Caesars Entertainment, Inc. - Annual Report: 2018 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10‑K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018

OR

For the transition period           to           

Commission File No. 001‑36629

ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

100 West Liberty Street, Suite 1150

Reno, Nevada 89501

(Address of principal executive offices)

Telephone: (775) 328‑0100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:  None

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed 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  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S‑T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§299.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non‑accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b‑2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b‑2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $2.5 billion at June 30, 2018 based upon the closing price for the shares of ERI’s common stock as reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market.

As of February 25, 2019, there were 77,433,982 outstanding shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.  Such Proxy Statement will be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days after the conclusion of the Registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PART I

Item 1.  Business.

Eldorado Resorts, Inc., a Nevada corporation, is referred to as the “Company,” “ERI,” or the “Registrant,” and together with its subsidiaries may also be referred to as “we,” “us” or “our.”

Overview

We are a geographically diversified gaming and hospitality company. As of December 31, 2018, we owned 28 gaming facilities in 13 states. Our properties, which are located in Ohio, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri, feature approximately 30,000 slot machines and video lottery terminals (“VLTs”), approximately 800 table games and approximately 12,600 hotel rooms. Our primary source of revenue is generated by gaming operations, and we utilize our hotels, restaurants, bars, entertainment, racing, retail shops and other services to attract customers to our properties.

We were founded in 1973 by the Carano family with the opening of the Eldorado Hotel Casino in Reno, Nevada. In 1993, we partnered with MGM Resorts International to build Silver Legacy Resort Casino (“Silver Legacy”), the first mega-themed resort in Reno. In 2005, we acquired our first property outside of Reno when we purchased a casino in Shreveport, Louisiana, now known as Eldorado Shreveport. In September 2014, we merged with MTR Gaming Group, Inc. and acquired its three gaming and racing facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The following year, in November 2015, we acquired Circus Circus Reno (“Circus Reno”) and the 50% membership interest in the Silver Legacy that was owned by MGM Resorts International. On May 1, 2017, we completed our acquisition of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. (“Isle” or “Isle of Capri”), adding 13 gaming properties to our portfolio. On August 7, 2018, we acquired the Elgin Riverboat Resort – Riverboat Casino d/b/a Grand Victoria Casino (“Elgin”) (“Elgin Acquisition”). On October 1, 2018, we completed our acquisition of Tropicana Entertainment, Inc. (“Tropicana”), adding seven properties to our portfolio (the “Tropicana Acquisition”).

We own 22 of our casinos and lease or manage our remaining casinos, including five casinos that are subject to a master lease with GLP Capital, L.P., the operating partnership of Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (“GLPI”), that we entered into in connection with the Tropicana Acquisition on October 1, 2018 (the “Master Lease”). (See full description under “Master Lease”).

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Properties

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our properties (listed by the segment in which each property is reported) as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018:

West Region

The West segment consists of seven properties in Nevada and Colorado.

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Eldorado Resort Casino Reno

Eldorado Resort Casino Reno (“Eldorado Reno”) is a premier hotel, casino and entertainment facility. The interior of the hotel is designed to create a European ambiance where hotel guests enjoy panoramic views of Reno’s skyline and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range. Eldorado Reno is centrally located in downtown Reno, Nevada. Eldorado Reno includes a casino, 11 restaurants, a showroom, VIP room, retail shops, convention center and an outdoor plaza located diagonal to Eldorado Reno which hosts a variety of special events. Eldorado Reno is connected with our other two Reno properties, Silver Legacy and Circus Reno, in a “seamless” manner by enclosed climate controlled skywalks (branded as “the Row”). The Row draws from residents of the Reno area as well as tourist visitation from northern California and the Pacific Northwest.

Silver Legacy Resort Casino

Silver Legacy is the tallest building in northern Nevada consisting of 37-, 34- and 31-floor tiers. Silver Legacy’s opulent interior showcases a casino built around Sam Fairchild’s 120-foot tall mining rig, which appears to mine for silver. The rig is situated beneath a 180-foot diameter dome, which is a distinctive landmark on the Reno skyline. The Silver Legacy is centrally located in downtown Reno, Nevada and offers a casino, six restaurants, including the recently opened Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a 21,000 square-foot spa which opened in the fourth quarter of 2018, The Spa at Silver Legacy, an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck and retail shops.

Circus Circus Reno

Circus Reno is an iconic, circus‑themed hotel‑casino and entertainment complex with two hotel towers. It is conveniently located as the first casino directly off Interstate 80 when entering downtown Reno, Nevada. Circus Reno offers a casino, eight dining venues including a recently renovated food court, a midway featuring over 150 games, live circus acts, an arcade and a full service wedding chapel.

Isle Casino Hotel-Black Hawk

Isle Casino Hotel-Black Hawk (“Isle Black Hawk”) is one of the first gaming facilities reached by customers arriving from Denver via Highway 119, the main thoroughfare connecting Denver to Black Hawk. Black Hawk is located approximately 40 miles east of the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area which serves as Isle Black Hawk’s primary feeder market. The property includes a casino, hotel, three dining venues, approximately 5,000 square feet of flexible space that can be used for meetings and special events, along with numerous surface parking spaces and an attached parking garage. Isle Black Hawk is connected to our Lady Luck Casino-Black Hawk property via sky bridges.

Lady Luck Casino-Black Hawk

Lady Luck Casino-Black Hawk (“Lady Luck Black Hawk”) is located across the intersection of Main Street and Mill Street from the Isle Black Hawk. The property consists of a casino, hotel, a restaurant, approximately 2,250 square feet of flexible space that can be used for meetings and special events, along with numerous surface parking spaces. Lady Luck Black Hawk is connected to our Isle Casino Hotel-Black Hawk property via sky bridges. The Denver, Colorado metropolitan area also serves as Lady Luck Black Hawk’s primary feeder market.

Tropicana Laughlin Hotel and Casino

Tropicana Laughlin Hotel and Casino ("Tropicana Laughlin") is located on an approximately 31-acre site on Casino Drive, Laughlin, Nevada's principal thoroughfare. Amenities include a hotel, a heated outdoor swimming pool, seven restaurants, an entertainment lounge with live music, a premium lounge for high-end players, an 800-seat multi-purpose showroom and concert hall, meeting and convention space, retail stores, an arcade and a covered parking structure. Tropicana Laughlin primarily draws customers from southern California and Arizona.

MontBleu Casino Resort & Spa

MontBleu Casino Resort & Spa (“MontBleu”) is situated on approximately 21 acres in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In addition to the casino, the property offers a hotel, three restaurants and various non-gaming amenities, including retail shops, two nightclubs, a 1,300-seat showroom, approximately 14,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, a parking garage, a full-service health spa and workout area, an indoor heated lagoon-style pool with whirlpool and a 110-seat wedding chapel. MontBleu’s primary feeder markets include Northern California, the Reno area and the Pacific Northwest.

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Midwest Region

The Midwest segment consists of six properties, four of which are dockside casinos and two land-based casinos, located in Iowa and Missouri.

Isle Casino Waterloo

Isle Casino Waterloo (“Waterloo”) is located in Iowa adjacent to Highway 218 and US 20. The property consists of a single-level land-based casino and offers a wide variety of non-gaming amenities including a hotel and three restaurants. Waterloo primarily draws customers from within a twenty-five mile radius of the property. The property also attracts customers from Cedar Rapids and Mason City, Iowa.

Isle Casino Bettendorf

Isle Casino Bettendorf (“Bettendorf”) is located in Iowa off Interstate 74, an interstate highway serving the Quad Cities metropolitan area, which consists of Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa and Moline and Rock Island, Illinois. Bettendorf consists of a land-based casino, three dining venues, two hotel towers and 40,000 square feet of convention and banquet space. The Quad Cities metropolitan area currently has three gaming operations, including our gaming facility, and is the main feeder market for Bettendorf.

Isle of Capri Casino Boonville

Isle of Capri Casino Boonville (“Boonville”) is located in Missouri three miles off Interstate 70, approximately halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis. It is the only gaming facility in central Missouri. The property consists of a single level dockside casino, three dining venues and offers a 32,400 square foot pavilion and entertainment center. Boonville attracts customers primarily from the Columbia and Jefferson City areas.

Isle Casino Cape Girardeau

Isle Casino Cape Girardeau (“Cape Girardeau”) is located three and a half miles from Interstate 55 in Southeast Missouri, approximately 120 miles south of St. Louis, Missouri. Cape Girardeau consists of a dockside casino, three dining venues and a pavilion and entertainment center with a wide variety of non-gaming amenities, including an events center, and overlooks the Mississippi river. Cape Girardeau primarily attracts customers from within a fifty-mile radius of the property.

Lady Luck Casino Caruthersville

Lady Luck Casino Caruthersville (“Caruthersville”) is a riverboat casino located in Missouri along the Mississippi River in Southeast Missouri. Caruthersville consists of a dockside casino, two dining venues, a 40,000 square foot pavilion and a 28-space RV park. Cape Girardeau is located approximately 85 miles north of Caruthersville. Caruthersville draws a significant amount of customers from the state of Tennessee including the communities of Dyersburg and Jackson. The property also attracts customers from Blytheville, Paragould and Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Isle of Capri Casino Kansas City

Isle of Capri Kansas City (“Kansas City”) consists of a dockside casino and two dining venues. It is the closest gaming facility to downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City attracts customers primarily from the Kansas City metropolitan area.

South Region

The South segment consists of seven properties, including five dockside casinos in Louisiana and Mississippi, one land-based casino in Mississippi and one racino in Florida.

Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park

Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park (“Pompano”), a casino and harness racing track located in Pompano Beach, Florida, is located off Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike on a 223-acre owned site, near Fort Lauderdale, midway between Miami and West Palm Beach. Pompano offers four dining venues and is the only racetrack licensed to conduct harness racing in Florida. In April 2018, we announced the formation of a joint venture with the Cordish Companies (“Cordish”) to master plan and develop a mixed-use entertainment and hospitality destination expected to be located on unused land adjacent to the casino and racetrack. Pompano primarily attracts customers from with a 25-mile radius of the property.

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Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport

Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport (“Eldorado Shreveport”) is a premier resort with a tri-level riverboat casino and an all-suite art deco-style hotel located in Shreveport, Louisiana adjacent to Interstate 20, a major highway that connects the Shreveport market with the attractive feeder markets of East Texas and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. The property offers five restaurants, including a gourmet steakhouse, and a 380-seat grand ballroom. The principal target markets for Eldorado Shreveport are patrons from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and East Texas, which provides Eldorado Shreveport access to a large customer base within approximately 200 miles of Shreveport.

Isle of Capri Casino Lula

Isle of Capri Casino Lula (“Lula”) is located off of Highway 49, the only road crossing the Mississippi River between Mississippi and Arkansas for more than 50 miles in either direction. Lula consists of two dockside casinos, three dining venues and a land-based pavilion and entertainment center. Lula draws a significant amount of business from the Little Rock, Arkansas metropolitan area, which is located approximately 120 miles west of the property. Lula is also located approximately 60 miles southwest of Memphis, Tennessee.

Lady Luck Casino Vicksburg

Lady Luck Vicksburg (“Vicksburg”) is located off Interstate 20 and Highway 61 in western Mississippi, approximately 50 miles west of Jackson, Mississippi, and consists of a dockside casino, hotel and four dining venues. Vicksburg’s customers are drawn primarily from within a 60-mile radius of the property.

Isle of Capri Casino Hotel Lake Charles

Isle of Capri Casino Hotel Lake Charles (“Lake Charles”) is located on a 19-acre site along Interstate 10, the main thoroughfare connecting Houston, Texas to Lake Charles, Louisiana. Lake Charles offers a dockside casino, three dining venues and a 14,750 square foot entertainment center comprised of a 1,142-seat special events center designed for concerts, banquets and other events, meeting facilities and administrative offices. Lake Charles is the closest gaming market to the Houston metropolitan area, which is located approximately 140 miles west of Lake Charles. Lake Charles attracts customers primarily from southeast Texas and from local residents.

