form10-q.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

þ  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009

 OR

 ¨  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 For the transition period from ____________ to ___________

Commission file number    0-22290
 
logo
CENTURY CASINOS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
84-1271317
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2860 South Circle Drive, Suite 350, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(719) 527-8300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ  No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ¨  No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large accelerated filer ¨
 
Accelerated filer þ
 
Non-accelerated filer ¨
 
Smaller reporting company ¨
       
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
   

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date:
23,910,578 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, were outstanding as of October 31, 2009.

 
--1--

 

 

 
 
CENTURY CASINOS, INC.
 
 
FORM 10-Q INDEX
 
     
Page
PART I
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Number
       
Item 1.
 
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008
3
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
4
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
6
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
7
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
9
Item 2.
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
18
Item 3.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
37
Item 4.
 
Controls and Procedures
37
       
PART II
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
       
Item 6.
 
Exhibits
 
38
   
SIGNATURES
39

 
--2--

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

CENTURY CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)


Amounts in thousands, except for share information
 
September 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
ASSETS
           
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 30,754     $ 7,835  
Receivables, net
    13,790       426  
Prepaid expenses
    393       388  
Inventories
    214       170  
Other current assets
    28       583  
Deferred income taxes – foreign
    342       305  
Assets held for sale
    -       35,983  
Total Current Assets
    45,521       45,690  
                 
Property and equipment, net
    89,022       88,558  
Goodwill
    4,585       4,014  
Equity investment
    11,127       10,539  
Other assets
    357       1,205  
Total Assets
  $ 150,612     $ 150,006  
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
           
Current Liabilities:
           
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 8,490     $ 8,862  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    5,116       4,330  
Accrued payroll
    1,967       1,595  
Taxes payable
    2,133       2,734  
Deferred gain on disposition of Century Casinos Africa
    1,623       -  
Liabilities related to assets held for sale
    -       10,770  
Total Current Liabilities
    19,329       28,291  
                 
Long-term debt, less current portion
    14,823       28,501  
Deferred income taxes – Foreign
    1,074       427  
Other long-term accrued liabilities
    -       303  
Total Liabilities
    35,226       57,522  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
Shareholders’ Equity:
               
    Noncontrolling interests
    -       4,711  
    Preferred stock; $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized;
               
       no shares issued or outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock; $.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized;
               
23,915,503 and 23,895,443 shares issued, respectively;
               
23,910,578 and 23,884,067 shares outstanding, respectively
    239       239  
Additional paid-in capital
    74,150       73,360  
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (losses)
    3,140       (5,147 )
Retained earnings
    37,868       19,347  
      115,397       92,510  
Treasury stock – 4,925 and 11,376 shares at cost, respectively
    (11 )     (26 )
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    115,386       92,484  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 150,612     $ 150,006  
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
--3--

 

CENTURY CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited)


   
For the three months
ended September 30,
   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
Amounts in thousands, except for share information
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Operating revenue:
                       
Gaming
  $ 12,804     $ 13,122     $ 35,414     $ 39,108  
Hotel, food and beverage
    2,279       2,396       6,215       6,594  
Other
    523       511       1,395       1,469  
           Gross revenues
    15,606       16,029       43,024       47,171  
Less promotional allowances
    1,882       2,063       5,417       5,802  
Net operating revenue
    13,724       13,966       37,607       41,369  
                                 
Operating costs and expenses:
                               
Gaming
    5,196       5,284       14,254       15,781  
Hotel, food and beverage
    1,807       1,918       5,006       5,278  
General and administrative
    4,440       4,793       13,318       15,299  
Impairments and other write-offs
    -       9,357       -       9,357  
Depreciation
    1,526       1,759       4,648       5,124  
                                 
Total operating costs and expenses
    12,969       23,111       37,226       50,839  
                                 
Earnings from equity investment
    33       218       276       766  
Operating earnings (loss) from continuing operations
    788       (8,927 )     657       (8,704 )
Non-operating income (expense):
                               
Interest income
    33       4       43       26  
Interest expense
    (1,618 )     (879 )     (3,433 )     (3,087 )
    (Losses) gains on foreign currency transactions and other
    (182 )     (70 )     (431 )     31  
Non-operating (expense), net
    (1,767 )     (945 )     (3,821 )     (3,030 )
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
    (979 )     (9,872 )     (3,164 )     (11,734 )
Income tax provision
    200       5,463       519       4,250  
Loss from continuing operations
    (1,179 )     (15,335 )     (3,683 )     (15,984 )
                                 
Discontinued operations:
                               
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations
    (38 )     1,515       2,674       4,229  
Gain on disposition of Century Casino Millennium
    -       -       915       -  
Gain on disposition of Century Casinos Africa
    429       -       20,277       -  
Income tax (benefit) provision
    (70 )     247       726       756  
Earnings from discontinued operations
    461       1,268       23,140       3,473  
Net (loss) earnings
    (718 )     (14,067 )     19,457       (12,511 )
Less:   Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interests (continuing operations)
    (5 )     119       (42 )     123  
Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interests (discontinued operations)
    14       12       978       188  
Net (loss) earnings attributable to Century Casinos, Inc. and subsidiaries
  $ (727 )   $ (14,198 )   $ 18,521     $ (12,822 )

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


-Continued on following page-

 
--4--

 

CENTURY CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) - CONTINUED


   
For the three months
ended September 30,
   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Basic (loss) earnings per share:
                       
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.05 )   $ (0.65 )   $ (0.15 )   $ (0.69 )
Earnings from discontinued operations
    0.02       0.05       0.94       0.14  
Net (loss) earnings
  $ (0.03 )   $ (0.60 )   $ 0.79     $ (0.55 )
                                 
Diluted (loss) earnings per share:
                               
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.05 )   $ (0.65 )   $ (0.15 )   $ (0.69 )
Earnings from discontinued operations
    0.02       0.05       0.94       0.14  
Net (loss) earnings
  $ (0.03 )   $ (0.60 )   $ 0.79     $ (0.55 )
                                 
Amounts attributable to Century Casinos, Inc. and and sbsidiaries common shareholders:
                               
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (1,174 )   $ (15,454 )   $ (3,641 )   $ (16,107 )
Earnings from discontinued operations
    447       1,256       22,162       3,285  
Net (loss) earnings
  $ (727 )   $ (14,198 )   $ 18,521     $ (12,822 )


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
--5--

 

