<PAGE> 1
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 19, 1995
Registration No. 33-_________
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
-------------------------
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
-------------------------
CROWN CASINO CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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<S> <C> <C>
TEXAS 7999 63-0851141
(State or other jurisdiction (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) Classification Code Number) Identification No.)
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SUITE 103
2415 WEST NORTHWEST HIGHWAY
DALLAS, TEXAS 75220
(214) 352-7561
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of Registrant's principal executive offices)
EDWARD R. MCMURPHY, PRESIDENT
SUITE 103
2415 WEST NORTHWEST HIGHWAY
DALLAS, TEXAS 75220
(214) 352-7561
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Copy to:
HELEN T. FERRARO
SMITH, GAMBRELL & RUSSELL
3343 PEACHTREE ROAD, N.E., SUITE 1800
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30326
(404) 264-2620
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As
soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered
on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act
of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [x]
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<CAPTION>
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PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT TO BE OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE REGISTRATION
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED(1) PER SHARE(2) OFFERING PRICE(2) FEE
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share . . . . . 105,000 $5.44 $571,200 $197
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(1) The shares of Common Stock being registered hereby are for the account
of certain shareholders of the Company. No other shares of Common Stock
are being registered pursuant to this offering.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the filing fee pursuant
to Rule 457(c).
----------------------------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
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<PAGE> 2
CROWN CASINO CORPORATION
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET SHOWING LOCATION OR CAPTION IN
PROSPECTUS FILED AS PART OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
OF INFORMATION REQUIRED BY FORM S-3
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ITEM NUMBER
IN FORM S-3 ITEM CAPTION IN FORM S-3 LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
----------- ------------------------ ----------------------
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1. Forepart of the Registration Statement and
Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus . . . . . Forepart of the Registration Statement;
Cross Reference Sheet; and Outside
Front Cover Page of Prospectus
2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
Prospectus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front and Outside Back Cover
Pages of Prospectus
3. Summary Information, Risk Factors and Ratio of
Earnings to Fixed Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . The Company; Risk Factors
4. Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Use of Proceeds
5. Determination of Offering Price . . . . . . . . . Cover Page; Plan of Distribution
6. Dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *
7. Selling Security Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . Selling Shareholders
8. Plan of Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover Page; Plan of Distribution
9. Description of Securities to be Registered . . . Description of Securities
10. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel . . . . . *
11. Material Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business
12. Incorporation of Certain Information
by Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Documents Incorporated by Reference
13. Disclosure of Commission Position on
Indemnification and Securities Act Liabilities . *
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* Omitted since item is inapplicable or answer is negative.
<PAGE> 3
P R O S P E C T U S
105,000 SHARES
CROWN CASINO CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK
The 105,000 shares of Common Stock of Crown Casino Corporation (the
"Company") offered hereby are being sold by certain holders of the Common Stock
of the Company. Unless the context otherwise requires, the holders of the
Common Stock selling shares hereunder are hereinafter collectively referred to
as the "Selling Shareholders." The Company will not receive any proceeds from
the sale of the Common Stock by the Selling Shareholders. See "Selling
Shareholders," "Plan of Distribution" and "Use of Proceeds."
The Company's Common Stock is traded in the over-the-counter market
under the symbol DICE. On May 16, 1995, the average of the closing bid and
asked prices for the Common Stock, as reported on the Nasdaq System was $5.44
per share.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY
PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY.
___________________________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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<CAPTION>
===============================================================================================================
OFFERING UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO
PRICE TO DISCOUNTS AND SELLING
PUBLIC COMMISSIONS SHAREHOLDERS
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<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Text See Text See Text
Below Below Below
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
===============================================================================================================
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The Selling Shareholders have advised the Company that they may elect to
offer for sale and to sell the Common Stock from time to time until April 30,
1997 through brokers in the over-the-counter market, in private transactions,
or otherwise, at market prices then prevailing or obtainable. Accordingly,
sales prices and proceeds to the Selling Shareholders will depend upon price
fluctuations and the manner of sale. If the Common Stock is sold through
brokers, the Selling Shareholders will pay brokerage commissions and other
charges (which compensation as to a particular broker-dealer might be in
excess of customary commissions). Except for the payment of such brokerage
commissions and charges and the legal fees, if any, of the Selling
Shareholders, the Company will bear all expenses in connection with registering
the shares offered hereby. Such expenses are estimated to total approximately
$20,000. See "Plan of Distribution."
This Prospectus also relates to such additional shares as may be issued
to the Selling Shareholders because of future stock dividends, stock
distributions, stock splits or similar capital readjustments.
The date of this Prospectus is May __, 1995
<PAGE> 4
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to certain informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act") and, in accordance therewith,
files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission"). Such reports and other information can be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room
1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at
the Commission's regional offices located at 75 Park Place, 14th Floor, New
York, New York 10007 and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois
60661. Copies of such material can also be obtained at prescribed rates by
writing to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Public Reference Section,
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition, such reports,
proxy statements and other information concerning the Company may be inspected
at the offices of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., 1735 K
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006-1506.
The Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (together
with all amendments and exhibits filed or to be filed in connection therewith,
the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
with respect to the Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus does not
contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain
parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Commission. Statements contained herein concerning the provisions of documents
are necessarily summaries of such documents, and each statement is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the copy of the applicable document filed with the
Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents previously filed with the Commission pursuant
to the 1934 Act are hereby incorporated in this Prospectus by reference:
1. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April
30, 1994;
2. The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
July 31, 1994;
3. The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
October 31, 1994;
4. The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
January 31, 1995;
5. The Company's prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) under
the Securities Act of 1933, Registration No. 33-79484, filed with
the Commission on March 10, 1995; and
6. The description of the Company's Common Stock contained in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 as filed with the
Commission on December 23, 1986.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior
to the termination of this offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the respective
dates of filing of such documents. Any statement contained in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed
to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that
a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which
also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified and superseded, to constitute a part of
this Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom a
Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of such person, a copy of
any and all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus (excluding exhibits unless such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference into such documents). Please direct such requests to
the Secretary, Crown Casino Corporation, 2415 West Northwest Highway, Suite
103, Dallas, Texas 75220, telephone number (214) 352-7561.
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<PAGE> 5
THE COMPANY
Crown Casino Corporation, formerly Skylink America Incorporated, and
subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company" or "Crown") is currently developing a
riverboat gaming casino in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, near Lake Charles. In
addition, the Company has purchased an 18.6 acre tract of land in the gaming
district of Las Vegas, Nevada for development of a hotel and casino. The
Company is also actively pursuing gaming opportunities in other jurisdictions.
The Louisiana riverboat casino project is the only project currently under
development.
From its inception in 1983 to February 1994, the Company had been
engaged in various facets of the cable programming business including (i)
providing Free-To-Guest ("FTG") and Pay-Per-View ("PPV") programming services
and equipment to the lodging and hospital industries, (ii) designing, producing
and selling PPV equipment, (iii) constructing and operating Satellite Master
Antenna Television and Community Antenna Television systems, and (iv) the
buying and selling of cable properties and assets.
During the fiscal year ended April 30, 1992, management concluded that
the hotel/motel FTG programming business had become increasingly competitive
from a profit margin standpoint and that programming in the hotel industry was
at or near saturation. Based on its conclusion that the value of the FTG
business had peaked, in late fiscal 1992 the Company sold the majority of its
FTG programming business which accounted for approximately 85% of the Company's
total revenues during fiscal 1992. In June 1993, the Company made the decision
to enter the gaming industry and, based upon that decision, the Company sold
its remaining cable assets in November 1993 and February 1994.
On June 25, 1993, Crown entered the gaming industry with the purchase
of St. Charles Gaming Company, Inc. ("SCGC") for $500,000 cash and 1.6 million
shares of Crown Common Stock. SCGC had been formed in January 1993 in order to
apply to the Louisiana Riverboat Gaming Commission ("Gaming Commission") to
operate a riverboat gaming casino to be based in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana,
near New Orleans. On June 18, 1993, SCGC received preliminary approval of its
application from the Gaming Commission and in July 1993 filed its application
with the Louisiana Riverboat Gaming Enforcement Division of the Office of State
Police (the "Enforcement Division") for a license to operate a riverboat gaming
casino. On March 29, 1994, SCGC received one of only fifteen authorized
riverboat gaming licenses, subject to certain conditions, issued in the State
of Louisiana.
In January 1995, the Company made the strategic decision to relocate
the site for its planned Louisiana casino from St. Charles Parish to Calcasieu
Parish in the southwest part of the state near the Texas border. In March
1995, the Company entered into an agreement with Louisiana Riverboat Gaming
Partnership ("LRGP") to form a joint venture to develop the Calcasieu Parish
project. LRGP, a joint venture owned 50% by Casino America, Inc. ("Casino
America") and 50% by Louisiana Downs, Inc., an Edward J. DeBartolo company,
currently owns the Isle of Capri(SM) dockside riverboat casino located on the
Red River in Bossier City, Louisiana near Shreveport. Current plans call for
the Calcasieu Parish project to become an Isle of Capri(SM) themed property.
The joint venture agreement provides for the purchase by LRGP from the Company
of 50% of the outstanding common stock of SCGC, subject to certain closing
conditions. Consummation of this transaction is expected on or about May 31,
1995.
Certain conditions remain to be satisfied before a permanent riverboat
gaming license will be issued by the Enforcement Division, although the casino
may open for business prior to receipt of such permanent license. Various
regulatory approvals are required, including, among other things, final
approval by the Gaming Commission, various approvals regarding navigation,
environmental assessment, traffic control and other matters by various federal
and state agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its
reporting agencies and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and
Development. Local regulatory approval from agencies located in Calcasieu
Parish will be required in connection with construction, sewage, and other
matters in connection with
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<PAGE> 6
the operation of a business including the serving of food and alcoholic
beverages. Food service, sanitation and water approvals will be required from
the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Resources and the Louisiana
Department of Environmental Quality Office of Water Resources.
On October 13, 1993 the Company entered into a purchase agreement with
Kehl River Boats, Inc. ("KRB") to purchase a riverboat gaming casino (the
"Casino") which was under construction at the time. The Casino was constructed
by Houma Fabricators, a Louisiana based shipbuilder with 32 years of vessel
construction experience. On July 8, 1994, the Company closed the purchase and
took possession of the Casino. In December 1994, after undergoing sea trials,
the Company received a Certificate of Inspection from the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Company's proposed site in Calcasieu Parish consists of a 10.5
acre tract and an adjacent 5.5 acre tract (collectively, the "Site") on the
west bank of the Calcasieu River bordering Lake Charles to the east and
approximately 1/4 mile south of Interstate 10. The Site is approximately 28
miles east of the Texas border, which would make the Casino the closest
riverboat gaming establishment to Houston, Texas. The Company believes a
majority of the Casino's patrons will come from Texas, due in part to the
current absence of legalized casino gaming in Texas.
Pursuant to the LRGP joint venture agreement, the Casino's gaming
operations will be managed by Casino America. Casino America has been a
developer, owner and operator of dockside riverboat and dockside floating
pavilion casinos and related facilities since 1992. Casino America currently
owns and operates floating pavilion casinos in Biloxi and Vicksburg,
Mississippi, and operates the dockside riverboat casino in Bossier City,
Louisiana owned by LRGP.
On December 13, 1993 the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding
common stock of Gaming Entertainment Management Services, Inc. ("GEMS"), a
Nevada corporation, which was organized in September 1992 for the purpose of
developing a hotel and casino project in Las Vegas, Nevada. GEMS via contract
had the right to purchase an 18.6 acre parcel of land for $10 million in the
gaming district of Las Vegas. The option was exercised and the land was
purchased on June 8, 1994. GEMS has no operations other than its development
of the Las Vegas project. In connection with this transaction, the Company
issued 885,000 shares of Common Stock and assumed approximately $585,000 of
liabilities. The Las Vegas site has received zoning approval through September
1995 (subject to extension) for the construction of a twelve story, 400 room
hotel and casino.
The Company's initial business strategy is to operate a riverboat
gaming complex in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, and to take advantage of the
trend toward increased legalization of gaming by states and municipalities.
The Company intends to develop future gaming projects, including the Las Vegas
project, with a primary emphasis on riverboat and dockside gaming.
The Company was incorporated under the laws of Alabama in 1983. In
1989, the Company reincorporated in Texas and in 1993, the Company entered the
gaming business and changed its name to Crown Casino Corporation. The
Company's executive offices are located at 2415 West Northwest Highway, Suite
103, Dallas, Texas 75220 and its telephone number is 214-352-7561.
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RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information contained in this Prospectus,
prospective investors should consider carefully the following information
relating to the Company and the Common Stock before making an investment in the
Common Stock offered hereby.
NEW VENTURE RISKS; LACK OF OPERATING HISTORY
The Casino project is a start-up development. Some of the components
of the project have not been completely acquired or constructed and the
Company's operations are subject to all of the many risks inherent in the
establishment of a new business enterprise, including unanticipated
construction, permitting, licensing or operating problems with the riverboat
and the land-based support facility, as well as the ability of the Company to
market a new venture in a new gaming jurisdiction. The Company has never been
involved in constructing or operating riverboat casinos. While the Company has
engaged Casino America to manage the Company's casino operations, and the
Company believes that Casino America personnel do possess extensive casino
management experience, such personnel have only limited experience in managing
riverboat casinos. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
acquire or construct all of the components of the Casino project and, if
acquired or constructed, to operate and manage the Casino on a profitable
basis.
