes issued in March 1999 and to pay fees and expenses associated with the issuance. Interest on the 2003 senior subordinated notes was payable semi-annually on January 15th and July 15th. The 2003 senior subordinated notes matured on July 15, 2009, at which time we repaid the 2003 senior subordinated notes with proceeds from the bank credit facility. As of September 30, 2008, in accordance with authoritative guidance issued by the FASB pertaining to the classification of short-term obligations expected to be refinanced, we classified the 2003 senior subordinated notes as long-term debt for financial reporting purposes based on our intent and ability to refinance this debt on a long-term basis through the use of proceeds from the bank credit facility. The 2003 senior subordinated notes were uncollateralized general obligations and were subordinated to the bank credit facility, the 2005 senior unsecured notes and, in a liquidation, bankruptcy or similar proceeding, our senior relinquishment payment obligations under the relinquishment agreement that were then due and owing. The 2003 senior subordinated notes ranked equally with the 2001 senior subordinated notes, the 2002 senior subordinated notes, the 2004 senior subordinated notes, the 2005 senior subordinated notes and our junior relinquishment payment obligations under the relinquishment agreement that were then due and owing. The 2003 senior subordinated notes were fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by MBC, Mohegan Ventures-NW, MCV-PA, the Pocono Downs entities, Mohegan Golf, MVW, WTG and MTGA Gaming.
2004 7 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes
In August 2004, we issued $225.0 million senior subordinated notes with fixed interest payable at a rate of 7.125% per annum, or the 2004 senior subordinated notes. The net proceeds from this financing, together with
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$130.0 million of availability under the then existing bank credit facility, were used to repurchase substantially all of the outstanding 2001 senior subordinated notes and substantially all of the outstanding 1999 senior notes tendered in the tender offers described above and to pay fees and expenses associated with the issuance. The 2004 senior subordinated notes mature on August 15, 2014. The first call date for the 2004 senior subordinated notes was August 15, 2009. Interest on the 2004 senior subordinated notes is payable semi-annually on February 15th and August 15th. The 2004 senior subordinated notes are uncollateralized general obligations and are subordinated to the bank credit facility, the 2005 senior unsecured notes, the 2009 second lien senior secured notes and, in a liquidation, bankruptcy or similar proceeding, our senior relinquishment payment obligations under the relinquishment agreement that are then due and owing. The 2004 senior subordinated notes rank equally with the 2001 senior subordinated notes, the 2002 senior subordinated notes, the 2005 senior subordinated notes and our junior relinquishment payment obligations under the relinquishment agreement that are then due and owing. The 2004 senior subordinated notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by MBC, Mohegan Ventures-NW, MCV-PA, the Pocono Downs entities, Mohegan Golf, MVW, WTG and MTGA Gaming.
2005 6 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes
In February 2005, we issued $150.0 million senior subordinated notes with fixed interest payable at a rate of 6.875% per annum, or the 2005 senior subordinated notes. The net proceeds from this financing were used to repay amounts outstanding under the then existing bank credit facility and to pay fees and expenses associated with the issuance. The 2005 senior subordinated notes mature on February 15, 2015. The first call date for the 2005 senior subordinated notes is February 15, 2010. Interest on the 2005 senior subordinated notes is payable semi-annually on February 15th and August 15th. The 2005 senior subordinated notes are uncollateralized general obligations and are subordinated to the bank credit facility, the 2005 senior unsecured notes, the 2009 second lien senior secured notes and, in a liquidation, bankruptcy or similar proceeding, our senior relinquishment payment obligations under the relinquishment agreement that are then due and owing. The 2005 senior subordinated notes rank equally with the 2001 senior subordinated notes, the 2002 senior subordinated notes, the 2004 senior subordinated notes and our junior relinquishment payment obligations under the relinquishment agreement that are then due and owing. The 2005 senior subordinated notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by MBC, Mohegan Ventures-NW, MCV-PA, the Pocono Downs entities, Mohegan Golf, MVW, WTG and MTGA Gaming.
The senior and senior subordinated note indentures contain certain financial and non-financial covenants with which we and the Tribe must comply. The financial covenants include, among other things, limitations on restricted payments and the incurrence of indebtedness, while the non-financial covenants include, among other things, reporting obligations, compliance with laws and regulations and our continued existence. As of September 30, 2009, we and the Tribe were in compliance with all of their respective covenant requirements under the senior and senior subordinated note indentures.
Line of Credit
As of September 30, 2009, we had an $18.0 million revolving loan agreement with Bank of America, N.A., or the line of credit. The line of credit was amended in May 2009 to reduce the commitment from $25.0 million to $18.0 million and extend the maturity date from May 14, 2009 to May 14, 2010. Each advance accrues interest on the basis of a one-month Eurodollar rate or prime rate, plus the applicable margin determined on the basis of our total leverage ratio, as each term is defined under the line of credit. Borrowings under the line of credit are uncollateralized obligations. As of September 30, 2009, we had $12.2 million in Eurodollar rate loans outstanding, which were based on a one-month Eurodollar rate of 0.26% plus an applicable rate of 3.25%. The line of credit subjects us to certain covenants, including a covenant to maintain at least the line of credit commitment amount available for borrowing under the bank credit facility. As of September 30, 2009, we were in compliance with all covenant requirements under the line of credit and had $5.8 million of borrowing capacity thereunder.
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Letters of Credit
As of September 30, 2009, we maintained seven uncollateralized letters of credit to satisfy potential workers compensation liabilities, pari-mutuel wagering tax liabilities of the Pocono Downs entities, overdue amounts for purses due to horsemen at the Pocono Downs entities, potential contractor and subcontractor liabilities relating to Project Horizon, collateral obligations of a surety bond relating to Pennsylvania Gaming Tax expenses owed by Downs Racing to the PGCB, and two in connection with road work at the Pocono Downs facilities. The letters of credit expire(d) on various dates from November 2009 through September 2010, subject to renewals. As of September 30, 2009, no amounts were drawn on the letters of credit.
Salishan-Mohegan Bank Credit Facility
On September 30, 2009, Salishan-Mohegan entered into an amendment to the terms of its then existing $25.0 million revolving loan agreement with Bank of America, N.A., or the Salishan credit facility, dated October 17, 2006. Among other things, the amendment reduced the total commitment of the credit facility from $25.0 million to $17.0 million, extended the maturity date from September 30, 2009 to September 30, 2010 and modified the applicable pricing rates. At the option of Salishan-Mohegan, each advance of loan proceeds accrues interest on the basis of a base rate or on the basis of a one-month, two-month, three-month or six-month Eurodollar rate, plus a spread of 2.50% for base rate loans and an applicable rate, as defined under the Salishan credit facility, or 3.50% for Eurodollar rate loans. The base rate is the higher of Bank of Americas announced prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.50%. The applicable rate for commitment fees is 0.50%. The revolving loan has no mandatory amortization provisions and is payable in full at maturity. In connection with the amendment, the Tribe loaned Salishan-Mohegan $10.0 million, which was used to repay revolving loans under the Salishan credit facility. The Salishan credit facility is collateralized by a lien on substantially all of the existing and future assets of Salishan-Mohegan. The obligations of Salishan-Mohegan under the Salishan credit facility also are guaranteed by the Tribe. The Salishan credit facility subjects Salishan-Mohegan to a number of restrictive covenants, including financial and non-financial covenants customarily found in loan agreements for similar transactions.
As of September 30, 2009, Salishan-Mohegan had $13.3 million in base rate loans and no Eurodollar rate loan outstanding. The loans outstanding at September 30, 2009 were based on a base rate of 3.25% plus a spread of 2.50%. The applicable rate for commitment fees was 0.50% as of September 30, 2009. As of September 30, 2009, Salishan-Mohegan had $3.7 million of borrowing capacity under the Salishan credit facility.
Mohegan Tribe Promissory Note
On September 30, 2009, the Tribe loaned Salishan-Mohegan $10.0 million, which was used to repay revolving loans under the Salishan credit facility in connection with the September 30, 2009 amendment to the Salishan credit facility, as further described above. The promissory note executed by Salishan-Mohegan in favor of the Tribe, or the Mohegan Tribe promissory note, provides for the accrual of interest at an annual rate of 15.0% and matures on October 1, 2010. Accrued interest is paid at a monthly rate of 3.0%, with the remaining 12.0% due at maturity.
Environmental Matters
The site on which Mohegan Sun is located was formerly occupied by United Nuclear Corporation, a naval products manufacturer of, among other things, nuclear reactor fuel components. United Nuclear Corporations facility was officially decommissioned in June 1994 when the Nuclear Regulatory Commission confirmed that all licensable quantities of such nuclear material had been removed from the site and that any residual contamination from such material was remediated according to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved decommissioning plan.
From 1991 through 1993, United Nuclear Corporation commissioned environmental audits and soil sampling programs which detected, among other things, volatile organic chemicals, heavy metals and fuel hydrocarbons in the soil and groundwater. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, or the DEP, reviewed the
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environmental audits and reports and established cleanup requirements for the site. In December 1994, the DEP approved United Nuclear Corporations remedial plan, which determined that groundwater remediation was unnecessary because although the groundwater beneath the site was contaminated, it met the applicable groundwater criteria given the classification of the groundwater under the site. In addition, extensive remediation of contaminated soils and additional investigation were completed to achieve the DEPs cleanup criteria and demonstrate that the remaining soils complied with applicable cleanup criteria. Initial construction at the site also involved extensive soil excavation. According to the data gathered in a 1995 environmental report commissioned by United Nuclear Corporation, remediation is complete and is consistent with the applicable Connecticut cleanup requirements. The DEP has reviewed and approved the cleanup activities at the site, and, as part of the DEPs approval, United Nuclear Corporation was required to perform post-closure groundwater monitoring at the site to ensure the adequacy of the cleanup. In addition, under the terms of United Nuclear Corporations environmental certification and indemnity agreement with the Department of the Interior (which took the former United Nuclear Corporation land into trust for the Tribe), United Nuclear Corporation agreed to indemnify the Department of the Interior for environmental actions and expenses based on acts or conditions existing or occurring as a result of United Nuclear Corporations activities on the property.
We are not currently incurring, and did not incur in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007, any material costs related to compliance with environmental requirements with respect to the Mohegan Sun sites former use by the United Nuclear Corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no assurance can be given that any existing environmental studies reveal all environmental liabilities, or that future laws, ordinances or regulations will not impose any material environmental liability, or that a material environmental condition does not otherwise currently exist.
Prior to acquiring the Pocono Downs entities, we conducted an extensive environmental investigation of the Pocono Downs facilities. In the course of that investigation, we identified several environmental conditions at Pocono Downs facility for which corrective actions were necessary to bring the property into compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Downs Racing implemented a comprehensive plan to mitigate and resolve these conditions. As of July 2008, Downs Racing has completed its remediation project and by all indications, remediation measures are functioning appropriately. In addition, in the summer of 2008, Pocono Downs was contacted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, or PA DEP, regarding permitting and other procedures for the management of the manure produced by the large volume of horses at the facility. Pocono Downs is currently completing the permitting process through the PA DEP and will evaluate additional measures that may be required or desired with respect to management of manure produced at its harness horseracing facility.
Employees and Labor Relations
As of September 30, 2009, the Connecticut entities employed approximately 7,965 full-time employees and 1,675 seasonal, part-time and on-call employees. Pursuant to the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance, when recruiting and hiring personnel, except with respect to key personnel, Mohegan Sun is obligated to give preference first to qualified members of the Tribe and then to enrolled members of other Indian tribes. See Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. None of Mohegan Suns employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements.
As of September 30, 2009, the Pocono Downs entities employed approximately 775 full-time employees and 330 part-time and on-call employees. Certain of our Pocono Downs employees are represented under collective bargaining agreements between Downs Racing, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union 542C, or Local Union 542C, and Teamsters Local No. 401, or Local No. 401. The agreement with Local Union 542C expires on March 31, 2010 and relates to equipment and heavy equipment operators. The agreement with Local No. 401 expires on January 31, 2012 and relates to truck drivers and maintenance employees.
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In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, set forth below are cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us, whether oral or written. We wish to ensure that any forward-looking statements are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements in order to maximize to the fullest extent possible the protections of the safe harbor established in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are accompanied by, the following important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. Refer also to Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements on page 1 of this Form 10-K.
Risks Related to Our Business
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition.
We currently have and will continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness. As of September 30, 2009, our debt totaled $1.63 billion. As of September 30, 2009, there was $713.0 million drawn on the bank credit facility, which was comprised of a $147.0 million term loan and $566.0 million in revolving loans. Inclusive of the term loan and letters of credit which reduce borrowing availability, and after taking into account restrictive financial covenants under the bank credit facility, line of credit and note indentures, we had approximately $129.4 million of borrowing capacity under the bank credit facility as of September 30, 2009. After also taking into consideration our October 26, 2009 issuance of $200.0 million second lien senior secured notes and the use of proceeds therefrom for repayment of the $147.0 million term loan and $41.0 million of revolving loans (including a $25.0 million permanent reduction in the revolving commitments), our borrowing capacity under the bank credit facility approximated $145.4 million as of September 30, 2009.
Our substantial indebtedness could have significant adverse effects on our business. Such adverse effects include, but are not limited to, the following:
| make it more difficult for us to satisfy our debt service obligations; |
| increase our vulnerability to adverse economic, industry and competitive conditions; |
| require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flows to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general operating requirements; |
| limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the gaming industry, which may place us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors with stronger liquidity positions, thereby hurting our results of operations and ability to meet our debt service obligations with respect to our outstanding indebtedness; |
| restrict us from exploiting business opportunities; |
| place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt and lease obligations; and |
| limit, along with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our outstanding indebtedness, the ability to borrow additional funds for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of our business strategy or other general operating requirements on satisfactory terms or at all. |
In addition, our bank credit facility and the indentures governing our existing senior and senior subordinated notes contain, and the agreements evidencing or governing other future indebtedness may contain, restrictive covenants that will limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of the required repayment of some or all of our indebtedness.
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Our failure to generate sufficient cash flows could prevent us from fulfilling our debt service obligations, and we may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness that may not be successful.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness will depend upon our ability to generate cash flows from operations in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to financial, economic, political, competitive, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations, or if future borrowings are not available to us under our bank credit facility or from other sources, we may be unable to meet our debt service obligations with respect to our outstanding indebtedness.
We believe that we will need to refinance all or part of our indebtedness at or prior to each maturity thereof. Our access to financing depends on the willingness of banks to lend to us, our credit rating and conditions in the capital markets in general. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain debt for refinancing or to fund our growth, or that financing options available to us will be on favorable or acceptable terms. We may have to adopt one or more alternative strategies, such as reducing or delaying planned capital expenditures, disposing of some of our assets and/or seeking to restructure some or all of our debt. These financing strategies may not be affected on satisfactory terms, if at all.
There is also a risk that the banks that participate in our bank credit facility may not be able to perform when we request additional funds to be advanced to us under our bank credit facility. If funds are not available to be drawn under the terms of the bank credit facility we may not be able to secure additional financing.
Our diversification efforts may not be successful.
We receive and evaluate various opportunities to diversify our business interests. These opportunities primarily include the development and/or management of, investment in, or ownership of other gaming enterprises through direct investments, acquisitions, joint venture arrangements and loan transactions. We are currently pursuing diversification efforts in the states of Washington (the Cowlitz Project) and Wisconsin (the Menominee Project) and in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Each of these efforts requires various levels of regulatory approval prior to development of the proposed projects, and a failure to achieve any of these approvals may result in the termination of the respective project. Additionally, there can be no assurance that we will continue to pursue any of these opportunities or that any of them will be consummated.
An entitys ability to enforce its rights against us is limited by our sovereign immunity and that of the Tribe, MBC, Mohegan Ventures-NW, Mohegan Golf, MVW and, to the extent applicable, the Pocono Downs entities, WTG and MTGA Gaming.
Although we, the Tribe, MBC, Mohegan Ventures-NW, Mohegan Golf, MVW, and to the extent applicable, the Pocono Downs entities, WTG and MTGA Gaming, each have sovereign immunity and generally may not be sued without our and their respective consents, a limited waiver of sovereign immunity and consent to suit has been granted in connection with substantially all of our outstanding indebtedness. Each such waiver includes suits against us to enforce our obligation to repay certain outstanding indebtedness. Generally, waivers of sovereign immunity have been held to be enforceable against Indian tribes. In the event that any waiver of sovereign immunity is held to be ineffective, a claimant could be precluded from judicially enforcing its rights and remedies. With limited exceptions, we, the Tribe, MBC, Mohegan Ventures-NW, Mohegan Golf, MVW, the Pocono Downs entities, WTG and MTGA Gaming have not waived sovereign immunity from private civil suits, including violations of the federal securities laws. For this reason, a claimant may not have any remedy against us, the Tribe, MBC, Mohegan Ventures-NW, Mohegan Golf, MVW, the Pocono Downs entities, WTG or MTGA Gaming for violations of federal securities laws.
Disputes may be brought in a federal or state court that has jurisdiction over the matter. However, federal courts may not exercise jurisdiction over disputes not arising under federal law, and some courts have ruled that an Indian tribe is not a citizen of any state for purposes of obtaining federal diversity jurisdiction. Without our consent, state courts may not exercise jurisdiction over disputes with us arising on the Mohegan reservation. In
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addition, the Tribes Constitution has established a special court, the Gaming Disputes Court, to rule on disputes with respect to Mohegan Sun. The federal and state courts, under the doctrines of comity and exhaustion of tribal remedies, may (1) defer to the jurisdiction of the Gaming Disputes Court or (2) require that any plaintiff exhaust its remedies in the Gaming Disputes Court before bringing any action in federal or state court. Thus, there may be no federal or state court forum with respect to a dispute.
If an event of default occurs in connection with our indebtedness, no assurance can be given that a forum will be available to creditors other than the Gaming Disputes Court. In such court, there are presently limited precedents for the interpretation of Tribal law with respect to insolvency. Any execution of a judgment of the Gaming Disputes Court or any other court on Tribal lands will require the cooperation of the Tribes officials in the exercise of their police powers. Thus, to the extent that a judgment of the Gaming Disputes Court must be executed on Tribal lands, the practical realization of any benefit of such a judgment will be dependent upon the willingness and ability of Tribal officials to carry out such judgment. In addition, the land on which Mohegan Sun is located is owned by the United States in trust for the Tribe, and our creditors and the creditors of the Tribe may not foreclose upon or obtain title to the land. Additionally, although we do not presently hold any fee interest in real property, if we did in the future, federal law may not allow for real property interest to be mortgaged or, if mortgaged, transferred as a result of foreclosure.
The non-impairment provision of the Tribes Constitution is subject to change.
Unlike states, the Tribe is not subject to the U.S. Constitutions provision restricting governmental impairment of contracts. The Tribes Constitution currently has a provision that prohibits the Tribe from enacting any law that would impair the obligations of contracts entered into in furtherance of the development, construction, operation and promotion of gaming on Tribal lands. However, this provision could be amended by a vote of 75% of the Tribes registered voters to impair the obligation of such contracts.
We and the Guarantors are controlled by a tribal government and may not necessarily be operated in the same way as if we and they were privately owned for-profit businesses.
We and the guarantors are subject to control by the Tribe. Our Management Board is comprised of the same nine members of the Mohegan Tribal Council, the governing body of the Tribe, with legislative and executive authority. As a sovereign government, the Tribe is governed by elected officials who have a responsibility for the welfare of all members of the Tribe. In making decisions relative to us and the guarantors, these officials may consider the interests of their electorate, instead of pure economic or other business factors.
Any rights as a creditor are limited to our assets and those of our guarantor subsidiaries.
Any rights as a creditor in a bankruptcy, if applicable, liquidation or reorganization or similar proceeding would be limited to our assets and the assets of our guarantor subsidiaries, and would not encompass the assets of any other subsidiary that is not a guarantor, the Tribe or its other affiliates.
We, the Tribe and our wholly-owned subsidiaries may not be subject to the federal bankruptcy laws, which could impair the ability of creditors to participate in the realization on our or our subsidiaries assets or the restructuring of related liabilities if we are unwilling or unable to meet our debt service obligations.
We, the Tribe and our wholly-owned subsidiaries may not be subject to, or permitted to seek protection under, the federal bankruptcy laws since an Indian tribe and we, as an instrumentality of the Tribe, may not be a person eligible to be a debtor under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Therefore, our creditors may not be able to seek liquidation of our assets or other action under federal bankruptcy laws. Also, the Gaming Disputes Court may lack powers typically associated with a federal bankruptcy court, such as the power to non-consensually alter liabilities, direct the priority of creditors payments and liquidate certain assets. The Gaming Disputes Court is a court of limited jurisdiction and may not have jurisdiction over all creditors of ours or our subsidiaries or over all of the territory in which we and our subsidiaries carry on business.
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Restrictions contained in our bank credit facility and the indentures to which we are a party may impose limits on our ability to pursue our business strategies.