CENTURY CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS) (Unaudited)


   
For the three months
ended September 30,
   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
                         
Amounts in thousands
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Net (loss) earnings
  $ (718 )   $ (14,067 )   $ 19,457     $ (12,511 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    2,314       (4,232 )     9,124       (6,653 )
Comprehensive earnings (loss)
    1,596       (18,299 )     28,581       (19,164 )
Less: Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    9       (153 )     1,773       (585 )
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Century Casinos, Inc. and subsidiaries
  $ 1,587     $ (18,146 )   $ 26,808     $ (18,579 )


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
--6--

 

CENTURY CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)


   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
             
Amounts in thousands
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
           
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Century Casinos, Inc. and subsidiaries
  $ 18,521     $ (12,822 )
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    4,648       6,945  
Gain on disposition of Century Casino Millennium
    (915 )     -  
Gain on disposition of Century Casinos Africa
    (20,277 )     -  
Impairments of goodwill
    -       9,357  
Tax valuation allowance
    -       6,021  
(Gain) loss on disposition of fixed assets
    (8 )     63  
Amortization of share-based compensation
    863       1,045  
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    1,390       369  
Deferred tax expense
    710       (2,283 )
Noncontrolling interests
    936       311  
Earnings from unconsolidated subsidiary
    (276 )     (766 )
Other
    -       1  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements
    (5 )     (24 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables
    242       120  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    (20 )     77  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
(439
    (2,339 )
Accrued payroll
    441       276  
Taxes payable
    (943 )     (845 )
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    4,868       5,506  
                 
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (1,742 )     (2,779 )
Proceeds from disposition of Century Casino Millennium (net of  cash balance of $456 assumed by buyer)
    1,374       -  
Proceeds from disposition of Century Casinos Africa (net of cash balance of $975 assumed by buyer)
    34,440       -  
Investment in CC Tollgate LLC
    -       (74 )
Proceeds from disposition of assets
    180       218  
Other
    (21 )     -  
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    34,231       (2,635 )

(continued)

 
--7--

 

CENTURY CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - CONTINUED


   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
Amounts in thousands
 
2009
   
2008
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
           
Proceeds from borrowings
  $ 80     $ 12,766  
Principal repayments
    (17,413 )     (24,523 )
Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements
    5       24  
Deferred financing charges
    (2 )     (199 )
Proceeds from exercise of options
    25       672  
Purchase of subsidiary shares
    (1,136 )     -  
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (18,441 )     (11,260 )
                 
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash
    797       (1,116 )
                 
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    21,455       (9,505 )
                 
Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents related to Discontinued Operations
    1,464       4,429  
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    7,835       11,742  
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  $ 30,754     $ 6,666  

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

Amounts in Thousands
 
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Interest paid
  $ 2,492     $ 3,829  
Income taxes paid
  $ 812     $ 1,232  

Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Financing Activities:
 
Please refer to Note 2 to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for details of the Company’s recent dispositions.
 
 

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
--8--

 

CENTURY CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


1.           DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Century Casinos, Inc. (“CCI” or the “Company”) is an international casino entertainment company. As of September 30, 2009, the Company owned and/or managed casino operations in North America and international waters through various wholly owned entities. The Company also holds a 33.3% ownership interest in Casinos Poland Ltd (“CPL”), the owner and operator of seven full casinos and one slot casino in Poland. The Company continues to pursue other projects in various stages of development. See Note 2 for a discussion of the Company’s discontinued operations. Unless otherwise indicated, the information contained in these notes refers to the Company’s continuing operations.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CCI and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The financial statements of all foreign subsidiaries consolidated herein have been converted to US GAAP for financial statement presentation purposes. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted. Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2008 financial information in order to conform to the 2009 presentation.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company have been included. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The results of operations for the period ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.

Presentation of Foreign Currency Amounts

Historical transactions that are denominated in a foreign currency are translated and presented at the United States exchange rate in effect on the date of the transaction.  Commitments that are denominated in a foreign currency and all balance sheet accounts other than shareholders’ equity are translated and presented based on the exchange rate at the end of the reported periods.  Current period transactions affecting the profit and loss of operations conducted in foreign currencies are valued at the average exchange rate for the period in which they are incurred.  The exchange rates to the U.S. dollar used to translate balances at the end of the reported periods are as follows:

   
September 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
   
September 30, 2008
 
Canadian dollar (CAD)
    1.0722       1.2246       1.0599  
Czech koruna (CZK)
    N/A       19.2550       17.4240  
Euros (€)
    0.6835       0.7184       0.7103  
Polish zloty (PLN)
    2.8852       2.9709       2.4094  
South African rand (ZAR)
    7.5401       9.3410       8.3195  
Source: Pacific Exchange Rate Service

 
--9--

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

In July 2009, the Company adopted authoritative guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) which establishes the Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) and SEC interpretive releases as the sources for authoritative US GAAP. The Codification supersedes all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards under US GAAP.  The Codification does not change existing US GAAP.

In June 2009, the Company adopted authoritative guidance issued by the FASB establishing general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. The guidance requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the Company adopted authoritative guidance issued by the FASB requiring disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim financial statements as well as in annual financial statements. The adoption of this guidance did not have an effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

In January 2009, the Company adopted authoritative guidance issued by the FASB establishing new accounting, reporting and disclosure standards for minority interests. Minority interests are now characterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. The guidance also establishes reporting requirements that provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. As of December 31, 2008, noncontrolling interests of $4.7 million have been classified as a component of shareholders’ equity in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Subsequent Events

Management performed an evaluation of the Company’s activity through November 6, 2009, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. In addition to the events disclosed in the footnotes below, in October 2009 the Company recorded an additional gain of $0.3 million on the conversion of ZAR 98.8 million to approximately $13.4 million.

In March 2000, the Company’s board of directors approved a discretionary program to repurchase the Company’s outstanding common stock. As of September 30, 2009, there was $1.2 million remaining under the repurchase program. On November 5, 2009, the Company’s board of directors increased the amount available to be repurchased to $15.0 million. The Company did not purchase any shares of its common stock on the open market during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008. The repurchase program has no set expiration or termination date.



