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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (No Fee Required)
For the transition period from _____ to _____
Commission File Number 0-4281
ALLIANCE GAMING CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
NEVADA 88-0104066
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
6601 S. Bermuda Rd. Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number: (702) 270-7600
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.10 par value
(Title of Class)
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. [X] Yes [ ] No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of 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. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates of the
registrant was approximately $47,555,000 as of September 1, 1999.
The number of shares of Common Stock, $0.10 par value, outstanding as of
September 1, 1999 according to the records of registrant's registrar and
transfer agent, was 10,227,430.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting
of Stockholders will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within
120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year and are incorporated by
reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
ALLIANCE GAMING CORPORATION
FORM 10-K
Year Ended June 30, 1999
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Introduction
Alliance is a diversified, worldwide gaming company that (i) designs,
manufactures and distributes gaming machines and computerized monitoring systems
for gaming machines, (ii) owns and manages a significant installed base of
gaming machines, (iii) owns and operates two casinos and (iv) in Germany, is a
full-service supplier of wall-mounted gaming machines and amusement games.
Alliance is among the market leaders in each of its business units. Operating
under the name Bally Gaming and Systems, the Company is a worldwide leader in
designing, manufacturing and distributing gaming machines, having marketed over
80,000 gaming machines during the past five years; it also designs, integrates
and sells highly specialized computerized monitoring systems that provide
casinos with networked accounting and security services for their gaming
machines with over 110,000 game monitoring units ("GMUs") installed worldwide.
The Company also owns, operates and services an installed base of over 8,300
slot and video gaming machines that are located mostly in non-casino venues in
Nevada and Louisiana ("Route Operations"). Alliance is the largest route
operator in Nevada and the largest route operator of gaming machines in
Louisiana. Alliance also owns and operates what management believes is the most
profitable dockside casino in Vicksburg, Mississippi and a locals casino in
Sparks, Nevada, which together have 21 table games and 1,200 gaming machines
(collectively, "Casino Operations"). In addition, operating under the Bally
Wulff name, the Company believes that it is a leading supplier of wall-mounted
gaming machines and amusement games in Germany.
The Company was incorporated in Nevada on September 30, 1968 under the name
Advanced Patent Technology. The Company changed its name to Gaming and
Technology, Inc. in 1983, to United Gaming, Inc. in 1988 and to Alliance Gaming
Corporation on December 19, 1994. The Company conducts its gaming operations
through directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries. On June 18, 1996 the Company
acquired Bally Gaming International, Inc. ("BGII") which includes the Bally
Gaming and Systems and Wall Machines and Amusement Games business units. The
term "Company" as used herein refers to Alliance Gaming Corporation and
subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires. The Company's principal
executive offices are located at 6601 South Bermuda Road, Las Vegas, Nevada
89119; telephone (702) 270-7600.
Business Units
Bally Gaming and Systems
Prior to May 1998, the operations of Bally Gaming and Bally Systems were managed
separately without substantial integration. The market has seen a convergence of
the game management systems and the games themselves. Therefore, in May 1998 the
Company consolidated the operations of Bally Gaming and Systems.
Overview. The Company's primary markets for its gaming machine products are the
United States, Canada and Europe and Latin America, and, to a lesser extent, the
Far East and the Caribbean. The following table sets forth the percentage of new
gaming machine unit sales by market segment during the periods indicated:
New Units by Market Segment Percentage of New Gaming Units Sold
Years ended
June 30,
1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ----
Nevada and Atlantic City 47% 25% 22%
International 40 49 59
Riverboats 5 15 4
Indian Gaming 7 10 11
Other domestic 1 1 4
---- ---- ----
100% 100% 100%
=== === ===
Markets for Bally Gaming and Systems. Within the United States, Nevada
represents the largest installed base of gaming machines with an installed base
of approximately 197,000 machines as of June 30, 1999. The Company estimates
that Atlantic City, the second largest market, had an installed base of
approximately 36,000 machines as of June 30, 1999. Product sales of the
Company's casino-style gaming equipment in these markets are primarily to
established casino customers either to replace existing machines or as part of
an expansion or refurbishment of the casino. Also, because gaming machine
revenues have increased at a higher rate than table game revenues over the past
decade, casino operators have tended to increase floor space dedicated to gaming
machines. In addition, major casino openings in Nevada, expansions of existing
casinos and the proliferation of casinos in emerging markets have created
additional floor space available for new gaming products and are anticipated to
further increase competitive pressures on casino operators to replace existing
equipment with new machines.
Riverboat and dockside casinos began operating in 1991 and, as of June 30, 1999,
riverboat and dockside casinos were operating in Indiana, Iowa, Illinois,
Mississippi, Missouri and Louisiana. The estimated installed base of gaming
machines on riverboats or dockside casinos is approximately 94,000 machines as
of June 30, 1999.
Casino-style gaming continues to expand on Native American lands. Native
American gaming is regulated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988
which permits specific types of gaming. The Company's machines are placed only
with Native American gaming operators who have negotiated a compact with the
state and received approval by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Company
sells machines to casinos on Native American lands in Arizona, Connecticut,
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin. Compacts have also been approved in Oregon,
Colorado and Louisiana, although the Company has made no deliveries in these
jurisdictions. In addition to the approved states, compacts are under
consideration in several states, including Alabama, California, Maine,
Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Texas. The installed estimated base of all
Native American gaming machines as of June 30, 1999 was approximately 81,000
units.
Currently casino gaming also is legal in Colorado and South Dakota. The
estimated installed base of machines in these markets as of June 30, 1999 was
approximately 16,000 machines.
In 1997, Michigan voters approved the establishment of three casinos in the city
of Detroit. The first temporary casino opened in July 1999 and two other
temporary casinos are expected to open before January 2000.
In addition to the domestic markets, the gaming industry is also expanding in
international markets. The Company's primary international markets are Europe,
Canada and Latin America, and, to a lesser extent, the Far East and the
Caribbean. The Company conducts its business in Canada through its staff in the
United States. The Company has begun, and plans to continue, expansion into the
Australian market, and has an office in Sydney, Australia. In July 1998, the
Company's Australian subsidiary, BGI Australia Pty, Ltd., was approved for
licensing by the New South Wales Liquor Administration Board which licenses
gaming operators and suppliers in New South Wales and in August 1999 the
Company's game platform and the first of its games were approved for sale in New
South Wales. The New South Wales market is the second largest gaming machine
market in the world with an estimated installed base of 87,000 units at June 30,
1999. The Company also distributes gaming machines, manufactured by Bally
Gaming, through its direct and indirect subsidiaries, Bally Gaming
International, GmbH ("GmbH"), from its sales office in Hannover, Germany
principally to customers in Europe and Russia, through Bally Gaming Africa, Pty.
Ltd., from its sales office in Johannesburg, South Africa, principally to
customers on the African continent, Bally Gaming de Puerto Rico, Inc.,
principally to customers in Puerto Rico and Bally Games and Systems, SA in
Montevideo, Uruguay principally to customers in South America.
The percentage of the Company's international gaming units sold by geographic
area for the periods indicated are set forth below:
New Units by Geographic Area Percentage of New Gaming Units Sold
Years ended
June 30,
1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ----
Europe 33% 37% 29%
Canada 26 35 43
Latin America 39 22 19
Far East 2 2 1
Africa --- 4 7
Australia --- --- 1
----- ----- -----
100% 100% 100%
=== === ===
The primary markets for computerized monitoring systems are the United States
and, to a lesser extent, Canada, New Zealand, Latin America, Europe and the
Caribbean. Markets for Systems within the United States include traditional
land-based casinos predominantly in Nevada and Atlantic City, New Jersey, Native
American casinos and riverboats and dockside casinos. Domestically, the market
for computerized monitoring systems is to new casino openings and to existing or
new customers who either (a) acquire casinos with a competitor's system which is
replaced with the Company's system, or (b) expand their casino floors or upgrade
their hardware to a new product release. Unlike the United States, where most
jurisdictions require the implementation of systems, there have been few
international markets to do so. Management believes, however, that the
international market for such systems is increasing, and that Systems' sales to
such markets will increase accordingly.
The following table sets forth the percentages of revenues provided by each of
the Company's major product lines for the periods indicated:
Product Line Percentage of Revenues
Years ended
June 30,
1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ----
Slot machines 46% 42% 41%
Video gaming machines 25 23 18
Computerized monitoring systems 16 21 26
Other (primarily used machines, recurring
revenue products, parts and services) 13 14 15
--- --- ---
100% 100% 100%
=== === ===
Gaming Machine Products. The Company designs, manufactures and distributes a
variety of electronic slot and video gaming machines. Gaming machines are
differentiated from one another by graphic design and theme, cabinet style and
size, pay table, reel-type design, betting denomination and minimum/maximum
betting amount. Slot machines are normally produced to specific order, with
design and configuration customized to a customer's particular requirements.
Customers may also change from one gaming model to another gaming model by
ordering a "conversion kit" which consists of artwork, reel strips and a
computer chip. The Company's video gaming machines are designed to simulate
various live card games, video reel-spinning games and keno through a video
display and can offer the player the chance to play up to ten different games.
New games and themes are introduced periodically in order to satisfy customer
demand and to compete with product designs introduced by competitors. The
Company introduced its ProSeries(TM) reel-type slot machines during late 1993
and its multi-game touch screen machine, the GameMaker(R), during late 1994. In
March 1998 the Company introduced the first major upgrade to both the ProSeries
and GameMaker product lines.
The ProSeries was the result of a comprehensive product development effort. The
development process included extensive testing of the new products in-house and
on casino floors for reliability and player appeal. Revenues from sales of
ProSeries machines were approximately $66.6 million, $45.8 million and $44.6
million for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively.
The GameMaker can offer up to 10 different video games within one gaming device.
The ten games can be selected by the casino from a game library that has over
600 games. The games simulate various card games, keno and popular reel-spinning
games. The GameMaker machines contain bill acceptors and many other features
believed to be popular with casinos and their customers. The GameMaker machines
are available in upright, bar top and slant top cabinets. Revenues from sales of
GameMaker machines were approximately $34.9 million, $22.7 million and $17.7
million for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively.
During the year ended June 30, 1998, the Company introduced a new gaming machine
platform, GameMagic (R), a high resolution graphics multi-game, video gaming
machine offering up to ten different games. The product has been approved and
deployed in Nevada and also deployed outside the United States in jurisdictions
that do not require regulatory approval. Revenues from the sale of GameMagic
machines were approximately $3.1 million for the year ended June 30, 1999.
During the past two years, the Company has moved to become a full service
provider of gaming products by adding to its product line wide-area progressive
systems and second feature niche games, which are gaming machines that provide
bonus features. Many of these gaming machines are placed in casinos and earn
recurring revenues and cash flows for the Company rather than being sold on a
one time basis. These gaming machines provide a higher level of profitability
than the games which are sold outright, but they require the Company to invest
capital in the cost of manufacturing the gaming machines and in purchasing signs
and seating. The Company earned approximately $7.0 million from recurring
revenue sources during fiscal 1999 which was comprised of approximately $2.1
million in machine rentals, $1.4 million in participation revenue and $3.5
million in hardware and software maintenance.
In November 1998, the Company received regulatory approval from the Nevada
Gaming Control Board of its wide-area progressive jackpot system named
"Thrillions(TM)". The Thrillions system has been designed to allow patrons
playing nickel, quarter and dollar machines to compete for the same progressive
jackpot with the odds of winning the jackpot based on the amount wagered. The
Thrillions system also permits the casino patron to play for more than one
jackpot meter with a single play of the machine. The Thrillions system has been
designed to allow casinos to use their own branding for the product. The first
two products deployed on the Thrillions system are Betty Boop's Big Hit (TM) and
Pay Day, a proprietary product for Park Place Entertainment in Nevada. The
Company began deployment of the Betty Boop's Big Hit product in Nevada in March
1999 and began a field trial in Mississippi in July 1999. The Company has filed
the Thrillions system with regulators in other gaming jurisdictions in fiscal
1999 and intends to deploy the product in those jurisdictions during fiscal 2000
once regulatory approval is received.
The Company has introduced two second feature niche games, Roll the Dice (R) and
Bell Ringer (R), both of which are approved in most major gaming markets. In
addition, in conjunction with Shuffle Master, Inc., the Company has designed and
deployed Let's Make a Deal (TM) game on a GameMagic platform which is currently
approved in Nevada. The Company believes that video gaming products and second
feature bonus games will continue to gain floor space in casinos. The Company
also earns recurring revenues from games deployed with the Delaware State
Lottery Commission, games distributed by the Company for Anchor Gaming and,
beginning in August 1999, games deployed in Washington for compacted Native
American tribes which were developed under a manufacturing and distribution
agreement with Oasis Technologies, Inc.
The Company has also developed several other gaming products. In March 1998,
Bally Gaming introduced a product called Cash Cage(TM), which dispenses paper
tokens (currency or casino customized scrip) from a bill hopper in partial
substitution for complete coin payouts. Cash Cage will be marketed as a means to
reduce hopper fills and jackpots paid by hand. This new technology should
benefit casinos in several ways: improve customer satisfaction by eliminating
the need for customers to wait for a slot attendant to fill a coin hopper or pay
certain levels of jackpots; reduce operating costs through fewer coin hopper
fills and hand payouts; improve casino cage accounting efficiency and increase
security due to fewer operations performed by hand. The Company has filed the
Cash Cage system with the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the product is under
going testing. Pursuant to a long term agreement, the Company has agreed to
license JCM American, a U.S. subsidiary of Japan Coin Machine Company, a leading
supplier of bill acceptors to the gaming industry, to be its worldwide exclusive
manufacturer and distributor of the Cash Cage technology, for which the Company
will receive a royalty for each Cash Cage unit shipped.
In February 1999, the Company received final regulatory approval from the Nevada
Gaming Control Board for its Remote Access Verification Environment ("RAVE")
technology, an on-line game delivery system that provides regulators assurance
that the on-line gaming activity originates from within their jurisdiction. The
RAVE technology is provided through a proprietary intranet whose dial-up access
is restricted to subscribers and is not available to non-subscribers such as
Internet users. Incorporating highly sophisticated call tracing and security
measures developed in conjunction with KPMG LLP and Bellcore, RAVE provides the
foundation for intra-state, closed-loop, subscriber-based system. The first
application of the technology has been designed for use by sportsbooks in
Nevada, however it can be the foundation for other gaming oriented applications,
such as horse racing and lotteries, in both domestic and international
jurisdictions. In December 1998, the Company signed an exclusive seven-year
agreement to license International Sports Wagering, Inc. ("ISWI") to use the
RAVE technology in Nevada for sportswagering applications. Once the ISWI system
is approved by the Nevada regulators, the Company will receive a monthly royalty
payment from ISWI based on the number of subscribers to the system.
The Company typically offers a 90-day labor and up to a one-year parts warranty
for new gaming machines sold and is actively involved in customer service after
the original installation. The Company provides several after-sale, value-added
services to its customers including customer education programs, a 24-hour
customer service telephone hot-line, an internet web site for technical support
and field service support programs and spare parts programs. The Company's
historical warranty expense as a percentage of revenues has been less than 1%.
In addition, the Company sells and services used gaming machines and sells parts
for existing machines. The Company often accepts used machines as trade-ins
toward the purchase of new gaming equipment. While a small secondary market
exists in the United States, used machines are typically resold into the
international market. Some used equipment is reconditioned for direct sale, but
much is sold in container lots on an "as is" basis through independent brokers.
Sales of used equipment were approximately $5.4 million, $3.6 million and $5.6
million for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively.
Gaming machines have a mechanical life that can exceed 10 years. However, in the
established markets, the Company's experience is that casino operators usually
replace gaming machines after three to seven years. The factors which result in
replacement of gaming machines sooner than their mechanical life include
technological advances, development of new entertaining games, new sound and
visual features and changing preferences of casino patrons. Casinos typically
recoup the purchase cost of their electronic gaming machines in a few months,
which allows casinos to replace machines with new models that are popular with
casino patrons.
Systems Products. The Company designs, integrates, and sells a computerized
monitoring system ("SDS 6000") for slot and video gaming machines which provide
casino operators with on-line, real time data relative to a machine's
accounting, security and cash monitoring functions. The SDS 6000, when purchased
along with other third party player tracking applications, also provides data to
and receives data from casinos to track their players to establish and compile
individual player profitability and other demographic information. SDS 6000 is
comprised primarily of (1) hardware consisting of microcontroller-based printed
circuit boards which are installed within the slot and video machines as well as
card readers, displays and keypads which provide casinos with the ability to
track player gaming activity and to monitor access to slot and video machines by
the casino's employees, (2) firmware developed by the Company which provides
access to the slot machine's and player's activity data gathered by the
microcontroller hardware, and (3) business applications software developed by
the Company which manages the slot machines' and players' activity information.
This software resides on Unix or PC based servers. Systems also provides
software and hardware support services, including maintenance, repair and
training for purchasers of its monitoring systems.
Product Development. The Company believes that providing games and systems with
high entertainment value that are preferred by the casino patron is a key to
meeting the demands of casinos. The Company believes that the use of existing
computer technology is accelerating which can give newer gaming machines and
systems that incorporate this technology a competitive advantage over older
gaming machines and systems. In addition, more of the value of a gaming machine
comes from the entertainment aspects of the software running the game rather
than the hardware platform of the machine. Total spending on product research
and development by Bally Gaming and Systems was approximately $6.7 million,
$12.7 million and $13.9 million during the years ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and
1999, respectively. The increase in research and development spending in the
year ended June 30, 1999 resulted from increasing the number of new product
platforms introduced, product development efforts and growth in the number of
products to support with ongoing development.
The Company develops its products for both the domestic and international
market. The Company's product development process is divided into two areas,
hardware and software. Major areas of hardware development include cabinet
style, electronic capability, machine handle and coin and currency handling.
Hardware development efforts are focused upon player appeal, product reliability
and ease of maintenance. Development cycles for hardware can range from a few
days for simple enhancements to more than a year for new electronics or new
mechanical packages.
The software development process for new games, which includes graphics
development, involves a continuous effort requiring relatively significant human
resource allocations. Creativity in software development is an important element
in product differentiation as the major manufacturers tend to deploy similar
hardware and related technology. Ideas for new models are generated internally,
from customers and from other third parties, many of whom have entered into
strategic relationships with the Company. On an annual basis, the Company
expects to introduce approximately 25 new models to the market. However, no
assurance can be made with respect to the rate of new model introductions or the
obtaining of regulatory approvals in respect thereof.
The Company also focuses on hardware modifications and second feature niche game
platforms. Key members from the marketing and design groups meet to analyze
machines currently being marketed by the Company and its competitors to assess
their strengths and weaknesses and then suggest ideas for modifications and new
machines. These ideas are reviewed to determine what should be further
developed. The Company typically pursues 15 to 20 projects at any given time,
and approximately 2 to 3 second feature niche gaming machines are submitted for
licensing each year. These new machines are built in limited quantities and then
test marketed in various locations throughout the U.S. for three to six months.
Generally, fewer than one-half of the new machines tested are put into full
scale production. Management believes this process of generating new ideas and
then turning only a limited number of the ideas into machines which will reach
the mass market is responsible for the high quality of the Company's machines
and their continued acceptance and success in the marketplace.
All new or modified hardware and software are designed to satisfy all applicable
testing standards. Typically, new products require regulatory approval for most
North American, Australian and South African jurisdictions, but generally no
approval is needed for other jurisdictions. For Nevada, new gaming machine
platforms must be filed with the state gaming laboratory that will test the
products from 60 days to three months or more before a mandatory 30 to 60 day
field test is conducted in a casino. For new product platforms, the Nevada State
Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission must each approve these
products at their meetings which are held monthly. For modifications of existing
products or casino associated equipment, the process in Nevada is similar to new
platforms, except a field test is usually not required and the product can be
approved administratively by the Nevada State Gaming Control Board staff. Each
jurisdiction that requires regulatory approval of new products has its own
filing requirements and process. Once products are approved by the gaming
regulators, customers will typically require a 30 to 90 day field trial of the
product in their casinos with the right to return the product at any time during
the field trial period. The Company does not recognize revenue until the
customer has agreed to end the field trial and has accepted the gaming machines.
Product development for the SDS 6000 product is also divided into hardware and
software. The major areas of hardware development include microcontroller
circuit board design and programming as well as user interface devices such as
card readers, keypads and displays. Systems has developed a modular and
extendible hardware and software architecture which allows development to be
focused upon achieving greater functionality, product reliability and ease of
maintenance for the casino operator and achieving greater visual appeal and ease
of use for the slot customer. In addition, the architecture allows customers to
upgrade existing components or add new components with minimal impact.
Development cycles for hardware can vary between a few months for minor
revisions to more than a year for major design changes or for changes made by
various slot manufacturers with which Systems' product must communicate and be
physically integrated. Software development results in (1) periodic product
releases that include new features which extend and enhance the SDS 6000
product, (2) periodic maintenance releases which enable casino operators to
correct problems or improve the usability of the system and (3) documentation
needed to install and use the system.
The Company developed a form of cashless wagering that uses bar-coded coupons,
which can be read by the bill validators in slot machines, and are connected to
the SDS system. The Company continues to direct development efforts towards
other forms of cashless wagering for use on slot machines and the SDS system.
The bar-coded coupon product is currently in regulatory field test in New Jersey
and Nevada.
Sales and Marketing. Bally Gaming and Systems uses a direct sales force and, to
a lessor extent, an independent distributor network to distribute its products.
Bally Gaming and Systems North America sales staff consists of approximately 30
people and operates offices in Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Illinois,
Colorado and Florida.
Bally Gaming and Systems' direct sales force, other than those at GmbH,
Australia and South Africa generated approximately 89%, 80% and 77% of new unit
machine sales for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. On
a limited basis, Bally Gaming and Systems uses distributors for sales to certain
international jurisdictions. The agreements with distributors do not specify
minimum purchases but generally provide that the Company may terminate such
agreements if certain performance standards are not met. These independent
distributors generated approximately 4%, 6% and 7% of new gaming machine unit
sales for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. GmbH,
Australia and South Africa generated approximately 7%, 14% and 16% of new gaming
machine unit sales for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999,
respectively.
The Company has over 110,000 game monitoring units installed, of which
approximately 98,000 are in the United States. At June 30, 1999, the Company had
104 installed locations. Bally Gaming and Systems' direct sales force generated
approximately 92%, 96% and 99% of game monitoring unit sales for the years ended
June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively.
In addition to offering an expansive product line, Bally Gaming and Systems
provides customized services in response to specific casino requests. These
services include high quality silkscreen printing of gaming machine glass,
customized game development and interior design services. Bally Gaming and
Systems also offers customized design services that utilize computer aided
design and studio software programs. Bally Gaming and Systems' design department
can generate a casino floor layout and can create a proposed slot mix for
customers. In many of the emerging markets, Bally Gaming and Systems provides
assistance to customers including the selection of related equipment such as
slot stands, chairs, etc. and a recommended layout of the casino floor as well
as a mix of machine models.
For the year ended June 30, 1999, approximately 89% of the Company's slot and
video gaming machine sales were on terms of 90 days or less. Approximately 11%
of the Company's sales, primarily in certain emerging markets such as riverboat
and Native American gaming casinos, are financed over extended periods as long
as 36 months and bear interest at rates ranging from 9% to 14%. International
sales are generally consummated on a cash basis or financed over three years or
less. In addition, in certain situations the Company has participated in the
financing of other gaming related equipment manufactured by third parties in the
emerging markets. For SDS 6000 sales, the Company offers limited financing
terms, normally less than one year, for sales to new installations. Most sales,
however, are invoiced on a net 30-day basis. Management believes that financing
of customer sales is an important factor in certain emerging markets.
For SDS 6000 sales, the Company offers its customers the option of signing
separate hardware and software maintenance agreements at the time of sale. These
agreements are for periods of one year and automatically renew unless otherwise
canceled in writing by the customer or the Company. After an initial warranty
period, typically 90 days, the customer is invoiced a monthly hardware and
software maintenance fee which provides essentially for repair and/or
replacement of malfunctioning hardware and software, software version upgrades,
and on-call support for software.
Customers. The demand for slot machines and video gaming machines varies
depending on new construction and renovation of casinos and other facilities
with needs for new equipment as well as the replacement of existing machines
(which have an average replacement cycle of three to seven years). For the years
ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999, the Company's largest customer for gaming
machines accounted for approximately 11%, 7% and 21% respectively of the Bally
Gaming and Systems' revenues, while the Company's 10 largest gaming machine
customers accounted for approximately 45%, 48% and 46% of the Bally Gaming and
Systems' revenues during such periods, respectively.
The demand for computerized slot monitoring systems is driven by regulatory
requirements in a given jurisdiction and/or by a casino operator's competitive
need to properly track machine and player activity and establish and compile
individual machine and player profitability and other demographic information,
all of which is of particular importance to casinos in developing marketing
strategies. Revenues for computerized monitoring systems are derived from
selling to new installations and to new or existing customers who either (a)
acquire casinos with a competitor's system which is replaced with the Company's
system or (b) expand their casino floors or upgrade their hardware to a new
product release. For the years ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999, the ten
largest computerized monitoring system customers (which include certain
multi-site casino operators that have corporate agreements) accounted for
approximately 70%, 53% and 49% of game monitoring unit revenues, respectively.
Due to the high initial costs of installing a computerized monitoring system,
customers for such systems generally have tended not to change suppliers once
they have installed such a system.
Future growth of Bally Gaming and Systems will be based on penetration of the
international markets, further expansion in the established and emerging
markets, as well as continued development efforts to provide customers with new
and innovative hardware and software product offerings.
Assembly Operations. Bally Gaming and Systems' Las Vegas facility was completed
in 1990 specifically for the design, assembly and distribution of gaming
equipment. The 150,000-square foot facility was designed to meet fluctuating
product design demands and volume requirements, and management believes the
facility enables Bally Gaming and Systems to increase production without
significant capital expenditures. Since July 1, 1998 all assembly of game
monitoring unit products has been performed in the Las Vegas facility.
In April 1999, the Company entered into a five-year exclusive original equipment
manufacturing agreement with Dreamport, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of GTECH
Corporation. Under the agreement, the Company will manufacture gaming machines,
including its GameMaker and Game Magic product lines, for lottery markets
exclusively for Dreamport.
In April 1999, the Company entered into a manufacturing and distribution
agreement with Oasis Technologies, Inc. to serve compacted Native American
gaming venues in Washington. Oasis Technologies, Inc. owns patented technology
for the types of gaming machines required by gaming regulators in Washington.
Under the agreement, the Company and Oasis Technologies have jointly developed
gaming devices that deploy the Oasis technology in a Bally Gaming device. Oasis
Technologies provides the gaming system and a continuing series of games to
deploy in the gaming devices. The Company manufactures and distributes the
games, gaming devices and the system.
Management believes that its assembly operations allow for rapid generation of
different models to fill orders quickly and efficiently. Another major advantage
of the existing plant operation is the system by which machines can be altered
in many ways including the size, type and color of glass, sound and payoff
patterns to produce a "customized" product for each customer. Bally Gaming and
Systems keeps an inventory of parts that allow machines to be altered quickly to
conform with a particular customer's design/feature request. Bally Gaming and
Systems produces products for individual customer orders and therefore reducing
exposure to finished goods inventories. Bally Gaming and Systems designs all of
the major assemblies that are incorporated into the final machine configuration.
Competition. The market for gaming machines and progressive systems in North
America is dominated by a single competitor, International Game Technology, Inc.
("IGT"). Management believes, based on industry estimates made by analysts,
Bally Gaming and Systems has the second largest market share in North America
for gaming machines and systems combined. Worldwide there are a number of other
well established, well-financed and well-known companies producing gaming
machines that compete with each of the Company's lines in each of the Company's
markets. The other major competitors are AC Slot and Coin, Anchor Gaming, Casino
Data Systems, ("CDS"), Innovative Gaming Corporation of America, Mikohn Gaming
Corporation ("Mikohn"), Shuffle Master, Inc., Sigma Games, Inc., Silicon Gaming,
Universal Distributing of Nevada, Inc. and WMS Industries, Inc., ("WMS"), and
companies that market gaming machines under the brand names of Aristocrat,
Atronic, Cirsa, Konami, Novomatic and Sega Enterprises Ltd. Many of these
companies look to expand their market share by decreasing the Company's current
market share. Other companies may enter the gaming machine business and several
of these companies offer or plan to offer second feature bonus games. Only IGT,
CDS and Mikohn currently offer wide-area progressive systems, although others
may enter this area. Competition among gaming product manufacturers,
particularly with respect to sales of gaming machines into new and emerging
markets, is vigorous and is based on which machines generate the most net win to
the casinos, competitive customer pricing and financing terms, quality of the
product and having an extensive distribution, sales and support network.
The main competition in game monitoring units currently consists of IGT, CDS,
and to a lesser extent Gaming Systems International, Mikohn Gaming Corporation,
Acres Gaming, Inc. and Logical Solutions International and companies marketing
systems under the brand names of Aristocrat and Grips. Competition is keen in
this market due to the number of providers and the limited number of casinos and
jurisdictions in which they operate. Pricing, product feature and function,
accuracy, and reliability are all key factors in determining a provider's
success in selling its system. Management believes the future success of its
operations will be determined by its ability to bring new and innovative
products to the market while maintaining its base of loyal existing customers.
Wall Machines and Amusement Games
Industry Overview
Management believes that the German wall machine market consists of
approximately 200,000 wall machine units. German regulations currently limit the
useful life of wall machines to a period of four years. As a result, annual
market demand for wall machines in Germany approximates 35,000 to 55,000 units
with fluctuations resulting primarily from economic conditions, and regulatory
changes and new product development. Management believes that the size of the
wall machine market has declined from prior years due to changes in the arcade
and tavern markets and an increase in non-payout entertainment games, as well as
the impact from the overall slowdown in the German economy. A portion of this
annual demand is not available to the Company as it relates to machines in
arcades operated by the Company's two main German competitors.
Wall machine sales into the arcade market account for approximately 30% of the
total wall machine sales in Germany. A significant number of arcades
(approximately 10%) are owned by the two largest competitors, Gauselmann AG and
NSM AG. Generally these competitors do not purchase wall machines from Bally
Wulff for their arcades. Management believes Bally Wulff's share of the German
wall machine market was approximately 33%, 30% and 22% for the years ended June
30, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. The decrease in market share in 1999
resulted from competitors' wall machines being more popular than Bally Wulff's
wall machines. The German legislative authorities regulate and monitor the wall
machine industry on an ongoing basis to ensure conformance with certain
manufacturing standards and the fairness of each machine to users. Existing
legislation covers prescribed licensing procedures, the use, installation and
operation of wall machines and the taxation of wall machines.
Operations of Bally Wulff
Products. Bally Wulff's manufacturing operations were founded in Berlin in 1950.
Bally Wulff produces and distributes a variety of models of wall machines under
the trade name "Bally Wulff" for operation in arcades, hotels, restaurants and
taverns primarily in Germany. These wall machines are coin-operated, armless
gaming devices similar to slot machines that award winnings for matching numbers
or symbols on three to five wheels or drums and differ primarily in appearance,
graphic design, theme, pay-table and customer appeal. Each game costs up to 40
pfennigs (approximately $0.21 at the exchange rate of $1.00=DM 1.90 prevailing
as of June 30, 1999, which rate is used hereinafter) to play, although the
player may deposit larger amounts to provide continuous play but not to increase
payoffs. German regulations limit the maximum payout to ten times the player's
stake (DM 4.00 or approximately $2.11 per game). Current models of wall machines
provide the player the opportunity to win 100 special games on one play, which
increases the potential amount that can be won on the minimum wager. German
regulations require a minimum payback of 60% for wall machines, although many
machines are generally programmed to pay back at somewhat higher rates to
encourage play. Bally Wulff has also manufactured non-payout entertainment
machines for operation in arcades, hotels, restaurants and taverns in Germany
and may continue to do so in the future on a selective basis.
During February 1999, Bally Wulff began selling a single-site progressive linked
jackpot system under the name Magic Jackpot. Initially, up to 10 wall machines
could be linked to one system, but Bally Wulff will soon begin marketing a
system that can link up to 26 wall machines. The average selling price for the
system is approximately DM 15,500 (approximately $8,800).
