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EX-23.1 - EXHIBIT 23.1 - YOUBET COM INCc94901exv23w1.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - YOUBET COM INCc94901exv31w1.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - YOUBET COM INCc94901exv31w2.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - YOUBET COM INCc94901exv32w1.htm
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K/A
(Amendment No. 1)
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number: 0-26015
YOUBET.COM, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   95-4627253
(State of incorporation)   (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
     
2600 West Olive Avenue, 5th floor, Burbank, CA. 91505   91505
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (818) 668-2100
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company þ
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2008) was approximately $38.1 million based on the closing sale price of $1.27 as reported on the NASDAQ Capital Market on June 30, 2008.
As of December 31, 2008, there were 41,463,470 shares of common stock, $.001 par value per share, outstanding (net of treasury shares).
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this report.
 
 

 

 


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Explanatory Note
Youbet.com, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our,” “Youbet” or the “Company”) is filing this amendment (this “Amendment”) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (our “Annual Report”) to voluntarily revise our disclosures in response to comments received from the staff (the “Staff”) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with the Staff’s review of our Annual Report. We are filing this Amendment at this time because our Annual Report is incorporated by reference into the proxy statement/prospectus contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC by Churchill Downs Incorporated (“Churchill Downs”) on December 24, 2009 in connection with the proposed merger between Youbet and Churchill Downs.
We are only filing the items of our Annual Report that have been revised in response to the Staff’s comments and all other information in our Annual Report remains unchanged, except for the correction of certain typographical errors. Accordingly, this Amendment should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report. Unless otherwise provided, all information contained in this Amendment is as of March 6, 2009, the original filing date of our Annual Report. This Amendment does not reflect events that have occurred after the filing of the Annual Report and does not modify or update the disclosure therein in any way other than as required to reflect the matters set forth herein.
The only changes to our Annual Report are in Item 1 — “Business,” Item 6 — “Selected Consolidated Financial Data,” Item 7 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in the financial statements filed as part of Items 8 and 15. In Item 1, the only changes were to expand certain disclosures in the Research and Development and Competition sections. In Item 6, the only changes were the correction of certain typographical errors. In Item 7, the only changes were to (i) expand discussion of segment reporting in the overview section, (ii) expand disclosure in the results of operations and liquidity and capital resources sections, (iii) expand the contractual obligations table and (iv) add additional disclosure to the critical accounting estimates and policies section. The remainder of Items 1 and 7 are unchanged by this Amendment, except for the correction of certain typographical errors.
The financial statements included in Item 15 have been modified solely to (i) expand the discussion of revenue recognition and stock-based compensation in Note 2, (ii) clarify the discussion of net operating loss carry forwards in Note 10, (iii) expand the discussion of segment reporting in Note 15 and (iv) correct certain typographical errors.
Pursuant to the Rule 12b-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, currently dated certifications from our principal executive and principal financial officer, as required by Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, are filed or furnished herewith, as applicable.
Cautionary Statement
This annual report on Form 10-K/A contains forward-looking statements which include, but are not limited to, statements concerning expectations as to our revenues, expenses, and net income, our growth strategies and plans, our assessment of strategic alternatives for United Tote, including a possible sale, as to which there can be no assurance of success, the timely development and market acceptance of our products and technologies, the competitive nature of and anticipated growth in our markets, our ability to achieve further cost reductions, the status of evolving technologies and their growth potential, the adoption of future industry standards, expectations as to our financing and liquidity requirements and arrangements, the need for additional capital, and other matters that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates, and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs, and certain assumptions made by it. Words such as “anticipates”, “appears”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes, “seeks”, “estimates”, “may”, “will” and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. These statements, which are included in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results could differ materially and adversely from those results expressed in any forward-looking statements, as a result of various factors, some of which are listed under Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are based only upon information available as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

 

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YOUBET.COM, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-K/A
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008
         
    Page  
PART I.
       
 
       
    4  
 
       
PART II.
       
 
       
    10  
 
       
    12  
 
       
    27  
 
       
PART IV.
       
 
       
    27  
 
       
    30  
 
       
 Exhibit 23.1
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1

 

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ITEM 1.  
BUSINESS
Business Overview
We are a diversified provider of technology and pari-mutuel horse racing content for consumers through Internet and telephone platforms, and a leading supplier of totalizator systems, terminals and other pari-mutuel wagering services and systems to the pari-mutuel industry. Youbet Express is a leading online advance deposit wagering (“ADW”) company focused on horse racing primarily in the United States.
Our website, www.youbet.com, enables our customers to securely wager on horse races at over 150 racetracks worldwide from the convenience of their homes or other locations. Our customers receive the same odds and expected payouts they would receive if they were wagering directly at the host track and their wagers are commingled with the host track betting pools.
We appeal to both new and experienced handicappers by providing a user-friendly “one-stop-shop” experience. To place a wager, customers open an account and deposit funds with us via several convenient options, including our ExpressCash system, which links our customers’ wagering accounts directly to their personal checking accounts. To enable our customers to make informed wagers, we provide 24-hour access to up-to-the-minute track information, real-time odds and value-added handicapping products, such as Turfday Super Stats, a comprehensive database of racing statistics and a grading system to assess trainers, jockeys and horses. Our customers can view high-quality, live audio/video broadcasts of races as well as replays of a horse’s past races. Our convenient automated services are complemented by our player service agents, who are available 15 hours a day, seven days a week to provide technical support and address any wagering or funding questions.
Our content partners provide us the same live satellite feeds that they normally broadcast at the track and to off-track betting facilities (“OTBs”). As a result, our partners have the opportunity to increase the total handle wagered on their racing signal, which we believe leads to higher revenues for the host track and a higher quality of racing through larger purses for the horse owners. In return, we receive a commission, or a percentage of the wager (handle) processed through Youbet Express.
We acquired United Tote Company in February 2006. United Tote is a leading supplier of totalizator systems (equipment and technology that processes wagers and payouts). United Tote supplies pari-mutuel tote services to approximately 100 racing facilities in North America and additional facilities in a number of foreign markets. As a result of this acquisition, we now operate two business segments for financial accounting purposes, ADW and totalizator systems. For more information, see Note 15 “Segment Reporting” in our consolidated financial statements at the end of this report.
We were incorporated in Delaware on November 13, 1995. Our executive offices are located at 2600 West Olive Avenue, 5th floor, Burbank, Ca. 91505 and our telephone number is (818) 668-2100. Our website address is www.youbet.com.
Industry Overview
According to The Jockey Club, which is the breed registry for all thoroughbred horses in North America, total U.S. handle on thoroughbred racing, the most popular type of horse racing, was estimated at approximately $13.6 billion in 2008, of which 89% represented wagers made away from the host track, such as at OTBs, at other tracks, or via Internet and telephone wagering. We believe that the ADW segment has outpaced overall pari-mutuel industry growth in recent years and that the largest volume of ADW wagers in the U.S. were processed through entities licensed as multi-jurisdictional ADW wagering hubs.
In 2000, the United States Congress amended the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 to clarify the legality of wagering across state lines via telephone or other electronic media and the commingling of pari-mutuel wagering pools.
In the fourth quarter of 2006, Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, which includes certain racing protective provisions by maintaining the status-quo with respect to wagering activities covered under the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978, as amended. This Act prohibits the acceptance of credit cards, electronic funds transfers, checks, or the proceeds of other financial transactions by persons engaged in unlawful betting or wagering businesses; however, the Act specifically excludes from the definition of unlawful Internet gambling “any activity that is allowed under the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978”. On November 12, 2008, the Department of Treasury and Federal Reserve Board jointly published the final rule (the “UIGEA Rule”) implementing the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006.

 

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Competitive Advantages
We are a leading ADW company focused on horse racing primarily in the U.S. and have processed over $2.1 billion in wagers from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2008. We believe we have the following competitive advantages:
Extensive customer database and strong analytical capability
We utilize sophisticated data mining software, which generates detailed customer segmentation analyses based on variables such as wagering propensities and preferences. With this information, we are able to personalize our product offerings through targeted special offers, contests and promotions tailored to specific customer segments. This information also helps us maximize revenue yield by allowing us to target promotions and incentives to wagers on tracks that generate greater revenue yield to us.
Highly scalable infrastructure
Our highly scalable technological infrastructure and automated online and telephonic wagering platform provide us with significant operating leverage. We typically operate at less than 33% of system capacity. This built-in excess capacity enables us to easily process significantly greater wagering volume at a low incremental cost. Additionally, we continuously build automation into our core online and interactive voice recognition wagering platform in order to minimize our incremental staffing requirements. With this operating leverage, we are well-positioned to capitalize on handle growth to increase earnings.
Growth Strategies
We aim to maintain our strong position in the ADW segment and build upon the strength of our brand. We have adopted the following key growth strategies to achieve these objectives:
Continue to develop high-quality wagering products
We intend to continue to develop industry-leading technology and to expand the diversity and breadth of our product offerings and services. We believe this will translate into a more enjoyable customer experience, and as a result, we believe our customers will place a greater portion of their wagering dollars through us.
Seek additional content
We intend to continue to seek access to additional domestic content for our customers to view and to wager on. We also hope to enter into additional content agreements with international racing and gaming entities, which will provide our customers with a more diverse array of content to view and to wager on. In 2008, we derived less than 5% of our handle from races outside of the U.S. and Canada.
Expand geographic presence
We intend to seek opportunities in the U.S. and abroad to leverage our highly scalable online and telephone wagering platforms and to diversify our customer base, revenue streams and content. We hope to increase our penetration of the international market by entering into content and technology agreements with international racing and gaming entities that will enable us to expand our customer base internationally.
Expansion into new gaming opportunities
International jurisdictions permit a broader array of wagering activities than the U.S., including fixed-odds sports betting. We believe that, with modifications, our robust operating platform can be adapted to facilitate such international opportunities.
Leverage our flexible wagering platform to provide online solutions for track operators and other gaming companies
Only a limited number of track operators currently operate a website that accepts ADW wagers. If track operators or other gaming companies decide to enter the online ADW segment, our experience and technological leadership make us highly qualified to assist in building and supporting such websites. In addition, with our technologically advanced, highly scalable and flexible online platform and our excess capacity, we are well-positioned to provide the technological infrastructure for the online initiatives of track operators or other gaming companies.

 

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Revenue Sources
For each pari-mutuel wager placed by our customers, we receive a commission calculated as a percentage of the wager. In the aggregate, these commissions represented approximately 76% of our total revenue for 2008. We generate additional revenue primarily from processing fees, monthly subscription fees and the sale of handicapping information.
United Tote revenue is derived from contractual arrangements for the supply, installation, operation, servicing and maintenance of totalizator systems at pari-mutuel facilities, including horse and dog racing tracks. This revenue is supplemented by sales and licensing of supplies, software and equipment used by the facilities.
Marketing
Using a variety of media channels, consisting primarily of online marketing and search engine optimization, supported by tactical print and radio advertising and complimented by brand placement through our track partners, media and promotions channels, we focus our integrated marketing efforts on targeted marketing to horse racing enthusiasts. An integrated marketing approach allows us to cycle a series of targeted messages and promotions centered on key product features, differentiators, benefits, key content, online tournaments and contests, and event-specific promotions. A complimentary strategy, implemented in 2008, includes design and content modifications to the Youbet.com website aimed at increasing its prominence in natural search results in order to drive new customers to the website.
Our marketing campaigns and customer retention strategies are supported with customer research and analysis and are intended to satisfy the needs of existing customers and drive new customers to Youbet ExpressSM. We frequently initiate communication with our customers via phone, email and online channels. One-to-one messaging through the Youbet ExpressSM platform allows us to tailor dynamic personalized messages and offers to our members based on their wagering propensity, preferences and frequency of visitation.
Acquisitions and Dispositions
Acquisition of United Tote
In February 2006, we completed the acquisition of United Tote for $31.9 million plus the assumption of approximately $14.7 million of United Tote debt (primarily related to the financing of equipment that had been placed with United Tote’s track customers). We financed the acquisition by delivering to UT Group, LLC, United Tote’s former owner, approximately $9.7 million in cash, an aggregate of $10.2 million in unsecured promissory notes and 2,181,818 shares of Youbet common stock, valued at $5.50 per share.
The Youbet shares issued to UT Group were subject to a “make-whole” provision pursuant to which we agreed to pay to UT Group a one-time cash payment equal to the amount by which $5.50 exceeds the average trading price of our common stock for the five trading-day period ending on February 9, 2007, multiplied by the number of shares delivered by us and then held by UT Group. In addition, we were entitled to cause UT Group to sell some or all of the Youbet shares on or before February 9, 2007, if the trading price was below $5.50 per share, provided that we paid to UT Group the make-whole amount within ten trading days of the sale. On January 23, 2007, we delivered notice exercising our right to force the sale of UT Group’s 2,181,818 shares of Youbet common stock. On January 24, 2007, all 2,181,818 shares were sold for $3.45 per share, which sale closed on January 29, 2007, and we paid UT Group the aggregate make-whole payment of $4.5 million.
For more information regarding the promissory notes issued to UT Group, see Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
We have streamlined the operations of United Tote and, as previously announced, we are continuing to evaluate strategic alternatives for this segment of our business, including a possible sale.
Disposition of Bruen Productions
In October 2006, Youbet acquired privately-held Bruen Productions International, Inc. We funded the acquisition with common stock held in treasury, payable in four installments over three years, and the assumption of approximately $0.2 million of debt. Youbet delivered 13,953 shares of common stock in October 2006 as the first installment. As of December 31, 2007, we sold Bruen Productions back to the original owner in exchange for return of the delivered shares, termination of future stock obligations and cash. The decision to sell the Bruen Productions was reached after management concluded that Bruen Productions was not a core business for Youbet, and that the sale would free up management resources to focus on our ADW platform and totalizator services. For more information regarding the sale of Bruen Productions, see Note 17 “Discontinued Operations” in our consolidated financial statements at the end of this report.

 

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Shutdown of IRG
As further described in Item 3 “Legal Proceedings,” the International Racing Group (“IRG”) business was adversely impacted by a severe reduction in wagering activity following the commencement of an investigation involving the IRG business by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Las Vegas, Nevada. Accordingly, on February 15, 2008, we stopped taking wagers and ceased all other operations associated with its business. In connection with the IRG shutdown, we surrendered IRG’s license with the Oregon Racing Commission (“ORC”). For more information regarding the discontinued operations of IRG, see Note 17 “Discontinued Operations” in our consolidated financial statements at the end of this report.
Research and Development
Expenses
During 2008, 2007 and 2006, we spent approximately $4.5 million, $4.4 million and $4.1 million, respectively, on research and development activities, including capitalized expenses of $1.1 million, $0.5 million and $1.1 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
New Products
We have made important investments in product development areas focused on meeting our customers’ needs. A number of these improvements were released in the fourth quarter of 2008 rolling into 2009. These developments include “experience” related modification such as enhancing the video streaming quality with higher resolution and speed, through implementation of Flash video. This improvement will allow our customers who use Apple’s Mac products to enjoy our streaming service for the first time. We have created other key wagering and analytic tools including “myROI”, a “return on investment” tool to help customers identify and reproduce their greatest areas of success. Additionally, we have launched tools to enhance the wagering experience, leveraging conditional logic and key improvements to our Wager Queue Pro offerings. We have also developed a number of key new promotional capabilities to improve trial and conversion as well as rebuilding and revising our referral program offering, which provides incentives for our customers to invite their friends to join the Youbet.com family.
In 2008, we began providing a co-branded product for a group of four racetracks in Illinois, pursuant to a co-branding agreement with those racetracks which provides for the sharing of the revenue and expenses associated with wagers placed by Illinois customers. The co-branded product provides virtual off-track betting systems and services to customers, including, but not limited to, information regarding horse races enabling customers to transmit wagering instructions on horse races via a Website. This is accomplished through the creation of dynamic pages with a specific URL address to enable visitors and customers to use the service.
Pursuant to the terms of the co-branding agreement, we provide ADW services, including an Internet platform and customer service representatives, and retain a share of the net revenue (commissions less associated direct costs) generated from related wagering and handicapping activity. All revenue and expenses associated with the co-branding agreement are captured and accounted for in the same manner as revenue and expenses associated with our operations for customers outside of Illinois, with the exception that the co-branded product transactions are segregated into a separate profit center. At each month end, we prepare a separate profit and loss analysis for the co-branded product to determine the net revenue generated and remit to the tracks a percentage of the net revenue, which is similar to a source market fee. We account for the amount remitted to the group of race tracks as a track fee in our statement of operations, which reduces our gross profit and Youbet Express yield, as described in more detail under Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Competition
Web-based interactive gaming and wagering is a new and rapidly changing marketplace. We anticipate competition will become more intense as many web-based ventures focus on the gaming industry. Management believes that we are well-positioned to compete with these entities, as well as other established gaming companies seeking to enter the interactive, pari-mutuel gaming market.
Our primary competitors in the domestic interactive pari-mutuel wagering market include ODS Technologies, L.P. and ODS Properties, Inc., collectively doing business as TV Games Network (“TVG”), Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company, doing business as TwinSpires (“Twinspires”), and XpressBet, Inc. (“XpressBet”). We do, however, compete with a host of other interactive and off-track pari-mutuel wagering firms on a national, regional, and local level.