Our bank credit facility and the indentures to which we are a party contain customary operating and financial restrictions that limit our discretion on various business matters. These restrictions include covenants limiting our ability to:
| incur additional indebtedness; |
| pay dividends or make other distributions; |
| make certain investments; |
| use assets as security in other transactions; |
| sell certain assets or merge with or into another person; |
| grant liens; |
| make capital expenditures; and |
| enter into transactions with affiliates. |
These restrictions may, among other things, reduce our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the gaming industry in general and thereby may negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations and our ability to meet our debt service obligations.
The bank credit facility also requires us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio and not to exceed certain ratios of senior leverage and total leverage, as defined under the bank credit facility. If these ratios are not maintained or are exceeded, as applicable, it may not be possible for us to borrow additional funds to meet our obligations.
Our indentures also require us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined therein. If these ratios are not maintained, it may not be possible for us to borrow additional funds to meet our obligations.
Additionally, our failure to comply with covenants in our debt instruments could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on us and could result in the acceleration of the required repayment of some or all of the then-outstanding amounts of such debt and an inability to make debt service payments.
Continued weakness or a further downturn in the United States economy could negatively impact our financial performance.
During periods of economic contraction, our revenues may decrease while some of our costs remain fixed, resulting in decreased earnings. This is because the gaming and other leisure activities that we offer are discretionary expenditures and participation in such activities may decline during economic downturns because consumers have less disposable income. Even an uncertain economic outlook may adversely affect consumer spending in our gaming operations and related facilities, because consumers spend less in anticipation of a potential economic downturn.
The current global economic recession has negatively impacted consumer confidence and the amount of consumer spending at Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs. Continued adverse economic conditions such as a prolonged regional, national or global general economic downturn, including periods of increased inflation, unemployment levels, tax rates, interest rates, energy prices or declining consumer confidence could also further reduce consumer spending. Reduced consumer spending has and may continue to result in an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results. Furthermore, uncertainty and adverse changes in the economy could also increase the cost and reduce the availability of sources of financing, which could have a
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material adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results. If adverse economic conditions continue or worsen, our business, assets, financial condition and results of operations could continue to be affected adversely.
The loss of a key management member could have a material adverse effect on us, Mohegan Sun and the Pocono Downs entities.
Our success depends in large part on the continued service of key management personnel, particularly Mitchell Grossinger Etess, Chief Executive Officer of the Authority and Chief Executive Officer and President of Mohegan Sun, Jeffrey E. Hartmann, Chief Operating Officer of the Authority and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Mohegan Sun, Leo M. Chupaska, Chief Financial Officer of the Authority, and Robert J. Soper, President and General Manager of the Pocono Downs entities. The loss of the services of one or more of these individuals or other key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. The key management personnel are currently retained pursuant to employment agreements.
We may be subject to a material environmental liability as a result of possible incomplete remediation of known environmental hazards and the existence of unknown environmental hazards.
Our properties and operations are subject to a wide range of environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, the use, management and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous materials and wastes, and the clean-up of contamination. Noncompliance with such laws and regulations, and past or future activities resulting in environmental releases, could cause us to incur substantial costs, including clean-up costs, fines and penalties, investments to retrofit or upgrade our facilities and programs, or could affect our operations.
The site on which Mohegan Sun is located was formerly occupied by United Nuclear Corporation, a naval products manufacturer of, among other things, nuclear reactor fuel components. Prior to the decommissioning of United Nuclear Corporation facilities on the site, extensive remediation of contaminated soils and additional investigations were completed. The site currently meets federal and state remediation requirements.
Prior to acquiring the Pocono Downs entities, we conducted an extensive environmental investigation of the Pocono Downs facilities. In the course of that investigation, we identified several environmental conditions at the Pocono Downs facility for which corrective actions were necessary to bring the property into compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including measures relating to a previously closed landfill at the site. Downs Racing implemented a comprehensive plan to mitigate and resolve these conditions. As of July 2008, Downs Racing has completed its remediation project and by all indications, remediation measures are functioning appropriately. In addition, in the summer of 2008, Downs Racing was contacted by the PA DEP regarding permitting and other procedures for the management of the manure produced by the large volume of horses at the facility. Downs Racing is currently completing the permitting process through the PA DEP and will evaluate additional measures that may be required or desired with respect to management of manure produced at its harness horseracing facility.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, we cannot assure you that:
| the various environmental reports or any other existing environmental studies prepared with respect to these sites revealed all environmental liabilities; |
| any prior owners or tenants did not create any material environmental condition not known to us; |
| future laws, ordinances or regulations will not impose any material environmental liability; or |
| a material environmental condition does not otherwise exist on any site. |
Any of the above could have a material adverse effect upon our future operating results and ability to meet our debt service obligations.
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Risks Related to Mohegan Sun
The following summarizes the material risks we face as a result of existing and potential competition that may affect our results of operations at Mohegan Sun. A more extensive discussion of the competitive landscape affecting Mohegan Sun can be found under Market and Competition from Other Gaming Operations. In addition, our harness racing and slot machine operations at Pocono Downs are subject to competition in Pennsylvania and Southeastern New York, as described below under Risks Related to Our Pocono Downs Operations.
We face intense competition in our target market from Foxwoods Resort Casino.
The existing gaming industry in our market areas is highly competitive. Mohegan Sun primarily competes with Foxwoods Resort Casino, including MGM Grand at Foxwoods, which opened in May 2008, or collectively Foxwoods, owned and operated by the MPT. Foxwoods is approximately ten miles from Mohegan Sun and is the largest gaming facility in the United States in terms of total gaming positions. Foxwoods has been in operation for more than 15 years.
In addition to Foxwoods, we also face competition from existing casinos and other gaming operations elsewhere in our market areas and potentially from on-line gaming.
While Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods are the only two legally authorized gaming operations in New England offering traditional slot machines and table games, we also currently face competition from casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey and several casinos and gaming facilities located on Indian tribal lands in the State of New York and Video Lottery Terminal, or VLT, facilities in the states of New York and Rhode Island, as well as potential competition from prospective gaming projects announced by other Indian tribes and the expansion of state-licensed gaming in the Northeastern United States. We also face existing and future competition in and from the Pennsylvania gaming market, both in the immediate market for Pocono Downs, and for Mohegan Sun, in marketing to and attracting patrons from the New York City metropolitan region.
In addition, congressional leaders are considering legislation to establish a licensing, taxing and enforcement framework for internet gaming, and, in November 2009, the U.S. Treasury Department and Federal Reserve Board delayed the December 1, 2009 effective date for financial institutions to comply with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, or the UIGEA, by six months. Unless delayed further or amended, the UIGEA is scheduled to restrict credit card companies from processing on-line poker and other gaming transactions from United States cardholders effective June 1, 2010; however, no assurances can be made that the effectiveness of the UIGEA will not be further delayed or that the restrictions contained in the UIGEA will be implemented.
Mohegan Sun competes directly for customers with resort casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Many of these casinos may have greater resources, operating experience and name recognition than Mohegan Sun and may benefit from available mass transit options. Moreover, several Atlantic City properties have completed or are undergoing renovation and expansion, which could make them more attractive destinations and divert potential customers from Mohegan Sun.
New York has six federally-recognized Indian tribes located in the central, northern and western parts of the state. Three of these tribes, the Oneida Nation of New York, the Seneca Nation and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe of New York, currently engage in casino gaming. There are several active proposals for tribally-owned casinos in the Catskills region of New York, which under state legislation adopted in 2001, is permitted to host up to three tribal casinos, or the expansion of state-licensed VLT gaming and racino facilities in the region. In addition, the Shinnecock Indian Nation, a state-recognized tribe based on Long Island, recently received preliminary federal recognition from the BIA and is expected to receive a final decision on recognition before June 2010. If federally-recognized, the Shinnecock Indian Nation is expected to pursue one or more forms of gaming in the
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State of New York. Any of these projects, if successful, could add significant casino space and hotel rooms to the Northeastern United States gaming market and divert potential customers from Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs.
Also, in New York, the state lottery has taken the legal position that electronic versions of roulette, baccarat, blackjack and craps are legal in the state and may be introduced as early as 2010. Additionally, the Governor of New York reopened the bidding process for a developer to build and operate VLTs at Aqueduct Racetrack, with that facility expected to open within two years.
Two facilities located in Rhode Island operate an aggregate of approximately 6,200 VLTs.
New market entrants in our market areas could adversely affect our operations and our ability to meet our financial obligations.
Under current law, outside of Atlantic City, New Jersey, full-scale commercial casino gaming in the Northeastern United States may be conducted only by federally-recognized Indian tribes operating under federal Indian gaming laws or on cruise ships in international waters. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of Indian tribes seeking to engage in commercial casino gaming, including full-scale commercial casinos, in the Northeastern United States and efforts have continued by a number of individual groups seeking to obtain federal recognition as Indian tribes so that they may engage in commercial casino gaming in the Northeastern United States. These efforts are ongoing in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island.
In addition, a number of states, including Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and New York, have considered or are considering legalization of one or more forms of commercial casino gaming by non-Indians in one or more locations, and Maryland and Ohio have authorized slot machine facilities by voter referendum. Based on internal analysis of the existing and potential gaming market in our market areas, we believe that competition from other commercial casino gaming operations will continue to increase in the future. In Massachusetts, where we are seeking to operate commercial casino gaming, if legalized, we are unable to predict if we will be successful in our efforts. We are also unable to predict whether any of the efforts discussed above by other federally recognized Indian tribes, individual groups attempting to gain federal recognition as Indian tribes or legalization of commercial casino gaming by non-Indians will lead to the establishment of additional commercial casino gaming operations in the Northeastern United States. If established, we are uncertain of the impact such commercial casino gaming operations will have on our operations and our ability to meet our financial obligations.
Because the gaming industry in the State of Connecticut has experienced seasonal fluctuations in the past, we also may experience seasonal variations in our revenue and operating results that could adversely affect our cash flows.
The gaming industry in the State of Connecticut has experienced seasonal fluctuations, with the heaviest gaming activity occurring between the months of May and August. Similarly, the heaviest gaming activity has occurred at Mohegan Sun between the months of May and August. As a result of these seasonal fluctuations, we likely will continue to experience seasonal variations in our quarterly revenue and operating results that could result in decreased cash flows during periods in which gaming activity is not at peak levels. These variations in quarterly revenue and operating results could adversely affect our overall financial condition.
Negative conditions affecting the lodging industry may have an adverse affect on our revenue and cash flows.
We depend on the revenue generated from the hotel at Mohegan Sun, together with the revenue generated from the other portions of Mohegan Sun, to meet our debt obligations and fund our operations. Revenue generated from the operation of the hotel is subject primarily to conditions affecting our gaming operations, but is also subject to the lodging industry in general, and as a result, our cash flows and financial performance may be
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affected not only by the conditions in the gaming industry, but also by those in the lodging industry. Some of these conditions are as follows:
| changes in the local, regional or national economic climate; |
| changes in local conditions such as an oversupply of hotel properties; |
| decreases in the level of demand for hotel rooms and related services; |
| the attractiveness of our hotel to consumers and competition from comparable hotels; |
| cyclical over-building in the hotel industry; |
| changes in travel patterns; |
| changes in room rates and increases in operating costs due to inflation and other factors; and |
| the periodic need to repair and renovate the hotel. |
The current global economic recession has had a negative impact on the lodging industry and on our financial results. The continuation of, or adverse changes in, these conditions could further adversely affect our hotels financial performance and results of operations.
Our obligations under the relinquishment agreement could affect adversely our financial condition and prevent us from fulfilling our debt service obligations.
Pursuant to the terms of the relinquishment agreement, we are required, among other things, to pay TCA 5% of certain revenues (as defined under the relinquishment agreement) generated by Mohegan Sun during the 15-year period which commenced on January 1, 2000. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, we paid $61.7 million in relinquishment payments.
This obligation consumes a significant portion of our operating cash flows that might otherwise be available to, among other things, reduce indebtedness and fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general operating requirements and thereby affect our ability to meet our debt service obligations. As a result, our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the gaming industry in general is reduced. This may place us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors that do not have such an obligation.
Our renovation projects may face significant inherent risks that could adversely affect our financial condition.
Construction costs and completion dates for our renovation projects are based on budgets, design documents and schedule estimates prepared with the assistance of architects, contractors and consultants. Such projects are inherently subject to significant development and construction risks, which could cause unanticipated cost increases. These include the following:
| escalation of construction costs above anticipated amounts; |
| shortage of material and skilled labor; |
| weather interference; |
| engineering problems; |
| environmental problems; |
| fire, flood and other natural disasters; |
| labor disputes; and |
| geological, construction, demolition, excavation and/or equipment problems. |
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Furthermore, although construction activities may be planned to minimize disruption, construction noise and debris and the temporary closing of some of the facility, such activities may disrupt our current operations. Unexpected construction delays could exacerbate or magnify these disruptions. We cannot assure you that our construction, renovation or expansion projects will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
We may suspend or elect not to proceed with our construction, renovation or expansion projects once they have been undertaken, resulting in charges that could adversely affect our financial condition.
In connection with any of our construction, renovation or expansion projects, we may suspend, elect not to proceed with or fail to complete such projects once they have been undertaken. In such case, we may be required to carry assets on our balance sheet for suspended projects or incur significant costs relating to design and construction work performed and materials purchased that may no longer be useful for terminated projects. In addition, our agreements or arrangements with third parties relating to the suspension or termination of such projects could cause us to incur additional fees and costs. Our suspension of, election not to proceed with, or failure to complete construction, renovation or expansion projects may result in adverse effects to our financial condition.
In September 2008, we announced the suspension of the hotel, retail and new parking garage elements of Project Horizon due to a slowdown in business volumes and uncertainties in the financial markets resulting from the ongoing national economic recession. We currently are evaluating our options with respect to development of the suspended elements, including a new hotel; however, we can provide no assurance as to if or when the suspended elements will resume or the effects that such delay will have on our business, operations or financial condition. As of September 30, 2009, we had incurred approximately $83.3 million for the suspended elements of Project Horizon and we estimate approximately $1.7 million in additional costs related thereto. During the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2009, we expensed $4.5 million of costs related to the suspended elements as such assets did not have any future use to us.
The risks associated with operating an expanded facility and managing its growth could have a material adverse effect on Mohegan Suns future performance.
With the opening of Casino of the Wind and Sunrise Square, we have a larger amount of gaming space, more entertainment venues and retail space than previously. If we complete the suspended elements of Project Horizon, we also will have a new hotel and additional retail space. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in integrating the new amenities into Mohegan Suns current operations or in managing the expanded resort. The failure to integrate and manage the new services and amenities successfully could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to meet our debt service obligations with respect to our outstanding indebtedness.
Risks Related to the Indian Gaming Industry
Gaming is a highly regulated industry and changes in the law could have a material adverse effect on the Tribes and our ability to conduct gaming, and thus on our ability to meet our debt service obligations.
Gaming on the Tribes reservation is regulated extensively by federal, state and tribal regulatory bodies, including the NIGC and agencies of the State of Connecticut, such as the Department of Revenue Services Division of Special Revenue, the State Police and the Department of Consumer Protections Division of Liquor Control. As is the case with any casino, changes in applicable laws and regulations could limit or materially affect the types of gaming that may be conducted, or services provided, by us and the revenues realized therefrom.
Currently, the operation of all gaming on Indian lands is subject to IGRA. In past years, legislation has been introduced in Congress with the intent of modifying a variety of perceived problems with IGRA. Some of the proposals that have been considered would be prospective in effect and contain clauses that would grandfather
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existing Indian gaming operations such as Mohegan Sun. Legislation also has been proposed; however, which would have the effect of repealing many of the key provisions of IGRA and prohibiting the continued operation of particular classes of gaming on Indian reservations in states where such gaming is not otherwise allowed on a commercial basis. While none of the substantive proposed amendments to IGRA have been enacted, we cannot predict the effects of future legislative acts. In the event that Congress passes prohibitory legislation that does not include any grandfathering exemption for existing tribal gaming operations, and if such legislation is sustained in the courts against tribal challenge, our ability to meet our debt service obligations would be materially and adversely affected.
In addition, under federal law, gaming on Indian land is dependent on the permissibility under state law of specific forms of gaming or similar activities. If the State of Connecticut were to make various forms of gaming illegal or against public policy, such action may have an adverse effect on our ability to conduct our gaming operations. In fact, in January 2003, the State of Connecticut repealed its Las Vegas nights statute, but the state Attorney General opined that the repeal did not affect the two existing Indian gaming compacts. Connecticut currently permits, among other things, a state lottery, jai alai fronton betting, greyhound racing and off-track betting parlors.
A change in our current tax-exempt status, and that of our subsidiaries, could reduce our cash flow and have a material adverse effect on our ability to meet our debt service obligations.
Based on current interpretation of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, we, the Tribe and certain of our subsidiaries are not subject to federal income taxes. However, we cannot assure you that Congress will not reverse or modify the exemption for Indian tribes from federal income taxation.
Efforts have been made in Congress over the past several years to amend the Code to provide for taxation of the net income of tribal business entities. These efforts have included a House of Representatives bill that would have taxed gaming income earned by Indian tribes as unrelated business income subject to corporate tax rates. Although no such legislation has been enacted, such legislation could be passed in the future. A change in the tax law could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.
Risks Related to Pocono Downs
The adoption of modifications to the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act could result in changes to the rules and regulations under which gaming is conducted in the Commonwealth, which in turn could negatively impact our operations and expected profitability.
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the addition of table games at existing gaming facilities in the state, the licensing of additional resort hotel gaming facilities, which under existing law may offer up to 500 slot machines, and the licensing of video-poker at restaurants, private clubs and bars throughout the state, are under consideration by the state legislature. Since slot machine gaming is a relatively new industry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and table gaming, if adopted, will be even newer, the legislature is likely to review and consider amendments to the Pennsylvania Gaming Act in future legislative sessions. As with any gaming operation, changes in applicable laws or regulations could limit or materially affect the types of gaming we may conduct or the services we may provide at Pocono Downs. If any legislation or legal challenges were to succeed, our ability to continue to operate a gaming site at Pocono Downs could be adversely affected.
If Pocono Downs is not able to compete successfully with existing and potential competitors, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to fulfill our debt service obligations relating to the acquisition and our development activities.
Two facilities operate close to Pocono Downs and are more likely than the other licensed slot operations to have an impact on our Pocono Downs operations. These two facilities are the Mount Airy Resort and Casino in Mount Pocono, approximately 40 miles from Pocono Downs, and Sands Bethlehem, in Bethlehem, approximately 70 miles from Pocono Downs.
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In addition to the current and future slot facilities in Pennsylvania, including two proposed facilities seeking approval in Philadelphia, Pocono Downs faces competition from a VLT gaming facility at Monticello Raceway in Monticello, New York and also from any full-scale casino gaming operation that is ultimately developed by an Indian tribe in the Catskills region. The Catskills are approximately 90 miles from Pocono Downs. Pocono Downs also faces competition from Tioga Downs Racetrack in Nichols, New York, approximately 100 miles from Pocono Downs, which operates a racetrack and gaming floor with 750 VLTs. Also, while the states of Maryland and Ohio are not in the immediate Pocono Downs market, expanded gaming in those states, authorized by voter referendum, may affect overall gaming in Pennsylvania, the OTW facilities and other gaming facilities with which Pocono Downs competes for patrons.
We are uncertain of the impact these racetracks and planned commercial casino gaming operations will have on our operations and our ability to meet our financial obligations.
Our operations of the Pocono Downs business subject us to regulation by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and Pennsylvanias State Harness Racing Commission.
As owners and operators of the Pocono Downs gaming and entertainment facility offering slot machine gaming, live harness racing and off-track wagering in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we are subject to extensive state regulation by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, or the PGCB, the Harness Racing Commission and other state regulatory bodies such as the liquor control board. Applicable rules and regulations may require that we obtain and renew periodically a variety of registrations, permits and approvals to conduct our operations. Regulatory bodies may, for any reason set forth in the applicable legislation, rules and regulations, limit, condition, suspend, deny or revoke a license to conduct our operations as we intend to conduct them. We cannot assure you that we will be able to continually renew all registrations, permits, approvals or licenses necessary to conduct our business in Pennsylvania as we intend to conduct it. Any of these events, or any changes in applicable laws or regulations, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in or the issuance of additional regulations by the PGCB may adversely affect our operations at Pocono Downs.
Under the Pennsylvania Gaming Act, the PGCB has broad authority to regulate gaming activities. Slot machine gaming is still a new industry in Pennsylvania and many of the rules and regulations governing gaming are still evolving. New or changing regulations could adversely affect our gaming operations at Pocono Downs.
Assessments for regulatory costs may negatively impact our operating results.