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
Management of the Company has no prior operating experience in
riverboat gaming. Therefore, the success of the Company is largely dependent
upon the efforts and skills of certain executive officers, key employees and
Casino America, the loss of services of any of whom could materially adversely
affect the Company. The Company's business will require managers with gaming
industry experience and skilled employees. A shortage of skilled labor exists
in the gaming industry, which may make it more difficult and expensive to
attract and retain qualified employees. While the Company believes that it
will be able to attract qualified employees, no assurance can be given that
such employees will be available to the Company.
COMPETITION
The casino gaming industry is highly fragmented and characterized by a
high degree of competition among a large number of participants, including
riverboat, dockside and land-based casinos, video lottery terminals, Indian
gaming, and other forms of legalized gaming in the United States. The Company
will be competing with other larger, more established gaming companies, some of
which have far greater financial resources than the Company. The Casino will
be the third riverboat casino operating in the Lake Charles area. The Company
believes that competition in the gaming industry, particularly the riverboat
and dockside gaming industry, is based on the quality and location of gaming
facilities, the effectiveness of marketing efforts, and customer service and
satisfaction. Although management of the Company believes that the location of
its riverboat casino will allow the Company to effectively compete with other
casinos in the geographic area surrounding its casino, the Company expects
competition in the casino gaming industry to be intense as more casinos are
opened and new entrants into the gaming industry become operational.
FINANCING RISK
In June 1994, the Company's SCGC subsidiary completed a private
placement of a $28,000,000 Senior Secured Increasing Rate Note (the "Note") to
an institutional investor (the "Lender"). The Note, which is due in June 1995,
bears an initial interest rate of 12% per annum and increases by .67% on a
quarterly basis during its one-year term, up to a maximum of 14%. The Note was
issued to finance a portion of the Company's riverboat casino project, to
acquire certain land in Las Vegas, Nevada (which land was acquired June 1994)
upon which an additional casino facility may be built, and for general working
capital purposes. The Note is collateralized by a first priority perfected
security interest in substantially all the assets of the Company and its
subsidiaries, as well as a first priority perfected security interest in all
the outstanding stock of SCGC and GEMS. The Company and its GEMS subsidiary
also provided full and unconditional guarantees of the Note. The proceeds from
the issuance
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<PAGE> 8
of the Note were initially placed in escrow. At September 30, 1994, $6.5
million remained in escrow subject to meeting certain escrow conditions
(primarily the obtaining of a mortgage on the land for the original site in St.
Charles Parish). As a result of certain delays associated with the zoning
approval process in St. Charles Parish, on October 7, 1994, the $6.5 million
then remaining in escrow was returned to the Lender and the escrow agreement
terminated.
Effective December 3, 1994, the Company and the Lender executed an
amendment to the agreement governing the Note (the "Agreement"), which, among
other things, eliminated certain loan covenants and provided that the failure
of the Casino to be open and operating by April 30, 1995 would constitute an
event of default under the Agreement. Effective April 30, 1995, the Company
and its Lender executed a waiver whereby the Lender waived any default
occurring by virtue of the Casino not being open and operating by April 30,
1995. The waiver also permits the Company to borrow up to $20 million on a
subordinated basis from LRGP and Casino America. The Company anticipates
utilizing approximately $22 million to be received in the proposed joint
venture from either LRGP or a financial institution with LRGP's assistance, to
retire the Note. In the event LRGP is itself unable to finance the retirement
of the Note or is unable to secure third party financing sufficient to retire
the Note, the Company will either seek an extension of the maturity date of
such Note or will seek third party financing on its own. While management
believes that LRGP and/or the Company will be able to obtain such additional
financing and/or extend the due date of the Note, there can be no assurance
that either the Company or LRGP will be able to secure such an extension or
third party financing. The Company also anticipates that once the Casino
becomes operational in Calcasieu Parish, the Company will seek long-term
financing to provide development capital for the Las Vegas project, provide
capital for potential future developments in other gaming jurisdictions and for
general working capital purposes. There can be no assurance that any such
financing will be available to the Company or that the Company will have
sufficient funds to retire the Note in the event the proposed joint venture is
not consummated or such other financing is not available. In addition, there
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain additional
financing from its Lender, if necessary, or any other lender to replace the
funds formerly held in escrow.
JOINT VENTURE
On March 2, 1995, the Company entered into a definitive joint venture
agreement with LRGP which the parties intend to consummate on or about May 31,
1995. There can be no assurance, however, that such joint venture will be
consummated. In the event such joint venture is not consummated, the Company
will have to secure additional funds in order to open the Casino. There can be
no assurance that the Company will be able to secure additional funds in an
amount sufficient to open the Casino. In addition, in the event the joint
venture is not consummated, the Company will not have sufficient funds to
retire the Note when due, unless it is able to obtain third party financing.
See "Risk Factors - Financing Risk."
SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE AND RELATED DEBT SERVICE
In connection with the issuance of the Note, borrowings from Casino
America and LRGP and other equipment capital lease related debt incurred in
connection with the establishment and operation of the Casino, the Company has
substantial annual fixed debt service obligations. The ability of the Company
to meet its debt service requirements will depend on the Company's ability (i)
to generate sufficient cash flows from operations and (ii) to refinance the
Note when it becomes due. Management of the Company believes that cash flows
from the Casino, once operational, will be sufficient to make the required
interest payments on the Company's debt outstanding at such time. However, the
operations of the Casino will be subject to significant business, economic,
regulatory and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are
beyond the control of the Company and its subsidiaries. As a result, there can
be no assurance that the Casino will generate sufficient cash flows to meet all
its debt service requirements.
LICENSING RISK
The Company, through SCGC, has received a certificate of preliminary
approval from the Gaming Commission and a license with certain conditions from
the Enforcement Division. A certificate of final approval and a riverboat
gaming license may be granted to the holder of a certificate of preliminary
approval by the Gaming
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<PAGE> 9
Commission and the Enforcement Division, respectively, if, upon completion, the
Casino and all support facilities are found to comply with all requirements of
the Louisiana Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Control Act (the
"Louisiana Riverboat Act"), the relevant rules and regulations and the
certificate of preliminary approval. The conditions to the license include the
Enforcement Division's approval of the riverboat's slot and surveillance
configuration, submission to a mock cruise, operation of the riverboat under an
approved plan of security and internal controls for a period of six months,
installing turnstiles at the entrance and exit points of the riverboat,
obtaining U.S. Coast Guard approval of the docking facility and proposed route.
In connection with obtaining the Enforcement Division's approval of the
proposed transfer of a 50% interest in SCGC from the Company to LRGP, the
Enforcement Division imposed certain additional conditions to SCGC's Louisiana
gaming license. These conditions require SCGC to (i) commence gaming
operations in Calcasieu Parish by October 10, 1995, (ii) submit a plan of
internal controls and rules of play to the Enforcement Division at least 120
days prior to the commencement of gaming operations, (iii) exercise due
diligence in the development of its planned hotel in Calcasieu Parish and
obtain the Enforcement Division's prior written approval to any modification to
its plans for such hotel, including the abandonment of any portion of the
project, (iv) obtain the Enforcement Division's finding of suitability of the
lessor of the Calcasieu Parish site, and (v) obtain the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers approval for the relevant portions of the Calcasieu Parish project.
Upon satisfaction of the conditions to the license, a permanent license will be
issued by the Enforcement Division. No assurance can be given that these
conditions will be met or that such final license or approvals will be
obtained.
In connection with the issuance of a riverboat gaming license and in
addition to numerous other requirements specified in the Louisiana Riverboat
Act and the relevant regulations, if any individual owner or holder of a
security of the applicant or of any holding or intermediary companies, any
person with an economic interest in the applicant, or any director, partner,
officer or manager of the applicant is found to be unsuitable by the
Enforcement Division, the Enforcement Division has broad discretionary
authority to propose action necessary to protect the public interest, including
suspension or revocation of the license or disqualification of such unsuitable
person. In addition, numerous other persons, including, without limitation,
all persons who are deemed to be gaming employees under the Louisiana Riverboat
Act, must receive permits from the Enforcement Division. The Company will have
expended significant sums of money for the development and construction of the
Casino and related facilities prior to having obtained all of the requisite
licenses, permits and approvals. The failure to obtain any such license,
permit or approval, or the Enforcement Division's withdrawal, suspension,
revocation, restriction of or failure to renew such license, permit or
approval, would have a material adverse impact on the Company.
REGULATION OF LOAN TRANSACTIONS
Under the Louisiana Riverboat Act, and applicable regulations issued
thereunder, the Enforcement Division is empowered to regulate the adequacy and
business terms of the financing of a licensee. The Enforcement Division is
empowered under the regulations to order any loan transaction which it finds
unacceptable for any reason rescinded. Within 30 days of any loan transaction
involving a licensee, the licensee must file a statement with the Enforcement
Division disclosing the names and addresses of all parties to the transaction
and the terms of the transaction. If, after whatever investigation the
Enforcement Division deems appropriate, the Enforcement Division finds that the
transaction is contrary or inimical to the public health, safety, morals, and
good order and general welfare of the people of Louisiana, or would reflect, or
tend to reflect, discredit upon the State of Louisiana, or the gaming industry,
the Enforcement Division may order the transaction rescinded within such time
and upon such terms and conditions as it may deem appropriate. The Enforcement
Division has reviewed and approved of the issuance of the Note.
CONSTRUCTION RISKS; PERMITTING AND APPROVALS
Construction projects, such as those proposed for the Calcasieu Parish
site, entail significant risks, including shortages of materials or skilled
labor, unforeseen engineering, environmental or geological problems, work
stoppages, weather interference and unanticipated cost increases. The number
and scope of the licenses and approvals required to complete the construction
of any such project are extensive, including, without limitation, the approval
of state and local land-use authorities and receipt of a building permit.
Certain permits, approvals and authorizations necessary for the operation of
the Casino and the development and operation of the related facilities have not
been obtained. The docking facility will be subject to U.S. Coast Guard and
U.S. Army Corps of
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Engineers approvals, and rules and regulations governing its design and
operation. Unexpected changes or concessions required by local, state or
federal regulatory authorities could involve significant additional costs and
delay the scheduled opening of the Casino.
NEW GAMING JURISDICTION
Louisiana is a new gaming market, with the first riverboat gaming
activities commencing in November 1993 on Lake Ponchartrain. Through May 15,
1995, there were twelve riverboat casinos operating in Louisiana. The success
of gaming in a market which has never supported gaming operations cannot be
guaranteed or accurately predicted. The number of patrons of a riverboat
casino in a new gaming jurisdiction like Louisiana and the propensity of these
patrons to wager cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty and there can
be no assurance that the Company will be able to operate the Casino in a
profitable manner.
REGULATORY UNCERTAINTY
The Louisiana Riverboat Act permits the issuance of up to 15 licenses
to conduct gaming activities on a riverboat, of which no more than six may be
issued for the operation of gaming activities on riverboats in any one parish.
The Enforcement Division has awarded 15 licenses, including one to the Company.
In addition, Louisiana law also permits the operation of a single land-based
facility in New Orleans. There are also Indian gaming casinos currently in
operation in the state which are not subject to Louisiana gaming laws.
The initial license necessary for conducting gaming activities on the
Casino is for a five year term and, thereafter, is renewable for one year
terms. No assurance can be given that the Enforcement Division will renew such
license. No assurance can be given that the State of Louisiana will not repeal
or amend existing legislation or enact legislation which may have a material
adverse effect on the Company, including legislation that may: increase the
number of riverboat gaming licenses which can be granted; authorize dockside
gaming; permit more than one land-based casino; increase the statutory gaming
fees and/or taxes; or limit or prohibit gaming activities in the State of
Louisiana.
The Enforcement Division has broad discretion to deny, condition,
restrict, revoke or suspend gaming licenses, including the license received by
the Company, and impose fines and other penalties for violation of the
Louisiana Riverboat Act and/or the relevant rules and regulations. Penalties
may include revocation or suspension of licenses or permits. In such event,
the ability of the Company to successfully pursue a claim against the State of
Louisiana, the Enforcement Division and/or the Gaming Commission involves the
interpretation of state and federal law, including constitutional law, as to
which the law is unclear. In addition, the Louisiana statute makes it clear
that all risk of non-licensing is on the applicant, and each applicant is
required to sign a comprehensive release of all present and future claims
concerning matters of licensing and regulatory oversight against the
Enforcement Division and the State of Louisiana. Accordingly, no prediction
can be made regarding the Company's ability to successfully pursue such a claim
if such a claim were to arise.
TAXATION
The Company believes that the availability of significant additional
revenue through taxation is one of the primary reasons that Louisiana and other
jurisdictions have legalized gaming. The Company's gaming operations are, and
any future gaming operations are likely to be, subject to significant taxes and
fees in addition to normal federal and state corporate income taxes, and such
taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time. Any material increase in
these taxes or fees would adversely affect the Company.
MARITIME CONSIDERATIONS
Under the provisions of Title 46 of the U.S. Code, the design,
construction and operation of the Casino are subject to regulation and approval
by the U.S. Coast Guard. In December 1994, after undergoing sea trials, the
Casino received a Certificate of Inspection. In April 1995, the Certificate of
Inspection was removed while certain modifications to the Casino are being made
at the shipyard to accommodate the revised docking scheme in
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Calcasieu Parish. The Casino will be subject to periodic inspections by the
Coast Guard and every five years the Casino must be dry docked for hull and
other inspections, which will result in a loss of service that can have an
adverse effect on the Company. Failure to hold a Certificate of Inspection
would preclude the use of the riverboat as a floating casino.