 

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TVG currently accepts wagers from customers in 15 states. TVG is a 24-hour national horse racing channel broadcast over cable and satellite. In January 2009, Betfair Group Ltd., a gaming company based in the United Kingdom (“Betfair”), purchased TVG from Macrovision Solutions Corporation.
Twinspires is an ADW platform owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (“Churchill Downs”). Aside from its namesake track, where the Kentucky Derby is held, Churchill Downs also owns and operates Arlington Park, Calder Race Course and Fair Grounds Race Course.
XpressBet is an ADW platform owned by Magna Entertainment Corp. (“Magna”). Magna owns and operates horse racetracks throughout North America, including Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, Golden Gate Fields and Pimlico Race Course, where The Preakness Stakes is held. Magna also owns AmTote International, Inc., which is a provider of totalizator services.
In March 2007, Magna and Churchill Downs announced that they had formed a joint venture called TrackNet Media Group LLC (“TrackNet”) through which the companies’ horse racing content would be available to each other’s various distribution platforms, including XpressBet and Twinspires, as well as third parties, including racetracks, casinos and other ADW providers. TrackNet also purchases horse racing content to make available through its partners’ respective distribution platforms. Magna and Churchill Downs also jointly own Horse Racing Television.
In 2007 and 2008, we were unable to carry a significant portion of TrackNet content due to the failure to successfully negotiate an agreement with TrackNet, as well as the impact on the distribution of content stemming from disputes among tracks, ADWs, and a number of horsemens’ groups that have consent rights under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978 (“IHA”). We have had an agreement with TrackNet to carry all of its content since the end of 2008 and anticipate being able to continue to carry that content in the future, although the agreement with TrackNet, like all our agreements with content providers, is subject to cancellation by TrackNet at any time. In addition, we may not be able to arrange to carry such content in the future, as any such arrangement is subject to contractual negotiations and the consent of the relevant horsemens’ groups and racing commissions pursuant to the IHA and applicable state law.
Other competitors include, but are not limited to, Elite Turf Club, Racing & Gaming Services, The Racing Channel, doing business as Oneclickbetting.com, Lien Games, AmWest Entertainment, New Jersey Account Wagering, The New York Racing Association, Connecticut OTB, Sol Mutuel Limited, Royal River Racing, Premier Turf Club, Penn National Gaming, Inc., Day at the Track, Inc., and Racing2Day LLC.
According to The Jockey Club, total North American handle on thoroughbred racing, the most popular type of horse racing, was estimated at approximately $14 billion in 2008, of which 89% was wagered away from the host track, such as at OTBs, at other tracks, or via Internet and telephone wagering. Our thoroughbred handle in 2008 was approximately $325 million or 2.5% of North American thoroughbred handle.
We believe potential new domestic and international competitors looking to enter the interactive wagering marketplace may include the tracks themselves, off-track betting parlors, large established interactive and online software companies, media companies and domestic and international gaming companies. Our business strategies may be influenced by the timing of a competitor’s product releases and the similarity of such products to our products. Additional competition may result in significant pressure on our pricing and profit margins.
United Tote competes primarily on the basis of the design, performance, reliability and pricing of our products as well as contract services provided. To effectively compete, we expect to make continued investments in product development and/or acquisitions of technology. Our two principal competitors in this business segment are AmTote International, Inc. (owned by Magna) and Scientific Games Corporation. Our competition outside of North America is more fragmented, with competition also being provided by several international and regional companies.

 

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Government Regulation and Legislation
Current licensing
In June 2008, the Oregon Racing Commission (“ORC”) approved Youbet’s application to renew for one year our multi-jurisdictional simulcast and interactive wagering totalizator hub license to accept and place online and telephone horse racing pari-mutuel wagers. Also, in June 2008, the Washington Horse Racing Commission approved Youbet’s application to renew for one-year our ADW license to accept and place online and telephone horse racing and pari-mutuel wagers.
In November 2008, the Idaho State Racing Commission approved Youbet’s application to renew for one year our multi-jurisdictional simulcast and interactive wagering totalizator hub license to accept and place online and telephone horse racing and pari-mutuel wagers.
In December 2008, the California Horse Racing Board renewed our in-state and out-of-state ADW licenses through the end of 2009. Also, in December 2008, the Virginia Racing Commission approved Youbet’s application to renew for our license to accept and place online and telephone horse racing pari-mutuel wagers through the end of 2009.
We intend to apply for renewal of each of the licenses described above and, at this time, we have no reason to believe that these licenses will not be renewed.
Other government regulation and licensing
Gaming activities are subject to extensive statutory and regulatory control by federal, state and foreign agencies and could be significantly affected by any changes in the political climate and changes to economic and regulatory policies. These changes may impact our operations in a materially adverse way. Our facilities are used by customers to place wagers and we receive commissions derived from such wagers; therefore various statutes and regulations could have a direct and material impact on our business and on the public demand for our products and services.
For a description of pertinent federal legislation, see “Industry Overview.”
From time to time, we receive correspondence from various governmental agencies inquiring into the legality of our activities. We believe that our activities conform to those federal and state laws and regulations applicable to our activities. However, we face the risk of either civil or criminal proceedings brought by governmental or private litigants who disagree with our interpretation of the applicable laws and therefore, we are at risk of losing such lawsuits or actions and may be subject to significant damages or civil or criminal penalties.
A number of states have enacted, considered or are considering interactive and Internet gaming legislation and regulations which may inhibit our ability to do business in such states or reduce the profitability of doing business in such states, and anti-gaming conclusions and recommendations of other governmental or quasi- governmental bodies could form the basis for new laws, regulations and enforcement policies that could have a material adverse impact on our business.
Any expansion into international markets may subject us to additional regulation in those countries into which we expand.
Seasonality and Backlog
Our business segments are subject to seasonal fluctuations in demand associated with racing schedules. The first and fourth quarters of the calendar year traditionally comprise the weakest seasons for our pari-mutual wagering business. As a result of inclement weather during the winter months, a number of racetracks do not operate and those that do operate often experience missed racing days. This adversely affects the amounts wagered and the corresponding service revenues. Due to the services we provide, we do not experience a material backlog in sales orders or the fulfillment of client services.
Employees
As of December 31, 2008, we had a total of 326 employees, all of whom were full-time employees. We have never had a work stoppage. Fifteen of our United Tote employees as of December 31, 2008, were represented by a labor union. We consider our relations with our employees and the union that represents some of our employees to be good.
Available Information
Our internet website address is http://www.youbet.com. We make available, free of charge through our website, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after such documents are electronically filed with, or otherwise furnished to, the SEC.

 

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ITEM 6.  
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in this report.
                                         
    Years ended December 31,  
    2008 (1)     2007 (2)     2006 (3)     2005 (4)     2004  
    (in thousands, except per share data)  
Statement of Income Data
                                       
Revenues
  $ 109,028     $ 122,494     $ 114,594     $ 82,366     $ 65,249  
Operating costs
    114,193       133,867       118,161       78,601       63,868  
 
                             
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax (benefit)
    (5,165 )     (11,373 )     (3,567 )     3,765       1,381  
Income tax (benefit)
    658       2,814       734       (1,854 )     (3,250 )
 
                             
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (5,823 )     (14,187 )     (4,301 )     5,619       4,631  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (5)
    1,372       (14,231 )     2,270       72        
 
                             
Net income (loss)
  $ (4,451 )   $ (28,418 )   $ (2,031 )   $ 5,691     $ 4,631  
 
                             
Earnings (loss) per share:
                                       
Basic
                                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ (0.14 )   $ (0.34 )   $ (0.12 )   $ 0.18     $ 0.16  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (5)
  $ 0.03       (0.34 )     0.06       0.00       0.00  
Net income (loss)
  $ (0.11 )     (0.68 )     (0.06 )     0.18       0.16  
Diluted
                                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ (0.14 )   $ (0.34 )   $ (0.12 )   $ 0.16     $ 0.14  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (5)
  $ 0.03       (0.34 )     0.06       0.00       0.00  
Net income (loss)
  $ (0.11 )     (0.68 )     (0.06 )     0.16       0.14  
Selected Balance Sheet Data
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 16,538     $ 6,551     $ 21,051     $ 16,686     $ 13,287  
Working capital (deficit)
    (771 )     (14,300 )     5,019       12,015       8,876  
Total assets
    48,880       65,050       105,605       40,829       25,442  
Current portion of long-term debt
    8,704       10,390       8,311       620       391  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
    3,996       4,767       12,054       178       158  
Stockholders’ equity
    16,843       19,981       52,774       22,884       14,098  
     
(1)  
In connection with our evaluation of strategic alternatives for United Tote, in February 2009, we concluded that the carrying value of United Tote was impaired and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $11.2 million as of December 31, 2008, which includes the elimination of $6.9 million in goodwill and reductions in the carrying value of computer equipment and intangible assets of $3.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
 
(2)  
In connection with our evaluation of strategic alternatives for United Tote, in March 2008, we concluded that United Tote goodwill was impaired and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $8.0 million as of December 31, 2007.
 
(3)  
In February 2006, we acquired United Tote, and in October 2006, we acquired Bruen Productions. In 2006, we paid amounts and incurred associated legal fees totaling $2.7 million in connection with an arbitration award related to an audit of amounts paid to TVG under our license agreement with TVG for the period April 2002 through March 2005.
 
(4)  
In June 2005, we acquired IRG.
 
(5)  
In December 2007, we sold Bruen Productions and in February 2008, we ceased operations at IRG. The results of both Bruen Productions and IRG have been accounted for as discontinued operations. See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements at the end of this report.

 

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Selected Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited quarterly financial information presented below includes all adjustments which management considers necessary to present fairly the results of its operations for the periods presented below in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This quarterly financial information has been prepared consistently with the accounting policies described in the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008. The results of operations for the periods presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected in the future.
                                                                 
    Fiscal quarters ended  
    2008     2007  
    Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sep. 30     Dec. 31     Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sep. 30     Dec. 31  
    (in thousands, except per share data)  
Revenues
  $ 24,511     $ 29,239     $ 29,318     $ 25,960     $ 28,592     $ 33,274     $ 33,392     $ 27,236  
 
                                               
Costs and expenses
                                                               
Track fees
    8,277       10,199       10,599       10,228       10,261       11,017       9,774       8,194  
Licensing fees
    2,098       2,378       2,482       2,166       2,823       5,617       6,991       4,379  
Network operations
    925       983       985       1,035       1,203       1,234       1,079       1,048  
Contract costs
    3,536       3,859       3,906       3,493       3,760       4,305       4,258       4,261  
Cost of equipment sales
    88       142       159       77       88       121       189       31  
 
                                               
 
    14,924       17,561       18,131       16,999       18,135       22,294       22,291       17,913  
 
                                               
Gross profit
    9,587       11,678       11,187       8,961       10,457       10,980       11,101       9,323  
 
                                               
Operating expenses
                                                               
General and administrative
    4,198       4,983       3,633       4,938       5,004       4,429       4,342       7,385  
Sales and marketing
    1,243       1,160       1,351       1,519       2,141       3,598       2,173       2,097  
Research and development
    862       934       796       838       865       826       925       1,331  
Depreciation and amortization including intangibles
    1,806       1,972       2,197       2,099       1,618       2,149       2,820       2,530  
Impairment writedowns (1)
                      11,212                         8,000  
 
                                               
 
    8,109       9,049       7,977       20,606       9,628       11,002       10,260       21,343  
 
                                               
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    1,478       2,629       3,210       (11,645 )     829       (22 )     841       (12,020 )
Interest expense, net
    (285 )     (270 )     (223 )     (233 )     (258 )     (377 )     (223 )     (296 )
Other income (expense)
    9       (73 )     101       137       11       8       30       104  
 
                                               
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax (benefit)
    1,202       2,286       3,088       (11,741 )     582       (391 )     648       (12,212 )
Income tax (benefit)
    19       57       286       296       (230 )     (18 )     (59 )     3,121  
 
                                               
Income from continuing operations
    1,183       2,229       2,802       (12,037 )     812       (373 )     707       (15,333 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (2)
    (409 )     (213 )     (120 )     2,114       774       16       (640 )     (14,381 )
 
                                               
Net income (loss)
  $ 774     $ 2,016     $ 2,682     $ (9,923 )   $ 1,586     $ (357 )   $ 67     $ (29,714 )
 
                                               
Net income per common share, diluted
                                                               
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 0.03     $ 0.05     $ 0.07     $ (0.29 )   $ 0.02     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.02     $ (0.37 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (2)
    (0.01 )           (0.01 )     0.05       0.02             (0.02 )     (0.34 )
Net income (loss) per common share
    0.02       0.05       0.06       (0.24 )     0.04       (0.01 )           (0.71 )
 
     
(1)  
We recognized impairment charges in United Tote as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 in the amounts of $11.2 million and $8.0 million, respectively.
 
(2)  
In December 2007, we sold Bruen Productions and in February 2008, we ceased operations at IRG. The results of both Bruen Productions and IRG have been accounted for as discontinued operations. See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements at the end of this report.

 

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ITEM 7.  
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
We are a diversified provider of technology and pari-mutuel horse racing content for consumers through Internet and telephone platforms and a leading supplier of totalizator systems, terminals and other pari-mutuel wagering services and systems to the pari-mutuel industry.
To date, we have focused on the United States pari-mutuel horse race wagering market through our main product, Youbet ExpressSM, which features online wagering, simulcast viewing, and in-depth, up-to-the-minute information on horse racing. Our customers receive interactive, real-time audio/video broadcasts, access to a comprehensive database of handicapping information, and, in most states, the ability to wager on a wide selection of horse races in the United States. We are working to expand the Youbet.ExpressSM brand, its products, and its services throughout the United States and in select international markets.
Based on information compiled by The Jockey Club, over 89% of pari-mutuel wagers, or handle, on thoroughbred racing in the United States were placed at locations away from the host track during 2008. We believe the shift toward off-track wagering has been driven by the betting public’s desire for convenience and access to a broader range of content. Our website, www.youbet.com, enables our customers to securely wager on horse races at over 150 racetracks worldwide from the convenience of their homes or other locations. Our customers receive the same odds and expected payouts they would receive if they were wagering directly at the host track and their wagers are commingled with the host track betting pools.
We appeal to both new and experienced handicappers by providing a user-friendly “one-stop-shop” experience. To place a wager, customers open an account and deposit funds with us via several convenient options, including our ExpressCash system, which links our customers’ wagering accounts directly to their personal checking accounts. To enable our customers to make informed wagers, we provide 24-hour access to up-to-the minute track information, real-time odds and value-added handicapping products, such as Turfday Super Stats, a comprehensive database of racing statistics and a grading system to assess trainers, jockeys and horses. Our customers can view high-quality, live audio/video broadcasts of races as well as replays of a horse’s past races. Our convenient automated services are complemented by our player service agents, who are available 15 hours a day, seven days a week to provide technical support and address any wagering or funding questions.
Our content partners provide us the same live satellite feeds that they normally broadcast at the track and to off-track betting facilities (“OTBs”). As a result, our partners have the opportunity to increase the total handle wagered on their racing signal, which we believe leads to higher revenues for the host track and a higher quality of racing through larger purses for the horse owners. In return, we receive a commission, or a percentage of the wagers (handle) processed by Youbet Express.
We acquired United Tote Company in February 2006. United Tote is a leading supplier of totalizator systems (equipment and technology that processes wagers and payouts) and processes more than $7 billion in handle annually on a global basis, approximately 90% of which is North American pari-mutuel handle. United Tote supplies pari-mutuel tote services to approximately 100 racing facilities in North America and additional facilities in a number of foreign markets.
As result of the United Tote acquisition, we operate two business segments for financial accounting purposes: ADW and totalizator services. Our ADW segment consists of the operations of Youbet Express and Youbet Services Corporation. Our totalizator services segment consists of the operations of United Tote. Each segment operates independently, under separate management and provides distinctly separate services. The ADW segment provides internet wagering services and caters to the general public, whereas the totalizator segment provides totalizator equipment and services to racetracks, as well as off-track betting facilities and ADWs, including our ADW segment. Both segments are impacted by the amount of wagering handle processed, however, the ADW segment is more immune to track closures due to inclement weather, and other factors as players may shift their wagering activities to other tracks. The revenue and expenses attributable to the services provided by our totalizator segment to our ADW segment are eliminated in our consolidated financial statements. Our reporting segments follow the same accounting policies used for our consolidated financial statements. Management evaluates each segment’s performance based upon its individual financial results of operations. For information regarding results for each segment, see Note 15 “Segment Reporting” in our consolidated financial statements at the end of this report.
Our ADW segment also included IRG until it closed as of February 15, 2008, and Bruen Productions, which we sold in December 31, 2007, the results of both of which are accounted for as discontinued operations. For information on IRG and Bruen Productions, see Note 14 “Discontinued Operations” in our consolidated financial statements at the end of this report.