In addition to manufacturing wall machines, Bally Wulff distributes wall
machines and other recreational and coin-operated amusement machines
manufactured by third parties in order to be a full service provider to its
customers. These machines include entertainment games, pool tables, dart games,
pinball machines, jukeboxes and arcade games, and are distributed primarily for
use in arcades, restaurants, hotels and taverns.
The following table sets forth the percentage of Bally Wulff's revenues by
product line for the periods indicated:
Product Line Percentage of Revenues
Years ended
June 30,
1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ----
Sale of wall machines manufactured by Wulff 52% 44% 43%
Leasing of wall machines manufactured by Wulff 6 10 10
Entertainment and amusement machines and third
party wall machines distributed 25 26 25
Other (primarily used machines, parts and
service) 17 20 22
--- --- ---
100% 100% 100%
=== === ===
Product Development. Management believes that Bally Wulff's wall machines are
viewed as premium products because of their quality, dependability, ease of
service and proven ability to attract players and generate revenue. Bally Wulff
designs its machines to appeal to each of the three categories of participants
in the distribution process: Bally Wulff's sales representatives and independent
distributors, the owner/operator of the machines, and the players. The sales
representatives and distributors require machines with broad appeal that are
easy to demonstrate and sell. The owner/operators desire reasonably priced
machines that are easy to collect from and service and that are proven revenue
generators. The players prefer entertaining machines that are simple to play and
have unique features.
Bally Wulff's management has formed design teams which are responsible for
generating ideas for creative new machines. These teams are comprised of
representatives of each department involved in the production and distribution
of machines, such as art design, engineering, manufacturing, marketing and
sales. The design teams meet for three days each calendar quarter at a site away
from Bally Wulff's headquarters. The teams analyze machines currently being
marketed by Bally Wulff and its competitors to assess their strengths and
weaknesses and then suggest ideas for new machines. These ideas are reviewed to
determine which machines should be produced on a trial basis. Bally Wulff
typically pursues 15 to 20 projects at any given time, and approximately 12 to
15 machines are submitted for licensing each year. These new machines are built
in limited quantities and then test marketed for three to six months. Generally,
fewer than one-half of the new machines tested are put into full scale
production. Management believes this process of generating new ideas and then
turning only a limited number of the ideas into machines which will reach the
mass market is responsible for the high quality of Bally Wulff's machines and
their continued acceptance and success in the marketplace.
Total spending on product research and development by Bally Wulff was $3.3
million, $3.0 million and $3.2 million during the years ended June 30, 1997,
1998 and 1999, respectively.
Sales and Marketing. Bally Wulff sells approximately 97% of its products through
its own sales force of approximately 60 individuals located in 21 regional sales
offices. Independent German distributors account for approximately 3% of sales.
Approximately 99% of Wulff's sales of new wall machines are in the German
market. The sales offices are operated as independent profit centers and are
assigned geographic areas for which they are responsible for sales, servicing
the machines and assisting in collecting customers' accounts receivable
balances.
Bally Wulff devotes substantial time, money and effort to marketing and
promoting its products. Bally Wulff takes an active part in the annual Amusement
Game Fair in Germany, at which Bally Wulff introduces new products. The next
Amusement Game Fair will be held in January 2000.
The wall machines manufactured and sold by Bally Wulff generally sell for prices
ranging from DM 4,000 to DM 7,500 (approximately $2,300 to $4,300). Due to price
competition among the three largest manufacturers, selling prices have declined
since 1997. Management believes that such declines in prices may continue in the
future. For the year ended June 30, 1999 approximately 80% of Bally Wulff
machine sales were on terms of 90 days or less. Remaining sales of machines are
financed by Bally Wulff generally over a 12-month period, with interest rates
between 12% and 24%. For this reason, Bally Wulff establishes an internal credit
rating and credit limit for each customer. Under Bally Wulff's conditions of
sale, a security interest in a machine is retained by Bally Wulff until the
machine has been paid for in full. In addition, Bally Wulff requires security
beyond the wall machine itself. Currently, Bally Wulff provides customer
financing for approximately 20% of its sales, and management expects this
practice to increase during fiscal 2000. Leasing machines to customers accounted
for 6%, 10% and 10% of total revenues for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1998
and 1999, respectively. In approximately 95% of its unit sales, Bally Wulff
accepts wall machines as trade-ins toward the purchase of new wall machines. To
the extent possible, the used machines are then resold.
Customers. Each of Bally Wulff's top 10 customers in 1999 has maintained its
relationship with Bally Wulff for over five years. For the years ended June 30,
1997, 1998 and 1999 Bally Wulff's top ten customers accounted for approximately
11%, 12% and 9% of Bally Wulff's revenues, respectively, while no single
customer accounted for more than 3%, 3% and 2% of Bally Wulff's revenues for
such periods, respectively.
Bally Wulff's customer base for wall machines may be divided into two categories
which differ based on the preferences of their clientele. Operators who place
wall machines in arcades are generally interested in purchasing the newest
products in the hopes that an innovation will result in a high level of public
demand to play the new "hot" product. Street location operators serving hotels,
restaurants and taverns, on the other hand, are generally more inclined to
purchase lower-priced existing models with proven earnings records to provide as
an amenity to customers.
Assembly Operations. Bally Wulff's manufacturing process is primarily an
assembly operation. Its manufacturing facility consists of a four-story,
100,000-square foot building in Berlin, Germany. Bally Wulff purchases its key
raw materials, sub-assemblies and fabricated parts from a variety of suppliers,
and most parts are purchased from multiple suppliers. While there exists no
formal long-term contract commitments to any single supplier, Bally Wulff has
placed certain standing orders with suppliers to help assure the availability of
specific quantities on an as-needed basis. These orders are cancelable by Bally
Wulff at any time without penalty. Most of the component parts are standard on
all models of all Bally Wulff's wall machines, which promotes easy conversion
from the production of one model to another in response to customer demand.
Except in connection with certain promotions, Bally Wulff generally maintains
low inventory levels of assembly parts, and the amount of work-in-process is
generally less than the number of machines sold in one week.
Because of its manufacturing structure, Bally Wulff is capable of substantially
increasing its wall machine output without significant capital expenditures.
Bally Wulff continues to improve its manufacturing efficiency and productivity
through the use of computer-aided design systems, automated production equipment
and devotion of substantial resources to product quality control.
Competition. Germany's wall machine manufacturing industry is dominated by Bally
Wulff and two of its competitors, NSM, AG and Gauselmann, AG. Management
believes these three entities collectively account for approximately 90% of the
entire market. Bally Wulff competes with many companies in the distribution of
coin-operated amusement games, some of which are larger and have greater
resources than Bally Wulff. Bally Wulff's two major competitors own and operate
a significant number of arcades, which may give them a competitive advantage
arising from a built-in market for their games and the ability to test market
new games in their own arcades. Further, increased foreign competition in
Germany may have an adverse impact on the Company's future wall machine
revenues. Management believes that the primary competitive factors in the wall
machine and coin-operated amusement game markets are the quality and depth of
the product line, price and customer service which includes the ability to fill
orders quickly and efficiently.
Route Operations
Nevada Operations
Overview. The Company's Nevada route operations involve the selection,
ownership, installation, operation and maintenance of video poker devices,
reel-type slot machines and other electronic gaming machines in local
establishments such as taverns, restaurants, supermarkets, drug stores and
convenience stores operated by third parties ("local establishments"). The
Company's route operations target Nevada residents who generally frequent local
establishments close to their homes.
The following table sets forth certain historical data concerning the Company's
Nevada route operations:
Years ended
June 30,
1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ----
Average number of gaming 5,660 6,460 7,300
Average number of locations 562 624 680
Average win per day per gaming $52.40 $53.70 $57.20
At June 30, 1999, the Company operated approximately 7,600 machines on its
Nevada route. The Company has increased the number of gaming machines owned and
operated principally through contracting with new locations as they open and
strategic takeover of contracts at locations operated by several mid-sized route
operators. Such contract takeovers added approximately 230, 580 and 200 gaming
machines to the Nevada route during the years ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and
1999, respectively.
The Company enters into long-term agreements with local establishments through
either space leases or revenue-sharing arrangements. Under revenue sharing
arrangements, most common with taverns, restaurants and convenience stores, the
Company does not pay rent, but rather receives a percentage of the net win from
the gaming machines. Under revenue sharing arrangements, both the owner of the
local establishment and the Company must have a gaming license. Under space
lease arrangements, most common with supermarkets and drug stores, the Company
pays a fixed rental amount to the owner of the local establishment and the
Company receives all of the net win derived from the gaming machines. Under
space lease arrangements, only the Company (and not the establishment owner) is
required to hold a gaming license. Most of the local establishments serviced by
the Company are restricted by law to operating no more than 15 gaming machines.
Revenue-sharing arrangements accounted for approximately 85%, 87%, and 88% of
revenues and 77%, 77%, and 76% of installed machines, respectively, in the
Company's Nevada route operations for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1998, and
1999. At June 30, 1999, the weighted average remaining term of the Company's
revenue sharing arrangements was approximately 3.1 years. Space lease
arrangements accounted for approximately 15%, 13%, and 12% of revenues and 23%,
23%, and 24% of installed machines, respectively, in the Company's Nevada route
operations for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1998, and 1999. At June 30, 1999,
the weighted average remaining term of the Company's space leases was 2.0 years.
The Company has historically been able to renew or replace revenues from
expiring agreements with revenues generated by renewal or replacement contracts.
The Company has emphasized return on investment rather than increasing market
share in renewing or entering into new contracts and has undertaken a systematic
review process to adjust its contract mix to emphasize higher margin contracts
and, where permissible, canceling or not renewing unprofitable contracts.
Sales and Marketing. As the largest route operator in Nevada, the Company
believes that it is able to differentiate itself from its competitors because it
is a full-service operation that provides its customers support for marketing
promotional allowances and uses its design capabilities to provide electronic
gaming machines with features customized to customers' needs. The Company
developed and continues to implement a system called "Gamblers Bonus". Gamblers
Bonus is a cardless slot players' club and player tracking system, which allows
multiple local establishments to be linked together into a distributed gaming
environment. Through this technology, the Company is able to provide its players
and customers with many of the same gaming choices otherwise available only in a
larger scale casino environment such as multi-location progressive jackpots,
bigger jackpot payouts and traditional players' club enhancements. Additionally,
the Company is offering a series of new games available only to members of
Gamblers Bonus.
Since the launch of Gamblers Bonus, the gaming machines linked to Gamblers Bonus
have experienced an increase in net win per day per machine. As of June 30,
1999, the Company had the Gamblers Bonus installed in over 2,600 gaming machines
at approximately 240 locations or 35% of the installed base of gaming machines.
The Company believes Gamblers Bonus will continue to improve both the revenues
and operating efficiencies of its Nevada route operations and has the potential
to create additional opportunities in the route operations segment of the gaming
industry. Additionally, the Company has been updating its installed base of
gaming machines with bill-acceptor equipped electronic gaming machines that are
also expected to improve revenues and operating efficiencies.
The Company has benefited from the growth in population in Nevada, creating more
gaming venues. Certain local politicians have proposed limiting the number or
type of venues where gaming is authorized. Management does not believe the
outcome of these proposals will have a material impact on financial results of
the Company.
Customers. The Company has a diversified customer base with no one customer
accounting for more than 6%, 5% and 4% of the Company's revenues generated from
Nevada route operations during the years ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999,
although approximately 13%, 11% and 10% of such revenues were generated through
an affiliated group of such customers for such periods, respectively. The
affiliated group consists of eight partnerships each having one individual
partner who is common to all such partnerships. For the years ended June 30,
1997, 1998 and 1999, the ten largest customers accounted for approximately 23%,
20% and 18% of the Nevada route operations revenues, respectively.
Assembly Operations. In previous years, the Company's route operations
manufactured its own gaming machines for use in its Nevada route operations.
These machines represent approximately 55% of the gaming machines currently used
in the Nevada route operations at June 30, 1999. In July 1998, the Company
received regulatory approval to begin using the Bally GameMaker platform for
Gamblers Bonus gaming machines deployed on the Nevada route. At June 30, 1999,
approximately 8% of the installed base of gaming machines on the Nevada route
were manufactured by Bally Gaming
Competition. The Company is subject to substantial direct competition for its
revenue-sharing and space lease locations from several large route operators and
numerous small operators, located principally in Las Vegas, Reno and the
surrounding areas and from other forms of gaming. The Company, Jackpot
Enterprises, Inc., Anchor Gaming, ET&T and Southwest Gaming are the largest
route operators in Nevada. The principal method of competition for route
operators includes the economic terms of the revenue sharing or space lease
arrangement, the services provided and the reputation of the route operator.
Price competition is intense and can reduce the Company's gross margin on such
operations if the percentage of the gaming machine revenues retained by the
local establishment increases.
Louisiana Operations
Overview. On the basis of its Nevada route operations expertise, in March 1992
the Company obtained a contract to operate video poker gaming machines in the
greater New Orleans, Louisiana area through a subsidiary, Video Services, Inc.
("VSI"). The Company entered into an operating agreement which runs through May
2002 with Fair Grounds Corporation, and its affiliates, Jefferson Downs
Corporation and Finish Line Management Corporation (collectively, "Fair
Grounds"), for the Company to be the exclusive operator of video poker machines
at the only racetrack and eight associated off-track betting parlors (OTB's) in
the greater New Orleans area. This agreement contains a five-year option for the
Company to match any third party offer to operate the machines after May 2002.
The Company operates the game rooms where the video poker machines are located
for each of the nine facilities owned by Fair Grounds, for which it receives a
percentage of the revenue generated by the machines. As of June 30, 1999 the
Company had approximately 750 video poker machines in Louisiana. On July 1,
1999, pursuant to a prior vote, video poker became illegal in one parish where
the Company operated machines at two OTB's and thus these locations closed. The
two OTB's in this parish accounted for $2.4 million of revenues and
approximately $0.6 million of operating income for VSI during the year ended
June 30, 1999. After June 30, 1999, the Company redeployed the video poker
machines from these two closed sites to other existing sites, pending
appropriate approvals. The Louisiana legislature has considered other
legislation to curtail video poker in the past and may do so again in the
future.
Under the Louisiana gaming laws and regulations, the majority stockholder of any
entity operating video poker machines in Louisiana must be a domiciled resident
of the State of Louisiana. As a result, the Company owns 49% of the common stock
of VSI and three prominent members of the Louisiana business and legal community
own the remaining 51%. The Company, however, owns all the voting stock of VSI
and all of its officers and directors are Company employees. The Company has a
71% interest in dividends of VSI in the event dividends are declared. The
Company also formed two other Louisiana subsidiaries, Southern Video Services,
Inc. ("SVS") and Video Distributing Services, Inc. ("VDSI"). Both SVS and VDSI
are structured in a manner similar to VSI except that the Company is entitled to
receive 60% of any SVS dividends. Under the terms of its contract with Fair
Grounds, the Company must conduct any additional video poker operations in
Louisiana other than gaming at racetracks or OTB parlors through SVS. To date,
SVS and VDSI have not engaged in business in Louisiana.
The Company is prohibited by the Louisiana Act from engaging in both the
manufacture and operation of video poker gaming in Louisiana and, therefore, the
Company does not manufacture its own video poker machines for use in Louisiana.
Sales and Marketing. VSI has developed an extensive marketing program under the
names "The Players Room" and "Rockin' Horse Lounge" which are designed to
attract primarily local residents to its facilities. Media placement has focused
on newspaper and radio advertising with promotions including a player's club,
direct mailings and offerings of a wide range of prizes. The Company intends to
selectively expand its operations in the greater New Orleans area by increasing
the number of video poker machines in certain of its existing locations as
demand warrants. While the Company has investigated the addition of new
locations under its current contract with the Fair Grounds in areas where
competitive factors are favorable, no plans currently exist to add new
locations. Under the Louisiana Act, racetracks and OTBs are permitted to install
an unlimited number of video poker machines while truckstops and taverns may
install only limited numbers of such machines.
Competition. The Company is subject to extensive competition for contracts to
operate video poker machines and the Company's racetrack and OTB parlors compete
with various riverboats, truckstops and locations with liquor licenses
throughout the New Orleans area. Each truckstop is permitted to operate up to 50
video poker machines and each tavern is permitted to operate up to three video
poker machines. Louisiana has riverboat gaming statewide and three riverboats
are currently operating in the greater New Orleans area. Riverboats are
permitted to have live table games and an unlimited number of gaming machines,
including slot machines. Louisiana has also authorized one land-based casino,
permitted to include live table games and an unlimited number of gaming machines
in New Orleans, which opened in May 1995; however, its operator filed for
bankruptcy reorganization and ceased operations in November 1995. At present it
is anticipated that the land-based casino will reopen in October 1999.
Casino Operations
Overview.
Rainbow Casino. On July 16, 1994, the Rainbow Hotel Casino located in Vicksburg,
Mississippi permanently opened for business. The facility includes the Rainbow
Casino, which is a 24,000-square foot casino owned and operated by the Company
which as of June 30, 1999, operated approximately 750 gaming machines and 15
table games as well as a 245-seat restaurant. The casino is in the final stages
of an expansion project that when completed in October 1999 will increase the
floor space by 7,000 square feet and provide for up to 250 more gaming machines.
The facility also includes the 89-room Rainbow Hotel, which is owned and
operated by a third party. Originally, the facility also included a 10-acre
indoor and outdoor entertainment complex called Funtricity Entertainment Park,
which was developed by a subsidiary of Six Flags Corporation. In September 1998,
the Company acquired the entertainment park for $0.5 million. The park was
closed in September 1998 and management is evaluating options for permanent use
of the 20,000 square foot facility. Rainbow Casino is marketed as a "locals"
casino and draws its customers principally from within a 75-mile radius of
Vicksburg. The Vicksburg casino market generated approximately $204.1 million in
gaming revenue in the twelve months ended June 30, 1999.
The Company is the general partner of Rainbow Casino Vicksburg Partnership
("RCVP") the partnership that operates the Rainbow Casino. Pursuant to
transactions consummated in March 1995, Rainbow Casino Corporation, an
independent company that was the former general partner of RCVP became a limited
partner entitled to receive 10% of the net available cash flows after debt
service and other items, as defined (which amount increases to 20% of such
amount when revenues exceed $35.0 million but only on such incremental amount),
for a period ending December 31, 2010. The Company holds the remaining economic
interest in the partnership. As part of the refinancing completed in August
1997, the Company purchased notes payable to HFS Gaming Corporation ("HFS") and
National Gaming Mississippi, Inc.("NGM") and acquired the casino royalty
previously due to HFS.
Rail City Casino. In April 1990, the Company purchased, for an aggregate
purchase price of $9.5 million, substantially all of the assets of the Rail City
Casino (formerly the Plantation Station Casino) located near the border of the
cities of Reno and Sparks in northern Nevada. Rail City is a 20,000 square-foot
casino, which as of June 30, 1999 operated approximately 490 gaming machines, 6
table games, and keno. In addition, Rail City Casino includes a 300-seat
restaurant, which was fully remodeled in the year ended June 30, 1998, and
offers a race and sports book which is leased to an independent race and sports
book operator. Rail City Casino is convenient to both Reno and Sparks and caters
to the local market.
Sales and Marketing. The Company's casinos target the mid-level gaming customers
in the market. The Company promotes its casinos primarily through special
promotional events and by providing quality food at reasonable prices.
Competition. Gaming of all types is available throughout Nevada and Mississippi
in numerous locations, including many locations which compete directly or
indirectly with the Company's casino operations. The operation of casinos is a
highly competitive business. The principal competitive factors in the industry
include the quality and location of the facility, the nature and quality of the
amenities and customer services offered and the implementation and success of
marketing programs. Many of Rail City Casino's competitors include large
casino-hotels which offer more amenities and may be perceived to have more
favorable locations than the Company. The Rainbow Casino is the fourth gaming
facility to open in Vicksburg and as such faces substantial direct competition
for gaming customers in the region. Lady Luck Gaming Corporation owns land in
Vicksburg and may in the future develop a project that would include a dockside
casino, hotel and related amenities. Previously, Horseshoe Gaming, LLC had
announced a casino hotel and auto racing complex on the Big Black River which is
between Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi. The legality of that site for gaming
is currently in litigation. At this time management does not know which, if any,
of these sites will be developed. Both of these projects will be contingent on
several factors including regulatory approval and financing.
Patents, Copyrights and Trade Secrets
Bally Gaming and Systems is the copyright owner of both the source code and the
video presentation of its games and has registered many of these copyrights with
the U.S. Copyright Office. Game version upgrades and new games are registered
with the U.S. Copyright office as they are finalized. The copyrights expire at
various dates from the year 2000 through 2072. Some games, cash handling
mechanisms, and other gaming device mechanisms (either currently used or
reserved for future development including several related to Gamblers Bonus) are
covered either by pending patent applications or issued patents, both foreign
and domestic. The expiration dates of these patents vary and are based upon
their filing dates or issue dates. In addition, some of the games have
trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, state trademark
registries, or both. The Company has over two hundred registered or pending
trademark applications in the United States and around the world, including the
registered U.S.
trademark, Gamblers Bonus.
Bally Gaming and Systems is obligated under several patent agreements to pay
royalties ranging from approximately $25 to $107 per applicable game depending
on the components in the gaming machines. Additionally, based on an amendment to
the trademark licensing agreement between the Company and Bally Entertainment
Corporation ("BEC") dated May 10, 1996, Bally Gaming and Systems is obligated to
pay a royalty of $35 per machine on new machines sold beginning on June 18,
1996, with a minimum annual royalty payment of $1.0 million for the initial
five-year term of the amended agreement, which is subject to annual renewals by
the Company thereafter. In addition, the Company has obtained the rights to
certain game ideas and intellectual property that require Bally Gaming and
Systems to pay royalties based on either fixed amounts or variable amounts based
upon game performance. Royalty expense for Bally Gaming and Systems for the
years ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 was $3.0 million, $2.2 million and $1.9
million, respectively.
Employees and Labor Relations
As of June 30, 1999, the Company and its subsidiaries employed approximately
2,500 persons, including approximately 1,330 persons in Nevada, 90 persons in
Louisiana, 500 persons in Mississippi, 70 persons in various other states and
500 persons in various other countries including 470 persons in Germany. None of
such employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Bally Wulff's
employees, however, are covered by German regulations which apply industry-wide
and are developed, to some extent, through negotiations between representatives
of the metal working industry employers and the trade union representing the
employees. These regulations are in the nature of collective bargaining
agreements and cover the general terms and conditions of such items as wages,
vacations and work hours. The regulations codify what are considered the common
standards of employment in the German metal working industry. The Company
believes its relationships with its employees are satisfactory.
Gaming Regulations and Licensing
General. The manufacture and distribution of gaming machines and the operation
of gaming facilities are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign
regulation. Although the laws and regulations of the various jurisdictions in
which the Company operates and into which the Company may expand its gaming
operations vary in their technical requirements and are subject to amendment
from time to time, virtually all of these jurisdictions require licenses,
permits, documentation of qualification, including evidence of financial
stability, and other forms of approval for companies engaged in the manufacture
and distribution of gaming machines and the operation of gaming facilities, as
well as the individual licensing of officers, directors, major stockholders and
key personnel of such companies.
Any person which acquires a controlling interest in the Company would have to
meet the requirements of all governmental bodies that regulate the Company's
gaming business. A change in the make-up of the Company's board of directors and
management would require the various gaming authorities to examine the
qualifications of the new board and management.
Nevada. The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in Nevada are
subject to (i) the Nevada Gaming Control Act and the regulations promulgated
thereunder (the "Nevada Act") and (ii) various local ordinances and regulations.
The Company's gaming, manufacturing, distributing and slot route operations
(herein collectively referred to as "gaming machine operations") are subject to
the licensing and regulatory control of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board
(the "Nevada Board"), the Nevada Gaming Commission (the "Nevada Commission"),
the Clark County Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board (the "Clark County Board"),
and various other county and city regulatory agencies, all of which are
collectively referred to as the "Nevada Gaming Authorities".
The laws, regulations and supervisory procedures of the Nevada Gaming
Authorities are based on declarations of public policy concerned with, among
other things: (i) the prevention of unsavory and unsuitable persons from having
any involvement with gaming; (ii) the strict regulation of all persons,
locations, practices, associations and activities related to the operation of
licensed gaming establishments and the manufacture and distribution of gaming
machines, cashless wagering systems and associated equipment; (iii) the
establishment and maintenance of responsible accounting practices and
procedures; (iv) the maintenance of effective control over the financial
practices of licensees, including establishment of minimum procedures for
internal fiscal affairs and the safeguarding of assets and revenues, providing
reliable record keeping and requiring the filing of periodic reports with the
Nevada Gaming Authorities; (v) the prevention of cheating and fraudulent
practices; and (vi) providing a source of state and local revenues through
taxation and licensing fees. Change in such laws, regulations and procedures
could have an adverse effect on the Company's gaming-related operations.
The Company is registered with the Nevada Commission as a publicly traded
corporation (a "Registered Corporation"). The Company's direct and indirect
subsidiaries that conduct gaming operations at various locations, conduct gaming
machine operations (collectively, the "Nevada Subsidiaries") are required to be
licensed by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. The licenses held by the Nevada
Subsidiaries require periodic payments of fees and taxes and are not
transferable. The Company, through registered intermediary companies
(individually an "Intermediary Company" and collectively the "Intermediary
Companies"), has been found suitable to own the stock of the Nevada
Subsidiaries, each of which is a corporate licensee (individually a "Corporate
Licensee" and collectively the "Corporate Licensees") under the terms of the
Nevada Act. As a Registered Corporation, the Company is required periodically to
submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada Commission and
furnish any other information the Nevada Commission may require. No person may
become a stockholder of or receive any percentage of the profits from the
Corporate Licensees without first obtaining licenses and approvals from the
Nevada Gaming Authorities. The Company, the Intermediary Companies and the
Corporate Licensees have obtained from the Nevada Gaming Authorities the various
registrations, findings of suitability, approvals, permits and licenses required
to engage in gaming activities, gaming machine operations, and in the
manufacture and distribution of gaming devices for use or play in Nevada or for
distribution outside of Nevada.
All gaming machines and cashless wagering systems manufactured, sold or
distributed for use or play in Nevada or for distribution outside of Nevada must
be manufactured by licensed manufacturers and distributed or sold by licensed
distributors. All gaming machines manufactured for use or play in Nevada must be
approved by the Nevada Commission before distribution or exposure for play. The
approval process for gaming machines and cashless wagering systems includes
rigorous testing by the Nevada Board, a field trial and a determination as to
whether the gaming machines or cashless wagering system meets strict technical
standards set forth in the regulations of the Nevada Commission. Associated
equipment (as defined in the Nevada Act) must be administratively approved by
the chairman of the Nevada Board before it is distributed for use in Nevada.
The Nevada Gaming Authorities may investigate any individual who has a material
relationship to, or material involvement with, the Company, the Intermediary
Companies or the Corporate Licensees to determine whether that individual is
suitable or should be licensed as a business associate of a gaming licensee.
Officers, directors and key employees of the Company and the Intermediary
Companies who are actively and directly involved in the licensed activities of
the Corporate Licensees are or may be required to be licensed or found suitable
by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. The Nevada Gaming Authorities may deny an
application for licensing for any cause they deem reasonable. A finding of
suitability is comparable to licensing, and both require submission of detailed
personal and financial information followed by a thorough investigation. The
applicant for licensing or a finding of suitability must pay all the costs of
the investigation. Changes in licensed positions must be reported to the Nevada
Gaming Authorities and in addition to their authority to deny an application for
a finding of suitability or licensure, the Nevada Gaming Authorities have
jurisdiction to disapprove a change in a corporate position.
If the Nevada Gaming Authorities were to find an officer, director or key
employee unsuitable for licensing or unsuitable to continue having a
relationship with the Company, the Intermediary Companies or the Corporate
Licensees, the companies involved would have to sever all relationships with
that person. In addition, the Nevada Commission may require the Company, the
Intermediary Companies or the Corporate Licensees to terminate the employment of
any person who refuses to file appropriate applications. Licensing and
suitability determinations are not subject to judicial review in Nevada.
The Company and the Corporate Licensees that hold nonrestricted licenses are
required to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada
Commission. A nonrestricted license is a license for an operation consisting of
16 or more slot machines, or for any number of slot machines together with any
other game, gaming device, race book or sports pool at one establishment.
Substantially all material loans, leases, sales of securities and similar
financing transactions by the Corporate Licensees that hold nonrestricted
licenses must be reported to or approved by the Nevada Commission.
If it were determined that a Corporate Licensee had violated the Nevada Act, the
licenses it holds could be limited, conditioned, suspended or revoked, subject
to compliance with certain statutory and regulatory procedures. In addition, the
Company, the Intermediary Companies, the Corporate Licensees and the persons
involved could be subject to substantial fines for each separate violation of
the Nevada Act at the discretion of the Nevada Commission. Further, a supervisor
could be appointed by the Nevada Commission to operate any nonrestricted gaming
establishment operated by a Corporate Licensee and, under certain circumstances,
earnings generated during the supervisor's appointment (except for reasonable
rental of the casino property) could be forfeited to the State of Nevada.
Limitation, conditioning or suspension of the gaming licenses of the Corporate
Licensees or the appointment of a supervisor could (and revocation of any gaming
license would) materially adversely affect the gaming-related operations of the
Company.
The Gaming Authorities may, at their discretion, require the holder of any
security of the Company to file applications, be investigated, and be found
suitable to own the security of the Company if the Nevada Commission has reason
to believe that the holder's ownership would be inconsistent with the declared
policies of Nevada. The applicant must pay all costs of investigation incurred
by the Nevada Gaming Authorities in conducting any such investigation.
The Nevada Act requires any person who acquires more than 5% of any class of a
Registered Corporation's voting securities to report the acquisition to the
Nevada Commission. The Nevada Act requires that beneficial owners of more than
10% of any class of a Registered Corporation's voting securities apply to the
Nevada Commission for a finding of suitability within 30 days after the chairman
of the Nevada Board mails written notice requiring such filing. Under certain
circumstances, an "institutional investor," as defined in the Nevada Act, that
acquires more than 10%, but not more than 15%, of a class of a Registered
Corporation's voting securities may apply to the Nevada Commission for a waiver
of finding of suitability if the institutional investor holds the securities for
investment purposes only. An institutional investor shall not be deemed to hold
voting securities for investment purposes unless the voting securities were
acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business as an institutional
investor and not for the purpose of causing, directly or indirectly, the
election of a majority of the members of the board of directors of the
Registered Corporation, any change in the corporate charter, bylaws, management,
policies or operations of the Registered Corporation or any of its gaming
affiliates, or any other action the Nevada Commission finds to be inconsistent
with holding the Registered Corporation's voting securities for investment
purposes only. Activities that are not deemed to be inconsistent with holding
voting securities for investment purposes only include: (i) voting on all
matters voted on by stockholders; (ii) making financial and other inquiries of
management of the type normally made by securities analysts for informational
purposes and not to cause a change in its management, policies or operations;
and (iii) such other activities as the Nevada Commission may determine to be
consistent with investment only intent. If the beneficial holder of voting
securities who must be found suitable is a corporation, partnership or trust, it
must submit detailed business and financial information including a list of
beneficial owners. The applicant is required to pay all costs of investigation.
Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability or a
license within 30 days after being ordered to do so by the Nevada Commission or
the chairman of the Nevada Board may be found unsuitable. The same restrictions
apply to a record owner if the record owner, after request, fails to identify
the beneficial owner. Any stockholder found unsuitable and who holds, directly
or indirectly, any beneficial ownership of the common stock beyond such period
of time as may be prescribed by the Nevada Commission may be guilty of a
criminal offense. The Company is subject to disciplinary action if, after it
receives notice that a person is unsuitable to be a stockholder or to have any
other relationship with the Company, the Intermediary Companies or the Corporate
Licensees, the Company (i) pays that person any dividend or interest upon voting
securities of the Company, (ii) allows that person to exercise, directly or
indirectly, any voting right conferred through securities held by that person,
(iii) pays remuneration in any form to that person for services rendered or
otherwise, or (iv) fails to pursue all lawful efforts to require such unsuitable
person to relinquish his voting securities, including, if necessary, the
immediate purchase of said voting securities for cash at fair market value.