Under the Pennsylvania Gaming Act, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the PGCB have the right to assess certain regulatory costs against slot machine operators. The amount of such costs and the allocation methodology for assessing licensed facilities has not been finalized in regulations. These assessments could adversely affect our operating results at Pocono Downs.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Mohegan Sun is located on 185 acres of the Tribes approximately 507-acre reservation just outside of Uncasville, Connecticut, approximately one mile from the interchange of Interstate 395 and Connecticut Route 2A. The land located in southeastern Connecticut upon which Mohegan Sun is situated is held in trust for the Tribe by the United States. Mohegan Sun has its own exit from Route 2A, giving patrons direct access to Interstate 395 and Interstate 95, the main highways connecting Boston, Providence and New York City. By highway, Mohegan Sun is approximately 125 miles from New York City, New York, 100 miles from Boston, Massachusetts, 45 miles from Hartford, Connecticut and 50 miles from Providence, Rhode Island.
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We have a lease with the Tribe for land on which Mohegan Sun is located. The initial term of the lease is 25 years, with an option to renew for one additional 25-year term provided that we are not in default under the lease. The lease also provides that all improvements constructed on the site will become the property of the Tribe. The lease is a net lease requiring that we assume all costs of operating, constructing, maintaining, repairing, replacing and insuring the leased property, in addition to the payment of a nominal annual rental fee.
We have entered into various lease agreements with the Tribe for properties adjacent to Mohegan Sun. The properties are used for providing access and/or parking for Mohegan Sun.
In connection with the purchase of the Pocono Downs entities, we acquired Pocono Downs, a harness racing facility located on approximately 400 acres of land in Plains Township, Pennsylvania. The harness racing facility is currently one of only two harness racetracks in Pennsylvania and one of only four thoroughbred and harness racing facilities in the state. It has a 5/8 mile all-weather, lighted track with seating for approximately 3,500 and parking capacity for approximately 6,500. Pocono Downs, the first slot machine facility in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was opened at the Pocono Downs racetrack in November 2006. In addition, we also acquired the OTW facility located in Carbondale, Erie, which was subsequently sold to a third party in July 2007, and Lehigh Valley (Allentown), and we lease the East Stroudsburg and Hazleton facilities. The Lehigh Valley OTW is a 28,000 square-foot facility and is the largest OTW in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Salishan-Mohegan owns land in Clark County, Washington for the purposes of developing a casino to be owned by the Cowlitz Tribe. Mohegan Ventures-NW, one of three members in Salishan-Mohegan, is our wholly-owned subsidiary. The Mohegan Tribe is also a member of Salishan-Mohegan. The land shall be transferred to the Cowlitz Tribe or the United States upon: (1) receipt of necessary financing for the development of the proposed casino; and (2) the underlying property being accepted to be taken into trust by the United States Department of the Interior.
In November 2006, we formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Mohegan Golf, to purchase and operate a golf course in southeastern Connecticut. In May 2007, Mohegan Golf acquired substantially all of the assets of Pautipaug Country Club, Inc., which included a golf course located in Sprague and Franklin, Connecticut. The club was renamed Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug and first opened under the ownership of Mohegan Golf in June 2007.
We are a defendant in litigation incurred in our normal course of business. We believe that, based on the advice of counsel, the aggregate liability, if any, arising from such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
None.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
We have not issued or sold any equity securities.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The selected financial data shown below for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and as of September 30, 2009 and 2008, have been derived from our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K. The selected financial data shown below for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 and as of September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005 have been derived from our financial statements for those years, which are not included in this Form 10-K. The financial information shown below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes beginning on page F-1 of this Form 10-K, Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the other financial and statistical data included in this Form 10-K. Amounts shown in the following table are in thousands.
As of or for the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating Results: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Gross revenues |
$ | 1,572,714 | $ | 1,707,738 | $ | 1,751,912 | $ | 1,547,971 | $ | 1,454,066 | ||||||||||
Promotional allowances |
(117,597 | ) | (135,555 | ) | (131,846 | ) | (124,917 | ) | (125,148 | ) | ||||||||||
Net revenues |
$ | 1,455,117 | $ | 1,572,183 | $ | 1,620,066 | $ | 1,423,054 | $ | 1,328,918 | ||||||||||
Income from operations (1) |
$ | 242,746 | $ | 263,366 | $ | 292,568 | $ | 249,232 | $ | 139,136 | ||||||||||
Total other expense (2) |
(125,394 | )(3) | (116,835 | ) | (120,670 | ) | (94,882 | )(4) | (116,211 | ) | ||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before minority interests |
117,352 | 146,531 | 171,898 | 154,350 | 22,925 | |||||||||||||||
Minority interests |
1,992 | 2,729 | 648 | 420 | 514 | |||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
119,344 | 149,260 | 172,546 | 154,770 | 23,439 | |||||||||||||||
Total income from discontinued operations (5) |
- | - | 21 | 147 | 228 | |||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 119,344 | $ | 149,260 | $ | 172,567 | $ | 154,917 | $ | 23,667 | ||||||||||
Other Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest |
$ | 109,689 | $ | 93,793 | $ | 94,363 | $ | 90,928 | $ | 88,011 | ||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
$ | 93,532 | $ | 383,688 | $ | 162,195 | $ | 101,920 | $ | 50,991 | ||||||||||
Net cash flows provided by operating activities |
$ | 171,811 | $ | 170,316 | $ | 284,403 | $ | 254,260 | $ | 247,075 | ||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 2,295,083 | $ | 2,362,905 | $ | 2,079,977 | $ | 1,914,357 | $ | 1,856,868 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations |
$ | 1,609,215 | $ | 1,528,991 | $ | 1,276,109 | $ | 1,225,804 | $ | 1,226,348 |
(1) | Total operating costs and expenses, included in income from operations include non-cash relinquishment liability reassessment credits of $45.7 million and $68.9 million for the fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively, and non-cash relinquishment liability reassessment charges of $3.0 million, $39.4 million and $123.6 million for the fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. A discussion of our accounting for the relinquishment liability may be found in Notes 2 and 11 to our consolidated financial statements, beginning on page F-1 of this Form 10-K. |
(2) | For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, total other expense includes $20.4 million, $27.1 million, $29.8 million, $30.7 million and $27.5 million, respectively, for the accretion of discount to the relinquishment liability, to reflect the impact of the time value of money. A discussion of our accounting for the relinquishment liability may be found in Notes 2 and 11 to our consolidated financial statements, beginning on page F-1 of this Form 10-K. |
(3) | Includes an $8.5 million gain on early extinguishment of debt in connection with a repurchase of $14.3 million of our outstanding 2001 83/8 % senior subordinated notes due July 1, 2011. A discussion of this transaction may be found in Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements, beginning on page F-1 of this Form 10-K. Also includes $4.5 million in asset write-offs related to previously capitalized Project Horizon costs. A discussion of this transaction may be found in Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements, beginning on page F-1 of this Form 10-K. |
(4) | Includes a non-cash gain of $24.5 million in connection with an amendment to the purchase agreement for Pocono Downs. A discussion of this transaction may be found in Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements, beginning on page F-1 of this Form 10-K. |
(5) | A discussion of our accounting for discontinued operations may be found in Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements, beginning on page F-1 of this Form 10-K. |
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Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item I. Business and Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Overview
The Tribe and the Authority
The Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, or the Mohegan Tribe or the Tribe, is a federally-recognized Indian tribe with an approximately 507-acre reservation situated in southeastern Connecticut, adjacent to Uncasville, Connecticut. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, or the IGRA, federally-recognized Indian tribes are permitted to conduct full-scale casino gaming operations on tribal lands, subject to, among other things, the negotiation of a gaming compact with the state in which they operate. The Tribe and the State of Connecticut have entered into such a compact, the Mohegan Compact, which has been approved by the United States Secretary of the Interior. We were established as an instrumentality of the Tribe, with the exclusive power to conduct and regulate gaming activities on tribal lands and the non-exclusive authority to conduct such activities elsewhere. Our gaming operation at Mohegan Sun is one of only two legally authorized gaming operations in New England offering traditional slot machines and table games. Through our subsidiary, Downs Racing, L.P., or Downs Racing, we also own and operate Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, a gaming and entertainment facility offering slot machines and harness racing situated on a 400-acre site in Plains Township, Pennsylvania, and several off-track wagering facilities, or OTW, located elsewhere in Pennsylvania, collectively the Pocono Downs entities. We are governed by a nine-member Management Board, whose members also comprise the Mohegan Tribal Council, the governing body of the Tribe. Any change in the composition of the Mohegan Tribal Council results in a corresponding change in our Management Board.
Mohegan Sun
In October 1996, we opened a gaming and entertainment complex known as Mohegan Sun. Mohegan Sun is located on a 185-acre site on the Tribes reservation overlooking the Thames River with direct access from Interstate 395 and Connecticut Route 2A. Mohegan Sun is approximately 125 miles from New York City, New York and approximately 100 miles from Boston, Massachusetts. In fiscal 2002, we completed a major expansion of Mohegan Sun known as Project Sunburst, which included increased gaming, restaurant and retail space, an entertainment arena, an approximately 1,200-room luxury Sky Hotel Tower and approximately 100,000 square feet of convention space. In fiscal 2007 and 2008, we completed the Sunrise Square and Casino of the Wind components of Project Horizon, respectively.
Mohegan Sun operates in an approximately 3.1 million square-foot facility, which includes the following:
Casino of the Earth
As of September 30, 2009, Casino of the Earth had approximately 188,000 square feet of gaming space and offered:
| approximately 3,700 slot machines and 190 table games (including blackjack, roulette, craps and baccarat); |
| food and beverage amenities, including Birches Bar & Grill, an approximately 200-seat full-service restaurant, three full-service themed fine dining restaurants, with a fourth area featuring cuisine from all three adjacent restaurant themes, a 630-seat buffet, a Hong Kong-style food outlet offering authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, an 87-seat Bobby Flays Bobbys Burger Palace and multiple service bars, all operated by us, as well as Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, operated by a third-party, and the recently opened Fidelias Market, a 123-seat multi-station food court, operated by us and third parties, for a total seating of approximately 2,000; |
| the Wolf Den, an approximately 10,000-square-foot, 400-seat lounge featuring live entertainment seven days a week; |
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| an approximately 9,000-square-foot simulcasting Racebook facility; |
| four retail shops providing shopping opportunities ranging from Mohegan Sun logo souvenirs to cigars; and |
| Sunrise Square, a 9,800-square-foot Asian-themed gaming area offering 46 table games. |
Casino of the Sky
As of September 30, 2009, Casino of the Sky had approximately 119,000 square feet of gaming space and offered:
| approximately 2,300 slot machines and 110 table games (including blackjack, roulette and craps); |
| food and beverage amenities, including a full-service restaurant, a 24-hour coffee shop, a 330-seat buffet and five lounges and bars, all operated by us, as well as five full-service restaurants, three quick-service restaurants and a multi-station food court, operated by third parties, for a total seating of approximately 2,600; |
| Mohegan After Dark, consisting of Ultra 88, a nightclub, Luckys Lounge and Dubliner, an Irish pub, all operated by a third-party; |
| the Mohegan Sun Arena with seating for up to 10,000; |
| The Shops at Mohegan Sun containing 32 retail shops, seven of which we own; |
| an approximately 1,200-room luxury Sky Hotel Tower with a private high limit table games suite; |
| an approximately 20,000-square-foot spa operated by a third-party; |
| approximately 100,000 square feet of convention space; and |
| a child care facility and an arcade-style entertainment area operated by a third-party. |
Casino of the Wind
As of September 30, 2009, Casino of the Wind had approximately 45,000 square feet of gaming space and offered:
| approximately 700 slot machines, 30 table games (including blackjack, roulette and craps) and a 42-table themed poker room; and |
| 20,000 square feet of dining and retail amenities, including a two-level, 16,000-square-foot Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville Restaurant, operated by a third-party, and Chiefs Deli, a casual dining restaurant operated by us. |
Mohegan Sun has parking spaces for approximately 13,000 guests and 3,900 employees. In addition, we operate a gasoline and convenience center, an approximately 3,600-square-foot, 20-pump facility located adjacent to Mohegan Sun.
Project Horizon
Project Horizon, Mohegan Suns second major expansion, was initially planned to include four major components: Sunrise Square, Casino of the Wind, Property Infrastructure, including a new parking garage, additional surface parking lots, site development and road improvements, and the Earth Expansion, including a new hotel and related retail areas, as well as improvements to the existing Winter Parking Garage and Winter Entrance. As of September 30, 2009, two of the components, Sunrise Square and Casino of the Wind, have been completed. Additionally, the Winter Parking Garage improvements, surface parking lots, site development and road improvements were completed as of September 30, 2009.
Sunrise Square was completed in August 2007 and includes 9,800 square feet of gaming space offering 46 table games, a 3,500-square-foot bus lobby and a 4,000-square-foot Hong Kong-style food outlet.
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Casino of the Wind was completed in August 2008 and adds approximately 45,000 square feet of gaming space, approximately 700 slot machines, 30 table games and a 42-table themed poker room, as well as approximately 20,000 square feet of dining and retail amenities.
In September 2008, we announced the suspension of the hotel, retail and new parking garage elements of Project Horizon due to a slowdown in business volumes and uncertainties in the financial markets resulting from the national economic recession. The costs incurred for the suspended elements were related to excavation and foundation work for the planned podium and hotel tower, as well as professional fees for design and architectural work. We are currently evaluating our options with respect to the development of the suspended elements, including the new hotel; however, we can provide no assurance as to if or when the suspended elements will resume. The specific factors that we will consider in determining the feasibility of the suspended elements include our financial performance, cash flow projections expected to be realized from the project, estimated project costs, ability to obtain financing, economic conditions, industry trends and competition.
The Winter Entrance of the Earth Expansion, which connects the Winter Parking Garage to Casino of the Earth, opened in early July 2009. The renovated Winter Entrance incorporates new food and beverage facilities, including: Bobby Flays Bobbys Burger Palace, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and Fidelias Market, a quick-serve dining area featuring Jasper Whites Summer Shack Express, Woodland Wok and Chiefs Bagels, Subs & Sweets. Additionally, Bobby Flays Bar American and The Original SoupMan were opened in November 2009. Bobby Flays Bar Americain is located in the area previously occupied by Fidelias Restaurant. The Original SoupMan is located in Fidelias Market. Estimated remaining project costs relating to the Winter Entrance consist primarily of costs to complete the theming of the Winter Entrance.
As of September 30, 2009, a breakdown of project costs incurred, estimated remaining project costs and total project costs for the various Project Horizon elements, was as follows:
(in millions, excluding capitalized interest) | Project Costs Incurred |
Estimated Remaining Project Costs (1) |
Total Project Costs | ||||||
Components Completed or In Process: |
|||||||||
Sunrise Square |
$ | 16.7 | $ | - | $ | 16.7 | |||
Casino of the Wind |
111.3 | - | 111.3 | ||||||
Property Infrastructure |
37.2 | - | 37.2 | ||||||
Winter Parking Garage Improvements |
3.4 | - | 3.4 | ||||||
Winter Entrance |
35.6 | 12.4 | 48.0 | ||||||
Subtotal |
204.2 | 12.4 | 216.6 | ||||||
Components Suspended: |
|||||||||
Earth Expansion |
81.1 | 1.7 | 82.8 | ||||||
New Parking Garage |
2.2 | - | 2.2 | ||||||
Subtotal |
83.3 | 1.7 | 85.0 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 287.5 | $ | 14.1 | $ | 301.6 | |||
(1) | Anticipated to be incurred in fiscal 2010. |
Mohegan Basketball Club
In January 2003, we formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Mohegan Basketball Club, LLC, or MBC, for the purpose of owning and operating a professional basketball team in the Womens National Basketball Association, or WNBA. MBC entered into a membership agreement with the WNBA permitting it to operate the Connecticut Sun basketball team. The team plays its home games in the Mohegan Sun Arena.
Mohegan Golf
In November 2006, we formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Mohegan Golf, LLC, or Mohegan Golf, to purchase and operate a golf course in southeastern Connecticut. In May 2007, Mohegan Golf acquired substantially all of
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the assets of Pautipaug Country Club Inc., or PCC, which included a golf course located in Sprague and Franklin, Connecticut. The golf course was renamed Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug and reopened under the ownership of Mohegan Golf in June 2007.
Pocono Downs
Through Downs Racing, we own and operate the slot machine and harness racing facility known as Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs situated on a 400-acre site in Plains Township, Pennsylvania, and OTWs located in Carbondale, East Stroudsburg, Hazleton and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Harness racing has been conducted at Pocono Downs since 1965. The Lehigh Valley OTW is a 28,000-square-foot facility and is the largest OTW in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Downs Racing completed the 2009 harness racing season at Pocono Downs in November 2009 and will continue its harness racing activities when the 2010 racing season begins in the spring of 2010. Year-round simulcast pari-mutuel racing activities also are conducted at Pocono Downs and the OTW facilities. Construction of a new paddock, adjacent to the racetrack, was completed in April 2009.
Downs Racing holds a Category One slot machine license issued by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, or PGCB, for the operation of slot machines at Pocono Downs. This license permits Downs Racing to install and operate up to 3,000 slot machines at Pocono Downs. Under certain circumstances, Downs Racing may install and operate up to a total of 5,000 slot machines.
Pocono Downs became the first location to offer slot machine gaming in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania when Phase I of its gaming and entertainment facility opened in November 2006. The total cost incurred for development of the Phase I facility was approximately $70.0 million.
Pocono Downs opened Project Sunrise on July 17, 2008. Pocono Downs offers approximately 2,500 slot machines and electronic table games and several dining options including: Ruths Chris Steakhouse, Rustic Kitchen Bistro and Bar, which features dining and a live cooking show, Bar Louie, a casual bar and restaurant, Timbers Buffet, a 300-seat Mohegan Indian cultural heritage themed buffet, and a food court, including: Johnny Rockets, Hot Dog Hall of Fame, Puck Express by Wolfgang Puck and Ben & Jerrys Ice Cream. Pocono Downs also offers a wide array of retail amenities, including: Brookstone, Marshall Rousso womens couture, Misura mens fine apparel boutique, Crossing Vineyards Wine and Cheese Shop, and MOGO, the Pocono Downs logo store. Project Sunrise also added three bars/lounges: Sunburst Bar, featured in the center of the gaming floor, Breakers Night Club and Pearl Sushi Bar. In addition, the food court that previously operated in the Phase I facility has been renovated as a 275-seat banquet and meeting venue, which opened in October 2008. The renovated facility now serves as a multi-purpose venue. The final cost of Project Sunrise, including the Phase I renovation, is anticipated to be approximately $198.0 million, excluding capitalized interest.
In March 2009, we and a subsidiary of Penn National Gaming, Inc. entered into an amendment to the purchase agreement for Pocono Downs. Pursuant to the amendment, the parties agreed to accelerate the remaining $16.0 million refund payment due to us and discount the amount of such balance to approximately $13.1 million, which we received in March 2009. We incurred a non-cash loss in connection with this transaction totaling approximately $1.6 million.
Other Diversification Projects
The Tribe has determined that it is in its long-term best interest to pursue diversification of its business interests, both directly and through us. As a result, from time to time, we and the Tribe receive and evaluate various proposed business opportunities. These opportunities primarily include the proposed development and management of, investment in, or proposed ownership of additional gaming enterprises through direct investments, acquisitions, joint venture arrangements and loan transactions. In addition to the developments described below, we and the Tribe are currently exploring other opportunities; there is no assurance, however, that we or the Tribe will continue to pursue any of these opportunities or that any of them will be consummated.
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Cowlitz Project
In July 2004, we formed Mohegan Ventures-Northwest, LLC, or Mohegan Ventures-NW, one of three current members in Salishan-Mohegan, LLC, or Salishan-Mohegan. Salishan-Mohegan was formed to participate in a proposed development and management of a casino to be located in Clark County, Washington, or the Cowlitz Project, and owned by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, or the Cowlitz Tribe. Mohegan Ventures-NW holds a 49.15% membership interest, the Mohegan Tribe holds a 7.85% membership interest and Salishan Company, LLC, or Salishan Company, holds a 43% membership interest in Salishan-Mohegan. Mohegan Ventures-NW and the Mohegan Tribe each hold one of four seats on the Board of Managers of Salishan-Mohegan.
In September 2004, Salishan-Mohegan entered into development and management agreements with the Cowlitz Tribe regarding the Cowlitz Project, which agreements have been amended from time to time. Under the terms of the development agreement, Salishan-Mohegan administers and oversees the planning, designing, development, construction and furnishing, and provides assistance with the securing of financing, of the Cowlitz Project. The development agreement provides for certain development fees of 3% of total Project Costs, as defined under the development agreement, which are to be distributed to Mohegan Ventures-NW pursuant to the Salishan-Mohegan operating agreement. As of April 2006, Salishan-Mohegan purchased the land to be used as the site for the proposed casino, which will be transferred to the Cowlitz Tribe or the United States under certain conditions in the development agreement. The management agreement is for a period of seven years commencing with the opening of the proposed casino, during which Salishan-Mohegan will manage, operate and maintain the proposed casino. The management agreement provides for a management fee of 24% of Net Revenues, as defined under the management agreement, which approximates net income from the Cowlitz Project. Pursuant to the operating agreement, management fees will be allocated to the members of Salishan-Mohegan based on their respective membership interest percentages. Development of the Cowlitz Project is subject to certain governmental and regulatory approvals, including, but not limited to, negotiation of a gaming compact with the State of Washington and acceptance by the United States Department of the Interior of land into trust on behalf of the Cowlitz Tribe. The development agreement provides for termination of Salishan-Mohegans exclusive development rights if the land is not taken into trust by a certain date. In July 2009, the development agreement was amended to extend that date from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2015. The management agreement is subject to approval by the National Indian Gaming Commission, or the NIGC.