 

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Results of Operations for 2008 Compared to 2007
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain operating data for each of our operating segments prior to the elimination of intersegment revenues of $1.2 million and $1.3 million in the years ending December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
                                                                 
    ADW Segment     Totalizator Segment  
    Year ended December 31,     Year ended December 31,  
                    Increase     %                     Increase     %  
    2008     2007     (Decrease)     Change     2008     2007     (Decrease)     Change  
    (in thousands)  
Revenues
  $ 85,831     $ 97,652     $ (11,821 )     -12.1 %   $ 24,443     $ 26,093     $ (1,650 )     -6.3 %
 
                                                               
Gross profit
    32,229       32,781       (552 )     -1.7 %     9,184       9,080       104       1.1 %
As % of revenues
    37.5 %     33.6 %                     37.6 %     34.8 %                
 
                                                               
Operating expenses
    23,417       31,192       (7,775 )     -24.9 %     22,324       21,041       1,283       6.1 %
As % of revenues
    27.3 %     31.9 %                     91.3 %     80.6 %                
 
                                                               
Income from continuing operations before other income (expense) and income tax
  $ 8,812     $ 1,589     $ 7,223       454.6 %   $ (13,140 )   $ (11,961 )   $ (1,179 )     -9.9 %
As % of revenues
    10.3 %     1.6 %                     -53.8 %     -45.8 %                
Note: Revenues exclude intersegment eliminations of $1.2 million in 2008 and $1.3 million in 2007, respectively.
Revenues
Total revenues decreased $13.5 million, or approximately 11%, for the year ended December 31, 2008 when compared with 2007. Excluding the impact of intersegment eliminations, the revenue decrease was the result of a decrease in our ADW segment revenues of $11.8 million, or approximately 12%, and a decrease in our totalizator segment revenues of $1.7 million, or approximately 6%, over those periods. Set forth below is a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the effects of the various factors affecting our revenues on an operating segment basis.
ADW Segment Revenues
ADW segment revenues, which consist primarily of commissions on wagers placed by our customers, net of player incentives, decreased by approximately $11.8 million, or 12%, in the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to 2007. Gross commissions, before deduction of player incentives, for 2008 decreased $8.5 million or 9% compared to 2007 due to a 10% decline in wagering handle. ADW segment revenues were further negatively impacted by an increase in player incentives during 2008 of $2.5 million, or approximately 45%, when compared with 2007. In addition, the non-commission related portion of our ADW segment revenues, consisting of subscriptions, information and processing fees, decreased $0.8 million compared to 2007 due to player promotions.
Total handle for 2008 was $438.3 million, a decrease of $46.0 million, or 10%, compared to 2007 primarily due to the loss of certain track content and changes in jurisdictions where we accept wagers.
Youbet Express yield, defined as “commission revenue less track and licensing fees as a percentage of handle” (each calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles), increased 70 basis points to 7.9% in 2008 versus 7.2% in 2007. The yield improvement reflects the impact of changes in track mix (which are driven by player preferences due to such things as race type, time of day and wagering pool size) favoring tracks with higher yields, the loss of lower yielding TrackNet content and a reduction in lower yielding TVG content in 2008. TrackNet content generally includes tracks with higher costs and, correspondingly, lower yields. Loss of a significant portion of TrackNet content had the impact of shifting player wagers to higher yielding tracks, thus changing the proportion of funds wagered on lower versus higher yielding content.

 

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The following table sets forth our calculation of Youbet yield for the periods indicated:
                                 
    Year ended December 31,  
                    Increase        
    2008     2007     (Decrease)     %  
    (in thousands)  
Handle
  $ 438,260     $ 484,216     $ (45,956 )     -9.5 %
 
                       
 
                               
Commissions
    82,929       93,969       (11,040 )     -11.7 %
Less:
                               
Track fees
    39,303       39,246       57       0.1 %
License fees
    9,124       19,810       (10,686 )     -53.9 %
 
                       
Net revenue
  $ 34,502     $ 34,913     $ (411 )     -1.2 %
 
                       
Yield %
    7.9 %     7.2 %                
We believe that yield is a useful measure to evaluate our operating results and profitability. Yield, however, should not be considered an alternative to operating income or net income as indicators of Youbet’s financial performance and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Totalizator Segment Revenues
Totalizator segment revenues, which consist of contract revenues associated with the service of totalizator systems and equipment sales, decreased $1.7 million, or approximately 6%, in 2008 when compared 2007 due to a decrease in contract revenues, which was partially offset by an increase in equipment sales. Contract revenues from the service of totalizator systems, which are driven by wagering handle at tracks serviced, were $23.3 million in 2008, representing a decrease of $1.9 million, or approximately 8%, compared to 2007, primarily as a result of track closures, a general industry decline in wagering and reduced racing days. Equipment sales in 2008 were $1.1 million, representing an increase of $0.3 million, or approximately 29%, compared to 2007 due to several international sales transactions.
Costs and Expenses
Consolidated costs and expenses decreased $13.0 million, or approximately 16%, in 2008 compared to 2007 primarily as a result of a $10.7 million decrease in license fees associated with the fewer number of TVG exclusive tracks in 2008 and a $1.8 million reduction in totalizator contract costs. As a percentage of revenues, consolidated costs and expenses decreased from approximately 66% in 2007 to 62% in 2008. Set forth below is a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the effects of the various factors affecting our costs and expenses on an operating segment basis.
ADW Segment Costs and Expenses
Costs and expenses in our ADW segment consist of track fees, licensing fees and network operations, each as described below.
Track fees: Track fees, which primarily consist of host and market access fees paid and payable to various tracks remained flat in 2008 when compared to 2007. A year-over-year decrease in track fees attributable to reduced handle was offset by the shift of costs from license fees to track fees resulting from a reduced number of TVG exclusive tracks and higher host fees paid to the NYRA tracks as a result of such shift. TV streaming costs, source market fees and track revenue sharing fees increased $1.1 million, $1.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively, in 2008 compared to 2007 whereas California market access fees decreased $2.7 million over the same period due to reduced wagering in California.
Licensing fees: Licensing fees, which represent amounts paid and payable under our licensing agreement with TVG, decreased $10.7 million, or 54%, in 2008 compared to 2007, primarily due to decreased wagering on horse races at TVG tracks and the fact that, in 2007, certain California racetracks and, beginning in 2008, NYRA racetracks were no longer TVG exclusive and, therefore, became subject to lower licensing fees.
Network operations: Network operations expense, which consists of costs for salaries, data center management, telecommunications and various totalizator fees, declined $0.6 million or 14% in 2008 when compared to 2007. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower data communication, AV fees and totalizator fees, partially offset by higher outside service expenses related to the relocation of our servers to a more secure facility in the latter part of 2007.

 

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As a percentage of ADW segment revenues, costs and expenses in our ADW segment decreased from approximately 66% in 2007 to 63% in 2008.
Totalizator Segment Costs and Expenses
Costs and expenses in our totalizator segment consist of contract costs and equipment costs, each as described below.
Contract costs: Contract costs, which represent costs of United Tote associated with providing totalizator services at racetracks, decreased $1.8 million, or 11%, in 2008 compared to 2007, largely due to lower compensation costs resulting from the restructuring initiated during the second half of 2007. In addition, lower repair and maintenance costs, professional fees and data communication expenses were partially offset by higher equipment rental and outside labor expense.
Equipment Costs: Equipment costs, which costs of United Tote associated with earning equipment sales revenue, increased 9% in 2008, when compared with 2007, due to an increase in equipment sales.
As a percentage of totalizator segment revenues, costs and expenses in our totalizator segment decreased from approximately 65% in 2007 to 62% in 2008.
Gross Profit
Consolidated gross profit decreased $0.4 million, or approximately 1%, in 2008 compared to 2007 primarily due to the 10% decline in overall wagering handle, increased incentives provided players to mitigate the impact of the handle decline and revenue decline experienced by our totalizator segment, which were partially offset by a $13.0 million, or 16% decline, in consolidated costs and expenses. As a percentage of revenues, consolidated gross profit increased from approximately 34% in 2007 to 38% in 2008. Set forth below is a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the effects of the various factors affecting our gross profit on an operating segment basis.
ADW Segment Gross Profit
Gross profit in our ADW segment was $32.2 million for 2008, as compared to $32.8 million in 2007, a $0.6 million or 2% decline. The decline was primarily due to reduced commission revenue as a result of the decline in wagering handle, as well as increased player incentives, which were partially offset by reduced license fees as described above. As a percentage of ADW segment revenues, gross profit in our ADW segment increased from approximately 34% in 2007 to 38% in 2008.
Totalizator Segment Gross Profit
Gross profit in our totalizator segment was $9.2 million for 2008, representing an increase of $0.1 million, or approximately 1%, compared to 2007. This increase is primarily attributable to measures taken to reduce contract operating costs in consideration of reduced contract revenue and improved margins on equipment sales. As a percentage of totalizator segment revenues, gross profit in our totalizator segment increased from approximately 35% in 2007 to 38% in 2008.
Operating Expenses
Research and development: Research and development expense decreased $0.5 million, or approximately 13%, in 2008 compared with 2007 primarily due to labor cost savings and higher capitalization of internally developed software. We continue to invest in the development of our network infrastructure and to support continued technology upgrades as necessary, which may increase our research and development expenses in the future.
Sales and marketing: Sales and marketing expense decreased $4.7 million, or approximately 47%, in 2008 compared to 2007. This decrease was primarily all in the Youbet Express business and resulted from a management priority to reduce and more appropriately target marketing efforts to specific initiatives including online customer acquisition, conversion and retention.

 

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General and administrative: General and administrative expense decreased $3.4 million, or approximately 16%, in 2008 compared to 2007. The decrease in these expenses results primarily from reduced personnel relating to the recording of severance/termination charges of $2.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2007 and employee reductions, benefits and recruiting costs totaling $1.1 million, accounting fees and expenses related to improving and testing our internal control over financial reporting of $0.9 million, as well as other cost reduction initiatives that commenced in the fourth quarter of 2007. These reductions were partially offset by a $0.7 million severance payment to our former interim chief executive officer accrued in the second quarter of 2008 and higher non-cash compensation expense of $0.5 million in 2008 compared with 2007.
Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization decreased $1.0 million, or approximately 11%, compared to 2007, primarily due to the amortization of $0.5 million of capitalized software development costs associated with our King Contest product in 2007 and continued aging of assets.
Impairment Write downs: In connection with our exploration of strategic alternatives for United Tote, we re-evaluated the goodwill related to United Tote. As part of this evaluation, we compared the current estimated fair value to the carrying value of goodwill, and on March 25, 2008, we concluded that United Tote goodwill was impaired and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $8.0 million as of December 31, 2007. In February, 2009, we concluded that the carrying value of United Tote was further impaired as of December 31, 2008. The total amount of this additional non-cash impairment charge was $11.2 million, which included a $6.9 million impairment of goodwill, and write downs in computer equipment and intangible assets of $3.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
Interest expense (income): Interest expense of $1.2 million in 2008, decreased $0.6 million compared to $1.8 million in 2007. This decrease is primarily due to lower debt levels during 2008 and lower interest rates. Interest income was $0.4 million lower than 2007, primarily due to lower investment yields in 2008 compared with 2007.
Other income: Other income remained flat when compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2007.
Income Taxes: Income taxes were negatively impacted by several permanent and non-permanent book/tax differences such as amortization of intangibles, asset impairments, stock based compensation and depreciation. Additionally, in the third quarter of 2008, the State of California suspended the use of net operating loss carry forwards, resulting in additional tax of $0.4 million being recognized in 2008. In 2007, the company increased its valuation allowance relating to deferred tax assets for net operating loss carry forwards by $2.9 million. According to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” a deferred tax asset should be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. All available evidence, both positive and negative, must be considered in determining the need for a valuation allowance. For 2008, positive evidence we considered included future revenue and expenses, reversals of book to tax temporary differences, and the implementation of and/or ability to employ various tax planning strategies. Negative evidence included book and tax losses generated in prior periods, and the inability to achieve forecasted results for those periods. The company concluded that a valuation allowance was warranted against its net operating loss carry forwards.
Discontinued Operations: Effective February 15, 2008, we ceased operations at IRG and, accordingly, have accounted for such operations retroactively as discontinued operations. For the year ended December 31, 2008, IRG generated income of $1.4 million resulting from a negotiated earn-out settlement, reducing the earn-out accrual as of December 31, 2007, by $2.2 million. For the year ended December 31, 2007, IRG sustained a net loss of $13.3 million, including an impairment charge for the intangibles associated with the IRG business of $10.9 million. Additionally, effective December 31, 2007, we sold Bruen Productions back to the original owner and we have accounted for Bruen’s operations as discontinued operations. For the year ended December 31, 2007, Bruen generated a loss of $0.9 million, which includes a $0.4 million third quarter charge for the impairment of goodwill.

 

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Results of Operations for 2007 Compared to 2006
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain operating data for each of our operating segments prior to the elimination of intersegment revenues of $1.3 million and $1.0 million in the years ending December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
                                                                 
    ADW Segment     Totalizator Segment  
    Year ended December 31,     Year ended December 31,  
                    Increase     %                     Increase     %  
    2007     2006     (Decrease)     Change     2007     2006     (Decrease)     Change  
    (in thousands)  
Revenues
  $ 97,652     $ 91,746     $ 5,906       6.4 %   $ 26,093     $ 23,885     $ 2,208       9.2 %
 
                                                               
Gross profit
    32,781       27,107       5,674       20.9 %     9,080       9,677       (597 )     -6.2 %
As % of revenues
    33.6 %     29.5 %                     34.8 %     40.5 %                
 
                                                               
Operating expenses
    31,192       30,625       567       1.9 %     21,041       9,018       12,023       133.3 %
As % of revenues
    31.9 %     33.4 %                     80.6 %     37.8 %                
 
                                                               
Income from continuing operations before other income (expense) and income tax
  $ 1,589     $ (3,518 )   $ 5,107       -145.2 %   $ (11,961 )   $ 659     $ (12,620 )     1915.0 %
As % of revenues
    1.6 %     -3.8 %                     -45.8 %     2.8 %                
Note: Revenues exclude intersegment eliminations of $1.3 million in 2007 and $1.0 million in 2006, respectively.
Revenues
Total revenues increased $7.9 million, or approximately 7%, for the year ended December 31, 2007 when compared with 2006. Excluding the impact of intersegment eliminations, the revenue increase was due to an increase in ADW segment revenues of $5.9 million, or approximately 6%, and an increase in totalizator segment revenues of $2.2 million, or approximately 9%, largely due to the inclusion of full year results for United Tote (acquired in mid-February 2006) in 2007. Set forth below is a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the effects of the various factors affecting our revenues on an operating segment basis.
ADW Segment Revenues
ADW segment revenues, which consist primarily of commissions on wagers placed by our customers, net of player incentives, increased by approximately $5.9 million, or approximately 6%, in 2007 compared to 2006. Gross commissions, before deduction of player incentives, for the year 2007 increased $7.8 million, or approximately 9%, compared to the same period in 2006 due to a 4% increase in wagering handle and elimination of various track incentives of $2.5 million. The increase in gross commissions was partially offset by an increase in player incentives during 2007 of $2.0 million, or approximately 55%, when compared with 2006.
Total wagering handle for 2007 was $484.2 million, an increase of $20.5 million, or approximately 4% when compared to 2006. We believe the increase in the Youbet Express handle was driven primarily by an increase in our marketing activity, including player award programs offered in 2007.
Youbet Express yield defined as “commission revenue less track and licensing fees as a percentage of handle” (each calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) was 7.2% in 2007, up from 6.1% in the prior year, reflecting our efforts to increase handle on higher yielding tracks.