Trop Casino Greenville

Trop Casino Greenville (“Greenville”), located in Greenville, Mississippi, is a land-based gaming facility with slot machines and table games, two restaurants, a bar and 734 onsite parking spaces. The property also leases and operates the Greenville Inn & Suites, located less than a mile from the casino, and offers free shuttle service to and from Greenville. The property draws customers primarily from the local market and, to some extent, from the Little Rock, Vicksburg and Tunica markets.

Belle of Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel

Belle of Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel (“Baton Rouge”) is a dockside riverboat situated on approximately 23 acres on the Mississippi River in the downtown historic district of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Amenities include a hotel, 25,000 square feet of meeting space, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, three dining venues and an entertainment venue inside a 56,000-square-foot glass atrium. The majority of Baton Rouge’s customers are drawn from within a 50-mile radius of the property.

East Region

The East segment consists of five properties, including three racinos located in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, and two casinos in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Presque Isle Downs & Casino

Presque Isle Downs & Casino (“Presque Isle Downs”) is a casino and live thoroughbred horse racing facility located along Interstate 90 in Erie, Pennsylvania. The property offers live thoroughbred horse racing conducted from May through September and on‑site pari‑mutuel wagering and thoroughbred and harness racing simulcast from other prominent tracks, as well as wagering on Presque Isle Downs’ races. Additionally, the property offers four dining venues. Presque Isle Downs’ primary customers are locals or customers who reside within shorter distances from the property.

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Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin

Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin (“Nemacolin”) is a casino located on the 2,000-acre Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Western Pennsylvania. Nemacolin is the only casino in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. The property offers one dining option. Nemacolin attracts customers staying at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort as well as from the 2.5 million people who reside within 60 miles of the property.

Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs

Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs (“Scioto Downs”) is a modern “racino” located in the heart of central Ohio, off Highway 23/South High Street, approximately eight miles from downtown Columbus. Scioto Downs is one of only two licensed gaming facilities in the Columbus area. Scioto Downs racino offers live standard bred harness horse racing conducted from May through mid‑September and on‑site pari‑mutuel wagering and thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing simulcast from other prominent tracks, as well as wagering on Scioto Downs’ races. Scioto Downs also offers three dining venues and a 118-room third party hotel connected to the casino. Scioto Downs attracts customers primarily from the greater Columbus area.

In addition, Scioto Downs, through its subsidiary RacelineBet, Inc., also operates Racelinebet.com, a national account wagering service that offers online and telephone wagering on horse races as a marketing affiliate of TwinSpires.com, an affiliate of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort

Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort (“Mountaineer”) is a hotel, casino, entertainment and live thoroughbred horse racing facility located on the Ohio River at the northern tip of West Virginia’s northwestern panhandle approximately thirty miles from the Pittsburgh International Airport and a one‑hour drive from downtown Pittsburgh. Mountaineer is a diverse gaming, entertainment and convention complex offering live thoroughbred horse racing conducted from March through December and on‑site pari‑mutuel wagering and thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing simulcast from other prominent tracks as well as wagering on Mountaineer’s races. Additionally, the property offers five dining venues. Mountaineer attracts customers primarily from the greater Pittsburgh area.

Tropicana Casino and Resort, Atlantic City

Tropicana Casino and Resort, Atlantic City (“Trop AC”) is situated on approximately 15 acres with approximately 660 feet of ocean frontage in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Located within driving distance from the densely populated New York-to-Washington D.C. corridor, the Atlantic City market typically attracts day-trip and overnight customers from within a 300-mile radius. Trop AC is one of the larger properties in Atlantic City featuring four hotel towers and the adjacent Chelsea Hotel in addition to approximately 124,800 square feet of gaming space. The property also features The Quarter, a Havana-themed, Las Vegas-style, approximately 200,000 square-foot indoor entertainment and retail center, 23 restaurants, nightclubs, shops and an IMAX theatre. Other amenities include a 2,000-seat showroom, an up-scale Disco themed nightclub, a full-service spa and salon, a health club and indoor pool, a beach and pool bar and approximately 99,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.

Central Region

The Central segment consists of three properties located in Indiana, Illinois and Missouri.

Tropicana Evansville

Tropicana Evansville (“Evansville”) is a large casino hotel and entertainment complex and a popular attraction in Evansville, the third largest city in the state of Indiana. The property serves customers in the tri-state region of southern Indiana, southeastern Illinois and western Kentucky and is the only full-service casino within an 85-mile radius. The land-based complex, which is anchored on each end by two hotels and encompasses approximately 79,000 square feet of enclosed space, includes approximately 45,000 square feet of casino floor, four dining venues, an entertainment lounge and back of house space.

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Lumière Place Casino

Lumière Place Casino (“Lumière”) is located on approximately 20 acres in historic downtown St. Louis, Missouri near business and entertainment districts and overlooks the Mississippi River. Its location provides significant foot traffic from nearby venues including The Dome at America's Center, a multi-purpose stadium and convention center which is connected to Lumière via a pedestrian tunnel, the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium. In addition to the casino, the Lumière complex includes the all-suites HoteLumière, the luxury Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, three full service restaurants, retail shops, indoor pool and fitness center, full service spa and 28,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.

Grand Victoria Casino

The Elgin Riverboat Resort – Riverboat Casino d/b/a Grand Victoria Casino (“Elgin”) is located in Elgin, Illinois approximately 40 miles west of downtown Chicago along the banks of the Fox River. The property features a dock-side casino and four dining venues. It also offers approximately 7,500 square feet of meeting, event and banquet space, a 1,450-space parking garage and additional surface parking for 600 vehicles.

Master Lease

The Master Lease provides for the lease of land, buildings, structures and other improvements on the land (including barges and riverboats), easements and similar appurtenances to the land and improvements relating to the operation of the leased properties. Our properties that are currently subject to the Master Lease are Trop AC, Laughlin, Greenville, Baton Rouge and Evansville. The Master Lease provides for an initial term of fifteen years with no purchase option. At our option, the Master Lease may be extended for up to four five-year renewal terms beyond the initial 15-year term. If we elect to renew the term of the Master Lease, the renewal will be effective as to all, but not less than all, of the leased property then subject to the Master Lease. We do not have the ability to terminate its obligations under the Master Lease prior to its expiration without GLPI’s consent. The obligations of the tenant under the Master Lease are guaranteed by ERI.

The rent payable under the Master Lease is comprised of “Base Rent” and “Percentage Rent.” Base rent is the sum of:

The percentage rent payable under the Master Lease is adjusted every two years based on the actual net revenues of the leased properties during the two-year period then ended. The initial variable rent percentage, which is fixed for the first two years, is $13.4 million per year. The actual percentage increase is based on actual performance and may change materially.

The Master Lease is commonly known as a triple net lease. Accordingly, in addition to rent, we are required to pay the following, among other things: (i) lease payments to the underlying ground lessor for properties that are subject to ground leases; (ii) facility maintenance costs; (iii) all insurance premiums for insurance with respect to the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties; (iv) taxes levied on or with respect to the leased properties (other than taxes on the income of the lessor); and (v) all utilities and other services necessary or appropriate for the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties.

The foregoing summary of the Master Lease is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Master Lease, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  It was determined that the Master Lease did not meet the requirements of a normal leaseback under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 840 “Leases” due to prohibited forms of continuing involvement and is therefore accounted for as a financing obligation.

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Business Strengths and Strategy

Personal service and high-quality amenities

We focus on customer satisfaction and delivering superior guest experiences. We seek to provide our customers with an extraordinary level of personal service and popular gaming, dining and entertainment experiences designed to exceed customer expectations in a clean, safe, friendly and fun environment. Our senior management is actively involved in the daily operations of our properties, frequently interacting with gaming, hotel and restaurant patrons to ensure that they are receiving the highest level of personal attention. Management believes that personal service is an integral part of fostering customer loyalty and generating repeat business. We continually monitor our casino operations to react to changing market conditions and customer demands. We target both premium-play and value-conscious gaming patrons with differentiated offerings at our state-of-the-art casinos, which feature the latest in game technology, innovative bonus options, dynamic signage, customer-convenient features and non-gaming amenities at a reasonable value and price point. As we acquire properties, we have the ability to connect systems and market to our new customers by offering the benefits of our One Club player loyalty program which allows players to earn and redeem rewards across our portfolio.

Diversified portfolio across markets and customer segments

We are geographically diversified across the United States, with no single property accounting for more than 14% of our net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 after giving pro forma effect to the Elgin Acquisition and Tropicana Acquisition. Our customer pool draws from a diversified base of both local and out-of-town patrons. We have also implemented changes to our marketing strategies to reach more potential customers through targeted direct mail, expanded electronic communications and cross-property marketing initiatives. We believe we have assembled a platform on which we can continue to grow and provide a differentiated customer experience.

Management team with deep gaming industry experience and strong local relationships

We have a management team that includes senior executives with significant experience in the gaming and finance industries. Our extensive management experience, ability to identify attractive acquisition opportunities and implement our operating strategies to realize synergies and unwavering commitment to our team members, guests and equity holders have been the primary drivers of our strategic goals and success. We take pride in our reinvestment in our properties and the communities we support along with emphasizing our family-style approach to build loyalty among our team members and guests. We will continue to focus on the future growth and diversification of our company while maintaining our core values and striving for operational excellence.

Betting, Online Gaming and Development Opportunities

William Hill

In September 2018, we entered into a 25-year agreement, which became effective January 2019, with William Hill PLC and William Hill US, its U.S. subsidiary (together, “William Hill”) pursuant to which we (i) granted to William Hill the right to conduct betting activities in retail channels and under our first skin and third skin for online channels with respect to our current and future properties located in the United States and the territories and possessions of the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and (ii) agreed that William Hill will have the right to conduct real money online gaming activities utilizing our second skin available with respect to properties in such territory.  Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, in January 2019 we received a 20% equity stake in William Hill US as well as 13.4 million ordinary shares of William Hill PLC, and we will receive a revenue share from the operation of retail betting and online betting and gaming activities. “Skin” in the context of this agreement refers to Eldorado’s ability to grant to William Hill an online channel that allows William Hill to operate online casino and sports gaming activities in reliance on, and utilizing the benefit of, any licenses granted to Eldorado or its subsidiaries.   

The Stars Group

In November 2018, we entered into a 20-year agreement with The Stars Group Inc. (“TSG”) pursuant to which we agreed to provide TSG with options to obtain access to our second skin for online sports wagering and third skin for real money online gaming and poker, in each case with respect to our properties in the United States. Under the terms of the agreement, we will receive a revenue share from the operation of the applicable verticals by TSG under our licenses. Pursuant to the terms of the TSG agreement, we received 1.1 million TSG common shares and we may receive an additional $5.0 million in TSG common shares upon the exercise of the first option by TSG. We may also receive additional TSG common shares in the future based on TSG net gaming revenue generated in our markets.

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Pompano

In April 2018, we entered into a joint venture with Cordish to master plan and develop a mixed-use entertainment and hospitality destination expected to be located on unused land adjacent to the casino and racetrack at our Pompano property. As the managing member, Cordish will operate the business and manage the development, construction, financing, marketing, leasing, maintenance and day-to-day operation of the various phases of the project. Additionally, Cordish will be responsible for the development of the master plan for the project with our input and will submit it for our review and approval. We and Cordish have made initial cash contributions of $250,000 each and could be required to make additional contributions to a maximum of $2.0 million ($1.0 million per member) at the request of the managing member. We have agreed to contribute land to the joint venture for the project. We will participate evenly with Cordish in the profits and losses of the joint venture.