In May 2008, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, or BIA, published a final rule relating to gaming on trust lands acquired after October 17, 1988. The new rule addresses, among other things, the process used by the BIA to determine what lands should be taken into trust for an initial reservation or restored lands for a tribe, such as the Cowlitz Tribe, seeking its initial or restored reservation. The new rule also expressly provides that a tribe may rely on earlier final agency decisions, including decisions of the NIGC, regarding lands to be taken into trust. In November 2005, the Cowlitz Tribe received an opinion from the NIGC determining that if the Secretary of the Interior takes the Cowlitz Project site into trust, the land will constitute restored lands of the Cowlitz Tribe. Based on this opinion by the NIGC, the additional analysis called for under the May 2008 rule is not expected to apply to the BIAs decision in connection with the Cowlitz Tribe. In May 2008, the BIA published a Final Environmental Impact Statement, or Final EIS, for the Cowlitz Project site.
In February 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in a case involving the State of Rhode Island and the Narragansett Indian Tribe, which held that the Secretary of the Interior may exercise his authority to acquire trust title to land for an Indian tribe under the Indian Reorganization Act only if the tribe was under federal jurisdiction when the Indian Reorganization Act was enacted on June 18, 1934 (Carcieri v. Salazar, 555 U.S. (2009) or the Carcieri decision). Since the trust land application for the Cowlitz Project requires action by the Secretary of the Interior under the Indian Reorganization Act, the Carcieri decision may delay action on that application until the BIA and the United States Department of the Interior determine whether the Cowlitz Tribe was under federal jurisdiction at that time, and an adverse decision may lead to a rejection of the trust land application. The Cowlitz Tribe did not receive federal recognition until 2000, so, based on the Carcieri decision, the tribe must establish that it was under federal jurisdiction in 1934 by separate means. In September 2009, following earlier congressional hearings on the Carcieri decision, the Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs
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Committee introduced legislation to reverse the impact of the decision and reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian tribes regardless of when the tribe was recognized by the federal government. On December 17, 2009, the full Senate Indian Affairs Committee passed the bill. We believe that the Cowlitz Tribe, as a federally-recognized but landless tribe, will ultimately be able to establish its reservation and that casino gaming will be permitted on such lands; however, we can provide no assurance in this regard.
In light of the aforementioned and the inherent uncertainty in the development of the Cowlitz Project, we maintain a reserve for doubtful collection of the Salishan-Mohegan receivables, which is based on our estimate of the probability that the receivables will be collected. While certain events described above, including the publication of the Final EIS for the Cowlitz Project site, are generally positive steps in furtherance of the project, other events, including the Carcieri decision, may ultimately delay or prevent the completion of the project. However, considered collectively, these events have not materially changed our current interest in or assessment of the Cowlitz Project, nor do such events affect the extent to which we plan to continue our involvement in the Cowlitz Project.
Menominee Project
In October 2004, we entered into a management agreement with the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, or the Menominee Tribe, and the Menominee Kenosha Gaming Authority, or MKGA. The terms of the management agreement grant us the exclusive right and obligation to manage, operate and maintain a proposed casino and destination resort to be located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, or the Menominee Project, for a period of seven years commencing with the opening of the proposed casino, in consideration of a management fee of 13.4% of Net Revenues, as defined under the management agreement, which approximates net income earned from the Menominee Project. The management agreement is subject to approval by the NIGC.
In March 2007, Wisconsin Tribal Gaming, LLC, or WTG, was formed to participate in the Menominee Project. WTG consists of two members, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Mohegan Ventures Wisconsin, LLC, or MVW, which holds an 85.4% membership interest in WTG, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mohegan Tribe, Mohegan Ventures, LLC, or MV, which holds the remaining 14.6% membership interest. Following formation in March 2007, WTG purchased the development rights for the Menominee Project under a development agreement with the Menominee Tribe and MKGA, which was executed in October 2003, along with certain other assets, and assumed certain liabilities from Kenesah Gaming Development, LLC, for consideration of $6.4 million. The development agreement provides for certain development fees of 13.4% of Available Revenue Flow, as defined under the development agreement, which approximates net income from the Menominee Project over a period of seven years following the opening of the proposed casino, which are to be paid to WTG and distributed to the Authority and the Mohegan Tribe, through MVW and MV, respectively. Development of the Menominee Project is subject to certain governmental and regulatory approvals, including, but not limited to, the United States Department of the Interior accepting land into trust for the Menominee Tribes project site in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
In January 2009, the BIA informed the Menominee Tribe of the decision by the United States Secretary of the Interior to decline to take the Menominee Project site in Kenosha into trust for the Menominee Tribe. The rejection of the application to take the Kenosha site into trust was based on a policy for reviewing trust land acquisitions for off-reservation gaming projects adopted by the BIA in January 2008 in a guidance memorandum and contradicted an earlier recommendation from the BIAs Regional Director. In March 2009, the Menominee Tribe withdrew a related lawsuit against the federal government while reserving its right to re-file in the event the January 2008 guidance memorandum is not withdrawn and the decision on the Menominee Project site is not reconsidered and reversed by the Secretary of the Interior. The United States Supreme Courts Carcieri decision, discussed above, is not expected to affect the Menominee Project. We believe the rejection of the land into trust application for the Kenosha site announced in January 2009 decreased the probability that the Menominee Tribe will obtain the necessary regulatory approvals in order to proceed with the Menominee Project, and officials appointed by the new presidential administration have not yet taken a position on reversal of the January 2008 guidance memorandum or the January 2009 rejection of the Kenosha application. As of September 30, 2008, we
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had fully reserved the WTG receivables pertaining to reimbursable development costs and expenses in connection with the Menominee Project and have written-off the remaining related development rights intangible asset. As of September 30, 2009, the WTG receivables remain fully reserved.
Pursuant to an option agreement, as amended, which was assigned to WTG upon its purchase of the development rights for the Menominee Project, for the purchase of Dairyland Greyhound Park in Kenosha, the proposed site for the Menominee Project, in November 2009, WTG consented to the cessation of operations at the Dairyland Greyhound Park and the option payments were accordingly adjusted, subject to various conditions. The current operators of the Dairyland Greyhound Park have announced that the facility will be closed in January 2010.
Other Projects
In March 2008, we formed Mohegan Gaming & Hospitality, LLC, or MG&H, with the Tribe to evaluate and pursue new business opportunities. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, MTGA Gaming, LLC, or MTGA Gaming, holds a 49% membership interest in MG&H and the Tribe holds the remaining 51% membership interest. MG&H subsequently formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Mohegan Resorts, LLC, or Mohegan Resorts. It is anticipated that certain of our and the Tribes future diversification efforts will be conducted, either directly or indirectly, through MG&H and/or Mohegan Resorts. Mohegan Resorts is currently evaluating potential gaming opportunities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mohegan Resorts has entered into a ground lease for approximately 152 acres of land located in Palmer, Massachusetts, which would serve as a potential site for future gaming development, if legalized in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Mohegan Resorts also was a partner in an unsuccessful effort, ended in September 2008, to secure a gaming license for the development of a gaming facility in the State of Kansas.
Explanation of Key Financial Statement Captions
Gross Revenues
Our gross revenues are derived primarily from the following four sources:
| gaming revenues, which include revenues from slot machines, table games, keno, live harness racing at Pocono Downs and Racebook operations, including pari-mutuel wagering revenues from our Racebook operations at Mohegan Sun and our Pennsylvania OTW facilities; |
| food and beverage revenues; |
| hotel revenues; and |
| retail, entertainment and other revenues, which include revenues from retail shops we manage, the Mohegan Sun Arena, MBC and Mohegan Golf. |
Our largest component of revenues is gaming revenues, which are recognized as amounts wagered less prizes paid out, and is comprised primarily of revenues from slot machines and table games at Mohegan Sun, as well as slot machines at Pocono Downs. Revenues from slot machines are the largest component of our gaming revenues. Gross slot revenues, also referred to as gross slot win, represent all amounts played in the slot machines reduced by: (1) winnings paid out, and (2) slot tickets issued. Pursuant to the Mohegan Compact and requirements of our Pennsylvania Category One slot machine license, we report gross slot revenues and other statistical information related to slot machine operations to the State of Connecticut and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. On a monthly basis, we also post this information on our website at www.mtga.com.
Other commonly used terms in the discussion of revenues from slot machines include base jackpots, progressive slot machines, progressive jackpots, net slot revenues, slot handle, gross slot hold percentage, net slot hold percentage, rated players and slot win efficiency. Base jackpots represent the fixed minimum amount of slot machine payouts for a specific combination. We charge base jackpots to revenues when established. Progressive slot machines retain a portion of each amount wagered and aggregate the retained amounts with similar amounts from other slot machines in order to create one-time winnings that are substantially larger than those paid in the
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ordinary course of play. We refer to such aggregated amounts as progressive jackpots. Wide-area progressive jackpot amounts are paid by third-party vendors, and remitted as a weekly payment to each vendor based on a percentage of the slot handle for each wide-area progressive slot machine. We accrue in-house progressive jackpot amounts until paid, and such accrued amounts are deducted from gross slot revenues, along with wide-area progressive jackpot amounts, to arrive at net slot revenues, also referred to as net slot win. Net slot revenues are included in gaming revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Slot handle is the total amount wagered by patrons on slot machines during the period, including free promotional slot plays issued to patrons. Gross slot hold percentage is the gross slot win as a percentage of slot handle. Net slot hold percentage is the net slot win as a percentage of slot handle. Rated players are patrons whose gaming activities are tracked under our Players Club program. Slot win efficiency is a measure of our percentage of gross slot revenues in a market area compared to the percentage of the slot machines we operate in that market area.
Commonly used terms in the discussion of revenues from table games include table games revenues, table games drop and table games hold percentage. Table games revenues represents the closing table games inventory plus table games drop and credit slips for cash, chips or tokens returned to the casino cage, less opening table games inventory, discounts provided on patron losses, free bet coupons and chip fills to the tables. Table games drop is the total amount of cash, free bet coupons, cash advance drafts, customer deposit withdrawals, safekeeping withdrawals and credit issued at the table contained in the locked container at each gaming table. Table games hold percentage is the table games revenues as a percentage of table games drop.
Revenues from food and beverage, hotel, retail, entertainment events and other services are recognized at the time the service is performed. Minimum rental revenues that we receive pursuant to our rental lease agreements for The Shops at Mohegan Sun and tenants at Pocono Downs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases. Percentage rents are recognized in the period in which the tenants exceed their respective percentage rent thresholds.
Promotional Allowances
We operate a program for our guests at Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs, without membership fees, called the Players Club. This program provides complimentary food, beverage, hotel, retail, entertainment and other services to guests, as applicable, based on points that are awarded for guests gaming activities. These points may be used to purchase, among other things, items at the retail stores and restaurants located within Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs, including The Shops at Mohegan Sun and the Mohegan Sun gasoline and convenience center. Points also may be used to purchase hotel services and tickets to entertainment events held at Mohegan Sun facilities. The retail value of these complimentary items is included in gross revenues when redeemed at facilities operated by us and then deducted as promotional allowances to arrive at net revenues. The cost associated with reimbursing third parties for the value of these complimentary items redeemed at third-party outlets is charged to gaming expenses.
We also have ongoing promotional programs which offer coupons to our guests for the purchase of food, beverage, hotel and retail amenities offered within Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs, as applicable. The retail value of items or services purchased with coupons at facilities operated by us within Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs is included in gross revenues and the respective coupon value is deducted as promotional allowances to arrive at net revenues. The cost associated with reimbursing third parties for the value of coupons redeemed at third-party outlets is charged to gaming expenses.
Gaming Expenses
Gaming expenses primarily include the portion of gross revenues from slot machines that must be paid to the State of Connecticut and the PGCB, which are referred to as Slot Win Contribution and Pennsylvania Gaming Tax, respectively. For each 12-month period commencing July 1, 1995, the Slot Win Contribution from Mohegan Sun is the lesser of: (1) 30% of gross revenues from slot machines at Mohegan Sun, or (2) the greater of (a) 25%
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of gross revenues from slot machines at Mohegan Sun or (b) $80.0 million. Pennsylvania Gaming Tax payments payable to the PGCB on a daily basis is 55% of gross revenues from slot machines at Pocono Downs, 2% of which is subject to a $10.0 million minimum annual threshold.
Gaming expenses also include, among other things, expenses associated with operation of slot machines, table games, keno, live harness racing at Pocono Downs and Racebook, certain marketing expenses, and promotional expenses for the Players Club points and coupons redeemed at our hotel, restaurants and retail outlets, as well as third-party tenant outlets.
Income from Operations
We calculate income from operations as net revenues less total operating costs and expenses. Income from operations represents only those amounts that relate to our consolidated operations and excludes accretion of discount to the relinquishment liability, interest income and expense, write-off of debt issuance costs, gain on early extinguishment of debt, minority interests, income from discontinued operations and other non-operating income and expense.
Reassessment of Relinquishment Liability and Accretion of Discount to the Relinquishment Liability
In February 1998, we entered into a relinquishment agreement with Trading Cove Associates, or TCA. The relinquishment agreement provides that we will make certain payments to TCA out of, and determined as a percentage of, revenues, as defined under the relinquishment agreement, generated by Mohegan Sun over a 15-year period. In accordance with authoritative guidance issued by the FASB pertaining to the accounting for contingencies, we have recorded a relinquishment liability of the estimated present value of its obligations under the relinquishment agreement. We reassess projected revenues and consequently the relinquishment liability: (1) annually in conjunction with the budgeting process, or (2) when necessary to account for material increases or decreases in projected revenues over the relinquishment period. Further, we record a quarterly accretion to the relinquishment liability to reflect the impact of the time value of money. Since there is a high level of estimation and judgment (including those related to estimates of future revenue projections and impact and timing of future competition) used with respect to calculating this liability, future events that affect such estimates and judgments may cause the actual liability to significantly differ from the estimate. In addition, we have capitalized $130.0 million of this relinquishment liability in connection with a trademark value of the Mohegan Sun brand name. In accordance with authoritative guidance issued by the FASB pertaining to intangible assets, the Mohegan Sun trademark is no longer subject to amortization because it has been deemed to have an indefinite useful life. The Mohegan Sun trademark is assessed at least annually for impairment pursuant to appropriate accounting standards.
Results of Operations
Summary Operating Results
As of September 30, 2009, we own and operate Mohegan Sun, the Connecticut Sun WNBA franchise and the Mohegan Sun Country Club in Connecticut, collectively the Connecticut entities, and the Pocono Downs entities. All of our revenues are derived from these operations. The Connecticut Sun WNBA franchise and the Mohegan Sun Country Club are aggregated with the Mohegan Sun operating segment because these operations all share similar economic characteristics. Our executive officers review and assess the performance and operating results and determine the proper allocation of resources to the Connecticut entities and the Pocono Downs entities on a separate basis. We, therefore, believe that we have two separate reportable segments due to the differing nature of their operations: (1) Mohegan Sun, which comprises the operations of the Connecticut entities, and (2) Pocono Downs, which comprises the operations of the Pocono Downs entities.
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The following table summarizes our results from operations on a property basis (in thousands, except where noted):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Dollar Variance | Percentage Variance | ||||||||||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mohegan Sun |
$ | 1,203,765 | $ | 1,362,945 | $ | 1,430,560 | $ | (159,180 | ) | $ | (67,615 | ) | (11.7% | ) | (4.7% | ) | ||||||||||
Pocono Downs |
251,352 | 209,238 | 189,506 | 42,114 | 19,732 | 20.1% | 10.4% | |||||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,455,117 | $ | 1,572,183 | $ | 1,620,066 | $ | (117,066 | ) | $ | (47,883 | ) | (7.4% | ) | (3.0% | ) | ||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mohegan Sun |
$ | 247,678 | $ | 280,232 | $ | 287,017 | $ | (32,554 | ) | $ | (6,785 | ) | (11.6% | ) | (2.4% | ) | ||||||||||
Pocono Downs |
12,378 | 12,093 | 16,137 | 285 | (4,044 | ) | 2.4% | (25.1% | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Corporate expenses |
(17,310 | ) | (28,959 | ) | (10,586 | ) | 11,649 | (18,373 | ) | (40.2% | ) | 173.6% | ||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 242,746 | $ | 263,366 | $ | 292,568 | $ | (20,620 | ) | $ | (29,202 | ) | (7.8% | ) | (10.0% | ) | ||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 119,344 | $ | 149,260 | $ | 172,567 | $ | (29,916 | ) | $ | (23,307 | ) | (20.0% | ) | (13.5% | ) | ||||||||||
Operating margin: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mohegan Sun |
20.6% | 20.6% | 20.1% | - | 0.5% | - | 2.5% | |||||||||||||||||||
Pocono Downs |
4.9% | 5.8% | 8.5% | (0.9% | ) | (2.7% | ) | (15.5% | ) | (31.8% | ) | |||||||||||||||
Total |
16.7% | 16.8% | 18.1% | (0.1% | ) | (1.3% | ) | (0.6% | ) | (7.2% | ) |
The most significant factors and trends that we believe impacted our financial performance were as follows:
| the national economic recession and the related weakening of consumer discretionary spending; |
| increased competition and promotional spending in the Northeast gaming market from gaming facilities at Empire City in Yonkers, New York, Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut, and Twin River in Lincoln, Rhode Island, which resulted in lower slot revenues at Mohegan Sun; |
| the execution of a company-wide cost containment program, which positively impacted operating costs and expenses at Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs; |
| the July 2008 opening of Project Sunrise, which generated additional slot and food and beverage revenues at Pocono Downs; |
| additional gaming and hotel capacity added by Foxwoods following the May 2008 opening of its MGM Grand at Foxwoods, which negatively impacted gaming and non-gaming revenues at Mohegan Sun; |
| increased competition in the Northeastern Pennsylvania gaming market following the October 2007 opening of Mount Airy Casino Resort, or Mount Airy, and the May 2009 opening of Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, or Sands Bethlehem, which negatively impacted slot revenues at Pocono Downs; |
| the August 2008 opening of Casino of the Wind, including our 42-table poker room; and |
| increased promotional room rates offered to gaming patrons, designed to maintain hotel occupancy levels to support gaming and non-gaming revenues at Mohegan Sun. |
Non-recurring factors that affected our financial performance were as follows:
| an $8.5 million non-operating gain on early extinguishment of debt in fiscal 2009 in connection with the repurchase of $14.3 million of our outstanding 2001 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes due July 1, 2011; |
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| an $8.1 million reduction in free promotional play contribution in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008 resulting from a settlement with the State of Connecticut regarding contribution payments on our free promotional slot play program, which had the effect of reducing operating costs and expenses at Mohegan Sun; |
| $4.5 million in non-operating asset write-offs in fiscal 2009 related to previously capitalized Project Horizon costs; |
| $2.0 million in utility rebates received from the Tribe, our utility provider, and $3.2 million in lower tribal services expense in fiscal 2009; |
| a $1.6 million non-operating loss in fiscal 2009 in connection with the amendment to the purchase agreement for Pocono Downs to accelerate the outstanding refund payment; |
| $9.5 million in non-operating charges in fiscal 2008 for additional reserves against the net assets of WTG in connection with the Menominee Project; |
| a $2.6 million increase in bad debt expense related to gaming receivables at Mohegan Sun in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007; |
| a $3.5 million operating charge in fiscal 2007 in connection with a settlement of property tax litigation related to the Pocono Downs facility; and |
| non-cash relinquishment liability reassessment credits of $45.7 million and $68.9 million in fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively, and a relinquishment liability reassessment charge of $3.0 million in fiscal 2007. |
Net revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased as a result of declines in both gaming and non-gaming revenues at Mohegan Sun, partially offset by increased slot and non-gaming revenues at Pocono Downs and reduced promotional allowances at Mohegan Sun. Net revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 also reflect the addition of poker revenues at Mohegan Sun.
Net revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily as a result of declines in slot and table games revenues at Mohegan Sun. These declines were partially offset by increased slot revenues at Pocono Downs due to a full year of slot operations and the opening of Project Sunrise and higher entertainment revenues at Mohegan Sun.