 

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The following table sets forth our calculation of Youbet yield for the periods indicated:
                                 
    Year ended December 31,  
                    Increase        
    2007     2006     (Decrease)     %  
    (in thousands)  
Handle
  $ 484,216     $ 463,750     $ 20,466       4.4 %
 
                       
 
                               
Commissions
    93,969       88,093       5,876       6.7 %
Less:
                               
Track fees
    39,246       37,688       1,558       4.1 %
License fees
    19,810       21,967       (2,157 )     -9.8 %
 
                       
Net Revenue
  $ 34,913     $ 28,438     $ 6,475       22.8 %
 
                       
Yield %
    7.2 %     6.1 %                
We believe that yield is a useful measure to evaluate our operating results and profitability. Yield, however, should not be considered an alternative to operating income or net income as indicators of Youbet’s financial performance and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Totalizator Segment Revenues
Totalizator segment revenues, which consist of contract revenues associated with the service of totalizator systems and equipment sales, increased $2.2 million, or approximately 9%, in 2007 when compared 2006 due to the inclusion of full year results for United Tote (acquired in mid-February 2006) in 2007. Contract revenues from the service of totalizator systems, which is driven by wagering handle at tracks serviced, were $25.2 million in 2007, representing a increase of $2.6 million, or approximately 12%, compared to 2006. Equipment sales in 2007 were $0.9 million, representing a decrease of $0.4 million, or approximately 31%, compared to 2006 due to decreased international demand.
Costs and Expenses
Consolidated costs and expenses increased $2.8 million, or approximately 4%, in 2007 compared to 2006 primarily as a result of a $1.6 million, or approximately 4%, increase in track fees associated with increased handle, coupled with a $3.0 million increase in totalizator contract costs due the inclusion of a full year results for United Tote. These increases were partially offset by a $2.2 million reduction in license fees due to the fewer number of TVG exclusive tracks in 2007. As a percentage of revenues, consolidated costs and expenses decreased from approximately 68% in 2006 to 66% in 2007. Set forth below is a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the effects of the various factors affecting our costs and expenses on an operating segment basis.
ADW Segment Costs and Expenses
Costs and expenses in our ADW segment consist of track fees, licensing fees and network operations, each as described below.
Track Fees: Track fees increased $1.6 million, or 4%, in 2007 compared to 2006. The increase is consistent with increased handle.
Licensing Fees: For 2007, Licensing fees decreased $2.2 million, or 9.8%, compared to 2006, primarily due to reduced wagering at TVG exclusive tracks and in 2007 certain California racetracks were no longer TVG exclusive and therefore, became subject to lower licensing fees.
Network Operations: Network operations expense increased $0.6 million, or 16%, for 2007 compared to 2006, primarily due to increased tote fees and communication costs associated with the increase in handle.
As a percentage of ADW segment revenues, costs and expenses in our ADW segment decreased from approximately 71% in 2006 to 66% in 2007.
Totalizator Segment Costs and Expenses
Costs and expenses in our totalizator segment consist of contract costs and equipment costs, each as described below.

 

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Contract Costs: Contract costs increased $3.0 million, or 22%, for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006 largely because of the mid-February 2006 acquisition of our United Tote subsidiary, increased data communication costs of $0.5 million, professional fees for internal control reviews of its tote operations of $0.1 million and payroll related costs.
Equipment Costs: Equipment costs for 2007 declined $0.2 million or 36%, when compared with 2006, due to the decline in equipment sales.
As a percentage of totalizator segment revenues, costs and expenses in our totalizator segment increased from approximately 60% in 2006 to 65% in 2007.
Gross Profit
Consolidated gross profit increased $5.1 million, or approximately 14%, in 2007 compared to 2006 primarily due to the 4% increase in overall wagering handle and inclusion of a full year of contract revenue from United Tote (acquired in mid February 2006), partially offset by increased player incentives and increased totalizator contract costs. As a percentage of revenues, consolidated gross profit increased from approximately 32% in 2006 to 34% in 2007. Set forth below is a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the effects of the various factors affecting our gross profit on an operating segment basis.
ADW Segment Gross Profit
Gross profit in our ADW segment was $32.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to $27.1 million for the same period in 2006, a $5.7 million or 21% increase. The increase was primarily due to increased commission revenue from the increase in wagering handle and reduced license fees, offset by increased player incentives as described above. As a percentage of ADW segment revenues, gross profit in our ADW segment increased from approximately 30% in 2006 to 34% in 2007.
Totalizator Segment Gross Profit
Gross profit in our totalizator segment was $9.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, representing a decrease of $0.6 million or approximately 6%, compared to 2006. This decrease is primarily attributable to the reduction of higher margin equipment sales and higher communication and professional fees incurred in 2007 for internal control reviews of its tote operations. As a percentage of totalizator segment revenues, gross profit in our totalizator segment decreased from approximately 41% in 2006 to 35% in 2007.
Operating Expenses
Research and Development: Research and development expense increased $0.9 million, or approximately 31%, for 2007, compared to 2006. The 2007 increase is primarily due to a full year’s research and development expense at United Tote, which was acquired in February 2006, reduced capitalization of research and development costs due to a fewer number of projects and the write-off of costs associated with several work-in-progress projects. We continue to invest in the development of our network infrastructure and to support continued technology upgrades, which may increase our research and development expenses in the future.
Sales and Marketing: Sales and marketing expense increased $2.1 million, or approximately 27%, for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 largely due to increased marketing expenditures in the second and third quarters of 2007. This increase was primarily at Youbet Express and resulted from increased business development efforts and marketing programs, including expanded print and television advertising and race track promotional expenses, targeted at reducing the impact of the loss of TrackNet content.
General and Administrative: General and administrative expense increased $1.6 million, or approximately 7%, for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period of 2006. Reductions were in payroll, incentive compensation, consulting costs as well as the nonrecurring legal expenses associated with a prior-year arbitration with TVG and bank debt refinancing which accounted for approximately $0.8 million of expenses in 2006 that were not incurred in 2007. These reductions were offset by the full year impact of the 2006 acquisition of United Tote and a $0.6 million increase United Tote’s bad debt reserve. Additionally, in connection with restructuring our cost structure, we recorded severance/termination charges of $2.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Depreciation and Amortization: Depreciation and amortization increased $3.1 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily due to the impact of 2007 capital spending, a full years’ depreciation expense and intangible amortization expense at United Tote, which was acquired in the middle of the first quarter of 2006, the final purchase price allocation for that company, completed at year-end 2006 and the amortization of $0.5 million of capitalized software development costs associated with our King Contest product in the third quarter of 2007.

 

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Impairment Write downs: In connection with our exploration of strategic alternatives for United Tote, we re-evaluated the goodwill related to United Tote. As part of this evaluation, we compared the current estimated fair value to the carrying value of goodwill, and on March 25, 2008, we concluded that United Tote goodwill was impaired as of December 31, 2007. The total amount of this non-cash impairment charge was $8.0 million.
Interest Expense: Interest expense decreased to $1.8 million in 2007 compared to $2.0 million in 2006. The decrease is primarily due the pay down of our bank debt. Interest expense is related to our credit facility and, to a lesser extent, the unsecured promissory notes issued in connection with our February 2006 acquisition of United Tote and capitalized leases.
Other Income: Other income increased $0.1 million compared to 2006 primarily due to an early termination fee received by United Tote in the second quarter of 2006.
Income Taxes: Income taxes were negatively impacted by several permanent and non-permanent book/tax differences such as amortization of intangibles, asset impairments, stock based compensation and depreciation. Additionally, we increased our valuation allowance relating to deferred tax assets for net operating loss carry forwards by $2.9 million. According to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” a deferred tax asset should be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. All available evidence, both positive and negative, must be considered in determining the need for a valuation allowance. For 2007, positive evidence we considered included future revenue and expenses, reversals of book to tax temporary differences, and the implementation of and/or ability to employ various tax planning strategies. Negative evidence included book and tax losses generated in prior periods, and the inability to achieve forecasted results for those periods. We concluded that a valuation allowance was warranted against a portion of our net operating loss carry forwards. On January 1, 2007, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, which had no effect on our financial statements or related disclosures.
Discontinued Operations: Effective February 15, 2008, we ceased operations at IRG and, accordingly, have accounted for such operations retroactively as discontinued operations. For the year ended December 31, 2007, IRG sustained a net loss of $13.3 million, including an impairment charge for the intangibles associated with the IRG business of $11 million, and for the year ended December 31, 2006, IRG had a net loss of $3.4 million. Additionally, effective December 31, 2007, we sold Bruen Productions back to the original owner and we have accounted for Bruen’s operations as discontinued operations. For the year ended December 31, 2007, Bruen sustained a net loss of $0.9 million, which includes a $0.4 million third quarter charge for the impairment of goodwill and for the year ended December 31, 2006, Bruen generated net income of $0.03 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
During 2008, we funded our operations primarily with net cash provided by operating activities.
As of December 31, 2008, we had negative net working capital of $0.8 million, compared to negative net working capital of $14.3 million at December 31, 2007. In December 2008, we entered into a new credit agreement with National City Bank, which provides us with up to $15.0 million in total borrowing capacity. The credit facility consists of a $5.0 million revolving line of credit and a $10.0 million term loan. Proceeds of $4.6 million from the term loan under new credit facility were used to repay principal and interest in full amounts owed to Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc., our prior lender, as well as fees and expenses associated with the refinancing. The remaining proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes. On December 31, 2008, a principal repayment of $1.25 million was made on the term loan. No amounts have been borrowed under the revolving and letter of credit facility. The terms of the new credit facility are more fully described below under “Credit Facility.”
As of December 31, 2008, we had $16.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and $4.7 million in restricted cash.
Our principal ongoing cash requirements consist of payroll and benefits, business insurance, real estate and equipment leases, legal fees, data center operations, telecommunications and debt service.
The United States is currently experiencing a recession accompanied by, among other things, reduced credit availability and highly curtailed gaming and other recreational activities. The effects and duration of these developments and related risks and uncertainties on our future operations and cash flows cannot be estimated by management at this time, however, such effects may be significant.

 

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Nevertheless management presently believes that our borrowing capacity, as well as on-going efforts to contain costs and operate efficiently, and growth in handle and yield improvement at Youbet Express will generate sufficient cash flow to adequately support its operations. We believe that our cash flow from operations and our unrestricted cash and cash equivalents are sufficient to fund our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. However, we may from time to time seek additional capital to fund our operations, and to reduce our liabilities in response to changes in the business environment. To raise capital, we may seek to sell additional equity securities, issue debt or convertible securities or seek to obtain credit facilities through financial institutions or other resources. We have an effective shelf registration statement under which we may from time to time issue shares of preferred stock, shares of common stock, warrants, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units, and stock purchase rights for an original maximum aggregate offering amount of approximately $30 million. Unless otherwise described in future prospectus supplements, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of securities registered under this universal shelf registration statement for general corporate purposes, which may include additions to working capital, the repayment or redemption of existing indebtedness and the financing of capital expenditures and future acquisitions. The sale of additional equity or convertible securities would result in additional dilution to our stockholders.
Cash Flows for 2008 Compared to 2007
The following table presents a summary of the net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents in the periods presented:
                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (in thousands)  
Net cash provided (used) by operating acivities, from continuing operations
  $ 15,049     $ (614 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (1,350 )     (7,123 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (3,327 )     (6,325 )
Net cash used in operating activities, discontinued operations
    (312 )     (392 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (73 )     (46 )
 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 9,987     $ (14,500 )
 
           
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $15.0 million for 2008, compared to net cash used by operating activities of $0.6 million for 2007. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to improved earnings resulting from a 70 basis point improvement in wagering yield experienced by our ADW segment, reduced expenses from headcount reductions, reduced consulting and marketing costs, as well as favorable working capital fluctuations resulting from improved receivable collections and increased accruals relating to the deferral of bonuses and business tax payments. Additionally, we made a non-recurring payment of a $1.2 million arbitration award to TVG in the first quarter of 2007. Operating cash flow is impacted by wagering activity that typically peaks in the second and third quarters of the year.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for 2008 was $1.4 million, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $7.1 million for 2007. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to the net cash paid out in 2007 in connection with the United Tote ($4.5 million) acquisition and decreased purchases of property and equipment ($1.1 million). Our primary investing activities relate to the continued improvement of our wagering platform and new equipment acquired by our totalizator segment, which is driven by service contract renewals and maintenance requirements.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $3.3 million and $6.3 million for 2008 and 2007, respectively. The year-over-year decrease of $3.0 million was primarily due the refinancing of our term loan and pay down of debt. In December 2008, we entered into a new credit facility, the terms of which are described below under “Credit Facility.” Proceeds of $4.6 million from the term loan under the new credit facility were used to repay principal and interest in full amounts owed to the prior lender, as well as fees and expenses associated with the refinancing. Total repayment of debt in 2008 was $14.0 million, which included a $1.25 million repayment on the new term loan versus repayment of $11.0 million of debt in 2007.

 

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Cash Flows for 2007 Compared to 2006
The following table presents a summary of the net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents in the periods presented:
                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (in thousands)  
Net cash provided (used) by operating acivities, from continuing operations
  $ (614 )   $ 6,921  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (7,123 )     (15,888 )
Net cash provided (used) in financing activities
    (6,325 )     13,331  
Net cash provided (used) in operating activities, discontinued operations
    (392 )     11  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (46 )     (10 )
 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (14,500 )   $ 4,365  
 
           
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $0.6 million for 2007, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $6.9 million for 2006. The year-over-year decrease of $7.5 million was primarily due to reduced profitability, coupled with decreases of $3.8 million and $6.7 million in accounts payable and accrued expenses, respectively, due to the timing of obligation requirements, attributable a decline in wagering handle experienced in the fourth quarter of 2007 versus 2006. Additionally, we incurred $2.0 million and $0.5 million related to termination and severance costs in 2007, respectively. These decreases were partially offset by the collection of receivables.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for 2007 was $7.1 million, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $15.9 million for 2006. The year-over-year decrease of $8.8 million was primarily due to the net cash paid out in 2006 in connection with the United Tote ($10.1 million) and increased purchases of property and equipment ($6.2 million) versus 2007 activity consisting of a $4.5 million make-whole payment made in the first quarter to the former owners of United Tote, and general capital spending of $2.5 million.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was ($6.3 million) and $13.1 million for 2007 and 2006, respectively. The year-over-year decrease of $19.4 million was primarily due to proceeds generated from a registered direct offering occurring in the fourth quarter of 2006 ($18.9 million) and the exercise of stock options and warrants, partially offset by the repayment of long-term debt in 2006. The proceeds from the direct registered public offering were used in 2007 to pay off debt ($7.9 million), repurchase Youbet stock ($1.0 million) and working capital requirements. Additional cash proceeds were obtained in 2007 through a sale/leaseback of totalizator equipment and short-term borrowings of $1.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
Credit Facility
Our credit facility currently consists of a $5.0 million revolving line of credit and a $10.0 million term loan. At December 31, 2008, $8.8 million was owed on the term loan and we had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility.
On December 3, 2008, we entered into a loan and security agreement with National City Bank. The loan and security agreement with National City Bank provides for a $10.0 million term loan, and a $5.0 million revolving line of credit and letter of credit facility. In no event, however, may the aggregate principal amount borrowed by us under the loan and security agreement exceed a borrowing base determined by the amount of our available cash plus a percentage, differing in each case, of the value of certain of our eligible accounts, inventory and equipment, subject to additional reserves established by National City Bank at its discretion. In connection with closing the loan and security agreement, we paid National City Bank a fee of $225,000.
On December 3, 2008, we borrowed the full $10.0 million under the term loan. We used $4.6 million to repay principal and interest in full amounts owed to Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc., as well as fees and expenses associated with the refinancing, and the remaining proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes. We have not borrowed any amounts under the revolving and letter of credit facility.