 
--10--

 

2.           DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On December 5, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement to sell the Century Casino Millennium in Prague, Czech Republic for approximately $2.2 million (CZK 22.0 million plus $1.2 million).  Approximately $1.4 million (CZK 22.0 million plus $0.4 million) was paid to the Company at closing on February 11, 2009, with the balance payable over the 12-month period following the closing. The Company received $0.4 million in August 2009. As of September 30, 2009, the Company has recorded the remaining $0.4 million as a component of receivables, net on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company received $0.2 million in October 2009. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded a gain of $0.9 million relating to the disposition of the Century Casino Millennium.

On December 19, 2008, Century Resorts Ltd (“CRL”) entered into an agreement to sell all of the outstanding shares of Century Casinos Africa (Pty) Limited (“CCA”) for a gross selling price of ZAR 460.0 million (approximately $59.4 million) less the balance of third party South African debt and other agreed to amounts. Net proceeds of ZAR 253.5 million ($32.8 million) were paid to CRL at closing on June 30, 2009. CCA owned the Caledon Hotel, Spa & Casino and 60% of the Century Casino & Hotel in Newcastle, Africa. On September 29, 2009, CRL received an additional ZAR 17.3 million ($2.3 million) that was previously held in retention and an additional ZAR 3.2 million ($0.4 million) for the increase in the net asset value (“NAV”) of CCA between December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009.

Final transaction approval by the KwaZulu-Natal Gambling Board was received on October 7, 2009. On October 14, 2009, CRL received the final outstanding payment of ZAR 98.8 million ($13.4 million). As of September 30, 2009, approximately ZAR 98.8 million ($13.4 million) has been classified as a component of receivables, net on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

At closing, the Company recognized a gain of ZAR 163.1 million (approximately $19.8 million). In September 2009, the Company recorded an additional gain of ZAR 3.2 million ($0.4 million) as a result of the NAV adjustment. As the Company did not receive final transaction approval by the KwaZulu-Natal Gambling Board until October 7, 2009, an additional gain relating to the sale of Century Casino & Hotel in Newcastle, Africa of ZAR 12.2 million (approximately $1.6 million) has been deferred until October 2009, and is recorded as a deferred gain on disposition on the September 30, 2009 condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The results of the Century Casino Millennium, the Caledon Hotel, Spa & Casino and the Century Casino & Hotel in Newcastle are classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of earnings for all periods presented, as applicable. Net operating revenue of discontinued operations was $7.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. Net operating revenue of discontinued operations was $11.2 million and $23.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The cash flows of discontinued operations are included with the cash flows of continuing operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company’s discontinued operations had a combined carrying value of approximately $25.2 million at December 31, 2008.
 

 

 
--11--

 

 
The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as of December 31, 2008 which are included as assets held for sale and liabilities related to assets held for sale in the accompanying condensed consolidated December 31, 2008 balance sheet:
 
Amounts in thousands
 
December 31, 2008
 
ASSETS
     
Current Assets:
     
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,464  
Restricted cash
    104  
Receivables, net
    278  
Prepaid expenses
    287  
Inventories
    244  
Other current assets
    21  
Total current assets
    2,398  
         
Property and equipment, net
    22,650  
Goodwill
    704  
Casino licenses
    8,356  
Deferred income taxes – foreign
    764  
Other assets
    1,111  
Total Assets
  $ 35,983  
         
LIABILITIES
       
Current Liabilities:
       
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 3,405  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    2,076  
Accrued payroll
    453  
Taxes payable
    1,035  
Total current liabilities
    6,969  
         
Long-term debt, less current portion
    3,801  
Total Liabilities
    10,770  
Net Assets
  $ 25,213  

3.
EQUITY INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY

The Company has a 33.3% ownership interest in CPL, and the Company accounts for this investment under the equity method.

Following is the summarized unaudited financial information of CPL:

Amounts in thousands (in USD):
 
September 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
             
Balance Sheet:
           
    Current assets
  $ 3,525     $ 3,208  
    Noncurrent assets
  $ 15,609     $ 16,751  
    Current liabilities
  $ 11,165     $ 10,530  
    Noncurrent liabilities
  $ 4,084     $ 3,842  


 
--12--

 


Amounts in thousands (in PLN):
September 30, 2009
 
December 31, 2008
 
             
Balance Sheet:
           
    Current assets
    PLN   10,172       PLN     9,532  
    Noncurrent assets
    PLN   45,036       PLN   49,766  
    Current liabilities
    PLN   32,212       PLN   31,284  
    Noncurrent liabilities
    PLN   11,753       PLN   11,414  
 

 
 
For the three months
ended September 30,
 
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
Operating Results (in USD):
                       
Net operating revenue
  $ 10,617     $ 14,036     $ 30,986     $ 44,340  
Net earnings
  $ 99     $ 654     $ 828     $ 2,298  
                                 
Operating Results (in PLN):
                               
Net operating revenue
 PLN  
31,142
   PLN   30,870   PLN   99,305   PLN   100,146  
Net earnings
 PLN    309    PLN   1,282   PLN   2,662    PLN    4,880  

The Company’s maximum exposure to losses at September 30, 2009 was $11.1 million, the value of its equity investment in CPL. Of the $11.1 million, $8.8 million relates to goodwill recorded at the time of the Company’s acquisition of its 33.3% ownership interest in CPL.

4.           LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consisted of the following:

Amounts in thousands
 
September 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
Term Loan – Edmonton
  $ 16,127     $ 15,050  
Term Loan – Cripple Creek
    -       4,255  
Term Loan – Central City
    6,818       17,600  
Other
    368       458  
                 
Total long-term debt
    23,313       37,363  
Less current portion
    (8,490 )     (8,862 )
Long-term portion
  $ 14,823     $ 28,501  

Term Loan – Cripple Creek

In connection with the Company’s sale of its interest in CCA, the Company pledged to repay the entire balance outstanding on its debt related to the Company’s property in Cripple Creek. On July 7, 2009, the entire principal balance outstanding of $2.7 million was repaid.



 
--13--

 

Term Loan – Central City

With the proceeds from the sale of CCA, on July 17, 2009, the Company repaid $6.0 million of principal on its debt related to its Central City, Colorado property. On October 22, 2009, the Company repaid the outstanding balance of $7.2 million, which includes principal, accrued interest and unpaid charges arising from earlier prepayments of principal. The Company did not incur any additional charges for these repayments. In connection with these repayments, the Company wrote off unamortized deferred financing charges of $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009.

5.           PROMOTIONAL ALLOWANCES

Hotel accommodations and food and beverage furnished without charge to customers is included in gross revenue at a value which approximates retail and is then deducted as complimentary services to arrive at net operating revenue.