Income from operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily as a result of the reduction in net revenues at Mohegan Sun and the decrease in the non-cash relinquishment liability reassessment credit, which was $45.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to $68.9 million for the prior fiscal year. The non-cash relinquishment liability reassessment credits had the effect of reducing operating expenses. These results were partially offset by the reduction in free promotional slot play contribution at Mohegan Sun and the impact of our company-wide cost containment program. Income from operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 also reflects lower Corporate-related expenses primarily resulting from the non-recurring charges recorded in fiscal 2008 in connection with the Menominee Project. The slight decrease in total operating margin was primarily attributable to increased operating costs and expenses at Pocono Downs, including high post-opening staffing costs in connection with Project Sunrise and increased depreciation expense on Project Sunrise and related slot machines and equipment placed into service in July 2008. Pocono Downs has a significantly lower operating margin than Mohegan Sun due to higher gaming tax rates assessed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Income from operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased as a result of the decline in net revenues at Mohegan Sun, increased operating costs and expenses at Pocono Downs due to the opening of Project Sunrise and a full year of slot operations and higher Corporate-related expenses primarily due to the additional reserves recorded against the net assets of WTG in connection with the Menominee Project and increased tribal services expense. The total decrease in income from operations was
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partially offset by the growth in net revenues at Pocono Downs and the non-cash relinquishment liability reassessment credit, which was $68.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to a $3.0 million non-cash relinquishment liability reassessment charge for the prior fiscal year. The non-cash relinquishment liability reassessment credit had the effect of reducing operating expenses. The decrease in total operating margin was primarily attributable to the reduction in Pocono Downs operating margin resulting from the weakening economy, new competition from Mount Airy and the increased operating costs and expenses. Pocono Downs has a significantly lower operating margin than Mohegan Sun due to higher gaming tax rates assessed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The decrease in total operating margin also was due to the increase in Corporate-related expenses.
Net income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily as a result of the reduction in income from operations, increased interest expense, the asset write-offs related to Project Horizon and the loss on the amendment to the purchase agreement for Pocono Downs, partially offset by the gain on early extinguishment of debt and the non-recurring charges in connection with the Menominee Project. The increased interest expense was due to higher weighted average outstanding debt, resulting from additional borrowings on our bank credit facility to fund capital expenditures for Project Horizon and Project Sunrise, and lower capitalized interest, partially offset by lower weighted average interest rate.
Net income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily due to the decrease in income from operations.
Mohegan Sun
Gross Revenues
Gross revenues consisted of the following (in thousands):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Dollar Variance | Percentage Variance | |||||||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Gaming |
$ | 1,078,286 | $ | 1,209,547 | $ | 1,286,915 | $ | (131,261 | ) | $ | (77,368 | ) | (10.9% | ) | (6.0% | ) | |||||||
Food and beverage |
77,457 | 93,028 | 94,905 | (15,571 | ) | (1,877 | ) | (16.7% | ) | (2.0% | ) | ||||||||||||
Hotel |
39,567 | 48,740 | 47,333 | (9,173 | ) | 1,407 | (18.8% | ) | 3.0% | ||||||||||||||
Retail, entertainment and other |
116,982 | 139,490 | 129,658 | (22,508 | ) | 9,832 | (16.1% | ) | 7.6% | ||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,312,292 | $ | 1,490,805 | $ | 1,558,811 | $ | (178,513 | ) | $ | (68,006 | ) | (12.0% | ) | (4.4% | ) | |||||||
The following table summarizes the percentage of gross revenues from each of the four revenue sources:
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | ||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||
Gaming |
82.2% | 81.1% | 82.6% | |||
Food and beverage |
5.9% | 6.2% | 6.1% | |||
Hotel |
3.0% | 3.3% | 3.0% | |||
Retail, entertainment and other |
8.9% | 9.4% | 8.3% | |||
Total |
100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% | |||
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The following table presents data related to gaming revenues (in thousands, except where noted):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Variance | Percentage Variance | |||||||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Slot handle |
$ | 9,255,718 | $ | 10,110,965 | $ | 10,601,193 | $ | (855,247 | ) | $ | (490,228 | ) | (8.5% | ) | (4.6% | ) | |||||||
Gross slot revenues |
$ | 779,625 | $ | 855,859 | $ | 921,651 | $ | (76,234 | ) | $ | (65,792 | ) | (8.9% | ) | (7.1% | ) | |||||||
Net slot revenues |
$ | 751,304 | $ | 823,776 | $ | 889,409 | $ | (72,472 | ) | $ | (65,633 | ) | (8.8% | ) | (7.4% | ) | |||||||
Weighted average number of slot machines (in units) |
6,752 | 6,159 | 6,060 | 593 | 99 | 9.6% | 1.6% | ||||||||||||||||
Gross slot hold percentage |
8.4% | 8.5% | 8.7% | (0.1% | ) | (0.2% | ) | (1.2% | ) | (2.3% | ) | ||||||||||||
Gross slot win per unit per day (in dollars) |
$ | 316 | $ | 380 | $ | 417 | $ | (64 | ) | $ | (37 | ) | (16.8% | ) | (8.9% | ) | |||||||
Table games drop |
$ | 2,108,767 | $ | 2,609,726 | $ | 2,482,494 | $ | (500,959 | ) | $ | 127,232 | (19.2% | ) | 5.1% | |||||||||
Table games revenues |
$ | 305,896 | $ | 374,485 | $ | 386,357 | $ | (68,589 | ) | $ | (11,872 | ) | (18.3% | ) | (3.1% | ) | |||||||
Weighted average number of table games (in units) |
326 | 322 | 302 | 4 | 20 | 1.2% | 6.6% | ||||||||||||||||
Table games hold percentage (1) |
14.5% | 14.4% | 15.6% | 0.1% | (1.2% | ) | 0.7% | (7.7% | ) | ||||||||||||||
Table games revenue per unit per day (in dollars) |
$ | 2,573 | $ | 3,177 | $ | 3,511 | $ | (604 | ) | $ | (334 | ) | (19.0% | ) | (9.5% | ) | |||||||
Poker revenues (2) |
$ | 11,974 | $ | 875 | $ | - | $ | 11,099 | $ | 875 | 1,268.5% | 100.0% | |||||||||||
Weighted average number of poker tables (in units) |
42 | 4 | - | 38 | 4 | 950.0% | 100.0% | ||||||||||||||||
Poker revenue per unit per day (in dollars) |
$ | 781 | $ | 631 | $ | - | $ | 150 | $ | 631 | 23.8% | 100.0% |
(1) | Table games hold percentage is relatively predictable over longer periods of time, but can significantly fluctuate over shorter periods. |
(2) | Reflects results of the 42-table poker room, which opened in August 2008. |
The following table presents slot data related to Mohegan Suns market area (in thousands, except where noted):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Variance | Percentage Variance | |||||||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northeast gaming market (1) (2): |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross slot revenues |
$ | 2,538,152 | $ | 2,656,519 | $ | 2,496,947 | $ | (118,367 | ) | $ | 159,572 | (4.5% | ) | 6.4% | |||||||||
Mohegan Sun slot win market share |
31.9% | 33.2% | 36.9% | (1.3% | ) | (3.7% | ) | (3.9% | ) | (10.0% | ) | ||||||||||||
Mohegan Sun slot win efficiency |
123.5% | 133.9% | 139.3% | (10.4% | ) | (5.4% | ) | (7.8% | ) | (3.9% | ) | ||||||||||||
Connecticut gaming market (3): |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross slot revenues |
$ | 1,467,457 | $ | 1,603,695 | $ | 1,725,117 | $ | (136,238 | ) | $ | (121,422 | ) | (8.5% | ) | (7.0% | ) | |||||||
Free promotional slot plays (4) |
85,288 | 97,523 | 38,263 | (12,235 | ) | 59,260 | (12.5% | ) | 154.9% | ||||||||||||||
Mohegan Sun free promotional slot plays (4) |
27,981 | 27,671 | - | 310 | 27,671 | 1.1% | 100.0% | ||||||||||||||||
Mohegan Sun slot win market share |
53.1% | 53.4% | 53.4% | (0.3% | ) | - | (0.6% | ) | - | ||||||||||||||
Mohegan Sun slot win efficiency |
114.8% | 118.3% | 117.1% | (3.5% | ) | 1.2% | (3.0% | ) | 1.0% |
(1) | Northeast gaming market consists of Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods, Twin River, Newport Grand and Empire City. |
(2) | Includes free promotional slot plays. |
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(3) | Connecticut gaming market consists of Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods. |
(4) | Free promotional slot plays are included in slot handle, but not reflected in slot revenues. |
Gaming revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased due to lower slot and table games revenues, partially offset by the addition of poker revenues from our new poker room in Casino of the Wind. The decline in slot revenues resulted from lower slot handle due to reduced consumer discretionary spending on activities such as gaming, leisure and hospitality likely caused by the national economic recession. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, the number of Mohegan Suns rated slot player trips declined 2.3%, while spending per rated slot player decreased 8.2% as compared to the prior fiscal year. Increased promotional spending by competitors, as well as additional gaming and hotel capacity added by Foxwoods, following the May 2008 opening of its MGM Grand at Foxwoods, also may have contributed to the decline in slot revenues. Additionally, slot revenues were impacted by unfavorable winter weather conditions and reduced entertainment events at the Mohegan Sun Arena. We believe our slot win efficiency in the Northeast gaming market likely was impacted by some customers in the New York City and Boston area markets choosing to frequent closer gaming facilities in the states of New York and Rhode Island, and increased promotional spending by competitors. Our slot win efficiency in the Connecticut gaming market decreased due to higher weighted average number of slot machines following the August 2008 opening of Casino of the Wind and increased promotional spending by Foxwoods. The decline in table games revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily attributable to lower table games drop, in particular, high-limit table games play. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, the number of Mohegan Suns rated table games patron trips increased 5.1%, while spending per rated table games patron decreased 21.2% as compared to the prior fiscal year, reflecting the decline in high-limit table games play, as well as the overall reduction in consumer spending likely caused by the national economic recession. Table games hold percentage is relatively predictable over longer periods of time, but can significantly fluctuate over shorter periods.
Gaming revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased due to declines in slot and table games revenues. The decrease in slot revenues likely resulted from the weakening economy, increased promotional spending from Foxwoods, including free promotional slot plays, and increased competition from Empire City and Twin River, as well as Foxwoods, following the opening of its MGM Grand at Foxwoods. The decline in slot revenues also was likely attributable, in part, to the weakening of consumer discretionary spending and high gas prices, both resulting in lower spending by gaming patrons. The decrease in our gross slot hold percentage was primarily attributable to the redemption of free promotional slot plays. We believe our slot win efficiency in the Northeast gaming market likely was impacted, in part, by increased competition from Empire City and Twin River and higher gas prices, as customers in the New York City and Boston area markets likely chose to frequent closer gaming facilities in the states of New York and Rhode Island. The decline in table games revenues was primarily attributable to a decrease in table games hold percentage, partially offset by an increase in table games drop. Table games hold percentage is relatively predictable over longer periods of time, but can significantly fluctuate over shorter periods. The growth in table games drop primarily resulted from increased high-limit table games play and the success of our Asian table games business.
Food and beverage revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily due to a $12.9 million decline in food revenues, resulting from a 20.5% reduction in the number of meals served at Mohegan Sun-owned food outlets. The decreased number of meals served reflects, in part, the temporary closure of the Mohegan Sun Earth food court and the remodeling of Birches Bar & Grill, to accommodate the renovation and re-opening of the Winter Entrance, as well as the May 2009 permanent closure of Fidelias Restaurant in Casino of the Sky, an outlet owned and operated by Mohegan Sun, which was replaced by Bobby Flays Bar Americain in November 2009. Food and beverage revenues also were negatively impacted by the July 2009 opening of Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and the September 2008 opening of Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville Restaurant, both of which resulted in decreased patron visitation at Mohegan Sun-owned food outlets. Additionally, the decrease in food and beverage revenues likely was attributable to the overall weakness in consumer spending, as well as a reduction in banquet revenues from the Mohegan Sun convention center and
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reduced entertainment events at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The decreased number of meals served was partially offset by a 4.6% increase in the average price per cover.
Food and beverage revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily due to a $2.0 million decline in food revenues, partially offset by a slight increase in beverage revenues. The decline in food revenues primarily resulted from a 6.5% reduction in the number of meals served due to decreased patronage at Mohegan Sun-owned food outlets. The decrease in the number of meals served was partially offset by the addition of revenues from the Hong Kong-style food outlet in Sunrise Square, and a 4.2% increase in the average price per cover.
The following table presents data related to hotel revenues:
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Variance | Percentage Variance | |||||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | ||||||||||||||||||
Rooms occupied |
409,100 | 402,600 | 399,500 | 6,500 | 3,100 | 1.6% | 0.8% | ||||||||||||||
Average daily room rate (ADR) |
$ | 92 | $ | 113 | $ | 112 | $ | (21 | ) | $ | 1 | (18.6% | ) | 0.9% | |||||||
Occupancy rate |
95.4% | 93.6% | 93.2% | 1.8% | 0.4% | 1.9% | 0.4% | ||||||||||||||
Revenue per available room (REVPAR) |
$ | 88 | $ | 105 | $ | 104 | $ | (17 | ) | $ | 1 | (16.2% | ) | 1.0% |
Hotel revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily as a result of lower room rates offered to gaming patrons to compete with increased hotel and meeting room capacity added by MGM Grand at Foxwoods and room pricing pressures from our competitors. ADR was adversely impacted by lower demand for higher-rate group business, consistent with nationwide trends of reduced business travel and convention visits. Reductions in room rates are designed to maintain occupancy levels to support gaming and other revenues.
Hotel revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily as a result the slight increases in ADR and hotel occupancy. The increase in ADR was supported by more entertainment events, as further discussed below. The increase in hotel occupancy was primarily attributable to rooms being out of service during the prior fiscal year due to a hotel room renovation program, which began in January 2007 and was completed in June 2007.
Retail, entertainment and other revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily due to a $10.2 million decline in entertainment revenues. The decline in entertainment revenues resulted from a significant decrease in the number of shows at the Mohegan Sun Arena, including fewer headliner shows, primarily due to a reduction in available entertainment acts on tour and scheduling dates reserved for the Connecticut Sun basketball team which were not utilized. These factors resulted in a 21.5% decrease in Arena tickets sold. The decrease in retail, entertainment and other revenues also was due to a $9.6 million decline in gasoline revenues, as a result of a significant decrease in the average price per gallon of gasoline sold.
Retail, entertainment and other revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily as a result of a $10.6 million growth in entertainment revenues due to an increase in the number of shows at the Mohegan Sun Arena, resulting in a 12.4% increase in Arena tickets sold, as well as a 10.7% increase in the average price per ticket from more headliner shows performed in the Arena. The growth in retail, entertainment and other revenues also was the result of a $2.4 million increase in gasoline revenues due to an increase in the average price per gallon of gasoline sold. The increase in retail, entertainment and other revenues was partially offset by a $4.4 million decline in retail revenues due to decreased patronage at Mohegan Sun-owned retail outlets.
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Promotional Allowances
The retail value of providing promotional allowances was included in revenues as follows (in thousands):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Dollar Variance | Percentage Variance | |||||||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Food and beverage |
$ | 37,115 | $ | 43,544 | $ | 45,591 | $ | (6,429 | ) | $ | (2,047 | ) | (14.8% | ) | (4.5% | ) | |||||||
Hotel |
16,369 | 15,246 | 16,385 | 1,123 | (1,139 | ) | 7.4% | (7.0% | ) | ||||||||||||||
Retail, entertainment and other |
55,043 | 69,070 | 66,275 | (14,027 | ) | 2,795 | (20.3% | ) | 4.2% | ||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 108,527 | $ | 127,860 | $ | 128,251 | $ | (19,333 | ) | $ | (391 | ) | (15.1% | ) | (0.3% | ) | |||||||
The estimated cost of providing promotional allowances was included in operating costs and expenses, primarily gaming, as follows (in thousands):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Dollar Variance | Percentage Variance | |||||||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Food and beverage |
$ | 38,231 | $ | 45,371 | $ | 46,427 | $ | (7,140 | ) | $ | (1,056 | ) | (15.7% | ) | (2.3% | ) | |||||||
Hotel |
9,552 | 8,048 | 8,866 | 1,504 | (818 | ) | 18.7% | (9.2% | ) | ||||||||||||||
Retail, entertainment and other |
45,874 | 58,893 | 53,790 | (13,019 | ) | 5,103 | (22.1% | ) | 9.5% | ||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 93,657 | $ | 112,312 | $ | 109,083 | $ | (18,655 | ) | $ | 3,229 | (16.6% | ) | 3.0% | |||||||||
Promotional allowances for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased as a result of lower redemptions under the Players Club program commensurate with the declines in business volumes.
Promotional allowances for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased as a result of reductions in food and beverage and hotel promotional offerings to patrons, offset by higher retail, entertainment and other promotional allowances, primarily driven by the higher retail price of entertainment offerings and gasoline.
Operating Costs and Expenses
Operating costs and expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Dollar Variance | Percentage Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gaming |
$ | 654,806 | $ | 739,327 | $ | 736,492 | $ | (84,521 | ) | $ | 2,835 | (11.4% | ) | 0.4% | |||||||||||
Food and beverage |
36,239 | 46,084 | 45,384 | (9,845 | ) | 700 | (21.4% | ) | 1.5% | ||||||||||||||||
Hotel |
13,513 | 17,314 | 16,959 | (3,801 | ) | 355 | (22.0% | ) | 2.1% | ||||||||||||||||
Retail, entertainment and other |
40,761 | 56,019 | 47,010 | (15,258 | ) | 9,009 | (27.2% | ) | 19.2% | ||||||||||||||||
Advertising, general and administrative |
178,852 | 207,164 | 211,643 | (28,312 | ) | (4,479 | ) | (13.7% | ) | (2.1% | ) | ||||||||||||||
Pre-opening costs and expenses |
58 | 1,204 | 445 | (1,146 | ) | 759 | (95.2% | ) | 170.6% | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
77,536 | 84,548 | 82,613 | (7,012 | ) | 1,935 | (8.3% | ) | 2.3% | ||||||||||||||||
Relinquishment liability reassessment |
(45,678 | ) | (68,947 | ) | 2,997 | 23,269 | (71,944 | ) | (33.7% | ) | (2,400.5% | ) | |||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 956,087 | $ | 1,082,713 | $ | 1,143,543 | $ | (126,626 | ) | $ | (60,830 | ) | (11.7% | ) | (5.3% | ) | |||||||||
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Gaming costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily as a result of reduced Slot Win Contribution commensurate with the lower slot revenues, as well as decreased non-gaming complimentaries redeemed by casino patrons at Mohegan Sun-owned outlets. The decline in gaming costs and expenses also reflects the reduction in free promotional slot play contribution and the impact of our cost containment program, which resulted in reductions in payroll costs and casino marketing and promotional expenditures. Lower redemption costs due to decreased utilization of Players Club points at third-party outlets also contributed to the decrease in gaming costs and expenses. Additionally, gaming costs and expenses reflect a reduction in bad debt expense related to gaming receivables. Expenses associated with the combined Slot Win Contribution and free promotional slot play contribution totaled $193.8 million and $221.0 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Gaming costs and expenses as a percentage of gaming revenues was 60.7% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to 61.1% for the prior fiscal year.
Gaming costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily as a result of higher bad debt expense related to gaming receivables, additional expenses associated with the free promotional slot play contribution, increased payroll costs due to market driven compensation adjustments and increased medical benefit costs, greater air-travel expenditures for high-limit table games players and an increase in non-gaming complimentaries redeemed by casino patrons at Mohegan Sun-owned outlets. These increases were partially offset by reduced Slot Win Contribution, commensurate with the lower slot revenues, as well as a reduction in redemption costs due to decreased utilization of Players Club points and promotional expenditures targeting third-party outlets. Expenses associated with the combined Slot Win Contribution and free promotional slot play contribution totaled $221.0 million and $230.4 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Gaming costs and expenses as a percentage of gaming revenues was 61.1% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to 57.2% for the prior fiscal year.
Food and beverage costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased due to reduced payroll costs primarily resulting from our cost containment efforts, as well as the temporary closure of the Mohegan Sun Earth food court and the remodeling of Birches Bar & Grill, to accommodate the renovation and re-opening of the Winter Entrance, and the May 2009 permanent closure of Fidelias Restaurant. Lower cost of goods sold as a result of the reduction in the number of meals served also contributed to the decrease in food and beverage costs and expenses. The decline in food and beverage costs and expenses was partially offset by decreased use of food and beverage complimentaries, resulting in lower amounts of food and beverage costs being allocated to gaming costs and expenses.
Food and beverage costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily as a result of higher payroll and medical insurance costs, partially offset by lower cost of goods sold and other operating costs. The increase in food and beverage costs and expenses also resulted from decreased use of food and beverage complimentaries, resulting in lower amounts of food and beverage costs being allocated to gaming costs and expenses.