Competition

The gaming industry is characterized by an increasingly high degree of competition and competition is intense in most of the markets in which we operate.  We compete with a variety of gaming operations, including land-based casinos, dockside casinos, riverboat casinos, casinos located on racing tracks and casinos located on Native American reservations as well as other forms of legalized gaming such as video gaming terminals (VGTs) at bars, restaurants and truck stops. We also compete, to a lesser extent, with other forms of legalized gaming and entertainment such as online gambling, bingo, pull tab games, card parlors, sports books, fantasy sports websites, “cruise-to-nowhere” operations, pari-mutuel or telephonic betting on horse racing and dog racing, state-sponsored lotteries, jai-alai, and, in the future, may compete with gaming at other venues. In addition, we compete more generally with other forms of entertainment for the discretionary spending of our customers.  Certain of our competitors are large gaming companies with greater name recognition and marketing and financial resources.  In some instances, particularly in the case of Native American casinos, our competitors pay lower taxes or no taxes.  These factors create additional challenges for us in competing for customers and accessing cash flow or financing to fund improvements for our casino and entertainment product that enable us to remain competitive.

Governmental Gaming Regulations

The gaming and racing industries are highly regulated, and we must maintain our licenses and pay gaming taxes to continue our operations. We are subject to extensive regulation under laws, rules and supervisory procedures primarily in the jurisdictions where our facilities are located or docked. These laws, rules and regulations generally concern the responsibility, financial stability and characters of the owners, managers, and persons with financial interests in the gaming operations. If additional gaming regulations are adopted in a jurisdiction in which we operate, such regulations could impose restrictions or costs that could have a significant adverse effect on us. From time to time, various proposals have been introduced in legislatures of jurisdictions in which we have operations that, if enacted, could adversely affect the tax, regulatory, operational or other aspects of the gaming industry and us. We do not know whether or when such legislation will be enacted. Gaming companies are currently subject to significant state and local taxes and fees in addition to normal federal and state corporate income taxes, and such taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time. Any material increase in these taxes or fees could adversely affect us.

Some jurisdictions, including those in which we are licensed, empower their regulators to investigate participation by licensees in gaming outside their jurisdiction and require access to periodic reports respecting those gaming activities. Violations of laws in one jurisdiction could result in disciplinary action in other jurisdictions.

Under provisions of gaming laws in jurisdictions in which we have operations, and under our organizational documents, certain of our securities are subject to restriction on ownership which may be imposed by specified governmental authorities. The restrictions may require a holder of our securities to dispose of the securities or, if the holder refuses, or is unable, to dispose of the securities, we may be required to repurchase the securities.

A more detailed description of the regulations to which we are subject is contained in Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10‑K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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Reporting and Record‑Keeping Requirements

We are required periodically to submit detailed financial and operating reports and furnish any other information about us and our subsidiaries that gaming authorities may require. We are required to maintain a current stock ledger that may be examined by gaming authorities at any time. If any securities are held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may be required to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to gaming authorities. A failure to make such disclosure may be grounds for finding the record holder unsuitable. Gaming authorities may, and in certain jurisdictions do, require certificates for our securities to bear a legend indicating that the securities are subject to specified gaming laws.

Taxation

Gaming companies are typically subject to significant taxes and fees in addition to normal federal, state and local income taxes, and such taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time. We pay substantial taxes and fees with respect to our operations. From time to time, federal, state, local and provincial legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, affecting the gaming industry. It is not possible to determine with certainty the likelihood of changes in tax laws or in the administration of such laws.

Internal Revenue Service Regulations

The Internal Revenue Service requires operators of casinos located in the United States to file information returns for U.S. citizens, including names and addresses of winners, for keno, bingo and slot machine winnings in excess of stipulated amounts. The Internal Revenue Service also requires operators to withhold taxes on some keno, bingo and slot machine winnings of nonresident aliens. We are unable to predict the extent to which these requirements, if extended, might impede or otherwise adversely affect operations of, and/or income from, the other games.

Regulations adopted by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the Treasury Department (“FINCEN”) and the Nevada Gaming Authorities require the reporting of currency transactions in excess of $10,000 occurring within a gaming day, including identification of the patron by name and social security number. This reporting obligation began in May 1985 and may have resulted in the loss of gaming revenues to jurisdictions outside the United States which are exempt from the ambit of these regulations. In addition to currency transaction reporting requirements, suspicious financial activity is also required to be reported to FINCEN.

Other Laws and Regulations

Our businesses are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations in addition to gaming regulations. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, restrictions and conditions concerning alcoholic beverages, food service, smoking, environmental matters, employees and employment practices, currency transactions, taxation, zoning and building codes, and marketing and advertising. Such laws and regulations could change or could be interpreted differently in the future, or new laws and regulations could be enacted. Material changes, new laws or regulations, or material differences in interpretations by courts or governmental authorities could adversely affect our operating results.

The sale of alcoholic beverages is subject to licensing, control and regulation by applicable local regulatory agencies. All licenses are revocable and are not transferable. The agencies involved have full power to limit, condition, suspend or revoke any license, and any disciplinary action could, and revocation would, have a material adverse effect upon our operations.

Intellectual Property

We use a variety of trade names, service marks, trademarks, patents and copyrights in our operations and believe that we have all the licenses necessary to conduct our continuing operations. We have registered several service marks, trademarks, patents and copyrights with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or otherwise acquired the licenses to use those which are material to conduct our business. We also own patents relating to unique casino games. We file copyright applications to protect our creative artworks, which are often featured in property branding, as well as our distinctive website content.

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Seasonality

Casino, hotel and racing operations in our markets are subject to seasonal variation. Seasonal weather conditions can frequently adversely affect transportation routes to each of our properties and may cause flooding and other effects that result in the closure of our properties. As a result, unfavorable seasonal conditions could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

Environmental Matters

We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those relating to the use, storage, discharge, emission and disposal of hazardous materials and solid, animal and hazardous wastes and exposure to hazardous materials. Such laws and regulations can impose liability on potentially responsible parties, including the owners or operators of real property, to clean up, or contribute to the cost of cleaning up, sites at which hazardous wastes or materials were disposed of or released. In addition to investigation and remediation liabilities that could arise under such laws and regulations, we could also face personal injury, property damage, fines or other claims by third parties concerning environmental compliance or contamination or exposure to hazardous materials and could be subject to significant fines or penalties for any violations. We have from time to time been responsible for investigating and remediating, or contributing to remediation costs related to, contamination located at or near certain of our facilities, including contamination related to underground storage tanks and groundwater contamination arising from prior uses of land on which certain of our facilities are located. In addition, we have been, and may in the future be, required to manage, abate, remove or contain manure and wastewater generated by concentrated animal feeding operations due to our racetrack operations, mold, lead, asbestos‑containing materials or other hazardous conditions found in or on our properties. Although we have incurred, and expect that we will continue to incur, costs related to the investigation, identification and remediation of hazardous materials or conditions known or discovered to exist at our properties, those costs have not had, and are not expected to have, a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

Employees and Labor Relations

As of December 31, 2018, we had approximately 18,700 employees. As of such date, we had 21 collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 3,400 employees. Two collective bargaining agreements are scheduled to expire in 2019, and we are currently renegotiating three collective bargaining agreements that expired in 2018. There can be no assurance that we will be able to extend or enter into replacement agreements. If we are able to extend or enter into replacement agreements, there can be no assurance as to whether the terms will be on comparable terms to the existing agreements.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward‑Looking Information

This report includes “forward‑looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward‑looking statements include statements regarding our strategies, objectives and plans for future development or acquisitions of properties or operations, as well as expectations, future operating results and other information that is not historical information. When used in this report, the terms or phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “expects,” “might,” “may,” “estimates,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “will likely continue,” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward‑looking statements. Specifically, forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements concerning:

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Any forward‑looking statements are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us, is inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, and are subject to change. Actual results of operations may vary materially from any forward‑looking statements made herein. Forward‑looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we assume no duty to update forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the forward‑looking statements will be achieved. Undue reliance should not be placed on any forward‑looking statements. Some of the contingencies and uncertainties to which any forward‑looking statement contained herein is subject include, but are not limited to, the following:

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In light of these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward‑looking events discussed in this report might not occur. These forward‑looking statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10‑K, even if subsequently made available on our website or otherwise, and we do not intend to update publicly any forward‑looking statement to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement is made, except as may be required by law.

You should also be aware that while we from time to time communicate with securities analysts, we do not disclose to them any material non‑public information, internal forecasts or other confidential business information. Therefore, you should not assume that we agree with any statement or report issued by any analyst, irrespective of the content of the statement or report. To the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain projections, forecasts or opinions, those reports are not our responsibility and are not endorsed by us.

Available Information

We are required to file annual, quarterly and other current reports and information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Because we submit filings to the SEC electronically, access to this information is available at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). This site contains reports and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

We make our Annual Reports on Form 10‑K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10‑Q, our Current Reports on Form 8‑K, and all amendments to these reports, available free of charge on our corporate website (www.eldoradoresorts.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. In addition, our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are available on our website. We will provide reasonable quantities of electronic or paper copies of filings free of charge upon request. In addition, we will provide a copy of the above referenced charters to stockholders upon request.

References in this document to our website address do not incorporate by reference the information contained on the website into this Annual Report on Form 10‑K.

Risk Factors Relating to our Operations

Our business is sensitive to reductions in discretionary consumer spending as a result of downturns in the economy and other factors outside our control

Consumer demand for casino hotel and racetrack properties such as ours is particularly sensitive to downturns in the economy and the associated impact on discretionary spending on leisure activities. Changes in discretionary consumer spending or consumer preferences brought about by factors such as perceived or actual general economic conditions, effects of declines in consumer confidence in the economy, the impact of high energy and food costs, the increased cost of travel, the potential for continued bank failures, decreased disposable consumer income and wealth, or fears of war and future acts of terrorism could further reduce customer demand for the amenities that we offer. In addition, increases in gasoline prices, including increases prompted by global political and economic instabilities, can adversely affect our operations because most of our patrons travel to our properties by car or on airlines that may pass on increases in fuel costs to passengers in the form of higher ticket prices. Further, security concerns, terrorist attacks and other geopolitical events can have a material adverse effect on leisure and business travel, discretionary spending and other areas of economic behavior that directly impact the gaming and entertainment industries in general and our business in particular. Economic downturns, geopolitical events and other related factors which impact discretionary consumer spending and other economic events that are beyond our control have had direct effects on our business and the tourism industry in the past and could adversely affect us in the future.

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We face substantial competition in the hotel and casino industry and expect that such competition will continue

The gaming industry is characterized by an increasingly high degree of competition and competition is intense in most of the markets in which we operate.  We compete with a variety of gaming operations, including land-based casinos, dockside casinos, riverboat casinos, casinos located on racing tracks and casinos located on Native American reservations and other forms of legalized gaming such as video gaming terminals (VGTs) at bars, restaurants and truck stops. We also compete, to a lesser extent, with other forms of legalized gaming and entertainment such as online gambling, bingo, pull tab games, card parlors, sports books, fantasy sports websites, “cruise-to-nowhere” operations, pari-mutuel or telephonic betting on horse racing and dog racing, state-sponsored lotteries, jai-alai, and, in the future, may compete with gaming at other venues. In addition, we compete more generally with other forms of entertainment for the discretionary spending of our customers.  Certain of our competitors are large gaming companies with greater name recognition and marketing and financial resources.  In some instances, particularly in the case of Native American casinos, our competitors pay lower taxes or no taxes.  These factors create additional challenges for us in competing for customers and accessing cash flow or financing to fund improvements for our casino and entertainment product that enable us to remain competitive.  