 

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Any indebtedness under the term loan and the revolving credit facility bears interest at a variable rate equal to either, at our discretion, prime plus 200 to 250 basis points or LIBOR plus 325 to 375 basis points. The applicable basis point margin is determined by our leverage ratio as at the most recently delivered calculation thereof pursuant to provisions of the loan and security agreement. Any interest accruing on the basis of the prime rate is due and payable on the first business day of each month. Any interest accruing on the basis of LIBOR is due and payable on the date upon which such LIBOR loan ends as determined by us. LIBOR loans may have a one, two or three month term.
The outstanding principal amount under the term loan is due and payable on the last day of each quarter beginning on December 31, 2008 in installments of $1.25 million. The term loan and the revolving credit facility each mature on November 30, 2010. The loan and security agreement provides for mandatory prepayment in the event of certain asset sales and recovery events; provided that, so long as an event of default has not occurred, a mandatory prepayment of the net proceeds is not required, subject to certain thresholds or amounts as more fully described in the loan and security agreement. Our indebtedness under the loan and security agreement is guaranteed by UT Gaming, Inc., the direct parent of United Tote Company, and secured by substantially all of our assets, including our intellectual property, and UT Gaming’s equity in United Tote Company.
We are subject to customary covenants under the loan and security agreement, including restrictions on our ability to incur indebtedness, make investments, pay dividends or engage in mergers and acquisitions. The loan and security agreement also contains certain financial covenants, including (i) a requirement to maintain a specified debt service coverage ratio, (ii) a requirement to maintain a leverage ratio not to exceed 2:1, (iii) a requirement to maintain a certain specified adjusted EBITDA and (iv) limitations on capital expenditures.
As of December 31, 2008, we were in compliance with financial covenants under the loan and security agreement.
Youbet Promissory Notes
On February 10, 2006, we issued three promissory notes with an aggregate principal amount of $10.2 million in connection with the acquisition of United Tote. For information regarding this acquisition, see Item 1 “Business-Acquisitions and Dispositions”.
The first promissory note had a principal amount of $5.2 million, matured on February 9, 2007, and bore interest at 5.02% per annum, which interest was payable on a quarterly basis beginning May 31, 2006. The terms of this promissory note required that we promptly prepay this obligation if we receive any “excess capital”, and our December 2006 registered direct offering created “excess capital”. In accordance with the terms of the first promissory note, we prepaid the $5.2 million note, including interest, from the proceeds of our registered direct offering in December 2006.
The second promissory note had a principal amount of $1.8 million and bore interest at 5.02%. The terms of the $1.8 million note provide that we are not required to make a mandatory “excess capital” prepayment under the $1.8 million note until the $5.2 million note has been paid in full, but no earlier than March 12, 2007. We prepaid the $1.8 million principal amount, including accrued interest of $0.1 million, on March 12, 2007 with a portion of the proceeds of our December 2006 registered direct offering.
The third promissory note has a principal amount of $3.2 million, bears interest at 5.02%, and is currently due, but is subject to rights of indemnification and offset. The terms of the $3.2 million note provide that: (i) we are not required to make a mandatory “excess capital” prepayment under the $3.2 million note until both the $5.2 million note and the $1.8 million note have been paid in full, but no earlier than June 11, 2007; and (ii) we may set off from the amount we owe under this note any loss suffered by us for which we are entitled to indemnification under the United Tote stock purchase agreement. We have four outstanding indemnification claims regarding a United Tote employee lawsuit, a Canadian tax issue, an Internal Revenue Service tax issue, and a Pennsylvania tax issue. As such, payments may be subject to appeal and/or subject to escrow pending resolution. Accrued interest on the $3.2 million note at December 31, 2008 was approximately $0.3 million.
The remaining promissory note cannot be transferred without our consent. Also, this promissory note contains customary events of default and provides that, upon the occurrence of certain events of default, we will be required to pay default interest of 11.02% per annum until the event of default is cured or until the note is paid in full. We are not in default under the remaining outstanding promissory note.

 

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Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have a standby letter of credit outstanding that is collateralized by a restricted cash account in connection with the lease of our executive and operating offices in Woodland Hills, California. This letter of credit includes automatic renewals on the anniversary date of the lease origination, and permits annual automatic reductions of approximately $0.1 million. As of December 31, 2008, the letter of credit obligation and corresponding cash collateral balance was $0.2 million.
At December 31, 2008, we had outstanding various other irrevocable standby letters of credit issued to the benefit of the California Horse Racing Board, ORC and Washington Horse Racing Commission totaling $0.7 million. These letters of credit include automatic renewals on their anniversary dates.
Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities and Commitments
We have contractual obligations and commitments primarily with regard to facilities leases and employment contracts. The following table aggregates our expected contractual obligations as of December 31, 2008:
                                                 
    Payments Due by Period  
                                    2013 and        
Contractual Obligations   2009     2010     2011     2012     Beyond     Total  
Gary Sproule’s severance agreement
  $ 318,000     $ 106,000     $       $       $       $ 424,000  
James Burk’s employment agreement (1)
    175,000                                       175,000  
Capital leases and other financial arrangements (2)
    503,721       246,354                               750,075  
Operating facility leases (3)
    1,207,930       282,086       102,272       106,452       377,795       2,076,535  
Operating equipment leases (4)
    701,378       163,376       26,104       428               891,286  
Bank debt (5)
    5,000,000       3,750,000                               8,750,000  
Notes payable (6)
    3,200,000                                       3,200,000  
Other
    212,000       105,334                               317,334  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 11,318,029     $ 4,653,150     $ 128,376     $ 106,880     $ 377,795     $ 16,584,230  
 
                                   
     
(1)  
The terms of Mr. Burk’s employment agreement and our obligations to make payments thereunder are superseded by the severance and general release agreement we entered into with Mr. Burk on March 5, 2009. See Item 9B. “Other Information — Departure of James A. Burk.”
 
(2)  
Consists of capital lease arrangements for networking equipment, computer equipment and software.
 
(3)  
Consists of minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases for office and production facilities in California, Oregon, Kentucky and Canada.
 
(4)  
Consists of operating lease arrangements for network and computer equipment.
 
(5)  
Consists of the aggregate principal amount of the term loan under our credit facility with National City Bank, but excludes interest payments on the term loan, which bears interest at a variable rate equal to either, at our discretion, prime plus 200 to 250 basis points or LIBOR plus 325 to 375 basis points. The terms of the term loan are more fully described above under “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Credit Facility.”
 
(6)  
Consists of the principal amount of the third promissory note we issued in connection with the United Tote acquisition, but excludes interest payments on the note, which bears interest at a rate of 5.02% per annum, as described above under “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Youbet Promissory Notes.”
All accounts payable and accrued expenses presented in the consolidated financial statements are excluded from the above table.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies
Critical accounting policies are those that are important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results, and which require management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments. Critical accounting policies cover accounting matters that are inherently uncertain because the future resolution of such matters is unknown. We have made critical estimates in the following areas. We also believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Revenue recognition
Through Youbet, the Company earns and records commissions on wagers placed with tracks for customers as revenue and the related track and market area access fees as operating expenses when the wagers are settled, typically the same day as the wager, based upon associated track contracts. Other sources of revenue, including membership and information fees, are relatively insignificant. Prepayments of such fees are treated as deferred revenue and later recognized over the duration of the subscription. Incentives offered to customers to encourage wagering on events at tracks that generate higher margins are charged immediately to operations as reductions in commissions earned.
Youbet launched a player rewards program during the second quarter of 2006 called Youbet Advantage. Participating members earn points based on the amount they wager, and they can redeem their points for merchandise, travel rewards, and wager credits. Youbet’s Player Advantage incentives and other volume incentives are recorded as a reduction of commission revenue (a contra-revenue) and the associated liability is accrued as the points are issued. Reward points are valued based upon a “par” value applied to points earned based upon the rewards category the player is assigned. Player reward categories are assigned to players based upon their respective wagering volume. An estimated point redemption rate, by reward category, is applied against the outstanding points to estimate the future utilization of points awarded for proper valuation.
The majority of United Tote’s revenues are derived from service contracts principally for the installation and operation of pari-mutuel wagering networks. Services provided via these networks include accepting wagers, performing odds and payout calculations and calculating ticket payouts. United Tote charges the track for these services either by transaction count or by dollar volume in accordance with the related service contract. In order to perform its services under these agreements, United Tote may incur various costs associated with the installation of the totalizator equipment at the track to enable it to function as required. Such installation costs include service personnel, including electricians, to set up networks and other items necessary for the proper functioning of all terminals being deployed at the track, which in some cases number as many as several hundred. Such installation costs are capitalized and amortized over the life of the related contract, since such costs are a prerequisite for the proper operation of the equipment, which in turn is necessary to generate future totalizator revenue. United Tote is also required to provide various levels of routine operational support and software maintenance throughout the life of the contract, which is expensed as incurred. Revenue from the sale of pari-mutuel gaming systems equipment and related parts is recognized upon delivery and customer acceptance.
Sales and similar revenue-based taxes collected from customers are excluded from revenue but rather are recorded as a liability payable to the appropriate taxing authority and included in accrued expenses.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
We are required to make judgments, based on historical experience and future expectations, as to the collectability of accounts receivable. The allowances for doubtful accounts represent allowances for trade accounts receivable that are estimated to be partially or entirely uncollectible. These allowances are used to reduce gross trade receivables to their estimated net realizable value. We record these allowances as a charge to general and administrative expenses based on estimates related to the following factors:
   
customer specific allowance;
 
   
amounts based upon an aging schedule; and
 
   
an estimated amount, based on our historical experience, for issues not yet identified.
Inventory obsolescence
We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and record provisions for excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on our estimated forecast of product demand and production requirements.
Valuation of long-lived and intangible assets
Long-lived assets, consist primarily of property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangibles.
Long-lived assets, including goodwill, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances have indicated that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to its fair value in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced liquidation sale. Recorded fair value is estimated by using independent appraisals or other valuation techniques.

 

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Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include the following:
   
Significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;
 
   
Significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy of our overall business;
 
   
Significant negative industry or economic trends;
 
   
Significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period; and
 
   
Our market capitalization relative to net book value.
If we determine that the carrying value of long-lived assets and related goodwill may not be recoverable, we would measure any impairment based on comparing the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value in a current transaction between willing parties or, in the absence of such measurement, on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by our management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model. Any amount of impairment so determined would be written off as a non-cash charge to the income statement, together with an equal reduction of the related asset.
Intangibles, such as licenses and patents are stated at cost and are amortized over their estimated economic life or agreement term, whichever is shorter.
Internally developed software
The capitalization of software development costs under the provisions of Statement of Position 98-1, or SOP 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use requires judgment in determining when a project has reached and concluded the development stage and the period over which the Company expects to benefit from the use of that software. We amortize capitalized software development costs using the straight-line method over the expected useful life of the product, generally between two and four years. We regularly review the carrying value and amortization lives of capitalized software development costs, and we recognize a non-cash charge if the estimated future revenue stream of using the asset falls below its unamortized cost.
Indemnification agreements
Under our bylaws and certain consulting and employment agreements, we have agreed to indemnify our officers, directors and other service providers. The term of the indemnification period is for the individual’s lifetime. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. However, Youbet has a director and officer liability insurance policy that limits its exposure and enables it to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. As a result of our insurance policy coverage, we believe the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal.
We enter into indemnification provisions under our agreements with other companies in the ordinary course of business. Under these provisions, we generally indemnify the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party as a result of our activities. These indemnification provisions generally survive termination of the underlying agreement. We have not incurred material costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements.
We believe the estimated fair value of these agreements is minimal. Accordingly, we had no liabilities for these agreements recorded under FIN 45, Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and rescission of FIN 34, as of December 31, 2007 and 2008.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 became effective for us only for financial assets and liabilities on January 1, 2008. SFAS 157 becomes effective for nonfinancial assets January 1, 2009. Since we carry no nonfinancial assets on an estimated fair value basis of accounting, the adoption of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets will not have an effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R,”Business Combinations.” SFAS No. 141R establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. The statement also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statement to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Accordingly, any business combinations we engage in will be recorded and disclosed following existing GAAP until January 1, 2009. We expect SFAS No. 141R will have an impact on our consolidated financial statements when effective, but the nature and magnitude of the specific effects will depend upon the nature, terms and size of the acquisitions we consummate after the effective date, none of which are presently expected.
In December 2007, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-An Amendment of ARB No. 51.” SFAS No. 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary (including a consolidatable variable interest entity) and requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. Such gain or loss will be measured using the fair value of the noncontrolling equity investment on the deconsolidation date. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2007, and earlier adoption is prohibited. Since we do not now have and do not contemplate acquiring any interests in subsidiaries or variable interest entities with noncontrolling interests, we currently expect that SFAS 160 will not have an impact on our future financial position, results of operations or operating cash flows except if we dispose of a subsidiary (see Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements) before its effective date.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133”. SFAS No. 161 expands the disclosure requirements in SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, regarding an entity’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No. 161 will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year and interim periods beginning January 1, 2009. We do not expect that SFAS No. 161 will have an impact on the Company’s future financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Lives of Intangible Assets”, which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of an intangible asset. This interpretation will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those years. We are still assessing the potential impact of adoption.
ITEM 8.  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The consolidated financial statements for Youbet.com, Inc. are included at the end of this report beginning on page F-1.
ITEM 15.  
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
  (1)  
The consolidated financial statements of Youbet.com, Inc., which are listed on the Index to consolidated financial statements appearing on page 36 of this report.
  (2)  
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required or the information is included elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
  (3)  
List of Exhibits:
         
  3.1    
Certificate of Incorporation of Youbet.com, Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our quarterly report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
       
 
  3.2    
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Youbet.com, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed April 20, 2007).
       
 
  4.1    
Registration Rights Agreement by and among Youbet.com, Inc. (formerly You Bet International, Inc.) and the other parties listed therein dated June 29, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to our current report on Form 8-K filed July 14, 1998).

 

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  4.2    
Warrant to purchase Youbet common stock issued to Robert M. Fell dated June 29, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to our current report on Form 8-K filed July 14, 1998).
       
 
  10.1    
Youbet.com, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our registration statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-126131).*
       
 
  10.2    
Amendment Number One to the Youbet.com, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our current report on Form 8-K filed June 16, 2006).*
       
 
  10.3    
Amendment Number Two to the Youbet.com, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our current report on Form 8-K filed June 17, 2008).*
       
 
  10.4    
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our current report on Form 8-K filed June 17, 2008).*
       
 
  10.5    
Form of Performance Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our current report on Form 8-K filed June 17, 2008).*
       
 
  10.6    
Form of Non-Employee Director Incentive Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our current report on Form 8-K filed June 17, 2008).*
       
 
  10.7    
Lease Agreement for the Woodland Hills Facility dated March 11, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000).
       
 
  10.8    
Amendment, dated as of September 8, 2003, to lease agreement for the Woodland Hills Facility dated March 11, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2003).
       
 
  10.9    
Assignment and Assumption of Lease, dated as of December 15, 2008, by and between Youbet.com, Inc. and Youbet Services Corporation.†
       
 
  10.10    
License and Content Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2001, by and among ODS Technologies, L.P., ODS Properties, Inc. and Youbet.com, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001).
       
 
  10.11    
Amendment to License and Content Agreement dated as of June 6, 2007, by and among ODS Technologies, L.P., ODS Properties, Inc. and Youbet.com, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our current report on Form 8-K filed June 12, 2007).
       
 
  10.12    
Youbet.com, Inc. Offer Letter to Michael D. Nelson, dated December 12, 2006 and accepted December 13, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to our current report on Form 8-K filed January 8, 2007).*
       
 
  10.13    
Employment Agreement, dated as of July 9, 2007, by and between Youbet.com, Inc. and James A. Burk (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed July 11, 2007).*
       
 
  10.14    
Employment Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2008, by and between Youbet.com, Inc. and Daniel Perini (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008).*
       
 
  10.15    
Severance and General Release Agreement, by and between Youbet.com, Inc. and James A. Burk.* †
       
 
  10.16    
Form of Indemnification Agreement.†
       
 
  10.17    
Promissory Notes issued by Youbet.com, Inc. in favor of UT Group, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our current report on Form 8-K and filed February 13, 2006).

 

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  10.18    
Settlement Agreement, dated as of November 13, 2008, by and among Youbet.com, Inc., Louis J. Tavano, James Scott, Richard M. Tavano and Jacktrade LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed November 19, 2008).
       
 
  10.19    
Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of December 3, 2008, by and among Youbet.com, Inc., United Tote Company and Youbet Services Corporation, as borrowers, and National City Bank, as lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K and filed December 9, 2008).
       
 
  10.20    
Term Note A, dated as of December 3, 2008, made by Youbet.com, Inc., United Tote Company and Youbet Services Corporation in favor of National City Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our current report on Form 8-K and filed December 9, 2008).
       
 
  10.21    
Revolving Note, dated as of December 3, 2008, made by Youbet.com, Inc., United Tote Company and Youbet Services Corporation in favor of National City Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K and filed December 9, 2008).
       
 
  10.22    
Guaranty, dated as of December 3, 2008, made by UT Gaming, Inc. in favor of National City Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K and filed December 9, 2008).
       
 
  10.23    
Stock Pledge Agreement, dated as of December 3, 2008, between UT Gaming, Inc. and National City Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K and filed December 9, 2008).
       
 
  10.24    
Intellectual Property Security Agreement, dated as of December 3, 2008, by and among Youbet.com, Inc., United Tote Company and Youbet Services Corporation, as borrowers, and National City Bank, as secured party (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K and filed December 9, 2008).
       