The Company issues coupons for the purpose of generating future revenue. Coupons are valid for defined periods of time. The Company expects the net win from a customer visit to be in excess of the value of the coupon utilized. The cost of the coupons redeemed is applied against the revenue generated on the day of the redemption.

Members of the Company’s casinos’ player clubs earn points based on their volume of play (typically as a percentage of coin-in) at certain of the Company’s casinos. Players can accumulate points over time that they may redeem at their discretion under the terms of the program. Points can be redeemed for cash and/or various amenities at the casino, such as meals, hotel stays and gift shop items. The cost of the points is offset against the revenue in the period in which the revenue generated the points. The value of unused or unredeemed points is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. The expiration of unused points results in a reduction of the liability.

Promotional allowances presented in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 include the following:

   
For the three months
ended September 30,
   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
Amounts in thousands
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Hotel, Food & Beverage
  $ 845     $ 914     $ 2,343     $ 2,346  
Coupons
    542       659       1,670       2,009  
Player Points
    495       490       1,404       1,447  
Total Promotional Allowances
  $ 1,882     $ 2,063     $ 5,417     $ 5,802  

6.           IMPAIRMENTS AND OTHER WRITE-OFFS

In 2008, the Company recorded goodwill impairments of $7.2 million for WMCK Venture Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary that owns Womacks in Cripple Creek, Colorado, and $2.1 million for CC Tollgate LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary that owns the Century Casino & Hotel in Central City, Colorado.


 
--14--

 

7.           INCOME TAXES

The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted statutory tax rate in effect for the year these differences are expected to be taxable or refunded. Deferred income tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the asset or liability from period to period. The recorded deferred tax assets are reviewed for realization on a quarterly basis by reviewing the Company’s internal estimates for future net income.

Due to the uncertainty of future taxable income, the Company established a valuation of its U.S. deferred tax assets during the third quarter of 2008. As of September 30, 2009, deferred tax assets of $8.5 million resulting primarily from the Company’s net operating losses in the U.S. were fully reserved.

The Company assesses the continuing need for a valuation allowance that results from uncertainty regarding its ability to realize the benefits of the Company’s deferred tax assets. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. If the Company concludes that its prospects for the realization of its deferred tax assets are more likely than not, the Company will then reduce its valuation allowance as appropriate and credit income tax expense after considering the following factors:

·  
The level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over periods in which the deferred tax assets would be deductible, and
·  
Accumulation of net income before tax utilizing a look-back period of three years.

The income tax provisions are based on estimated full-year earnings for financial reporting purposes adjusted for permanent differences. The Company’s income tax provisions consist of the following:

   
For the three months
ended September 30,
   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
Amounts in thousands
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Provision for U.S. federal income taxes
  $ 23     $ (779 )   $ 55     $ (2,348 )
Provision for state income taxes
    -       (111 )     -       (335 )
Valuation allowance established for
      U.S. and state income taxes
    -       6,020       -       6,020  
Provision for foreign income taxes
    177       333       464       913  
Total provision for income taxes
  $ 200     $ 5,463     $ 519     $ 4,250  

The Company’s income tax expense (benefit) by jurisdiction is summarized in the table below:

Amounts in thousands
 
For the three months
ended September 30, 2009
   
For the three months
ended September 30, 2008
 
   
Pre-tax income
   
Income tax
   
Effective
tax rate
   
Pre-tax income
   
Income tax
   
Effective
tax rate
 
Canada
  $ 690     $ 183       26.5 %   $ 998     $ 314       31.5 %
United States (1)
    (1,638 )     23       (1.4 %)     (11,163 )     5,130       (46.0 %)
Mauritius (2)
    (242 )     (7 )     2.9 %     250       13       5.2 %
Austria
    241       1       0.4 %     82       6       7.3 %
Poland
    (30 )     -       - %     (39 )     -       - %
Total
  $ (979 )   $ 200       (20.4 %)   $ (9,872 )   $ 5,463       (55.3 %)
(1) 2009 includes an accrual for uncertain tax positions
(2) Includes the earnings of the South African branch of Century Resorts International taxed at South African rates

--15--


Amounts in thousands
 
For the nine months
ended September 30, 2009
   
For the nine months
ended September 30, 2008
 
   
Pre-tax income
   
Income tax
   
Effective
tax rate
   
Pre-tax income
   
Income tax
   
Effective
tax rate
 
Canada
  $ 1,981     $ 536       27.1 %   $ 2,782     $ 840       30.2 %
United States (1)
    (4,750 )     55       (1.2 %)     (16,468 )     3,337       (20.3 %)
Mauritius (2)
    (1,512 )     (77 )     5.1 %     1,379       55       4.0 %
Austria
    928       5       0.5 %     15       18       120.0 %
Poland
    189       -       - %     558       -       - %
Total
  $ (3,164 )   $ 519       (16.4 %)   $ (11,734 )   $ 4,250       (36.2 %)
(1) 2009 includes an accrual for uncertain tax positions
(2) Includes the earnings of the South African branch of Century Resorts International taxed at South African rates

8.           EARNINGS PER SHARE

 
Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per common share adjusts the weighted average shares outstanding by the dilutive impact of shares underlying stock options and unvested restricted stock awards.  The weighted average shares outstanding were computed as follows:

 
 
For the three months
ended September 30,
   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Weighted average common shares
    23,622,974       23,522,763       23,557,398       23,432,279  
Dilutive effect of stock options and warrants
    -       -       -       -  
Dilutive potential common shares
    23,622,974       23,522,763       23,557,398       23,432,279  
                                 

The following stock options, warrants and unvested restricted stock are anti-dilutive and have not been included in the weighted average diluted shares outstanding calculation:

   
For the three months
ended September 30,
   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Stock options and warrants
    1,268,271       985,210       1,268,271       985,210  
Unvested restricted stock
    280,000       360,000       280,000       360,000  


 
--16--

 

9.           SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

The following summary provides information concerning the Company’s principal geographic areas:

   
Long-Lived Assets*
 
Amounts in thousands
 
September 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
             
United States
  $ 59,847     $ 62,349  
                 
International:
               
   Canada
  $ 32,573     $ 29,299  
   Europe
    11,355       10,836  
   International waters
    959       627  
Total international
    44,887       40,762  
Total
  $ 104,734     $ 103,111  
* Long-lived assets consist of property and equipment, goodwill and equity investment from continuing operations.