In addition, states that already have legalized casino gaming may further expand gaming, and other states that have not yet legalized gaming may do so in the future. Legalized casino gaming in these states and on Native American reservations in or near our markets or changes to gaming laws in states in which we have operations and in states near our operations could increase competition and could adversely affect our operations. There has been significant competition in our markets as a result of the expansion of facilities by existing market participants, the entrance of new gaming participants into a market or legislative changes in prior years and expanded gaming is under consideration in certain of our markets. For example, gaming facilities in Ohio that commenced operations in recent years present significant competition for Mountaineer, Presque Isle Downs, Nemacolin and Scioto Downs. In addition, the Governor of Pennsylvania signed legislation in October 2017 expanding gaming to allow for up to ten additional casino locations, video gaming terminals (VGTs) at truck stops, interactive gaming (iGaming), gaming at airports and potentially sports wagering. In Missouri, there are two proposals pending before the Missouri General Assembly for the expansion of gaming in the state.  The Missouri sports betting bill would allow Class B gaming licensees and daily fantasy sports licensees to conduct sports wagering including on mobile devices so long as such devices are located within the state of Missouri.  The Missouri video lottery terminal bill would allow the state lottery to operate video gaming terminals, similar to slot machines, at various locations distributed across the state including bars, restaurants, veterans and fraternal organizations and convenience stores throughout the state.  Each of these bills are in the early stages of the law making process and subject to significant changes in proposed statutory language prior to enactment. Any such expansion of legalized gaming could adversely impact our properties.

Casino gaming is currently prohibited in several jurisdictions from which the Shreveport/Bossier City and Lake Charles markets draw customers, primarily Texas. The Texas legislature has from time to time considered proposals to legalize gaming, and there can be no assurance that casino gaming will not be approved in Texas in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on Eldorado Shreveport and Lake Charles. Additionally, since visitors from California comprise a significant portion of our customer base in Reno, we also compete with Native American gaming operations in California. Native American tribes are allowed to operate slot machines, lottery games and banking and percentage games on Native American lands. A number of Native American tribes have established large-scale gaming facilities in California. Additionally, from time to time the State of Florida has entered into or amended gaming compacts with Native American casinos or enacted, amended or discussed possible changes in gaming laws which could have positive or negative impacts on our Pompano operations. In addition, various forms of internet gaming have been approved in Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, and legislation permitting internet gaming has been proposed by the federal government and other states. The expansion of internet gaming in Nevada and other jurisdictions could result in significant additional competition.

Increased competition may require us to make substantial capital expenditures to maintain and enhance the competitive positions of our properties to increase the attractiveness and add to the appeal of our facilities. Because a significant portion of our cash flow is required to pay obligations under our outstanding indebtedness and the Master Lease, there can be no assurance that we will have sufficient funds to undertake these expenditures or that we will be able to obtain sufficient financing to fund such expenditures. If we are unable to make such expenditures, our competitive position could be negatively affected.

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Our operations in certain jurisdictions depend on agreements with third parties

Our operations in several jurisdictions depend on agreements with third parties. If we are unable to renew these agreements on satisfactory terms as they expire, our business may be disrupted and, in the event of disruptions in multiple jurisdictions, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. For example, Iowa law requires that each gambling venue in Iowa must have a licensed “Qualified Sponsoring Organization,” or QSO, which is a tax-exempt non-profit organization. The QSO must donate the profits it receives from casino operations to educational, civic, public, charitable, patriotic or religious uses. Both of our Iowa properties have an agreement with a local QSO. We have the right to renew our agreements for Bettendorf and Waterloo when they expire in 2025 and 2021, respectively.

The Federal Interstate Horse Racing Act and the state racing laws in certain jurisdictions where we have racetracks require that, in order to simulcast races, we have written agreements with the horse owners and trainers at those racetracks or that we share proceeds of slot machines at the applicable racetrack. If we fail to maintain operative agreements with the horsemen at our racetracks, we will not be permitted to conduct live racing and export and import simulcasting, and may not be permitted to continue our gaming operations, at the applicable racetrack at those facilities, which could have material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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

We currently lease certain parcels of land on which several of our properties are located, including five of the properties that we acquired in the Tropicana Acquisition. As a ground lessee, we have the right to use the leased land; however, we do not hold fee ownership of the underlying land. Accordingly, we have no interest in the leased land or improvements thereon at the expiration of the ground leases. Moreover, since we do not completely control the land underlying the property, a landowner could take certain actions to disrupt our rights in the land leased under the long-term leases which are beyond our control.  If the entity owning any leased land chose to disrupt our use either permanently or for a significant period of time, then the value of our assets could be impaired and our business and operations could be adversely affected. Our leases provide that they may be terminated for a number of reasons, including failure to pay rent, taxes or other payment obligations or the breach of other covenants contained in the leases. In particular, the Master Lease requires initial annual rent payments of at least $87.6 million, which is subject to escalation annually, and obligates us to make specified minimum capital expenditures with respect to the leased properties. If our business and properties fail to generate sufficient earnings, the payments required to service the rent obligations under the Master Lease could materially and adversely limit our ability to react to changes in our business and make acquisitions and investments in our properties. If we were to default on any one or more of these leases, the applicable lessors could terminate the affected leases and we could lose possession of the affected land and any improvements on the land, including the hotels and casinos. A termination of our ground leases or the Master Lease could result in a default under our debt agreements and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, in the event that any lessor of our leased properties, including properties that are subject to the Master Lease, encounters financial, operational, regulatory or other challenges, there can be no assurance that such lessor will be able to comply with its obligations under the applicable lease.

Certain of our leases, including the Master Lease, are “triple-net” leases. Accordingly, in addition to rent, we are required to pay, among other things, the following: (1) lease payments to the underlying ground lessor for properties that are subject to ground leases; (2) facility maintenance costs; (3) all insurance premiums for insurance with respect to the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties; (4) taxes levied on or with respect to the leased properties (other than taxes on the income of the lessor); and (5) all utilities and other services necessary or appropriate for the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties. We are responsible for incurring the costs described in the preceding sentence notwithstanding the fact that many of the benefits received in exchange for such costs shall in part accrue to the lessor as the owner of the associated facilities. In addition, we remain obligated for lease payments and other obligations under the Master Lease and other ground leases even if one or more of such leased facilities is unprofitable or if we decide to withdraw from those locations. We could incur special charges relating to the closing of such facilities including lease termination costs, impairment charges and other special charges that would reduce our net income and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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We are subject to extensive Federal, state and local regulation and licensing, and gaming authorities have significant control over our operations, which could have an adverse effect on our business

Licensing Requirements.  The ownership and operation of casino gaming, riverboat and horse racing facilities are subject to extensive federal, state, and local regulation, and regulatory authorities at the federal, state, and local levels have broad powers with respect to the licensing of gaming businesses and may revoke, suspend, condition or limit our gaming or other licenses, impose substantial fines, and take other actions, each of which poses a significant risk to our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We currently hold all state and local licenses and related approvals necessary to conduct our present gaming operations, but we must periodically apply to renew many of our licenses and registrations. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain such renewals. Any failure to maintain or renew our existing licenses, registrations, permits or approvals would have a material adverse effect on us. Furthermore, if additional laws or regulations are adopted or existing laws or regulations are amended or interpreted differently, these regulations could impose additional restrictions or costs that could have a significant adverse effect on us.

Gaming authorities with jurisdiction over our operations may, in their discretion, require the holder of any securities issued by us to file applications, be investigated, and be found suitable to own our securities if they have reason to believe that the security ownership would be inconsistent with the declared policies of their respective jurisdictions. Further, the costs of any investigation conducted by any of the Gaming Authorities under these circumstances must be paid by the applicant, and refusal or failure to pay these charges may constitute grounds for a finding that the applicant is unsuitable to own the securities. If any of the Gaming Authorities determines that a person is unsuitable to own our securities, then, under the applicable gaming or horse racing laws and regulations, we can be sanctioned, including the loss of approvals that are required for us to continue our gaming operations in the relevant jurisdictions, if such unsuitable person does not timely sell our securities.

Our officers, directors, and key employees are also subject to a variety of regulatory requirements and various licensing and related approval procedures in the various jurisdictions in which we operate gaming facilities. If any of the applicable Gaming Authorities were to find an officer, director or key employee of ours unsuitable for licensing or unsuitable to continue having a relationship with us, we would have to sever all relationships with that person. Furthermore, the Gaming Authorities may require us to terminate the employment of any person who refuses to file appropriate applications. Either result could materially adversely affect our gaming operations.

Applicable gaming laws and regulations restrict our ability to issue securities, incur debt and undertake other financing activities. Such transactions would generally require approval of applicable Gaming Authorities, and our financing counterparties, including lenders, might be subject to various licensing and related approval procedures in the various jurisdictions in which we operate gaming facilities. If state regulatory authorities were to find any person unsuitable with regard to his, her or its relationship to us or any of our subsidiaries, we would be required to sever our relationships with that person, which could materially adversely affect our business.

Compliance with Other Laws.  We are also subject to a variety of other federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and ordinances that apply to non-gaming businesses, including zoning, environmental, construction and land-use laws and regulations governing smoking and the serving of alcoholic beverages. Legislation in various forms to ban indoor tobacco smoking has been enacted or introduced in many states and local jurisdictions, including several of the jurisdictions in which we operate. If additional restrictions on smoking are enacted in our jurisdictions, we could experience a significant decrease in gaming revenue and, particularly if such restrictions are not applicable to all competitive facilities in that gaming market, our business could be materially adversely affected. Under various federal, state and local laws and regulations, an owner or operator of real property may be held liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances or wastes located on its property, regardless of whether or not the present owner or operator knows of, or is responsible for, the presence of such substances or wastes. We have not identified any issues associated with our properties that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on us or the results of our operations. However, several of our properties are located in industrial areas or were used for industrial purposes for many years. As a consequence, it is possible that historical or neighboring activities have affected one or more of our properties and that, as a result, environmental issues could arise in the future, the precise nature of which we cannot now predict. The coverage and attendant compliance costs associated with these laws, regulations and ordinances may result in future additional costs.

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Regulations adopted by FINCEN require us to report currency transactions in excess of $10,000 occurring within a gaming day, including identification of the patron by name and social security number. U.S. Treasury Department regulations also require us to report certain suspicious activity, including any transaction that exceeds $5,000, if we know, suspect or have reason to believe that the transaction involves funds from illegal activity or is designed to evade federal regulations or reporting requirements. Substantial penalties can be imposed if we fail to comply with these regulations. FINCEN has recently increased its focus on gaming companies.

We are required to report certain customer’s gambling winnings via form W-2G to comply with current Internal Revenue Service regulations. Should these regulations change, we would expect to incur additional costs to comply with the revised reporting requirements.

Taxation and Fees. In addition, gaming companies are generally subject to significant revenue-based taxes and fees in addition to normal federal, state, and local income taxes, and such taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time. We pay substantial taxes and fees with respect to our operations. From time to time, federal, state, and local legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, affecting the gaming industry. In addition, worsening economic conditions could intensify the efforts of state and local governments to raise revenues through increases in gaming taxes and/or property taxes. It is not possible to determine with certainty the likelihood of changes in tax laws or in the administration of such laws. Such changes, if adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The large number of state and local governments with significant current or projected budget deficits makes it more likely that those governments that currently permit gaming will seek to fund such deficits with new or increased gaming taxes and/or property taxes, and worsening economic conditions could intensify those efforts. Any material increase, or the adoption of additional taxes or fees, could have a material adverse effect on our future financial results.

Income Taxes. We are subject to tax in multiple U.S. tax jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets or liabilities and in evaluating our tax positions. While we believe our tax positions are consistent with the tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we conduct our business, it is possible that these positions may be overturned by jurisdictional tax authorities, which may have a significant impact on our provision for income taxes.