Additionally, the Clark County Board has taken the position that it has the
authority to approve all persons owning or controlling the stock of any
corporation controlling a gaming license.
The Nevada Commission may in its discretion require the holder of any debt
securities of a Registered Corporation to file applications, be investigated and
be found suitable to own the debt security if the Nevada Commission has reason
to believe that such ownership would be inconsistent with the declared policies
of Nevada. If the Nevada Commission determines that a person is unsuitable to
own such security, then pursuant to the Nevada Act, the Registered Corporation
can be sanctioned, including the loss of its approvals, if, without the prior
approval of the Nevada Commission, it (i) pays the unsuitable person any
dividend, interest or any distribution whatsoever, (ii) recognizes any voting
right by such unsuitable person in connection with such securities, (iii) pays
the unsuitable person remuneration in any form, or (iv) makes any payment to the
unsuitable person by way of principal, redemption, conversion, exchange,
liquidation or similar transaction.
The Company is required to maintain in Nevada a current stock ledger, which may
be examined by the Nevada Gaming Authorities at any time. If any securities are
held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may be required to
disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to the Nevada Gaming Authorities.
A failure to make such disclosure may be grounds for finding the record holder
unsuitable. The Company is also required to render maximum assistance in
determining the identity of the beneficial owner. The Nevada Commission has the
power to impose a requirement that a Registered Corporation's stock certificates
bear a legend indicating that the securities are subject to the Nevada Act. The
Nevada Commission has imposed this requirement on the Company.
The Company may not make a public offering of its securities without the prior
approval of the Nevada Commission if the securities or proceeds therefrom are
intended to be used to construct, acquire or finance gaming facilities in Nevada
or to retire or extend obligations incurred for such purposes. In addition, (i)
a Corporate Licensee may not guarantee a security issued by a Registered
Corporation pursuant to a public offering without the prior approval of the
Nevada Commission; and (ii) restrictions on the transfer of an equity security
issued by a Corporate Licensee or Intermediary Company and agreements not to
encumber such securities (collectively, "Stock Restrictions") are ineffective
without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission. The Nevada Commission has
also imposed a requirement on the Company that it must receive the prior
administrative approval of the Nevada Board chairman for any offer for the sale
of an equity security in a private transaction.
Changes in control of the Company through merger, consolidation, stock or asset
acquisitions, management or consulting agreements, or any act or conduct by a
person whereby he obtains control may not occur without the prior approval of
the Nevada Commission. Entities seeking to acquire control of a Registered
Corporation must satisfy the Nevada Board and Nevada Commission on a variety of
stringent standards before assuming control of such Registered Corporation. The
Nevada Commission may also require controlling stockholders, officers, directors
and other persons having a material relationship or involvement with the entity
proposing to acquire control to be investigated and licensed as a part of the
approval process relating to the transaction.
The Nevada Legislature has declared that some corporate acquisitions opposed by
management, repurchases of voting securities and corporate defense tactics
affecting Nevada corporate gaming licensees and Registered Corporations that are
affiliated with those operations may be injurious to stable and productive
corporate gaming. The Nevada Commission has established a regulatory scheme to
ameliorate the potentially adverse affects of these business practices on
Nevada's gaming industry and to promote Nevada's policy to: (i) assure the
financial stability of corporate gaming licensees and their affiliates; (ii)
preserve the beneficial aspects of conducting business in the corporate form;
and (iii) promote a neutral environment for orderly governance of corporate
affairs. Approvals are, in certain circumstances, required from the Nevada
Commission before a Registered Corporation can make exceptional repurchases of
voting securities above the current market price (commonly called " greenmail")
and before a corporate acquisition opposed by management can be consummated. The
Nevada Act also requires prior approval of a plan of recapitalization proposed
by the Registered Corporation's board of directors in response to a tender offer
made directly to the Registered Corporation's stockholders for the purpose of
acquiring control of the Registered Corporation.
License fees and taxes, computed in various ways depending on the type of gaming
or activity involved, are payable to the State of Nevada and to the counties and
cities in which the Licensees' respective operations are conducted. Depending
upon the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes are payable either
monthly, quarterly or annually and are based on either (i) a percentage of the
gross revenues received, (ii) the number of gaming devices operated, or (iii)
the number of games operated. A casino entertainment tax is also paid by casino
operations where entertainment is furnished in connection with the selling of
food or refreshments. The Corporate Licensees that hold gaming device route
operator licenses or manufacturer or distributor licenses also pay certain fees
to the State of Nevada.
Any person who is licensed, required to be licensed, registered, required to be
registered, or under common control with such persons (collectively,
"Licensees"), and who proposes to become involved in a gaming venture outside of
Nevada, is required to deposit with the Nevada Board and thereafter maintain a
$10,000 revolving fund to pay the expenses of investigation by the Nevada Board
of the Licensee's participation in such foreign gaming. The revolving fund is
subject to increase or decrease in the discretion of the Nevada Commission.
Thereafter, Licensees are required to comply with certain reporting requirements
imposed by the Nevada Act. Licensees are also subject to disciplinary action by
the Nevada Commission if they knowingly violate any laws of the foreign
jurisdiction pertaining to the foreign gaming operation, fail to conduct the
foreign gaming operation in accordance with the standards of honesty and
integrity required of Nevada gaming operations, engage in activities that are
harmful to the State of Nevada or its ability to collect gaming taxes and fees,
or employ a person in the foreign operations who has been denied a license or
finding of suitability in Nevada on the ground of personal unsuitability.
The sale of alcoholic beverages at establishments operated by a Corporate
Licensee is subject to licensing, control and regulation by applicable
regulatory agencies. All licenses are revocable and are not transferable. The
agencies involved have full power to limit, condition, suspend or revoke any
such license, and any such disciplinary action could (and revocation would) have
a material adverse affect on the operations of the Corporate Licensees.
Louisiana. The manufacture, distribution, servicing and operation of video draw
poker devices ("Devices") in Louisiana is subject to the Louisiana Video Draw
Poker Devices Control Law and the Rules and Regulations promulgated thereunder
(the "Louisiana Act"). Until May 1, 1996, licensing and regulatory control was
maintained by the Video Gaming Division of the Gaming Enforcement Section of the
Office of State Police within the Department of Public Safety and Corrections
(the "Division"). The Louisiana legislature passed a bill which created a single
gaming control board for the regulation of gaming in Louisiana. This Board is
called the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (the "Louisiana Board") and oversees
all licensing for all forms of legalized gaming in Louisiana (including gaming
on Native American lands). The Division will continue to perform investigatory
functions for the Louisiana Board. The laws and regulations of Louisiana are
based on policies of maintaining the health, welfare and safety of the general
public and protecting the video gaming industry from elements of organized
crime, illegal gambling activities and other harmful elements, as well as
protecting the public from illegal and unscrupulous gaming to ensure the fair
play of devices.
VSI and SVS, the indirect operating subsidiaries for the Company's gaming
operations in Louisiana, has each been granted a license as a device owner by
the Division. The other indirect subsidiary of the Company, VDSI, has been
granted a license as a distributor by the Division. These gaming subsidiaries
are Louisiana Licensees (the "Louisiana Licensees") under the terms of the
Louisiana Act. The licenses held by the Louisiana Licensees expire at midnight
on June 30 of each year and must be renewed annually through payment of fees.
All license fees must be paid on or before May 15 in each year licenses are
renewable.
The Louisiana Board may deny, impose a condition on or suspend or revoke a
license, renewal or application for a license for violations of any rules and
regulations of the Louisiana Board or any violations of the Louisiana Act. In
addition, fines for violations of gaming laws or regulations may be levied
against the Louisiana Licensees and the persons involved for each violation of
the gaming laws. The issuance, condition, denial, suspension or revocation is
deemed a pure and absolute privilege and is at the discretion of the Louisiana
Board under the provisions of the Louisiana Act. A license is not property or a
protected interest under the constitution of either the United States or
Louisiana.
The Division has the authority to conduct overt and covert investigations of any
person involved directly or indirectly in the video gaming industry in
Louisiana. These investigations have extended to information regarding a
prospective licensee's and his or her spouse's immediate family and relatives
and their affiliations with certain organizations or other business entities.
The investigation may also extend to any person who has or controls more than a
5% ownership, income or profits interest in an applicant for or holder of a
license or who is a key employee, or who has the ability to exercise significant
influence over the licensee. All persons or entities investigated must meet all
suitability requirements and qualifications for a licensee. The Louisiana Board
may deny an application for licensing for any cause it may deem reasonable. The
applicant for licensing must pay a filing fee, which also covers the cost of the
investigation.
In order for a corporation to be licensed as an operator or distributor of video
poker gaming devices by the Louisiana Board, a majority of the stock of the
corporation must be owned by persons who have been domiciled in Louisiana for at
least two years prior to the date of the application.
In addition to being licensed as a manufacturer of devices under the Louisiana
Act, Bally Gaming has been licensed as a manufacturer under the Louisiana
Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Control Act (the "Louisiana Riverboat
Act"). Gaming's application for a permanent manufacturer's license as it relates
to the land-based casino in New Orleans was pending before the Louisiana
Economic Development and Gaming Corporation ("LEDGC") at the time the operator
of the land-based casino filed for bankruptcy reorganization and ceased
operations, resulting in the termination of funding for and effective closure of
the LEDGC regulatory operations. The authority and duties of LEDGC regarding
licensing and regulation of the land-based casino will now fall within the
jurisdiction of the Louisiana Board. The Louisiana Board has recently
promulgated regulations governing its operation and the Company has been in
contact with representatives of the Louisiana Board to coordinate the submission
of all materials required for the Louisiana Board to issue the Company such
licenses, permits and approvals as may be required.
Mississippi. The manufacture and distribution of gaming and associated equipment
and the ownership and operation of casino facilities in Mississippi are subject
to extensive state and local regulation, primarily the licensing and regulatory
control by the Mississippi Gaming Commission (the "Mississippi Commission") and
the Mississippi State Tax Commission.
The Mississippi Gaming Control Act (the "Mississippi Act"), which legalized
dockside casino gaming in Mississippi, was enacted on June 29, 1990. Although
not identical, the Mississippi Act is similar to the Nevada Gaming Control Act.
The Mississippi Commission has adopted regulations that are also similar in many
respects to the Nevada gaming regulations.
The laws, regulations and supervisory procedures of Mississippi and the
Mississippi Commission seek to: (i) prevent unsavory or unsuitable persons from
having any direct or indirect involvement with gaming at any time or in any
capacity; (ii) establish and maintain responsible accounting practices and
procedures; (iii) maintain effective control over the financial practices of
licensees, including establishing minimum procedures for internal fiscal affairs
and the safeguarding of assets and revenues, providing reliable record keeping
and making periodic reports to the Mississippi Commission; (iv) prevent cheating
and fraudulent practices; (v) provide a source of state and local revenues
through taxation and licensing fees; and (vi) ensure that gaming licensees, to
the extent practicable, employ Mississippi residents. The regulations are
subject to amendment and interpretation by the Mississippi Commission. Changes
in Mississippi law or regulations may limit or otherwise materially affect the
types of gaming that may be conducted and could have an adverse effect on the
Company and the Company's Mississippi gaming operations.
The Mississippi Act provides for legalized dockside gaming at the discretion of
the 14 counties that either border the Gulf Coast or the Mississippi River, but
only if the voters in each of those counties have not voted to prohibit gaming
in that county. Currently, dockside gaming was permissible in nine of the 14
eligible counties in the state and gaming operations had commenced in Adams,
Coahoma, Hancock, Harrison, Tunica, Warren and Washington counties. Under
Mississippi law, gaming vessels must be located on the Mississippi River or on
navigable waters in eligible counties along the Mississippi River, or in the
waters of the State of Mississippi lying south of the state in eligible counties
along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Litigation is pending with respect to the
expansion of eligible gaming sites in which a landowner and a license applicant
have appealed a finding of suitability by the Mississippi Commission of a site
on the Big Black River in Warren County near Interstate 20 between Jackson and
Vicksburg, Mississippi, where the Rainbow Casino, operated by RCVP, is located.
A Hinds County Circuit Court has ruled that the subject site is legal and
suitable for gaming and the Mississippi Commission has appealed the decision to
the Mississippi Supreme Court. The law permits unlimited stakes gaming on
permanently moored vessels on a 24-hour basis and does not restrict the
percentage of space that may be utilized for gaming. There are no limitations on
the number of gaming licenses that may be issued in Mississippi.
The Company, RCVP, Bally Gaming, Inc. ("BGI") and their affiliates are subject
to the licensing and regulatory control of the Mississippi Commission. The
Company is registered under the Mississippi Act as a publicly traded holding
company of RCVP and BGI is required to periodically submit detailed financial
and operating reports to the Mississippi Commission and furnish any other
information the Mississippi Commission may require. If the Company is unable to
continue to satisfy the registration requirements of the Mississippi Act, the
Company and its affiliates cannot own or operate gaming facilities or continue
to act as a manufacturer and distributor in Mississippi. RCVP must maintain a
gaming license from the Mississippi Commission to operate a casino in
Mississippi and BGI must maintain a manufacturer and distributor license from
the Mississippi Commission to manufacture and distribute gaming products. Such
licenses are issued by the Mississippi Commission subject to certain conditions,
including continued compliance with all applicable state laws and regulations.
Gaming and manufacturer and distributor licenses are not transferable, are
issued for a two-year period and must be renewed every two years thereafter.
RCVP was granted a renewal of its gaming license by the Mississippi Commission
in 1998 and the license must be renewed in June 2000. BGI was granted a renewal
of its manufacturer and distributor license in 1998 and such license must be
renewed in June 2000. No person may become a stockholder of, or receive any
percentage of profits from, a licensed subsidiary of a holding company without
first obtaining licenses and approvals from the Mississippi Commission. The
Company and its affiliates have obtained the necessary approvals from the
Mississippi Commission.
Certain officers and employees of the Company and the officers, directors and
certain key employees of the Company's licensed subsidiaries must be found
suitable or be licensed by the Mississippi Commission. The Company believes it
has obtained, applied for, or is in the process of applying for all necessary
findings of suitability with respect to such persons affiliated with the
Company, RCVP or BGI, although the Mississippi Commission, in its discretion,
may require additional persons to file applications for findings of suitability.
In addition, any person having a material relationship or involvement with the
Company may be required to be found suitable, in which case those persons must
pay the costs and fees associated with such investigation. The Mississippi
Commission may deny an application for a finding of suitability for any cause it
deems reasonable. Changes in certain licensed positions must be reported to the
Mississippi Commission. In addition to its authority to deny an application for
a findings of suitability, the Mississippi Commission can disapprove a change in
a licensed position. The Mississippi Commission has the power to require the
Company and its registered or licensed subsidiaries to suspend or dismiss
officers, directors and other key employees or sever relationships with other
persons who refuse to file appropriate applications or whom the authorities find
unsuitable to act in such capacities.
Employees associated with gaming must obtain work permits that are subject to
immediate suspension under certain circumstances. The Mississippi Commission
must refuse to issue a work permit to a person convicted of a felony and it may
refuse to issue a work permit to a gaming employee if the employee has committed
certain misdemeanors or knowingly violated the Mississippi Act or for any other
reasonable cause.
The Mississippi Commission may, at any time, investigate and require the finding
of suitability of any record or beneficial stockholder of the Company.
Mississippi law requires any person who acquires more than 5% of the common
stock of a publicly traded corporation registered with the Mississippi
Commission to report the acquisition to the Mississippi Commission, and such
person may be required to be found suitable. Also, any person who becomes a
beneficial owner of more than 10% of the common stock of such a company, as
reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission, must apply for a finding of
suitability by the Mississippi Commission and must pay the costs and fees that
the Mississippi Commission incurs in conducting the investigation. The
Mississippi Commission has generally exercised its discretion to require a
finding of suitability of any beneficial owner of more than 5% of a public
company's common stock. However, the Mississippi Commission has adopted a policy
that permits certain institutional investors to own beneficially up to 10% of a
registered public company's common stock without a finding of suitability. If a
stockholder who must be found suitable is a corporation, partnership or trust,
it must submit detailed business and financial information including a list of
beneficial owners.
Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability or a
license within 30 days after being ordered to do so by the Mississippi
Commission may be found unsuitable. Any person found unsuitable and who holds,
directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership of the securities of the
Company beyond such time as the Mississippi Commission prescribes may be guilty
of a misdemeanor. The Company is subject to disciplinary action if, after
receiving notice that a person is unsuitable to be a stockholder or to have any
other relationship with the Company or its licensed subsidiaries, the Company:
(i) pays the unsuitable person any dividend or other distribution on the voting
securities of the Company; (ii) recognizes the exercise, directly or indirectly,
of any voting rights conferred by securities held by the unsuitable person;
(iii) pays the unsuitable person any remuneration in any form for services
rendered or otherwise, except in certain limited and specific circumstances; or
(iv) fails to pursue all lawful efforts to require the unsuitable person to
divest himself of the securities, including, if necessary, the immediate
purchase of the securities for cash at fair market value. Management believes
that compliance by the Company with the licensing procedures and regulatory
requirements of the Mississippi Commission will not affect the marketability of
the Company's securities.
The Company may be required to disclose to the Mississippi Commission on request
the identities of the holders of any debt securities. In addition, under the
Mississippi Act, the Mississippi Commission may in its discretion (i) require
holders of debt securities of registered corporations to file applications, (ii)
investigate such holders and (iii) require such holders to be found suitable to
own such debt securities. Although the Mississippi Commission generally does not
require the individual holders of obligations such as notes to be investigated
and found suitable, the Mississippi Commission retains the discretion to do so
for any reason, including but not limited to a default or where the holder of
the debt instrument exercises a material influence over the gaming operations of
the entity in question. Any holder of debt securities required to apply for a
finding of suitability must pay all investigative fees and costs of the
Mississippi Commission in connection with the investigation.
RCVP and BGI must maintain in Mississippi a current ledger with respect to the
ownership of their equity securities and the Company must maintain a current
list of stockholders in the principal office of RCVP, which list must reflect
the record ownership of each outstanding share of any equity issued by the
Company. The ledger and stockholder lists must be available for inspection by
the Mississippi Commission at any time. If any securities of the Company are
held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may be required to
disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to the Mississippi Commission. A
failure to make such disclosure may be grounds for finding the record holder
unsuitable. The Company must also render maximum assistance in determining the
identity of the beneficial owner.
The Mississippi Act requires that the certificates representing securities of a
registered publicly traded corporation bear a legend to the general effect that
such securities are subject to the Mississippi Act and the regulations of the
Mississippi Commission. The Company has received from the Mississippi Commission
an exemption from this legend requirement. The Mississippi Commission has the
power to impose additional restrictions on the holders of the Company's
securities at any time.
Substantially all loans, leases, sales of securities and similar financing
transactions by a licensed gaming subsidiary must be reported to or approved by
the Mississippi Commission. A licensed gaming subsidiary may not make a public
offering of its securities, but may pledge or mortgage casino facilities if it
obtains the prior approval of the Mississippi Commission. The Company may not
make a public offering of its securities without the prior approval of the
Mississippi Commission if any part of the proceeds of the offering is to be used
to finance the construction, acquisition or operation of gaming facilities in
Mississippi or to retire or extend obligations incurred for one or more such
purposes. Such approval, if given, does not constitute a recommendation or
approval of the investment merits of the securities subject to the offering.
Changes in control of the Company through merger, consolidation, acquisition of
assets, management or consulting agreements or any form of takeover cannot occur
without the prior approval of the Mississippi Commission. The Mississippi
Commission may also require controlling stockholders, officers, directors, and
other persons having a material relationship or involvement with the entity
proposing to acquire control to be investigated and licensed as part of the
approval process relating to the transaction.
The Mississippi legislature has declared that some corporate acquisitions
opposed by management, repurchases of voting securities and other corporate
defense tactics that affect corporate gaming licensees in Mississippi and
corporations whose stock is publicly traded that are affiliated with those
licensees may be injurious to stable and productive corporate gaming. The
Mississippi Commission has established a regulatory scheme to ameliorate the
potentially adverse effects of these business practices upon Mississippi's
gaming industry and to promote Mississippi's policy to: (i) assure the financial
stability of corporate gaming operators and their affiliates; (ii) preserve the
beneficial aspects of conducting business in the corporate form; and (iii)
promote a neutral environment for the orderly governance of corporate affairs.
Approvals are, in certain circumstances, required from the Mississippi
Commission before the Company may make exceptional repurchases of voting
securities above the current market price (commonly called "greenmail") or
before a corporate acquisition opposed by management may be consummated.
Mississippi's gaming regulations will also require prior approval by the
Mississippi Commission if the Company adopts a plan or recapitalization proposed
by its board of directors opposing a tender offer made directly to the
stockholders for the purpose of acquiring control of the Company.
Neither the Company nor any subsidiary may engage in gaming activities in
Mississippi while also conducting gaming operations outside of Mississippi
without approval of the Mississippi Commission. The Mississippi Commission may
require determinations that, among other things, there are means for the
Mississippi Commission to have access to information concerning the out-of-state
gaming operations of the Company and its affiliates. The Company has previously
obtained a waiver of foreign gaming approval from the Mississippi Commission for
operations in Nevada and will be required to obtain the approval or a waiver of
such approval from the Mississippi Commission prior to engaging in any
additional future gaming operations outside of Mississippi.
If the Mississippi Commission decides that a licensed gaming subsidiary violated
a gaming law or regulation, the Mississippi Commission could limit, condition,
suspend or revoke the license of the subsidiary. In addition, the licensed
subsidiary, the Company and the persons involved could be subject to substantial
fines for each separate violation. The Mississippi Commission could also attempt
to appoint a supervisor to operate the casino facilities. Limitation,
conditioning or suspension of any gaming license or the appointment of a
supervisor could (and revocation of any gaming license would) materially
adversely affect the Company's and RCVP's gaming operations or BGI's
manufacturer and distributor operations, as the case may be.
License fees and taxes, computed in various ways depending on the type of gaming
involved, are payable to the State of Mississippi and to the countries and
cities in which a licensed gaming subsidiary's operations are conducted.
Depending upon the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes are
payable either monthly, quarterly or annually and are based on (i) a percentage
of the gross gaming revenues received by the casino operation, (ii) the number
of slot machines operated by the casino or (iii) the number of table games
operated by the casino. The license fee payable to the State of Mississippi is
based upon "gaming receipts" (generally defined as gross receipts less payouts
to customers as winnings) and equals 4% of gaming receipts of $50,000 or less
per month, 6% of gaming receipts over $50,000 and less than $134,000 per month,
and 8% of gaming receipts over $134,000. The foregoing license fees are allowed
as a credit against the Company's Mississippi income tax liability for the year
paid. The gross revenue fee imposed by the City of Vicksburg, Mississippi, where
RCVP's casino operations are located, equals approximately 4% of gaming
receipts.
The Mississippi Commission has adopted a regulation requiring as a condition of
licensing or license renewal that a gaming establishment's plan include a
500-car parking facility in close proximity to the casino complex and
infrastructure facilities, which will amount to at least 25% of the casino cost.
Management of the Company believes it is in compliance with this requirement.
The sale of alcoholic beverages by the Rainbow Casino operated by RCVP is
subject to the licensing, control and regulation by both the City of Vicksburg
and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (the "ABC") of the Mississippi State
Tax Commission. The Rainbow Casino area has been designated as a special resort
area, which allows the Rainbow Casino to serve alcoholic beverages on a 24-hour
basis. The ABC has the full power to limit, condition, suspend or revoke any
license for the serving of alcoholic beverages or to place such a licensee on
probation with or without conditions. Any such disciplinary action could (and
revocation would) have a material adverse effect on the Rainbow Casino's
operations. Certain officers and managers of the Rainbow Casino must be
investigated by the ABC in connection with its liquor permits, and changes in
certain positions must be approved by the ABC.
New Jersey. BGI has previously been licensed by the New Jersey Commission as a
gaming-related casino service industry ("CSI") in accordance with the New Jersey
Casino Control Act (the "Casino Control Act"). Due to the change of ownership of
BGI as a result of the merger with Alliance Gaming Corporation, and by operation
of state law, BGI's CSI license was deemed to have lapsed. Prior to the change
of ownership of BGI and in anticipation of same, the Company submitted an
application for qualification. The New Jersey Commission deemed the application
complete and as a result thereof, since the merger, the Company's operations in
New Jersey continue uninterrupted by full regulatory consent, to transactional
waivers which have been granted by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission with
consent of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, and which the Company
believes should continue to be granted by the New Jersey Casino Control
Commission on six-month blanket terms for parts and service and on a
sale-by-sale basis for all other products pending final regulatory action on the
Company's now pending application for CSI qualification.
In considering the qualifications of an applicant for a CSI license, the New
Jersey Commission may require the officers, directors, key personnel, financial
sources and stockholders (in particular those with holdings in excess of 5%) of
the applicant and its holding and intermediary companies to demonstrate their
qualifications. In this regard, such persons and entities may be investigated
and may be required to make certain regulatory filings and to disclose and/or to
provide consents to disclose personal and financial data. The costs associated
with such investigation are typically borne by the applicant.
Federal Registration. The operating subsidiaries of the Company that are
involved in gaming activities are required to register annually with the
Attorney General of the United States in connection with the sale, distribution
or operation of gaming machines. All currently required filings have been made.
The United States Congress has created the National Gambling Impact and Policy
Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of all matters relating to the
economic and social impact of gaming in the United States. The enabling
legislation provides that, not later than two years after the enactment of such
legislation, the commission would be required to issue a report containing its
findings and conclusions, together with recommendations for legislation and
administrative actions. Any such recommendations, if enacted into law, could
adversely affect the gaming industry and have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
From time to time, certain legislators have proposed the imposition of a federal
tax on gross gaming revenues. No specific proposals for the imposition of such a
federal tax are currently pending. However, no assurance can be given that such
a tax will not be imposed in the future. Any such tax could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of
operations.
Germany. German legislative authorities regulate and monitor the wall machine
industry so as to ensure certain manufacturing standards and the fairness of
each machine to users. The most significant legislation presently affecting the
wall machine industry relates to prescribed licensing procedures and the use,
installation, operation and taxation of machines.
Wall machine manufacturers are dependent on the successful introduction of new
products each year and currently are required to receive prior government
approval for each new product introduction. Manufacturers are required to apply
for licenses through an agency of the German Federal Ministry of Economics. Such
agency maintains a policy of accepting only two licensing applications from an
individual applicant at any given time. Bally Wulff, through affiliates and
subsidiaries, is in a position to file up to six concurrent applications. After
receiving a prototype of a machine for which the applicant seeks government
licensing approval, the federal agency deliberates for periods that range from
approximately 6 to 24 months. If that product is approved, the wall machine
manufacturer is permitted to reproduce the sample machine initially submitted
for government approval. Every wall machine carries with it a small license card
that permits the machine to be operated for up to four years after the initial
date of sale, after which it may not be used in Germany. In Germany, wall
machines sold via the secondary market may be operated by a new owner but only
for the residual time remaining on each machine's four-year life. In addition to
licensing requirements for manufacturers, any person or entity that intends to
operate a licensed wall machine must apply to local regulatory authorities for a
license, which will not be granted by the authorities if facts justify the
assumption that the applicant does not possess the requisite reliability. In
this proceeding, the applicant must furnish a police certificate of conduct.
German legislation prohibits the public play of wall machines by people under 18
years old. Voluntary agreements among manufacturers and certain amusement game
trade associations, among other things, restrict wall machine advertising and
the ability of a player to play more than two machines at once, require all
machines to carry visible warning notices and provide that every wall machine is
automatically switched off for three minutes after one hour of continuous play.
The Spielverordnung (gaming ordinance) specifically governs wall machines. These
regulations limit game payouts to DM 4.00 (approximately $2.11) per game,
require a minimum payout percentage, detail where the machines may be installed,
how many may be installed and by whom, which games are prohibited, the technical
requirements of the machines and technical review and approval. Operators must
comply with regulations that specify how many machines may operate within
defined square foot areas (15 square meters per machine, with a maximum of ten
machines per location). In taverns, restaurants, hotels and certain other
establishments, no more than two gaming machines are permitted.
The Baunutzungsverordnung (Ordinance Regarding the Use of Real Estate) governs
the zoning classification of land and the type and density of development within
the various zoning classifications. Effective January 27, 1990, the
Baunutzungsverordnung was amended to restrict the development of larger gaming
halls to core commercial areas, limit the permissibility of smaller gaming halls
in various types of mixed use zones and to ban gaming halls in most types of
residential and all types of industrial use areas. Prior to the amendment,
gaming halls, regardless of size, were generally allowed in core, business,
mixed and industrial zones. In addition, on a case-by-case basis, each local
zoning agency is authorized to exclude certain types of otherwise permissible
uses, including gaming halls.
Subject to certain exceptions, a value-added tax (VAT) of 16% is generally
assessed on the sale or supply of any goods and services in Germany. Since the
total amount paid for particular goods or services is considered to be the gross
price in calculating such tax, the actual rate is 13.79%. The basis for taxation
is the cash remaining in the machines. The rule requiring a minimum payout
percentage is applied to the amount remaining in the cash box net of such VAT.
Depending on the municipality in which a machine is located, operators may also
have to pay a monthly leisure tax on each machine of up to DM 600 (approximately
$316). The government in the German state of North Rhine Westfalia recently
modified regulations to permit local municipalities to independently impose rate
increases on taxes on gaming machine operators beginning January 1, 1999.
During fiscal 1999, Bally Wulff increased the amount of tax reserves by $0.6
million (to a total reserve of $2.0 million) as a result of developments in
ongoing quadrennial audits of Wulff's tax returns for the years 1988 through
1996. The German tax authorities have proposed preliminary adjustments of $2.0
million, which has been accrued. The German tax authorities have not yet issued
the final assessment from their quadrennial audits.
Additional Jurisdictions. The Company, in the ordinary course of its business,
routinely considers business opportunities to expand its gaming operations into
additional jurisdictions. Although the laws and regulations of the various
jurisdictions in which the Company operates or into which the Company may expand
its gaming operations vary in their technical requirements and are subject to
amendment from time to time, virtually all of those jurisdictions require
licenses, permits, documentation of qualification, including evidence of
financial stability, and other forms of approval for companies engaged in the
manufacture and distribution of gaming machines as well as for the officers,
directors, major stockholders and key personnel of such companies.
The Company and its key personnel have obtained, or applied for, all government
licenses, registrations, findings of suitability, permits and approvals
necessary for the manufacture, distribution and, where permitted, operation of
their gaming machines in the jurisdictions in which the Company does business.
The Company and the holders of its securities may be subject to the provisions
of the gaming laws of each jurisdiction where the Company or its subsidiaries
are licensed or conduct business, including, without limitation, Arizona,
Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota,
Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota,
Wisconsin, and the local regulatory authorities within each such state as well
as Australian, Canadian and other foreign gaming jurisdictions in which BGII and
its subsidiaries are licensed or conduct business. As a result of the
consummation of the Acquisition, the Company and its officers and directors have
been required to apply for any government licenses, permits and approvals
necessary or required by each of these jurisdictions.