Hotel costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily as a result of increased use of hotel complimentaries, resulting in higher amounts of hotel costs being allocated to gaming costs and expenses. The reduction in hotel costs and expenses also reflects the impact of our cost containment program.
Hotel costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily as a result of higher payroll and medical benefit costs, as well as an increase in other operating costs, including costs for the replacement of room supplies.
Retail, entertainment and other costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily due to a significant reduction in direct entertainment costs resulting from the decreased number of shows at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Lower cost of goods sold as a result of the reduction in
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the average cost per gallon of gasoline sold and reduced patronage at Mohegan Sun-owned retail outlets also contributed to the decrease in retail, entertainment and other costs and expenses. Additionally, the decline in retail, entertainment and other costs and expenses reflects the impact of our cost containment efforts. The decline in retail, entertainment and other costs and expenses was partially offset by decreased use of retail, entertainment and other complimentaries, resulting in lower amounts of retail, entertainment and other costs and expenses being allocated to gaming costs and expenses.
Retail, entertainment and other costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily due to higher direct entertainment costs resulting from the increased number of shows at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Increased cost of goods sold for gasoline resulting from the increase in the average cost per gallon of gasoline sold also contributed to the growth in retail, entertainment and other costs and expenses. These increases were partially offset by increased use of entertainment and other complimentaries resulting in higher amounts of retail, entertainment and other costs and expenses being allocated to gaming costs and expenses, as well as decreased cost of goods sold for retail due to lower patronage at Mohegan Sun-owned retail outlets.
Advertising, general and administrative costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily as a result of our cost containment program, which resulted in significant reductions in certain costs and expenses such as payroll and advertising costs and professional and consulting expenditures. The cost containment program also resulted in reductions in most other general and administrative costs and expenses necessary to support Mohegan Sun operations. Additionally, the decline in advertising, general and administrative costs and expenses reflects non-recurring utility rebates received from the Tribe and lower tribal services expense.
Advertising, general and administrative costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily as a result of non-recurring one-time costs relating to the hotel room renovation program and the Mohegan Sun ten-year anniversary festivities for employees and patrons, both of which occurred in fiscal 2007. These reductions were partially offset by higher payroll costs primarily due to market driven compensation adjustments and increased medical benefit costs, as well as increased professional costs and consulting expenditures.
Pre-opening costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 were minimal.
Pre-opening costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 were comprised of direct incremental personnel, consulting and other costs associated with the Casino of the Wind component of Project Horizon. Construction of Casino of the Wind commenced in June 2007 and was completed in August 2008.
Depreciation and amortization expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily due to fully depreciated furniture and equipment related to Project Sunburst, which was placed into service in fiscal 2002.
Depreciation and amortization expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily due to the commencement of depreciation on Casino of the Wind and related slot machines and equipment placed into service in August 2008.
Relinquishment liability reassessment for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 had the effect of substantially reducing operating expenses. The relinquishment liability reassessment credit was the result of revised Mohegan Sun revenue projections as of the end of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to estimates as of the end of the prior fiscal year on the determination of the relinquishment liability. Our accounting policy is to reassess Mohegan Sun revenue projections, and consequently the relinquishment liability, at least annually in conjunction with our budgeting process or when necessary to account for material increases or decreases in Mohegan Suns projected revenues over the remaining relinquishment period, which expires on December 31, 2014. In fiscal 2009, based on continued declines in business volumes, we concluded that Mohegan Suns
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projected revenues over the remaining relinquishment period would decrease by approximately $917.7 million, thereby decreasing the related relinquishment liability, causing us to record the non-cash relinquishment liability credit of $45.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.
Relinquishment liability reassessment for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 had the effect of substantially reducing operating expenses. The relinquishment liability reassessment credit was the result of revised Mohegan Sun revenue projections as of the end of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to estimates as of the end of the prior fiscal year on the determination of the relinquishment liability. In fiscal 2008, based on the suspension of Project Horizon, a slowdown in business volumes and increased competition in the Northeast gaming market, we concluded that Mohegan Suns projected revenues over the remaining relinquishment period would decrease by approximately $1.55 billion, thereby decreasing the related relinquishment liability, causing us to record the non-cash relinquishment liability credit of $68.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.
Free Promotional Slot Play Contribution Settlement
In 2006, the State of Connecticut asserted that we and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, or MPT, were required to include the value of all free slot plays under our free promotional slot play programs in gross revenues for purposes of calculating Slot Win Contribution payments. In December 2006, the State of Connecticut filed suit against the MPT seeking a declaratory judgment that free promotional slot plays utilized by patrons at Foxwoods constitutes a wager for purposes of calculating slot win contribution payments. In October 2007, the Tribe entered into an agreement with the State of Connecticut to escrow, on a monthly basis, an amount equal to 25% of the value of all free promotional slot plays utilized by patrons at Mohegan Sun. In September 2009, we reached a settlement with the State of Connecticut regarding contribution payments on our free promotional slot play program. Pursuant to the settlement, we agreed to the release and disbursement of $12.2 million of payments escrowed by us, including accrued interest thereon. Of the total amount escrowed, $6.5 million was distributed to us and $5.7 million was distributed to the State of Connecticut pursuant to the settlement agreement. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, gaming costs and expenses reflect a $1.1 million credit relating to the free promotional slot play contribution. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, gaming costs and expenses reflect $6.9 million in expenses associated with the free promotional slot play contribution.
In addition to the disbursement of the escrowed funds under the terms of the settlement agreement, effective July 1, 2009, the State of Connecticut agreed that no value shall be attributed to free promotional slot plays utilized by patrons at Mohegan Sun for purposes of calculating monthly contribution payments, provided that the aggregate amount of such free promotional slot plays during any month does not exceed 5.5% of gross revenues from slot machines for such month. In the event free promotional slot plays exceed 5.5% of monthly gross revenues from slot machines, contribution payments are required on such excess face amount of free promotional slot plays at the same rate as Slot Win Contribution payments, or 25%.
Pocono Downs
Gross Revenues
Gross revenues consisted of the following (in thousands):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Dollar Variance | Percentage Variance | |||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | ||||||||||||||||
Gaming |
$ | 239,055 | $ | 201,227 | $ | 182,428 | $ | 37,828 | $ | 18,799 | 18.8% | 10.3% | |||||||
Food and beverage |
15,648 | 10,940 | 7,192 | 4,708 | 3,748 | 43.0% | 52.1% | ||||||||||||
Retail, entertainment and other |
5,719 | 4,766 | 3,481 | 953 | 1,285 | 20.0% | 36.9% | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 260,422 | $ | 216,933 | $ | 193,101 | $ | 43,489 | $ | 23,832 | 20.0% | 12.3% | |||||||
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The following table summarizes the percentage of gross revenues from each of the three revenue sources:
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | ||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||
Gaming |
91.8% | 92.8% | 94.5% | |||
Food and beverage |
6.0% | 5.0% | 3.7% | |||
Retail, entertainment and other |
2.2% | 2.2% | 1.8% | |||
Total |
100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% | |||
The following table presents data related to gaming revenues (in thousands, except where noted):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Variance | Percentage Variance | |||||||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Slot handle |
$ | 2,628,844 | $ | 2,008,678 | $ | 1,690,417 | $ | 620,166 | $ | 318,261 | 30.9% | 18.8% | |||||||||||
Gross slot revenues |
$ | 217,679 | $ | 176,173 | $ | 157,185 | $ | 41,506 | $ | 18,988 | 23.6% | 12.1% | |||||||||||
Net slot revenues |
$ | 217,835 | $ | 176,743 | $ | 156,031 | $ | 41,092 | $ | 20,712 | 23.2% | 13.3% | |||||||||||
Weighted average number of slot machines (in units) |
2,470 | 1,476 | 1,143 | 994 | 333 | 67.3% | 29.1% | ||||||||||||||||
Gross slot hold percentage |
8.3% | 8.8% | 9.3% | (0.5% | ) | (0.5% | ) | (5.7% | ) | (5.4% | ) | ||||||||||||
Gross slot win per unit per day (in dollars) |
$ | 241 | $ | 326 | $ | 427 | $ | (85 | ) | $ | (101 | ) | (26.1% | ) | (23.7% | ) |
The following table presents slot data related to Pocono Downs market area (in thousands, except where noted):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Variance | Percentage Variance | |||||||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northeastern Pennsylvania gaming market (1): |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross slot revenues |
$ | 479,121 | $ | 336,145 | $ | 157,185 | $ | 142,976 | $ | 178,960 | 42.5% | 113.9% | |||||||||||
Free promotional slot plays (2) |
$ | 70,031 | $ | 14,998 | - | $ | 55,033 | $ | 14,998 | 366.9% | 100.0% | ||||||||||||
Pocono Downs free promotional slot plays (2) |
$ | 26,348 | $ | 3,132 | - | $ | 23,216 | $ | 3,132 | 741.3% | 100.0% | ||||||||||||
Pocono Downs slot win market share |
45.4% | 52.4% | 100.0% | (7.0% | ) | (47.6% | ) | (13.4% | ) | (47.6% | ) | ||||||||||||
Pocono Downs slot win efficiency |
111.8% | 142.0% | 100.0% | (30.2% | ) | 42.0% | (21.3% | ) | 42.0% |
(1) | Northeastern Pennsylvania market consists of Pocono Downs, Mount Airy, which opened on October 22, 2007, and Sands Bethlehem, which opened on May 20, 2009. |
(2) | Free promotional slot plays are included in slot handle, but not reflected in slot revenues. |
Gaming revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year increased due to a full year of operations of Project Sunrise. We believe gaming revenues likely were negatively impacted by increased competition following the May 2009 opening of Sands Bethlehem, as well as the national economic recession. The decrease in gross slot hold percentage was primarily attributable to increased free promotional slot plays provided to Pocono Downs Players Club members. The decreases in our gross slot win per unit per day and slot win efficiency in the Northeastern Pennsylvania gaming market were primarily attributable to an
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increase in the weighted average number of slot machines at Pocono Downs following the opening of Project Sunrise. The decline in our slot win market share in the Northeastern Pennsylvania slot gaming market was attributable to the opening of Sands Bethlehem.
Gaming revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily due to a full year of slot operations and the opening of Project Sunrise, partially offset by increased competition following the October 2007 opening of Mount Airy. Slot results also were impacted by the weakening economy, business disruptions caused by Project Sunrise construction and increased promotional activities from Mount Airy, including free promotional slot plays. The decrease in gross slot win per unit per day was primarily attributable to the increase in the weighted average number of slot machines at Pocono Downs following the opening of Project Sunrise. The decrease in gross slot hold percentage was primarily attributable to the redemption of free promotional slot plays.
Food and beverage revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year increased due to higher average price per cover as a result of a full year of operations of the 300-seat Timbers Buffet.
Food and beverage revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily due to the opening of new food and beverage outlets in connection with Project Sunrise, increased utilization of Pocono Downs Players Club points and promotional coupons at the propertys restaurants and a full period of slot operations, which resulted in increased patron visitation to the facility.
Retail, entertainment and other revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily due to the addition of tenant revenues from outlets opened in connection with Project Sunrise and entertainment revenues from live concerts at the harness racing facility, as well as increased ATM commissions due to an increase in the number and utilization of ATM machines at the facility.
Retail, entertainment and other revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily due to the opening of new retail outlets in connection with Project Sunrise, increased utilization of Pocono Downs Players Club points and promotional coupons at the propertys retail outlets and a full period of slot operations, which resulted in increased patron visitation to the facility.
Promotional Allowances
The retail value of providing promotional allowances was included in revenues as follows (in thousands):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Dollar Variance | Percentage Variance | |||||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | ||||||||||||||||||
Food and beverage |
$ | 7,889 | $ | 6,072 | $ | 2,547 | $ | 1,817 | $ | 3,525 | 29.9% | 138.4% | |||||||||
Retail |
1,181 | 1,623 | 1,048 | (442 | ) | 575 | (27.2% | ) | 54.9% | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 9,070 | $ | 7,695 | $ | 3,595 | $ | 1,375 | $ | 4,100 | 17.9% | 114.0% | |||||||||
The estimated cost of providing promotional allowances was included in gaming costs and expenses as follows (in thousands):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Dollar Variance | Percentage Variance | |||||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | ||||||||||||||||||
Food and beverage |
$ | 7,226 | $ | 6,898 | $ | 2,816 | $ | 328 | $ | 4,082 | 4.8% | 145.0% | |||||||||
Retail |
1,979 | 2,223 | 991 | (244 | ) | 1,232 | (11.0% | ) | 124.3% | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 9,205 | $ | 9,121 | $ | 3,807 | $ | 84 | $ | 5,314 | 0.9% | 139.6% | |||||||||
Promotional allowances for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 compared to the respective prior fiscal year increased due to higher redemptions under the Players Club program at food and beverage outlets.
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Operating Costs and Expenses
Operating costs and expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Dollar Variance | Percentage Variance | |||||||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Gaming |
$ | 178,282 | $ | 152,707 | $ | 132,841 | $ | 25,575 | $ | 19,866 | 16.7% | 15.0% | |||||||||||
Food and beverage |
6,481 | 3,867 | 5,115 | 2,614 | (1,248 | ) | 67.6% | (24.4% | ) | ||||||||||||||
Retail, entertainment and other |
1,529 | 829 | 1,425 | 700 | (596 | ) | 84.4% | (41.8% | ) | ||||||||||||||
Advertising, general and administrative |
26,798 | 22,243 | 19,942 | 4,555 | 2,301 | 20.5% | 11.5% | ||||||||||||||||
Pre-opening costs and expenses |
224 | 3,448 | 3,391 | (3,224 | ) | 57 | (93.5% | ) | 1.7% | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
25,660 | 14,051 | 10,655 | 11,609 | 3,396 | 82.6% | 31.9% | ||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 238,974 | $ | 197,145 | $ | 173,369 | $ | 41,829 | $ | 23,776 | 21.2% | 13.7% | |||||||||||
Gaming costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year increased as a result of additional operating costs and expenses necessary to support Project Sunrise, including an increase in the Pennsylvania Gaming Tax commensurate with the growth in slot revenues, and higher redemption costs due to increased utilization of Players Club points and promotional coupons at third-party outlets. The increase in gaming costs and expenses also was due to high post-opening staffing costs in connection with Project Sunrise. Gaming costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 also reflect the impact of our cost containment efforts. Expenses associated with the Pennsylvania Gaming Tax totaled $125.3 million and $103.4 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Gaming costs and expenses as a percentage of gaming revenues was 74.6% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to 75.9% for the prior fiscal year.
Gaming costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily as a result of additional operating costs and expenses necessary to support Project Sunrise and a full period of slot operations, including the Pennsylvania Gaming Tax, as well as increased non-gaming complimentaries redeemed by casino patrons at Pocono Downs-owned outlets. The increase in gaming costs and expenses also reflects approximately $1.1 million in expenses incurred for leased slot machines and related costs during the transition from the Phase I slot facility to the Phase II slot facility. Expenses associated with the Pennsylvania Gaming Tax totaled $103.4 million and $92.2 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Gaming costs and expenses as a percentage of gaming revenues was 75.9% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to 72.8% for the prior fiscal year.
Food and beverage costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year increased due to additional costs and expenses necessary to support the new food and beverage outlets opened in connection with Project Sunrise, partially offset by increased use of food and beverage complimentaries resulting in higher amounts of food and beverage costs being allocated to gaming costs and expenses.
Food and beverage costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily as a result of increased use of food and beverage complimentaries resulting in higher amounts of food and beverage costs being allocated to gaming costs and expenses, partially offset by additional costs and expenses necessary to support food and beverage outlets in connection with Project Sunrise.
Retail, entertainment and other costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily due to higher entertainment costs and expenses resulting from the live concerts at the harness racing facility. Retail, entertainment and other costs and expenses reflect lower retail costs and expenses due to the January 2009 closure of Reflections, Pocono Downs souvenir store.
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Retail, entertainment and other costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily as a result of increased use of retail complimentaries resulting in higher amounts of retail costs being allocated to gaming costs and expenses, partially offset by additional costs and expenses necessary to support retail outlets in connection with Project Sunrise.
Advertising, general and administrative costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year increased as a result of additional costs and expenses necessary to support Project Sunrise, including payroll and utility costs.
Advertising, general and administrative costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily as a result of additional costs and expenses necessary to support Project Sunrise and a full period of slot operations, as well as increased advertising expenditures in response to new competition. These increases were partially offset by the $3.5 million non-recurring charge recorded in the prior fiscal year in connection with the settlement of property tax litigation related to the Pocono Downs facility.
Pre-opening costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 were minimal.
Pre-opening costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 were comprised of direct incremental personnel, consulting and other costs associated with Project Sunrise. Construction of Project Sunrise commenced in May 2007 and was completed in July 2008.
Depreciation and amortization expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily due to a full year of depreciation on Project Sunrise and related slot machines and equipment placed into service in July 2008.
Depreciation and amortization expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily due to additional depreciation charges related to Project Sunrise and the related slot machines and equipment.
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Corporate Expenses and Other Income (Expense)
Corporate expenses and other income (expense) consisted of the following (in thousands):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Dollar Variance | Percentage Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate expenses: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
$ | 83 | $ | 3,771 | (1) | $ | 79 | $ | (3,688 | ) | $ | 3,692 | (97.8% | ) | 4,673.4% | ||||||||||
Corporate expenses |
17,227 | 25,188 | (2) | 10,507 | (7,961 | ) | 14,681 | (31.6% | ) | 139.7% | |||||||||||||||
Total Corporate expenses |
$ | 17,310 | $ | 28,959 | $ | 10,586 | $ | (11,649 | ) | $ | 18,373 | (40.2% | ) | 173.6% | |||||||||||
Other income (expense): |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accretion of discount to the relinquishment liability (3) |
$ | (20,425 | ) | $ | (27,085 | ) | $ | (29,794 | ) | $ | 6,660 | $ | 2,709 | (24.6% | ) | (9.1% | ) | ||||||||
Interest income (4) |
3,912 | 3,795 | 3,695 | 117 | 100 | 3.1% | 2.7% | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest |
(109,689 | ) | (93,793 | ) | (94,363 | ) | (15,896 | ) | 570 | 16.9% | (0.6% | ) | |||||||||||||
Write-off of debt issuance costs |
- | - | (71 | )(5) | - | 71 | - | (100.0% | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Gain on early extinguishment of debt |
8,466 | (6) | - | - | 8,466 | - | 100.0% | - | |||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense), net (8) |
(7,658 | )(7) | 248 | (137 | ) | (7,906 | ) | 385 | (3,187.9% | ) | (281.0% | ) | |||||||||||||
Total other expense |
$ | (125,394 | ) | $ | (116,835 | ) | $ | (120,670 | ) | $ | (8,559 | ) | $ | 3,835 | 7.3% | (3.2% | ) | ||||||||
(1) | Includes $3.7 million in charges to write-off the Menominee development rights intangible asset. |
(2) | Includes $5.8 million in charges to adjust the allowance on the future collection of reimbursable development costs and expenses in connection with the Menominee Project. |
(3) | Our accretion of the discount to the relinquishment liability reflects the accretion of the discount to the present value of the relinquishment liability for the impact of the time value of money. |
(4) | Comprised primarily of interest earned on long-term receivables from the Menominee Tribe related to the Menominee Project and the Cowlitz Tribe related to the Cowlitz Project. |
(5) | Represents the unamortized debt issuance costs written-off upon the termination of our $450.0 million prior bank credit facility in March 2007. |
(6) | Represents the gain associated with the early extinguishment of approximately $14.3 million of our outstanding 2001 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes due July 1, 2011. |
(7) | Includes $4.5 million in asset write-offs relating to Project Horizon and a $1.6 million loss in connection with the amendment to the purchase agreement for Pocono Downs. |
(8) | Generally represents gain (loss) on disposal of property and equipment, except when noted. |
Total Corporate costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased primarily as a result of the $9.5 million non-recurring charges recorded in fiscal 2008 for additional reserves against the net assets of WTG in connection with the Menominee Project. The decrease in total Corporate expenses also was attributable to a reduction in professional costs and consulting expenditures related to certain gaming diversification efforts that ended in fiscal 2008, in particular, our effort to secure a gaming license in Wyandotte County, Kansas. Additionally, the decrease in total Corporate expenses resulted from the impact of our cost containment program, partially offset by increased rental expense in connection with a ground lease for a 152-acre site located in Palmer, Massachusetts.
Total Corporate costs and expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily as a result of the $9.5 million in charges for additional reserves recorded against the net assets of WTG. These additional reserves were initially recorded for WTG following the issuance of new guidance by the BIA in January 2008 on its policy for taking off-reservation land into trust for gaming purposes and were subsequently
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increased in September 2008 following an unfavorable decision by the U.S. Department of the Interior to reject the Menominee Tribes request to suspend review of its application to take off-reservation land into trust in connection with the Menominee Project and a federal courts subsequent refusal to issue a temporary restraining order to prevent U.S. Department of the Interior from taking further action on the application. The increase in total Corporate costs and expenses also was attributable to increased tribal services expense and higher professional costs and consulting expenditures related to various gaming diversification efforts of $2.8 million and $2.7 million, respectively.