All shipboard employees of the Company employed on U.S. Coast Guard
regulated vessels, including those not involved with the actual operation of
the vessel, such as dealers, cocktail hostesses and security personnel, may be
subject to the Jones Act, which, among other things, exempts those employees
from state limits on workers' compensation awards. The Company believes that
it has adequate insurance to cover employee claims.
Operating on the Calcasieu River will expose the Casino to marine
hazards such as unpredictable river currents, potentially severe weather
conditions and exposure to maritime traffic. The Company has obtained maritime
insurance coverage; however, the occurrence of a catastrophic loss in excess of
such coverage could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
REGULATION BY GAMING AUTHORITIES
Typically, gaming authorities, including those in Louisiana, have
discretionary authority to, and in certain circumstances must, require a direct
or indirect holder of Common Stock to file an application to be investigated
and to be found suitable as an owner or landlord of a gaming establishment.
Such application may be required regardless of the circumstances under which
ownership is obtained. The gaming laws and regulations of other jurisdictions
in which the Company may seek or obtain licenses may also contain restrictions
on the ability of a person or group to acquire or hold such securities or may
require regulatory approval. In addition, the federal Merchant Marine Act of
1936 and the federal Shipping Act of 1916 and applicable regulations thereunder
contain provisions designed to prevent persons who are not citizens of the
United States, as defined therein, from holding in the aggregate more than 25%
of the outstanding shares of common stock of the entities subject to such
regulation. In addition, Louisiana gaming regulators have the statutory right
to investigate and approve any holder of 5% or more of the outstanding Common
Stock of the Company. The regulator must determine that such persons are
deemed suitable to hold such stock and may require such holders to make filings
and submit to regulatory proceedings in order to be qualified. Any holder of
Common Stock required to apply for a finding of suitability must pay all
investigative fees and costs of the gaming authorities in connection with such
an investigation. Such restrictions could adversely affect the marketability
of the Company's Common Stock.
If the Enforcement Division finds that an individual owner or holder
of a security of a corporate licensee or of a holding or an intermediary
company or any person or persons with an economic interest in a licensee, or a
director, partner, officer or manager is not qualified under the Riverboat
Gaming Act and if, as a result, the licensee is no longer qualified to continue
as a licensee, the Enforcement Division may suspend or revoke the license or
permit. The Enforcement Division may also issue, under penalty, a revocation
of license, a condition of disqualification naming the person or persons and
declaring that such person or persons may not receive dividends or interest on
securities of the corporation, exercise directly, or through trustee or
nominee, a right conferred by securities of the corporation, receive
remuneration from the licensee, receive any economic benefit from the licensee,
continue an ownership or economic interest in a licensee or remain as a
manager, officer, director or partner of a licensee.
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
The Company is subject to a variety of federal, state and local
governmental regulations relating to the use, storage, discharge, emission and
disposal of hazardous material. While the Company believes that it is
presently in material compliance with all environmental laws, failure to comply
with such laws could result in the imposition of severe penalties or
restrictions on operations by government agencies or courts of law which could
adversely affect operations. The Company does not maintain environmental
impairment liability insurance to cover such events.
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RESTRICTIONS ON HOLDERS OF COMPANY STOCK CONTAINED IN ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
The Articles of Incorporation of the Company provide that any
shareholder of the Company who is found to be unsuitable by any gaming
regulatory authority with jurisdiction over the Company's operations, may, in
the discretion of the Board of Directors, be required to divest the shares of
Company stock owned by such person within forty-five (45) days from the date on
which the Company notifies the disqualified holder of the regulatory
authority's determination of unsuitability, or the Company will have the right
to purchase such stock at a price equal to the fair market value as defined in
the Articles of Incorporation less twenty-five percent (25%).
In addition, the Articles of Incorporation require that the Company
maintain compliance under the federal Merchant Marine Act of 1936 and the
federal Shipping Act of 1916, as amended, restricting the amount of shares of
Company Common Stock which may be held by non-U.S. citizens. The Company may
require foreign persons to divest their shares of Company Common Stock in
accordance with the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation in the event
that the Company determines that it is in violation of either of these Acts.
See "Description of Securities."
UNCERTAINTY WITH RESPECT TO LAS VEGAS PROJECT
The Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of
GEMS in December 1993 in exchange for an aggregate of 885,000 shares of Company
Common Stock and the assumption of approximately $585,000 of liabilities. In
June 1994, the Company exercised its option to purchase 18.6 acres of real
property in Las Vegas for the development of a hotel and casino. This project
is in the earliest stages of development, and there can be no assurance that
the project will be completed, or if completed, that the project will be
operated profitably.
MAINTENANCE OF EFFECTIVE PROSPECTUS
Selling Shareholders may effect sales of shares of Common Stock only
pursuant to an effective Registration Statement and Prospectus. The Company
has undertaken to maintain the effectiveness of this Prospectus through April
30, 1997. In the event of the lapse of effectiveness of this Prospectus,
Selling Shareholders would be restricted from selling their shares in the open
market.
USE OF PROCEEDS
All of the shares of the Common Stock offered hereby are being offered
and sold by the Selling Shareholders. Accordingly, the Company will not
receive any of the proceeds from such sales.
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SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of April 30, 1995 by the
shareholders of the Company who are offering shares pursuant to this Prospectus
(the "Selling Shareholders").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BEFORE THE OFFERING AFTER THE OFFERING
-------------------------- ------------------------
SHARES SHARES TO SHARES
BENEFICIALLY PERCENT BE SOLD BENEFICIALLY PERCENT
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED(1) OF CLASS IN OFFERING OWNED OF CLASS
- ------------------------ ----------- --------- ----------- ------------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ray A. Davezac(2) 10,000 * 10,000 0 *
John L. Landrem, Inc.(2) 50,000 * 50,000 0 *
Paul J. Murray, III(2) 15,000 * 15,000 0 *
Joseph W. Mangin, Jr.(3) 0 * 30,000 0 *
- ---------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Less than 1% of outstanding shares.
(1) "Beneficial Ownership" includes shares for which an individual, directly or
indirectly, has or shares voting or investment power or both. All of the
listed persons have sole voting and investment power over the shares listed
opposite their names unless otherwise indicated.
(2) Messrs. Davezac, Landrem and Murray have acted in consultant capacities and
rendered services to the Company in connection with the development of the
Company's Louisiana project, for which they received shares of Company
Common Stock as partial consideration.
(3) Mr. Mangin served as Vice President Louisiana Operations of the Company
from April 1994 to April 1995, and will receive 30,000 shares of Company
Common Stock as a partial severance payment in connection with the
termination of his employment.
BUSINESS
GENERAL
The Company is currently developing a riverboat gaming casino in Calcasieu
Parish, Louisiana, near Lake Charles. In addition, the Company has purchased
an 18.6 acre tract of land in the gaming district of Las Vegas, Nevada for
development of a hotel and casino. The Company is also actively pursuing
gaming opportunities in other jurisdictions.
Prior to March 1994, the Company had been engaged in various facets of the
cable programming business including (i) providing Free-To-Guest ("FTG") and
Pay-Per-View ("PPV") programming services and equipment to the lodging and
hospital industries, (ii) designing, producing and selling PPV equipment, (iii)
constructing and operating Satellite Master Antenna Television and Community
Antenna Television systems, and (iv) the buying and selling of cable properties
and assets.
HISTORY
Since its inception in 1983, the Company has been engaged in various
facets of the cable and related programming businesses. During the fiscal year
ended April 30, 1992 it became apparent to management of the Company that the
hotel/motel FTG programming business had become increasingly competitive from a
profit margin standpoint and that programming in the hotel industry was at or
near saturation, and it was management's opinion that the value of the FTG
business had peaked. Taking into account these and other factors, in late
fiscal 1992, the Company sold the majority of its FTG programming business
which accounted for approximately 85% of the Company's cable revenues during
fiscal 1992. During the next fiscal year, the Company reviewed the status of
its
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remaining cable operations, namely PPV and franchised cable, and began
exploring new business opportunities. In early fiscal 1994, the Company began
focusing its attention on opportunities in the gaming industry. In June 1993,
the Company made the decision to enter the gaming business through the
acquisition of St. Charles Gaming Company, Inc. ("SCGC"). Based upon that
decision, the Company sold its remaining cable assets in November 1993 and
February 1994. The dispositions of the FTG, PPV and other cable assets in
fiscal 1992 and 1994 did not require stockholder approval under the laws of the
State of Texas and therefore no vote of stockholders was taken. Such assets
were sold to third parties unaffiliated with the Company.
GAMING DEVELOPMENT
On June 25, 1993, Crown entered the gaming industry with the purchase of
SCGC for $500,000 cash and 1.6 million shares of Crown Common Stock. SCGC had
been formed in January 1993 in order to apply to the Louisiana Riverboat Gaming
Commission ("Gaming Commission") to operate a riverboat gaming casino to be
based in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, near New Orleans. On June 18, 1993,
SCGC received preliminary approval of its application from the Gaming
Commission and in July 1993 filed its application with the Louisiana Riverboat
Gaming Enforcement Division of the Office of State Police (the "Enforcement
Division") for a license to operate a riverboat gaming casino. On March 29,
1994, SCGC received one of only fifteen authorized riverboat gaming licenses,
subject to certain conditions, issued in the State of Louisiana.
In January 1995, the Company made the strategic decision to relocate the
site for its planned Louisiana casino from St. Charles Parish to Calcasieu
Parish in the southwest part of the state near the Texas border. In March
1995, the Company entered into an agreement with Louisiana Riverboat Gaming
Partnership ("LRGP") to form a joint venture to develop the Calcasieu Parish
project. LRGP, a joint venture owned 50% by Casino America, Inc. ("Casino
America") and 50% by Louisiana Downs, Inc., an Edward J. DeBartolo company,
currently owns the Isle of Capri(SM) dockside riverboat casino located on the
Red River in Bossier City, Louisiana, near Shreveport. Current plans call for
the Calcasieu Parish project to become an Isle of Capri(SM) themed property.
The joint venture agreement provides for the purchase by LRGP from the Company
of 50% of the outstanding common stock of SCGC, subject to certain closing
conditions. Consummation of this transaction is expected on or about May 31,
1995.
The conditions to the permanent riverboat casino license include the
Enforcement Division's approval of the riverboat's slot and surveillance
configuration, submission to a mock cruise, operation of the riverboat under an
approved plan of security and internal controls for a period of six months,
installing turnstiles at the entrance and exit points of the riverboat,
obtaining U.S. Coast Guard approval of the docking facility and proposed route,
and providing a risk assessment to the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers relative to operating the riverboat at the Company's site. In
connection with obtaining the Enforcement Division's approval of the proposed
transfer of a 50% interest in SCGC from the Company to LRGP, the Enforcement
Division imposed certain additional conditions to SCGC's Louisiana gaming
license. These conditions require SCGC to (i) commence gaming operations in
Calcasieu Parish by October 10, 1995, (ii) submit a plan of internal controls
and rules of play to the Enforcement Division at least 120 days prior to the
commencement of gaming operations, (iii) exercise due diligence in the
development of its planned hotel in Calcasieu Parish and obtain the Enforcement
Division's prior written approval to any modification to its plans for such
hotel, including the abandonment of any portion of the project, (iv) obtain the
Enforcement Division's finding of suitability of the lessor of the Calcasieu
Parish site, and (v) obtain the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval for the
relevant portions of the Calcasieu Parish project. Upon satisfaction of the
conditions to the license, a permanent license will be issued by the
Enforcement Division. Additional regulatory approvals will be required,
including, among other things, final approval by the Gaming Commission, various
approvals regarding navigation, environmental assessment, traffic control and
other matters by various federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers and its reporting agencies and the Louisiana Department of
Transportation and Development. Local regulatory approval from agencies
located in Calcasieu Parish will be required in connection with construction,
sewage, and other matters in connection with the operation of a business
including the serving of food and alcoholic beverages. Food service,
sanitation and water approvals will be required from the Louisiana Department
of Health and Human Resources and the Louisiana Department of Environmental
Quality Office of Water Resources.
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On October 13, 1993, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with
Kehl River Boats, Inc. ("KRB") to purchase a riverboat gaming casino (the
"Casino") which was under construction at the time. The Casino was constructed
by Houma Fabricators, a Louisiana based shipbuilder with 32 years of vessel
construction experience. On July 8, 1994, the Company closed the purchase and
took possession of the Casino. In December 1994, after undergoing sea trials,
the Company received a Certificate of Inspection from the U.S. Coast Guard. In
April 1995, the Certificate of Inspection was removed while certain
modifications to the Casino are being made at the shipyard to accommodate the
revised docking scheme in Calcasieu Parish.
The Company's proposed site in Calcasieu Parish consists of a 10.5 acre
tract and an adjacent 5.5 acre tract (collectively, the "Site") on the west
bank of the Calcasieu River bordering Lake Charles to the east and
approximately 1/4 mile south of Interstate 10. The Site is approximately 28
miles east of the Texas border which would make the Casino the closest
riverboat gaming establishment to Houston, Texas. The Company believes a
majority of the Casino's patrons will come from Texas due, in part, to the
current absence of legalized gaming in that state. The Company has entered
into an option agreement to lease the Site for an initial term of five years
with renewal options for an additional fifteen years.