Holders of common stock of an entity licensed to manufacture and sell gaming
machines, and in particular those with holdings in excess of 5%, should note
that local laws and regulations may affect their rights regarding the purchase
of such common stock and may require such persons or entities to make certain
regulatory filings, or seek licensing, findings of qualification or other
approvals. ln some cases this process may require the holder or prospective
holder to disclose or provide consents to disclose personal and financial data
in connection with necessary investigations, the costs of which are typically
borne by the applicant. The investigatory and approval process can take three to
six months to complete under normal circumstances.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The following table sets forth information regarding the Company's leased
properties (exclusive of space leases in connection with its gaming device
routes) as of June 30, 1999, all of which are fully utilized unless otherwise
noted:
Annual
Building Rental
Location Use Square Feet Payments
(In 000s)
Las Vegas, NV Nevada route operations 18,500 182
Las Vegas, NV Research and development offices 20,000 286
Sparks, NV Administrative offices and warehousing 38,300 329
Sparks, NV Sales offices and warehousing 11,000 132
Absecon, NJ Sales offices and warehousing 15,800 101
Biloxi, MS Sales offices 6,400 41
Golden, CO Sales offices 1,500 18
Westchester, IL Sales offices 4,900 42
Dania, FL Sales offices 3,400 44
Elko, NV Sales office and route operations 4,200 29
Laughlin, NV Sales offices 600 10
Atlantic City, NJ Administrative offices 750 10
San Juan, P R Sales offices 1,000 12
Alexandria,
Australia Sales offices and warehousing 19,100 252
Johannesburg,
So. Africa Sales offices 1,600 28
Las Vegas, NV Warehousing 103,500 413
Berlin, Germany Administrative offices and manufacturing 108,500 520
Hannover, Germany Administrative offices and warehousing 20,100 204
Sparks, NV Route operations 12,100 77
Carson City, NV Route operations 2,500 9
Winnemucca, NV Route operations 1,200 5
Pahrump, NV Route operations 800 6
Las Vegas, NV Route location 8,000 453
Las Vegas, NV (1) Ground lease --- 330
Sparks, NV (2) Ground lease --- 5
Vicksburg, MS Administrative offices 2,700 19
Vicksburg, MS Administrative offices 1,200 9
New Orleans, LA Louisiana route operations 6,000 57
Covington, LA OTB operation 2,500 36
Metairie, LA OTB operation 11,000 54
New Orleans, LA OTB operation 5,100 27
(1) Lease consists of ground lease for parking.
(2) Lease consists of long-term land lease for parking at Rail City Casino.
The following table sets forth information regarding properties owned by the
Company as of June 30, 1999, all of which are fully utilized unless otherwise
noted:
Building
Location Use Square Feet
Las Vegas, NV Administrative offices and
manufacturing (a) 150,000
Reno/Sparks, NV Casino (a) 35,000
Vicksburg, MS Casino 24,000
Vicksburs, MS Entertainment facility- Land 20,000
Vicksburg, MS Administrative offices 3,200
Vicksburg, MS Vacant- Land ---
Las Vegas, NV Tavern- Land 5,000
North Las Vegas, NV Land/Parking ---
(a) These facilities are mortgaged collateral for the Company's Credit Facility.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources".
In addition, the Company leases 21 bar and tavern properties that have been
subleased to other operators in connection with its Nevada route operations. The
properties range in size from approximately 1,750 square feet to 7,700 square
feet. The remaining terms of the leases range from 2 months to 11 and one half
years with monthly payments ranging from approximately $1,700 to $11,000.
In addition to the principal facilities, the Company has 20 leased locations and
two owned locations in Germany which are primarily used for sales and service
offices as well as for warehousing purposes. The properties range in size from
approximately 3,300 square feet to 14,200 square feet. The leased locations have
terms of occupancy varying from six months to six and one half years with
monthly payments ranging from approximately $2,000 to $8,500.
See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information as to
the Company's lease commitments with respect to the foregoing rental properties.
The Company believes its facilities are suitable for its needs and the Company
has no future expansion plans that would make these properties inadequate.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Litigation
On September 25, 1995, BGII was named as a defendant in a class action lawsuit
filed in Federal District Court in Nevada, by Larry Schreirer on behalf of
himself and all others similarly situated. The plaintiffs filed suit against
BGII and approximately 45 other defendants. Each defendant is involved in the
gaming business as a gaming machine manufacturer, distributor, or casino
operator. The class action lawsuit arises out of alleged fraudulent marketing
and operation of casino video poker machines and electronic slot machines. The
plaintiffs allege that the defendants have engaged in a course of fraudulent and
misleading conduct intended to induce people into playing their gaming machines
based on a false belief concerning how those machines actually operate as well
as the extent to which there is actually an opportunity to win on any given
play. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants' actions constitute violations
of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and give rise
to claims of common law fraud and unjust enrichment. The plaintiffs are seeking
monetary damages in excess of $1.0 billion, and are asking that any damage
awards be trebled under applicable Federal law. Management believes the
plaintiffs' lawsuit to be without merit. The Company intends to vigorously
pursue all legal defenses available to it.
In an action filed on December 2, 1996, the Company was named as a defendant in
an action brought by Canpartners Investments IV and Cerberus Partners, in
federal district court for the Southern District of New York relating to loan
commitment letters from August 1995, contemplating that the plaintiffs would
lend approximately $30 million to partially fund the Company's then pending
hostile tender offer for BGII. In August 1998 the Company and the plaintiffs
settled the litigation for approximately $2.0 million.
The Company is also a party to various lawsuits relating to routine matters
incidental to its business. Management does not believe that the outcome of such
litigation, including the matters above, in the aggregate, will have a material
adverse effect on the Company.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
The Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq Small Cap Index under the symbol
"ALLY". The following table sets forth the high and low closing bid price of the
Common Stock as reported by Nasdaq for the periods indicated. These prices
reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up or mark-down or commissions
and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Price Range of
Common Stock
High Low
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1998
1st Quarter $ 22.09 $ 12.71
2nd Quarter 22.54 14.00
3rd Quarter 20.79 16.63
4th Quarter 18.80 13.13
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1999
1st Quarter $14.66 $8.75
2nd Quarter 10.28 6.23
3rd Quarter 9.63 4.25
4th Quarter 5.63 3.75
Note: The above applicable common stock prices have been restated to reflect the
one-for-three-and-one-half reverse stock split effective February 1, 1999.
As of September 1, 1999 the Company had approximately 1,600 holders of record of
its Common Stock.
There is currently no established public trading market for the Company's Series
E Special Stock.
The Company has never declared or paid cash dividends on its Common Stock. The
indenture for the Company's 10% Senior Subordinated Notes (the "Indenture") and
the credit agreement for the Company's bank credit facility each restrict the
Company's ability to pay any dividends or make any other payment or distribution
of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries' Equity Interests (as defined). The
Company intends to follow a policy of retaining earnings, if any, to finance
growth of its business and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the
foreseeable future. The declaration and payment of future dividends on the
Common Stock will be at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors and will
depend on the Company's profitably, ability to pay dividends under the terms of
the Indenture and the Company's financial condition, capital requirements,
statutory and contractual restrictions, future prospects and other factors
deemed relevant.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated financial data have been derived from the
audited financial statements of the Company. The table should be read in
conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes
thereto.
Fiscal Years Ended June 30,
1995(1) 1996(2) 1997(5) 1998 1999
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(In 000's, Except Per Share Amounts)
Statements of Operations Data
Revenues:
Gaming equipment and systems $ --- $ 10,575 $134,734 $109,597 $127,810
Wall machines and amusement games --- 3,356 131,934 98,611 90,834
Route operations 106,854 109,938 127,028 148,507 175,854
Casino operations 25,134 48,509 51,450 60,657 63,682
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
131,988 172,378 445,146 417,372 458,180
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of gaming equipment and systems --- 7,213 84,496 61,684 69,721
Cost of wall machines and amusement games --- 2,022 68,426 54,241 54,035
Cost of route operations 79,887 84,212 95,716 114,645 137,692
Cost of casino operations 14,231 22,046 22,269 25,930 27,011
Selling, general and administrative 28,649 31,270 99,520 86,318 104,104
Research and development --- 370 9,954 15,778 17,190
Depreciation and amortization 9,520 10,988 22,606 22,838 23,104
Direct acquisition costs (3) 1,669 55,843 --- --- ---
Unusual items 2,293 5,498 700 (325) ---
------ ------- ------- ------- -------
136,249 219,462 403,687 381,109 432,857
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Operating income (loss) (4,261) (47,084) 41,459 36,263 25,323
Other income (expense)
Interest income 2,798 1,571 1,620 813 549
Interest expense (8,133) (8,897) (23,626) (28,600) (31,385)
Rainbow royalty (4) (810) (4,070) (4,722) (587) ---
Rainbow Royalty Buyout (4) --- --- --- (19,000) ---
Minority interest (397) (963) (1,092) (2,002) (2,053)
Other, net 317 301 139 1,025 (431)
---- ---- ----- ------ ------
Income (loss) before income taxes (10,486) (59,142) 13,778 (12,088) (7,997)
Income tax provision (265) (755) (7,993) (3,185) (830)
Income (loss) before extraordinary item (10,751) (59,897) 5,785 (15,273) (8,827)
Extraordinary loss without tax benefit --- --- --- (42,033) ---
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income (loss) (10,751) (59,897) 5,785 (57,306) (8,827)
Special stock dividends --- (362) (11,264) (3,551) (1,697)
Premium on repurchase/redemption of
Series B Special Stock --- --- (710) (16,553) ---
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net loss applicable to common shares $(10,751) $(60,259) $(6,189) $(77,410) $(10,524)
======== ======== ======== ======= =======
Basic net loss per common share (6) $ (3.33) $ (16.22 $ (0.68) $ (8.47) $ (1.09)
======== ======== ======== ======= =======
Other Data
Operating income (loss) before unusual
items and direct acquisition costs $ (299) $ 14,257 $ 42,159 $ 35,938 $ 25,323
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (continued)
As of June 30,
1995 1996(2) 1997(5) 1998 1999
------ ------ ------- ------ ------
(In 000's)
Balance Sheet Data
Cash and cash equivalents and
securities available for sale $37,414 $48,057 $28,924 $23,487 $16,930
Working capital 31,476 111,009 110,795 119,480 108,661
Total assets 126,348 375,504 352,016 366,837 356,307
Total long term debt,
including current maturities 101,397 191,344 173,839 325,953 318,706
Series B Special Stock --- 51,552 58,981 --- ---
Total stockholders' equity (deficiency) 9,985 69,846 53,555 (23,748) (30,408)
(1) The Company acquired the general partnership interest in the Rainbow
Casino Vicksburg Partnership, L.P. (RCVP) on March 29, 1995 and began
consolidating the results of RCVP on that date.
(2) The Company acquired BGII on June 18, 1996. Therefore the results of
operations for the year ended June 30, 1996 include the results of
operations of BGII for the last twelve days of that fiscal year.
(3) Includes non-cash accounting loss on debenture conversion of $30.1 million
in fiscal year 1996 as a result of the conversion of the Company's
Convertible Debentures into equity securities.
(4) Represents royalty fee related to the HFS financing at the Rainbow Casino.
The Company repurchased this royalty obligation from HFS on August 12,
1997.
(5) See discussion of refinancing transaction completed in August 1997 in
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources".
(6) The earnings per share amounts have been restated to reflect the
one-for-three-and-one-half reverse stock split effective February 1, 1999.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Liquidity and Capital Resources
In August 1997 the Company completed a series of related transactions as
described below (the "Refinancing") which consisted of the private placement of
$150.0 million of Senior Subordinated Notes and the closing of $230.0 million of
bank financing. The bank financing provides for (i) term loans in the aggregate
amount of up to $140.0 million, comprised of a $75.0 million tranche with a 7
1/2-year term (the "Tranche B Term Loan"), a $40.0 million tranche with an
8-year term (the "Tranche C Term Loan") and a $25.0 million tranche with a 7
1/2-year term (the "Delayed Draw Term Facility," and together with the Tranche B
Term Loan and the Tranche C Term Loan, the "Term Loan Facilities"); and (ii) a
$90.0 million revolving credit facility with a 6-year term (the "Revolving
Credit Facility"). The borrowing base for the revolving credit facility consists
of eligible receivables and inventory, as defined in the credit agreement and at
June 30, 1999 totaled $75.3 million.
As part of the Refinancing, the Company used the proceeds of the Senior
Subordinated Note offering, together with borrowings under the Revolving Credit
Facility and the Term Loan Facilities and cash on hand, to fund (a) the
repurchase at a premium of substantially all of the Company's 12 7/8% Notes,
plus accrued interest to August 8, 1997 totaling $183.7 million, (b) the
redemption at liquidation value of all of the Company's Series B Preferred Stock
on September 8, 1997 totaling $77.6 million, (c) the purchase from HFS Gaming
Corporation of the right to receive royalty payments based on revenues of the
Rainbow Casino and the purchase of related debt owed to an HFS affiliate,
National Gaming Mississippi, Inc. on August 12, 1997 totaling $26.3 million and
(d) the payment of transaction fees and expenses totaling $16.5 million.
Additionally, in July 1997 the Company redeemed the remaining balance of its 7
1/2 Convertible Debentures at a price of 104, or a total of $1.7 million.
On a pro forma basis for the year ended June 30, 1998, assuming the Refinancing
had occurred on July 1, 1997, the Company would have reported net income
available to common shares of $0.8 million and net income per share of $0.09 or
a $8.56 improvement over the reported net loss per share of $8.47. In
conjunction with the Refinancing, the Company incurred charges of approximately
$77.6 million, including the $27.7 million premium on the repurchase of the 12
7/8% Notes, $16.6 million for the difference between the carrying value and the
liquidation value of the Series B Preferred Stock and $19.0 million for the
Rainbow Casino royalty buyout. On an ongoing basis the Company will continue to
be highly leveraged and will have significant interest costs; however, in the
near term the Company will have lower overall fixed costs and only limited
principal payments required on its long-term indebtedness.
At June 30, 1999, the Company had $16.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and
$43.1 million in unborrowed availability on its revolving lines of credit in
accordance with borrowing base limitations in the credit agreement. In addition
the Company had working capital of approximately $108.7 million, a decrease of
approximately $10.8 million from June 30, 1998 which is explained below.
Consolidated cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 1999 includes approximately
$15.4 million of cash which is utilized in Casino and Route Operations which is
held in vaults, cages or change banks.
The Credit Agreement for the bank financing has both financial and operational
covenants. On August 31, 1998, the Company obtained a consent from its bank
group which cured a technical default under the Credit Agreement related to the
transfer of assets from a non-domestic subsidiary to a domestic subsidiary
related to the formation of a wholly-owned subsidiary, Bally Gaming Africa Pty.
Ltd., as well as a consent to a change in the definition of Restricted Payments
to allow for an unrestricted amount of up to $7.0 million of Restricted Payments
(as defined in the Credit Agreement). In the quarter ended December 31, 1998,
the Company did not meet certain covenants in the credit agreement. The Company
and the banks have amended the current and future financial maintenance
covenants in the bank credit agreement effective December 31, 1998 such that the
Company is in compliance with such covenants. As of June 30, 1999 the Company is
in compliance with these covenants. The Company is also in compliance with the
operational covenants contained in the indenture for the Senior Subordinated
Notes. The Company's business strategy is to successfully implement gaming
machines that earn recurring revenue and EBITDA within the Bally Gaming and
Systems business unit such that the Company's non-core assets could then be
disposed of to pay dawn debt.
Management believes that cash flow from operating activities, cash and cash
equivalents held and the $90.0 million Revolving Credit Facility, as limited by
the borrowing base, will provide the Company with sufficient capital resources
and liquidity. At June 30, 1999, the Company had commitments for capital
expenditures for approximately $2.0 million related to the completion of the
Rainbow Casino expansion project.
Working Capital
The following table presents the components of consolidated working capital at
June 30, 1998 and 1999:
Balances at June 30,
1998 1999 Change
------ ------ ------
(In $000's)
Cash and cash equivalents $ 23,487 $ 16,930 $(6,557)
Accounts and notes receivable, net 93,459 92,665 (794)
Inventories, net 42,418 46,138 3,720
Other current assets 11,711 11,423 (288)
Total current assets 171,075 167,156 (3,919)
Accounts payable 10,477 17,372 (6,895)
Accrued liabilities 39,122 39,196 (74)
Current maturities of long-term debt 1,996 1,927 69
Total current liabilities 51,595 58,495 (6,900)
------- ------- -------
Net working capital $119,480 $108,661 $(10,819)
======== ======== ========
The primary fluctuations contributing to the increase in working capital were:
(i) an increase in accounts payable resulting from timing of payments, (ii) an
increase in inventory due to a larger number of product platforms to support at
Bally Gaming and Systems, (iii) a net decrease in accounts receivable resulting
from cash collections, partially offset by improved revenues, (iv) a decrease in
prepaid assets due to a decrease in prepaid insurance, (v) the impact of foreign
exchange fluctuations between the dollar and the deutschemark on all working
capital categories, and (vi) the corresponding impact of the above listed items
on cash and cash equivalents.
Cash Flow
During the year ended June 30, 1999, $8.6 million of cash was provided from
operating activities resulting from an increase in accounts payable, the
provision for doubtful receivables and depreciation and amortization, offset by
a net loss, an increase in inventories primarily at Bally Gaming and Systems, an
increase in deferred taxes and a net increase in accounts receivable.
During the year ended June 30, 1999, the Company used $12.1 million of cash in
investing activities resulting primarily from $11.8 million in capital
expenditures, $1.5 million of payments made in acquiring the rights to
manufacture and distribute several gaming products, and $2.6 million of payments
in acquiring gaming rights of route locations, partially offset by a $5.2
million sales-leaseback transaction for gaming machines in the Nevada Route
operations.
During the year ended June 30, 1999, the Company used $2.9 million of cash in
financing activities resulting primarily from a net pay-down in the Company's
revolving credit facility of $2.1 million, $5.1 million used to reduce the
Company's long-term debt and $0.5 million used to repurchase the Company's
common stock for treasury, partially offset from $4.8 million of cash proceeds
from the exercise of certain warrants to purchase common stock.
Customer Financing
Management believes that customer financing terms and leasing have become an
increasingly important competitive factor for the Bally Gaming and Systems and
Wall Machine and Amusement Games business units, respectively. Competitive
conditions sometimes require Bally Gaming and Systems to grant extended payment
terms on gaming machines, systems and other gaming equipment, especially for
sales in emerging markets. While these financings are normally collateralized by
such equipment, the resale value of the collateral in the event of default may
be less than the amount financed. Accordingly, the Company has greater exposure
to the financial condition of its customers in emerging markets than had
historically been the case in established markets like Nevada and Atlantic City.
Bally Wulff provides customer financing for approximately 20% of its sales and
also provides lease financing to its customers. Lease terms are generally for
six months, but are also available for terms up to 43 months.
Year 2000
The Year 2000 readiness issue, which is common to most businesses, arises from
the inability of information systems, and other time and date sensitive products
and systems, to properly recognize and process date-sensitive information on and
beyond January 1, 2000. The result could create errors in information or system
failures. Assessments of the potential cost and effects of Year 2000 issues vary
significantly among businesses, and it is extremely difficult to predict the
actual impact. Recognizing this uncertainty, management has and is continuing to
actively analyze, assess and plan for various Year 2000 issues across its
businesses.
The Year 2000 issue has an impact on both information technology ("IT") systems
and non-IT systems, such as its manufacturing systems and physical facilities
including, but not limited to, security systems and utilities. Although
management believes that a majority of the Company's IT systems are Year 2000
ready, certain systems still have to be tested for Year 2000 readiness. The
Company plans to replace or upgrade those systems that are identified as
non-Year 2000 ready during the remainder of calendar 1999. Certain IT systems
previously identified as non-Year 2000 compliant are being upgraded or replaced,
and this process should be complete by October 31, 1999. Non-IT system issues
are more difficult to identify and resolve. The Company is actively identifying
non-IT Year 2000 issues concerning its products and services, as well as its
physical facility locations. All non-IT areas identified are included in the
company's formal action plans to ensure minimal disruption to its business
processes. Management engaged outside consultants to assist and advise
management in its assessment process and has implemented their recommendations.
A centralized project management organization has been established to lead the
Company through its Year 2000 efforts. This organization includes dedicated
outside resources and internal business representatives. Although management
believes that its efforts will be successful and the costs will be immaterial
(currently estimated between $400,000 to $500,000 of which approximately
$260,000 has been spent as of June 30, 1999) to its consolidated financial
position and results of operations, it also recognizes that any failure or delay
could cause a disruption in its business and have a significant financial
impact. To minimize this potential impact, the Company is actively planning and
designing a contingency plan to support critical business processes which should
be complete be October 1999.
The Company has also initiated efforts to ensure the Year 2000 readiness of its
products and services. As part of its assessment of current products and
services, the Company is currently upgrading all current Bally Systems SDS
customers to version 7.0 software, for which the Company has developed a Year
2000 compliance "patch" which is currently being distributed. The Company plans
to have all customers upgraded to version 7.0 with the patch by October 1999.
Version 7.1 of the software is Year 2000 compliant and is currently authorized
for installation. Customers are also being advised that the IBM or Unix
operating systems they are using must also be upgraded to versions that are Year
2000 compliant. Bally Systems has obtained the operating system upgrades from
the vendors and has offered to assist users in installing the upgrade. The
Company has also tested most of the current products manufactured in the United
States and Germany in recent years to determine compliance with Year 2000. The
Company is actively evaluating its strategy and legal obligations for any
communication to its customers. The Gamblers Bonus system used in the Company's
Nevada route operations has been tested and found to be Year 2000 compliant.
Management continues to formulate new plans and update existing plans as it
progresses in its research and investigation. The Year 2000 readiness of its
customers varies, and the Company is encouraging its customers to evaluate and
prepare their own systems. These efforts by customers to address Year 2000
issues may affect the demand for certain products and services; however, the
impact on revenue or any change in revenue patterns is highly uncertain.
The Company has completed efforts to assess the Year 2000 readiness of its key
suppliers and business partners. The Company's direction in this effort was to
ensure the adequacy of resources and supplies to minimize any potential business
interruptions. As part of the Company's contingency plans, management has begun
to identify and solidify relationships with and access to alternative suppliers
and resources to ensure the support and continuation of its critical business
operations.
The Year 2000 issue presents a number of other risks and uncertainties that
could impact the Company, such as public utility failures, potential claims
against it for damages arising from products and services that are not Year 2000
compliant, and the responsibility of certain government and gaming commissions
of the various jurisdictions where the Company conducts business. While the
Company continues to believe the Year 2000 issues described above will not
materially affect its consolidated financial position or results of operations,
it remains uncertain as to what extent, if any, the Company may be impacted.
Euro Currency Conversion
The Company's Bally Wulff subsidiary uses the German deutschmark as its
functional currency. The new Euro currency will replace the deutschmark as well
as most other European currencies after a phase in period, which began January
1, 1999. As most of Bally Wulff's transactions are within Germany, the switch to
the Euro is not expected to have a material impact on revenues, expenses or
income. The Company's products can be brought into Euro compliance by moving a
switch inside the wall machine. The cost of the new front glass showing Euro
denominations will be borne by the customers.
The Company currently has borrowings outstanding on its line of credit facility,
a portion of which has a floating rate of interest tied to the Euro deutschmark
rate. Upon the full implementation of the Euro, as of January 1, 2002, the
interest rate will be tied to this new index. The impact of the change in this
index, if any, is not known and can not be quantified at this time.
Results of Operations
The following table presents the Company's revenues, earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and operating income by business
unit:
Years Ended June 30,
1997 1998 1999
------ ------ ------
(In $000's)
Revenues by business unit:
Bally Gaming and Systems $134,734 $109,597 $127,810
Wall Machines and Amusement Games 131,934 98,611 90,834
Route Operations 127,028 148,507 175,854
Casino Operations 51,450 60,657 63,682
-------- ------- -------
Total Revenues $445,146 $417,372 $458,180
======== ======== ========
EBITDA by business unit:
Bally Gaming and Systems $16,671 $10,808 $ 9,799
Wall Machines and Amusement Games 29,719 18,661 10,150
Route Operations 20,200 24,577 24,860
Casino Operations 17,352 20,781 21,672
Corporate expenses (19,177) (16,051) (18,054)
Unusual item (700) 325 ---
-------- ------- -------
Total EBITDA $64,065 $59,101 $48,427
======= ======= =======
Years Ended June 30,
1997 1998 1999
------ ------ ------
(In $000's)
Operating income by business unit:
Bally Gaming and Systems $10,616 $ 5,238 $ 5,779
Wall Machines and Amusement Games 23,332 13,094 5,334
Route Operations 13,082 16,432 14,586
Casino Operations 15,407 18,736 19,348
Corporate expenses (20,278) (17,562) (19,724)
Unusual items (700) 325 ---
------ ------ ------
Total Operating Income $41,459 $36,263 $25,323
======= ======= =======
The Company believes that the analysis of EBITDA is a useful adjunct to net
income, cash flow and other GAAP measurements. However, this information should
not be construed as an alternative to net income or any other GAAP measure of
performance as an indicator of the Company's performance or to GAAP-defined cash
flows generated by operating, investing and financing activities as an indicator
of cash flows or a measure of liquidity.
1999 Compared with 1998
Bally Gaming and Systems
For the year ended June 30, 1999, Bally Gaming and Systems reported revenues of
$127.8 million, an increase of 17% compared to revenues of $109.6 million in the
prior year. The improvement was due primarily to a $9.4 million increase in SDS
6000 game monitoring unit and related sales, a $3.2 million increase in
recurring revenue sources and an increase in average selling price of new gaming
machines, partially offset by a decrease in the number of units sold. Bally
Gaming and Systems reported shipments of new gaming machines of approximately
12,300 units, an 8% decrease compared to shipments of approximately 13,400 in
the prior year. By market segment, Bally Gaming and Systems unit sales for the
current year consisted of approximately 2,700 units to the Nevada and Atlantic
City markets, 7,300 units to international markets and 2,300 units to
riverboats, Native American and other domestic markets. Bally Gaming and Systems
reported revenues from the sale of new gaming machines of $70.4 million, an
increase of 2% compared to $68.9 million in the prior year due to an 11%
increase in the average selling price of new machines, partially offset by lower
unit volume. Bally Gaming and Systems reported revenues from SDS 6000 game
monitoring units of $31.4 million, an increase of 42% compared to revenues of
$22.0 million in the prior year period, primarily from shipments related to new
casino openings and to casinos acquired by Harrah's and Park Place Entertainment
that previously used competitors' systems. In addition, revenues from recurring
revenue sources were $7.0 million, an increase of 82% compared to revenues of
$3.8 million in the prior year period.
For the year ended June 30, 1999, gross profit margins improved to 45% from 44%
in the prior year period. The improvement was due primarily to a change in
product mix to higher margin gaming machines, an increase in higher margin SDS
6000 game monitoring unit revenues and higher revenues from machines that
provide recurring revenues, partially offset by an increase in the provision for
inventory obsolescence in the current year. Bally Gaming and Systems reported
operating income of $5.8 million, an increase of 10% compared to operating
income of $5.2 million in the prior year. The increase in operating income
resulted primarily from higher revenues and improved margins and a decrease in
depreciation as certain intangible assets related to the acquisition of Bally
Gaming International, Inc. were fully amortized in the prior year, partially
offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses, primarily higher
marketing costs related to new product launches and the implementation of a
product management organization focus, an increase in the provision for doubtful
receivables, and an increase in research and development costs. Research and
development costs totaled $13.9 million, an increase of 10% over the prior year,
resulting from the Company's ongoing efforts to expand its new and existing
product offerings.
Wall Machines and Amusement Games
For the year ended June 30, 1999, Wall Machines and Amusement Games reported
revenues of $90.8 million, a decrease of 8% compared to revenues of $98.6
million in the prior year. The decrease in revenues resulted primarily from a
22% decrease in the number of new wall machine units sold, a 3% decrease in the
selling price of new wall machines, excluding those sold as part of a new
single-site progressive jackpot system, a 13% decrease in amusement game
revenues and a 9% decrease in leased wall machine revenues, all due primarily to
lower market demand pending the outcome of potential changes to laws regulating
wall machines. This was partially offset by sales of wall machines coupled with
a new single-site progressive jackpot system which resulted in a 13% overall
increase in average selling price of new machines. The Company does not foresee
any reversal of the pricing pressures in the near future. In addition, due to
the potential changes in the laws regulating wall machines, which if passed
could have a favorable effect on demand in the future, current demand is soft
and will likely remain that way until the outcome of the proposed law changes is
known. The currency translation impact of the fluctuation of the German mark
versus the U.S. dollar increased revenues by $2.1 million during the current
year.
The Wall Machines and Amusement Games business unit continued its leasing
program whereby new wall machines are leased to customers pursuant to operating
leases which provide a stream of revenues and cash flows over the term of the
leases which range from six months to three and one half years. As of June 30,
1999, a total of 5,000 machines were deployed in the leasing program compared to
5,700 at June 30, 1998, a decrease of 13%. This decrease was due to the
completion of a large lease program in September 1998 quarter that was not
renewed by Bally Wulff.
For the year ended June 30, 1999, gross profit margin decreased to 41% from 45%
in the prior year. The gross margin decrease resulted primarily from the
unfavorable impact of lower revenues, increased competition which has led to
offering higher values on used machines taken on trade-ins and a lower fixed
cost absorption rate, partially offset by sales of the higher margin progressive
jackpot system. Wall Machines and Amusement Games reported operating income of
$5.3 million, a decrease of 59% compared to $13.1 million in the prior year
period. The decrease in operating income resulted primarily from the
aforementioned decrease in revenues and gross margins and an increase in
selling, general and administrative expenses, principally certain separation
accruals and a higher provision for doubtful receivables, partially offset by
lower depreciation expense resulting from a lower installed base of leased
equipment.
Route Operations
For the year ended June 30, 1999, the Route Operations business unit reported
total revenues of approximately $175.9 million, an increase of 18% compared to
revenues of $148.5 million in the prior year. Revenues from the Nevada route
operations increased to approximately $154.2 million or 21% over the prior year.
This improvement was attributable to an increase in the average net win per
gaming machine per day of 7% to $57.20 from $53.70 in the prior year and a 13%
increase in the weighted average number of gaming machines during the current
year to 7,300 units as compared to 6,460 units in the prior year. Gamblers'
Bonus, a cardless players club and player tracking system continued to have a
favorable impact on the net win per day. As of June 30, 1998, the Gamblers'
Bonus product was installed in over 2,600 gaming machines at approximately 240
locations statewide or 35% of the installed base of gaming machines, up 29% over
June 30, 1999. Revenues from route operations in Louisiana improved to $21.7
million, an increase of 3% compared to the prior year. This increase was the
result primarily of an improvement in the net win per gaming machine per day of
4% to $80.50 from $77.40 in the prior year, partially offset by a 1% decrease in
the average number of machines to 740 from 750 in the prior year.
For the year ended June 30, 1999, cost of revenues for Route Operations totaled
$137.7 million, an increase of 20% compared to costs of $114.6 million in the
prior year. As a percentage of revenues, costs of revenues increased to 78% from
77% in the prior year. Cost of revenues for the Nevada route operations
increased, as a percent of related revenues, to 80% from 79% in the prior year.
The increase was due primarily to lower margins on new and renewed locations
(due to competitive pressures), an increase in rental and participation payments
on gaming machines and higher direct payroll costs. Costs of revenues for route
operations in Louisiana increased, as a percent of related revenues, to 66% from
64% in the prior year. The increase was due primarily to an increase in direct
costs, principally health insurance costs. Cost of route revenues for Route
Operations includes rents under both space lease and revenue sharing
arrangements, gaming taxes and direct labor including payroll taxes and
benefits.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999, the Route Operations business unit
reported operating income of $14.6 million, a decrease of 11% compared to
operating income of $16.4 million in the prior year. The decrease in operating
income resulted from the aforementioned increase in operating costs as a
percentage of revenues, an increase in selling, general, and administrative
expenses as a percentage of revenues, principally marketing and promotion costs
at the Nevada route operations, a higher provision for doubtful receivables for
the Nevada route operations, and an increase in depreciation as the result of
the increased number of gaming machines deployed and amortization of costs
incurred in taking over contracts in the prior fiscal year, partially offset by
the aforementioned increase in revenues.
Casino Operations
For the year ended June 30, 1999, the Casino Operations business unit reported
revenues of $63.7 million, an increase of 5% compared to revenues of $60.7
million in the prior year. This improvement is due to a 4% increase in revenues
at the Rainbow Casino and an 8% increase in revenues at the Rail City Casino.
The improvement at the Rainbow Casino was attributable to an increase in the
average gaming machine net win per day of 6% to $159 from $150 in the prior year
and a 2% increase in the average number of gaming machines. The revenue
improvement at the Rail City Casino was attributable to an increase in the
average gaming machine net win per day of 8% to $65 from $60 in the prior year
and an 8% increase in the average number of gaming machines.