 
  10.25    
Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2004, by and between Youbet.com, Inc. and Gary W. Sproule (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004).*
       
 
  10.26    
First Amendment, dated as of August 1, 2005, to Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2004, by and between Youbet.com, Inc. and Gary W. Sproule (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005).*
       
 
  21.1    
List of subsidiaries.†
       
 
  23.1    
Consent of Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern, Certified Public Accountants.**
       
 
  24.1    
Power of Attorney (set forth on the signature page of this report).
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.**
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.**
       
 
  32.1    
Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.**
 
     
*  
Management contract or compensatory plan.
 
**  
Filed herewith.
 
 
Filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, as originally filed on March 6, 2009.

 

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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.
         
  YOUBET.COM, INC.
 
 
January 27, 2010  By:   /s/ David Goldberg   
    David Goldberg,   
    President and Chief Executive Officer   
Power of Attorney
Youbet.com, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and each person whose signature appears below, constitutes and appoints David Goldberg and Susan Bracey, and either of them, with full power to act without the other, as such person’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign this annual report on Form 10-K/A and any and all amendments to such annual report on Form 10-K/A and other documents in connection therewith, and to file the same, and all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or desirable to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, thereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of Youbet.com, Inc. and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
         
Signature   Title   Date
         
/s/ David Goldberg
 
David Goldberg
  President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
  January 27, 2010
/s/ Susan Bracey
 
Susan Bracey
  Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
  January 27, 2010
/s/ Michael D. Nelson
 
Michael D. Nelson
  Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  January 27, 2010
/s/ F. Jack Liebau
 
F. Jack Liebau
  Chairman of the Board   January 27, 2010
/s/ Michael Brodsky
 
Michael Brodsky
  Executive Chairman   January 27, 2010
/s/ Gary Adelson
 
Gary Adelson
  Director   January 27, 2010
/s/ Michael D. Sands
 
Michael D. Sands
  Director   January 27, 2010
/s/ James Edgar
 
James Edgar
  Director   January 27, 2010
/s/ Michael Soenen
 
Michael Soenen
  Director   January 27, 2010
/s/ Raymond Anderson
 
Raymond Anderson
  Director   January 27, 2010

 

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Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

F-1


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENTS REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
  (i)  
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets;
  (ii)  
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, and that the Company’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Company’s management and directors; and
  (iii)  
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the Company’s internal controls will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of internal controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Also, any evaluation of the effectiveness of controls in future periods are subject to the risk that those internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in business conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Piercy, Bowler, Taylor & Kern, Certified Public Accountants, has issued an audit report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Their report on the audit of internal control over financial reporting is included in their report on the audit of our consolidated financial statements, which appears on page F-3 of this Form 10-K/A.
         
/s/ David Goldberg
 
David Goldberg
  /s/ Susan Bracey
 
Susan Bracey
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
  Chief Financial Officer    

 

F-2


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors
Youbet.com, Inc.
Burbank, California
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Youbet.com, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. Our audits included the financial statement schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts included in Item 15(a)(2). We have also audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule and an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also include performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the COSO.
     
PIERCY BOWLER TAYLOR & KERN
   
 
   
/s/ Piercy, Bowler, Taylor & Kern
   
 
   
Certified Public Accountants
   
Las Vegas, Nevada
   
March 6, 2009
   

 

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YOUBET.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007
(in thousands, except share amounts)
                 
    2008     2007  
ASSETS
               
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 16,538     $ 6,551  
Current portion of restricted cash
    4,698       8,635  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful collection of $541 and $3,406
    3,031       7,314  
Inventories
    1,937       2,085  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    1,066       1,417  
 
           
 
    27,270       26,002  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $28,623 and $21,638
    16,218       24,664  
Intangibles, other than goodwill
    4,588       6,505  
Goodwill
            6,859  
Other assets
    804       1,020  
 
           
 
  $ 48,880     $ 65,050  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 8,704     $ 10,390  
Trade payables
    6,484       10,028  
Accrued expenses
    8,287       11,346  
Customer deposits
    4,445       8,326  
Deferred revenues
    121       212  
 
           
 
    28,041       40,302  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
    3,996       4,767  
 
           
 
    32,037       45,069  
 
           
Stockholders’ equity
               
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares, none outstanding
               
Common stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares, 42,562,805 shares issued
    43       43  
Additional paid-in-capital
    135,732       134,286  
Deficit
    (116,424 )     (111,973 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (129 )     (56 )
Less treasury stock, 1,099,335 and 1,043,781 shares at cost
    (2,379 )     (2,319 )
 
           
 
    16,843       19,981  
 
           
 
  $ 48,880     $ 65,050  
 
           
See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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YOUBET.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
Revenues
                       
Commissions
  $ 82,929     $ 93,969     $ 88,093  
Contract revenues
    22,064       23,965       21,569  
Equipment sales
    1,133       877       1,295  
Other
    2,902       3,683       3,637  
 
                 
 
    109,028       122,494       114,594  
 
                 
Costs and expenses
                       
Track fees
    39,303       39,246       37,688  
Licensing fees
    9,124       19,810       21,967  
Network operations
    3,928       4,564       3,934  
Contract costs
    14,794       16,584       13,548  
Cost of equipment sales
    466       429       673  
 
                 
 
    67,615       80,633       77,810  
 
                 
Gross profit
    41,413       41,861       36,784  
 
                 
Operating expenses
                       
General and administrative
    17,752       21,160       22,771  
Sales and marketing
    5,273       10,009       7,912  
Research and development
    3,430       3,947       3,002  
Depreciation and amortization
    8,074       9,117       5,958  
Impairment write downs
    11,212       8,000          
 
                 
 
    45,741       52,233       39,643  
 
                 
Loss from continuing operations before other income (expense) and income tax
    (4,328 )     (10,372 )     (2,859 )
Interest income
    233       642       536  
Interest expense
    (1,244 )     (1,796 )     (1,955 )
Other
    174       153       711  
 
                 
Loss from continuing operations before income tax
    (5,165 )     (11,373 )     (3,567 )
Income tax
    658       2,814       734  
 
                 
Loss from continuing operations
    (5,823 )     (14,187 )     (4,301 )
Discontinued operations
                       
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of $731 income tax benefit in 2007
    1,372       (14,231 )     2,270  
 
                 
Net loss
  $ (4,451 )   $ (28,418 )   $ (2,031 )
 
                 
Basic income (loss) per share
                       
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.14 )   $ (0.34 )   $ (0.12 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    0.03       (0.34 )     0.06  
 
                 
Net loss
    (0.11 )     (0.68 )     (0.06 )
 
                 
Diluted income (loss) per share
                       
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.14 )   $ (0.34 )   $ (0.12 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    0.03       (0.34 )     0.06  
 
                 
Net loss
    (0.11 )     (0.68 )     (0.06 )
 
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding
                       
Basic
    41,463,470       41,796,218       35,141,027  
Diluted
    41,463,470       41,796,218       35,141,027  
See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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YOUBET.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
                                                         
                            Accumulated                      
                    Additional     Other                      
    Common Stock     Paid-In     Comprehensive             Treasury        
    Shares     Dollars     Capital     Loss     Deficit     Stock     Total  
Balances at January 1, 2006
    33,452       33       105,716             (81,524 )     (1,341 )     22,884  
Warrants exercised
    25               12                               12  
Stock options exercised
    260       1       255                               256  
Treasury stock re-issuance
                    13                       41       54  
Equity sale
    6,200       6       18,947                               18,953  
Stock issued in connection with acquisition of United Tote
    2,182       2       11,998                               12,000  
Cumulative translation adjustment
                            (10 )                     (10 )
Stock based compensation
                    656                               656  
Net loss
                                    (2,031 )             (2,031 )
 
                                         
Balances at December 31, 2006
    42,119       42       137,597       (10 )     (83,555 )     (1,300 )     52,774  
Stock options exercised
    444       1       352                               353  
Payment to former owners of United Tote under “make-whole” provision
                    (4,473 )                             (4,473 )
Other
                    (88 )                             (88 )
Purchase of treasury stock
                                            (1,019 )     (1,019 )
Cumulative translation adjustment
                            (46 )                     (46 )
Stock based compensation
                    898                               898  
Net loss
                                    (28,418 )             (28,418 )
 
                                         
Balances at December 31, 2007
    42,563     $ 43     $ 134,286     $ (56 )   $ (111,973 )   $ (2,319 )   $ 19,981  
Purchase of treasury stock
                                          $ (60 )     (60 )
Cumulative translation adjustment
                            (73 )                     (73 )
Stock based compensation
                    1,446                               1,446  
Net loss
                                    (4,451 )             (4,451 )
 
                                         
Balances at December 31, 2008
    42,563     $ 43     $ 135,732     $ (129 )   $ (116,424 )   $ (2,379 )   $ 16,843  
 
                                         
See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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YOUBET.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
Operating activities
                       
Net loss
  $ (4,451 )   $ (28,418 )   $ (2,031 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    1,372       (14,231 )     2,270  
 
                 
Loss from continuing operations
    (5,823 )     (14,187 )     (4,301 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities, continuing operations
                       
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment
    7,332       8,376       5,279  
Amortization of intangibles
    742       741       679  
Goodwill, intangibles and fixed asset impairment
    11,212       8,000        
Stock-based compensation
    1,446       898       656  
Bad debt
    707       1,105       173  
Increase in operating (assets) and liabilities
                     
Restricted cash, Players TrustSM
    32       48       (185 )
Accounts receivable
    971       430       (1,813 )
Inventory
    148       502       (610 )
Prepaid expenses
    310       (372 )     757  
Deferred tax asset
          1,797       (231 )
Other assets
    213       2,473       765  
Trade payables
    (3,375 )     (3,783 )     4,432  
Accrued expenses
    1,385       (6,737 )     698  
Customer deposits
    (160 )     90       365  
Deferred revenues
    (91 )     5       (313 )
Deferred tax liability
                570  
 
                 
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities, from continuing operations
    15,049       (614 )     6,921  
 
                 
Investing activities
                       
Purchase of property and equipment
    (1,384 )     (2,482 )     (6,197 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    34             576  
Cash paid for United Tote acquisition, net of $159 cash acquired in 2006
          (4,473 )     (10,191 )
Investments in intangibles and other
                (1,116 )
Increase in restricted cash (other than Players TrustSM)
                (258 )
Decrease in restricted cash (other than Players TrustSM)
          (168 )     1,132  
Other
                166  
 
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (1,350 )     (7,123 )     (15,888 )
 
                 
Financing activities
                       
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
                19,009  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants
          353       269  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (60 )     (1,019 )      
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transaction
          1,065        
Proceeds from debt
    10,752       4,409       3,893  
Repayment of debt
    (14,019 )     (11,045 )     (9,840 )
Other
          (88 )      
 
                 
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
    (3,327 )     (6,325 )     13,331  
 
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, discontinued operations
    (312 )     (392 )     11  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (73 )     (46 )     (10 )
 
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    9,987       (14,500 )     4,365  
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period
    6,551       21,051       16,686  
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period
  $ 16,538     $ 6,551     $ 21,051  
 
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid for interest
  $ 772     $ 1,322     $ 15  
Cash paid for income taxes
    603       381       195  
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
                       
Seller financing of United Tote acquisition
                    12,000  
Equipment acquired with capital lease and other financing arrangements
    810       1,428       469  
See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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Youbet.com and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1: THE COMPANY
Youbet.com, Inc. (Youbet) and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) is a licensed, multi-jurisdictional facilitator of online pari-mutuel horse race wagering and a leading supplier of tote equipment and services to the racing industry. Through its main product, Youbet ExpressSM, Youbet offers its customers interactive, real-time audio/video broadcasts, access to a comprehensive database of handicapping information, and, in most states, the ability to wager on a wide selection of horse races in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa. Youbet is working to expand its brand, products and services throughout the United States and in select international markets.
In 2006, Youbet expanded its product and service offering through the acquisition of United Tote Company and United Tote Canada (collectively with U.T. Gaming, Inc., referred to as United Tote). United Tote is a leading supplier of totalizator systems (a system that process wagers and payouts).
Note 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Youbet and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (inclusive of Youbet Services Corporation, International Racing Group (consisting of IRG U.S. Holdings Corp, IRG Holdings Curacao, N.V., International Racing Group, N.V. and IRG Services (collectively, IRG), United Tote and Bruen Productions International, Inc. from October 9, 2006 until it was sold effective December 31, 2007 (Bruen)). The operations of IRG were shut down effective February 15, 2008. Both IRG and Bruen are retroactively reported as discounted operations (Note 14). All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue recognition
Through Youbet, the Company earns and records commissions on wagers placed with tracks for customers as revenue and the related track and market area access fees as operating expenses when the wagers are settled, typically the same day as the wager, based upon associated track contracts. Other sources of revenue, including membership and information fees, are relatively insignificant. Prepayments of such fees are treated as deferred revenue and later recognized over the duration of the subscription. Incentives offered to customers to encourage wagering on events at tracks that generate higher margins are charged immediately to operations as reductions in commissions earned.
Youbet launched a player rewards program during the second quarter of 2006 called Youbet Advantage. Participating members earn points based on the amount they wager, and they can redeem their points for merchandise, travel rewards, and wager credits. Youbet’s Player Advantage incentives and other volume incentives are recorded as a reduction of commission revenue (a contra-revenue) and the associated liability is accrued as the points are issued. Reward points are valued based upon a “par” value applied to points earned based upon the rewards category the player is assigned. Player reward categories are assigned to players based upon their respective wagering volume. An estimated point redemption rate, by reward category, is applied against the outstanding points to estimate the future utilization of points awarded for proper valuation.
The majority of United Tote’s revenues are derived from service contracts principally for the installation and operation of pari-mutuel wagering networks. Services provided via these networks include accepting wagers, performing odds and payout calculations and calculating ticket payouts. United Tote charges the track for these services either by transaction count or by dollar volume in accordance with the related service contract. In order to perform its services under these agreements, United Tote may incur various costs associated with the installation of the totalizator equipment at the track to enable it to function as required. Such installation costs include service personnel, including electricians, to set up networks and other items necessary for the proper functioning of all terminals being deployed at the track, which in some cases number as many as several hundred. Such installation costs are capitalized and amortized over the life of the related contract, since such costs are a prerequisite for the proper operation of the equipment, which in turn is necessary to generate future totalizator revenue. United Tote is also required to provide various levels of routine operational support and software maintenance throughout the life of the contract, which is expensed as incurred. Revenue from the sale of pari-mutuel gaming systems equipment and related parts is recognized upon delivery and customer acceptance.

 

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Sales and similar revenue-based taxes collected from customers are excluded from revenue but rather are recorded as a liability payable to the appropriate taxing authority and included in accrued expenses.
Cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. For purposes of the financial statements, restricted cash (Note 3), current and non-current, is excluded from cash and cash equivalents.
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable are uncollateralized and carried, net of an appropriate allowance, at their estimated collectible value. Since customer credit is generally extended on a short-term basis, trade receivables do not normally bear interest. Accounts for which no payments have been received for two consecutive months are considered delinquent, and customary collection efforts are initiated.
The allowance for doubtful accounts (Note 4) is established based on historic loss experience, the individual tracks, the relative strength of the Company’s legal position, the related cost of any proceedings, and general economic conditions.
The Company manages its concentrations of credit risk by evaluating the creditworthiness of tracks before extending credit. The maximum losses that the Company would incur if a track failed to pay would be limited to the amount due after the related allowances provided.
Fair value of financial instruments
The carrying value of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximate fair value due to the short maturities of these financial instruments. In evaluating the fair value of other financial instruments, consisting of long-term receivables and debt, the Company generally uses third-party market quotes. The estimated fair value of long-term receivables and debt approximates their carrying value.
Foreign currency
The functional currency of United Tote Canada is Canadian dollars. The Company translates assets and liabilities at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and income and expense accounts at average exchange rates during the year.
Inventories
Inventories consist of totalizator components to build totalizator equipment and ticket paper stock. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market value. The Company regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and records an allowance for estimated excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on the Company’s forecast of product demand and production requirements.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of property and equipment, which includes equipment under capital leases, is provided on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives, generally ranging from three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the estimated economic life or the term of the lease, including lease renewal option periods, if intended to be exercised, whichever is shorter. The majority of United Tote’s equipment is in place at various pari-mutuel gaming sites located throughout North America.