Tax laws are dynamic and subject to change as new laws are passed and new interpretations of the law are issued or applied. The U.S. recently enacted significant tax reform, and certain provisions of the new law may adversely affect us. In addition, governmental tax authorities are increasingly scrutinizing the tax positions of companies. If U.S. or state tax authorities change applicable tax laws, our overall taxes could increase, and our business, financial condition or results of operations may be adversely impacted.

We have partnership agreements to expand our sportsbook business and engage in online sportsbook, casino gaming and poker. There can be no assurance that regulations authorizing such activities will be approved in the jurisdictions in which we operate or that the market for such gaming activities will develop as expected.

During the second quarter of 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Federal ban on sports betting.  As a result, several jurisdictions in which we operate legalized sports betting and additional jurisdictions may do so in the future.  We currently accept wagers on sporting events in Nevada, New Jersey and West Virginia and anticipate accepting wagers on sporting events during the first quarter of 2019 at our casinos located in Pennsylvania and Mississippi. However, our ability to expand our sports betting and online operations is dependent on adoption of regulations permitting sports betting in the United States and may be negatively impacted by a recent opinion of the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel relating to the restrictions on online gaming under existing Federal statutes. There can be no assurances when, or if, regulations enabling sports betting and online sportsbook, casino gaming and poker will be adopted, or the terms of such regulations, in certain of the jurisdictions in which we operate.  

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Following the repeal of the Federal ban on sports betting, we entered into a definitive agreement with William Hill pursuant to which William Hill has agreed to operate as our sports betting operator, including with respect to mobile and online sports wagering, for a period of 25 years. We also entered into a 20-year agreement with TSG pursuant to which we agreed to provide TSG with options to obtain access to certain of our licenses for online sports wagering and real money online gaming and poker.  We received equity interests in William Hill US, William Hill PLC and TSG in consideration for the execution of these agreements and we may in the future receive additional consideration, including revenue sharing based on the betting and gaming operations conducted under the authority of our licenses or in our markets.  To the extent permitted under our agreements with William Hill and TSG, we will continue to evaluate options for additional partnerships to operate online betting and gaming activities under the authority of our licenses and may in the future enter into additional partnership agreements with respect to such operations.

The market for sports betting and online gaming is rapidly evolving and highly competitive with an increasing number of competitors. The success of our sportsbook and online betting and gaming partners, the value of our equity interests in William Hill and TSG and the results of operations from sports betting and online sportsbook and gaming conducted at our properties or under the authority of our licenses are dependent on a number of factors that are beyond our control, including:

There can be no assurance as to the returns that we will receive from our current and anticipated sports betting and online gaming operations or our partnerships with William Hill and TSG or future similar arrangements with other market service providers.

We rely on our key personnel and we may face difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified employees for our casinos and race tracks

Our future success will depend upon, among other things, our ability to keep our senior executives and highly qualified employees. We compete with other potential employers for employees, and we may not succeed in hiring or retaining the executives and other employees that we need. A sudden loss of or inability to replace key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.

In addition, the operation of our business requires qualified executives, managers and skilled employees with gaming and horse racing industry experience and qualifications who are able to obtain the requisite licenses and approval from the applicable Gaming Authorities. There has from time to time been a shortage of skilled labor in our markets. In addition to limitations that may otherwise exist in the supply of skilled labor, the continued expansion of gaming near our facilities, including the expansion of Native American gaming, may make it more difficult for us to attract qualified individuals. While we believe that we will continue to be able to attract and retain qualified employees, shortages of skilled labor will make it increasingly difficult and expensive to attract and retain the services of a satisfactory number of qualified employees, and we may incur higher costs than expected as a result.

Work stoppages, organizing drives and other labor problems could negatively impact our future profits

As of December 31, 2018, we had 21 collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 3,400 employees. A lengthy strike or other work stoppages at any of our casino properties could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Given the large number of employees, labor unions are making a concerted effort to recruit more employees in the gaming industry, including at some of our properties. As a result, we cannot provide any assurance that we will not experience additional and more successful union organization activity in the future.

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Because we own real property, we will be subject to extensive environmental regulation, which creates uncertainty regarding future environmental expenditures and liabilities

We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that govern activities that may have adverse environmental effects, such as discharges to air and water, as well as the use, storage, discharge, emission and disposal of solid, animal and hazardous wastes and exposure to hazardous materials. These laws and regulations are complex and frequently subject to change. In addition, our horse racing facilities are subject to laws and regulations that address the impacts of manure and wastewater generated by Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (“CAFO”) on water quality, including, but not limited to, storm water discharges. CAFO regulations include permit requirements and water quality discharge standards. Enforcement of CAFO regulations has been receiving increased governmental attention. Compliance with these and other environmental laws can, in some circumstances, require significant capital expenditures. We have from time to time been responsible for investigating and remediating, or contributing to remediation costs related to, contamination located at or near certain of our facilities, including contamination related to underground storage tanks and groundwater contamination arising from prior uses of land on which certain of our facilities are located. In addition, we have been, and may in the future be, required to manage, abate, remove or contain manure and wastewater generated by concentrated animal feeding operations due to our racetrack operations, mold, lead, asbestos‑containing materials or other hazardous conditions found in or on our properties. Moreover, violations can result in significant fines or penalties and, in some instances, interruption or cessation of operations.

We are also subject to laws and regulations that create liability and cleanup responsibility for releases of regulated materials into the environment. Certain of these laws and regulations impose strict, and under certain circumstances joint and several, liability on a current or previous owner or operator of property for the costs of remediating regulated materials on or emanating from its property. The costs of investigation, remediation or removal of those substances may be substantial.

An earthquake, hurricane, flood, other natural disaster, act of terrorism or other casualty events could adversely affect our business and we may not have sufficient insurance coverage to cover such losses

The operations of our facilities are subject to disruption or reduced patronage as a result of severe weather conditions, natural disasters and other casualty events, including acts of terrorism or violence. The Reno area has been, and may in the future be, subject to earthquakes and other natural disasters and certain of our other properties are located in flood zones or are otherwise subject to significant disruption based on adverse weather conditions. Because many of our gaming operations are located on or adjacent to bodies of water, these facilities are subject to risks in addition to those associated with other casinos, including loss of service due to casualty, forces of nature, mechanical failure, extended or extraordinary maintenance, flood, hurricane or other severe weather conditions and other disasters. For example, flooding along the Mississippi River can impact eight or more of our properties and result in them being closed for differing periods of time. Our properties in Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and New Jersey are particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, wind and storm surge. Our Pompano property was closed for four days in 2017 because of storms. In addition, severe weather such as high winds and blizzards occasionally limits access to our land-based facilities in Colorado and Reno. Inadequate insurance or lack of available insurance for these and other certain types or levels of risk could expose us to significant losses in the event that a catastrophe occurred for which we are underinsured. Further, if properties subject to the Master Lease are impacted by a casualty event, the Master Lease requires us to repair or restore the affected properties even if the cost of such repair or restoration exceeds the insurance proceeds that we receive. Under such circumstances, the rent under the Master Lease is required to be paid during the period of repair or restoration even if all or a portion of the affected property is not operating. In addition to the damage caused to our properties by a casualty loss, we may suffer business disruption as a result of the casualty event or be subject to claims by third parties that may be injured or harmed. While we carry general liability insurance and business interruption insurance, there can be no assurance that insurance will be available or adequate to cover all loss and damage to which our business or our assets might be subjected. In addition, certain casualty events, such as labor strikes, nuclear events, loss of income due to terrorism, violence, deterioration or corrosion, insect or animal damage and pollution, may not be covered under our policies. Any losses we incur that are not adequately covered by insurance may decrease our future operating income, require us to fund replacements or repairs for destroyed property and reduce the funds available for payments of our obligations. Further, we renew our insurance policies on an annual basis. The cost of coverage may become so high that we may need to further reduce our policy limits or agree to certain exclusions from coverage. Among other factors, it is possible that regional political tensions, homeland security concerns, other catastrophic events or any change in government legislation governing insurance coverage for acts of terrorism could materially adversely affect available insurance coverage and result in increased premiums on available coverage (which may cause us to elect to reduce our policy limits), additional exclusions from coverage or higher deductibles. Among other potential future adverse changes, in the future we may elect to not, or may not be able to, obtain any coverage for losses due to acts of terrorism.

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We are subject to risks relating to mechanical failure, forces of nature, casualty, extraordinary maintenance and other causes

All of our facilities will generally be subject to the risk that operations could be halted for a temporary or extended period of time, as the result of casualty, forces of nature, mechanical failure, or extended or extraordinary maintenance, among other causes. In addition, our gaming operations could be damaged or halted due to extreme weather conditions. These risks are particularly pronounced at our riverboat and dockside facilities because of their locations on and adjacent to water.

Our reliance on our computer systems and software could expose us to great financial harm if any of our computer systems or software were subject to any material disruption or corruption.

We rely significantly on our computer systems and software to receive and properly process internal and external data, including data related to our player loyalty program. A disruption or corruption of the proper functioning of our computer systems or software could cause us to lose data or record erroneous data, which could result in material losses. We cannot guarantee that our efforts to maintain competitive computer systems and software will be successful. Our computer systems and software may fail or be subject to bugs or other errors, resulting in service interruptions or other unintended consequences. If any of these risks materialize, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We are or may become involved in legal proceedings that, if adversely adjudicated or settled, could impact our business and financial condition

From time to time, we are named in lawsuits or other legal proceedings relating to our respective businesses. In particular, the nature of our business subjects us to the risk of lawsuits filed by customers, past and present employees, competitors, business partners and others in the ordinary course of business. As with all legal proceedings, no assurances can be given as to the outcome of these matters. Moreover, legal proceedings can be expensive and time consuming, and we may not be successful in defending or prosecuting these lawsuits, which could result in settlements or damages that could significantly impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our information technology and other systems are subject to cyber security risk including misappropriation of customer information or other breaches of information security

We collect information relating to our guests and employees for various business purposes, including marketing and promotional purposes. The collection and use of personal data are governed by privacy laws and regulations enacted in the United States. We rely on information technology and other systems to maintain and transmit this personal and financial information, credit card settlements, credit card funds transmissions, mailing lists and reservations information. Our information and processes are subject to the ever-changing threat of compromised security, in the form of a risk of potential breach, system failure, computer virus, or unauthorized or fraudulent use by customers, company employees, or employees of third-party vendors.  We face cybersecurity threats, which may range from uncoordinated individual attempts to sophisticated and targeted measures directed at us. Cyber-attacks and security breaches may include, but are not limited to, attempts to access information, including customer and company information, computer malware such as viruses, denial of service, ransomware attacks that encrypt, exfiltrate, or otherwise render data unusable or unavailable in an effort to extort money or other consideration as a condition to purportedly returning the data to a usable form, operator errors or misuse, or inadvertent releases of data, and other forms of electronic security breaches. The steps we take to deter and mitigate these risks may not be successful, and any resulting compromise or loss of data or systems could adversely impact, operations or regulatory compliance and could result in remedial expenses, fines, litigation, and loss of reputation, potentially impacting our financial results.

In addition, third party service providers and other business partners process and maintain proprietary business information and data related to our guests, suppliers and other business partners. Our information technology and other systems that maintain and transmit this information, or those of service providers or business partners, may also be compromised by a malicious third-party penetration of our network security or that of a third party service provider or business partner, or impacted by intentional or unintentional actions or inactions by our employees or those of a third party service provider or business partner. As a result, our business information, guest, supplier, and other business partner data may be lost, disclosed, accessed or taken without their consent.

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Any such loss, disclosure or misappropriation of, or access to, guests’ or business partners’ information or other breach of our information security can result in legal claims or legal proceedings, including regulatory investigations and actions, may have a serious impact on our reputation and may adversely affect our businesses, operating results and financial condition. Furthermore, the loss, disclosure or misappropriation of our business information may adversely affect our reputation, businesses, operating results and financial condition.