   
Net Operating Revenue
 
   
For the three months
ended September 30,
   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
Amounts in thousands
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
United States
  $ 8,037     $ 7,741     $ 21,391     $ 22,509  
                                 
International:
                               
   Canada
  $ 5,090     $ 5,656     $ 14,729     $ 17,008  
   International waters
    597       569       1,487       1,852  
Total international
    5,687       6,225       16,216       18,860  
Total
  $ 13,724     $ 13,966     $ 37,607     $ 41,369  

10.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION

On July 27, 2009, CRL entered into an agreement to purchase the remaining 3.5% of its outstanding shares of common stock that CCI previously did not own for $1.6 million. CRL paid $1.1 million in August 2009. The Company expects to repay the remainder in November 2009. The Company’s Co CEOs and their respective family trusts/foundation collectively owned these shares.


 
--17--

 

Item 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements, Business Environment and Risk Factors

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  In addition, Century Casinos, Inc. (the “Company”) may make other written and oral communications from time to time that contain such statements.  Forward-looking statements include statements as to industry trends and future expectations of the Company and other matters that do not relate strictly to historical facts and are based on certain assumptions by management.  These statements are often identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “estimate,” or “continue,” and similar expressions or variations.  These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of the management of the Company based on information currently available to management.  Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, among others, the risks described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” under Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. We caution the reader to carefully consider such factors.  Furthermore, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made.  We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

References in this item to “we,” “our,” or “us” are to the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis unless the context otherwise requires.

Amounts presented in this Item 2 are rounded to whole dollar amounts. As such, rounding differences could occur in period over period changes and percentages reported throughout this Item 2.

OVERVIEW

Since our inception in 1992, we have been primarily engaged in developing and operating gaming establishments and related lodging and restaurant facilities. Our primary source of revenue is from the net proceeds of our gaming machines and tables, with ancillary revenue generated from the hotel and restaurant facilities that are a part of the casinos.

We currently own, operate and manage the following casinos through wholly-owned subsidiaries:

-  
The Century Casino & Hotel in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada;
-  
Womacks Casino & Hotel in Cripple Creek, Colorado; and
-  
The Century Casino & Hotel in Central City, Colorado.

We also operate ship-based casinos aboard the Silver Cloud and the vessels of Oceania Cruises. Effective October 16, 2008, we terminated operations aboard the World of Residensea. On November 24, 2008, we entered into an exclusive, long-term agreement with TUI Cruises GmbH (“TUI Cruises”), a joint venture between Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and German tour operator TUI Reisen, under which we have agreed to operate casinos on all cruise ships that TUI Cruises places into service before December 31, 2012. The first vessel went into service in May 2009.

Furthermore, we hold a 33.3% ownership interest in and actively participate in the management of Casinos Poland Ltd (“CPL”), the owner and operator of seven full casinos and one slot casino in Poland. At CPL, day to day decision making is controlled by a management board consisting of three persons. Long term decision making is controlled by a supervisory board consisting of three persons. As we are the only shareholder with experience in the gaming industry, we chair both the management board and the supervisory board. No material decisions can be made without our consent, including the removal of the chairman of each board. Based on this influence, management believes that it is appropriate to account for our investment in CPL as a component of our operations.

--18--

From time to time, we may sell existing businesses in order to raise capital for future acquisitions, fund new development opportunities, improve our other locations or repay debt financing. On December 5, 2008, we entered into an agreement to sell the Century Casino Millennium located in Prague, Czech Republic, for approximately $2.2 million (CZK 22.0 million plus $1.2 million).  Approximately $1.4 million (CZK 22.0 million plus $0.4 million) was paid to us at closing on February 11, 2009, with the balance payable over the 12 months following the closing. We received $0.4 million in August 2009 and $0.2 million in October 2009. At closing, we recognized a gain of $0.9 million related to the disposition of the Century Casino Millennium.

On December 19, 2008, a subsidiary of ours entered into an agreement to sell all of the outstanding shares of Century Casinos Africa (“CCA”) for a gross selling price of ZAR 460.0 million (approximately $59.4 million) less the balance of third party South African debt and other agreed to amounts. CCA owned the Caledon Hotel, Spa & Casino and 60% of the Century Casino & Hotel in Newcastle, Africa. Net proceeds of ZAR 253.5 million ($32.8 million) were paid to us at closing on June 30, 2009. On September 29, 2009, we received an additional ZAR 17.3 million ($2.3 million) that was previously held in retention and an additional ZAR 3.2 million ($0.4 million) based on a net asset value (“NAV”) adjustment. At closing, we recognized a gain of ZAR 163.1 million (approximately $19.8 million). In September 2009, we recorded an additional gain of ZAR 3.2 million ($0.4 million) as a result of the NAV adjustment.  Final transaction approval by the KwaZulu-Natal Gambling Board was received on October 7, 2009. On October 14, 2009, we received the final outstanding payment for the sale of CCA of ZAR 98.8 million ($13.4 million). An additional gain of ZAR 12.2 million (approximately $1.6 million) has been recorded in October 2009.

With the proceeds from the sale of CCA, on July 7, 2009, we repaid the entire principal balance outstanding of $2.7 million on our debt related to our Cripple Creek, Colorado property. On July 17, 2009, we repaid $6.0 million of principal on our debt related to our Central City, Colorado property. On October 22, 2009, we repaid the outstanding balance of $7.2 million on our Central City debt, which includes principal, accrued interest and unpaid charges arising from earlier prepayments of principal. In connection with these repayments, we wrote off unamortized deferred financing charges of $1.0 million during the third quarter of 2009.

On July 27, 2009, Century Resorts Ltd (“CRL”) entered into an agreement to purchase the remaining 3.5% of its outstanding shares of common stock that the Company previously did not own for $1.6 million. CRL paid $1.1 million in August 2009. The Company expects to repay the remainder in November 2009. Our Co CEOs and their respective family trusts/foundation collectively owned these shares.

Unless otherwise indicated, the information contained in this report refers to the Company’s continuing operations.  The operations of the Century Casino Millennium and CCA are reported as discontinued operations throughout this report.

Our industry is capital intensive, and we rely heavily on the ability of our casinos to generate operating cash flow to repay debt financing, fund maintenance capital expenditures and provide excess cash for future development.