For the year ended June 30, 1999, the cost of revenues for Casino Operations
increased 4% to $27.0 million compared to $25.9 million in the prior year. As a
percentage of revenues, the cost of revenues improved to 42% compared to 43% for
the prior year. As a percent of related revenues, cost of revenues for the
Rainbow Casino remained relatively flat at 37% between periods as the increase
in costs were in line with the increase in revenues. Cost of revenues for the
Rail City Casino, as a percent of related revenues, improved to 59% from 62% in
the prior year due primarily to the achievement of higher revenues without a
corresponding increase in direct gaming costs. Cost of casino revenues includes
cost of goods sold, gaming taxes, rent and direct labor including payroll taxes
and benefits.
For the year ended June 30, 1999, the Casino Operations business unit reported
operating income of $19.3 million, an increase of 3% compared to operating
income of $18.7 million in the prior year. The operating income improvement is
due primarily to the aforementioned increase in revenues and the improvement in
operating costs as a percentage of revenues, partially offset by an increase in
selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of revenues,
principally gaming machine rent and an increase in depreciation due to
remodeling projects at both casinos and the increase in the number of gaming
machines.
Unusual Items
During the year ended June 30, 1998, the Company recorded the following unusual
items:
The Company settled a dispute with Alpha Hospitality and General Electric
Credit Corporation concerning certain customer notes receivable on which
the Company had certain recourse obligations. The Company contributed $2.5
million to the final settlement with the holder of the notes, and reversed
$6.0 million of reserves previously established for these recourse
obligations. In addition, as part of the settlement the Company became the
sole owner of approximately 566,000 shares of Alpha Hospitality common
stock which trades on the NASDAQ Small Cap market. Pursuant to the
limitations provided for in the settlement agreement, the Company has sold
440,000 shares of Alpha Hospitality through June 30, 1999.
As a result of settling a dispute over the exclusive use of certain
technologies and changes in gaming regulations, the Company evaluated the
cash flow of certain of its technology assets, in accordance with the
provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets
to be Disposed of," and determined certain items met the definition of
having become impaired. During the year ended June 30, 1998 the Company
recorded write-downs totaling $2.8 million for these items.
The Company accrued $0.7 million for the present value of contractual payments
due to a former member of the board of directors who was not re-elected to
the board at the December 1997 annual shareholders meeting.
The Company accrued $0.6 million as restructuring charges for Bally Gaming
and Systems.
The Company recorded a $1.6 million charge for final settlement of litigation
related to the acquisition of BGII.
Consolidated
Total revenues for the year ended June 30, 1999 were approximately $458.2
million, an increase of 10% compared to revenues of $417.4 million in the prior
year. The increase is due primarily to the increases in revenues at the Bally
Gaming and Systems, Route Operations and Casino Operations business units,
partially offset by the decrease in revenues at the Wall Machines and Amusement
Games business unit.
Cost of revenues for the year ended June 30, 1999 were approximately $288.5
million, an increase of 12% compared to costs of $256.5 million in the prior
year. The increase is due primarily to the increases in costs at the Bally
Gaming and Systems, Route Operations and Casino Operations business units,
partially offset by the decrease in costs at the Wall Machines and Amusement
Games business unit. Cost of revenues as a percentage of total revenues
increased slightly to 63% from 62% in the prior year period.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended June 30, 1999
were approximately $104.1 million, an increase of 21% compared to costs of $86.3
million in the prior year. This increase was due to the increases in expenses at
all of the business units, an increase in corporate administrative costs,
principally higher payroll and related expenses, and a higher provision for
doubtful receivables.
Research and development costs for the year ended June 30, 1999 were
approximately $17.2 million, an increase of 9% compared to costs of $15.8
million in the prior year. This increase was due to an increase in costs at the
Bally Gaming and Systems and the Wall Machines and Amusement Games business
units to develop and support a greater number of products.
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended June 30, 1999 were
approximately $23.1 million, a slight increase of 1% compared to depreciation
and amortization of $22.8 million in the prior fiscal year. This increase was
due primarily to an increase in amortization of deferred financing costs and an
increase in depreciation at the Route Operations and Casino Operations business
units, mostly offset by a decrease in depreciation at the Bally Gaming and
Systems and Wall Machines and Amusement Games business units.
Interest Income and Expense and Income Taxes
Net interest expense in the year ended June 30, 1999, increased to $30.8
million, an increase of 11% compared to the net interest expense of $27.8
million in the prior year. The increase is due primarily to a one-time fee
associated with amending the credit agreement, coupled with a higher average
amount of debt in the current year, partially offset by lower interest rates.
The Company recorded an income tax provision of $0.8 million in the year ended
June 30, 1999, compared to a provision of $3.2 million in the prior year. The
current year provision is due primarily to establishing a valuation allowance
against deferred tax assets for the Wall Machine and Amusement business unit and
domestic state income taxes. At June 30, 1999, the Company had net operating
loss carry forwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $50.5
million which are available to offset future federal taxable income, if any,
expiring in the years 2007 through 2014. At June 30, 1999 the Company had
foreign tax credit carry forwards of approximately $7.5 million and alternative
minimum tax credit (AMT) carry forwards of approximately $1.7 million. Foreign
tax credits have expiration dates ranging from 2000 to 2004 unless utilized
prior to such time. AMT credits are available to be carried forward indefinitely
and may be utilized against regular U.S. corporate tax to the extent it does not
exceed computed AMT calculations. In addition, approximately $6.7 million and
$2.0 million of the net operating loss carryforwards cannot be utilized until
fiscal year 2000 and 2001, respectively, pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal
Revenue Code.
1998 Compared with 1997
Bally Gaming and Systems
For the year ended June 30, 1998, Bally Gaming and Systems reported revenues of
$109.6 million, a decrease of 19%, compared to revenues of $134.7 million in the
prior year. The decrease is due primarily to a 26% decrease in shipments of new
gaming machines to approximately 13,400 units compared to shipments of
approximately 18,200 in the prior year. The volume decline resulted primarily
from customers delaying purchase until the upgraded products were made available
in March 1998 and a lower number of new casino openings compared to the prior
year. By market segment, Bally Gaming and System's unit sales for the current
year consisted of approximately 3,300 units to the Nevada and Atlantic City
markets, 6,600 units to international markets and 3,500 units to riverboats,
Native American and other domestic markets. Bally Gaming and Systems reported
revenues from the sale of new gaming machines of $68.9 million, a decrease of
29%, compared to $96.7 million in the prior year due to lower unit volume and a
3% decrease in the average selling prices of new machines due to a higher
percentage of international sales which tend to be lower priced. Bally Gaming
and Systems reported revenues from SDS game monitoring unit sales of $22.0
million, a decrease of 1%, compared to revenues of $22.3 million in the prior
year period. These revenues resulted primarily from shipments to new
installations such as Casino Windsor, John Ascuaga's Nugget, Flamingo Hilton-
Laughlin and Harrah's Cherokee Smokey Mountain.
For the year ended June 30, 1998, gross profit margins improved to 44% from 37%
in the prior year period. The gross margin improvement resulted primarily from a
greater proportion of higher margin SDS 6000 game monitoring unit sales and
lower provisions for inventory obsolescence in the current year period. Bally
Gaming and Systems reported operating income of $5.2 million, a decrease of 51%,
compared to operating income of $10.6 million in the prior year period. The
operating income decrease resulted primarily from lower revenues and higher
selling, general and administrative expenses, principally a $6.0 million
increase in research and development, partially offset by the gross margin
improvement.
Wall Machines and Amusement Games
For the year ended June 30, 1998, Wall Machines and Amusement Games reported
revenues of $98.6 million, a decrease of 25%, compared to revenues of $131.9
million in the prior year. The decrease in revenues resulted primarily from a
24% decrease in shipments of new wall machine units, a 18% decrease in average
selling price of new machines and a 13% decrease in amusement game revenues,
partially offset by a 29% increase in leased wall machine revenues. The prior
year period was favorably affected by a change in German regulations effective
January 1, 1997, requiring all wall machines to have internal meters to track
play. The currency translation impact of the fluctuation of the German mark
versus the U.S. dollar reduced revenues by $12.2 million during the current
year.
The Wall Machines and Amusement Games business unit continued to expand its
leasing program whereby new wall machines are leased to customers pursuant to
operating leases which provide a stream of revenues and cash flows over the term
of the leases which range from six months to three and one half years. As of
June 30, 1998, a total of 5,700 wall machines were deployed in the leasing
program compared to 4,800 at June 30, 1997, an increase of 21%.
For the year ended June 30, 1998, gross profit margin decreased to 45% from 48%
in the prior year. The gross margin decrease resulted primarily from the
unfavorable impact of lower production volume at the Wall Machines and Amusement
Games' production facility and an 18% decrease in average selling price for new
wall machines, partially offset by an increase in higher margin lease revenue.
Wall Machines and Amusement Games reported operating income of $13.1 million, a
decrease of 44%, compared to $23.3 million in the prior year period. The
decrease in operating income resulted primarily from the aforementioned decrease
in revenues and gross margins, partially offset by a decrease in selling,
general and administrative expenses, principally lower marketing costs, a lower
provision for doubtful receivables and lower depreciation expense.
Route Operations
For the year ended June 30, 1998, the Route Operations business unit reported
total revenues of approximately $148.5 million, an increase of 17%, compared to
revenues of $127.0 million in the prior year. Revenues from the Nevada route
operations increased to approximately $127.4 million or 18% over the prior year.
This improvement was attributable to an increase in the average net win per
gaming machine per day of 3% to $53.70 from $52.40 in the prior year and an
increase in the weighted average number of gaming machines during the current
year of 14% to 6,460 units as compared to 5,660 units in the prior year.
Gamblers' Bonus, a cardless slot players club and player tracking system,
continued to have a favorable impact on the net win per day. As of June 30,
1998, the Gamblers' Bonus product was installed in over 2,000 gaming machines at
approximately 180 locations statewide or 30% of its installed base of gaming
machines. Revenues from route operations in Louisiana improved to $21.1 million,
an increase of 12% compared to the prior year. This increase was the result
primarily of an improvement in the net win per gaming machine per day of 4% to
$77.40 from $74.10 in the prior year and a 7% increase in the average number of
machines to 750 from 700 in the prior year.
For the year ended June 30, 1998, cost of revenues for Route Operations totaled
$114.6 million, an increase of 20% compared to costs of $95.7 million in the
prior year. As a percentage of revenues, costs of revenues increased to 77% from
75% in the prior year. Cost of revenues for the Nevada route operations
increased, as a percent of related revenues, to 79% from 77% in the prior year.
The increase was due primarily to lower margins on new and renewed locations
(due to competitive pressures) and higher payroll benefit costs coupled with an
increase in direct labor costs associated with the recent contracts taken over
from other route operators. Costs of revenues for route operations in Louisiana,
as a percent of related revenues, remained relatively flat at 64% between
periods as the increase in costs were in line with the increase in revenues.
Cost of route revenues for Route Operations includes rents under both space
lease and revenue sharing arrangements, gaming taxes and direct labor including
payroll taxes and benefits.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998, the Route Operations business unit
reported operating income of $16.4 million, an increase of 26% compared to
operating income of $13.1 million in the prior year. The operating income
improvement resulted from the aforementioned increase in revenues, an
improvement in selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of
revenues, and a lower provision for doubtful receivables for the Nevada route
operations, partially offset by the aforementioned increase in operating costs
as a percentage of revenues and an increase in depreciation as the result of the
increased number of gaming machines deployed.
Casino Operations
For the year ended June 30, 1998, the Casino Operations business unit reported
revenues of $60.7 million, an increase of 18%, compared to revenues of $51.5
million in the prior year. This improvement is due to a 19% increase in revenues
at the Rainbow Casino and a 14% increase in revenues at the Rail City Casino.
The improvement at the Rainbow Casino was attributable to an increase in the
average gaming machine net win per day of 14% to $150 from $131 in the prior
year. The improvement at the Rail City Casino was attributable to the enhanced
marketing programs including the new Rail City Casino Players Club which led to
an increase in the average gaming machine net win per day of 23% to $60 from $49
in the prior year.
For the year ended June 30, 1998, the cost of revenues for Casino Operations
increased 16% to $25.9 million compared to $22.3 million in the prior year. As a
percentage of revenues, the costs of revenues remained relatively flat at 43%
for both periods. As a percent of related revenues, cost of revenues for the
Rainbow Casino remained relatively flat at 37% between periods as the increase
in costs were in line with the increase in revenues. Cost of revenues for the
Rail City Casino, as a percent of related revenues, improved to 62% from 64% in
the prior year due primarily to the achievement of higher revenues without a
corresponding increase in direct gaming costs. Cost of casino revenues includes
cost of goods sold, gaming taxes, rent and direct labor including payroll taxes
and benefits.
For the year ended June 30, 1998, the Casino Operations business unit reported
operating income of $18.7 million, an increase of 22%, compared to operating
income of $15.4 million in the prior year. The operating income improvement is
due primarily to the aforementioned increase in revenues while both operating
costs and selling, general and administrative costs, as percentages of revenues,
remained flat between periods.
Unusual Items
During the year ended June 30, 1998, the Company recorded the following unusual
items:
The Company settled a dispute with Alpha Hospitality and General Electric
Credit Corporation concerning certain customer notes receivable on which
the Company had certain recourse obligations. The Company contributed $2.5
million to the final settlement with the holder of the notes, and reversed
$6.0 million of reserves previously established for these recourse
obligations. In addition, as part of the settlement the Company became the
sole owner of approximately 566,000 shares of Alpha Hospitality common
stock, which trades on the NASDAQ Small Cap market. Pursuant to the
limitations provided for in the settlement agreement, the Company has sold
235,000 shares of Alpha Hospitality through June 30, 1998.
As a result of settling a dispute over the exclusive use of certain
technologies and changes in gaming regulations, the Company evaluated the
cash flow of certain of its technology assets, in accordance with the
provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets
to be Disposed of," and determined certain items met the definition of
having become impaired. During the year ended June 30, 1998 the Company
recorded write-downs totaling $2.8 million for these items.
The Company accrued $0.7 million for the present value of contractual payments
due to a former member of the board of directors who was not re-elected to
the board at the December 1997 annual shareholders meeting.
The Company accrued $0.6 million as restructuring charges for Bally Gaming and
Systems.
The Company recorded a $1.6 million charge for final settlement of litigation
related to the acquisition of BGII.
During the year ended June 30, 1997, the Company incurred $0.7 million in
unusual items related primarily to separation costs of Alliance personnel
subsequent to the BGII acquisition.
Consolidated
Total revenues for the year ended June 30, 1998 were approximately $417.4
million, a decrease of 6% compared to revenues of $445.1 million in the prior
year. The decrease is primarily due to the decreases in revenues at the Bally
Gaming and Systems and Wall Machines and Amusement Games business units,
partially offset by the increases in revenues at the Route Operations and Casino
Operations business units.
Cost of revenues for the year ended June 30, 1998 was approximately $256.5
million, a decrease of 5% compared to costs of $270.9 million in the prior year.
This decrease is due to the decreases in costs at the Bally Gaming and Systems
and Wall Machines and Amusement Games business units, partially offset by
increases in costs at the Route Operations and Casino Operations business units.
Cost of revenues as a percentage of total revenues increased slightly to 62%
from 61% in the prior year period.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended June 30, 1998
were approximately $86.3 million, a decrease of 13% compared to costs of $99.5
million in the prior year. This decrease is due to the decreases in expenses at
the Bally Gaming and Systems, Wall Machines and Amusement Games and Route
Operations business units, a decrease in corporate administrative costs,
principally lower payroll and related expenses, and a lower provision for
doubtful receivables, partially offset by an increase in expenses at the Casino
Operations business unit.
Research and development costs for the year ended June 30, 1998 were
approximately $15.8 million, an increase of 59% compared to costs of $10.0
million in the prior year. This increase is due to an increase in costs at the
Bally Gaming and Systems business unit to develop and support a greater number
of products, partially offset by a decrease in costs at the Wall Machines and
Amusement Games business unit.
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended June 30, 1998 was $22.8
million, an increase of 1% compared to depreciation and amortization of $22.6
million in the prior fiscal year. This increase is due primarily to an increase
in amortization of deferred financing costs and an increase in depreciation
related to the growth in the number of gaming machines deployed for the Route
Operations, partially offset by a decrease at the Wall Machines and Amusement
Games business unit.
As a result of the refinancing transaction, the Company recorded an
extraordinary loss of $42.0 million, which included $27.7 million for the
premium on the 12 7/8% Senior Notes, $5.0 million in transaction fees and
expenses, and $9.3 million for the write-off of deferred financing costs. The
Company also recorded a $19.0 million charge for the cost of the Rainbow Royalty
Buyout. Additionally, the Company recorded a $16.6 million charge to equity and
a corresponding increase in the net loss applicable to common shares for the
difference between the carrying value and the liquidation value of the Series B
Special Stock, all of which was redeemed on September 8, 1997 at the liquidation
price of $100 per share, plus accrued dividends.
Interest Income and Expense and Income Taxes
Net interest expense in the year ended June 30, 1998, increased to $27.8
million, an increase of 26% compared to the net interest expense of $22.0
million in the prior year. The increase is primarily due to a higher level of
debt resulting from the Company's new 10% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 and
the Term Loan Facilities and revolving credit facility which replaced the
Company's 12 7/8% Senior Secured Notes and the 15% Series B Special Stock as
part of the refinancing of the Company's capital structure completed in
September 1997, resulting in substantially lower overall fixed charges.
The Company recorded an income tax provision of $3.2 million in the year ended
June 30, 1998, compared to a provision of $8.0 million in the prior year. The
current year provision is due primarily to income taxes for the Wall Machines
and Amusement Games business unit and domestic state income taxes. At June 30,
1998, the Company has net operating loss carry forwards for federal income tax
purposes of approximately $44.2 million which are available to offset future
federal taxable income, if any, expiring in the years 2007 through 2013. At June
30, 1998 the Company has foreign tax credit carry forwards of approximately
$12.8 million and alternative minimum tax credit (AMT) carry forwards of
approximately $1.7 million. Foreign tax credits are available to offset future
taxes due in the U.S. on future foreign taxable income and expire between 1999
and 2003 unless utilized prior to such time. AMT credits are available to be
carried forward indefinitely and may be utilized against regular U.S. corporate
tax to the extent it does not exceed computed AMT calculations. In addition,
approximately $21.3 million of the net operating loss carryforwards are limited
to annual utilization of $4.7 million per year subject to certain carryover
provisions pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Risk Factors
Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the "Safe Harbor" Provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
The information contained in this Form 10-K and the Company's other filings with
the Securities Exchange Commission may contain "forward-looking" statements
within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is subject to the
safe harbor created thereby. Such information involves important risks and
uncertainties that could significantly affect results in the future and,
accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward looking
statements herein. Future operating results may be adversely affected as a
result of a number of factors. Set forth below are certain important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such "looking
forward" statements.
High Leverage; Ability to Service Debt, Liquidity
After the completion of the Refinancing, the Company has a substantially
increased amount of indebtedness. As of June 30, 1999 the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of the Company's long-term indebtedness including current
maturities was $318.7 million. The Company also has available to it up to $43.1
million in unborrowed capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company
had a net capital deficiency at June 30, 1999 of $30.4 million.
The Company's credit facility and indenture contain a number of significant
covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company and
certain of its subsidiaries to dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness
and issue preferred stock, pay dividends or make other distributions, enter into
certain acquisitions, repurchase equity interests (as defined) or subordinated
indebtedness, issue or sell equity interests of the Company's subsidiaries (as
defined), engage in mergers or consolidations, or engage in certain transactions
with subsidiaries and affiliates and otherwise restrict corporate activities.
There can be no assurance that such restrictions will not adversely affect the
Company's ability to finance its future operations or capital needs or engage in
other business activities that may be in the interest of the Company. In
addition, the bank credit facility also requires the Company to maintain
compliance with certain financial ratios. The ability of the Company to comply
with such ratios may be affected by events beyond the Company's control. A
breach of any of these covenants or the inability of the Company to comply with
the required financial ratios could result in a default under the bank credit
facility. In the event of any such default, the lenders under the new credit
facility could elect to declare all borrowings outstanding under the bank credit
facility, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be due and payable,
to require the Company to apply all of its available cash to repay such
borrowings or to prevent the Company from making debt service payments on the
Senior Subordinated Notes, any of which would be an event of default under the
Senior Subordinated Notes. If the Company were unable to repay any such
borrowings when due, the lenders could proceed against their collateral. If the
indebtedness under the bank credit facility or the Notes were to be accelerated,
there can be no assurance that the assets of the Company would be sufficient to
repay such indebtedness in full.
Due to the low amount of consolidated EBITDA (as defined) earned by the Company
in the December 1998 quarter, the Company did not meet the financial covenants
in the bank credit facility. The Company and the banks amended the current and
future financial maintenance covenants in the bank credit facility effective
December 31, 1998. The Company is in compliance with such amended covenants, but
no assurance can be given that the Company will continue to meet the amended
covenants in the future.
The Company's obligations to make principal and interest payments on outstanding
indebtedness, and to comply with the covenants in the Indenture and the
agreements governing borrowings under the bank credit facility, will have
several important effects on its future operations including the following: (i)
the portion of the Company's cash flow from operations which will be dedicated
to the payment of principal and interest on its indebtedness will not be
available for other purposes; (ii) certain of the Company's borrowings are at
variable rates of interest, which could result in higher expense in the event of
increases in interest rates; (iii) the Company may be more vulnerable to
downturns in its business or in the general economy and may be restricted from
making acquisitions, introducing new technologies or exploiting business
opportunities; and (iv) the Company's ability to obtain additional financing in
the future for working capital, capital expenditures, general corporate or other
purposes may be impaired. Additionally, the Company's ability to meet its debt
service obligations and to reduce its total debt will be dependent upon the
Company's future performance, which will be subject to general economic and
regulatory conditions and to financial, business and other factors affecting the
operations of the Company, many of which are beyond its control.
No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to generate the cash
flow necessary to permit the Company to meet its fixed charges and repayment
obligations. Any inability of the Company to service its fixed charges and
repayment obligations would have a significant adverse effect on the Company.
Operating History--Recent Losses
The Company incurred net losses of $57.3 million (including $61.0 million of
costs related to the Refinancing) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998 and
$8.8 million for the year ended June 30, 1999. There can be no assurance that
the Company will be profitable, and that it will not incur unusual or
non-recurring charges, in the future.
Competition
Bally Gaming and Systems. The market for gaming machines is extremely
competitive, and there are a number of established, well-financed and well-known
companies producing machines that compete with each of Bally Gaming and Systems
product lines in each of Bally Gaming and Systems markets. The domestic market
for gaming machines is dominated by a single competitor, International Game
Technology ("IGT"), with a number of smaller competitors in the field. In
addition, certain technology-oriented companies have recently entered or may
enter the gaming machine market. Management believes that some of these
competitors have greater capital resources than the Company. Competition among
gaming machine manufacturers, particularly with respect to sales of gaming
machines into new and emerging markets, is based on competitive customer pricing
and financing terms, appeal to the player and quality of the product, and having
an extensive distribution and sales network. Sales to established casinos in
Nevada normally require completion of a successful trial period for the machines
in the casino.
The competition for the computerized monitoring systems currently consists of
IGT, Casino Data Systems and, to a lesser extent, Acres Gaming, Inc., Gaming
Systems International, Inc., Mikohn Gaming Corporation and Logical Solutions
International. Competition is keen in this market due to the number of providers
and the limited number of casinos and the jurisdictions in which they operate.
Pricing, product feature and function, accuracy, and reliability are all main
factors in determining a provider's success in selling its system. Bally Gaming
and Systems believes the future success of its operations will be determined by
its ability to bring new and innovative products to the marketplace while at the
same time maintaining the base of loyal existing customers.
Wall Machines and Amusements Games. Germany's wall machine manufacturing
industry is dominated by Bally Wulff and two of its competitors. Management
believes these three entities collectively account for more than 90% of the
entire market for wall machines (which exists almost exclusively in Germany).
Bally Wulff's two major competitors have greater resources than the Company and
own and operate a significant number of arcades, which gives them a competitive
advantage arising from a built-in market for their games and the ability to test
market new games in their own arcades. In addition, wall machines compete for
floor space in arcades with non-payout entertainment machines, which have
gathered an increasing amount of the space in arcades. These machines are not
subject to the strict German licensing requirements governing wall machines.
Bally Wulff has not fully participated in the non-payout entertainment machine
market.
The wall machine industry is subject to a number of regulations which are
currently being reviewed by the German legislature. The outcome of this review
and whether it will be favorable or unfavorable to Bally Wulff cannot be
predicted at this time. The potential for changes in these regulations is
currently having a negative demand on the market.
Route Operations. The competition for obtaining and renewing route contracts in
Nevada is high and continues to intensify. Such competition has, over time,
reduced the Company's gross profit margins for such operations. In addition,
such competition has required the Company to provide financial incentives to
retain or obtain certain route locations. Such incentives include long-term
lease commitments, guarantees of leases in favor of owners of local
establishments, substantial promotional allowances and advance deposits,
payments of lease rentals in advance and loans for buildings and
tenant-improvement costs. Notwithstanding the Company's business strategy of
emphasizing profitability rather than market share, the future success of the
Company's Route Operations will continue to be dependent to some extent on its
ability and willingness to provide such financial inducements. Although the
Company has historically generated sufficient new route contracts to offset the
loss of old route contracts, due to increased competition, the increased
sophistication and bargaining power of customers and possibly other factors not
yet known, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain new
route contracts or renew or extend its route contracts upon their expiration or
termination, or that, if renewed or extended, the terms will be as favorable to
the Company. In Louisiana, the Company's Route Operations at the racetrack and
OTBs compete with various truck stops and locations with liquor licenses
throughout the New Orleans area, as well as riverboat gaming and one land-based
casino which is scheduled to re-open in New Orleans in October 1999.
Casino Operations. The operation of casinos is also a highly competitive
business. The principal competitive factors in the industry include the quality
and location of the facility, the nature and quality of the amenities and
customer services offered and the implementation and success of marketing
programs. In Sparks, Nevada, the principal competition for the Company's
operations comes from larger casinos focusing on the local market. The Company's
Rainbow Casino in Vicksburg, Mississippi faces intense direct competition from
other gaming facilities serving this market. Competition from casinos in nearby
locations may also be reducing the market from which Vicksburg casinos draw most
of their patrons. Moreover, additional potential gaming sites remain in and
around Vicksburg and Sparks; some of these sites may be closer to larger
population centers and, if developed, might enjoy a competitive advantage over
the Company's casinos. Lady Luck Gaming Corporation owns a site in Vicksburg and
may develop a project that would include a dockside casino, hotel and related
amenities. Previously, Horseshoe Gaming, LLC had announced a casino hotel and
auto racing complex on the Big Black River which is between Vicksburg and
Jackson, Mississippi. The legality of that site for gaming is currently in
litigation. At this time management does not know which, if any, of these sites
will be developed. Both of these projects will be contingent on several factors
including regulatory approval and financing.
Product Development
The future success of the Company depends to a large extent upon its ability to
design, manufacture and market technologically sophisticated and entertaining
products that achieve high levels of player acceptance. The development of a
successful new product or product design by a competitor could adversely affect
sales of the Company's products and force it to attempt to respond quickly with
its own competing products. Response speed is lower in jurisdictions requiring
product approvals prior to commercialization. The Company's plans with respect
to the introduction of more sophisticated technology into the electronic gaming
machine market are designed to lead to an increase in market share and
profitability for the Company. However, there is no assurance that any such
products will be developed, or that if developed they will receive necessary
regulatory approvals or be commercially successful. Although the Company is
developing a number of new products, there can be no guarantee of commercial
acceptance of any of its products.
The gaming industry is employing new technology in many new areas, and the
Company and its competitors continue to file for patents protecting such
technologies. Although the Company is not aware of any patent violations, there
can be no assurances that patents currently pending may be determined to have
infringed upon an existing patent held by a third party.
Bally Gaming and Systems has recently deployed new products that are placed in
casinos and earn recurring revenues and cash flows. The amount of revenues
earned is dependent upon the earning power of the game. The games will likely
have a shorter life than more traditional games and the Company will have to
continue to design and deploy successful games to maintain this stream of
revenues. There can be no assurance that the games recently deployed will be
successful or that the Company will be able to design and deploy new recurring
revenue games.
Sales to Non-Traditional Gaming Markets
The continued growth of the non-traditional markets outside of Nevada and
Atlantic City for electronic gaming machines is contingent upon the public's
acceptance of these markets and an ongoing regulatory approval process by
Federal, state and local governmental authorities. The Company cannot predict
which new jurisdictions or markets, if any, will approve the operation of
electronic gaming machines, the timing of any such approval or the level of the
Company's participation in any such markets or that jurisdictions currently
permitting gaming will continue to do so in the future.
Management believes that customer financing terms and leasing have become an
increasingly important competitive factor for the Bally Gaming and Systems and
Wall Machine and Amusement Games business units, respectively. Competitive
conditions sometimes require Bally Gaming and Systems to grant extended payment
terms on gaming machines, systems and other gaming equipment, especially for
sales in emerging markets. While these financings are normally collateralized by
such equipment, the resale value of the collateral in the event of default may
be less than the amount financed. Accordingly, the Company has greater exposure
to the financial condition of its customers in emerging markets than had
historically been the case in established markets like Nevada and Atlantic City.
Bally Wulff provides customer financing for approximately 20% of its sales and
also provides lease financing to its customers. Lease terms are generally for
six months, but are also available for terms up to 43 months.
Foreign Operations
The Company's business in foreign markets is subject to the risks customarily
associated with such activities. These risks include fluctuations in foreign
currency exchange rates and controls, expropriation, nationalization and other
economic, tax and regulatory policies of local governments as well as the laws
and policies of the United States affecting foreign trade and investment. Bally
Gaming and Systems has $24.7 million of receivables from countries outside of
the United States most of which are denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company
does not generally enter into foreign exchange contracts to hedge its exposure
to foreign exchange rate fluctuations.
Dependence on Key Personnel
The success of the Company will be dependent, to a significant extent, upon the
continued services of a relatively small group of executive personnel. The loss
or unavailability of one or more of such executive officers or the inability to
attract or retain key employees in the future could have an adverse effect upon
the Company's operations.
Strict Regulation by Gaming Authorities
The manufacture and distribution of gaming machines and the conduct of gaming
operations is subject to extensive Federal, state, local and foreign regulation
by various gaming authorities (each, a "Gaming Authority"). Although the laws
and regulations of the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates vary
in their technical requirements and are subject to amendment from time to time,
virtually all these jurisdictions require licenses, permits, documentation of
the qualification, including evidence of integrity and financial stability, and
other forms of approval for companies engaged in gaming operations and the
manufacture and distribution of gaming machines as well as for the officers,
directors, major stockholders and key personnel of such companies. The Company
and its key personnel have obtained, or applied for, all government licenses,
registrations, findings of suitability, permits and approvals necessary for the
manufacture and distribution, and operation where permitted, of its gaming
machines in the jurisdictions in which it currently does business. However,
there can be no assurance that such licenses, registrations, findings of
suitability, permits or approvals will be given or renewed in the future or that
the Company will obtain the licenses necessary to operate in emerging markets.
During the past twelve months, the regulations governing the conduct of gaming
for route locations in Nevada have been modified. While the Company believes
such regulations will not significantly impact its operations or financial
results, no assurance can be given that future changes in regulations will not
be enacted that would negatively impact operations or financial results.
The Company's business is dependent on regulatory requirements. For example,
recurring demand exists for Bally Wulff's products because German regulations
limit the permissible use of wall machines to a period of four years. A change
in applicable regulations could adversely affect the market for the Company's
products and services.
The Company currently has an agreement with Fair Grounds Corporation, Jefferson
Downs Corporation and Finish Line Management Corporation to be the exclusive
operator of video poker machines at the only racetrack and ten associated OTBs
in the greater New Orleans area. On November 5, 1996 voters in Louisiana
approved a proposition to eliminate video poker in one of the seven parishes in
which the Company operates gaming machines in OTBs in the greater New Orleans
area. These operations also depend on the financial viability of the racetrack
and the OTBs, which is beyond the control of the Company. See "Business--Gaming
Regulations and Licensing".