Our operations have historically been subject to seasonal variations and quarterly fluctuations in operating results, and we can expect to experience such variations and fluctuations in the future

Historically, our operations have typically been subject to seasonal variations. Our strongest operating results for our Reno properties have generally occurred in the second and third quarters and the weakest results have generally occurred during the period from November through February when weather conditions adversely affected operating results. Winter conditions can frequently adversely affect transportation routes to Reno, where a significant of our visitors arrive by ground transportation, and certain of our other properties and cause cancellations of live horse racing. For example, the Reno-Tahoe area experienced exceptionally high levels of snowfall in the first quarter of 2017, with certain resorts in the Tahoe area reporting over 50 feet of snowfall during such time, which adversely affected visitation to our Reno properties and adversely affected our results of operations for the first quarter of 2017. As a result, unfavorable seasonal conditions could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

The concentration and evolution of the slot machine manufacturing industry could impose additional costs on us

There are a limited number of slot machine manufacturers servicing the gaming industry and a large majority of our revenues are derived from slot machines at our casinos. It is important, for competitive reasons, that we offer the most popular and up-to-date slot machine games with the latest technology to customers.

In recent years, slot machine manufacturers have frequently refused to sell slot machines featuring the most popular games, instead requiring participating lease arrangements. Generally, a participating lease is substantially more expensive over the long-term than the cost to purchase a new slot machine.

For competitive reasons, we may be forced to acquire new slot machines, slot machine systems or gaming and hotel technology and equipment, or enter into participating lease arrangements, that are more expensive than our costs associated with the continued operation of our existing slot machines, equipment and software. If the newer slot machines, equipment or software do not result in sufficient incremental revenues to offset the increased investment, or if we are unable to successfully implement new software or technology, it could adversely affect our operations and profitability.

We face risks associated with growth and acquisitions

As part of our business strategy, we regularly evaluate opportunities for growth through development of gaming operations in existing or new markets, through acquiring other gaming entertainment facilities or through redeveloping our existing gaming facilities. In the future, we may also pursue expansion opportunities, including joint ventures, in jurisdictions where casino gaming is not currently permitted in order to be prepared to develop projects upon approval of casino gaming.

Although we only intend to engage in acquisitions that, if consummated, will be accretive to us and our stockholders, we cannot be sure that we will be able to identify attractive acquisition opportunities or that we will experience the return on investment that we expect. In particular, while we currently anticipate that the acquisitions of Tropicana and Elgin will be accretive to our earnings per share in 2019, this expectation is based on estimates and assumes certain synergies expected to be realized over a 12-month period following the completion of the acquisitions. Such estimates and assumptions could materially change due to factors beyond our control and could delay, decrease or eliminate the expected accretive effect of the acquisitions and cause resulting dilution to our earnings per share or negatively impact the price of our common stock.

In addition, acquisitions require significant management attention and resources to integrate new properties, businesses and operations. Potential difficulties we may encounter as part of the integration process include:  

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In addition, it is possible that the integration process could result in:

any of which could adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and other constituencies or our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits, or could reduce our earnings or otherwise adversely affect our business and financial results.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify, acquire, develop or profitably manage additional companies or operations or successfully integrate such companies or operations, into our existing operations without substantial costs, delays or other problems. Additionally, there can be no assurance that we will receive gaming or other necessary licenses or approvals for new projects that we may pursue or that gaming will be approved in jurisdictions where it is not currently approved.

We may experience construction delays or cost overruns during our expansion or development projects that could adversely affect our operations

From time to time, we may commence development and construction projects on new properties or at our current properties. We also evaluate other expansion opportunities as they become available and may in the future engage in additional construction projects.  As an example, we recently formed a joint venture with Cordish to master plan and develop a mixed-use entertainment and hospitality destination expected to be located on unused land adjacent to the Pompano casino and racetrack.  The anticipated costs and construction periods for development and construction projects are based upon budgets, conceptual design documents and construction schedule estimates prepared by us or, in the case of Pompano, our joint venture partner, in consultation with our architects, all of which are subject to assumptions that may be subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances. Development and construction projects entail significant risks, which can substantially increase costs or delay completion of a project. Such risks include shortages of materials or skilled labor, unforeseen engineering, environmental or geological problems, work stoppages, weather interference and unanticipated cost increases. Most of these factors are beyond our control. In addition, difficulties or delays in obtaining any of the requisite entitlements, licenses, permits or authorizations from regulatory authorities can increase the cost or delay the completion of an expansion or development. Significant budget overruns or delays with respect to expansion and development projects could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our planned capital expenditures may not result in our expected improvements in our business

We regularly expend capital to construct, maintain and renovate our properties to remain competitive, maintain the value and brand standards of our properties and comply with applicable laws and regulations. Our ability to realize the expected returns on our capital investments is dependent on a number of factors, including, general economic conditions; changes to construction plans and specifications; delays in obtaining or inability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and approvals; disputes with contractors; disruptions to our business caused by construction; and other unanticipated circumstances or cost increases.

While we believe that the overall budgets for our planned capital expenditures are reasonable, these costs are estimates and the actual costs may be higher than expected. In addition, we can provide no assurance that these investments will be sufficient or that we will realize our expected returns on our capital investments, or any returns at all. A failure to realize our expected returns on capital investments could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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We may incur impairments to goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, or long-lived assets, which could negatively affect our operating results

As of December 31, 2018, we had $2.4 billion of goodwill and other intangible assets. We perform annual impairment testing for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of October 1 of each fiscal year, or on an interim basis if indicators of impairment exist. For properties with goodwill and/or other intangible assets with indefinite lives, these tests could require the comparison of the implied fair value of each reporting unit to carrying value. In conjunction with the classification of Vicksburg’s operations as assets held for sale at March 31, 2018 as a result of the announced sale to Churchill Downs Incorporated, an impairment charge totaling $9.8 million was recorded due to the carrying value exceeding the estimated net sales proceeds. The impairment reduced the value of goodwill. Additionally, in conjunction with the agreement to sell our rights and obligations to operate Nemacolin, an impairment charge totaling $3.8 million was recorded in 2018 due to the carrying value of the property and equipment being sold exceeding the estimated net sales proceeds.

During the fourth quarter of 2017, we recorded an impairment charge totaling $38.0 million to reduce the carrying value of goodwill and/or trade names related to our Lake Charles, Lula and Vicksburg reporting units.

We must make various assumptions and estimates in performing our impairment testing.  Our qualitative assessments including assumptions regarding market and industry conditions and our financial performance. Our quantitative assessment relies on estimates of future cash flows that are based on reasonable and supportable assumptions which represent our best estimates of the cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets including their eventual disposition and by a market approach based upon valuation multiples for similar companies. Changes in estimates or market conditions, increases in our cost of capital, reductions in transaction multiples, operating and capital expenditure assumptions or application of alternative assumptions and definitions, could produce significantly different results.

We also evaluate long-lived assets for impairment if indicators of impairment exist. In assessing the recoverability of the carrying value of such property, equipment and other long-lived assets, we make assumptions regarding future cash flows and residual values.

Future cash flow estimates are, by their nature, subjective and actual results may differ materially from our estimates. If our ongoing estimates of future cash flows are not met, we may have to record additional impairment charges in future accounting periods. Our estimates of cash flows are based on the current regulatory, social and economic climates, recent operating information and budgets, and current operating plans of the various properties where we conduct operations. These estimates could be negatively impacted by changes in federal, state or local regulations, economic downturns, internal operating decisions, or other events affecting various forms of travel and access to our properties.

Risks Related to our Capital Structure and Equity Ownership

Our obligations under our indebtedness and Master Lease are significant

As of December 31, 2018, we had $3.3 billion of total indebtedness outstanding consisting of $956.8 million outstanding under our term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility” or “Term Loan”), $600 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 6.0% senior notes due 2026 (the “6% Senior Notes due 2026”), $875.0 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 6.0% senior notes due 2025 (the “6% Senior Notes due 2025”), $375.0 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 7.0% senior notes due 2023 (the “7% Senior Notes due 2023”) and $246.0 million of principal outstanding under our loan to fund the purchase of Elgin (“Lumière Loan”). As of December 31, 2018, we had $245.0 outstanding under our $500.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the Term Loan, the “Credit Facility”). In addition, our annual rent payment under the Master Lease is at least $87.6 million and is subject to annual escalation.  These financial obligations may have important negative consequences for us, including:

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In addition, the Master Lease requires us to make specific minimum investments in capital expenditures and, subject to certain caps, the rent escalations under the Master Lease will continue to apply regardless of the cash flows generated by the properties subject to the Master Lease and the obligations under the Master Lease are guaranteed by ERI.  If the cash flows generated by the leased properties decrease, or do not increase at the same rate as the rent escalations, the rent payable under the Master Lease and required capital expenditures could constitute a higher percentage of cash flows generated by the leased properties, which could materially exacerbate the consequences described above.

Despite our current indebtedness levels, we and our subsidiaries may still incur significant additional indebtedness. Incurring more indebtedness could increase the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness

We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness, including additional secured indebtedness, and may enter into financing obligations similar to the Master Lease in the future. As of December 31, 2018, we had $242.3 million of borrowing capacity, after consideration of $12.7 million in outstanding letters of credit, under our Credit Facility. Our existing debt agreements currently permit, and we expect that agreements governing debt that we incur in the future will permit, us to incur certain other additional secured and unsecured debt. Further, we may incur other liabilities that do not constitute indebtedness. The risks that we face based on our outstanding indebtedness may intensify if we incur additional indebtedness or financing obligations in the future.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and pay rent under the Master Lease and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful

Our ability to satisfy our rent obligations under the Master Lease and make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. We cannot assure you that we will maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay rent under the Master Lease and the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness.

If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service and rent obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service and rent obligations. If our operating results and available cash are insufficient to meet our debt service and rent obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain the proceeds that we could realize from them, and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. Additionally, the agreements governing our existing debt restrict sales of assets and limit the use of the proceeds from any disposition and our Master Lease limits our ability to dispose of leased properties; as a result, we may not be allowed, under these documents, to dispose of certain of our properties and use proceeds from such dispositions to satisfy all current debt service obligations.

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The agreements governing our debt and the Master Lease impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us and our subsidiaries, which may prevent us from capitalizing on business opportunities

The agreements governing our existing debt impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us. These restrictions limit our ability, among other things, to:

In addition, the credit agreement governing the Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants, including minimum interest coverage ratio and maximum total leverage ratio covenants.

A failure to comply with the covenants contained in the agreements governing our existing or future indebtedness could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of the indebtedness and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If our indebtedness were to be accelerated, there can be no assurance that our assets would be sufficient to repay such indebtedness in full. Moreover, in the event that such indebtedness is accelerated, there can be no assurance that we will be able to refinance it on acceptable terms, or at all.

In addition, our Master Lease imposes restrictions on the business activities of the tenant, including restrictions on transfers of leased properties, requirements to make minimum specified levels of capital expenditures and limitations on the operation of the leased properties.  The Master Lease also restricts payments of dividends if the tenant does not meet the specified minimum adjusted revenue to rent ratio.

As a result of these covenants and restrictions, we are limited in how we conduct our business and we may be unable to raise additional debt or equity financing to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities. The restrictions caused by such covenants could also place us at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors.

The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly

The U.S. securities markets in general have experienced significant price fluctuations in recent years. The market price of our common stock may be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations. In addition, the trading volume of our common stock may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. Some of the factors that could cause fluctuations in, or have a material adverse effect on, the stock price or trading volume of our common stock include:

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We cannot assure you that the stock price of our common stock will not fluctuate or decline significantly in the future. In addition, the stock market in general can experience considerable price and volume fluctuations that may be unrelated to our performance. If the market price of our common stock fluctuates significantly, we may become the subject of securities class action litigation which may result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources.