The Company's gaming operations will be managed by Casino America
(assuming the consummation of the joint venture with LRGP). Casino America
currently owns and operates floating pavilion casinos in Biloxi and Vicksburg,
Mississippi, and operates the dockside riverboat casino in Bossier City,
Louisiana owned by LRGP.
On December 13, 1993, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common
stock of Gaming Entertainment Management Services, Inc. ("GEMS"), a Nevada
corporation, which was organized in September 1992 for the purpose of
developing a hotel and casino project in Las Vegas, Nevada. GEMS via contract
had the right to purchase an 18.6 acre parcel of land for $10 million in the
gaming district of Las Vegas. The option was exercised and the land was
purchased on June 8, 1994. GEMS has no operations other than its development
of the Las Vegas project. In connection with this transaction, the Company
issued 885,000 shares of its common stock and assumed approximately $585,000 of
liabilities. The Las Vegas site has received zoning approval through September
1995 (subject to extension) for the construction of a twelve story, 400 room
hotel and casino.
The Company's business strategy is to operate a riverboat gaming complex
in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, and to take advantage of the trend toward
increased legalization of gaming by states and municipalities. The Company
intends to develop future gaming projects, including the Las Vegas project,
with a primary emphasis on riverboat and dockside gaming. Presently the
Company is working with a group headed by Gerard M. Jacobs, a director of the
Company, to obtain a license to conduct gaming operations in the State of
Illinois. The Illinois legislature may consider a bill to expand the number of
gaming licenses granted in that state and the Company is working to obtain
community endorsements and options to acquire land in such communities in the
event the Company is awarded a gaming license in Illinois.
Legal History with Respect to Louisiana Site. The original site for the
Casino was located on the Mississippi River in St. Charles Parish near New
Orleans. In connection with the proposed St. Charles Parish site, the Company
made application for a change in zoning which was approved by the St. Charles
Parish Planning and Zoning Commission and by the St. Charles Parish Council.
However, the zoning change approval was vetoed by the Parish President on
September 9, 1994. On September 16, 1994, the Company filed a petition in the
19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge, Louisiana seeking to enjoin the
Parish from taking any further action on the zoning approval. The suit
challenged the authority of St. Charles Parish to impose local zoning
ordinances on riverboat gaming, which the Company believed to be in direct
contradiction to state law. On October 20, 1994, the Company was granted a
preliminary injunction enjoining the Parish and its officers and employees from
interfering with, prohibiting or restricting the location, operation or
development of the riverboat project at the Company's proposed site in St.
Charles Parish. The preliminary injunction also prohibited the enjoined
parties from failing to take any affirmative action to which the Company was
entitled in conducting its activities within St. Charles Parish. The court
held that an ordinance adopted by the Parish purported to restrict gaming
operations in contradiction of state law and held such ordinance to be
unconstitutional on its face.
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Following the issuance of the preliminary injunction, the President of St.
Charles Parish requested a suspensive appeal from the 19th Judicial District
Court, the First Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Louisiana.
Both the 19th Judicial District Court and the First Circuit Court of Appeals
denied the request for suspensive appeal. On November 3, 1994, the Supreme
Court of Louisiana ordered that the preliminary injunction be stayed pending
further notice from that court. On November 15, 1994, the Company filed a
motion with the Supreme Court seeking to lift the stay, or in the alternative,
to expedite the decision on the matter. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments
on the matter on December 14, 1994, and on January 17, 1995 reversed the
decision of the trial court, holding that the St. Charles Parish ordinance in
question was not unconstitutional. The Supreme Court remanded the case back to
the trial court for further proceedings.
In light of the potential for protracted legal proceedings in St. Charles
Parish, coupled with the delays already encountered and growing legal expenses,
the Company decided to pursue an alternative site that was investigated by the
Company during the delays in St. Charles Parish. On January 23, 1995, the
Company entered into a letter of intent with LRGP to jointly develop a site on
the Calcasieu River in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. The proposed change in
site from St. Charles Parish to Calcasieu Parish required the approval of the
Gaming Commission, which was granted on February 8, 1995. On March 2, 1995,
the Company and LRGP entered into a definitive joint venture agreement.
The Joint Venture Agreement. On March 2, 1995 the Company entered into an
agreement with LRGP to form a joint venture to develop the Company's Louisiana
casino project (the "Agreement"). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company will
sell a 50% interest in SCGC to LRGP in return for (i) a five-year $20 million
note (the "LRGP Note"), and (ii) $1 million. The sale of a 50% interest in
SCGC required the approval of the Enforcement Division, which was granted on
March 14, 1995. This transaction is expected to be consummated on or about May
31, 1995.
The LRGP Note will bear interest at 11.5% per annum, and will be secured
by LRGP's 50% interest in SCGC. Interest only will be payable monthly for the
entire term of the LRGP Note. Principal is payable in seventeen equal
quarterly installments beginning twelve months after closing, provided that if
the distributions from SCGC to LRGP during any quarter are less than the
principal installment due for such quarter, LRGP will only be obligated to pay
the amount of such distribution and any deficiency will be deferred to the next
installment due under the LRGP Note. All principal and interest not previously
paid will be due and payable five years after closing. The Company will have
the option at any time to convert up to 50% of the principal outstanding on the
LRGP Note (but not more than a total conversion of $5 million in principal
amount) into common stock of Casino America at a conversion rate of $12 per
share.
With the approval of the Company's senior Lender, LRGP loaned certain
funds to SCGC for working capital and casino design planning purposes and to
buy-out its former casino management agreement with Century Casinos, Inc. for
$4 million. In addition, pursuant to the Agreement, LRGP will lend funds to
SCGC, or will provide a financing source for SCGC, to provide for (i) all
development costs relating to the Calcasieu Parish project, and (ii) interest
due on its senior debt, in amounts to be agreed upon by LRGP and the Company.
The maximum amount of all loans funded or guaranteed by LRGP will not exceed
$45 million. The loans will be secured by substantially all the assets of SCGC
(after the retirement of SCGC's senior debt) and will bear interest and be
repayable on the same terms as the third party financing to be obtained by
SCGC, with the credit assistance of LRGP. In the absence of third party
financing, or if the proposed transaction does not close for any reason, the
loans will bear interest at 11.5% per annum and will be repaid on the later of
(i) August 1, 1995, or (ii) three business days after SCGC retires all of its
outstanding debt with its Lender.
Simultaneously with the execution of the Agreement, SCGC entered into a
casino management agreement with Casino America. The casino management
agreement has a term of 99 years and provides for a management fee of 2% of
"Revenues," as defined in the agreement, (generally net gaming revenues less
gaming and admission taxes plus all other operating revenues) plus 10% of "Net
Operating Income," as defined in the agreement, but not to exceed a total of 4%
of aggregate "Revenues." In the event the joint venture is not consummated,
the casino management agreement will be terminated. In the event the Company
reacquires LRGP's 50% interest in SCGC, SCGC will have the right to terminate
the casino management agreement.
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<PAGE> 17
In addition to the foregoing, the Company has agreed to grant LRGP a right
of first refusal to develop its 18.6 acre parcel of land in the gaming district
of Las Vegas with the Company in the event the Company chooses to develop such
project on a joint venture basis.
The Agreement is subject to certain closing conditions including the
receipt of certain environmental engineering reports and the execution of
leases with respect to the Site, the receipt of approvals of the Gaming
Commission and the Enforcement Division, as well as a determination of the
Federal Trade Commission not to raise an objection to the consummation of the
transaction. The Company expects the transaction to close on or about May 31,
1995.
THE CASINO FACILITIES
The Casino is a four deck riverboat measuring approximately 292 feet in
length by 74 feet in width. The Casino offers approximately 53,000 square feet
of floor space (excluding the hull) of which 44,000 square feet is available
for passengers including 21,000 square feet to be used for active gaming
operations. The Casino contains approximately 777 slot machines, all of which
are equipped with IGT's computerized player tracking system ("The Smart
System"), which will allow the Casino to build a data base of its customers'
playing habits, and 45 table games (including black jack, craps, Caribbean
stud, Big Six and roulette) for a total of approximately 1,100 gaming
positions. The Casino, which can accommodate 2,000 passengers, has been
designed to create a comfortable and spacious atmosphere with a low ratio of
gaming positions to both passenger capacity and passenger square footage. The
Company will, however, have the option of expanding the Casino's gaming
positions and square footage in the future if circumstances warrant. Gaming
will be conducted on the main, second and third decks with the second deck also
featuring a 130 seat restaurant and lounge area. The Company anticipates that
it will convert this approximately 2,500 square foot restaurant and lounge area
into additional gaming space. Furthermore, the Casino has an uncovered fourth
deck available to passengers for sight seeing and relaxation.
The Company plans to construct an approximately 60,000 square foot
terminal facility, a 1,400 space parking garage, a 300 room hotel and
approximately 500 surface parking spaces. The Company plans to initially
operate from a temporary facility while it constructs the permanent terminal
facility and completes the parking garage. After completion of the permanent
terminal facility, the Company plans to begin construction of a mid-rise, 300
room, mid-priced hotel. The Company believes there is currently a shortage of
hotel rooms in the Lake Charles area.
The terminal facility will contain approximately 35,000 square feet of
public facilities including two restaurants and a delicatessen, bars and
lounges, an entertainment area, a gift shop, a VIP lounge, and a boarding area.
The balance of the terminal facility will consist of administrative offices and
an employee lounge and locker facilities. The terminal facility will be
designed consistent with the Caribbean-themed Isle of Capri(SM) Casinos. The
tropical decor may include palm trees, bamboo huts, a 25-foot waterfall, a
robotic talking parrot, and certain special effects and attractions, including
a simulated tropical lightning storm and a wave wall. Further supporting the
island theme are steel drum bands, floral costuming and tropical drinks, which
the Company believes reinforce the sensation of an island vacation. Patrons
will enter the complex through the entertainment and reception area that joins
the entrances to the Casino and the restaurant and lounge areas. At the
entrance, hosts and hostesses will be available to direct patrons to gaming
areas of their choice and to the Island Gold Players Club booth.
Riverboat Specifications. The Casino is 292 feet in length by 74 feet in
width. It has four levels with ceilings ranging from 8 to 12 feet in height.
It is under 1,600 gross tons (for marine crewing purposes) and has a 14,000
gallon fuel oil capacity. The riverboat has 30,000 gallons of potable water
and 47,500 gallons of sewage capacity. The two main engines are Cummins 940
horsepower marine diesel engines, with an additional dedicated auxiliary engine
to drive the paddlewheel. The riverboat has three generators that are Cummins
725 kilowatt generators and one Cummins 200 kilowatt emergency generator. The
steering mechanisms are enhanced by two Thrustmaster of Texas 150 horsepower
hydraulically driven bow thrusters. The riverboat has two elevators, one with
3,500 lb. capacity for casino patrons and one with 10,000 lb. capacity for
employees to transport tokens and coins to the hard count room, and two Trane
200 ton air conditioning units which have the capacity to replace all of the
air in the Casino every seven minutes.
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In addition, the riverboat has two gangways, two smokestacks, an engine
monitoring system, a fire extinguishing system, potable water system,
electrical system, telephone/intercom system, radar system, navigational
equipment, insulation, floor coverings, wall coverings, ceiling tiles, crown
molding, draperies, window blinds, several crystal chandeliers, granite counter
tops, brass door hardware, galley furnishings, three bars, men's and women's
restrooms on each deck, office furnishings, two uninterruptable power supply
units and other furnishings and equipment necessary to operate a U.S. Coast
Guard approved riverboat passenger vessel.
THE SITE
The Site consists of a 10.5 acre tract and an adjacent 5.5 acre tract on
the west bank of the Calcasieu River bordering Lake Charles to the east and
approximately 1/4 mile south of Interstate 10. The Site, located in the
Greater Lake Charles area, is approximately 28 miles east of the Texas border,
which would make it the closest riverboat gaming establishment to Houston,
Texas.
In January 1995, the Company entered into an option agreement to lease the
Site, for which option the Company paid aggregate consideration of $100,000.
The underlying leases have an initial term of five years with three five year
renewal options. During the initial term, the leases require annual rental
payments totaling $850,000, payable monthly. During the first renewal term,
the rent will be increased annually by the greater of (i) 5%, or (ii) the
percentage increase in the average consumer price index for Calcasieu Parish,
Louisiana for the previous twelve month period. During the second and third
renewal terms, the lessor and the lessee will attempt to set the rent equal to
100% of the rent paid by other riverboat gaming operators in Louisiana and
Mississippi for comparable property usages, or if no agreement can be made,
then the parties will appoint real estate appraisers to set the rent for such
renewal term. In addition, the Company will pay all real estate taxes, except
for taxes due on the unimproved value of the property. In March 1995, the
Company exercised its option by executing the lease agreement with respect to
the 10.5 acre tract. The Company anticipates that it will execute the lease
with respect to the adjacent 5.5 acre tract in the near future.
OPERATIONS
The Company intends for the Casino to make six cruises per day at
three-hour intervals beginning at 10:00 a.m. with the latest cruise at 1:00
a.m. While on board the passengers will be offered a variety of slot machines,
craps, black jack, roulette, Caribbean stud and any other gaming opportunity
for which there is a perceived market demand. Pursuant to Louisiana law, the
Casino can remain at the dock during periods of adverse weather at the
discretion of the riverboat captain and gaming can continue. The riverboats
currently operating in Louisiana have remained dockside a substantial portion
of the time.