As a gaming company, our operating results are highly dependent on the volume of customers at our casinos. Most of our revenue is essentially cash-based, through customers wagering with cash or paying for non-gaming services with cash or credit cards. Management believes that in Colorado, less consumer discretionary spending and increased competition have significantly impacted our operations.

--19--

Effective as of July 2, 2009, gaming establishments in Colorado were permitted to raise the maximum betting limit from $5 to $100, can now be open for 24 hours and add roulette and craps tables. We have implemented all of these changes at our Colorado casinos, and management believes that these changes have positively impacted our gaming revenue in the Colorado gaming markets.

Presentation of Foreign Currency Amounts - Historical transactions that are denominated in a foreign currency are translated and presented in U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the date of the transaction.  Commitments that are denominated in a foreign currency and all balance sheet accounts other than shareholders’ equity are translated and presented based on the exchange rate at the end of the reported periods.  Current period transactions affecting the profit and loss of operations conducted in foreign currencies are valued at the average exchange rate for the period in which they are incurred.  The average exchange rates to the U.S. dollar used to translate balances during each reported period are as follows:

   
For the three months
ended September 30,
   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Canadian dollar (CAD)
    1.0984       1.0407       1.1702       1.0185  
Czech koruna (CZK)
    N/A       16.0745       21.1428       16.3418  
Euros (€)
    0.6995       0.6668       0.7337       0.6582  
Polish zloty (PLN)
    2.9346       2.2040       3.2170       2.2571  
South African rand (ZAR)
    7.8000       7.7805       8.7347       7.6998  
Source: Pacific Exchange Rate Service

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 are below (in thousands, except per share data). Unless otherwise noted, these results exclude discontinued operations.

   
For the three months
ended September 30,
   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Gaming revenue
  $ 12,804     $ 13,122     $ 35,414     $ 39,108  
Net operating revenue
    13,724       13,966       37,607       41,369  
Total operating costs and expenses
    12,969       23,111       37,226       50,839  
Earnings from equity investment
    33       218       276       766  
Operating earnings (loss) from continuing operations
    788       (8,927 )     657       (8,704 )
Loss from continuing operations
    (1,179 )     (15,335 )     (3,683 )     (15,984 )
Earnings from discontinued operations
    461       1,268       23,140       3,473  
Net (loss) earnings attributable to Century Casinos, Inc. and subsidiaries
    (727 )     (14,198 )     18,521       (12,822 )
Earnings per share
                               
Basic
                               
Loss from continuing operations
    (0.05 )     (0.65 )     (0.15 )     (0.69 )
Net (loss) earnings
    (0.03 )     (0.60 )     0.79       (0.55 )
Diluted
                               
Loss from continuing operations
    (0.05 )     (0.65 )     (0.15 )     (0.69 )
Net (loss) earnings
    (0.03 )     (0.60 )     0.79       (0.55 )


 
--20--

 

The decrease in net operating revenue from $14.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $13.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 is the result of a $0.6 million decline in gaming revenue at our property in Edmonton, partially offset by an increase in net operating revenue at our properties in Colorado of $0.3 million resulting from increased betting limits, new table games and 24 hour gambling. Net operating revenue in Edmonton was down due to lower table game revenue and a decline in the average exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar of 5.5% during the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008.

The decrease in net operating revenue from $41.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 to $37.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 can be attributed to decreased gaming revenue at all of our properties period over period and a decline in the average exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar of 14.9%. Further declines in the average exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar may adversely affect the results of operations of our Canadian casino when reported in U.S. dollars.

The decrease in operating costs and expenses from $23.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $13.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 is primarily the result of (i) the write-off of $9.3 million of goodwill related to our investments in our properties in Central City, Colorado and Cripple Creek, Colorado in 2008, which increased our operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2008, (ii) a decrease in gaming expenses in Canada that are directly related to the decline in gaming revenue during the third quarter of 2009 as compared to the third quarter of 2008, and (iii) a decline in the average exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar of 5.5% during the third quarter of 2009, partially offset by an increase in gaming expenses at our Colorado casinos resulting from improved revenue and additional staffing during the third quarter of 2009 as compared to the third quarter of 2008.

The decrease in operating costs and expenses from $50.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 to $37.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 is primarily the result of the write-off of $9.3 million of goodwill related to our investments in our properties in Central City, Colorado and Cripple Creek, Colorado in 2008, cost saving measures undertaken at our Colorado casinos during the first nine months of 2009 and a decline in the average exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar of 14.9% during the first nine months of 2009 as compared to the first nine months of 2008.

The decrease in losses from continuing operations from a loss of $15.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to a loss of $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 was due to a decrease in operating losses from continuing operations of $9.7 million (of which $9.3 million of the difference relates to the write-off of goodwill during the third quarter of 2008) and the establishment of a tax valuation allowance of $6.0 million during the third quarter of 2008. This was offset by an increase in interest expense of $0.7 million resulting primarily from the write off of unamortized deferred financing charges related to the early repayment of our Central City debt, a decrease of $0.2 million in earnings from our equity investment in CPL and additional foreign currency losses of $0.1 million.

The decrease in losses from continuing operations from a loss of $16.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 to a loss of $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was due to a decrease in operating losses from continuing operations of $9.4 million (of which $9.3 million of the difference relates to the write-off of goodwill during the third quarter of 2008) and the establishment of a tax valuation allowance of $6.0 million during the third quarter of 2008. This was offset by an increase in interest expense of $0.3 million, a decrease of $0.5 million in earnings from our equity investment in CPL and additional foreign currency losses of $0.4 million.
 