We have not historically paid dividends and may not pay dividends in the future

We do not currently expect to pay dividends on its common stock. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon among other factors, our earnings, cash requirements, financial condition, requirements to comply with the covenants under its debt instruments, legal considerations, and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. In addition, the agreements governing our indebtedness restrict its ability to pay dividends. If we do not pay dividends, then the return on an investment in its common stock will depend entirely upon any future appreciation in its stock price. There is no guarantee that our common stock will appreciate in value or maintain its value.

None.

Information relating to the location and general characteristics of our properties is provided in Part I, Item I, Business, Properties.

As of December 31, 2018, our facilities located on property that we own or lease, were as follows:

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We own additional property and have various property leases and options to either lease or purchase property that are not directly related to our existing operations and that may be utilized in the future in connection with expansion projects at our existing facilities or development of new projects.

Substantially all of our assets are pledged to secure our outstanding indebtedness under the senior notes and credit obligations.

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We are a party to various legal and administrative proceedings, which have arisen in the normal course of our business. Estimated losses are accrued for these proceedings when the loss is probable and can be estimated. The current liability for the estimated losses associated with these proceedings is not material to our consolidated financial condition and those estimated losses are not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations. In addition, we maintain what we believe is adequate insurance coverage to further mitigate the risks of such proceedings. However, such proceedings can be costly, time consuming and unpredictable and, therefore, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of such proceedings may not materially impact our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Further, no assurance can be given that the amount of scope of existing insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover losses arising from such matter.

Not applicable.

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PART II

Our Common Stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ERI”. On February 25, 2019, the NASDAQ Official Closing Price for our common stock was $48.09. As of February 25, 2019, there were approximately 698 holders of record of our common stock.

We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We intend to retain all of our earnings to finance the development of our business, and thus, do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. Payment of any cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, our future earnings, operations and capital requirements, our general financial condition and general business conditions. In addition, our senior secured credit facility and senior notes restrict, among other things, our ability to pay dividends. In addition, the Master Lease prohibits, and future financing arrangements may prohibit, the payment of dividends under certain conditions. For further information relating to our and our subsidiaries’ dividend policies, see Part II, Item 7, Liquidity and Capital Resources, included in this report.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2018, with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities that we have authorized for issuance.

The Eldorado Resorts, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan, the Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan and the MTR Gaming Group, Inc. 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan were approved by stockholders. No future equity awards will be made pursuant to the Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan and the MTR Gaming Group, Inc. 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan. However, outstanding awards granted under the acquired plans will continue unaffected.

Share Repurchase Program

In November 2018, the Company’s board of directors authorized a common stock repurchase program of up to $150 million of stock (the “Share Repurchase Program”) pursuant to which the Company may, from time to time, repurchase shares of common stock on the open market (either with or without a 10b5-1 plan) or through privately negotiated transactions. The Share Repurchase Program has no time limit and may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. There is no minimum number of shares of common stock that the Company is required to repurchase under the Share Repurchase Program. 

The Company acquired 223,823 shares of common stock at an aggregate value of $9.1 million and an average of $40.80 per share during the fourth quarter of 2018.

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Stock Performance Graph

The following graph demonstrates a comparison of cumulative total returns of the Company, the NASDAQ Market Index (which is considered to be a broad index) and the Dow Jones US Gambling Index for the period since our common stock began trading on September 22, 2014. The following graph assumes $100 invested in each of the above groups and the reinvestment of dividends, if applicable.

Comparison of Cumulative Total Return

Assumes Initial Investment of $100

December 2018

Past stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The performance graph should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other of our filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act of 1934, unless we specifically incorporate the performance graph by reference therein.

The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data of the Company as of and for each of the five years ended December 31, 2018. This information should be read in conjunction with “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The historical operating results for the periods presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected in future years.

The presentation of information herein for periods prior to our acquisitions of MTR Gaming Group, Inc., Circus Reno, Silver Legacy, Isle, Elgin and Tropicana are not fully comparable because the results of operations for these acquired entities are not included for periods prior to such acquisitions.

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

(dollars in thousands)

Footnotes to Selected Consolidated Financial Data:

The following events and transactions affect the year-to-year comparability of the selected financial data presented above:

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You should read the following discussion together with the financial statements, including the related notes and the other financial information, contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Eldorado Resorts, Inc., a Nevada corporation, is referred to as the “Company,” “ERI,” or the “Registrant,” and together with its subsidiaries may also be referred to as “we,” “us” or “our.”

Overview

We are a geographically diversified gaming and hospitality company with 28 gaming facilities in 13 states as of December 31, 2018. Our properties, which are located in Ohio, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri, feature approximately 30,000 slot machines and video lottery terminals (“VLTs”), approximately 800 table games and approximately 12,600 hotel rooms. Our primary source of revenue is generated by gaming operations, and we utilize our hotels, restaurants, bars, entertainment, racing, retail shops and other services to attract customers to our properties.

We were founded in 1973 by the Carano family with the opening of the Eldorado Hotel Casino in Reno, Nevada. In 1993, we partnered with MGM Resorts International to build Silver Legacy Resort Casino, the first mega-themed resort in Reno. In 2005, we acquired our first property outside of Reno when we purchased a casino in Shreveport, Louisiana, now known as Eldorado Shreveport. In September 2014, we merged with MTR Gaming Group, Inc. and acquired its three gaming and racing facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The following year, in November 2015, we acquired Circus Circus Reno and the 50% membership interest in the Silver Legacy that was owned by MGM Resorts International. On May 1, 2017, we completed our acquisition of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. (“Isle” or “Isle of Capri”), adding 13 gaming properties to our portfolio. On August 7, 2018, we acquired the Elgin Riverboat Resort – Riverboat Casino d/b/a Grand Victoria Casino (“Elgin”) (“Elgin Acquisition”). On October 1, 2018, we completed our acquisition of Tropicana Entertainment, Inc. (“Tropicana”), adding seven properties to our portfolio (the “Tropicana Acquisition”).

As of December 31, 2018, we owned and operated the following properties:

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In addition, Scioto Downs, through its subsidiary RacelineBet, Inc., also operates Racelinebet.com, a national account wagering service that offers online and telephone wagering on horse races as a marketing affiliate of TwinSpires.com, an affiliate of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

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Acquisitions and Development Opportunities

Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.

On May 1, 2017, we completed our acquisition of Isle pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September 19, 2016 with Isle. As a result of the acquisition of Isle, Isle became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours and, at the effective time of the acquisition of Isle, each outstanding share of Isle common stock converted into the right to receive $23.00 in cash or 1.638 shares of our common stock, at the election of the applicable Isle shareholder and subject to proration such that the outstanding shares of Isle common stock were exchanged for aggregate consideration comprised of 58% cash, or $552.0 million, and 42% of our common stock, or 28.5 million newly issued shares of our common stock. The total purchase consideration was $1.93 billion.

In connection with our acquisition of Isle, we completed a debt financing transaction comprised of: (a) a senior secured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.75 billion with a (i) term loan facility of $1.45 billion and (ii) revolving credit facility of $300.0 million and (b) $375.0 million of senior unsecured notes. The proceeds of such borrowings were used to pay the cash portion of the consideration payable in the acquisition of Isle, refinance all of Isle’s existing credit facilities, redeem or otherwise repurchase all of Isle’s senior and senior subordinated notes, refinance our existing credit facility and pay transaction fees and expenses related to the foregoing.

Grand Victoria Casino

On August 7, 2018, we completed the acquisition of the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, Illinois. We purchased Elgin for $328.8 million, including a working capital adjustment totaling $1.3 million. The Elgin Acquisition was financed using cash on hand and borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

Tropicana Entertainment Inc.

On October 1, 2018, we acquired Tropicana in a cash transaction valued at $1.9 billion. At the closing of the transaction Tropicana became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours. Immediately prior to our acquisition, Tropicana sold Tropicana Aruba Resort and GLP Capital, L.P., a wholly owned subsidiary of Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (“GLPI”), acquired substantially all of Tropicana’s real estate, other than the real estate underlying MontBleu and Lumière, for approximately $964 million. We acquired the real estate underlying Lumière for $246 million with the proceeds of a $246 million loan from GLPI. We funded the remaining consideration payable with our cash on hand and cash on hand at Tropicana, borrowings under our revolving credit facility and proceeds from our offering of $600 million of 6.0% senior notes due 2026. In addition, our borrowing capacity on our revolving credit facility increased from $300 million to $500 million effective October 1, 2018, and the maturity of the revolving credit facility was extended to October 1, 2023.

Substantially concurrently with the acquisition of the real estate portfolio by GLPI, we entered into a triple net master lease for the Tropicana properties acquired by GLPI with an initial term of 15 years, with renewals of up to 20 years at our option (“Master Lease”). Under the Master Lease, we are required to pay the following, among other things: lease payments to the underlying ground lessor for properties that are subject to ground leases, facility maintenance costs, all insurance premiums for insurance with respect to the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties, taxes levied on or with respect to the leased properties (other than taxes on the income of the lessor and all utilities and other services necessary or appropriate for the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties). The annual rent under the terms of the lease was initially approximately $87.6 million and is subject to annual escalation. We do not have the ability to terminate the obligations under the Master Lease prior to its expiration without GLPI’s consent.

Lumière Loan

In connection with the purchase of the real estate related to Lumière, GLPI, Tropicana St. Louis RE LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours (“Tropicana St. Louis RE”), and GLPI entered into a loan agreement, dated as of October 1, 2018 (the “Lumière Loan”), relating to a loan of $246 million by GLPI to Tropicana St. Louis RE to fund the entire purchase price of the real estate underlying Lumière. The Lumière Loan is guaranteed by us, bears interest at a rate equal to (i) 9.09% until October 1, 2019 and (ii) 9.27% thereafter and matures on October 1, 2020. The Lumière Loan is secured by a first priority mortgage on the Lumière real estate until October 1, 2019. In connection with the issuance of the Lumière Loan, we agreed to use our commercially reasonable efforts to transfer one or more of Elgin, Bettendorf, Waterloo, Lula, Vicksburg and Mountaineer or such other property or properties mutually acceptable to Tropicana St. Louis RE and GLPI, provided that the aggregate value of such property, individually or collectively, is at least $246 million (the “Replacement Property”), to GLPI with a simultaneous leaseback to us of such Replacement Property.  In connection with such Replacement Property sale, (i) we and GLPI will enter into an amendment to the Master Lease to revise the economic terms to include the Replacement Property, (ii) GLPI, or one of its affiliates, will assume the Lumière Loan and Tropicana St. Louis RE’s obligations under the

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Lumière Loan in consideration of the acquisition of the Replacement Property and our Tropicana St. Louis RE’s obligations under the Lumière Loan will be deemed to have been satisfied, (iii) the Lumière Real Property will be released from the lien placed on it in connection with the Lumière Loan (if such lien has not yet been released in accordance with the terms of the Lumière Loan) and (iv) in the event the value of the Replacement Property is greater than the outstanding obligations of Tropicana St. Louis RE under the Lumière Loan, GLPI will pay Tropicana St. Louis RE the difference between the value of the Replacement Property and the amount of outstanding obligations under the Lumière Loan. If such Replacement Property transaction is not consummated prior to the maturity date of the Lumière Loan, other than as a result of certain failures to perform by GLPI, then the amounts outstanding will be paid in full and the rent under the Master Lease will automatically increase, subject to certain escalations.