Additionally, there can be no assurance that any regulatory agency will not
enact new rules or change regulations that would negatively impact the Company's
ability to operate or its financial results.
Gaming Taxes and Value Added Taxes
Gaming operators are typically subject to significant taxes and fees in addition
to corporate and state income taxes, and such taxes and fees are subject to
increase at any time. Any material increase in these taxes or fees, which could
occur prospectively or retroactively, would adversely affect the Company. Sales
of Bally Wulff's products in Germany are generally subject to value added taxes
("V.A.T."). During fiscal 1999, Bally Wulff increased the amount of tax reserves
by $0.6 million (to a total reserve of $2.0 million) as a result of developments
in ongoing quadrennial audits of Wulff's tax returns for the years 1988 through
1996. The German tax authorities have proposed preliminary adjustments of $2.0
million, which has been accrued. The German tax authorities have not yet issued
the final assessment from their quadrennial audits. The government in the German
State of North Rhine Westphalia modified its regulations to permit local
municipalities to independently impose additional taxes on gaming machine
operators beginning January 1, 1999. In the past, the imposition of tax rate
increases has adversely affected Bally Wulff's sales. There can be no assurance
that municipalities will not impose new taxes or raise existing taxes in the
future.
The Company pays and expects to continue to pay substantial taxes and fees in
Nevada, Louisiana and Mississippi and expects to pay substantial taxes and fees
in any other jurisdiction in which it conducts gaming operations. There can be
no assurance as to future increases in taxation on gaming operations.
Change of Control
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined), each holder of the
Senior Subordinated Notes may require the Company to repurchase the Senior
Subordinated Notes held by such holder at 101% of the principal amount thereof,
plus accrued interest to the date of repurchase. The bank credit facility
prohibits the Company from purchasing any Senior Subordinated Notes, and
provides that the occurrence of certain change of control events with respect to
the Company would constitute a default thereunder. In the event of a change of
control, the Company must offer to repay all borrowings under the bank credit
facility or obtain the consent of its lenders under the credit agreement to the
purchase of Senior Subordinated Notes. If the Company does not obtain such a
consent or repay such borrowings, the Company will remain prohibited from
purchasing Senior Subordinated Notes. In such case, the Company's failure to
repurchase tendered Senior Subordinated Notes would constitute a default under
the indenture, which, in turn, would constitute a default under the new credit
facility. There can be no assurance that the Company will have the financial
ability to purchase the Senior Subordinated Notes upon the occurrence of a
change of control. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
comply with all of its obligations under the new credit facility, the indenture,
and its other indebtedness upon the occurrence of a change of control.
Currency Rate Fluctuations
The company derives revenues from its non-U.S. subsidiaries, all of which
revenues are denominated in their local currencies, and their results are
affected by changes in the relative values of non-U.S. currencies and the U.S.
dollar. Most of the currencies in countries in which the Company has foreign
operations weakened versus the U.S. dollar in 1998 and 1999, which resulted in
assets and liabilities denominated in local currencies being translated into
fewer dollars. The average currency rate changes for the year ended June 30,
1998 resulted in an unfavorable impact on consolidated revenues of approximately
$12.2 million or 3% and on operating income of $1.6 million or 4%. However, the
average currency rate changes for the year ended June 30, 1999 resulted in a
favorable impact on consolidated revenues of approximately $2.1 million and on
operating income of $0.1 million. The Company does not currently utilize hedging
instruments.
Market risks
During the normal course of business the Company is routinely subjected to a
variety of market risks, examples of which include, but are not limited to,
interest and currency rate movements, collectibility of accounts and notes
receivable, and recoverability of residual values on leased assets. The Company
constantly assesses these risks and has established policies and practices
designed to protect against the adverse effects of these and other potential
exposures. Although the Company does not anticipate any material losses in these
risk areas, no assurances can be made that material losses will not be incurred
in these areas in the future.
The Company has performed a sensitivity analysis of its financial instruments
which consist of the Company's cash and cash equivalents and debt. The Company
has no derivative financial instruments. In performing the sensitivity analysis,
the Company defines risk of loss as the hypothetical impact on earnings,
resulting from changes in the market interest rates or currency exchange rates.
The results of the sensitivity analysis at June 30, 1999, are as follows:
Interest Rate Risk:
The Company had total debt as of June 30, 1999 of $318.7 million, of which
$137.7 million of borrowings under the Term Loan Facilities and $12.9 million of
borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility are at a floating rate based on
LIBOR and $19.3 million of German borrowings on revolving credit facilities are
at a floating rate based on the Eurodeutschmark borrowing rate. If the LIBOR and
Eurodeutschmark rates were each to increase or decrease by 100 basis points,
with all other factors remaining constant, earnings would decrease or increase
by approximately $1.7 million on a pre-tax basis, all other factors remaining
constant.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk:
The Company has subsidiaries with the following functional currencies: German
Deutschemark, Australian Dollar and South African Rand, although the only
subsidiaries currently with material amounts of assets, liabilities and revenues
are in Germany. If the German deutschemark declined 10% against the U.S. dollar,
there would be a corresponding decrease in earnings reported in the consolidated
group, when compared to the equivalent level of German deutschemark earnings, of
approximately $0.2 million. Such a change in the German deutschemark would
result in an immaterial transaction loss, but would result in a charge to
accumulated other comprhensive loss, which is a component of stockholder's
equity, of approximately $6.0 million, all other factors remaining constant.
Estimates
The Company's financial statements are prepared using estimates and assumptions
that effect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. Actual results may
differ from these estimates either favorably or unfavorably, which may impact
future results.
ITEM 7A. QUANITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Refer to Item 7 of this Report- "Risk Factors- Currency Rate Fluctuations and
Market Risks."
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, including the notes thereto,
and supplementary financial information are listed in Part IV, Item 14, of this
Report and included after the signature page beginning at page F-1.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the
Proxy Statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year covered by this report.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the
Proxy Statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year covered by this report.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the
Proxy Statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year covered by this report.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the
Proxy Statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year covered by this report.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Documents filed as part of this report: Page
1. Financial Statements:
Independent Auditors' Report F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1998 and 1999 F-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficiency)
for the Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-6
2. Consolidated Supplemental Schedules:
Not applicable.
3. Exhibits:
Exhibit
Number Description
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger among Alliance, BGII Acquisition Corp.
and BGII, dated as of October 18, 1995, as amended and restated
(incorporated herein by reference to Annex I to the prospectus
included in Alliance's Form S-4, Registration Number 333-02799 ).
2.2 Basic Agreement, dated as of October 29, 1993, among United Gaming,
Inc., The Rainbow Casino Corporation, John A. Barrett, Jr. and Leigh
Seippel, and exhibits thereto (incorporated herein by reference to
Alliance's Form 8-K dated October 29, 1993).
2.3 Consolidation Agreement, dated March 29, 1995 among United Gaming
Rainbow, Inc., RCC, RCVP, NGM, HFS, National Gaming Corporation,
Rainbow Development Corporation and Leigh Seippel and John A.
Barrett, Jr. (incorporated herein by reference to Alliance's Form 8-K
dated March 29, 1995).
3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Alliance's Form
S-2, Registration Number 33-72990).
3.2 Revised and Amended By-Laws of the Registrant (incorporated herein by
reference to Alliance's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31,
1997.)
3.3 Certificate of Designations, Preferences, and Relative,
Participating, Optional and Other Special Rights of Special Stock and
Qualifications, Limitations and Restrictions of 11 1/2% Non-Voting,
Pay-in-Kind Special Stock, Series E (incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 9(c)(5) to Amendment No. 1 to Alliance's Schedule S-4
dated May 9, 1996).
Exhibit
Number Description
4.1 Form of Indenture among the Company, certain Guarantors referred to
therein and United States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, in
respect of Alliance's 10% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007
(including form of Senior Subordinated Note and Guarantee)
(incorporated by reference to Alliance's Form S-4 dated December 1,
1997).
4.2 Credit Agreement among Alliance Gaming Corporation, Bally Wulff
Vertriebs GmbH, Bally Wulff Automaten GmbH and various lenders, and
Credit Suisse First Boston, dated August 8, 1997 (incorporated herein
by reference to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K dated June
30 1997).
4.3 First Amendment and Consent among Alliance Gaming Corporation, Bally
Wulff Vertriebs GmbH, Bally Wulff Automaten GmbH and various lenders,
and Credit Suisse First Boston, dated August 31, 1998 (incorporated
herein by reference to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K dated
June 30, 1998).
4.4 Second Amendment and Consent among Alliance Gaming Corporation, Bally
Wulff Vertriebs GmbH, Bally Wulff Automaten GmbH and various lenders,
and Credit Suisse First Boston, dated January 27, 1999 (incorporated
herein by reference to the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q
dated December 30, 1998).
4.10 Rights Agreement dated as of March 9, 1998 between the Company and
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (incorporated herein by
reference to Form 8-A dated March 10, 1998).
4.11 First Amendment to the Rights Agreement dated as of September 15,
1998 between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
(incorporated herein by reference to the Company's annual report on
Form 10-K dated June 30, 1998).
4.12 Form of Certificate of Designations with respect to Series F Special
Stock (attached as Exhibit A to the Rights Agreement) (incorporated
herein by reference to Form 8-A dated March 10, 1998).
4.13 Form of Right Certificate (attached as Exhibit B to the Rights
Agreement) (incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-A dated March
10, 1998).
4.14 Summary of Rights to Purchase Series F Special Shares (attached as
Exhibit C to the Rights Agreement) (incorporated herein by reference
to Form 8-A dated March 10, 1998).
10.4 Alliance Gaming Corporation 1996 Long Term Incentive Plan
(incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Form S-8 filed
August 12, 1997).*
10.5 Letter of Agreement dated June 25, 1993 among United Gaming, Inc. and
Kirkland-Ft. Worth Investment Partners, L.P., Kirkland Investment
Corporation and as to certain provisions, Alfred H. Wilms, including
Exhibit A (Form of Securities Purchase Agreement), Exhibit B (Form of
Stockholders Agreement), Exhibit C (Form of Certificate of
Designations of Non-Voting Junior Convertible Preferred Stock),
Exhibit D (Form of Warrant Agreement), and Exhibit E (Form of press
release) thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Alliance's Form
8-K dated June 25, 1993).
10.6 Advisory Agreement, dated June 25, 1993 among United Gaming, Inc.,
Gaming Systems Advisors, L.P. and, as to certain provisions, Mr.
Alfred H. Wilms, including Exhibit A (Form of Warrant Agreement) and
Exhibit B (Form of press release) thereto (incorporated herein by
reference to Alliance's Form 8-K dated June 25, 1993).
Exhibit
Number Description
10.7 United Gaming, Inc. 1991 Long-Term Incentive Stock Option Plan
(incorporated herein by reference to Alliance's Form S-8 Registration
Number 33-45811 and Registration Number 33-75308).*
10.8 Gaming and Technology, Inc. 1984 Employee Stock Option Plan
(incorporated herein by reference to Alliance's Form S-8 Registration
Number 2-98777).*
10.9 Agreement, dated as of September 14, 1993, by and among United
Gaming, Inc., Kirkland-Ft. Worth Investments Partners, L.P., Kirkland
Investment Corporation, Gaming Systems Advisors, L.P. and Alfred H.
Wilms (incorporated herein by reference to Alliance's Form 8-K dated
September 21, 1993).
10.10 Warrant Agreement, dated as of September 21, 1993, by and between
United Gaming, Inc. and Kirkland-Ft. Worth Investment Partners, L.P.
relating to warrants to purchase 2.75 million shares of Common Stock
(incorporated herein by reference to Alliance's Form 8-K dated
September 21, 1993).
10.11 Warrant Agreement, dated as of September 21, 1993, by and between
United Gaming, Inc. and Gaming Systems Advisors, L.P. relating to
warrants to purchase 1.25 million shares of Common Stock
(incorporated herein by reference to Alliance's Form 8-K dated
September 21, 1993).
10.12 Stockholders Agreement, dated as of September 21, 1993, by and among
United Gaming, Inc., Kirkland-Ft. Worth Investment Partners, L.P.,
and Alfred H. Wilms (incorporated herein by reference to Alliance's
Form 8-K dated September 21, 1993).
10.13 Amendment to Stockholders Agreement dated as of October 20, 1994
(incorporated herein by reference to Alliance's Form S-8 Registration
Number 33-45811 and Registration Number 33-75308).
10.14 Selling Stockholder Letter Agreement dated as of March 20, 1995
(incorporated herein by reference to Alliance's Form S-3 Registration
Number 33-58233).
10.15 Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 21, 1993, by and
among United Gaming, Inc., Kirkland-Ft. Worth Investment Partners,
L.P. and Kirkland Investment Corporation (incorporated herein by
reference to Alliance's Form 8-K dated September 21, 1993).
10.19 Management Agreement, dated as of October 29, 1993, among Rainbow
Casino-Vicksburg Partnership, L.P., Rainbow Casino Corporation and
Mississippi Ventures, Inc., as manager (incorporated herein by
reference to Alliance's Form 8-K dated October 29, 1993).
10.28 Letter Agreement, dated as of June 29,1994, among United Gaming,
Inc., Rainbow Casino Corporation, John A. Barrett, Jr. and Leigh
Seippel, consented to by HFS Gaming Corporation (incorporated herein
by reference to Alliance's Form 8-K dated August 11, 1994).
10.29 Letter Agreement, dated as of July 16, 1994, among United Gaming,
Inc., Rainbow Casino Corporation, John A. Barrett, Jr. and Leigh
Seippel, consented to by HFS Gaming Corporation (incorporated herein
by reference to Alliance's Form 8-K dated August 11, 1994).
10.30 Second Amendment to Casino Financing Agreement, dated as of August
11, 1994, among United Gaming, Inc., United Gaming Rainbow, Inc.,
Rainbow Casino-Vicksburg Partnership, L.P., Rainbow Casino
Corporation, John A. Barrett, Jr., Leigh Seippel and HFS Gaming
Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Alliance's Form 8-K
dated August 11, 1994).
Exhibit
Number Description
10.31 Partnership Agreement of Rainbow Casino-Vicksburg Partnership, L.P.,
dated as of July 8, 1994 (incorporated herein by reference to
Alliance's Form 8-K dated August 11, 1994).
10.32 Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, dated
March 29,1995, between United Gaming Rainbow and Rainbow Casino
Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Alliance's Form 8-K
dated March 29, 1995).
10.43 Letter Agreement, dated March 29, 1995, among United Gaming Rainbow,
RCC, Leigh Seippel, John A. Barrett, Jr. and Butler, Snow, O'Mara,
Stevens & Cannada (incorporated herein by reference to Alliance's
Form 8-K dated March 29, 1995).
10.44 Class A Note Payable, dated March 29, 1995, issued by RCVP to United
Gaming Rainbow (incorporated herein by reference to Alliance's Form
8-K dated March 29, 1995).
10.45 Class B Note Payable, dated March 29, 1995, issued by RCVP to United
Gaming Rainbow (incorporated herein by reference to Alliance's Form
8-K dated March 29, 1995).
10.46 Class B Note Payable, dated March 29, 1995, issued by RCVP to
National Gaming Mississippi, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference
to Alliance's Form 8-K dated March 29, 1995).
10.50 Trademark License Agreement, dated November 11, 1991 between Bally
Manufacturing Corporation and Bally Gaming International, Inc.
(incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(i)(d) included in
BGII's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1991).
10.51 Amended and Restated Trademark License Agreement, dated July 8, 1992,
by and between Bally Gaming International, Inc. and Bally
Manufacturing Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to
exhibit 10(i)(d) included in BGII's Registration Statement on Form
S-1 No. 33-48347 filed on July 9, 1992).
10.53 Second Amendment to Trademark License Agreement and Settlement
Agreement, dated March 31, 1995, by and between Bally Entertainment
Corporation and Bally Gaming International, Inc. (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit I, included in BGII's Current Report on Form
8-K dated April 3, 1995).
10.54 Third Amendment to Trademark License Agreement and Settlement
Agreement, dated May 10, 1996, by and between Bally Entertainment
Corporation, Alliance Gaming Corporation and BGII Acquisition Corp.
(incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.77 to S-2 Registration
Statement No. 333-02147).
10.55 1991 Incentive Plan of Bally Gaming International, Inc. (incorporated
herein by reference to exhibit 10(iii)(a) included in BGII's
Registration Statement No.33-42227 on Form S-1, effective November 8,
1991).*
10.56 Amendment No. 1 to the 1991 Incentive Plan of Bally Gaming
International, Inc. effective February 6, 1993 (incorporated herein
by reference to exhibit 10(iii)(b) included in BGII's Registration
Statement No. 33-42227 on Form S-1 effective November 1, 1991).*
10.57 Amendment No. 2 to 1991 Incentive Plan of Bally Gaming International,
Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 99(e) included in
BGII's Registration Statement No. 33-71154 on Form S-3 filed on
November 1, 1993).*
Exhibit
Number Description
10.58 Amendment No 3 to 1991 Incentive Plan of Bally Gaming International,
Inc. (incorporated by reference to Annex III of S-4 registration
statement No. 333-01527).*
10.59 1991 Non-Employee Directors' Option Plan of Bally Gaming
International, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit
10(iii)(f) included in BGII's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1991).*
10.60 Amendment No. 1 to the 1991 Non-Employee Directors' Option Plan of
Bally Gaming International, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference
to exhibit 10(iii)(g)included in BGII's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1991).*
10.61 Amendment No. 2 to the 1991 Non-Employee Directors' Option Plan of
Bally Gaming International, Inc. (incorporated by reference to S-4
registration statement No. 333-01527).*
10.62 Amendment No. 3 to the 1991 Non-Employee Directors' Option Plan of
Bally Gaming International, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Annex
IV of S-4 registration statement No. 333-01527).*
10.64 Bally Gaming International, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan for
Non-employee Directors, as amended (incorporated herein by reference
to exhibit 10(iii)(k) included in BGII's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the period ended December 31, 1994).*
10.65 Employment Agreement between Hans Kloss and Alliance Gaming
Corporation dated July 1, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference).*
10.72 Employment Agreement Supplement, dated as of August 29, 1996, between
the Company and Joel Kirschbaum (incorporated by reference to the
Company quarterly report on Form 10-Q for March 31, 1997).*
10.73 Employment Agreement Supplement, dated as of August 29, 1996, between
the Company and Anthony DiCesare (incorporated by reference to the
Company quarterly report on Form 10-Q for March 31, 1997).*
10.75 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 17, 1997 between the Company
and Morris Goldstein. (incorporated herein by reference to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 30 1997).*
10.76 Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1997 between the Company and Joel
Kirschbaum (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K dated June 30 1997).*
10.77 Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1997 between the Company and
Anthony DiCesare (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 30 1997).*
10.78 Agreement, between the Company and Kirkland Investment Corporation
dated July 1, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 30 1997).
10.79 Amendment Number 1 to the agreement between the Company and Kirkland
Investment Corporation dated July 1, 1997 (incorporated herein by
reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 30
1997).
Exhibit
Number Description
10.80 Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1997 between the Company and
Robert L. Miodunski. (incorporated by reference to the Company
quarterly report on Form 10-Q for March 31, 1998).*
10.81 Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1997 between the Company and John
Hudson (incorporated herein by reference).*
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1 Consent of KPMG LLP
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
27.2 Restated Financial Data Schedule
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
There were no reports filed on Form 8-K for the three months ended June
30, 1999.
(c) See Item 14(a)(3) above.
(d) See Item 14(a)(2) above.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ALLIANCE GAMING CORPORATION DATED: September 27, 1999
By /s/ Morris Goldstein
--------------------
Morris Goldstein,
Director, President and Chief
Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name Title Date
/s/ Morris Goldstein Director, President and Chief September 27, 1999
- -------------------- ExecutiveOfficer (Principal
Morris Goldstein Executive Officer)
/s/ Scott D. Schweinfurth Sr. Vice President, Treasurer September 27, 1999
- ------------------------- and Chief Financial Officer
Scott D. Schweinfurth (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
/s/ Jacques Andre Director September 27, 1999
- -----------------
Jacques Andre
/s/ Anthony DiCesare Director September 27, 1999
- --------------------
Anthony DiCesare
/s/ Michael Hirschfeld Director September 27, 1999
- ----------------------
Michael Hirschfeld
/s/ Joel Kirschbaum Director September 27, 1999
- -------------------
Joel Kirschbaum
/s/ David Robbins Director and Chairman of the September 27, 1999
- ----------------- Board
David Robbins
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Alliance Gaming Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Alliance Gaming
Corporation and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 1998 and 1999 and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficiency) and
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 1999.
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Alliance Gaming
Corporation and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 1998 and 1999, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended June 30, 1999, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
KPMG LLP
Las Vegas, Nevada
August 11, 1999
ALLIANCE GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In 000's except share amounts)
ASSETS
June 30, June 30,
1998 1999
------ ------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $23,487 $16,930
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance
for doubtful accounts of $11,932 and $12,705 93,459 92,665
Inventories, net of reserves of $6,797 and $7,077 42,418 46,138
Other current assets 11,711 11,423
------- -------
Total current assets 171,075 167,156
------- -------
Long-term notes receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $1,109 and $991 7,931 5,782
Leased gaming equipment, net of accumulated
depreciation of $4,020 and $5,111 7,325 10,981
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated
depreciation and amortization of $46,090 and $51,68 77,905 74,159
Excess of costs over net assets of acquired
businesses, net of accumulated amortization of
$3,199 and $4,604 59,952 57,593
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization
of $13,358 and $18,351 26,732 26,854
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 11,467 8,982
Other assets, net of reserves of $3,488 and $3,468 4,450 4,800
------- -------
$366,837 $356,307
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $10,477 $17,372
Accrued liabilities 39,122 39,196
Current maturities of long term debt 1,996 1,927
------ ------
Total current liabilities 51,595 58,495
------- -------
Term loan facilities 137,800 134,096
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007, net 149,245 149,298
Other long term debt, less current maturities 36,912 33,385
Other liabilities 12,718 9,458
------- ------
Total liabilities 388,270 384,732
------- -------
Minority interest 2,315 1,983
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' deficiency:
Special Stock, 10,000,000 shares authorized:
Series E, $100 liquidation value; 137,317 shares
and 153,802 shares issued and outstanding 13,732 15,380
Common Stock, $.10 par value; 50,000,000 shares
authorized, 9,178,000 shares and 9,791,000 shares
issued 3,212 979
Treasury stock, at cost, 85,300 shares - (522)
Additional paid-in capital 122,980 129,991
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (13,946) (15,986)
Accumulated deficit (149,726) (160,250)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' deficiency (23,748) (30,408)
--------- --------
$366,837 $356,307
======== ========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ALLIANCE GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In 000's, except per share amounts)
Years Ended June 30,
1997 1998 1999
------ ------ ------
Revenues:
Gaming equipment and systems $134,734 $109,597 $127,810
Wall machines and amusement games 131,934 98,611 90,834
Route operations 127,028 148,507 175,854
Casino operations 51,450 60,657 63,682
------- ------- -------
445,146 417,372 458,180
------- ------- -------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of gaming equipment and systems 84,496 61,684 69,721
Cost of wall machines and amusement games 68,426 54,241 54,035
Cost of route operations 95,716 114,645 137,692
Cost of casino operations 22,269 25,930 27,011
Selling, general and administrative 99,520 86,318 104,104
Research and development costs 9,954 15,778 17,190
Depreciation and amortization 22,606 22,838 23,104
Unusual items 700 (325) -
------ -------- ---------
403,687 381,109 432,857
------- ------- -------
Operating income 41,459 36,263 25,323
Other income (expense):
Interest income 1,620 813 549
Interest expense (23,626) (28,600) (31,385)
Rainbow royalty (4,722) (587) -
Rainbow royalty buyout - (19,000) -
Minority interest (1,092) (2,002) (2,053)
Other, net 139 1,025 (431)
----- ------- -------
Income (loss) before income taxes 13,778 (12,088) (7,997)
Income tax provision (7,993) (3,185) (830)
-------- -------- -------
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item 5,785 (15,273) (8,827)
Extraordinary loss, without tax benefit - (42,033) -
-------- -------- ---------
Net income (loss) 5,785 (57,306) (8,827)
Special Stock dividends (11,264) (3,551) (1,697)
Premium on repurchase/redemption of Series
B Special Stock (710) (16,553) -
------ ------ ------
Net loss applicable to common shares $(6,189) $(77,410) $(10,524)
======== ========= =========
Basic and diluted loss per share:
Loss before extraordinary item $(0.68) $(3.87) $(1.09)
Extraordinary loss - (4.60) -
----- ----- -----
Net loss $(0.68) $(8.47) $(1.09)
====== ====== ======
Basic and diluted weighted average common
shares outstanding 9,092 9,142 9,665
===== ===== =====
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ALLIANCE GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
(In 000's)
Total
Accumulated Stock-
Additional Other holders'
Common Stock Series E Treasury Paid-in Comprehensive Accum. Equity
Shares Dollars Special Stock Stock Capital Income Deficit (Deficiency)
------ ------- ---------- ----- ------- ------ --------- ---------
Balances at June 30, 1996 31,763 $ 3,176 $ 11,316 -- 139,031 (287) $ (83,390) $ 69,846
Net income -- -- -- -- -- -- 5,785 5,785
Shares issued upon exercise of
options 92 9 -- -- 281 -- -- 290
Adjustments to acquisition
consideration (3) -- -- -- (12) -- -- (12)
Special Stock dividends -- -- 1,052 -- -- -- (11,264) (10,212)
Special Stock repurchase premium -- -- -- -- (710) -- -- (710)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment -- -- -- -- -- (11,432) -- (11,432)
------ ------ -------- ----- ------- ------ ------- -------
Balances at June 30, 1997 31,852 3,185 12,368 -- 138,590 (11,719) (88,869) 53,555
Net loss -- -- -- -- -- -- (57,306) (57,306)
Shares issued upon exercise of
options 250 25 -- -- 830 -- -- 855
Special Stock dividends -- -- 1,479 -- -- -- (3,551) (2,072)
Conversion of Series E Special
Stock to common stock 20 2 (115) -- 113 -- -- --
Special Stock redemption premium -- -- -- -- (16,553) -- -- (16,553)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment -- -- -- -- -- (2,227) -- (2,227)
------ ------ -------- ----- ------- ------ ------- -------
Balances at June 30, 1998 32,122 3,212 13,732 -- 122,980 (13,946) (149,726) (23,748)
Net loss -- -- -- -- -- -- (8,827) (8,827)
1-for-3.5 reverse common stock
split (22,916) (2,291) -- -- 2,291 -- -- --
Shares issued upon exercise of
options and warrants 585 58 -- -- 4,720 -- -- 4,778
Special Stock dividends -- -- 1,648 -- -- -- (1,697) (49)
Repurchases of common stock for
treasury -- -- -- (522) -- -- -- (522)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment -- -- -- -- -- (2,040) -- (2,040)
------ ------ -------- ----- ------- ------ ------- -------
Balances at June 30, 1999 9,791 $ 979 $ 15,380 $ (522) $ 129,991 $ (15,986) $(160,250) $ (30,408)
====== ======== ========= ======= ========= ======== ======== ========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ALLIANCE GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In 000's)
Years Ended June 30,
1997 1998 1999
------ ------ ------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ 5,785 $(57,306) $ (8,827)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization 22,606 22,838 23,104
Amortization of debt discounts 807 44 52
Extraordinary item - 42,033 -
Write down of other assets 1,075 2,329 828
Loss on sale of assets 1,233 133 225
Provision for losses on (recovery of)
receivables 9,059 (7,194) 3,174
Other (651) (51) (1,171)
Change in operating assets and liabilities,
net of effects of businesses acquired:
Accounts and notes receivable (4,601) 1,946 (1,553)
Inventories (6,898) (9,221) (13,649)
Other current assets (1,549) (3,012) (429)
Accounts payable (1,970) (3,793) 6,940
Accrued liabilities (760) 2,594 (139)
----- ------ ------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities 24,136 (8,660) 8,555
------- ------ ------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment (13,257) (15,541) (11,755)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant
and equipment 254 55 356
Proceeds from sale/leaseback transaction - - 5,240
Additions to other long-term assets (8,574) (9,633) (5,943)
Net cash used in investing activities (21,577) (25,119) (12,102)
------- ------- -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Conversion/refinancing fees and expenses - (32,752) -
Capitalized debt issuance costs - (11,456) -
Proceeds from long-term debt - 303,734 -
Reduction of long-term debt (6,774) (179,747) (5,089)
Net change in credit lines (11,578) 25,398 (2,077)
Repurchase/redemption of Series B Special
Stock (3,879) (77,568) -
Purchase of common stock for treasury - - (522)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and
warrants 767 855 4,778
----- ----- ------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities (21,464) 28,464 (2,910)
------- ------- ------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (228) (122) (100)
------ ------ ------
Cash and cash equivalents:
Decrease for year (19,133) (5,437) (6,557)
Balance, beginning of year 48,057 28,924 23,487
------ ------ ------
Balance, end of year $28,924 $23,487 $16,930
======= ======= =======
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ALLIANCE GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
ALLIANCE GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Description of business
Alliance Gaming Corporation ("Alliance" or the "Company") is a
diversified, worldwide gaming company that (i) designs, manufactures and
distributes gaming machines and computerized monitoring systems for gaming
machines, (ii) owns and manages a significant installed base of gaming
machines, (iii) owns and operates two regional casinos and (iv) in
Germany, designs, manufactures and distributes wall-mounted gaming
machines and distributes third-party manufactured amusement games.
Principles of consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Alliance Gaming Corporation, and its wholly-owned and partially owned,
controlled subsidiaries. In the case of Video Services, Inc. ("VSI"), the
Company owns 100% of the voting stock. The Company is entitled to receive
71% of dividends declared by VSI, if any, at such time that dividends are
declared. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year
financial statements to conform with the current year presentation.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid debt instruments purchased with
an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase and
are carried at cost, which approximates market value. Also, includes $14.4
million $15.4 and million at June 31, 1998 and 1999 which is utilized in
Casino and Route Operations which is held in vaults, cages or change
banks. The Company maintains restricted amounts to ensure availability of
funds to pay progressive jackpot liabilities which at June 30, 1999
totaled approximately $0.3 million.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in,
first-out basis, or market. Cost elements included for work-in-process and
finished goods include raw materials, freight, direct labor and
manufacturing overhead.
Inventories, net of reserves, consist of the following at June 30, 1998
and 1999:
1998 1999
------ ------
(In 000's)
Raw materials $12,075 $16,676
Work-in-process 2,668 2,057
Finished goods 27,675 27,405
------ ------
Total inventories $42,418 $46,138
======= =======
Property, plant and equipment and leased gaming equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over the
estimated useful lives or lease terms, if less, using the straight line
method as follows: buildings and improvements, 30-50 years; gaming
equipment, 3-7 years; furniture, fixtures and equipment, 3-10 years; and
leasehold improvements, 5-20 years. Leased gaming equipment is stated at
cost and depreciated over estimated useful lives ranging from 3-4 years.
Significant replacements and improvements are capitalized; other
maintenance and repairs are expensed. The cost and accumulated
depreciation of assets retired or otherwise disposed of are eliminated
from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to
income as appropriate.
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following at June 30, 1998
and 1999:
1998 1999
------ ------
(In 000's)
Land and land improvements $21,058 $21,195
Buildings and leasehold improvements 29,926 31,537
Gaming equipment 50,341 47,751
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 22,670 25,362
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (46,090) (51,686)
------- -------
Total property, plant and equipment, net $77,905 $74,159
======= =======
Excess of costs over net assets of acquired businesses
The excess of the cost over the fair value of net assets of acquired
businesses is generally amortized on the straight-line method over a
period of 40 years.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets consist primarily of costs associated with the
acquisition of location leases which are capitalized and amortized over
the expected life of the leases, ranging from one to 24 years, with an
average life of approximately 6 years, and deferred issuance costs for
financings which are amortized over the life of the related financing.