 

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Also included in property and equipment is internally developed software. Internally used software, whether purchased or developed, is capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of two to four years, in accordance with American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.
Goodwill
The Company evaluates its goodwill on an annual basis (Note 16) and if events and circumstances (such as, significant decreases in the market value of an asset, a change in operating model or strategy and competitive forces) indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the expected undiscounted future cash flow attributable to the asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value is recorded. The estimated fair value is determined using inputs from among the three levels of the fair value hierarchy set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, as follows: Level 1 inputs — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, which prices are available at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs — Include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.) and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs). Level 3 inputs — Unobservable inputs that reflect management’s estimates about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Management develops these inputs based on the best available information available, including internally-developed data. In estimating the fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible.
Income taxes
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the amount and timing of scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income over the periods for which the deferred tax assets are deductible.
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). Based on management’s evaluation, the Company concluded that there were no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in its financial statements or related disclosures. Accordingly, no adjustments to recorded tax liabilities or accumulated deficit were required, and there was no effect on 2007 operations as a result of adopting FIN 48. As of December 31, 2008 the Company had not recognized liabilities for penalty and interest as the Company does not have liability for unrecognized tax benefits.
The Company will recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense (benefit) in its consolidated statements of operations.
Legal defense costs
Estimated legal defense costs are not accrued. Rather, such costs are accrued and expensed when services are provided.
Stock-based compensation
On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, (SFAS No. 123R) using the modified prospective transition method, for accounting for all stock-based compensation. Stock-based compensation expense related to employee and director stock options recognized for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $1.4 million, $0.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized on a straight-line basis as expense over the vesting period. Under SFAS No. 123R, the Company is required to use judgment in estimating the amount of stock-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. If actual forfeitures differ significantly from the original estimate, stock-based compensation expense and the results of operations could be impacted. The company estimates forfeitures at the time of grant based upon historical experience. The Company reviews the forfeiture rates periodically and makes adjustments as necessary.

 

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The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards to employees and directors on the date of grant under SFAS 123R uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the expected stock price volatility over the expected term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock options exercise behaviors. The Company estimates expected volatility using historical data.
The fair value of each option was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
Risk-free interest rate
    1.9 %     3.7 %     4.7 %
Expected term (years)
    7       7       7  
Volatility
    48.0 %     38.1 %     30.2 %
Expected annual dividend
    0       0       0  
Discontinued Operations
The Company presents the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of operations that met the criteria for “held for sale accounting” as discontinued operations if such operations meet the required conditions. At the time an operation qualifies for held for sale accounting, the operation is evaluated to determine whether or not the carrying value exceeds its fair value less costs to sell. Any loss resulting from carrying value exceeding fair value less cost to sell is recorded in the period the operation meets held for sale accounting. Management judgment is required to (1) assess the criteria required to meet held for sale accounting, and (2) estimate fair value. Changes to fair value could result in an increase or decrease to previously recorded losses.
Earnings or net income (loss) per share
Basic earnings (loss) per share are calculated based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share are calculated giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares, assuming such shares were outstanding during the reporting period. In instances where the Company incurs a loss, however, diluting the earnings would not be applicable as the effect would be anti-dilutive.
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the net income (loss) per share computations for the periods presented:
                         
            Weighted Average     Per  
    Net Income (Loss)     Shares     Share  
    (numerator)     (denominator)     Amount  
    (in thousands except share amounts)  
2008
                       
Income per share, basic
(4,414 potentially dilutive securities were omitted from the calculation since the effect of including them would have been anti-dilutive)
  $ (4,451 )     41,463     $ (0.11 )
2007
                       
Loss per share, basic
(2,797 potentially dilutive securities were omitted from the calculation since the effect of including them would have been anti-dilutive)
  $ (28,418 )     41,796     $ (0.68 )
2006
                       
Loss per share, basic
(3,750 potentially dilutive securities were omitted from the calculation since the effect of including them would have been anti-dilutive)
  $ (2,031 )     35,141     $ (0.06 )
Note 3: RESTRICTED CASH
Facilities lease: As required by a lease agreement (Note 11), the Company provided a standby letter of credit in favor of the landlord secured by restricted cash deposits in like amount through 2010. The restricted cash requirement ($168,000 and $275,000 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively) decreases $107,000 per year for the first five years of the lease and $98,000 thereafter until expiration. The portion of the restricted deposit that is allowed to be released in the subsequent year is reported as a current asset in the accompanying financial statements, the remainder is included in other assets.

 

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Players TrustSM: As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, customer deposits maintained in Players TrustSM totaled $4.6 million and $8.6 million, respectively, all of which is reported as restricted cash in current assets pursuant to our licensing agreements.
Note 4: RECEIVABLES
Accounts receivable consisted of the following as of the balance sheet dates presented:
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (in thousands)  
Track receivables, net of allowance for doubtful collection of $541 and $1,180
  $ 2,904     $ 6,784  
Player receivables, net of allowance for doubtful collection of $0 and $759
    0       60  
Other, net of allowance for doubtful collection of $0 and $1,467
    127       470  
 
           
 
  $ 3,031     $ 7,314  
 
           
Note 5: INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market value.
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (in thousands)  
Totalizator components
  $ 1,681     $ 1,477  
Ticket stock
    256       608  
 
           
 
  $ 1,937     $ 2,085  
 
           
Note 6: PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consisted of the following as of the balance sheet dates presented:
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (in thousands)  
Computer equipment owned
  $ 11,940     $ 14,520  
Computer equipment under capital lease (Note 9)
    2,053       1,605  
Pari-mutuel equipment
    21,634       21,966  
Software
    5,448       4,347  
Office furniture, fixtures and equipment
    576       663  
Leasehold improvements
    3,190       3,201  
 
           
 
    44,841       46,302  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (28,623 )     (21,638 )
 
           
 
  $ 16,218     $ 24,664  
 
           
Depreciation and amortization are recorded over the estimated lives of the following types of property and equipment: computer equipment (3 to 5 years), software (2 to 10 years), furniture and fixtures (5 years) and leasehold improvements (3 to 5 years, limited to the lease term). In connection with our exploration of strategic alternatives for United Tote, the Company re-evaluated the carrying value of United Tote. As part of this evaluation, the Company compared the current estimated fair value to its carrying value and in February 2009, concluded that the United Tote carrying value was impaired as of December 31, 2008 by $11.2 million. Goodwill of $6.9 million was eliminated and based upon the carrying values of property and equipment and intangible assets as of December 31, 2008, the Company reduced the carrying value of property and equipment and intangible assets $3.1 million and $1.2 million respectively.

 

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Note 7: INTANGIBLES, OTHER THAN GOODWILL
Intangibles, other than goodwill, consisted of the following as of the balance sheet dates presented:
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (in thousands)  
Intangibles
  $ 6,750     $ 7,925  
Less: accumulated amortization
    (2,162 )     (1,420 )
 
           
 
  $ 4,588     $ 6,505  
 
           
Amortizable intangibles consist of customer listings, non-competition agreements, trademarks, trade names, technology and game content derived through acquisition of IRG and United Tote. Amortization expense in 2008 and 2007 for these intangibles was $0.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively. Estimated future amortization of intangibles for each of the next five years is $0.7 million, $0.7 million, $0.7 million, $0.6 million, and $0.6 million, respectively. See footnote 6 above for explanation of the $1.2 million reduction in the carrying value of intangibles as of December 31, 2008.
Note 8: ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consisted of the following as of the balance sheet dates presented:
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (in thousands)  
Legal fees
  $ 111     $ 298  
Employee compensation, related taxes and other benefits
    3,908       2,853  
IRG earnout
            4,293  
Track fees
    926          
Accrued interest and taxes
    2,037       2,074  
Player incentives
    450       532  
Other
    855       1,296  
 
           
 
    8,287       11,346  
 
           
Note 9: DEBT
Debt consisted of the following as of the balance sheet dates presented:
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (in thousands)  
Capital lease obligations and other financing arrangement
  $ 750     $ 999  
Promissory notes
    3,200       3,200  
Bank term loan
    8,750       10,958  
 
           
 
    12,700       15,157  
Current portion of long-term debt
    8,704       10,390  
 
           
Long-term debt, less current maturities
  $ 3,996     $ 4,767  
 
           
In February 2006, the Company completed its acquisition of all of the outstanding stock of United Tote (Note 16) for consideration valued at $31.9 million plus the assumption of approximately $14.7 million of debt (primarily related to the financing of equipment placed with United Tote’s track customers). As part of this purchase, the Company issued three unsecured promissory notes to United Tote’s former owners aggregating $10.2 million in principal amount, with each promissory note bearing interest at a fixed rate of 5.02% per annum and with their principal amounts due in full at their respective maturity dates. The Company repaid a $5.2 million principal amount promissory note in December 2006 and a $1.8 million principal amount promissory note in March 2007. The remaining $3.2 million principal amount promissory note is currently due but is subject to rights of indemnification and offset. The Company has four outstanding claims for indemnification against the former owners of United Tote and will not pay the net balance due until those matters are resolved.

 

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In December 2008, the Company entered into a new credit agreement pursuant to which the lender agreed to provide the Company with up to $15.0 million in total borrowing capacity. The credit facility consists of a $5.0 million revolving line of credit and a $10.0 million term loan. The revolving line of credit requires monthly interest payments and the outstanding principal, if any, is due at maturity. The principal of the term loan is to be repaid in equal monthly installments ($1.25 million quarterly) plus interest, and payments commenced on December 31, 2008. At December 31, 2008, the Company owed $8.8 million under the term loan and no amount was outstanding under the revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on this facility was 5.75% per annum.
Proceeds of $4.6 million from the new credit agreement were used to repay principal and interest in full amounts owed to the prior lender, as well as fees and expenses associated with the refinancing. The remaining proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes. No amounts have been borrowed under the revolving and letter of credit facility.
The credit agreement provides for mandatory prepayment upon the occurrence of certain specified events. The credit facility is secured by certain assets of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries are guarantors of the Company’s obligations under the credit facility. The credit agreement contains customary covenants under the loan and security agreement, including restrictions on our ability to incur indebtedness, make investments, pay dividends or engage in mergers and acquisitions. The loan and security agreement also contains certain financial covenants, including (i) a requirement to maintain a specified debt service coverage ratio, (ii) a requirement to maintain a leverage ratio not to exceed 2:1, (iii) a requirement to maintain a certain specified adjusted EBITDA and (iv) limitations on capital expenditures.
In April 2007, United Tote entered into a sale-leaseback transaction with a bank. United Tote sold certain totalizator equipment to the bank for proceeds of $1.1 million and agreed to lease back the equipment for a 24-month period at an implicit interest rate of 8.8%.
The Company has financed the purchase of certain equipment through the issuance of bank debt, promissory notes and under capital leasing arrangements. The debt bears interest at rates ranging from 5.0% to 10.4%. Such obligations are payable in monthly installments through May 2010.
Annual maturities for debt, including capital lease obligations as of December 31, 2008, are as follows:
         
Year   (in thousands)  
2009
  $ 8,704  
2010
    3,996  
 
     
 
  $ 12,700  
 
     
Capital leases
The Company has capital lease arrangements for networking equipment, computer equipment and software. Future obligations under these non-cancelable capital leases are as follows:
         
Year   (in thousands)  
2009
  $ 546  
2010
    254  
 
     
Total obligation
    800  
Less: interest portion
    50  
 
     
Total principal
  $ 750  
 
     

 

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Note 10: INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense from continuing operations consists of the following:
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (in thousands)  
Current
                       
Federal
  $ 127     $       $ 76  
State
    417       4       18  
Foreign
    114       282       307  
 
                 
 
    658       286       401  
 
                 
 
                       
Deferred
                       
Federal
    (99 )     (600 )     (244 )
State
    699       (735 )     577  
Change in valuation allowance
    (600 )     3,863          
 
                 
 
    0       2,528       333  
 
                 
 
  $ 658     $ 2,814     $ 734  
 
                 
Income taxes from continuing operations for 2008, 2007 and 2006 differ from “expected” income taxes for those years computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate of 34% to loss before taxes for those years as follows:
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (in thousands)  
Tax expense (benefit) at U.S. statutory rate
  $ (1,758 )   $ (8,640 )   $ (441 )
State tax (benefit) net of federal benefit
    345       353       (76 )
Foreign taxes
    (8 )     30          
Amortization/impairment of intangibles
    2,332       6,762       323  
Stock based compensation
    492       305       261  
Jurisdictional penalties
                    254  
Other permanent differences
    42       197       86  
Net change in valuation allowance
    (601 )     3,691          
Expiration of California
                    405  
Other, net
    (186 )     116       (78 )
 
                 
 
  $ 658     $ 2,814     $ 734  
 
                 
The Company does not provide for deferred taxes on the excess of the financial reporting over the tax basis in our investments in the foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration. The determination of the additional deferred taxes that have not been provided is not practicable.
Except for 2007, income (loss) from discontinued operations principally consists of transactions with no tax effect.

 

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The Company’s net deferred tax assets at December 31 consist of the following:
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (in thousands)  
Deferred tax assets
                       
Net operating loss carry forwards
  $ 23,999     $ 23,142     $ 21,848  
Tax credit carryforwards
    342       226       226  
Depreciation
    151                  
Inventory
    113                  
Accrued expenses
    564       234       1,272  
Accounts receivable allowance
    599       1,361       399  
Other
    143       121       4  
 
                 
 
    25,911       25,084       23,749  
 
                 
Deferred tax liabilities
                       
Depreciation
            (3,573 )     (3,210 )
Intangibles
    (900 )     (1,717 )     (2,082 )
Inventory
                    (31 )
 
                 
 
    (900 )     (5,290 )     (5,323 )
 
                 
Net deferred tax assets
    25,011       19,794       18,426  
Valuation allowance
    (25,011 )     (19,794 )     (16,629 )
 
                 
 
  $ 0     $ 0     $ 1,797  
 
                 
The Company has federal and state net operating loss carry forwards in the amount of $59,066,000 and $60,588,000, respectively at December 31, 2008, which is expected to begin expiring in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Due to the change of ownership provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (Internal Revenue Code Section 382), utilization of a portion of our net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards may be limited in future periods. The company does not have any known limits under IRC Section 382 at this time. Further, a portion of the carry forwards may expire before being applied to reduce future income tax liabilities. In addition, on September 30, 2008, the State of California suspended the ability of corporations to offset taxable income with net operating loss carry forwards for the tax years 2008 and 2009. The Company has tax credit carry forwards totaling $342,000.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the amount and timing of scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income over the periods for which the deferred tax assets are deductible. Although the management believes the Company will be profitable in the foreseeable future, based upon the Company’s history of continuing operating losses, realization of its deferred tax assets does not meet the more likely than not criteria under SFAS No. 109 and, accordingly, a valuation allowance for the entire deferred tax asset amount has been recorded.
The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, on January 1, 2007. The Company did not recognize any additional liability for unrecognized tax benefit as a result of the implementation. As of December 31, 2007, the Company did not increase or decrease liability for unrecognized tax benefit related to tax positions in prior period nor did the company increase its liability for any tax positions in the current year. Furthermore, there were no adjustments to the liability or lapse of statute of limitation or settlements with taxing authorities.
The Company expects resolution of any unrecognized tax benefits, if created, would occur while the full valuation allowance of deferred tax assets is maintained, therefore, the Company does not expect to have any unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, that would affect the effective tax rate.
The Company will recognize interest and penalty related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense. As of December 31, 2008, the Company has not recognized liabilities for penalty and interest as the Company does not have liability for unrecognized tax benefits.
The Company is subject to taxation in the US and various states and Canada. The Company’s tax years for 2005, 2006, and 2007 are subject to examination by the taxing authorities. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local or foreign examinations by taxing authorities for years before 2005. The Company’s federal return was selected for examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for prior tax year ended December 31, 2006. As of December, 2008, the IRS has not proposed any significant adjustments to the Company’s tax positions. Additionally, the Canadian Revenue Agency is currently auditing United Tote’s Canadian subsidiary’s operations for the tax years 2002, 2003 and 2004. The outcome of these audits is uncertain; however, management believes there is no material tax liability exposure to the Company at this time.