The Casino's gaming operations will be managed by Casino America pursuant
to a casino management agreement which was executed simultaneously with the
definitive joint venture agreement. The Company had previously contracted with
Century Casinos, Inc. to manage the Casino's gaming operations. As a result of
the Agreement and the arrangement with Casino America, the Company and Century
Casinos, Inc. terminated their agreement pursuant to which the Company paid a
termination fee of $4 million.
Since 1992, Casino America has been a developer, owner and operator of
dockside riverboat and floating pavilion casinos and related facilities.
Casino America currently owns and operates floating pavilion casinos in Biloxi
and Vicksburg, Mississippi, and operates the dockside riverboat casino in
Bossier City, Louisiana owned by LRGP. Casino America will generally be
responsible, subject to the direction and approval of an executive management
committee, for the pre-opening and operating phases of the development and
operation of the Casino. During the pre-opening phase, Casino America is
generally expected to, among other things, (i) review the design and
specifications of the land-based facilities, (ii) assist in the supervision of
construction activities, (iii) assist in the purchasing of equipment for the
land-based facility, (iv) prepare operating budgets, (v) develop and implement
operating policies, marketing strategies and credit systems, (vi) hire and
train personnel, (vii) coordinate advertising and public relations, (viii)
assist in obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and (ix) provide other
services incidental to completion of the development.
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During the operating phase Casino America is generally expected to, among
other things, (i) employ, pay, and supervise all employees of the Casino, (ii)
purchase or provide for all necessary supplies and provisions, (iii) maintain,
repair and operate the Casino in a first class and professional manner, (iv)
ensure compliance with all statutes, ordinances, laws, rules and regulations of
applicable governing bodies, (v) arrange for utilities, telephone service,
security and trash removal, (vi) supervise concessionaires, (vii) establish and
maintain accounting systems and internal controls, (viii) hire, book, and
retain entertainment, and (ix) provide additional services necessary for the
successful operation of the Casino.
The management agreement with Casino America has a term of 99 years and
provides for a management fee of 2% of "Revenues," as defined in the agreement,
(generally net gaming revenues less gaming and admission taxes, plus all other
operating revenues) plus 10% of "Net Operating Income," as defined in the
agreement, but not to exceed a total of 4% of aggregate "Revenues." In the
event the joint venture is not consummated, the casino management agreement
will be terminated. In the event the Company reacquires LRGP's 50% interest in
SCGC, SCGC will have the right to terminate the casino management agreement.
THE MARKET
Calcasieu Parish has a population of approximately 172,000 including
approximately 160,000 in the Greater Lake Charles area. The following table
reflects the estimated population within various distances from the Casino:
Distance from Estimated
Casino Population
(in miles) (in millions)
------------- -------------
50 .5
100 1.5
150 6.4
200 9.9
Lake Charles is an active community with a cultural heritage and community
resources including a symphony orchestra, ballet and numerous art galleries and
museums. The area is also host to seasonal festivals and special events which
highlight Cajun food and music, historic crafts and water sports. Lake Charles
hosts the annual "Contraband Days," which is the second largest festival in
Louisiana after New Orleans' Mardi Gras Festival. Contraband Days spans a
period of two weeks and attracts approximately 200,000 visitors to the area.
In addition, Lake Charles has a civic center which offers a 2,000 seat theater
and a 50,000 square foot exhibition hall used for conventions, sporting events
and entertainment. Lake Charles is well known for its outdoor recreational
activities including hunting, boating and fishing.
U.S. Interstate 10 connects Lake Charles to Texas cities to the west
including Orange (35 miles), Beaumont (58 miles), Port Arthur (59 miles),
Galveston (135 miles), and Houston (140 miles), and the Louisiana cities of
Baton Rouge (123 miles), and New Orleans (207 miles) to the east. The Company
believes a majority of its patrons will come from Texas, particularly from the
Greater Houston area, due in large part to the current absence of legalized
casino gaming in Texas.
SALES AND MARKETING
The Company plans to attract customers to the Casino by designing and
implementing marketing strategies and promotions that emphasize the Caribbean
theme and promote repeat visitation and customer loyalty. For example, the
Company plans to offer Island Gold Players Club membership for its slot machine
patrons and "V.I.P." services to higher wagering and repeat gaming patrons.
The Island Gold Players Club is a promotional activity in which members
accumulate points that can be exchanged for benefits, such as casino cash
tokens, prizes and complimentary services. In addition, Club members receive
double hand-paid jackpots, tournament priority and monthly newsletters. It is
anticipated that Club membership cards will be usable on an interchangeable
basis at other Isle of Capri(SM) Casino properties. Further, the Company will
use the Club to track patron slot play and develop a customer database, which
the Company will utilize in its marketing programs.
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To encourage group sales, the Company will emphasize bus programs,
corporate and hotel sales programs and potentially golf package programs with
area hotels and golf courses. The Company has also placed a significant
emphasis on attracting local residents and seeks to maintain a strong local
identity by offering higher slot pay-outs, a variety of gaming choices,
moderately priced food and beverages, an outgoing and friendly staff, slot club
membership incentives, VIP benefits, a selection of low denomination slot
machines and table games, periodic slot tournaments and promotions, and an
abundance of close parking spaces with valet parking available. Additionally,
the Casino will feature a non-smoking deck, a high-rollers deck with 12 foot
ceilings and crystal chandeliers, a spacious atmosphere with a low ratio of
gaming positions to casino square footage, and a well maintained and clean
terminal facility and Casino. The Company intends to develop a database of
names and addresses of its customers based on phone reservations, credit card
sales and manual and computerized player tracking. The Company plans to use
this information to conduct an aggressive direct mail campaign, both for
existing customers and for potential customers in targeted zip codes, which
offers food and beverage discounts or giveaways, special prizes and drawings,
and to distribute a monthly newsletter which includes information on
tournaments and special events and provides playing tips. In addition to direct
mail, the Company's marketing efforts will utilize billboard advertising,
radio, television and newspaper advertisements and an active telemarketing
program.
The Casino plans to regularly sponsor tournaments, and have periodic
promotions and drawings. In some cases, promotions will be tied to local
charities or community activities. The Casino also plans to provide gaming
classes for the novice desiring to learn more about the intricacies of the more
advanced table games.
INDUSTRY AND COMPETITION
The gaming industry nationwide is undergoing dramatic transformation. The
legalization of gaming on Indian reservations has influenced the spread of
gaming throughout the U.S. An active area of expansion is riverboat gaming
which presently is permitted in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Louisiana
and Mississippi. In addition, ballots and referenda related to some form of
legalized gaming are being considered in several other states. Given the
success and generally positive reception to date, management believes that
gaming is likely to become further embedded in American culture.
The Company believes that the expansion into emerging markets of gaming,
including riverboat and dockside gaming, state sponsored video lotteries, small
stakes casino gaming and gaming on Indian land, reflects the increasing
popularity and acceptability of gaming activities in the United States. The
primary reason for the growth in the legalization of riverboat and dockside
gaming is attributable to a need by states to increase tax revenues and create
jobs without increasing general taxation. Secondly, riverboat and dockside
gaming is apparently more palatable to the general public than traditional
land-based casinos because riverboat casinos are by their nature restricted to
waterways and therefore remove some of the public's concern of having a casino
operating in their neighborhood. Lastly, as public officials see their
citizens travel across borders to neighboring states that have approved gaming,
there is competitive pressure to pass gaming legislation and retain the related
tax revenues.
Riverboat gaming operations can differ from traditional land based casinos
in that they can charge for admission, sometimes require reservations, and can
restrict entry and departure to a period of fixed duration. Even when the
vessels remain at the dock during inclement weather, boarding times may be
restricted. The casino floor, however, does not need to be cleared between
gaming sessions. Riverboats, unlike land based facilities, are also regulated
by the U.S. Coast Guard, whose regulations affect boat design, on-board
facilities, equipment and personnel.
The casino gaming industry is highly fragmented and characterized by a
high degree of competition among a large number of participants, including
riverboat, dockside and land-based casinos, video lottery terminals, Indian
gaming, and other forms of legalized gaming in the United States. The Company
will be competing with other larger, more established gaming companies, some of
which have far greater financial resources than the Company. The Company
believes that competition in the gaming industry, particularly the riverboat
and dockside gaming industry, is based on the quality and location of gaming
facilities, the effectiveness of marketing efforts, and customer service and
satisfaction. Although management of the Company believes that the location of
the Casino will allow the Company to effectively compete with other casinos in
the geographic area surrounding it, the
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Company expects competition in the casino gaming industry to be intense as more
casinos are opened and new entrants into the gaming industry become
operational.
Louisiana state law currently limits the number of riverboat gaming
licenses that may be granted to 15, plus a single land-based facility in New
Orleans. There are also Indian gaming casinos currently in operation in the
state, which are not subject to Louisiana gaming laws. The Company anticipates
that seven of the 16 authorized casinos will operate in the New Orleans
metropolitan area. The Company believes Louisiana's self imposed limitation on
the number of licenses that may be granted may create a favorable operating
environment for the 16 gaming operations in the state authorized under
Louisiana statute.
Through May 15, 1995, twelve riverboat gaming operations had commenced in
Louisiana. The Star Casino became Louisiana's first riverboat casino with
operations commencing in November 1993. According to the State of Louisiana
Department of Public Safety and Corrections Public Safety Services, Riverboat
Gaming Division, for the month of January 1995, the average daily gaming
revenue was approximately $264,000 for the riverboat gaming operations in the
state, or approximately $7.9 million per month. However, the four riverboat
casinos located near the Texas border (three in Bossier City/Shreveport and one
in Lake Charles) averaged $10.7 million of net gaming revenue for the month of
January 1995, and $10.9 million per month during the six months ended December
1994.
The primary market area for the Casino includes the Houston, Texas
metropolitan area, other population centers west of the Casino such as
Beaumont, Galveston, Orange and Port Arthur, Texas and population centers east
of the Casino such as Lafayette and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Company
expects that more than half of its patrons will come from Texas, with a
significant portion coming from metropolitan Houston. Although casino gaming
is not currently permitted in Texas, the Texas legislature has considered
various proposals to authorize casino gaming. Gaming cannot commence in Texas
until the legislature adopts appropriate legislation (which may require an
amendment to the Texas Constitution) and operators complete the licensing and
construction process. If casinos commence operations in Texas in or near the
Company's primary market area, they would adversely affect the Company's
Calcasieu Parish casino project.
Through mid-April 1995, one riverboat casino operated by Players
International, Inc. (the "Players Casino") was conducting riverboat gaming
operations in the Lake Charles market, with the next nearest riverboat casino
operating in Baton Rouge, some 123 miles to the east. The Players Casino, with
approximately 25,000 square feet of gaming space is comparable in size to the
Company's Casino and has averaged approximately $12.1 million of gaming revenue
per month during the six month period ending December 31, 1994. In April 1995,
Players purchased the Showboat Star riverboat casino, and moved that riverboat
to Lake Charles and began operations alongside the Players Casino. In addition
to the Players Casino, in January 1995 the Grand Casino Coushatta (a casino
owned by the Coushatta Tribe of Indians and managed by Grand Casinos) opened
for business just north of Kinder, Louisiana. The Grand Casino Coushatta, a
land based facility, is located approximately 39 miles northeast of Lake
Charles.
LOUISIANA GAMING REGULATION
In July 1991, the Louisiana legislature adopted legislation permitting
certain types of gaming activity on the Mississippi, Red, Calcasieu, Mermentau,
Ouachita or Atchafalaya rivers, in the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, Bayou
Bienvenue, Lake Ponchartrain, Lake Maurepas, Lake Charles and the Intracoastal
Waterway.
The legislation granted authority to supervise gaming activities to the
Gaming Commission and the Enforcement Division. The Gaming Commission is
authorized to hear and determine all appeals relative to the granting,
suspension, revocation, and renewal of all licenses, permits and applications.
In addition, the Gaming Commission must establish regulations concerning
authorized routes and duration of excursions, minimum levels of insurance,
construction of riverboats and periodic inspections. The Enforcement Division
is authorized to investigate applicants and issue licenses, investigate
violations of the statute and conduct reviews of gaming activities.
In issuing a license, the Enforcement Division must find that the
applicant is a person of good character, honesty and integrity and the
applicant is a person whose prior activities, criminal record, if any,
reputation, habits
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and associations do not pose a threat to the public interest of the State of
Louisiana or to the effective regulation and control of gaming, or create or
enhance the dangers of unsuitable, unfair or illegal practices, methods, and
activities in the conduct of gaming or the carrying on of business and
financial arrangements in connection therewith. The Enforcement Division will
not grant a license unless it finds that: (i) the applicant is capable of
conducting gaming operations, which means that the applicant can demonstrate
the capability, either through training, education, business experience, or a
combination of the above to operate a gaming casino; (ii) the proposed
financing of the riverboat and the gaming operations is adequate for the nature
of the proposed operation and from a source suitable and acceptable to the
Enforcement Division; (iii) the applicant demonstrates a proven ability to
operate a vessel of comparable size, capacity and complexity to a riverboat so
as to ensure the safety of its passengers; (iv) the applicant submits a
detailed plan of design of the riverboat in its application for a license; (v)
the applicant designates the docking facilities to be used by the riverboat;
(vi) the applicant shows adequate financial ability to construct and maintain a
riverboat; and (vii) the applicant has a good faith plan to recruit, train, and
upgrade minorities in all employment classifications.