Accrued liabilities
Accrued liabilities consists of the following at June 30, 1998 and 1999:
1998 1999
------ ------
(In 000's)
Payroll and related costs $ 9,150 $11,887
Interest 8,782 8,352
Professional and consulting fees 3,569 2,476
Sales, use and income taxes 3,380 4,098
Deferred revenues 1,654 2,194
Litigation settlement 2,000 -
Other 10,587 10,189
------ ------
Total accrued liabilities $39,122 $39,196
======= =======
Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
Revenue recognition
The Company sells gaming equipment and systems on normal credit terms (90
days or less), or over terms of generally up to 36 months or more or
through payments from net winnings of the machines until the purchase
price is paid. Revenue from sales of gaming machines and amusement games
is normally recognized at the time products are shipped and title has
passed to the customer. Revenue from sales of software included in
computerized monitoring systems is recognized at the time the system is
accepted by the customer, which normally coincides with installation of
the equipment. Revenue from sales of hardware included in computerized
monitoring systems is recognized at the time the product is shipped.
The Company's Bally Gaming and Systems business unit earns revenus from
recurring revenue sources which consist of revenues related to the
operations of the multi-site linked progressive jackpot systems, the
operation of gaming machines at customer locations, exclusive of route
operations, the revenues from gaming machines owned by the Company and
placed in a casino on a daily lease or rental basis and revenues from
computer monitoring system maintenance and support services. Revenue is
normally recognized based on the Company's share of coins wagered, on its
share of net winnings, or on the lease or rental rate. Revenues from
computer monitoring system maintenance and support services are recognized
monthly over the life of the respective maintenance contracts.
In accordance with industry practice, the Company recognizes gaming
revenues as the net win from gaming machine operations, which is the
difference between coins and currency deposited into the machines and
payments to customers and, for other games, the difference between gaming
wins and losses. The Company recognizes total net win from gaming machines
as revenues for route operations which operate under revenue-sharing
arrangements and revenue-sharing payments as a cost of route operations.
The Company monitors its exposure for credit losses and maintains
allowances for anticipated losses.
Unusual items
The Company discloses as a separate component of operating income (loss),
income and expense items that are unusual and infrequently occurring.
During the year ended June 30, 1998, the Company recorded the following
unusual items:
The Company settled a dispute with Alpha Hospitality and General Electric
Credit Corporation concerning certain customer notes receivable on
which the Company had certain recourse obligations. The Company
contributed $2.5 million to the final settlement with the holder of
the notes, and reversed $6.0 million of reserves previously
established for these recourse obligations. In addition, as part of
the settlement the Company became the sole owner of approximately
566,000 shares of Alpha Hospitality common stock which trades on the
NASDAQ Small Cap market. Pursuant to the limitations provided for in
the settlement agreement, the Company has sold 440,000 shares of Alpha
Hospitality through June 30, 1999.
As a result of settling a dispute over the exclusive use of certain
technologies and changes in gaming regulations, the Company evaluated
the cash flow of certain of its technology assets, in accordance with
the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No.
121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of," and determined certain items met
the definition of having become impaired. During the year ended June
30, 1998 the Company recorded write-downs totaling $2.8 million for
these items.
The Company accrued $0.7 million for the present value of contractual
payments due to a former member of the board of directors who was not
re-elected to the board at the December 1997 annual shareholders
meeting.
The Company accrued $0.6 million as restructuring charges for Bally Gaming
and Systems.
The Company recorded a $1.6 million charge for final settlement of
litigation related to the acquisition of BGII.
During the year ended June 30, 1997 the Company incurred unusual charges
of $0.7 million related primarily to separation costs of Alliance
personnel subsequent to the BGII acquisition.
Foreign currency translation
The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is their
local currency. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are
translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of exchange at the end of the
period, and the income and expense accounts are translated at the average
rate of exchange for the period. Translation adjustments are reflected as
a separate component of stockholders' deficiency. Gains and
losses on foreign currency transactions are included in the accompanying
consolidated statements of operations.
Income taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates
expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on
deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
in the period that includes the enactment date. Taxes on income of the
Company's foreign subsidiaries are provided at the tax rates applicable to
the tax jurisdictions in which they are located.
Loss per share of common stock
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standard Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share", which
supersedes APB Opinion No. 15. This statement replaces primary EPS with
basic EPS, and generally requires dual presentation of basic and diluted
EPS. For the year ended June 30, 1997, the basic EPS does not differ from
the primary EPS and dilutive EPS does not differ from the basic EPS
because for this period the Company reported a net loss which would
result in anti-dilution.
Under FAS No. 128, basic and diluted earnings per share are computed based
on the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. The
following computation of basic and diluted loss per share from continuing
operations, extraordinary loss and loss applicable to common shares is as
follows:
Fiscal Year ended June 30,
1997 (a)
Net
Income Average
(Loss) Shares EPS
------ ------ -----
(In 000's except share data)
Basic EPS
Net income before extraordinary item $ 5,785
Preferred stock dividend (11,264)
Premium on repurchase/redemption
of Series B Special Stock (710)
----- ----- ------
Loss before extraordinary item (6,189) 9,092 $(0.68)
Extraordinary loss -- -- --
----- ----- ------
Loss applicable to common shares $(6,189) 9,092 $(0.68)
Effect of dilutive securities -- --
----- ------
Diluted EPS $(6,189) 9,092 $(0.68)
======= ===== =======
(a) The restatement of the Basic and Dilutive EPS for this period resulted
in no change to the amounts previously reported.
Fiscal Year ended June 30,
1998
Net Average
Loss Shares EPS
------ ------ -----
(In 000's except share data)
Basic EPS
Net loss before extraordinary item $(15,273)
Preferred stock dividend (3,551)
Premium on repurchase/redemption
of Series B Special Stock (16,553)
------ ----- ------
Loss before extraordinary item (35,377) 9,142 $(3.87)
Extraordinary loss (42,033) 9,142 (4.60)
------- ----- -----
Loss applicable to common shares $(77,410) 9,142 $(8.47)
Effect of dilutive securities -- --
----- ------
Diluted EPS $(77,410) 9,142 $(8.47)
======== ===== ======
Fiscal Year ended June 30,
1999
Net Average
Loss Shares EPS
------ ------ -----
(In 000's except share data)
Basic EPS
Net loss before extraordinary item $(8,827)
Preferred stock dividend (1,697)
Premium on repurchase/redemption
of Series B Special Stock --
Loss before extraordinary item (10,524) 9,665 $(1.09)
------- ----- ------
Extraordinary loss -- -- --
------- ----- ------
Loss applicable to common shares $(10,524) 9,665 $(1.09)
Effect of dilutive securities -- --
----- ------
Diluted EPS $(10,524) 9,665 $(1.09)
======== ===== ======
The following securities were not included in the computation of diluted
loss per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the
periods presented:
Fiscal Years ended June 30,
1997 1998 1999
------ ------ ------
(in 000's)
Stock options 1,328 1,553 1,483
Warrants 2,891 2,891 2,294
Convertible preferred stock 583 667 747
----- ----- -----
4,802 5,111 4,524
===== ===== =====
Adjusted for application of the
treasury stock method 170 579 -
===== ===== ====
Fair value of financial instruments
The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the
instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing
parties, other than in a forced sale or liquidation. The carrying amounts
at June 30, 1999 for the Company's financial instruments approximate fair
value.
2. RECEIVABLES
The Gaming Equipment and Systems and Wall Machines and Amusement Games
business units grant customers payment terms under contracts of sale.
These contracts are generally for terms of one to three years, with
interest at prevailing rates, and are generally collateralized by the
related equipment sold, although the value of such equipment, if
repossessed, may be less than the receivable balance outstanding. See
"Concentration of Credit Risk". The Company's Nevada route operations from
time to time makes loans to location operators for build-outs, tenant
improvements and initial operating expenses, which are generally secured
by the personal guarantees of the operators and the locations' assets. The
majority of the loans bear interest rates between 8% to 10.5% and are
expected to be repaid over a period of time not to exceed the life of the
revenue sharing arrangement and have due dates ranging from September 1999
to September 2008.
The following table represents, at June 30, 1999, scheduled collections of
accounts and notes receivable (net of allowances for doubtful accounts) by
fiscal year:
Years ending June 30,
(In 000's)
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Thereafter Total
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---------- -----
$92,665 $3,856 $1,174 $253 $196 $303 $98,447
=============================================================
3. DEBT, LINES OF CREDIT AND REFINANCING TRANSACTION
Long-term debt and lines of credit at June 30, 1998 and 1999 consisted of
the following:
1998 1999
------ ------
(In 000's)
10 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007, net of
unamortized discount of $755 and $702 $149,245 $149,298
Term loan facilities:
Tranche B Term Loan 74,438 72,380
Tranche C Term Loan 39,700 38,744
Delayed Draw Term Facility 25,000 24,372
Revolving credit facility 34,971 32,200
Other, secured by related equipment 2,599 1,712
------- -------
325,953 318,706
Less current maturities 1,996 1,927
------- -------
Long-term debt, less current maturities $323,957 $316,779
======== ========
In August 1997 the Company effected a series of related transactions (the
"Refinancing"). The Refinancing consisted of the private placement of
$150.0 million of Senior Subordinated Notes and the closing of $230.0
million of bank financing. The bank financing provides for (i) term loans
in the aggregate amount of up to $140.0 million, comprised of a $75.0
million tranche with a 7 1/2-year term (the "Tranche B Term Loan"), a
$40.0 million tranche with an 8-year term (the "Tranche C Term Loan"), and
a $25.0 million tranche with a 7 1/2-year term (the "Delayed Draw Term
Facility" and together with the Tranche B Term Loan and the Tranche C Term
Loan, the "Term Loan Facilities"); and (ii) a $90.0 million revolving
credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") with a 6-year term. Each
of these credit facilities is a variable rate borrowing in accordance with
a credit grid. The interest rates at the highest level of the credit grid
and maturity dates are as follows:
Initial Maturity
Rate Date
------ ------
Tranche B Term Loan LIBOR + 3.25% January 31, 2005
Tranche C Term Loan LIBOR + 3.50% July 31, 2005
Delayed Draw Term Facility LIBOR + 3.25% January 31, 2005
Revolving Credit Facility LIBOR + 2.75% July 31, 2003
The Revolving Credit Facility also allows for German Deutschemark
borrowings at the Eurodeutschemark rate plus 2.75% (or 5.4% at June 30,
1999).
As part of the Refinancing, the Company used the proceeds of the Senior
Subordinated Note offering, together with borrowings under the Revolving
Credit Facility, the Term Loan Facilities and cash on hand to fund (a) the
repurchase at a premium of substantially all of the Company's 12 7/8%
Senior Secured Notes plus accrued interest to August 8, 1997 totaling
$183.7 million, (b) the redemption at liquidation value of all of the
Company's Series B Special Stock on September 8, 1997 totaling $77.6
million, (c) the purchase from HFS Gaming Corporation ("HFS") of the right
to receive royalty payments based on revenues of the Rainbow Casino for
$19.0 million (the "Rainbow Royalty Buyout"), (d) the repayment of related
debt owed to an HFS affiliate, National Gaming Mississippi, Inc. ("NGM"),
on August 12, 1997 totaling $7.3 million, (e) repayment of amounts
outstanding under the domestic and foreign revolving lines of credit and
(f) the payment of transaction fees and expenses totaling $16.5 million.
At June 30, 1999, borrowings under the $90.0 million Revolving Credit
Facility totaled $32.2 million, of which $19.3 million were German
Deutschemark borrowings. Based on the terms of the Revolving Credit
Facility, the Company would have been able to borrow an additional $43.1
million as of June 30, 1999. The borrowing base for the revolving credit
facility includes eligible receivables and inventory (as defined).
The bank facility is collateralized by substantially all domestic property
and is guaranteed by each domestic subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower and
German Subsidiaries (both as defined), other than the entity which holds
the Company's interest in its Louisiana operations and other non-material
subsidiaries (as defined), and secured by both a U.S. and German Pledge
Agreement (both as defined). The bank facility contains a number of
maintenance covenants and it and the indenture have other significant
covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company
and certain of its subsidiaries to dispose of assets, incur additional
indebtedness and issue preferred stock, pay dividends or make other
distributions, enter into certain acquisitions, repurchase equity
interests (as defined) or subordinated indebtedness, issue or sell equity
interests of the Company's subsidiaries (as defined), engage in mergers or
acquisitions, or engage in certain transactions with subsidiaries and
affiliates, and that otherwise restrict corporate activities. In the
quarter ended December 31, 1998, the Company did not meet certain
covenants in the credit agreement. The Company and the banks have amended
the current and future financial maintenance covenants in the bank
facilty effective December 31, 1998 such that the Company is in
compliance with such covenants. As of June 30, 1999 the Company is in
compliance with these covenants. The Company is also in compliance with
the operational covenants contained in the indenture for the Senior
Subordinated Notes.
The Senior Subordinated Notes bear interest at 10%, are due in 2007, and
are general unsecured obligations of the Company, ranking subordinate in
right of payment to all Senior Debt (as defined) of the Company, including
indebtedness under the bank facility. The Senior Subordinated Notes are
fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several senior
subordinated basis by all existing and future domestic Restricted
Subsidiaries (as defined) of the Company, subject to certain exceptions
including the partially-owned entities through which its Mississippi
casino and Louisiana route operations are conducted. The Subsidiary
Guarantees (as defined) are general unsecured obligations of the
Guarantors, ranking subordinate in right of payment to all Senior Debt of
the Guarantors. The Company will be able to designate other current or
future subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries (as defined) under
certain circumstances. Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be required to
issue a Subsidiary Guarantee and will not be subject to many of the
restrictive covenants set forth in the Indenture pursuant to which the
Senior Subordinated Notes were issued. The Indenture for the Company's
Senior Subordinated Notes contains various covenants, including
limitations on incurrence of additional indebtedness, on restricted
payments and on dividend and payment restrictions on subsidiaries. The
Senior Subordinated Notes may not be redeemed for the first five years.
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined), the holders of
the Senior Subordinated Notes will have the right to require the Company
to purchase their notes at a price equal to 101% of the aggregate
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
purchase.
As a result of the Refinancing described above, the Company recorded an
extraordinary loss of $42.0 million consisting of the $27.7 million
premium paid to repurchase the Senior Secured Notes, the payment of
related transaction fees and expenses (including $2.0 million paid to
related parties pursuant to employment agreements), and the charge-off of
the unamortized debt discount and deferred financing fees. There was no
tax benefit recognized for the extraordinary item as a valuation allowance
was recorded to fully reserve the net operating losses created.
The Company also recorded a $19.0 million charge for the cost of the
Rainbow Royalty Buyout. Additionally, the Company recorded a $16.6 million
charge to equity and a corresponding increase in the net loss applicable
to common shares for the difference between the carrying value and the
liquidation value of the Series B Special Stock, all of which was redeemed
on September 8, 1997 at the liquidation price of $100 per share, plus
accrued dividends.
Maturities of long-term debt, for each of the five fiscal years ending
subsequent to June 30, 1999 are as follows:
Years ending June 30,
(In 000's)
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Thereafter Total
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---------- -----
$1,927 $1,927 $2,114 $14,156 $56,138 $242,444 $318,706
=============================================================
4. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, OPTIONS, WARRANTS AND RIGHTS
Special Stock
The Company's Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to
10,000,000 shares of special stock ("Special Stock"). To date, there have
been four series of Special Stock authorized for issuance: the Initial
Series, the Series B, the Series E and the Series F. Special Stock
consists of non-voting stock where no holder of the Special Stock shall be
entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders or otherwise, except as
may be specifically provided by law or as approved by the Board of
Directors in certain limited circumstances at the time of the stock
issuance. The Special Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more
series, each series having such designations, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights, qualifications,
limitations or restrictions as shall be stated and expressed in the
resolution providing for the issuance of Special Stock or any series
thereof adopted by the Board of Directors.
In June 1996, the Company completed an offering of 200,000 shares of its
15% Non-Voting Senior Pay-in-Kind Special Stock, Series B (the "Series B
Special Stock"). The Series B Special Stock was also issued as part of the
consideration in the BGII acquisition. During fiscal year 1997 the Company
repurchased a total of 18,000 shares of Series B Special Stock at a
premium to their carrying value of $0.7 million. As discussed in Note 3,
on September 8, 1997 the Company redeemed all of the outstanding shares of
Series B Special Stock at their liquidation price of $100 per share, plus
accrued dividends. The Company recorded non-cash dividends in the form of
additional shares of Series B Special Stock totaling $2.0 million for year
ended June 30, 1998.
In June 1996, the Company issued 113,160 shares of Series E Special Stock
to certain holders of the Company's 7 1/2% Convertible Subordinated
Debentures who elected to receive such stock in lieu of receiving common
stock. The holders of shares of Series E Special Stock have no voting
rights except as required by law. Each share of Series E Special Stock
accrued cumulative dividends until June 18, 1999 at an annual rate of
111/2%, payable quarterly in cash or, at the Company's option, in
additional shares of Series E Special Stock. The Company elected to make
all dividend payments in additional shares of Series E Special Stock.
After July 1, 1999, the last dividend payment date, the total shares of
Series E Special Stock outstanding was 158,224, convertible into
approximately 769,000 shares of common stock. The Series E Special Stock
is convertible into common stock at a conversion price of $20.58 per share
(equivalent to a conversion rate of approximately 4.859 shares of common
stock per share of Series E Special Stock), subject to adjustment under
certain circumstances, and has a $100 liquidation preference per share.
During July 1999, 106,053 shares of Series E Special Stock were converted
into approximately 520,000 shares of common stock.
Stock Option Plans
In 1984, the Company created an Employee Stock Option Plan (the "1984
Plan") that provides for the issuance of up to 571,000 shares of common
stock to Company employees and directors. Generally, options are granted
at the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock at the date of the
grant and are exercisable over ten years.
In 1992, the Company created the 1991 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "1991
Plan") that, as amended, provides for the issuance of up to 857,000 shares
of common stock to Company employees and directors. Generally, options are
granted at the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock at the date
of the grant and are exercisable over five to ten years.
In April 1997 the Company's shareholders approved the 1996 Long-Term
Incentive Plan (the "1996 Plan") which provides for the issuance of up to
857,000 shares of common stock to Company employees, directors and
designated paid consultants. Generally, options are granted at the fair
value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant and are
exercisable over five to ten years.
On August 29, 1996, the Board of Directors repriced the exercise price of
previously issued, unexercised options for substantially all current
employees and directors to $12.0312 per share which was the closing price
of the Company's common stock on the closing date of the BGII acquisition,
June 18, 1996. The closing price of the Company's common stock on August
29, 1996 was $8.75.
Transactions involving stock options are summarized as follows:
Options Outstanding
Weighted-Average
Shares Exercise Price
-------- --------------
Balance, June 30, 1996 767,381 $19.36
----------------------
Granted 1,064,662 12.25
Exercised (26,239) 5.78
Canceled (486,857) 20.90
--------- -----
Balance, June 30, 1997 1,318,947 13.44
----------------------
Granted 419,115 15.30
Exercised (71,453) 13.30
Canceled (114,095) 24.33
--------- -----
Balance, June 30, 1998 1,552,514 13.20
----------------------
Granted 228,914 7.67
Exercised (13,596) 15.76
Canceled (284,944) 12.30
Balance, June 30, 1999 1,482,888 $12.50
---------------------- ========= ======
Exercisable at June 30, 1999 1,126,940 $12.64
========= ======
At June 30, 1999, the range of exercise prices for options outstanding was
$3.94 to $22.31. The weighted average remaining contractual life, by range
of exercise price, for options outstanding and exercisable at June 30,
1999 is as follows:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
------------------- -------------------
Weighted-Avg. Weighted-Avg.
Range of Remaining Outstanding Remaining Outstanding
Exercise Prices Contractual Life Shares Contractual Life Shares
--------------- ---------------- ------ ---------------- ------
$3.94 - $5.00 4.87 61,644 4.88 23,402
$5.01 - $10.00 3.74 177,622 3.16 81,482
$10.01 - $15.00 3.68 1,014,218 3.65 864,467
over $15.01 2.62 229,404 2.16 157,589
-------- --------
All 3.57 1,482,888 3.43 1,126,940
========= =========
The Company accounts for its stock-based employee compensation awards in
accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25"). Under APB 25, because the
exercise price of the Company's employee stock options equals or exceeds
the market price on date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized.
Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at
the grant date for its stock options under SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock Based Compensation," the Company's net loss applicable to common
shares would have increased from a loss of $6.2 million (or $0.68 per
share) to $8.3 million (or $0.91 per share) on a pro forma basis for the
year ended June 30, 1997, from a loss of $77.4 million (or $8.47 per
share) to $79.3 million (or $8.67 per share) on a pro forma basis for the
year ended June 30, 1998 and from a loss of $10.5 million (or $1.09 per
share) to $12.4 million (or $1.29 per share) on a pro forma basis for the
year ended June 30, 1999. The pro forma net loss reflects only options
granted in 1997, 1998 and 1999. Therefore, the full impact of calculating
compensation cost for stock options under SFAS No. 123 is not reflected in
the pro forma net income amounts presented above because compensation cost
is reflected over the options' vesting period, generally three years, and
compensation cost for options granted prior to July 1, 1995 is not
considered.
The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during
1997, 1998 and 1999 was $1.43, $1.71 and $2.74 respectively, on the date
of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following
weighted-average assumptions for 1997, 1998 and 1999: expected dividend
yield of 0%, risk free interest rates ranging from 3.9% to 6.5%, a
volatility factor of .51, .69 and .62 for 1997, 1998 and 1999,
respectively, and expected lives varying from 3 to 10 years.
Warrants
Upon closing of a private placement of debt and a $5.0 million equity
investment by Kirkland-Ft. Worth Investment Partners, L.P. ("Kirkland") on
September 21, 1993, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 785,714
shares of Common Stock at $5.25 per share to Kirkland which expire
September 21, 1999. Under the same terms, the Company issued warrants to
purchase 357,143 and 8,571 shares of Common Stock to Gaming Systems
Advisors, L.P. ("GSA") and L.H. Friend, Weinress & Frankson, Inc.
("Friend"), respectively. Under certain circumstances the expiration date
on a portion of the above warrants may be extended. Pursuant to employment
agreements, the holders of approximately 400,000 of the warrants can
extend the expiration date of their warrants until June 30, 2002 by paying
an aggregate of approximately $1.1 million in cash or foregoing cash
bonuses of an equal amount prior to September 21, 1999. All of these
warrants became exercisable one year after the grant dates and vest in
three equal increments only after the market price of the Common Stock
reaches $38.50, $45.50 and $52.50. The Company also issued warrants to
purchase 142,857 and 71,429 shares of Common Stock at $28.875 per share to
the initial purchasers of the private placement debt; Donaldson, Lufkin &
Jenrette Securities Corporation ("DLJ") and Oppenheimer & Co., Inc.
("Oppenheimer"), respectively, each of which expire on September 21, 1999.
During the year ended June 30, 1996, in connection with the commencement
of employment with the Company, the then Board Chairman and then
Vice-Chairman were each granted warrants to purchase 71,429 shares of
common stock on the same terms as the Kirkland warrants described above
except that such warrants expire on September 21, 2000. At the completion
of the BGII acquisition, GSA was issued an additional 714,286 warrants on
the same terms as the original warrants issued to Kirkland described
above, except with an expiration date of June 18, 2002. During the
financing stage of the BGII acquisition, Cerberus Partners L.P. and
certain affiliates of Canyon Partners, Inc. were issued warrants to
purchase 71,429 shares of Common Stock at $17.50 per share which expire on
August 31, 2002. None of the warrants granted to Kirkland, GSA, Friend,
and the former Board members were exercisable at June 30, 1999.
Share Repurchase Plan
In January 1999 the Company's Board of Directors approved a share
repurchase plan for up to 1.18 million shares of its Common Stock. Under
the plan, subject to price and market conditions, purchases of shares will
be made from time to time during calendar 1999 in the open market or in
privately negotiated transactions using available cash financing. As of
June 30, 1999, the Company had repurchased 85,300 shares of common stock
at a cost of $522,500. The Company intends to use the acquired common
stock to satisfy obligations pursuant to the exercise of stock options
under the Company's stock option plan.
At June 30, 1999, shares of the Company's Common Stock were reserved for
future issuance as follows:
Shares underlying stock options issued or
issuable under the 1984 Plan 28,000
Shares underlying stock options issued or
issuable under the 1991 Plan 835,000
Shares underlying stock options issued or
issuable under the 1996 Plan 854,000
Shares underlying all warrants issued (a) 2,294,000
Shares underlying Series E Special Stock issued (b) 769,000
---------
Total 4,780,000
=========
(a) Approximately 1,366,000 of these warrants expired unexercised on
September 21, 1999.
(b) Approximately 520,000 shares of common stock were issued in July
1999 upon conversion of Series E Special Stock.
Reverse Stock Split
On January 14, 1999 the Company's Board of Directors announced a
one-for-three-and-one-half reverse stock split of its Common Stock
effective February 1, 1999. The effects of the reverse split were to
reduce the authorized number of common shares from 175.0 million to 50.0
million and to decrease the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
from 34.3 million to 9.8 million. In connection with the reverse split,
the share number, exercise price and the trigger prices, as applicable,
for the Company's stock options and warrants were proportionately
adjusted. In lieu of fractional shares resulting from the reverse split,
stockholders received a cash payment from the sale of the aggregate
fractional shares on the open market. The reverse split also impacted the
conversion ratio on the Company's Series E Special Stock. Each share of
Series E Special Stock is now convertible into 4.859 shares of Common
Stock instead of 17.007 shares. All share and per share data included in
these financial statements have been restated to reflect the reverse
split.
Stockholder Rights Plan
In February 1998, the Company's Board of Directors adopted a Stockholder
Rights Plan ("Plan"). The Plan is designed to preserve the long-term value
of the shareholders' investment in the Company. Pursuant to the Plan, each
shareholder received a distribution of one Right for each share of the
Company's outstanding common stock of record on March 12, 1998. Each Right
expires on March 12, 2008, and entitles the holder to purchase one
one-hundredth (1/100) of a share of a Series F Special Stock for $87.50.
Initially the Rights are represented by the Company's common stock
certificates and are not exercisable. The Rights become exercisable only
after a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 10% or more of
the Company's Common Stock (or 15% if the acquirer is an institutional
investor) or publicly announces its intention to commence a tender offer
that would result in that beneficial ownership level. Under certain
circumstances involving a buyer's acquisition of 10% of the Company's
Common Stock (or 15% in the case of an institutional investor), all Rights
holders except the buyer will be entitled to purchase Common Stock at half
price. If the Company is acquired through a merger, after such an
acquisition, all Rights holders except the buyer will be entitled to
purchase stock in the buyer at half price. The Company may redeem the
rights at $0.0035 at any time before a buyer acquires 10% (or 15% in the
case of an institutional investor) of the Company's Common Stock.
5. INCOME TAXES
The components of the Company's income tax expense for the years ended
June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 are as follows:
1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ----
(In 000s)
Current tax expense:
U. S. Federal $ 225 $ - $ -
Foreign 7,701 2,743 64
State 750 568 510
---- ----- ----
8,676 3,311 574
----- ----- ----
Deferred tax expense
U. S. Federal - - -
Foreign (683) (126) 256
State - - -
------ ------ ------
Total provision for income taxes $7,993 $3,185 $ 830
====== ====== ======
A reconciliation of the Company's income tax provision as compared to the
tax provision calculated by applying the statutory federal tax rate (35%)
to the income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended June 30,
1997, 1998 and 1999 are as follows:
1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ----
(In 000's)
Computed expected income tax expense
(benefit) at 35% $4,826 $(18,942) $(2,799)
Permanent differences (101) (601) (1,677)
Change in valuation allowance 169 17,613 (591)
Change in estimates, principally due to changes
in estimated tax depreciation and NOLs 686 - -
State income taxes, net of federal benefit 488 369 332
Net effect of German operations 1,940 754 1,958
Expired foreign tax credits - 1,770 3,607
Other, net (15) 2,222 -
------ ------ ------
$7,993 $3,185 $ 830
====== ====== =======
The major components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of June
30, 1998 and 1999 are presented below:
1998 1999
------ ------
(In 000's)
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carry forwards $15,254 $17,668
Foreign tax credit carry forwards 12,816 7,527
Inventory obsolescence reserves 3,582 3,307
Bad debt reserves 2,056 2,697
Accruals not currently deductible for tax
purposes 4,108 3,373
Refinancing costs being amortized for tax
purposes 13,125 10,683
Other 7,611 8,170
Total gross deferred tax assets 58,552 53,425
Less: Valuation allowance 47,085 44,443
------- -------
Deferred tax assets $11,467 $ 8,982
======= =======
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment, due principally to
depreciation differences $ 4,762 $ 3,349
Other 5,168 3,580
----- ------
Total gross deferred tax liabilities (a) 9,930 6,929
----- ------
Net deferred tax assets $ 1,537 $ 2,053
======= =======
(a) Included in the other non-current liabilities in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets.
Management has considered certain tax planning strategies as permitted by
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 "Accounting for Income
Taxes". Management has determined that tax benefits associated with
recorded deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance, are more likely
than not realizable through future taxable income and future reversals of
existing taxable temporary differences.
At June 30, 1999, the Company had net operating loss carry forwards for
federal income tax purposes of approximately $50.0 million which are
available to offset future federal taxable income, if any, expiring in the
years 2007 through 2014. In addition, approximately $6.7 million and $2.0
million of the Company's net operating loss are not deductible until the
year ended June 30, 2000 and 2001, respectively pursuant to Section 382 of
the Internal Revenue Code. At June 30, 1999 the Company had foreign tax
credit carry forwards of approximately $7.5 million and alternative
minimum tax credit (AMT) carry forwards of approximately $1.7 million.
Foreign tax credits have expiration dates ranging from 2000 to 2004. AMT
credits are available to be carried forward indefinitely and may be
utilized against regular U.S. corporate tax to the extent it does not
exceed computed AMT calculations.
6. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The following supplemental information is related to the consolidated
statements of cash flows. The Company recorded the following significant
non-cash items for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999:
1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ----
(In 000's)
Reclassify inventory to property, plant and
equipment and leased gaming equipment $ 9,642 $ 4,132 $9,613
Dividends for Series E and Series B Special
Stock 11,264 3,551 1,697
Translation rate adjustment 11,204 2,105 1,940
Reclassify other assets to property, plant
and equipment 1,818 - 444
Reclassify receivables to other assets 1,837 540 376
Deferred gain on sale/leaseback transaction - - 1,057
Reclassify excess costs over net assets of acquired
business to property, plant and equipment 1,436 - -
Payments for interest expense in fiscal years 1997, 1998 and 1999 were
approximately $22.5 million, $19.9 million and $31.6 million,
respectively. Payments for income taxes in fiscal years 1997, 1998 and
1999 were approximately $3.5 million, $7.3 million and $3.3 million,
respectively.
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments,
litigation, fines and penalties, or other sources are recorded when it is
probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the
liability can be reasonably estimated.
The Company is obligated under several patent agreements to pay royalties
ranging from approximately $25 to $107 per applicable game depending on
the components in the gaming machines. Additionally, based on an amendment
to the trademark licensing agreement between BGII and Bally Entertainment
Corporation dated May 10, 1996, the Company is obligated to pay a royalty
on new machines sold or leased after June 18, 1996 of $35 per machine with
a minimum annual royalty payment of $1.0 million for the initial five-year
term of the amended agreement, which is subject to annual renewals
thereafter at the option of the Company. Royalty expense under this
agreement for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 was $1.0
million. Royalty expense for the Company for the years ended June 30,
1997, 1998 and 1999 was $3.0 million, $2.2 million and $1.9 million,
respectively. In addition, the Company has obtained the rights to certain
game ideas and intellectual property that call for payment of royalties
based on either fixed amounts or variable amounts based on game
performance.