 

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Note 11: COMMITMENTS
Operating leases
The Company leases office and production facilities in California, Oregon, Kentucky and Canada under various operating leases. Approximate minimum rental payments under these non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:
         
Year   (in thousands)  
2009
  $ 1,208  
2010
    282  
2011
    102  
2012
    106  
2013
    106  
 
     
 
  $ 1,804  
 
     
Total rental expense was approximately $1.3 million, $1.7 million, and $1.3 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Employment Commitments
Agreement with James A. Burk Effective July 9, 2007, Mr. Burk entered into a two year employment agreement. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Burk’s annual salary is $300,000 during the first year and may increase in succeeding years based on his and the Company’s performance. Upon execution of the employment agreement, Mr. Burk received 150,000 stock options at an exercise price of $2.35. The stock options are ten year options and shall vest ratably over four years. In addition, Mr. Burk is eligible to receive an annual bonus to be determined by the board of directors in its discretion and based on attaining mutually agreed upon business objectives and certain profitability goals. On March 5, 2009, we entered into a severance and general release agreement with James A. Burk, under which we agreed with Mr. Burk that he will step down as Chief Financial Officer of Youbet, effective as of March 31, 2009. The severance and general release agreement, in pertinent part, modifies the severance payable to Mr. Burk under his employment agreement with us and provides that Mr. Burk will be paid a lump sum severance payment of $180,000, which payment is in lieu of severance payments contemplated under his employment agreement, and a lump sum bonus of $120,000. The severance and general release agreement also contains a release of claims on behalf of Mr. Burk.
Employee Benefit Plan — The Company sponsors two defined contribution 401(k) plans. The plans provide for voluntary contributions by eligible employees and matching contributions by the Company depending on the respective plan. Matching contributions made by the Company included in general and administrative expenses were $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, excluding nominal administrative costs assumed by the Company.
Note 12: CONTINGENCIES
The Company is a party to proceedings that are ordinary and incidental to the Company’s business. Management is unable to estimate any minimum losses from any of these legal proceedings. Accordingly, no losses have been accrued.
The United States is currently experiencing a recession accompanied by, among other things, reduced credit availability and highly curtailed gaming and other recreational activities. The effects and duration of these developments and related risks and uncertainties on the Company’s future operations and cash flows cannot be estimated at this time buy may likely be significant.
The Company often carries cash on deposit with financial institutions substantially in excess of federally-insured limits, and the risk of losses related to such concentrations may be increasing as a result of recent economic developments. The extent of a future loss as a result of uninsured deposits in the event of a future failure of a bank or other financial institutions, if any, is not subject to estimation at this time.

 

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Note 13: STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
In June 2005, the Company’s stockholders approved the Youbet.com, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the Equity Incentive Plan), which constitutes an amendment, restatement and continuation of the Company’s 1998 Stock Option Plan. As of December 31, 2008, there were outstanding options for 5,559,173 shares of common stock issued under the Equity Incentive Plan, out of a total approved pool of 13,750,000 shares.
During 2008, the Company granted various stock options to officers, other employees and directors, under the Equity Incentive Plan as follows:
1)  
Stock options were granted to the then executive officers of the Company to purchase a total of 950,000 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $1.10 to $1.95, the fair market values at the dates of grant. These options vest ratably over four years and are exercisable for ten years.
2)  
Stock options were granted to other employees of the Company to purchase a total of 710,500 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $1.13 to $1.95, the fair market values at the dates of grant. These options vest ratably over four years and are exercisable for ten years.
3)  
Stock options were granted to directors of the Company to purchase a total of 685,448 shares of common stock at an exercise prices ranging from $1.22 to $1.44, the fair market value at the date of grant. These options vest ratably over twelve months and are exercisable for ten years.
During 2007, the Company granted various stock options to officers, other employees and directors, under the Equity Incentive Plan as follows:
1)  
Stock options were granted to the then executive officers of the Company to purchase a total of 180,000 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $2.35 to $2.72, the fair market values at the dates of grant. These options vest ratably over four years and are exercisable for ten years.
2)  
Stock options were granted to other employees of the Company to purchase a total of 360,000 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $2.72 to $3.69, the fair market values at the dates of grant. These options vest ratably over four years and are exercisable for ten years.
3)  
Stock options were granted to directors of the Company to purchase a total of 185,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.72, the fair market value at the date of grant. These options vest ratably over twelve months and are exercisable for ten years.
During 2006, the Company granted various stock options to officers, other employees and directors, under the Equity Incentive Plan as follows:
1)  
Stock options were granted to the then executive officers of the Company to purchase a total of 225,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.67, the fair market value at the date of grant. These options vest ratably over four years and are exercisable for ten years.
2)  
Stock options were granted to other employees of the Company to purchase a total of 678,814 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $3.33 to $5.08, the fair market values at the dates of grant. These options vest ratably over four years and are exercisable for ten years.
3)  
Stock options were granted to directors of the Company to purchase a total of 90,000 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $3.69 to $5.08, the fair market values at the dates of grant. These options vest ratably over twelve months and are exercisable for ten years.
Under all plans, the stock option price per share for options granted is generally based on the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and no option can be exercised later than ten years from the date it was granted. The stock options generally vest over four years.
At December 31, 2008, there were options outstanding to acquire 5,559,173 shares at an average exercise price of $1.99 per share. The estimated fair value of all awards granted during the year ended December 31, 2008 was $1.7 million.

 

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The following table summarizes the status of these plans as of December 31, 2008:
         
    Equity Incentive Plan  
Options available per the equity incentive plan
    13,750,000  
Stock options outstanding
    5,559,173  
Options available for grant
    2,811,588  
Transactions involving stock options are summarized as follows:
                 
    Number of     Weighted Average  
    Shares     Exercise Price  
Balance at January 1, 2006
    4,394,372     $ 2.30  
Granted
    993,717       3.95  
Exercised
    (259,819 )     1.00  
Cancelled
    (222,611 )     4.43  
 
             
Balance at December 31, 2006
    4,905,659     $ 2.61  
Granted
    725,500       2.86  
Exercised
    (444,359 )     0.79  
Cancelled
    (469,389 )     3.81  
 
             
Balance at December 31, 2007
    4,717,411     $ 2.70  
Granted
    2,345,948       1.43  
Exercised
    0       0.00  
Cancelled
    (1,504,186 )     3.34  
 
             
Balance at December 31, 2008
    5,559,173     $ 1.99  
 
             
As of December 31, 2008, the total compensation costs related to non-vested awards yet to be expensed was approximately $2.2 million to be amortized over the next four years.
The weighted average exercise prices for options granted and exercisable and the weighted average remaining contractual life for options outstanding as of December 31, 2007 and 2008 were as follows:
                                 
                    Weighted        
            Weighted     Average        
    Number of     Average     Remaining        
    Shares     Exercise Price     Contractual Life     Intrinsic Value  
As of December 31, 2007
                               
Employees — Outstanding
    4,717,411     $ 2.70       6.03     $ 12,737,009  
Employees — Expected to Vest
    1,308,616       3.55       8.87       4,645,587  
Employees — Exercisable
    3,408,795       2.37       4.95       8,078,844  
As of December 31, 2008
                               
Employees — Outstanding
    5,559,173     $ 1.99       7.19     $ 11,062,754  
Employees — Expected to Vest
    1,512,054       2.15       9.15       3,250,916  
Employees — Exercisable
    4,047,119       1.93       6.45       7,810,940  
Additional information with respect to outstanding options as of December 31, 2008 is a follows:
                                         
Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  
            Weighted                        
Options   Number     Average     Weighted             Weighted  
Exercise   of     Remaining     Average     Number of     Average  
Price Range   Shares     Contractual Life     Exercise Price     Shares     Exercise Price  
$0.49-$0.99
    870,000       3.42     $ 0.53       870,000     $ 0.53  
$1.00-$1.99
    2,325,948       9.67       1.43       1,285,448       1.28  
$2.00-$4.99
    2,280,575       6.12       2.99       1,821,033       2.99  
$5.00-$6.19
    82,650       6.36       5.32       70,638       5.32  
The Company has elected to adopt the detailed method provided in SFAS No. 123R for calculating the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool (APIC pool) related to the tax effects of employee stock-based compensation, and to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC pool and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of the tax effects of employee stock-based compensation awards that are outstanding upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R.

 

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Note 14: DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Effective December 31, 2007, the Company sold Bruen back to the original owner. The results of Bruen Productions have been treated as discontinued operations in these financial statements and are as follows:
                 
    2007     2006  
    (in thousands)  
Revenues
  $ 772     $ 282  
Cost of revenues
    408       72  
 
           
Gross profit
    364       210  
Operating expenses
    1,288       183  
 
           
Net income (loss)
  $ (924 )   $ 27  
 
           
Impact on the Company’s income (loss) per share:
               
- Basic
  $ (0.02 )   $ 0.00  
 
           
- Diluted
  $ (0.02 )   $ 0.00  
 
           
Effective February 15, 2008, the Company ceased operations at IRG in an orderly and businesslike fashion and, accordingly, has accounted for such operations retroactively as discontinued. The following results of IRG also have been treated as discontinued operations in these financial statements and are as follows:
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (in thousands)  
Revenues
  $ 46     $ 16,347     $ 21,807  
Cost of revenues
    84       12,125       16,123  
 
                 
Gross profit (loss)
    (38 )     4,222       5,684  
Operating expenses (recovery)
    (1,410 )     17,529       3,441  
 
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,372     $ (13,307 )   $ 2,243  
 
                 
Impact on the Company’s income (loss) per share:
                       
- Basic
  $ 0.03     $ (0.32 )   $ 0.06  
 
                 
- Diluted
  $ 0.03     $ (0.32 )   $ 0.06  
 
                 
Note 15: SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company operates as two reportable segments. The Company’s advance deposit wagering (ADW) segment consists of the operations of Youbet Express and Youbet Services Corporation and its totalizator services segment consists of the operations of United Tote (Note 16). Each segment operates independently, under separate management and provides distinctly separate services. The ADW segment provides internet wagering services and caters to the general public, whereas the totalizator segment provides totalizator equipment and services to racetracks, as well as off-track betting facilities and ADWs, including the company’s ADW segment. Both segments are impacted by the amount of wagering handle processed, however, the ADW segment is more immune to track closures due to inclement weather, etc. as players may shift their wagering activities to other tracks. The revenue and expenses attributable to the services provided by the company’s totalizator segment to the company’s ADW segment are eliminated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Bruen and IRG were previously reported as part of the ADW segment, but are now reported retroactively as discontinued operations (Note 14); therefore, the amounts reported below for the ADW segment have been adjusted to exclude Bruen and IRG.
The reporting segments follow the same accounting policies used for the Company’s consolidated financial statements and are described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Company management evaluates a segment’s performance based upon its individual financial results of operations. Sales to customers located outside the United States primarily relate to totalizator services and are immaterial. Stated in thousands.
                         
Revenue   2008     2007     2006  
ADW segment
  $ 85,831     $ 97,652     $ 91,746  
Totalizator segment
    24,443       26,093       23,885  
Intercompany eliminations
    (1,246 )     (1,251 )     (1,037 )
 
                 
 
  $ 109,028     $ 122,494     $ 114,594  
 
                 
                         
Revenue by Geographic Area   2008     2007     2006  
United States
  $ 106,846     $ 120,225     $ 112,503  
International
    2,182       2,269       2,091  
 
                 
 
  $ 109,028     $ 122,494     $ 114,594  
 
                 

 

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Reconciliation of income (loss) before income tax   2008     2007     2006  
Income (loss) from operations before other income (expense) and income tax
                       
- ADW
  $ 8,812     $ 1,589     $ (3,518 )
- Totalizator
    (13,140 )     (11,961 )     659  
 
                 
 
    (4,328 )     (10,372 )     (2,859 )
Interest income
    233       642       536  
Interest expense
    (1,244 )     (1,796 )     (1,955 )
Other
    174       153       711  
 
                 
Loss before income tax from continuing operations
    (5,165 )     (11,373 )     (3,567 )
Income (loss) before income tax from discontinued operations
    1,372       (14,231 )     2,270  
 
                 
Loss before income tax
  $ (3,793 )   $ (25,604 )   $ (1,297 )
 
                 
                         
Capital Spending (including capital leases)   2008     2007     2006  
ADW segment
  $ 1,667     $ 287     $ 2,235  
Totalizator segment
    527       2,217       4,431  
 
                 
 
  $ 2,194     $ 2,504     $ 6,666  
 
                 
                         
Depreciation and Amortization   2008     2007     2006  
ADW segment
  $ 1,722     $ 2,464     $ 1,662  
Totalizator segment
    6,352       6,653       4,296  
 
                 
 
  $ 8,074     $ 9,117     $ 5,958  
 
                 
                         
Total Assets   2008     2007     2006  
ADW segment
  $ 25,431     $ 23,617     $ 50,280  
Totalizator segment
    23,449       41,433       55,325  
 
                 
 
  $ 48,880     $ 65,050     $ 105,605  
 
                 
Note 16: IMPAIRMENT OF INTANGIBLES AND GOODWILL
Intangibles and goodwill are reviewed for impairment annually during the third quarter or when circumstances exist which indicate a possible impairment has occurred. The fair value of the reporting unit associated with the intangibles and goodwill is typically estimated using the expected present value of expected future cash flows. If the present value of expected future cash flows is are less than the carrying value of an asset, an impairment charge is taken to reduce the value on the Company’s balance sheet to fair value. The following table shows the Company’s intangible assets and goodwill activity for the period ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
                                 
    Intangibles     Goodwill  
    Advance             Advance        
    deposit             deposit        
    wagering     Totalizator     wagering     Totalizator  
    segment     segment     segment     segment  
    (in thousands)  
Balance as of January 1, 2007
  $ 6,123     $ 7,246     $ 384     $ 14,859  
Additions
    5,998                          
Amortization
    (1,198 )     (741 )                
Impairment losses
    (10,923 )             (384 )     (8,000 )
 
                       
Balance as of December 31, 2007
    0       6,505       0       6,859  
Additions
                               
Amortization
            (742 )                
Impairment losses
            (1,175 )             (6,859 )
 
                       
Balance as of December 31, 2008
  $     $ 4,588     $     $  
 
                       
In connection with our evaluation of strategic alternatives for United Tote, the Company re-evaluated the goodwill related to United Tote as of December 31, 2007. The Company determined that the carrying value of the net assets of United Tote, including goodwill, exceeded its estimated fair value and concluded goodwill was impaired as of December 31, 2007 by $8.0 million. As the Company is continuing its evaluation of strategic alternatives for United Tote, including a possible sale, combined with the decline in live track wagering and the deterioration in the economic environment, the Company again re-evaluated the carrying value of United Tote as of December 31, 2008 using valuations by interested third parties and discounted cash flow analyses (referred to Level 3 inputs) and concluded that the carrying value of net assets of United Tote exceeded the estimated fair value as of December 31, 2008 by $11.2 million. The Company eliminated the remaining $6.9 million of goodwill and reduced the carrying value of computer equipment and intangible assets by $3.1 million and $1.2 million respectively.

 

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IRG had $7.0 million in intangible assets and had a single player that accounted for over 50% of IRG’s wagering handle during the first nine months of 2007 and the federal government seized $1.5 million from IRG’s three bank accounts. Additionally, IRG had lost or been denied content. After adjusting assumptions for current facts and circumstances, management determined that an impairment of IRG intangible assets was not required in the third quarter.
The Company continued to monitor the results of IRG and attempted to forecast future results. Due to the loss of content and the reduced player base, wagering handle was not expected to recover.
In view of these facts, the Company performed a follow-up impairment test as of December 31, 2007 to ascertain the need for an impairment adjustment of the intangibles associated with IRG. The intangibles reviewed include those relating to acquired customer lists and a non-compete agreement. These intangibles have increased in amount since the acquisition of IRG due to the annual earn-outs paid to the prior owners due the achievement of certain performance criteria as indicated in the purchase agreement and total approximately $6.7 million (net of amortization). As of December 31, 2007, an additional $4.4 million was earned and was due to be paid as of August 31, 2008. Based on these events, the cash flow forecast for IRG was revised downward resulting in an impairment of the intangibles associated with IRG in the fourth quarter of 2007.
During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company settled with the former owners of IRG, agreeing to pay $2,252,000 in cash in settlement of all existing disputes and claims, including all claims under the stock purchase agreement and the management agreement. Under the settlement agreement, the former owners relinquished their rights to 55,554 shares of Youbet’s common stock acquired by them in connection with their sale of the IRG business pursuant to the stock purchase agreement. As a result of this settlement, the Company reduced the amortization and depreciation of IRG by $2.2 million, representing the difference between the accrued earn-out payment and the amount of the settlement.

 

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SCHEDULE II
YOUBET.COM, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                                         
    Balance at     Charged to                      
    beginning of     cost and     Charged to             Balance at end  
Description   period     expenses     other accounts     Deductions     of period  
    (in thousands)  
Fiscal 2008
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
  $ 3,406       707               (3,572 )   $ 541  
Allowance for doubtful notes receivable
  $ 0                             $ 0  
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
  $ 19,794       5,217                     $ 25,011  
Fiscal 2007
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
  $ 1,813       3,002       (7 )     (1,402 )   $ 3,406  
Allowance for doubtful notes receivable
  $ 76               (76 )           $ 0  
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
  $ 16,629       3,165                     $ 19,794  
Fiscal 2006
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
  $ 346       173       1,294             $ 1,813  
Allowance for doubtful notes receivable
  $ 0               76             $ 76  
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
  $ 16,629                             $ 16,629  

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
         
Exhibit Number   Description
       
 
  23.1    
Consent of Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
       
 
  32.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934