 

 
--21--

 

Net operating revenue by property for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 is summarized below (in thousands):

   
For the three months
ended September 30, (1)
   
For the nine months
ended September 30, (1)
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Century Casino & Hotel (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
  $ 5,090     $ 5,656     $ 14,729     $ 17,008  
Womacks (Cripple Creek, Colorado)
    3,246       3,086       8,259       8,827  
Century Casino & Hotel (Central City, Colorado)
    4,791       4,655       13,132       13,679  
Cruise Ships
    597       569       1,487       1,852  
Casinos Poland (Poland) (2)
    -       -       -       -  
Corporate
    -       -       -       3  
Net operating revenue
  $ 13,724     $ 13,966     $ 37,607     $ 41,369  
(1)  
Excludes discontinued operations
(2)  
Accounted for as an equity investment

Earnings (losses) from operations by property for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 are summarized below (in thousands):

   
For the three months
ended September 30, (1)
   
For the nine months
ended September 30, (1)
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Century Casino & Hotel (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
  $ 1,436     $ 1,674     $ 4,146     $ 5,133  
Womacks (Cripple Creek, Colorado) (2)
    461       (7,121 )     567       (7,259 )
Century Casino & Hotel (Central City, Colorado) (3)
    454       (1,700 )     993       (1,158 )
Cruise Ships
    65       (3 )     16       119  
Casinos Poland (Poland) (4)
    33       218       276       766  
Corporate
    (1,661 )     (1,995 )     (5,341 )     (6,305 )
Earnings (loss) from operations
  $ 788     $ (8,927 )   $ 657     $ (8,704 )
(1)  
Excludes discontinued operations
(2)  
Goodwill impairment decreased earnings from operations by $7.2 million in 2008
(3)  
Goodwill impairment decreased earnings from operations by $2.1 million in 2008
(4)  
Accounted for as an equity investment

 
Three months ended September 30, 2009 vs 2008

Revenue

The following revenue discussion excludes discontinued operations. Net operating revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 was as follows (in thousands):

   
Three months
ended September 30,
             
   
2009
   
2008
   
Variance
   
Percentage
Variance
 
                         
Gaming
  $ 12,804     $ 13,122     $ (318 )     (2.4 %)
Hotel, food and beverage
    2,279       2,396       (117 )     (4.9 %)
Other
    523       511       12       2.3 %
Gross revenue
    15,606       16,029       (423 )     (2.6 %)
Less promotional allowances
    1,882       2,063       (181 )     (8.8 %)
Net operating revenue
  $ 13,724     $ 13,966     $ (242 )     (1.7 %)

 
--22--

Gaming revenue

Gaming revenue decreased by $0.3 million, or 2.4%, from $13.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $12.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. Lower gaming revenue in Edmonton, primarily due to decreased play and a decline in the average exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar, was partially offset by increased gaming revenue at our U.S. properties, which management attributes to the increase in betting limits, the introduction of new table games and 24-hour gaming in Colorado.

Gaming revenue at the Century Casino & Hotel in Edmonton decreased by $0.6 million, or 13.8%, from $4.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $3.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, primarily resulting from a lower hold on table games and a 5.5% decline in the average exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the average exchange rate for the three months ended September 30, 2008. Gaming revenue in Canadian dollars decreased by CAD 0.4 million, or 9.0%, from CAD 4.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to CAD 4.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. This decrease is the result of a decrease of 16.8% in table revenue (particularly baccarat) and a decrease of 3.1% in slot revenue. Management believes that revenue at our casino in Edmonton has been negatively impacted by a slow economy and road construction that is making accessibility to our casino difficult. The road construction was completed the first week of November.

As previously mentioned, on July 2, 2009, gaming establishments in Colorado were permitted to raise the maximum betting limit from $5 to $100, be open for 24 hours and have roulette and craps tables. Management believes that these changes have positively impacted gaming revenue at our Colorado casinos, but the effect has been diluted due to poor economic conditions.

Gaming revenue at Womacks in Cripple Creek increased by $0.2 million, or 6.4%, from $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $3.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. Management attributes this increase to the change in gaming laws in Colorado, but ,as described above, believes that growth has been limited due to the poor economic conditions. The Cripple Creek gaming market increased by 2.4% from the three months ended September 30, 2008 to the three months ended September 30, 2009. Our share of the Cripple Creek gaming market increased from 8.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to 8.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2009.

Gaming revenue at the Century Casino and Hotel in Central City remained flat at $5.0 million when comparing the three months ended September 30, 2009 to the three months ended September 30, 2008. The combined Central City and Black Hawk gaming market increased by 9.9% from the three months ended September 30, 2008 to the three months ended September 30, 2009. Management attributes this increase to the change in gaming laws in Colorado, but, as described above, believes that growth has been limited due to the poor economic conditions. Our market share of the combined Central City and Black Hawk gaming revenue decreased from 3.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to 3.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2009. Management believes this decline is the result of our larger competitors attracting more customers during the period immediately after the new gaming laws went into effect.  Our share of the Central City gaming revenue decreased from 28.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to 27.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2009.

Gaming revenue aboard the cruise ships on which we operate remained flat at $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008.


 
--23--

 

Hotel, food and beverage revenue

Hotel, food and beverage revenue decreased by $0.1 million, or 4.9%, from $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. Hotel, food and beverage revenue at Womacks declined by $0.1 million, resulting primarily from the elimination of a special food promotion that we offered during the third quarter of 2008.

Promotional allowances

Promotional allowances decreased by $0.2 million, or 8.8%, from $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, primarily due to a decline in coupons awarded at the casinos. The retail value of accommodations, food and beverage, and other services furnished to guests without charge (“complimentaries”) is included in gross revenue and then deducted as promotional allowances. As a result, complimentaries neither increase nor decrease our overall net operating revenue.

Operating Costs and Expenses

The following operating cost and expense discussion excludes discontinued operations. Operating costs and expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 were as follows (in thousands):

   
Three months
ended September 30,
             
   
2009
   
2008
   
Variance
   
Percentage
Variance
 
                         
Gaming
  $ 5,196     $ 5,284     $ (88 )     (1.7 %)
Hotel, food and beverage
    1,807       1,918       (111 )     (5.8 %)
General and administrative
    4,440       4,793       (353 )     (7.4 %)
Impairments and other write-offs
    -       9,357       (9,357     -  
Depreciation
    1,526       1,759       (233 )     (13.2 %)
Total operating costs and expenses
  $ 12,969     $ 23,111     $ (10,142 )     (43.9 %)

Gaming expenses

Gaming expenses decreased $0.1 million, or 1.7%, from $5.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $5.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. Declines in gaming expenses in Edmonton that are directly related to a decline in gaming revenue and a decline in the average exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar, were partially offset by increased gaming expenses in Colorado as discussed below.

Gaming expenses at the Century Casino & Hotel in Edmonton decreased $0.3 million, or 17.9%, from $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. In Canadian dollars, gaming expenses decreased by CAD 0.3 million, or 14.4%, from CAD 1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to CAD 1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, primarily due to a decrease in payroll.