William Hill

In September 2018, we entered into a 25-year agreement, which became effective January 2019, with William Hill PLC and William Hill US, its U.S. subsidiary (together, “William Hill”) pursuant to which we (i) granted to William Hill the right to conduct betting activities in retail channels and under our first skin and third skin for online channels with respect to our current and future properties located in the United States and the territories and possessions of the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and (ii) agreed that William Hill will have the right to conduct real money online gaming activities utilizing our second skin available with respect to properties in such territory.  Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, in January 2019 we received a 20% equity stake in William Hill US as well as 13.4 million ordinary shares of William Hill PLC, and we will receive a revenue share from the operation of retail betting and online betting and gaming activities.  

The Stars Group

In November 2018, we entered into a 20-year agreement with The Stars Group Inc. (“TSG”) pursuant to which we agreed to provide TSG with options to obtain access to our second skin for online sports wagering and third skin for real money online gaming and poker, in each case with respect to our properties in the United States. Under the terms of the agreement, we will receive a revenue share from the operation of the applicable verticals by TSG under our licenses. Pursuant to the terms of the TSG agreement, we received 1.1 million TSG common shares and we may receive an additional $5.0 million in TSG common shares upon the exercise of the first option by TSG. We may also receive additional TSG common shares in the future based on TSG net gaming revenue generated in our markets.

Pompano Joint Venture

In April 2018, we entered into a joint venture with Cordish Companies (“Cordish”) to master plan and develop a mixed-use entertainment and hospitality destination expected to be located on unused land adjacent to the casino and racetrack at our Pompano property.  As the managing member, Cordish will operate the business and manage the development, construction, financing, marketing, leasing, maintenance and day-to-day operation of the various phases of the project. Additionally, we will be responsible for the development of the master plan for the project with our input and will submit it for our review and approval. We and Cordish have made initial cash contributions of $250,000 each and could be required to make additional contributions to a maximum of $2.0 million ($1.0 million per member) at the request of the managing member. We have agreed to contribute land to the joint venture for the project. While we hold a 50% variable interest in the joint venture, we are not the primary beneficiary; as such the investment in the joint venture is accounted for using the equity method. We will participate evenly with Cordish in the profits and losses of the joint venture, which is included in loss from unconsolidated affiliates on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Dispositions

On February 28, 2018, we entered into definitive agreements to sell substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Presque Isle Downs and Vicksburg to Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”). Under the terms of the agreements, CDI agreed to purchase Presque Isle Downs for cash consideration of approximately $178.9 million and Vicksburg for cash consideration of approximately $50.6 million, in each case subject to a customary working capital adjustment. In conjunction with the classification of Vicksburg’s operations as assets held for sale at March 31, 2018 as a result of the announced sale to CDI, an impairment charge totaling $9.8 million was recorded due to the carrying value exceeding the estimated net sales proceeds.

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The definitive agreements provided that the dispositions were subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals, termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and other customary closing conditions, including, in the case of Presque Isle Downs, the prior closing of the sale of Vicksburg or the entry into an agreement to acquire another asset of ours. On May 7, 2018, we and CDI each received a Request for Additional Information and Documentary Materials, often referred to as a “Second Request,” from the Federal Trade Commission in connection with its review of the Vicksburg acquisition.

On July 6, 2018, in consideration of the time and expense needed to reply to the Second Request, the Company and CDI entered into a termination agreement and release pursuant to which the parties agreed to terminate the asset purchase agreement with respect to Vicksburg and to enter into an asset purchase agreement pursuant to which CDI would acquire and assume the rights and obligations to operate Nemacolin (the “Vicksburg Termination Agreement”). The Vicksburg Termination Agreement also provided that CDI would pay us a $5.0 million termination fee upon execution of a definitive agreement with respect to the Nemacolin transaction.  On August 10, 2018, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Nemacolin to CDI.  Under the terms of the agreement, CDI agreed to purchase Nemacolin for cash consideration of approximately $0.1 million, subject to a customary working capital adjustment.

As a result of the agreement to sell Nemacolin, an impairment charge of $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 was recorded due to the carrying value of the net property and equipment being sold exceeding the estimated net sales proceeds.

We closed on the sale of Presque Isle Downs on January 11, 2019. We expect to close on the sale of Nemacolin in the first quarter of 2019, subject to satisfaction of closing conditions, including receipt of Pennsylvania regulatory approvals.

Reportable Segments

The executive decision maker of our company reviews operating results, assesses performance and makes decisions on a “significant market” basis. Our management views each of its properties as an operating segment. Operating segments are aggregated based on their similar economic characteristics, types of customers, types of services and products provided, the regulatory environments in which they operate, and their management and reporting structure. Prior to our acquisition of Isle, our principal operating activities occurred in three geographic regions: Nevada, Louisiana and parts of the eastern United States. Following the Isle Acquisition, the Company’s principal operating activities occurred in four geographic regions and reportable segments: West, Midwest, South and East. Following the Tropicana Acquisition and Elgin Acquisition, an additional segment, Central, was added increasing our reportable segments to five.

Presentation of Financial Information

The financial information included in this Item 7 for periods prior to our acquisitions of Isle, Elgin, and Tropicana are those of ERI and its subsidiaries. The presentation of information herein for periods prior to our acquisitions of Isle, Elgin and Tropicana and after our acquisition of Isle, Elgin and Tropicana are not fully comparable because the results of operations for Isle, Elgin and Tropicana are not included for periods prior to their respective acquisition dates.

Summary financial results of Isle for the three and nine months ended January 22, 2017 are included in Isle’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’). In conjunction with our acquisition of Isle, Isle is no longer required to file quarterly and annual reports with the SEC and terminated its registration on May 11, 2017.

Summary financial results of Tropicana for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 are included in Tropicana’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC. In conjunction with our acquisition of Tropicana, Tropicana is no longer required to file quarterly and annual reports with the SEC and terminated its registration on October 1, 2018.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to provide information to assist in better understanding and evaluating our financial condition and results of operations. Our historical operating results may not be indicative of our future results of operations because of these factors and the changing competitive landscape in each of our markets, as well as by factors discussed elsewhere herein. We recommend that you read this MD&A in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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The following table summarizes our segments as of December 31, 2018 and reporting periods based on acquisition dates:

Key Performance Metrics

Our primary source of revenue is generated by our gaming operations, but we use our hotels, restaurants, bars, entertainment, retail shops, racing and other services to attract customers to our properties. Our operating results are highly dependent on the volume of customers visiting and staying at our properties. Key performance metrics include volume indicators such as table games drop and slot handle, which refer to amounts wagered by our customers. The amount of volume we retain, which is not fully controllable by us, is recognized as casino revenues and is referred to as our win or hold. In addition, hotel occupancy and price per room designated by average daily rate (“ADR”) are key indicators for our hotel business. Our calculation of ADR consists of the average price of occupied rooms per day including the impact of resort fees and complimentary rooms. Complimentary room rates are determined based on an analysis of retail or cash rates for each customer segment and each type of room product to estimate complimentary rates which are consistent with retail rates. Complimentary rates are reviewed at least annually and on an interim basis if there are significant changes in market conditions. Complimentary rooms are treated as occupied rooms in our calculation of hotel occupancy.

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Significant Factors Impacting Financial Results

The following summary highlights the significant factors impacting our financial results during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

In periods prior to the termination of the agreement, the operations of Lake Charles were classified as discontinued operations and as an asset held for sale. As a result of the termination of the sale in the fourth quarter of 2017, Lake Charles was no longer classified as an asset held for sale and as discontinued operations.

In conjunction with the classification of Vicksburg’s operations as assets held for sale at March 31, 2018 as a result of the announced sale to CDI, an impairment charge totaling $9.8 million was recorded due to the carrying value exceeding the estimated net sales proceeds. Effective July 6, 2018, the sale of Vicksburg was terminated, and Vicksburg was no longer presented as an asset held for sale as of September 30, 2018. In connection with this termination, CDI paid us a $5.0 million termination fee, which is included in operating income for the year ended December 31, 2018.

On August 10, 2018, we entered into an agreement to sell our rights and obligations to operate Nemacolin. Due to the carrying value of the property and equipment being sold exceeding the estimated net sales proceeds, we recorded an impairment charge for the year ended December 31, 2018 totaling $3.8 million related to Nemacolin.

The sale of Presque Isle Downs closed on January 11, 2019 and the sale of Nemacolin is expected to close in in the first quarter of 2019.

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Our West segment’s operations are subject to seasonal variation, with our lowest business volume generally occurring during the winter months. The northern Nevada region experienced record snowfall and severe weather conditions, including major snow storms during eleven of the fourteen weekends in the 2017 first quarter, making travel to Reno from northern California, our main feeder market, difficult or impossible due to road closures. As a result, there was a significant adverse effect on business levels, especially hotel occupancy and gaming volume, during the first quarter of 2017, and our operating performance for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016.

As part of the continuing evolution of the Reno tri-properties, we built a new 21,000 square foot spa at Silver Legacy which opened in early October 2018. We have substantially renovated every room at Circus Reno and will start the first phase of renovations of 400 rooms at Silver Legacy and 42 high-end suites at Eldorado in the second half of 2019. In Black Hawk we expect to renovate all 402 hotel rooms during the first half of 2019. In addition, our joint venture with Cordish continues making progress on development plans of a new world-class, mixed-use entertainment and hospitality destination anchored by our Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.

A 118-room Hampton Inn Hotel at Scioto Downs developed by a third party opened in March 2017 and since opening has driven visitation and spend at the property.

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Results of Operations

The following table highlights the results of our operations (dollars in thousands):

Operating Results.  Including incremental Isle, Elgin and Tropicana net revenues totaling $575.5 million generated following their respective acquisition dates, net revenues increased 38.8% for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017. Excluding incremental Isle, Elgin and Tropicana net revenues, net revenues remained flat for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017.

Isle contributed $600.1 million of incremental net revenues from the date we acquired Isle on May 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 consisting primarily of gaming revenues. Including these incremental net revenues, net revenues increased 64.4% for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016. Excluding these incremental net revenues, net revenues declined 2.2% for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to decreased revenues associated with severe weather during the first and third quarters of 2017.

For the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017, operating income increased 227.1% mainly due to incremental operating income contributed by Isle, Elgin and Tropicana following their respective acquisition dates. Incremental operating income totaling $80.7 million represents operating income for four months of operations for Isle, five months of operations for Elgin and three months of operations for Tropicana. Excluding the incremental operating income, operating income rose 141.9% for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017 due to margin improvement resulting from synergies and departmental operating efficiencies, a $34.2 million decrease in impairment charges and a $71.9 million decline in transaction expenses. These increases in operating income for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017 were partially offset by higher depreciation associated with additional assets.

Operating income increased 6.9% for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016. This increase was primarily due to $82.3 million of incremental operating income contributed by Isle for the year ended December 31, 2017 and a $20.0 million deposit recorded as operating income in conjunction with the termination of the sale our Lake Charles property. These increases were partially offset by the $83.6 million increase in transaction expenses associated with our acquisition of Isle and the $38.0 million impairment charge recorded in 2017 to reduce the carrying value of goodwill and/or trade names related to our Lake Charles, Lula and Vicksburg reporting units.

For the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017, net income increased 29.8% due to the same factors impacting operating income combined with the $38.4 million loss on the early retirement of debt for the year ended December 31, 2017 associated with our refinancing completed in May 2017. These increases were partially offset by higher interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017 resulting from increased debt and amortization of the direct financing obligation associated with the Master Lease following our acquisitions. Additionally, the increase in our tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017 due to the favorable impact of the Tax Act in 2017 also partially offset the increases in net income.

Net income increased 199.2% in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to the $111.9 million net adjustment to our deferred income tax benefit for the year ending December 31, 2017 as a result of the corporate tax rate reduction due to the Tax Act, combined with the other factors impacting operating income. This increase was partially offset by higher interest expense resulting from the issuance of new debt and the loss on the early retirement of debt recorded in 2017.

The following table highlights our net revenues and operating income (loss) by reportable segment (dollars in thousands):

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Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2017

Net revenues and operating expenses were as follows (dollars in thousands):