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year increased primarily due to higher weighted average outstanding debt and lower capitalized interest, partially offset by decreased weighted average interest rate. The weighted average outstanding debt was $1.65 billion for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to $1.40 billion for the prior fiscal year. Capitalized interest was $1.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to $6.5 million for the prior fiscal year. The increase in weighted average outstanding debt was due to additional borrowings on our bank credit facility to fund capital expenditures for Project Horizon and Project Sunrise. The weighted average interest rate was 6.7% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to 7.2% for the prior fiscal year.
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year decreased due to increases in capitalized interest relating to Project Horizon and Project Sunrise of $2.5 million and $2.4 million, respectively, to $3.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 from $1.0 million and $638,000, respectively, for the prior fiscal year. The decrease in interest expense also was attributable to lower weighted average interest rate, partially offset by increased weighted average outstanding debt. The weighted average interest rate was 7.2% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to 7.4% for the prior fiscal year. The weighted average outstanding debt was $1.40 billion for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to $1.30 billion for the prior fiscal year. The increase in weighted average outstanding debt was due to additional borrowings on our bank credit facility to fund Project Horizon and Project Sunrise.
Seasonality
The gaming industry in Northeast gaming market is seasonal in nature, with the peak gaming activity often occurring at Mohegan Sun between the months of May and August. Additionally, live harness racing activity at Pocono Downs is seasonal, with the racing season commencing in late March/early April and usually ending in the fall. The overall Northeastern Pennsylvania gaming market also is expected to be seasonal in nature. Accordingly, the results of operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for interim periods.
Liquidity, Capital Resources and Capital Spending
Our cash flows consisted of the following (in thousands):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | Dollar Variance | Percentage Variance | ||||||||||||||||||||||
09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | 09 vs. 08 | 08 vs. 07 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 171,811 | $ | 170,316 | $ | 284,403 | $ | 1,495 | $ | (114,087 | ) | 0.9% | (40.1% | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(158,968 | ) | (319,694 | ) | (187,446 | ) | 160,726 | (132,248 | ) | (50.3% | ) | 70.6% | ||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
(31,379 | ) | 126,847 | (66,223 | ) | (158,226 | ) | 193,070 | (124.7% | ) | (291.5% | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |
$ | (18,536 | ) | $ | (22,531 | ) | $ | 30,734 | $ | 3,995 | $ | (53,265 | ) | (17.7% | ) | (173.3% | ) | |||||||||
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As of September 30, 2009 and 2008, we held cash and cash equivalents of $64.7 million and $83.2 million, respectively. As a result of the cash-based nature of our business, operating cash flow levels tend to follow trends in our operating income, excluding the effects of non-cash charges, such as depreciation and amortization, accretion of discounts and relinquishment liability reassessments. The slight increase in cash provided by operating activities for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily attributable to lower working capital requirements as compared to the prior fiscal year, partially offset by decreased operating income after adjustments for non-cash items. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year was attributable to a decrease in operating income after adjustments for non-cash items and higher working capital requirements.
Operating activities are a significant source of our cash flows. We use our cash flows provided by operating activities primarily to meet our working capital requirements, provide funding for our maintenance and development capital expenditures, reduce our debt, provide distributions to the Tribe, provide payments under the relinquishment agreement, and from time to time, make investments. There are numerous potential factors which may cause a substantial reduction in the amount of such cash flows, including, but not limited to, the following:
| the national economic recession, which has resulted in reduced spending on discretionary items such as gaming activities and could result in further reduced spending; |
| increased competition (including the legalization or expansion of gaming in New England, New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania); |
| unfavorable weather conditions; |
| changes in applicable laws or policies regarding smoking or alcohol service at Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs; |
| an infrastructure or transportation disruption, such as the closure of Interstate 95 or 395 through Connecticut, for an extended period of time; and |
| an act of terrorism on the United States of America. |
In addition to cash generated by operating activities, we have relied on external sources of liquidity to meet our capital requirements. The decrease in cash used in investing activities for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily attributable to a $140.2 million decrease in capital expenditures due to the completion of Project Sunrise and the suspension of Project Horizon and the $13.1 million accelerated refund payment in connection with the amendment to the purchase agreement for Pocono Downs. The increase in cash used in investing activities for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily attributable to a $185.3 million increase in capital expenditures due to the construction of Project Horizon and Project Sunrise. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily attributable to a $168.4 million decrease in total net borrowings, partially offset by an $8.5 million decline in distributions to the Tribe. On July 15, 2009, we repaid our outstanding 2003 6 3/8% $330.0 million senior subordinated notes at maturity with proceeds from our bank credit facility. The increase in cash provided by financing activities for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily attributable to a $190.3 million increase in total net borrowings.
Cost Containment Program
As a result of declines in business volumes and uncertainties in the financial markets, we have taken a series of steps to reduce expenditures, including the September 2008 suspension of the hotel, retail and new parking garage elements of Project Horizon, in an effort to, among other things, ensure continued compliance with our financial covenants under our bank credit facility. In February 2009, we also implemented a company-wide cost containment program, which included employee salary rollbacks, suspension of all annual and merit-based compensation increases, reduction in work hours, suspension of employer-matching 401(k) contributions and
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funding of other contributions to the Mohegan Retirement and 401(k) Plan. In addition, we implemented, and continue to implement, initiatives to reduce operating expenses, including reductions in advertising expenditures, certain marketing programs, hours of operation in certain food and beverage and retail outlets, where warranted, and reductions in most other operating cost categories. Consolidated cost savings for fiscal 2009 totaled approximately $86.0 million. We continue to monitor revenues and expenditures to ensure continued compliance with applicable covenants and may need to implement additional cost containment measures based upon future operating results.
External Sources of Liquidity
Notes
We financed the purchase of the Pocono Downs entities and most of the costs to construct Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs with the net proceeds from the issuance of notes and borrowings under our bank credit facilities. As of September 30, 2009, we had outstanding:
| $2.0 million in 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes due July 1, 2011, or the 2001 senior subordinated notes; |
| $250.0 million in 8% senior subordinated notes due April 1, 2012, or the 2002 senior subordinated notes; |
| $225.0 million in 7 1/8% senior subordinated notes due August 15, 2014, or the 2004 senior subordinated notes; |
| $250.0 million in 6 1/8% senior notes due February 15, 2013, or the 2005 senior unsecured notes; and |
| $150.0 million in 6 7/8% senior subordinated notes due February 15, 2015, or the 2005 senior subordinated notes. |
In March 2009, we repurchased and extinguished a principal amount of $14.3 million of the outstanding 2001 senior subordinated notes. The aggregate amount paid for this purchase was approximately $6.1 million, which represented a purchase price of approximately $5.8 million and accrued interest of $273,000. We realized a gain on early extinguishment of debt in connection with this transaction totaling approximately $8.5 million. An aggregate principal amount of approximately $2.0 million of the 2001 senior subordinated notes remains outstanding as of September 30, 2009.
On July 15, 2009, we repaid our 2003 senior subordinated notes at maturity with proceeds from our bank credit facility.
On October 26, 2009, we issued $200.0 million second lien senior secured notes with fixed interest payable at a rate of 11 1/2% per annum, or the 2009 second lien senior secured notes. The net proceeds from this financing were used to repay our then existing term loan under the bank credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of $147.0 million, to repay $41.0 million of revolving loans under the bank credit facility (including a $25.0 million permanent reduction in the revolving commitments), and to pay related transaction costs and expenses associated with the issuance. The 2009 second lien senior secured notes mature on November 1, 2017. The first call date for the 2009 second lien senior secured notes is November 1, 2013. Interest on the 2009 second lien senior secured notes is payable semi-annually on May 1st and November 1st, commencing May 1, 2010. The 2009 second lien senior secured notes are collateralized by a second lien on substantially all of our property and assets, and that of our existing and future guarantor subsidiaries, and are effectively subordinated to all of our first lien secured debt, including the borrowings under the bank credit facility, to the extent of the collateral securing such debt. The 2009 second lien senior secured notes rank equally in right of payment with all of our and our existing and future guarantor subsidiaries senior indebtedness and with our senior relinquishment payment obligations under the relinquishment agreement that are then due and owing, but, to the extent of the value of the collateral, rank
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effectively senior to all of our unsecured senior indebtedness, including the 2005 senior unsecured notes and payment obligations under the relinquishment agreement. The 2009 second lien senior secured notes rank senior to all of our and our existing and future guarantor subsidiaries subordinated indebtedness, including the 2001 senior subordinated notes, the 2002 senior subordinated notes, the 2004 senior subordinated notes and the 2005 senior subordinated notes. The 2009 second lien senior secured notes are fully guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a second lien senior secured basis, by MBC, Mohegan Ventures-NW, MCV-PA, the Pocono Downs entities, Mohegan Golf, MVW, WTG and MTGA Gaming.
The 2009 second lien senior secured notes and guarantees have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.
We or our affiliates may, from time to time, seek to purchase or otherwise retire the remaining 2001 senior subordinated notes or other indebtedness for cash in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, to reduce the amount of our outstanding indebtedness. Any such transactions will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity, contractual restrictions and other factors.
MBC, Mohegan Ventures-NW, MCV-PA, the Pocono Downs entities, Mohegan Golf, MVW, WTG and MTGA Gaming are full and unconditional guarantors, on a joint and several basis, of each of these notes, except for the 2001 senior subordinated notes, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed solely by MBC.
The senior and senior subordinated note indentures contain certain financial and non-financial covenants with which we and the Tribe must comply. The financial covenants include, among other things, limitations on restricted payments and the incurrence of indebtedness, while the non-financial covenants include, among other things, reporting obligations, compliance with laws and regulations and our continued existence. As of September 30, 2009, we and the Tribe were in compliance with all respective covenant requirements under the senior and senior subordinated note indentures.
In October 2009, Moodys Investors Services assigned a B1 credit rating on our 2009 second lien senior secured notes and affirmed its Caa2 credit rating on our senior subordinated notes, while Standard and Poors Ratings Services assigned a B- credit rating on the 2009 second lien senior secured notes and affirmed its CCC+ credit rating on the senior subordinated notes. These actions were primarily to reflect the issuance of the 2009 second lien senior secured notes and favorable amendments to our maximum total leverage and senior leverage ratio covenants under our bank credit facility, as further discussed below. At the same time, Moodys Investors Services also lowered its credit rating on the 2005 senior unsecured notes from B1 to B2. In November 2009, Standard and Poors Ratings Services lowered its credit rating on the 2005 senior unsecured notes from B- to CCC+. These actions reflect the issuance of the 2009 second lien senior secured notes, which rank ahead of the 2005 senior unsecured notes. Such credit ratings may impact our ability to access the debt capital markets in the future. In the event we are able to access the debt capital markets, our costs of the issuance of new debt may be greater than costs incurred by us in the past. We also could be subject to more restrictive covenants and other terms in connection with any such issuance.
If we are unable to sufficiently offset declines in our revenues with appropriate cost reductions or if we are unable to execute our cost containment initiatives outlined earlier, we may not be able to satisfy our incurrence of indebtedness covenant under our note indentures. In such event, the indentures may restrict us from borrowing additional funds, including under our bank credit facility, to meet our obligations. While we could seek to obtain amendments to our indentures to reduce or eliminate this restriction, no assurance can be made that we would be able to obtain such amendments.
Bank Credit Facility
In December 2008, we amended our bank credit facility pursuant to a third amended and restated loan agreement. As of September 30, 2009, the bank credit facility provided for up to $850.0 million of borrowing capacity,
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consisting of a $150.0 million term loan and $700.0 million of revolving commitments, from a syndicate of 23 financial institutions and commercial banks, with Bank of America, N.A., serving as Administrative Agent. As of September 30, 2009, the term loan under the bank credit facility amortized at a rate of $750,000 per quarter until June 30, 2010, at which time the amortization rate was to increase to $30.0 million per quarter (with an automatic and permanent reduction of the revolving commitments by such amount following repayment). The maturity date of the bank credit facility is March 9, 2012, upon which date the remaining balances outstanding are payable. See below for further discussion of the bank credit facility as amended by subsequent event.
As of September 30, 2009, there was $713.0 million drawn on the bank credit facility, which was comprised of a $147.0 million term loan and $566.0 million in revolving loans. The revolving loans outstanding as of September 30, 2009 reflect the repayment of our 2003 senior subordinated notes at maturity on July 15, 2009 with proceeds from the bank credit facility. As of September 30, 2009, the amount under letters of credit issued pursuant to the bank credit facility totaled $4.6 million, of which no amounts were drawn. Inclusive of the term loan and letters of credit, which reduce borrowing availability under the bank credit facility, and after taking into account restrictive financial covenants under the bank credit facility, line of credit and note indentures, we had approximately $129.4 million of borrowing capacity under the bank credit facility as of September 30, 2009. After also taking into consideration our October 26, 2009 issuance of $200.0 million second lien senior secured notes and the use of proceeds therefrom for repayment of the $147.0 million term loan and $41.0 million of revolving loans (including a $25.0 million permanent reduction in the revolving commitments), our borrowing capacity under the bank credit facility approximated $145.4 million as of September 30, 2009. See below for further discussion of the bank credit facility as amended by subsequent event.
At our option, each advance of loan proceeds accrues interest on the basis of a base rate or on the basis of a one-month, two-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month Eurodollar rate, plus in either case, the applicable rate based on either the applicable pricing period as set forth under the bank credit facility or our total leverage ratio, depending on whether the term loan remains outstanding (as each term is defined under the bank credit facility). We also pay commitment fees for the unused portion of the revolving loans on a quarterly basis equal to the product obtained by multiplying the applicable rate for commitment fees by the average daily unused commitment for that calendar quarter. As of September 30, 2009: (1) the applicable rate for base rate loans was between 2.25% and 3.25% if the term loan remains outstanding, and between 0.75% and 2.25% after full repayment of the term loan; (2) the applicable rate for Eurodollar rate loans was between 3.50% and 4.50% if the term loan remains outstanding, and between 2.00% and 3.50% after full repayment of the term loan; and (3) the applicable rate for commitment fees was 0.50% if the term loan remains outstanding, and between 0.20% and 0.50% after full repayment of the term loan. The base rate is the higher of Bank of Americas announced prime rate, the LIBOR rate for one-month contracts plus 1.25% or the federal funds rate plus 0.50%. Interest on base rate loans is payable quarterly in arrears. Interest on Eurodollar rate loans is payable at the end of each applicable interest period or quarterly in arrears, if earlier. As of September 30, 2009, we had $713.0 million in Eurodollar rate loans and no base rate loans outstanding. The Eurodollar rate loans outstanding at September 30, 2009 were comprised of: (1) a $147.0 million term loan based on a one-month Eurodollar rate of 0.25% plus an applicable rate of 3.75%, and (2) $566.0 million in revolving loans based on a one-month Eurodollar rate of 0.24% plus an applicable rate of 3.75%. The applicable rate for commitment fees was 0.50% as of September 30, 2009.
The bank credit facility is collateralized by a lien on substantially all of our assets, including the assets that comprise Pocono Downs and a leasehold mortgage on the land previously taken into trust by the federal government and improvements which comprise Mohegan Sun. We also will be required to pledge additional assets as collateral for the bank credit facility as we or our guarantor subsidiaries acquire them. Our obligations under the bank credit facility are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by MBC, Mohegan Ventures-NW, MCV-PA, the Pocono Downs entities, Mohegan Golf, MVW, WTG and MTGA Gaming. The bank credit facility subjects us to a number of restrictive covenants, including financial covenants. These financial covenants relate to, among other things, our maximum total debt and maximum senior debt leverage ratios, minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and maximum capital expenditures.
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The bank credit facility includes non-financial covenants by us and the Tribe of the type customarily found in loan agreements for similar transactions including requirements that:
| the Tribe preserve its existence as a federally-recognized Indian tribe; |
| the Tribe cause us to continually operate Mohegan Sun and the Pocono Downs entities in compliance with all applicable laws; and |
| except under specific conditions, limit us from selling or disposing of our assets, limit the transfer of our and our guarantor subsidiaries assets to non-guarantor entities, limit the incurrence by us and our guarantor subsidiaries of other debt or contingent obligations and limit us and our guarantor subsidiaries ability to extend credit, make investments or commingle our assets with assets of the Tribe. |
Our bank credit facility requires us to comply with certain financial covenants at the end of each of our fiscal quarters, including a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a maximum total leverage ratio and a maximum senior leverage ratio.
As of September 30, 2009, our minimum fixed charge coverage ratio covenant, as defined under the bank credit facility, was as follows:
Fiscal Quarters Ending: |
||
September 30, 2009 through March 31, 2010 |
1.05:1.00 | |
June 30, 2010 and thereafter |
1.10:1.00 |
As of September 30, 2009, our maximum total leverage ratio covenant, or the ratio of total debt to annualized EBITDA, as such terms are defined under the bank credit facility, was as follows:
Fiscal Quarters Ending: |
||
September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2009 |
7.25:1.00 | |
March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010 |
7.00:1.00 | |
September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2010 |
6.75:1.00 | |
March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011 |
6.50:1.00 | |
September 30, 2011 |
6.25:1.00 | |
December 31, 2011 and thereafter |
6.00:1.00 |
As of September 30, 2009, our maximum senior leverage ratio covenant, or ratio of total debt minus subordinated obligations to annualized EBITDA, as such terms are defined under the bank credit facility, was as follows:
Fiscal Quarters Ending: |
||
September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2009 |
4.75:1.00 | |
March 31, 2010 |
4.50:1.00 | |
June 30, 2010 through December 31, 2010 |
4.25:1.00 | |
March 31, 2011 through September 30, 2011 |
4.00:1.00 | |
December 31, 2011 and thereafter |
3.50:1.00 |
If we are unable to sufficiently offset declines in our revenues with appropriate cost reductions or if we are unable to execute our cost containment initiatives outlined earlier, we may not be able to satisfy our financial covenants under the bank credit facility. In such event, we would need to obtain waivers or amendments under the bank credit facility; however, no assurance can be made that we would be able to obtain such waivers or amendments. If we were unable to obtain such waivers or amendments, we would be in default under the bank credit facility, which may result in cross-defaults under our senior and senior subordinated notes. If such defaults or cross-defaults were to occur, it would allow our lenders to exercise their rights and remedies as defined under
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their respective agreements, including their right to accelerate the repayment of outstanding indebtedness. If such acceleration were to occur, we cannot provide any assurance that we would be able to obtain the financing necessary to repay such accelerated indebtedness.
As of September 30, 2009, we and the Tribe were in compliance with all of our respective covenant requirements under the bank credit facility.
On October 26, 2009, concurrently with the issuance of the 2009 second lien senior secured notes, we entered into an amendment to the terms of the bank credit facility. Among other things, the amendment modified our maximum total leverage and senior leverage ratio covenants as follows:
Maximum total leverage ratio covenant, or the ratio of total debt to annualized EBITDA, as such terms are defined under the bank credit facility:
Fiscal Quarters Ending: |
||
September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2009 |
7.25:1.00 | |
March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010 |
7.25:1.00 | |
September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2010 |
7.25:1.00 | |
March 31, 2011 |
7.00:1.00 | |
June 30, 2011 |
6.75:1.00 | |
September 30, 2011 |
6.50:1.00 | |
December 31, 2011 and thereafter |
6.25:1.00 |
Maximum senior leverage ratio covenant, or ratio of total debt minus subordinated obligations to annualized EBITDA, as such terms are defined under the bank credit facility:
Fiscal Quarters Ending: |
||
September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2009 |
4.75:1.00 | |
March 31, 2010 |
4.75:1.00 | |
June 30, 2010 through December 31, 2010 |
4.50:1.00 | |
March 31, 2011 through September 30, 2011 |
4.25:1.00 | |
December 31, 2011 and thereafter |
3.75:1.00 |
The amendment also: (1) provided the ability to obtain a release from liens securing the bank credit facility of a portion of the land on which Pocono Downs is sited to permit its sale or lease to a third-party in connection with the development of a potential hotel project, consisting of a minimum of 200 rooms, subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions; (2) modified the terms of our covenant relating to the incurrence of permitted indebtedness to allow us or our subsidiaries to incur additional debt (which may consist of capital lease obligations) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $55.0 million, at any one time outstanding, in connection with the development of the potential hotel project at Pocono Downs; (3) modified the terms of our permitted capital expenditures covenant to affirmatively allow for the existing $125.0 million of permitted capital expenditures to be utilized for Pocono Downs in addition to Mohegan Sun and related businesses, including the payment of licensing fees associated with those operations; (4) permanently reduced the revolving commitments by $25.0 million; and (5) modified the applicable pricing rates as follows: (a) the applicable rate for base rate loans will be between 1.25% and 2.75%, and (b) the applicable rate for Eurodollar rate loans will be between 2.50% and 4.00%.