Gaming expenses at Womacks increased $0.2 million, or 14.8%, from $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. Payroll expenses at the casino increased by $0.2 million, the result of adding dealers for new table games at the casino and additional staff needed to keep the casino open 24 hours a day beginning on July 2, 2009.


 
--24--

 

Gaming expenses at the Century Casino & Hotel in Central City increased $0.1 million, or 5.2%, from $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. Payroll expenses at the casino increased by $0.1 million, the result of adding dealers for new table games at the casino and additional staff needed to keep the casino open 24 hours a day beginning on July 2, 2009.

Gaming expenses aboard the cruise ships on which we operate declined by $0.1 million, or 12.0%, from $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, primarily due to a decline in concession fees paid to the cruise ship operators.

Hotel, food and beverage expenses

Hotel, food and beverage expenses decreased by $0.1 million, or 5.8%, from $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. Food expenses at Womacks decreased by $0.1 million due to above average levels of expenses resulting from a special food promotion at Womacks during the three months ended September 30, 2008.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.4 million, or 7.4%, from $4.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $4.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. General and administrative expenses include facility maintenance, utilities, property and liability insurance, property taxes, housekeeping, and all administrative departments, such as information technology, accounting, human resources and internal audit.

General and administrative expenses at the Century Casino & Hotel in Edmonton remained flat at $1.1 million when comparing the three months ended September 30, 2009 to the three months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to the decline in the average exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar. In Canadian dollars, general and administrative expenses increased by CAD 0.1 million, or 12.5%, from CAD 1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to CAD 1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, primarily due to an increases in payroll expenses and property taxes.

General and administrative expenses at Womacks decreased by $0.1 million, or 10.8%, from $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, due to decreases in payroll expense and maintenance charges.

General and administrative expenses at the Century Casino & Hotel in Central City remained flat at $1.0 million when comparing the three months ended September 30, 2009 to the three months ended September 30, 2008. Decreases in insurance charges and maintenance charges were offset by a slight increase in payroll expenses.

Combined general and administrative expenses aboard the cruise ships remained flat at less than $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008.

Corporate expenses decreased by $0.3 million, or 16.8%, from $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, primarily due to a decline in payroll expense of $0.2 million and slight decreases in travel expenses and investor relations expenses.


 
--25--

 

At September 30, 2009, we had $1.0 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options and unvested restricted stock. Of this amount, $0.2 million is expected to be recognized over the remainder of 2009, and $0.8 million is expected to be recognized in subsequent years through 2011.

Impairments and other write-offs

For the three months ended September 30, 2008, we recorded $9.3 million in impairments of goodwill related to Womacks in Cripple Creek, Colorado, and the Century Casino and Hotel in Central City, Colorado. During 2008, these operations experienced a significant decline in gaming revenue which we deemed to be an indicator of potential impairment. As a result, we performed interim goodwill impairment analyses as of September 30, 2008 and determined that there would be no remaining value attributable to goodwill. Accordingly, we wrote-off the entire goodwill balances related to these operations.

Depreciation

Depreciation expense decreased by $0.2 million, or 13.2%, from $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. The decrease is primarily the result of a decline in depreciation expense at Womacks of $0.2 million as gaming equipment with short depreciable lives has become fully depreciated. Depreciation expense at our remaining properties remained flat period over period.

Non-operating income (expense)

Non-operating income (expense) for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 was as follows (in thousands):

   
Three months
ended September 30,
             
   
2009
   
2008
   
Variance
   
Percentage
Variance
 
                         
Interest income
  $ 33     $ 4     $ 29       725.0 %
Interest expense
    (1,618 )     (879 )     (739 )     84.1 %
Gains (losses) on foreign currency translation and other
    (182 )     (70 )     (112 )     160.0 %
Non-operating expense
  $ (1,767 )   $ (945 )   $ (822 )     87.0 %

Interest income

Interest income is directly related to interest earned on our cash reserves.

Interest expense

The increase in interest expense is primarily due to the write off of approximately $1.0 million in deferred financing charges related to the early repayment of our Central City debt. This was partially offset by a decrease in interest expense resulting from a decrease in our average debt balance from $42.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 to $27.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, partially offset by an increase in interest rates on our Colorado debt. Our weighted average interest rate, excluding the impact of the amortization of deferred financing charges, was 7.3% and 8.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively.


 
--26--

 

Gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions and other

We recognized foreign currency losses of $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively. We have outstanding cash denominated in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros and South African rand. In July 2009, we realized a foreign exchange loss of $0.8 million upon the conversion of approximately ZAR 228.8 million into $28.8 million. This exchange loss was offset by gains of $0.2 million recorded on the conversion of approximately ZAR 39.3 million into $5.3 million throughout the remainder of the period, exchange gains of $0.4 million on the revaluation of outstanding receivables related to the sale of CCA and gains on the revaluation of loans that we deemed to not be permanently invested.  Subsequent to the end of the quarter we recorded an additional gain of $0.3 million on the conversion of ZAR 98.8 million to approximately $13.4 million.

Other Items

Earnings from equity investment

We own 33.3% of all shares issued by CPL. Our portion of CPL’s earnings are recorded as earnings from equity investment.  We recorded $0.3 million and less than $0.1 million of earnings from our investment in CPL for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Although net operating revenue at CPL increased slightly, our earnings decreased due to higher depreciation costs resulting from CPL’s investment in new slot machines for the Marriott Casino and increased personnel costs as CPL had to hire additional dealers. Finally, a decline in the average exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Polish zloty of 33.1% negatively impacted our results when comparing the three months ended September 30, 2009 to the three months ended September 30, 2008.

Taxes

Our foreign earnings significantly impact our tax rate. For the three months ended September 30, 2009, we incurred pre-tax losses for our U.S. based operations (including corporate losses) of $1.6 million compared to pre-tax earnings at our foreign operations of $0.6 million. We currently have a valuation allowance established for our U.S. deferred tax assets of $8.5 million. If we conclude at a later date that the realization of these deferred taxes is more likely than not, we will reduce the valuation allowance as appropriate. Accordingly, for the three months ended September 30, 2009, we did not record a tax benefit on U.S. operating losses.

Amounts in thousands
 
For the three months
ended September 30, 2009
   
For the three months
ended September 30, 2008
 
   
Pre-tax income
   
Income tax
   
Effective
tax rate
   
Pre-tax income
   
Income tax
   
Effective
tax rate
 
Canada
  $ 690     $ 183