The Enforcement Division is empowered to issue up to fifteen licenses to
conduct gaming activities on a riverboat of new construction in accordance with
applicable law. However, no more than six licenses may be granted to
riverboats operating from any one parish.
The Louisiana gaming law specifies certain restrictions and conditions
relating to riverboat gaming operations, including but not limited to the
following: (i) gaming is not permitted while a riverboat is docked, unless the
vessel is docked for less than 45 minutes between excursions, or unless
dangerous weather or water conditions exist; (ii) each round trip riverboat
cruise may not be less than three nor more than eight hours in duration
(inclusive of the 45 minutes between excursions), subject to specified
exceptions; (iii) agents of the Enforcement Division are permitted on board at
any time during gaming operations; (iv) gaming devices, equipment, and supplies
may only be purchased or leased from permitted suppliers; (v) gaming may only
take place in the designated gaming area while the riverboat is upon a
designated river or waterway; (vi) gaming equipment may not be possessed,
maintained, or exhibited by any person on a riverboat except in the
specifically designated gaming area, or a secure area used for inspection,
repair, or storage of such equipment; (vii) wagers may be received only from a
person present on a licensed riverboat; (viii) persons under 21 are not
permitted in designated gaming areas; (ix) except for slot machine play, wagers
may be made only with tokens, chips, or electronic cards purchased from the
licensee aboard a riverboat; (x) licensees may only use docking facilities and
routes for which they are licensed and may only board and discharge passengers
at the riverboat's licensed berth; (xi) licensees must have adequate protection
and indemnity insurance; (xii) licensees must have all necessary federal and
state licenses, certificates, and other regulatory approvals prior to operating
a riverboat; and (xiii) gaming may only be conducted in accordance with the
terms of the license and the rules and regulations adopted by the Enforcement
Division.
Louisiana law permits 24-hour unlimited stakes gaming on newly constructed
riverboats which conduct cruises, does not have loss or bet limitations, but
restricts the percentage of space on a riverboat that may be utilized for
gaming to the lesser of (a) 60% of the total square footage of the passenger
access area, or (b) 30,000 square feet. The bill authorizing riverboat gaming
authorizes a state and franchise tax aggregating to 18.5% of net gaming
proceeds, and up to a $2.50 per passenger boarding fee. A total of 15
riverboat gaming licenses are authorized to be granted, with a maximum of 6
riverboat gaming licenses in any one parish. Louisiana law also allows a
single, land-based casino in the City of New Orleans. The legal age for gaming
in Louisiana is 21.
The transfer of a license or permit or an interest in a license or permit
is prohibited. The sale, assignment, transfer, pledge, or disposition of
securities which represent 5% or more of the total outstanding shares issued by
a corporation that holds a license is subject to Enforcement Division approval.
A security issued by a corporation that holds a license must generally disclose
these restrictions.
The license fee to conduct gaming activities on a riverboat is (i) $50,000
per riverboat for the first year of operation and $100,000 per year per
riverboat thereafter plus (ii) 3 1/2% of the net gaming proceeds. In addition,
an annual franchise fee of 15% of the net gaming proceeds will be charged to
conduct operations on Louisiana waterways. The local governing authority (city
or parish) is permitted to assess the riverboat operation up to $2.50 per
person as an admissions tax.
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NON-GAMING REGULATIONS
The Company will be subject to certain federal, state and local safety and
health laws, regulations and ordinances that apply to non-gaming businesses
generally, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Occupational Safety and
Health Act, Resource Conservation Recovery Act and the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. The Company has not
made, and does not anticipate making, material expenditures with respect to
such environmental laws and regulations. However, the coverage and attendant
compliance costs associated with such laws, regulations and ordinances may
result in future additional costs to the Company's operations.
The federal Merchant Marine Act of 1936 and the federal Shipping Act of
1916 and applicable regulations thereunder contain provisions designed to
prevent persons who are not citizens of the United States from holding in the
aggregate more than 25% of the outstanding shares of common stock of entities
subject to such regulation.
All vessels containing gaming equipment operated by the Company in
Louisiana must comply with U.S. Coast Guard requirements as to boat design,
on-board facilities, equipment, personnel (including requirements that each
vessel be operated by a minimum complement of personnel) and safety. Each
vessel must hold a Certificate of Inspection from the Coast Guard. The Coast
Guard requirements establish design standards, set limits on the operation of
the vessels and require individual licensing of certain personnel involved with
the operation of the vessel. In December 1994, after undergoing sea trials,
the Casino received a Certificate of Inspection from the Coast Guard. In April
1995, the Certificate of Inspection was removed while certain modifications to
the Casino are being made at the shipyard to accommodate the revised docking
scheme in Calcasieu Parish. The Casino will be subject to periodic inspections
by the Coast Guard and every five years the Casino must be dry docked for hull
and other inspections, which will result in a loss of service that can have an
adverse effect on the Company. Failure to hold a Certificate of Inspection
would preclude the use of the riverboat as a floating casino.
All shipboard employees of the Company, even those not involved in the
actual operation of the vessel, such as dealers, cocktail hostesses and
security personnel, may be subject to the Jones Act which, among other things,
exempts those employees from state limits on workers' compensation awards.
Construction activities on the Site require the approval of or permits
from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its reporting agencies regarding
navigational and flooding matters, Calcasieu Parish regarding sewage,
construction and water matters, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and
Development regarding traffic matters, the Louisiana State Fire Marshall
regarding fire and building safety matters, the Louisiana Department of Health
and Human Services regarding food service and sanitation matters, and certain
other approvals or permits.
FUTURE EXPANSION
In December 1993, Crown acquired all of the outstanding stock of GEMS,
which had an option to purchase an 18.6 acre parcel of land for $10 million in
the gaming district of Las Vegas located across the street from the Gold Coast
Hotel and Casino. GEMS exercised the option and purchased the land on June 8,
1994. The land has received zoning approval through September 1995 (subject to
extension) for the construction of a twelve story, 400 room hotel and casino.
Crown intends to develop this hotel and casino project either independently or
through a joint venture. In connection with the joint venture agreement with
LRGP, the Company will grant LRGP a right of first refusal to develop the Las
Vegas project with the Company in the event the Company chooses to develop such
project on a joint venture basis. GEMS has no other operations other than its
development of the Las Vegas project.
In connection with the GEMS acquisition, Crown issued 885,000 shares of
its common stock and assumed liabilities of approximately $585,000. The land
was appraised in February 1994 for approximately $20.3 million.
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EMPLOYEES
At February 28, 1995 the Company employed approximately 40 full time
employees. None of the Company's employees is covered by a collective
bargaining agreement and the Company believes that its employee relations are
satisfactory. Upon the opening of the Casino, management expects SCGC to
employ approximately 1,500 persons full time.
PROPERTIES
The Company maintains its executive offices in approximately 3,000 square
feet of leased office space in Dallas, Texas. Although management of the
Company believes that its executive offices will be adequate to meet the
Company's needs in the near term, management is evaluating its office space
needs for its future operations, and may determine to relocate its corporate
offices to another location in Dallas.
On July 8, 1994, the Company purchased its Casino from KRB. The Casino
consists of four decks and an aggregate of 53,000 square feet of floor space,
including 21,000 square feet to be used for active gaming operations.
The Company intends to lease all of the proposed site in Calcasieu Parish.
For consideration of $100,000, the Company has acquired an option to lease the
10.5 acre tract and the adjacent 5.5 acre tract that comprise the Site for the
Casino on the Calcasieu River. In March 1995, the Company executed the lease
agreement with respect to the 10.5 acre tract. The underlying leases have an
initial term of five years, with three five-year renewal options. During the
initial term, the leases require annual rental payments of $850,000 per year,
excluding property taxes.
The Company owns 6.5 acres of land adjacent to the Mississippi River levee
in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana that it had planned to use in connection with
its former riverboat casino site in St. Charles Parish. The Company will seek
to sell such property in the near future.
The Company, through its GEMS subsidiary, exercised an option to purchase
an 18.6 acre parcel of land in the gaming district of Las Vegas, Nevada on June
8, 1994, for $10 million. The land has received zoning approval through
September 1995 (subject to extension) for the construction of a twelve story,
400 room hotel and casino.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
The Company's operations do not qualify it as a hazardous waste generator
and the Company believes it is in compliance with all applicable laws and
regulations governing the discharge of hazardous waste into the environment.
PENDING LITIGATION
Other than as set forth below, there are no pending legal proceedings
which the Company believes have the potential to have a material adverse effect
on the Company, to which the Company is a party or of which any of its
properties are subject. There are no material proceedings known to the Company
being contemplated by any governmental authority. There are no material
proceedings known to the Company, pending or contemplated, in which any
director, officer or affiliate or any principal security holder of the Company
or any associate of any of the foregoing, is a party, or has an interest,
adverse to the Company.
On September 21, 1994, an action was filed against the Company and SCGC in
the 24th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Jefferson, Louisiana by
Avondale Industries, Inc. ("Avondale"). In this action, Avondale alleges that
the Company was contractually obligated to Avondale for the construction of the
Company's riverboat vessel based upon a letter of intent (allegedly reaffirming
a previous agreement entered into between Avondale and SCGC). Avondale alleges
that the Company breached a duty to negotiate in good faith toward the
execution of a definitive Vessel Construction Contract. Alternatively,
Avondale alleges that a separate, oral contract for the construction of the
vessel existed and that the Company committed unspecified unfair trade
practices and misrepresentation. Avondale seeks unspecified damages including
"all lost profits and lost overhead" and attorneys fees. The Company intends
to vigorously contest liability in this matter.
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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
COMMON STOCK
The Company is authorized to issue up to 50,000,000 shares of Common
Stock. As of the date hereof, 11,678,459 shares of Common Stock are issued and
outstanding. Holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to elect all of
the members of the Board of Directors of the Company, and such holders are
entitled to vote as a class on all matters required or permitted to be
submitted to the shareholders of the Company. Subject to such preferential
rights as the Board of Directors may grant in connection with future issuances
of preferred stock, holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to receive
such dividends as the Board of Directors may declare in its discretion out of
funds legally available therefor. Holders of shares of Common Stock are
entitled to share ratably in any distribution made to holders of Common Stock
in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company after
payment of liabilities and any liquidation preference on any shares of
preferred stock then outstanding. Holders of shares of Common Stock have no
cumulative voting or preemptive rights, nor do they have any conversion,
preemptive or other rights to subscribe for additional shares or other
securities. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to
such shares. All outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully paid and
nonassessable.
PREFERRED STOCK
The Board of Directors of the Company is authorized, without further
action of the shareholders of the Company, to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock in one or more series and to fix the number of shares
constituting any such series and the rights and preferences thereof, including
dividend rates, terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions),
redemption price or prices, voting rights, conversion rights and liquidation
preferences of the shares constituting such series. The issuance of Preferred
Stock by the Board of Directors could adversely affect the rights of holders of
Common Stock. For example, an issuance of Preferred Stock could result in a
class of securities outstanding with preferences over the Common Stock with
respect to dividends and liquidations, and that could (upon conversion or
otherwise) enjoy all of the rights appurtenant to Common Stock.
The Company has no present plans to issue any shares of the Preferred Stock.
REGISTRATION RIGHTS RELATED TO CERTAIN WARRANTS
On January 5, 1994, in partial consideration for its services as
placement agent in connection with a proposed private placement of Company debt
securities which was never consummated, the Company granted Dabney/Resnick,
Inc. a warrant to purchase 80,440 shares of the Company's Common Stock.
Pursuant to a separate Registration Rights Agreement, Dabney/Resnick, Inc. has
the right to require the Company on one occasion to register the shares
underlying such warrant under the federal Securities Act of 1933 (the
"Securities Act").
On January 5, 1994, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 80,440
shares of its Common Stock to Sun Life Insurance Company of America, Inc. ("Sun
Life") as a commitment fee in connection with services rendered to the Company
by Sun Life relating to a proposed private placement of debt securities which
was never consummated. In June 1994, the Company issued a warrant to purchase
508,414 shares of its Common Stock to Nomura Holding America Inc. ("Nomura") in
connection with Nomura's purchase from the Company of $28,000,000 of the
Company's Senior Secured Increasing Rate Note. Pursuant to separate
Registration Rights Agreements, the above holders each have the right to
require the Company on one occasion to register the shares underlying such
warrants under the Securities Act.
In March and April 1994, the Company issued warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 314,952 shares of Common Stock to four persons in consideration of
services rendered by them in connection with the Company's private placement of
Common Stock.
Pursuant to the contract for the purchase of the Company's riverboat
executed in October 1993, the Company granted to Kehl River Boats, Inc. a
warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock, which was
-23-
<PAGE> 26
issued in July 1994. In June 1994, the Company undertook to grant to Gerard M.
Jacobs, a director of the Company, a warrant to purchase 50,000 shares of
Common Stock in consideration of services on the Company's behalf in connection
with the Company's efforts to obtain a gaming license in the State of Illinois.
This warrant was issued in October 1994.
The Company is required to give notice to each of the above holders of
any proposed registration by the Company of shares of Common Stock pursuant to
a registration statement to be filed under the Securities Act and to permit
them, subject to certain restrictions, to register and sell shares of Common
Stock pursuant to such registration statement.