Upon the repayment of the $147.0 million term loan with proceeds from the issuance of the 2009 second lien senior secured notes and the $25.0 million permanent reduction in revolving commitments, the total commitment of the bank credit facility was reduced from $850.0 million to $675.0 million.
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Line of Credit
As of September 30, 2009, we had an $18.0 million revolving loan agreement with Bank of America, N.A., or the line of credit. The line of credit was amended in May 2009 to reduce the commitment from $25.0 million to $18.0 million and extend the maturity date from May 14, 2009 to May 14, 2010. Each advance accrues interest on the basis of a one-month Eurodollar rate or prime rate, plus the applicable margin determined on the basis of our leverage ratio, as each term is defined under the line of credit. Borrowings under the line of credit are uncollateralized obligations. As of September 30, 2009, we had $12.2 million in Eurodollar rate loans outstanding, which were based on a one-month Eurodollar rate of 0.26% plus an applicable rate of 3.25%. The line of credit subjects us to certain covenants, including a covenant to maintain at least the line of credit commitment amount available for borrowing under the bank credit facility. As of September 30, 2009, we were in compliance with all covenant requirements under the line of credit and had $5.8 million of borrowing capacity thereunder.
Letters of Credit
As of September 30, 2009, we maintained seven uncollateralized letters of credit to satisfy potential workers compensation liabilities, pari-mutuel wagering tax liabilities of the Pocono Downs entities, overdue amounts for purses due to horsemen at the Pocono Downs entities, potential contractor and subcontractor liabilities relating to Project Horizon, collateral obligations of a surety bond relating to Pennsylvania Gaming Tax expenses owed by Downs Racing to the PGCB, and two in connection with road work at the Pocono Downs facilities. The letters of credit expire(d) on various dates from November 2009 through September 2010, subject to renewals. As of September 30, 2009, no amounts were drawn on the letters of credit.
Salishan-Mohegan Bank Credit Facility
On September 30, 2009, Salishan-Mohegan entered into an amendment to the terms of its then existing $25.0 million revolving loan agreement with Bank of America, N.A., or the Salishan credit facility, dated October 17, 2006. Among other things, the amendment reduced the total commitment of the credit facility from $25.0 million to $17.0 million, extended the maturity date from September 30, 2009 to September 30, 2010 and modified the applicable pricing rates. At the option of Salishan-Mohegan, each advance of loan proceeds accrues interest on the basis of a base rate or on the basis of a one-month, two-month, three-month or six-month Eurodollar rate, plus a spread of 2.50% for base rate loans and an applicable rate, as defined under the Salishan credit facility, of 3.50% for Eurodollar rate loans. The base rate is the higher of Bank of Americas announced prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.50%. The applicable rate for commitment fees is 0.50%. The revolving loan has no mandatory amortization provisions and is payable in full at maturity. In connection with the amendment, the Tribe loaned Salishan-Mohegan $10.0 million, which was used to repay revolving loans under the Salishan credit facility. The Salishan credit facility is collateralized by a lien on substantially all of the existing and future assets of Salishan-Mohegan. The obligations of Salishan-Mohegan under the Salishan credit facility also are guaranteed by the Tribe. The Salishan credit facility subjects Salishan-Mohegan to a number of restrictive covenants, including financial and non-financial covenants customarily found in loan agreements for similar transactions.
As of September 30, 2009, Salishan-Mohegan had $13.3 million in base rate loans and no Eurodollar rate loan outstanding. The loans outstanding at September 30, 2009 were based on a base rate of 3.25% plus a spread of 2.50%. The applicable rate for commitment fees was 0.50% as of September 30, 2009. As of September 30, 2009, Salishan-Mohegan had $3.7 million of borrowing capacity under the Salishan credit facility.
Mohegan Tribe Promissory Notes
On September 30, 2009, the Tribe loaned Salishan-Mohegan $10.0 million, which was used to repay revolving loans under the Salishan credit facility in connection with the September 30, 2009 amendment to the Salishan credit facility, as further described above. The promissory note executed by Salishan-Mohegan in favor of the
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Tribe provides for the accrual of interest at an annual rate of 15.0% and matures on October 1, 2010. Accrued interest is paid at a monthly rate of 3.0%, with the remaining 12.0% due at maturity.
In June 2008, the Tribe loaned MG&H $8.3 million, which was used to fund MG&Hs portion of a $25.0 million Privilege Fee payment to the State of Kansas in connection with MG&Hs effort, ended in September 2008, to secure a gaming license for the development of a gaming facility in the State of Kansas. The promissory note executed by MG&H in favor of the Tribe provided for the accrual of interest at an annual rate of 12.0% and was due to mature on October 15, 2008. In September 2008, MG&H repaid the $8.3 million outstanding on the promissory note following a refund of the Privilege Fee payment as a result of the selection of another applicant by the Kansas Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board.
Capital Expenditures
Capital Expenditures Incurred
Capital expenditures totaled $93.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. These capital expenditures were comprised of the following:
| Capital expenditures at Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs of $90.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively. Mohegan Sun expenditures consisted of $71.9 million in costs related to Project Horizon, including $1.1 million in capitalized interest, and $18.8 million in maintenance and development capital expenditures. Pocono Downs expenditures included $5.4 million in capital expenditures, primarily consisting of construction expenditures for a new paddock for the harness racing facility, partially offset by a $2.6 million reduction in the final cost of Project Sunrise. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, Pocono Downs also received a $2.0 million facility improvement grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania pursuant to the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Gaming Act, which was recorded as a reduction to property and equipment. |
Capital expenditures totaled $383.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. These capital expenditures were comprised of the following:
| Capital expenditures at Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs of $210.5 million and $173.2 million, respectively. Mohegan Sun expenditures consisted of $172.8 million in costs related to Project Horizon, including $3.5 million in capitalized interest, $26.3 million in maintenance capital expenditures and $11.4 million in property renovation expenditures. Pocono Downs expenditures consisted of $169.6 million in costs related to Project Sunrise, including $3.0 million in capitalized interest, and $3.6 million in maintenance capital expenditures. |
Capital expenditures totaled $162.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007. These capital expenditures were comprised of the following:
| Capital expenditures at Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs of $103.7 million and $58.4 million, respectively. Mohegan Sun expenditures consisted of $46.5 million in costs related to Project Horizon, including $1.0 million in capitalized interest, $34.0 million in maintenance capital expenditures and $23.2 million in property renovation expenditures. Pocono Downs expenditures consisted of $56.4 million in costs for the Phase 1 slot facility and to begin construction on Project Sunrise, including $638,000 in capitalized interest, and $2.0 million in maintenance capital expenditures. Capital expenditures for Corporate were minimal. |
Expected Future Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for fiscal year 2010 are forecast to be approximately $44.2 million. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2010 at Mohegan Sun, exclusive of Project Horizon spending, are forecast to be approximately $27.0
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million in maintenance and development expenditures, primarily relating to the replacement and improvement of information technology equipment, systems and software, the replacement and enhancement of slot machines, and utility infrastructure upgrades.
Total project costs for Project Horizon are currently estimated to be approximately $301.6 million, excluding capitalized interest. As of September 30, 2009, project costs incurred for Project Horizon, excluding capitalized interest, totaled approximately $287.5 million. Remaining project costs are estimated to total approximately $14.1 million and are anticipated to be incurred in fiscal 2010.
Capital expenditures for fiscal 2010 at Pocono Downs are forecast to be approximately $3.0 million in maintenance and development expenditures.
Capital expenditures for fiscal 2010 at Corporate are forecast to be minimal.
Sources of Funding for Capital Expenditures
We will primarily rely on cash generated from operations to finance maintenance capital expenditures at Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs. We plan to finance capital expenditures for Project Horizon through a combination of operating cash flows and draws under our bank credit facility.
Interest Expense
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we incurred the following in interest expense, net of capitalized interest (in thousands):
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, |
||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
Bank credit facility |
$ | 21,748 | $ | 8,978 | $ | 2,799 | ||||||
Prior bank credit facility |
- | - | 2,755 | |||||||||
2005 6 1/ 8% senior unsecured notes |
15,313 | 15,313 | 15,313 | |||||||||
2001 8 3/ 8 % senior subordinated notes |
742 | 1,369 | 1,369 | |||||||||
2002 8% senior subordinated notes |
20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | |||||||||
2003 6 3/ 8% senior subordinated notes |
16,655 | 21,038 | 21,038 | |||||||||
2004 7 1/ 8% senior subordinated notes |
16,031 | 16,031 | 16,031 | |||||||||
2005 6 7/ 8% senior subordinated notes |
10,313 | 10,313 | 10,313 | |||||||||
Line of credit |
338 | 388 | 641 | |||||||||
WNBA promissory note |
81 | 181 | 301 | |||||||||
Salishan-Mohegan bank credit facility |
743 | 1,153 | 1,186 | |||||||||
Mohegan Tribe promissory note (Salishan-Mohegan) |
4 | - | - | |||||||||
Mohegan Tribe promissory note (MG&H) |
- | 244 | - | |||||||||
Capital leases |
273 | 47 | - | |||||||||
Amortization of net deferred gain on settlement of derivative instruments |
228 | 455 | 455 | |||||||||
Amortization of debt issuance costs |
8,282 | 4,831 | 3,835 | |||||||||
Capitalized interest |
(1,062 | ) | (6,548 | ) | (1,673 | ) | ||||||
Total interest expense, net of capitalized interest |
$ | 109,689 | $ | 93,793 | $ | 94,363 | ||||||
Sufficiency of Resources
We believe that existing cash balances, financing arrangements and operating cash flows will provide us with sufficient resources to meet our existing debt obligations, relinquishment payments and foreseeable capital expenditure requirements with respect to current operations and distributions to the Tribe for at least the next
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twelve months. However, we can provide no assurance in this regard. Please refer to Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors for further details regarding risks relating to our sufficiency of resources. Any future investments in Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs are anticipated to be funded through a combination of operating cash flows and draws under our bank credit facility. Inclusive of the term loan and letters of credit, which reduce borrowing availability under the bank credit facility, we had approximately $129.4 million of borrowing capacity under the bank credit facility as of September 30, 2009, after taking into account restrictive financial covenants under the bank credit facility, line of credit and note indentures. After also taking into consideration our October 26, 2009 issuance of $200.0 million second lien senior secured notes and the use of proceeds therefrom for repayment of the $147.0 million term loan and $41.0 million of revolving loans (including a $25.0 million permanent reduction in the revolving commitments), our borrowing capacity under the bank credit facility approximated $145.4 million as of September 30, 2009. Distributions to the Tribe are anticipated to approximate between $59.0 million and $64.0 million for fiscal 2010.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Our future payment obligations related to our debt and certain other material contractual obligations and the timing of those payments are set forth below.
Payments due by period | |||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations |
Total | Less than 1 year (1) |
1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | ||||||||||
Long-term debt (2) |
$ | 1,628,040 | $ | 26,430 | $ | 976,010 | $ | 475,000 | $ | 150,600 | |||||
Interest payments on long-term debt (3) |
337,342 | 94,240 | 177,062 | 60,647 | 5,393 | ||||||||||
Construction (4) |
14,147 | 14,147 | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Procurement (5) |
72,293 | 15,059 | 30,852 | 24,091 | 2,291 | ||||||||||
Capital leases (6) |
6,949 | 919 | 1,389 | 1,499 | 3,142 | ||||||||||
Operating leases (7) |
4,789 | 3,944 | 537 | 192 | 116 | ||||||||||
Total |
$ | 2,063,560 | $ | 154,739 | $ | 1,185,850 | $ | 561,429 | $ | 161,542 | |||||
(1) | Represents payment obligations from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010. |
(2) | Represents long-term debt maturities scheduled as of September 30, 2009. |
(3) | Represents interest payments expected to be paid on long-term debt as of September 30, 2009, pursuant to respective debt agreements. |
(4) | Represents expenditures we must pay in connection with Project Horizon, exclusive of amounts reflected in our consolidated balance sheets. |
(5) | Represents expenditures we must pay in connection with agreements entered into with vendors for inventory and other items, exclusive of amounts reflected in our consolidated balance sheets. |
(6) | Represents lease payments to the Tribe relating to property located adjacent to the Tribes reservation that is used for parking and access to Mohegan Sun. |
(7) | Represents leases for various buildings, equipment and land at Mohegan Sun and Pocono Downs, as well as the ground lease for the 152-acre site located in Palmer, Massachusetts. |
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In addition to the contractual obligations described above, we have certain other contractual commitments as of September 30, 2009. The calculation of the estimated payments in the following table are based, in large part, on revenue projections over an extended period of time, as well as other factors that are more fully described below. Since there are high levels of estimation and judgment used with respect to calculating these liabilities, future events that affect such estimates and judgments may cause the actual payments to significantly differ from the estimates set forth below. The amounts included in the table are estimates and, while certain agreements are perpetual in term, for the purposes of calculating these amounts, we have assumed that the table contains information for only ten years.
Payments due by period | ||||||||||||
Contractual Commitments (in thousands) |
Less than 1 year (1) |
1-3 years | 3-5 years | 5-10 years | ||||||||
Minimum Slot Win Contribution (2) |
$ | 192,591 | $ | 402,689 | $ | 427,213 | $ | 1,185,350 | ||||
Relinquishment (3) |
59,046 | 121,192 | 134,091 | 17,506 | ||||||||
Priority distributions (4) |
18,614 | 39,399 | 42,483 | 121,332 | ||||||||
Town of Montville (5) |
500 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 2,500 | ||||||||
Pennsylvania Gaming Tax (6) |
129,600 | 278,877 | 291,485 | 810,689 | ||||||||
Pennsylvania property tax (7) |
2,195 | 4,646 | 5,142 | 2,925 | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 402,546 | $ | 847,803 | $ | 901,414 | $ | 2,140,302 | ||||
(1) | Amounts represent payment commitments from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010. |
(2) | Slot Win Contribution payments are a portion of gross revenues from slot machines at Mohegan Sun that we must pay to the State of Connecticut pursuant to the Mohegan Compact. Slot Win Contribution payments are the lesser of: (1) 30% of gross revenues from slot machines at Mohegan Sun, or (2) the greater of (a) 25% of gross revenues from slot machines at Mohegan Sun or (b) $80.0 million. |
(3) | Relinquishment payments are made by us to TCA pursuant to the relinquishment agreement. Relinquishment payments are 5% of revenues, as defined in the relinquishment agreement. The payments due reflect our estimates of amounts to be paid under the relinquishment agreement based on our estimated future revenues subject to the relinquishment agreement. |
(4) | Priority distributions are monthly payments required to be made by us to the Tribe pursuant to the priority distribution agreement. The payments are calculated based on our net cash flows, as defined under the priority distribution agreement, and are limited to a maximum amount of $14.0 million pursuant to the priority distribution agreement, as adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index, or CPI. For the purposes of calculating these amounts, we have assumed that we will pay the maximum amount in each of the years covered by the table, as adjusted by an annual CPI adjustment of 3.84%. |
(5) | We have an agreement with the Town of Montville to pay the town an annual payment of $500,000 to minimize the impact on the town resulting from the decreased tax revenues on reservation land held in trust. |
(6) | Pennsylvania Gaming Tax payments are a portion of gross revenues from slot machines at Pocono Downs that Downs Racing must pay to the PGCB on a daily basis, which includes local share assessments to be paid to cities and municipalities hosting Pocono Downs and amounts to be paid to the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemens Association. Pennsylvania Gaming Tax payments payable to the PGCB on a daily basis is 55% of gross revenues from slot machines at Pocono Downs, 2% of which is subject to a $10.0 million minimum annual threshold. |
(7) | Pursuant to a property tax litigation settlement, Downs Racing is required to make agreed upon annual payments to the Wilkes-Barre school district for each tax year through 2015. |
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We have identified the following critical accounting policies that affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related
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disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate those estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, the liability associated with unredeemed Players Club points, self-insurance accrual, the relinquishment liability, asset impairment, contingencies and litigation. These estimates are based on information that is currently available to us and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
We believe that the following critical accounting policies affect significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:
Revenue Recognition
We recognize gaming revenues as amounts wagered less prizes paid out. Revenues from food and beverage, hotel, retail, entertainment and other services are recognized at the time the service is performed. Minimum rental revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases. Percentage rents are recognized in the period in which the tenants exceed their respective percentage rent thresholds.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our patrons to make required payments, which results in bad debt expense. We determine the adequacy of this allowance by continually evaluating individual patron receivables, considering the patrons financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. If the financial condition of patrons were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
We also maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for reimbursable costs and expenses advanced by Salishan-Mohegan on behalf of the Cowlitz Tribe and WTG on behalf of the Menominee Tribe for the development of the Cowlitz Project in Clark County, Washington and the Menominee Project in Kenosha, Wisconsin, respectively, to be owned by the Cowlitz Tribe and Menominee Tribe, respectively. Due to the inherent uncertainty in the development of the Cowlitz Project, we maintain a reserve based on our estimate of the probability that the receivables will be collected. Future complications in the receipt of financing, the relevant land being taken into trust or other matters affecting the Cowlitz Project could affect the collectibility of the receivables and may lead to changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts. The WTG receivables were fully reserved as of September 30, 2009.
Unredeemed Players Club Points
We maintain an accrual for unredeemed Players Club points. The accrual is based on the estimated cost of the points expected to be redeemed as of the respective balance sheet date. We determine the adequacy of this accrual by periodically evaluating the historical redemption experience and projected trends related to this accrual.
Self-insurance Accruals
We are self-insured up to certain limits for costs associated with workers compensation, general liability and employee medical coverage. Insurance claims and reserves include accruals of estimated settlements for known claims, as well as accruals of estimates of incurred but not reported claims. In estimating these costs, we consider historical loss experience and makes judgments about the expected levels of costs per claim. We also utilize information provided by independent consultants to assist in the determination of estimated accruals. These claims are accounted for based on estimates of the undiscounted claims, including those claims incurred but not reported. We believe the use of these estimates to account for these liabilities provides a consistent and effective way to measure these accruals; however, changes in health care costs, accident frequency and severity and other factors can materially affect the estimate for these liabilities. We continually monitor the potential changes in future estimates, evaluates insurance accruals and makes adjustments when necessary.
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Relinquishment Liability
In accordance with authoritative guidance issued by the FASB pertaining to the accounting for contingencies, we have recorded a relinquishment liability of the estimated present value of our obligations under the relinquishment agreement. We reassess projected revenues and consequently the relinquishment liability: (1) annually in conjunction with the budgeting process, or (2) when necessary to account for material increases or decreases in projected revenues over the relinquishment period. If the reassessment causes an overall increase to the projected revenues over the relinquishment period, the relinquishment liability will be increased by 5% of such increase in revenues, discounted at our risk-free rate of investment, which is an incremental layer. If the reassessment causes an overall decrease to the projected revenues over the relinquishment period, the relinquishment liability will be decreased by 5% of such decrease in revenues, discounted based upon a weighted average discount rate, which is a decremental layer. The weighted average discount rate is defined as the average discount rate used to discount all the previous incremental layers weighted by the amount of each such incremental layer. Further, we record a quarterly accretion to the relinquishment liability to reflect the impact of the time value of money. Since there is a high level of estimation and judgment (including those related to estimates of future revenue projections and impact and timing of future competition) used with respect to calculating this liability, future events that affect such estimates and judgments may cause the actual liability to significantly differ from the estimate.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is recorded over the estimated useful lives of the assets, other than land, on a straight-line basis. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Useful life estimates of asset categories are as follows:
Buildings and land improvements |
40 years | |
Furniture and equipment |
3 - 7 years |
The costs of significant improvements are capitalized. Costs of normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Gains or losses on disposition of property and equipment are included in the determination of net income.
In accordance with authoritative guidance issued by the FASB pertaining to the accounting for the impairment of long-lived assets, the carrying value of our assets is assessed when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If it is determined that an impairment loss has occurred based on current and future levels of income and expected future cash flows, as well as other factors, then an impairment loss is recognized in the respective consolidated statement of income.
In September 2008, we announced the suspension of the hotel, retail and new parking garage elements of Project Horizon due to a slowdown in business volumes and uncertainties in the financial markets resulting from the national economic recession. While we are currently evaluating our options with respect to the development of the suspended elements, including the new hotel, we can provide no assurance as to if or when the suspended elements will resume. The specific factors that we will consider in determining the feasibility of the suspended elements include our financial performance, cash flow projections expected to be realized from the project, estimated project costs, ability to obtain financing, economic conditions, industry trends and competition. We currently believe that the assets related to the suspended elements have a future benefit. We have assessed the carrying value of these assets as of September 30, 2009 and 2008 and determined that no impairment existed.
Goodwill
In accordance with authoritative guidance issued by the FASB pertaining to goodwill, the goodwill associated with the acquisition of the Pocono Downs entities is not subject to amortization, but is assessed at least annually for impairment by comparing the fair value