The Company leases office space, equipment, warehouse and repair
facilities, Route Operation locations, casino and other locations under
non-cancelable operating leases. Certain Route Operation location leases
provide only for contingent rentals based upon a percentage of gaming
revenue and are cancelable at any time by either party. Future minimum
rentals under non-cancelable operating leases at June 30, 1999 are:
Years ended June 30,
(In 000's)
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Thereafter Total
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---------- -----
Minimum rentals $13,859 $12,172 $9,634 $6,530 $2,277 $35,295 $79,767
Total sublease income (1,088) (696) (669) (570) (534) (2,182) (5,739)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Net minimum rentals $12,771 $11,476 $8,965 $5,960 $1,743 $33,113 $74,028
===============================================================
Operating lease rental expense, including contingent lease rentals, for
years ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 was as follows:
1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ----
(In 000's)
Minimum rentals $15,126 $15,534 $17,147
Contingent rentals 70,744 85,915 118,304
------ ------ -------
85,870 101,449 135,451
Sublease rental income (1,606) (2,136) (1,574)
------ ------ ------
$84,264 $99,313 $133,877
======= ======= ========
Pursuant to the transactions consummated in March 1995, Rainbow Casino
Corporation (RCC), the former owner of 55% of the Rainbow Casino, is now
entitled to receive 10% of the net available cash flow after debt service
and other items, as defined (which amount increases to 20% of such amount
when revenues exceed $35.0 million but only on such incremental amount),
for a period of 15 years.
During fiscal 1999, Bally Wulff increased the amount of tax reserves by
$0.6 million (to a total reserve of $2.0 million) as a result of
developments in ongoing quadrennial audits of Wulff's tax returns for the
years 1988 through 1996. The German tax authorities have proposed
preliminary adjustments of $2.0 million, which has been accrued. The
German tax authorities have not yet issued the final assessment from their
quadrennial audits.
Litigation
On September 25, 1995, BGII was named as a defendant in a class action
lawsuit filed in Federal District Court in Nevada, by Larry Schreirer on
behalf of himself and all others similarly situated. The plaintiffs filed
suit against BGII and approximately 45 other defendants. Each defendant is
involved in the gaming business as either a gaming machine manufacturer,
distributor, or casino operator. The class action lawsuit arises out of
alleged fraudulent marketing and operation of casino video poker machines
and electronic slot machines. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants'
actions constitute violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt
Organizations Act (RICO) and give rise to claims of common law fraud and
unjust enrichment. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages in excess
of $1.0 billion, and are asking that any damage awards be trebled under
applicable Federal law. Management believes the plaintiffs' lawsuit to be
without merit. The Company intends to vigorously pursue all legal defenses
available to it.
The Company is also a party to various lawsuits relating to routine
matters incidental to its business. Management does not believe that the
outcome of such litigation, including the matters above, in the aggregate,
will have a material adverse effect on the Company.
8. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
The financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of accounts and notes
receivable. Each of the Company's business units conducts business in and
the resulting receivables are concentrated in specific legalized gaming
regions. The Company also distributes its products through third party
distributors resulting in distributor receivables.
At June 30, 1999 net accounts and notes receivable by region as a
percentage of total net receivables are as follows:
Gaming Wall Machines
Equipment and Amusement Route Casino
and Systems Games Operations Operations Total
----------- ----- ---------- ---------- -----
Germany 0.3% 40.2% -% -% 40.5%
Other international jurisdictions 24.7 0.1 - - 24.8
Nevada 16.1 - 4.4 - 20.5
Louisiana 3.0 - - - 3.0
Atlantic City 2.5 - - - 2.5
Mississippi 2.4 - - 0.1 2.5
Others individually less than 5% 6.2 - - - 6.2
---- ---- ---- ---- -----
55.2% 40.3% 4.4% 0.1% 100.0%
==== ==== ==== === =====
Receivables from emerging market customers contain increased risk factors
compared to receivables at the Bally Wulff entities or other traditional
markets for Bally Gaming and Systems.
9. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
The Company operates in four business segments: (i) Gaming Equipment and
Systems which designs, manufactures and distributes gaming machines and
computerized monitoring systems for gaming machines, (ii) Wall Machines
and Amusement Games designs, manufactures and distributes wall-mounted
gaming machines and distributes third-party manufactured amusement games,
(iii) Route Operations owns and manages a significant installed base of
gaming machines, and (iv) Casino Operations which owns and operates two
regional casinos.
The tables below presents information as to the Company's revenues,
operating income, identifiable assets, capital expenditures and
depreciation and amortization by segment:
Years Ended June 30,
1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ----
(In $000's)
Revenues:
Gaming Equipment and Systems $134,734 $109,597 $127,810
Wall Machines and Amusement Games 131,934 98,611 90,834
Route Operations 127,028 148,507 175,854
Casino Operations 51,450 60,657 63,682
------- ------- -------
Total revenues $445,146 $417,372 $458,180
======== ======== ========
Intersegment revenues:
Gaming Equipment and Systems $1,954 $1,640 $ 751
Wall Machines and Amusement Games 95 226 413
Route Operations - - -
----- ----- ----
Total intersegment revenues $2,049 $1,866 $1,164
====== ====== ======
Operating income:
Gaming Equipment and Systems $10,616 $ 5,238 $ 5,779
Wall Machines and Amusement Games 23,332 13,094 5,334
Route Operations 13,082 16,432 14,586
Casino Operations 15,407 18,736 19,348
Corporate/other (20,978) (17,237) (19,724)
-------- -------- --------
Total operating income $41,459 $36,263 $25,323
======= ======= =======
Years Ended June 30,
1997 1998 1999
(In $000's)
Identifiable assets:
Gaming Equipment and Systems $138,047 $141,167 $153,183
Wall Machines and Amusement Games 106,176 96,135 87,620
Route Operations 54,474 66,659 62,487
Casino Operations 41,760 43,980 44,592
Corporate/other 11,559 18,896 8,425
------- ------- -------
Total identifiable assets $352,016 $366,837 $356,307
======== ======== ========
Capital expenditures:
Gaming Equipment and Systems $2,610 $1,769 $2,587
Wall Machines and Amusement Games 2,091 1,306 1,129
Route Operations 5,545 8,336 5,476
Casino Operations 2,658 3,980 2,414
Corporate/other 353 150 149
------- ------ ------
Total capital expenditures $13,257 $15,541 $11,755
======= ======= =======
Depreciation and amortization:
Gaming Equipment and Systems $6,055 $5,570 $4,020
Wall Machines and Amusement Games 6,387 5,567 4,816
Route Operations 7,118 8,145 10,274
Casino Operations 1,945 2,045 2,324
Corporate/other 1,101 1,511 1,670
------- ------- ------
Total depreciation and amortization $22,606 $22,838 $23,104
======= ======= =======
The Company has operations based primarily in Germany and the United
States. The German operation's customers are a diverse group of operators
of wall machines and amusement games at arcades, hotels, restaurants and
taverns, primarily in Germany. Gaming Equipment and Systems' customers are
primarily casinos and gaming machine distributors in the United States and
abroad. Receivables of the German operations and Gaming Equipment and
Systems are generally collateralized by the related equipment. See
"Concentration of Credit Risk".
The table below presents information as to the Company's revenues,
operating income, identifiable assets capital expenditures and
depreciation and amortization by geographic region:
Years Ended June 30,
1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ----
(In $000's)
Revenues:
United States $302,142 $305,082 $350,339
Germany 142,866 111,279 100,939
Other foreign 138 1,011 6,902
------- ------- -------
Total revenues $445,146 $417,372 $458,180
======== ======== ========
Operating income:
United States $19,260 $23,677 $22,329
Germany 23,347 13,978 3,451
Other foreign (1,148) (1,392) (457)
------- ------ -----
Total operating income $41,459 $36,263 $25,323
======= ======= =======
Years Ended June 30,
1997 1998 1999
(In $000's)
Identifiable assets:
United States $231,634 $252,092 $248,470
Germany 117,860 111,559 103,687
Other foreign 2,522 3,186 4,150
-------- ------- -------
Total identifiable assets $352,016 $366,837 $356,307
======== ======== ========
Capital expenditures:
United States $11,137 $14,124 $10,314
Germany 2,120 1,372 1,141
Other foreign - 45 300
------- ------ ------
Total capital expenditures $13,257 $15,541 $11,755
======= ======= =======
Depreciation and amortization:
United States $15,699 $16,410 $17,437
Germany 6,579 5,747 4,998
Other Foreign 328 681 669
------ ------ ------
Total depreciation and amortization $22,606 $22,838 $23,104
======= ======= =======
10. INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
Following is the unaudited quarterly results of the Company for the years
ended June 30, 1998 and 1999. This information is not covered by the
Independent Auditors' Report.
Quarter
First Second Third Fourth
(In 000's, except per share data)
1998
Revenues $97,971 $106,714 $102,226 $110,461
Operating income 7,444 11,442 7,988 9,389
Net income (60,909) 3,346 (731) 988
Net income (loss) applicable to common
shares (79,862) 2,973 (1,115) 594
Income (loss) per share $(8.78) $0.33 $(0.12) $0.06
1999
Revenues $98,771 $103,910 $125,733 $129,766
Operating income (loss) 6,310 (1,777) 9,678 11,112
Net income (loss) (2,276) (9,757) 1,191 2,015
Net income (loss) applicable to common
shares (2,682) (10,175) 761 1,572
Income (loss) per share $(0.28) $(1.04) $0.08 $0.16
11. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following consolidating financial statements are presented to provide
certain financial information regarding guaranteeing and non-guaranteeing
subsidiaries in relation to the Company's Senior Subordinated Notes which
were issued in the Refinancing transaction completed in August 1997 (see
note 3). The financial information presented includes Alliance Gaming
Corporation (the "Parent") and its wholly-owned guaranteeing subsidiaries
(together the "Parent and Guaranteeing Subsidiaries"), and the
non-guaranteeing subsidiaries Video Services, Inc., United Gaming Rainbow,
BGI Australia Pty. Limited, Bally Gaming de Puerto Rico, Inc., and
Alliance Automaten GmbH & Co. KG (the subsidiary that holds the Company's
German interests) (together the "Non-Guaranteeing Subsidiaries"). The
notes to consolidating financial statements should be read in conjunction
with these consolidating financial statements.
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
June 30, 1998
(In 000's)
ASSETS
Alliance
Gaming
Parent and Non- Corporation
Guaranteeing Guaranteeing Elimina- and
Subsidiaries Subsidiaries tions Subsidiaries
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,609 $ 14,878 $ - $ 23,487
Accounts and notes receivable, net 44,757 52,380 (3,678) 93,459
Inventories, net 27,957 14,990 (529) 42,418
Other current assets 7,998 3,713 - 11,711
------ ------ ------ -------
Total current assets 89,321 85,961 (4,207) 171,075
------- ------ ------ -------
Long-term notes receivable, net 95,036 1,926 (89,031) 7,931
Leased equipment, net 2 7,323 - 7,325
Property, plant and equipment, net 45,052 32,853 - 77,905
Excess of costs over net assets of
acquired businesses, net 39,963 19,989 - 59,952
Intangible assets, net 26,248 484 - 26,732
Investments in subsidiaries 104,219 - (104,219) -
Deferred tax assets 7,123 4,344 - 11,467
Other assets, net 15,330 (5,468) (5,412) 4,450
------- ------ --------- -------
$422,294 $147,412 $(202,869) $366,837
======== ======== ========== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 7,373 $ 3,104 $ - $ 10,477
Accrued liabilities 26,415 13,705 (998) 39,122
Current maturities of long-term debt 6,912 3,176 (8,092) 1,996
------ ------ ------- ------
Total current liabilities 40,700 19,985 (9,090) 51,595
------ ------ ------- ------
Term loan facilities 137,800 - - 137,800
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007, net 149,245 - - 149,245
Other long-term debt, less current
maturities 105,279 20,878 (89,245) 36,912
Other liabilities 10,729 2,330 (341) 12,718
------- ------ ------- -------
Total liabilities 443,753 43,193 (98,676) 388,270
------- ------ -------- -------
Minority interest 2,315 - - 2,315
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity ( deficiency):
Series E Special Stock 13,732 - - 13,732
Common Stock 3,212 17,832 (17,832) 3,212
Additional paid-in capital 122,980 68,700 (68,700) 122,980
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (13,946) (14,140) 14,140 (13,946)
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) (149,752) 31,827 (31,801) (149,726)
-------- ------ -------- --------
Total stockholders' equity (deficiency) (23,774) 104,219 (104,193) (23,748)
------- ------- --------- --------
$422,294 $147,412 $(202,869) $366,837
======== ======== ========== ========
See accompanying unaudited notes.
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
June 30, 1999
(In 000's)
ASSETS
Alliance
Gaming
Parent and Non- Corporation
Guaranteeing Guaranteeing Elimina- and
Subsidiaries Subsidiaries tions Subsidiaries
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,065 $ 10,865 $ - $ 16,930
Accounts and notes receivable, net 46,423 50,917 (4,675) 92,665
Inventories, net 30,513 16,154 (529) 46,138
Other current assets 8,510 2,913 - 11,423
------ ------ -------- -------
Total current assets 91,511 80,849 (5,204) 167,156
------- ------ ------- -------
Long-term notes receivable, net 99,961 1,797 (95,976) 5,782
Leased equipment, net 3,923 7,058 - 10,981
Property, plant and equipment, net 41,880 32,279 - 74,159
Excess of costs over net assets of acquired
businesses, net 38,904 18,689 - 57,593
Intangible assets, net 26,448 406 - 26,854
Investments in subsidiaries 86,993 - (86,993) -
Deferred tax assets 4,122 4,860 - 8,982
Other assets, net 21,190 (12,197) (4,193) 4,800
------- ------- --------- -------
$414,932 $133,741 $(192,366) $356,307
======== ======== ========== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $14,706 $ 2,666 $ - $ 17,372
Accrued liabilities 26,771 13,746 (1,321) 39,196
Current maturities of long-term debt 6,175 3,299 (7,547) 1,927
------ ------ ------- ------
Total current liabilities 47,652 19,711 (8,868) 58,495
------ ------ ------- ------
Term loan facilities 134,096 - - 134,096
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007, net 149,298 - - 149,298
Other long-term debt, less current maturities 104,826 24,379 (95,820) 33,385
Other liabilities 7,370 2,330 (242) 9,458
------ ------ ------- ------
Total liabilities 443,242 46,420 (104,930) 384,732
------- ------ --------- -------
Minority interest 1,983 - - 1,983
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity (deficiency):
Series E Special Stock 15,380 - - 15,380
Common Stock 979 17,832 (17,832) 979
Treasury stock (522) (522)
Additional paid-in capital 129,991 68,700 (68,700) 129,991
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (15,845) (16,143) 16,002 (15,986)
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) (160,276) 16,932 (16,906) (160,250)
-------- ------ ------- --------
Total stockholders' equity (deficiency) (30,293) 87,321 (87,436) (30,408)
------- ------ -------- --------
$414,932 $133,741 $(192,366) $356,307
======== ======== ========== ========
See accompanying unaudited notes.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year ended June 30, 1997
(In 000's)
Alliance
Gaming
Parent and Non- Corporation
Guaranteeing Guaranteeing Elimina- and
Subsidiaries Subsidiaries tions Subsidiaries
Revenues:
Gaming equipment and systems $130,764 $ 11,070 $ (7,100) $134,734
Wall machines and amusement games - 131,954 (20) 131,934
Route operations 108,148 18,880 - 127,028
Casino operations 11,738 39,712 - 51,450
------- ------- ------ -------
250,650 201,616 (7,120) 445,146
------- ------- ------ -------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of gaming equipment and systems 82,673 8,796 (6,973) 84,496
Cost of wall machines and amusement games - 68,437 (11) 68,426
Cost of route operations 83,592 12,124 - 95,716
Cost of casino operations 7,528 14,741 - 22,269
Selling, general and administrative 53,913 45,616 (9) 99,520
Research and development 6,701 3,253 - 9,954
Depreciation and amortization 13,390 9,216 - 22,606
Unusual items 700 - - 700
------- ------- ------- -------
248,497 162,183 (6,993) 403,687
------- ------- ------- -------
Operating income (loss) 2,153 39,433 (127) 41,459
Earnings in consolidated subsidiaries 23,624 - (23,624) -
Other income (expense):
Interest income 1,635 369 (384) 1,620
Interest expense (21,042) (2,968) 384 (23,626)
Rainbow royalty - (4,722) - (4,722)
Minority interest (1,092) - - (1,092)
Other, net 135 4 - 139
----- ----- ------ ------
Income before income taxes 5,413 32,116 (23,751) 13,778
Income tax benefit (provision) 499 (8,492) - (7,993)
----- ------ ------- ------
Net income 5,912 23,624 (23,751) 5,785
Special Stock dividends (11,974) - - (11,974)
------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares $ (6,062) $23,624 $(23,751) $ (6,189)
======== ======= ======== ========
See accompanying unaudited notes.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year ended June 30, 1998
(In 000's)
Alliance
Gaming
Parent and Non- Corporation
Guaranteeing Guaranteeing Elimina- and
Subsidiaries Subsidiaries tions Subsidiaries
Revenues:
Gaming equipment and systems $104,141 $ 13,455 $(7,999) $109,597
Wall machines and amusement games - 98,759 (148) 98,611
Route operations 127,424 21,083 - 148,507
Casino operations 13,426 47,231 - 60,657
-------- ------- -------- -------
244,991 180,528 (8,147) 417,372
------- ------- ------ -------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of gaming equipment and systems 60,154 9,555 (8,025) 61,684
Cost of wall machines and amusement games - 54,389 (148) 54,241
Cost of route operations 101,052 13,593 - 114,645
Cost of casino operations 8,278 17,652 - 25,930
Selling, general and administrative 47,066 39,252 - 86,318
Research and development 12,739 3,039 - 15,778
Depreciation and amortization 14,181 8,657 - 22,838
Unusual items (370) 45 - (325)
------ ------- -------- ------
243,100 146,182 (8,173) 381,109
------- ------- ------ -------
Operating income 1,891 34,346 26 36,263
Earnings in consolidated subsidiaries 22,844 - (22,844) -
Other income (expense):
Interest income 1,339 418 (944) 813
Interest expense (27,581) (1,963) 944 (28,600)
Rainbow royalty 4,884 (5,471) - (587)
Rainbow royalty buyout (19,000) - - (19,000)
Minority interest (2,002) - - (2,002)
Other, net 1,136 (111) - 1,025
------ ------ --------- -------
Income (loss) before income taxes (16,489) 27,219 (22,818) (12,088)
Income tax (provision) benefit 1,190 (4,375) - (3,185)
------ ------- --------- -------
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item (15,299) 22,844 (22,818) (15,273)
Extraordinary loss, without tax benefit (42,033) - - (42,033)
------- ------ ---------- ---------
Net income (loss) (57,332) 22,844 (22,818) (57,306)
Special Stock dividends (3,551) - - (3,551)
Premium on repurchase of Series B Special Stock (16,553) - - (16,553)
------- ------ ------- -------
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares $(77,436) $22,844 $(22,818) $(77,410)
======== ======= ======== ========
See accompanying unaudited notes.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year ended June 30, 1999
(In 000's)
Alliance
Gaming
Parent and Non- Corporation
Guaranteeing Guaranteeing Elimina- and
Subsidiaries Subsidiaries tions Subsidiaries
Revenues:
Gaming equipment and systems $124,022 $ 12,416 $(8,628) $127,810
Wall machines and amusement games - 91,178 (344) 90,834
Route operations 154,171 21,683 - 175,854
Casino operations 14,549 49,133 - 63,682
------- ------- ------ -------
292,742 174,410 (8,972) 458,180
------- ------- ------ -------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of gaming equipment and systems 67,726 10,623 (8,628) 69,721
Cost of wall machines and amusement games - 54,046 (11) 54,035
Cost of route operations 123,444 14,248 - 137,692
Cost of casino operations 8,644 18,367 - 27,011
Selling, general and administrative 63,032 41,405 (333) 104,104
Research and development 13,947 3,243 - 17,190
Depreciation and amortization 14,996 8,108 - 23,104
------ ------ --------- -------
291,789 150,040 (8,972) 432,857
------- ------- ------ -------
Operating income 953 24,370 - 25,323
Earnings in consolidated subsidiaries 14,875 - (14,875) -
Other income (expense):
Interest income 960 427 (838) 549
Interest expense (30,495) (1,728) 838 (31,385)
Rainbow royalty 5,679 (5,679) - -
Minority interest (2,053) - - (2,053)
Other, net 221 (652) - (431)
----- ------ ------- ------
Income (loss) before income taxes (9,860) 16,738 (14,875) (7,997)
Income tax (provision) benefit 1,033 (1,863) - (830)
------ ------ ------- ------
Net income (loss) (8,827) 14,875 (14,875) (8,827)
Special Stock dividends (1,697) - - (1,697)
------ ------ ------ ------
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares $(10,524) $14,875 $(14,875) $(10,524)
======== ======= ======== ========
See accompanying unaudited notes.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended June 30, 1997
(In 000's)
Alliance
Gaming
Parent and Non- Corporation
Guaranteeing Guaranteeing Elimina- and
Subsidiaries Subsidiaries tions Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 5,912 $ 23,624 $(23,751) $ 5,785
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 13,390 9,216 -- 22,606
Amortization of debt discounts 295 512 -- 807
Write down of other assets 803 272 -- 1,075
Loss on sale of assets 503 730 -- 1,233
Provision for doubtful receivables 5,049 4,010 -- 9,059
Other 32 (683) -- (651)
Net change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable 1,912 (10,495) 3,982 (4,601)
Inventories 4,587 (12,165) 680 (6,898)
Other current assets (287) (1,262) -- (1,549)
Intercompany accounts (20,472) 5,673 14,799 --
Accounts payable (4,425) (177) 2,632 (1,970)
Accrued liabilities (8,943) 7,269 914 (760)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities (1,644) 26,524 (744) 24,136
-------- -------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment (9,198) (4,059) -- (13,257)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant
and equipment 78 176 -- 254
Other additions to long-term assets (8,375) (199) -- (8,574)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (17,495) (4,082) -- (21,577)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Reduction of long-term debt (767) (6,751) 744 (6,774)
Net change in credit lines (7,525) (4,053) -- (11,578)
Repurchase of Series B Special Stock (3,879) -- -- (3,879)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 767 -- -- 767
Dividends received (paid) 10,051 (10,051) -- --
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash used in financing activities (1,353) (20,855) 744 (21,464)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash -- (228) -- (228)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Increase (decrease) for period (20,492) 1,359 -- (19,133)
Balance, beginning of period 36,954 11,103 -- 48,057
-------- -------- -------- --------
Balance, end of period $ 16,462 $ 12,462 $ -- $ 28,924
======== ======== ======== ========
See accompanying unaudited notes.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended June 30, 1998
(In 000's)
Alliance
Gaming
Parent and Non- Corporation
Guaranteeing Guaranteeing Elimina- and
Subsidiaries Subsidiaries tions Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ (57,332) $ 22,844 $ (22,818) $ (57,306)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization 14,181 8,657 -- 22,838
Amortization of debt discounts 44 -- -- 44
Extraordinary item 42,033 -- -- 42,033
Write down of other assets 2,447 -- (118) 2,329
(Gain) loss on sale of assets 185 (52) -- 133
Provision for losses on (recovery of) receivables (8,278) 1,084 -- (7,194)
Other (140) (3) 92 (51)
Net change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable (4,795) 3,318 3,423 1,946
Inventories (8,870) (200) (151) (9,221)
Other current assets (1,100) (1,912) -- (3,012)
Intercompany accounts (17,688) (430) 18,118 --
Accounts payable (2,563) (1,158) (72) (3,793)
Accrued liabilities 6,150 (3,022) (534) 2,594
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities (35,726) 29,126 (2,060) (8,660)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment (11,534) (4,007) -- (15,541)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and
equipment (88) 143 -- 55
Additions to long-term assets (9,263) (5,873) 5,503 (9,633)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities (20,885) 5,503 (25,119)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Refinancing fees and expenses (32,752) -- -- (32,752)
Capitalized debt issuance costs (11,456) -- -- (11,456)
Proceeds from long-term debt 309,318 -- (5,584) 303,734
Reduction of long-term debt (179,348) (2,540) 2,141 (179,747)
Net change in credit lines 22,738 2,660 -- 25,398
Redemption of Series B Special Stock (77,568) -- -- (77,568)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 855 -- -- 855
Dividends received (paid) 16,971 (16,971) -- --
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities 48,758 (16,851) (3,443) 28,464
--------- --------- ---------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash -- (122) -- (122)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Increase (decrease) for period (7,853) 2,416 -- (5,437)
Balance, beginning of period 16,462 12,462 -- 28,924
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of period $ 8,609 $ 14,878 $ -- $ 23,487
========= ========= ========= =========
See accompanying unaudited notes.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended June 30, 1999
(In 000's)
Alliance
Gaming
Parent and Non- Corporation
Guaranteeing Guaranteeing Elimina- and
Subsidiaries Subsidiaries tions Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ (8,827) $ 14,875 $(14,875) $ (8,827)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization 14,996 8,108 -- 23,104
Amortization of debt discounts 52 -- -- 52
Write down of other assets 814 14 -- 828
(Gain) loss on sale of assets 246 (21) -- 225
Provision for losses on receivables 1,539 1,635 -- 3,174
Other (690) (580) 99 (1,171)
Net change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable 1,761 (1,002) (2,312) (1,553)
Inventories (8,304) (5,345) -- (13,649)
Other current assets (510) 81 -- (429)
Intercompany accounts (20,947) 6,111 14,836 --
Accounts payable 7,331 (391) -- 6,940
Accrued liabilities (689) 873 (323) (139)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities (13,228) 24,358 (2,575) 8,555
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment (8,286) (3,469) -- (11,755)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and
equipment 279 77 -- 356
Proceeds from sale/leaseback transaction 5,240 -- -- 5,240
Additions to long-term assets (5,684) (5,034) 4,775 (5,943)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (8,451) (8,426) 4,775 (12,102)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt 4,775 -- (4,775) --
Reduction of long-term debt (4,350) (3,314) 2,575 (5,089)
Net change in credit lines (9,800) 7,723 -- (2,077)
Purchase of common stock for treasury (522) -- -- (522)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and
warrants 4,778 -- -- 4,778
Dividends received (paid) 24,253 (24,253) -- --
------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities 19,134 (19,844) (2,200) (2,910)
------- -------- -------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 1 (101) -- (100)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Decrease for period (2,544) (4,013) -- (6,557)
Balance, beginning of period 8,609 14,878 -- 23,487
-------- -------- -------- --------
Balance, end of period $ 6,065 $ 10,865 $ -- $ 16,930
======== ======== ======== ========
See accompanying unaudited notes.
Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999
Basis of Presentation
These notes to consolidating financial statements should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Certain
reclassifications have been made to prior years' financial statements to conform
with the current year presentation.
Debt and Lines of Credit
Long-term debt and lines of credit at June 30, 1998 consist of the following :
Alliance
Gaming
Parent and Non- Corporation
Guaranteeing Guaranteeing Elimina- and
Subsidiaries Subsidiaries tions Subsidiaries
(in 000's)
10% Senior Subordinated Notes due
2007, net of unamortized discount $ 149,245 $ -- $ -- $ 149,245
Term loan facilities:
Tranche B Term Loan 74,438 -- -- 74,438
Tranche C Term Loan 39,700 -- -- 39,700
Delayed Draw Term Facility 25,000 -- -- 25,000
Revolving Credit Facility 22,700 12,271 -- 34,971
Intercompany notes payable 88,096 9,241 (97,337) --
Other 57 2,542 -- 2,599
-------- --------- --------- ---------
399,236 24,054 (97,337) 325,953
Less current maturities 6,912 3,176 (8,092) 1,996
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Long-term debt, less current
maturities $ 392,324 $ 20,878 $ (89,245) $ 323,957
========= ========= ========= =========
Long-term debt and lines of credit at June 30, 1999 consist of the following :
Alliance
Gaming
Parent and Non- Corporation
Guaranteeing Guaranteeing Elimina- and
Subsidiaries Subsidiaries tions Subsidiaries
(in 000's)
10% Senior Subordinated Notes due
2007, net of unamortized discount $ 149,298 $ $ $ 149,298
Term loan facilities:
Tranche B Term Loan 72,380 72,380
Tranche C Term Loan 38,744 38,744
Delayed Draw Term Facility 24,372 24,372
Revolving Credit Facility 12,900 19,300 32,200
Intercompany notes payable 96,701 6,666 (103,367) --
Other 1,712 1,712
-------- -------- --------- ---------
394,395 27,678 (103,367) 318,706
Less current maturities 6,175 3,299 (7,547) 1,927
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Long-term debt, less current
maturities $ 388,220 $ 24,379 $ (95,820) $ 316,779
========= ========= ========= =========
Income Taxes
The federal, foreign and state income tax effects of temporary differences that
give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as
of June 30, 1998 are as follows (in 000's):
Alliance
Gaming
Parent and Non- Corporation
Guaranteeing Guaranteeing Elimina- and
Subsidiaries Subsidiaries tions Subsidiaries
(in 000's)
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carry forwards $ 15,254 $ $ $ 15,254
Foreign tax credit carry forwards 12,816 12,816
Inventory obsolescence reserves 2,729 853 3,582
Bad debt reserves 2,045 11 2,056
Accruals not currently deductible
for tax purposes 3,809 299 4,108
Refinancing costs being amortized
for tax purposes 13,125 13,125
Other 4,430 3,181 7,611
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total gross deferred tax assets 54,208 4,344 58,552
Less: Valuation allowance (47,085) (47,085)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Deferred tax assets $ 7,123 $ 4,344 $ -- $ 11,467
-------- -------- -------- --------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment, principally
due to depreciation differences $ 3,268 $ 1,494 $ $ 4,762
Other 4,332 836 5,168
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total gross deferred tax liabilities 7,600 2,330 9,930
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ (477) $ 2,014 $ -- $ 1,537
======== ======== ======== ========
The federal, foreign and state income tax effects of temporary differences that
give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as
of June 30, 1999 are as follows (in 000's):
Alliance
Gaming
Parent and Non- Corporation
Guaranteeing Guaranteeing Elimina- and
Subsidiaries Subsidiaries tions Subsidiaries
(in 000's)
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carry forwards $ 17,668 $ $ $ 17,668
Foreign tax credit carry forwards 7,527 7,527
Inventory obsolescence reserves 2,564 743 3,307
Bad debt reserves 2,694 3 2,697
Accruals not currently deductible
for tax purposes 3,046 327 3,373
Refinancing costs being amortized
for tax purposes 10,683 10,683
Other 2,003 6,167 8,170
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total gross deferred tax assets 46,185 7,240 53,425
Less: Valuation allowance (42,063) (2,380) (44,443)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Deferred tax assets $ 4,122 $ 4,860 $ -- $ 8,982
-------- -------- -------- ========
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment, principally
due to depreciation differences $ 2,560 $ 699 $ $ 3,349
Other 1,586 1,994 3,580
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total gross deferred tax liabilities 4,236 2,693 6,929
------- ------- -------- --------
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ (114) $ 2,167 $ -- $ 2,053
======== ======== ======== ========
12. RESERVES AND ALLOWANCES
The following tables represent the activity for each of the fiscal years
ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 for each of the valuation reserve and
allowance accounts (in 000's):
Balance at Balance at
Beginning of End of
Year Additions Deductions Year
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year ended June 30, 1999 $13,041 $ 3,817 $ 3,162 $13,696
Year ended June 30, 1998 23,901 2,722 13,582 (a) 13,041
Year ended June 30, 1997 19,497 9,179 4,775 23,901
Inventory valuation allowance:
Year ended June 30, 1999 $ 6,797 $ 2,273 $ 1,993 $ 7,077
Year ended June 30, 1998 8,856 355 2,414 6,797
Year ended June 30, 1997 9,484 1,719 2,347 8,856
Other assets valuation reserve:
Year ended June 30, 1999 $ 3,488 $ - $ 20 $ 3,468
Year ended June 30, 1998 3,502 18 32 3,488
Year ended June 30, 1997 3,679 162 339 3,502
- ---------------
(a) Includes the $6.0 million net reversal of bad debt reserves related to the
resolution of certain receivables sold with recourse to General Electric
Capital Corporation. Such amount was included in unusual items in the
accompanying consolidated statement of operations.