In addition, the Company has granted a warrant to purchase 50,000
shares of Common Stock to one individual in consideration of such individual's
introducing the Company to the investment banking community for assistance in
the Company's debt private placement. The warrant holder does not have
registration rights with respect to such warrant.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
Divestiture. The Articles of Incorporation of the Company empower the
Board of Directors to require the divestiture of shares of any person who
beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, shares of any class of capital stock
of the Company who is found by a gaming regulatory authority to be unsuitable
to hold the Company's stock.
In addition, the Articles of Incorporation provide that the Company
must be in compliance with the federal Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended,
and the federal Shipping Act of 1916, as amended. The Board of Directors is
given the power to divest any shareholder who has rendered the Company in
non-compliance with these Acts of a sufficient number of shares to bring the
Company into compliance with the Acts.
The procedure for divestiture requires the shareholder within 45 days
of notice from the Company of violation of either provision to sell, transfer
or dispose of his shares in the Company. Following the 45 day period, the
Company shall, for a period of 60 days, have the right, but not the obligation,
to purchase all or any part of such shares of stock from the disqualified
shareholder at a price per share equal to the fair market value of such stock,
less 25%.
Indemnification. The Bylaws provide that directors and officers of
the Company will be indemnified by the Company to the fullest extent authorized
by Texas law, as it now exists or may in the future be amended, against all
expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred in connection with service for or
on behalf of the Company.
Limitation of Liability. In addition, the Articles of Incorporation
provide that a director shall not be personally liable to the Company or its
shareholders for monetary damages for an act or omission in the director's
capacity as a director, except that such provision shall not eliminate or limit
the liability of a director for (a) a breach of the director's duty of loyalty
to the Company or its shareholders; (b) an act or omission not in good faith
that constitutes a breach of duty of the director to the Company or an act or
omission that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the
law; (c) a transaction from which the director received an improper benefit,
whether or not the benefit resulted from an action taken within the scope of
the director's office; or (d) an act or omission for which the liability of a
director is expressly provided by an applicable statute. In appropriate
circumstances, equitable remedies or non-monetary relief, such as an
injunction, will remain available to a shareholder seeking redress from a
violation of fiduciary duty. In addition, the provision applies only to claims
against a director arising out of his or her role as a director and not in any
other capacity (such as an officer or employee of the Company).
Anti-Takeover Provisions of Articles of Incorporation. The Company's
Articles of Incorporation authorize the Board of Directors to issue up to
1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock from time to time in one or more designated
series or classes. The Board of Directors, without approval of the
shareholders, is authorized to establish the voting, dividend, redemption,
conversion, liquidation and other provisions of a particular series or class of
Preferred Stock. The issuance of Preferred Stock could, among other things,
adversely affect the voting power or
-24-
<PAGE> 27
other rights of the holders of Common Stock and, under certain circumstances,
make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or discourage a third
party from acquiring, control of the Company. The Board of Directors has no
present intention to issue any series or class of Preferred Stock.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Securities Transfer Corporation acts as the Transfer Agent and
Registrar for the Common Stock.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The 105,000 shares of Common Stock being offered hereby for the
benefit of the Selling Shareholders were, or will be, issued in consideration
of certain agreements or services performed on behalf of the Company. The
Company has agreed to register the shares for resale by the Selling
Shareholders. The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale
of such shares by the Selling Shareholders.
The Selling Shareholders have advised the Company that they propose to
offer for sale and to sell Common Stock from time to time during the next
twenty-four months through brokers in the over-the-counter market, in private
transactions, or otherwise, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or
at prices and terms then obtainable, in block transactions, negotiated
transactions, or otherwise. Accordingly, sales prices and proceeds to the
Selling Shareholders will depend upon market price fluctuations and the manner
of sale.
If the shares are sold through brokers, the Selling Shareholders will
pay brokerage commissions and other charges, including any transfer taxes
(which compensation as to a particular broker-dealer might be in excess of
customary commissions). The Selling Shareholders will also pay the fees and
expenses of any counsel retained by them in connection with this offering.
Except for the payment of such legal fees and expenses, brokerage commissions
and charges, the Company will bear all expenses in connection with registering
the shares offered hereby, which offering expenses are estimated to total
approximately $20,000.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to the legality of the shares of
Common Stock offered will be passed upon for the Company by Smith, Gambrell &
Russell, Atlanta, Georgia.
EXPERTS
The consolidated balance sheet as of April 30, 1994 and the
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for
the year then ended, included in this prospectus and registration statement,
have been included herein in reliance on the report, which includes an
explanatory paragraph relating to the Company's plans to retire or extend its
Senior Notes which are due June 3, 1995, of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.,
independent accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Crown Casino Corporation,
formerly Skylink America Incorporated, at April 30, 1993 and for each of the
two years in the period ended April 30, 1993, appearing in this prospectus and
in Crown Casino Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended April 30, 1994, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, as set forth in their reports thereon included separately herein and
included therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated
financial statements are included and incorporated herein by reference in
reliance upon such reports given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The financial statements of St. Charles Gaming Company, Inc. (a
Development Stage Enterprise) as of June 24, 1993 and for the period from
January 18, 1993 (date of inception) through June 24, 1993 incorporated by
-25-
<PAGE> 28
reference into this Prospectus have been audited by Fred J. Bastie &
Associates, P.C., independent auditors, as stated in their report incorporated
by reference into this Prospectus, and have been so included in reliance upon
the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
The financial statements of Gaming Entertainment Management Services,
Inc. (a Development Stage Company) as of September 30, 1993 and December 12,
1993 and for the periods from September 22, 1992 (inception) to September 30,
1993, and from October 1, 1993 to December 12, 1993, incorporated by reference
into this Prospectus have been audited by Davis & Co., CPAs, P.C., independent
auditors, as stated in their report incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus and have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm
given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
-26-
<PAGE> 29
CROWN CASINO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
Number
------
<S> <C>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CROWN CASINO CORPORATION, FORMERLY SKYLINK AMERICA INCORPORATED:
Reports of Independent Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 1993 and 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for fiscal years ended April 30, 1992,
1993, and 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for fiscal years ended April 30, 1992, 1993,
and 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for fiscal years ended April 30, 1992,
1993, and 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-8
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE> 30
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Stockholders and Board of Directors
Crown Casino Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Crown
Casino Corporation and subsidiaries as of April 30, 1994, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for
the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of Crown Casino Corporation and subsidiaries as of April 30, 1994, and
the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the year
then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note R to these financial statements, the Company has
relocated the site of its proposed casino and has entered into an agreement to
sell 50% of its interest in the casino and form a joint venture. In connection
with this agreement, the Company's partner in the joint venture is in the
process of obtaining financing to complete the construction of the new site and
retire the Company's Senior Notes which are due June 3, 1995. The proposed
joint venture partner's or the Company's ability to retire or extend the Senior
Notes cannot presently be assured. No adjustments have been made to the
accompanying financial statements to reflect differences in asset values, if
any, that might arise should the Company be unable to successfully complete
the above transaction.
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
------------------------
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Dallas, Texas
August 1, 1994, except as to the fourth paragraph
above and Note R for which the date is May 2, 1995.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Stockholders and Board of Directors
Crown Casino Corporation (formerly Skylink America Incorporated)
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Crown
Casino Corporation (formerly Skylink America Incorporated) and subsidiaries as
of April 30, 1993, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period
ended April 30, 1993. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of Crown Casino Corporation (formerly Skylink America Incorporated)
and subsidiaries at April 30, 1993, and the consolidated results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended
April 30, 1993, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Ernst & Young LLP
------------------------
Ernst & Young LLP
Dallas, Texas
June 11, 1993
F-2
<PAGE> 31
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CROWN CASINO CORPORATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
April 30,
--------------------------
1994 1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,778,939 $ 120,719
Receivables, net 1,041,243 1,103,874
Prepaid expenses 155,082
--------------------------
Total current assets 2,975,264 1,224,593
--------------------------
Property and equipment:
Land deposit and site costs 1,286,223
Riverboat under construction 8,844,024
Barges and improvements 485,000
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 1,842,118 170,987
--------------------------
12,457,365 170,987
Less accumulated depreciation (75,007) (78,152)
--------------------------
12,382,358 92,835
--------------------------
Other Assets:
Notes receivable, less current portion 1,468,363
Non-compete agreement, net 416,670
Land purchase option 6,075,000
License costs 9,125,000
Net assets of discontinued operations 1,602,567
--------------------------
15,616,670 3,070,930
--------------------------
$30,974,292 $4,388,358
==========================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 215,334 $ 43,203
Accrued liabilities 152,809 14,537
--------------------------
Total current liabilities 368,143 57,740
--------------------------
Deferred income taxes 4,440,000 620,000
Commitments and contingencies
Common stock pending issuance 1,500,000
Common stock subject to redemption 829,500
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 1,000,000 shares
authorized; none issued or outstanding
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 50,000,000 shares
authorized; 9,686,319 issued (4,211,230 in 1993) and
8,998,925 outstanding (3,523,836 in 1993) 96,863 42,112
Additional paid-in capital 28,049,381 4,313,708
Accumulated deficit (3,721,708) (57,315)
Treasury stock, at cost (587,887) (587,887)
--------------------------
Total stockholders' equity 23,836,649 3,710,618
--------------------------
$30,974,292 $4,388,358
==========================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE> 32
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CROWN CASINO CORPORATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended April 30,
-------------------------------------------
1994 1993 1992
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ -- $ -- $ --
Costs and expenses:
General and administrative 1,425,313 611,004 621,724
Gaming pre-opening and development 981,249
Depreciation and amortization 370,885 36,591 37,824
-------------------------------------------
2,777,447 647,595 659,548
-------------------------------------------
Net interest (income) expense:
Interest expense 578,320 3,886
Interest income (197,447) (255,263) (85,991)
-------------------------------------------
380,873 (251,377) (85,991)
-------------------------------------------
Loss from continuing operations before
income taxes (3,158,320) (396,218) (573,557)
Benefit for income taxes (1,105,933) (133,104) (193,954)
-------------------------------------------
Loss from continuing operations (2,052,387) (263,114) (379,603)
-------------------------------------------
Discontinued operations, net of taxes:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations 2,949 (144,953) 2,700,478
Loss on disposition of discontinued operations (179,755)
-------------------------------------------
(176,806) (144,953) 2,700,478
-------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) $(2,229,193) $ (408,067) $ 2,320,875
===========================================
Earnings (loss) per share:
From continuing operations $ (.34) $ (.07) $ (.10)
From discontinued operations (.03) (.04) .73
-------------------------------------------
$ (.37) $ (.11) $ .63
===========================================
Weighted average common and common
equivalent shares outstanding 5,988,963 3,611,547 3,696,753
===========================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE> 33
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
CROWN CASINO CORPORATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended April 30,
-----------------------------------------
1994 1993 1992
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating activities:
Loss from continuing operations $(2,052,387) $(263,114) $ (379,603)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss
to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 370,885 36,591 37,824
Write-off of deferred financing costs and other 421,760
Discount on notes sold 245,086
Deferred income taxes (1,147,500) (115,000) 735,000
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Receivables, net 344,534 764,777 (52,757)
Prepaid expenses (113,082)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 96,673 (245,229) 29,558
Income taxes payable (242,850) 242,850
Net effect of discontinued operations 322,357 (338,805) (637,924)
-----------------------------------------
Net cash used by operating activities (1,511,674) (403,630) (25,052)
-----------------------------------------
Investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment (6,902,047) (6,578) (71,232)
Purchases of other assets (550,000)
Sale of assets 2,700
Sale of notes receivable 1,331,374
Preacquisition loans to GEMS (500,000)
Acquisition of GEMS, net 80,481
Acquisition of SCGC, net (450,000)
Net effect of discontinued operations 869,623 (24,060) 5,732,809
-----------------------------------------
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities (6,120,569) (27,938) 5,661,577
-----------------------------------------
Financing activities:
Issuance of common stock 13,298,463
Purchase of common stock (2,208,000) (77,100) (20)
Issuance of debt 700,000
Payments of debt (2,500,000)
Net effect of discontinued operations (17,667) (6,037,765)
-----------------------------------------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 9,290,463 (94,767) (6,037,785)
-----------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,658,220 (526,335) (401,260)
Cash and cash equivalents at: Beginning of year 120,719 647,054 1,048,314
-----------------------------------------
End of year $ 1,778,939 $ 120,719 $ 647,054
=========================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE> 34
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CROWN CASINO CORPORATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stock Treasury Stock
For the Three Years Ending April 30, 1994 Shares Amount Shares Amount
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at April 30, 1991 4,211,230 $42,112 514,367 $(502,432)
Treasury stock acquired 8,362 (8,355)
Net income
-------------------------------------------------
Balance at April 30, 1992 4,211,230 42,112 522,729 (510,787)
Treasury stock acquired 164,665 (77,100)
Net income
-------------------------------------------------
Balance at April 30, 1993 4,211,230 42,112 687,394 (587,887)
Purchase of common stock (220,800) (2,208)
Issuance of common stock 5,608,389 56,084
Issuance of warrants
Stock options exercised 87,500 875
Tax benefit of incentive stock options
Net loss
-------------------------------------------------
Balance at April 30, 1994 9,686,319 $96,863 687,394 $(587,887)
=================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE> 35
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Officer Note Retained
Additional Receivable for Earnings Total
Paid-In Common Stock (Accumulated Stockholders'
Capital Purchased Deficit) Equity
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at April 30, 1991 $ 4,313,708 $(8,335) $(1,970,123) $ 1,874,930
Treasury stock acquired 8,335 (20)
Net income 2,320,875 2,320,875
------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at April 30, 1992 4,313,708 -- 350,752 4,195,785
Treasury stock acquired (77,100)
Net loss (408,067) (408,067)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at April 30, 1993 4,313,708 -- (57,315) 3,710,618
Purchase of common stock (770,592) (1,435,200) (2,208,000)
Issuance of common stock 23,347,585 23,403,669
Issuance of warrants 951,664 951,664
Stock options exercised 67,016 67,891
Tax benefit of incentive stock options 140,000 140,000
Net loss (2,229,193) (2,229,193)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at April 30, 1994 $28,049,381 $ -- $(3,721,708) $23,836,649
==================================================================
</TABLE>
F-7
<PAGE> 36
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CROWN CASINO CORPORATION
A - HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Crown Casino Corporation, formerly Skylink America Incorporated, and
subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") is currently developing a riverboat
gaming casino in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana (near New Orleans), with
operations expected to commence in October 1994 and has purchased an 18.6 acre
tract of land in the gaming district of Las Vegas, Nevada for development of a
hotel and casino. The Company is also actively pursuing gaming opportunities
in other jurisdictions.
Prior to March 1994, the Company had been engaged in various facets of
the cable programming business including a) providing Free-To-Guest ("FTG") and
Pay-Per-View ("PPV") programming services and equipment to the lodging and
hospital industries, b) designing, producing and selling PPV equipment, c)
constructing and operating Satellite Master Antenna Television and Community
Antenna Television systems, and d) the buying and selling of cable properties
and assets.
B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Crown
Casino Corporation and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers cash and all highly liquid investments with an
original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, using the first-in
first-out method, or market.
Casino Pre-opening and Development Costs
All casino pre-opening and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Pre-opening and development costs consist principally of personnel costs,
advertising, travel and professional fees.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for
additions, renewals and improvements are capitalized. Interest costs during
construction of facilities are capitalized. Costs of repairs and maintenance
are expensed as incurred. Depreciation will be charged on gaming related
equipment and facilities upon commencement of gaming operations. Depreciation
is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful
lives.
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 5 to 10 years
Riverboat, barges and improvements 15 years
The Company recorded depreciation and amortization on cable related
assets included in discontinued operations based upon the following estimated
useful lives:
Programming equipment 3 to 10 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 5 years
FTG contracts 5 years
Goodwill 40 years
F-8
<PAGE> 37
Non-Compete Agreement
In connection with the acquisition of St. Charles Gaming Company, Inc.
("SCGC") (see Note D), the seller agreed not to compete with the Company within
the Louisiana market. The costs allocated to such agreement are being
amortized over a 5 year period using the straight-line method. At April 30,
1994 accumulated amortization amounted to $83,330.
License Costs
License costs principally represent the excess purchase price of
acquiring SCGC over the net identifiable tangible assets. These costs will be
amortized over a 5 year period (the initial term of a Louisiana gaming license)
beginning upon commencement of gaming operations.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax
rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Earnings (loss) per share has been calculated using the weighted
average number of shares outstanding, including common stock equivalents, if
dilutive.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the accompanying financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the fiscal 1994 presentation. Amounts associated
with cable activities have been reclassified to discontinued operations.
C - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - CABLE INDUSTRY
In July 1993 the Company made the decision to focus all its efforts in
the gaming industry and discontinue operating in the cable programming
industry. As a result, all cable related assets and operations were sold
during fiscal 1994.
The loss on disposal of the Company's cable operations was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Loss Before Income
Income Taxes Tax Benefit Net Loss
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Loss on disposal of cable operations $(239,925) $(81,575) $(158,350)
Operating loss from July 1993
to February 1994 (disposal date) (32,432) (11,027) (21,405)
-------------------------------------
$(272,357) $(92,602) $(179,755)
=====================================
</TABLE>
F-9
<PAGE> 38
The identifiable assets and liabilities of discontinued operations
have been reclassified on the accompanying balance sheet at April 30, 1993 from
their historical classification to separately identify them as net assets of
discontinued operations. Such net assets were completely liquidated as of
April 30, 1994. The detail of net assets of discontinued operations at April
30, 1993 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
April 30,
1993
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Assets of discontinued operations:
Accounts receivable, net $ 182,038
Inventories 222,390
Prepaid expenses 16,340
Programming equipment, net 1,269,796
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, net 63,463
----------
1,754,027
----------
Liabilities of discontinued operations:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 123,979
Deferred revenue 27,481
----------
151,460
----------
Net assets of discontinued operations $1,602,567
==========
</TABLE>
The identifiable revenues and expenses from discontinued operations
have been reclassified on the accompanying statements of operations from their
historical classification to separately identify them as net results from
discontinued operations. Discontinued operations include allocations of
general and administrative and interest expenses that were determined to be
directly related to such operations. The condensed statements of operations
for discontinued operations for fiscal years 1994, 1993 and 1992 were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal 1994
-----------------------------
May-June July-April
(Pre-measure- (Post-measure- Fiscal Fiscal
ment Date) ment Date) 1993 1992
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $192,313 $ 412,050 $1,346,912 $11,617,620
Costs and expenses 187,845 444,482 1,615,248 13,371,851
Gain on sale of FTG assets 5,708,663
Loss on disposal of cable operations 239,925
----------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before income taxes 4,468 (272,357) (268,336) 3,954,432
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 1,519 (92,602) (123,383) 1,253,954
----------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) $ 2,949 $(179,755) $ (144,953) $ 2,700,478
====================================================
</TABLE>
D - ACQUISITION
In June 1993 the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock
of SCGC, a Louisiana corporation which was organized in January 1993 for the
purpose of developing a riverboat casino project in St. Charles Parish,
Louisiana. The Company paid $500,000 and issued 1.2 million shares of
restricted common stock to the seller in exchange for all of the issued and
outstanding common stock of SCGC and for the seller's agreement not to compete
with the Company. In addition, in connection with the transaction, the Company
issued 400,000 shares of restricted common stock as a finder's fee to a company
which has a principal shareholder who is an outside director of the Company.
F-10
<PAGE> 39
In December 1993 the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common
stock of Gaming Entertainment Management Services, Inc. ("GEMS"), a Nevada
corporation which was organized in September 1992 for the purpose of developing
a hotel and casino project in Las Vegas, Nevada known as the Desert Winds Hotel
and Casino. GEMS' primary asset was its option to purchase an 18.6 acre parcel
of land in the gaming district of Las Vegas located on the southeast corner of
the intersection of Flamingo and Arville. The option was exercised and the
land was purchased in June 1994. GEMS has no operations other than its
development of the Desert Winds project. In connection with the transaction
the Company issued 850,000 shares of restricted common stock to the
shareholders of GEMS and issued 35,000 shares of restricted common stock to an
unrelated company as a finder's fee. Prior to the acquisition, the Company
loaned GEMS $500,000 which loan was assumed in the purchase.
The acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. The purchase price and purchase price allocations are as follows
(in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SCGC GEMS
-------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Purchase price:
Cash $ 500
Stock issued 5,600 $ 3,982
Other transaction costs 50 20
Liabilities assumed 25 585
---------------------
$ 6,175 $ 4,587
=====================
Purchase price allocation:
Cash $ 50 $ 80
Non-compete agreement 500
Land purchase option 6,075
License costs 9,025
Deferred income taxes (3,400) (1,568)
---------------------
$ 6,175 $ 4,587
=====================
</TABLE>
The shares issued were valued based upon the trading price of the
Company's stock on the earlier of the date when all material contingencies to
the acquisition were removed or upon closing, discounted to reflect the
restricted nature of the securities. The Company recorded a deferred tax
liability to reflect the difference in basis of the acquired assets and
liabilities for income tax and financial reporting purposes. The activities of
SCGC and GEMS have been included in the Company's results of operations from
their respective dates of acquisition.
The following unaudited condensed pro forma results of operations of
the Company for fiscal 1994 and 1993 were prepared as if the SCGC and GEMS
acquisitions, and related stock issuances, had occurred on May 1, 1993 and May
1, 1992, respectively (in thousands, except per share amounts).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Fiscal
1994 1993
-------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenue $ -- $ --
Net loss (2,652) (493)
Loss per share $ (.39) $ (.11)
Weighted average common shares outstanding 6,778 4,592
</TABLE>
The unaudited condensed pro forma results of operations are not
necessarily indicative of future results or the results that would have
occurred if the acquisitions, and related stock issuances, had taken place on
the dates indicated.
F-11
<PAGE> 40
E - LICENSING AND OTHER APPROVALS
The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary SCGC, has received a
certificate of preliminary approval from the Louisiana Riverboat Gaming
Commission ("Gaming Commission") and a license with certain conditions from
the Louisiana Riverboat Gaming Enforcement Division of the Office of State
Police (the "Enforcement Division"). The conditions to the license include the
Enforcement Division's approval of the riverboat's slot and surveillance
configuration, submission to a mock cruise, operation of the riverboat under an
approved plan of security and internal controls for a period of six months,
installing turnstiles at the entrance and exit points of the riverboat,
obtaining U.S. Coast Guard certification of the riverboat and their approval of
the docking facility and proposed route, and providing a risk assessment to the
U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers relative to operating the
riverboat at the Company's site. Upon satisfaction of the conditions to the
license, a permanent license will be issued by the Enforcement Division. The
Company is also required to obtain a certificate of final approval from the
Gaming Commission which requires the satisfactory completion of the riverboat
and support facilities in compliance with Louisiana statute, and compliance with
the relevant rules and regulations of the Gaming Commission.
The Company is also required to obtain approvals from the U.S. Coast
Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and St. Charles Parish regarding
navigational, safety and zoning matters of its proposed site. The Company
anticipates it will receive these approvals in the near future.
F - SALE OF CABLE ASSETS
In April 1992 the Company sold the majority of its contracts to
provide FTG programming services and related equipment, and entered into a
five-year non-compete agreement with the buyer. In connection with the
transaction the Company received cash and notes receivable valued at
approximately $8.8 million and recorded a gain before income taxes of
approximately $5.7 million.
During fiscal 1994, in connection with the Company's decision to
discontinue its operations in the cable industry, the Company sold all its
remaining cable assets for total consideration of $1,125,000 and recorded a
loss before income taxes on the sale of these assets of approximately $240,000.
Revenues and expenses from cable operations, and the resulting gains
or losses from their dispositions, have been included in discontinued
operations.
G - RECEIVABLES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
April 30, April 30,
1994 1993
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Notes receivable $ 1,070,159 $ 2,413,718
Federal income tax receivable 162,000 120,112
Other receivables 9,084 38,407
Less allowance for doubtful accounts (200,000)
------------------------------------------
1,041,243 2,572,237
Less current portion (1,041,243) (1,103,874)
------------------------------------------
$ -- $ 1,468,373
==========================================
</TABLE>
During fiscal 1994 the Company sold notes receivable with an aggregate
face value of approximately $1,576,000 to their maker at an approximate 15%
discount. The discount on the sale of the notes of approximately $245,000 has
been recorded as interest expense in the accompanying statement of operations.
In May 1994 the Company exchanged a note receivable with a face value of
approximately $471,000 for a 6.5 acre tract of land adjacent to the Company's
proposed riverboat casino site.
F-12
<PAGE> 41
H - RIVERBOAT UNDER CONSTRUCTION
In October 1993 the Company entered into an agreement with Kehl River
Boats, Inc. ("KRB") to purchase a riverboat vessel (the "Riverboat") which was
under construction. In July 1994 construction was completed and the Company
closed the purchase and took delivery of the Riverboat. The total purchase
price of the Riverboat consists of (i) $9,570,000 in cash (including $270,000 of
capitalized interest), (ii) 1,056,667 shares (valued at $5.0 million) of the
Company's common stock, and (iii) a warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of the
Company's common stock exercisable for a period of three years at $6.06 per
share. The common stock issued to KRB has been valued based upon the
negotiated reduction in cash purchase price for issuing such common stock. As
of July 15, 1994 the Company had delivered all of the purchase price to KRB
except for 623,334 shares of its common stock, which by agreement will be
delivered upon KRB being found suitable as a 5% or greater shareholder of the
Company by the Louisiana gaming regulatory authorities (see Note O).
I - LAND PURCHASE OPTION
In connection with the acquisition of GEMS (see Note D) the Company
acquired the right to purchase an 18.6 acre parcel of land in the gaming
district of Las Vegas, Nevada located on the southeast corner of the
intersection of Flamingo and Arville. Land purchase option costs represent the
excess purchase price of acquiring GEMS over the net identifiable tangible
assets acquired. In February 1994 the land under option was appraised for
approximately $20.3 million. In June 1994 the Company exercised its option and
closed the purchase of the Las Vegas land by paying the $10 million purchase
price. Upon such purchase, land purchase option costs were reclassified to
land held for development.
J - DEBT
In connection with the financing of the Riverboat in January 1994 the
Company issued a $5.0 million convertible promissory note (the "Note") to KRB
bearing interest at 12% per annum and convertible at $4.50 per share into the
Company's common stock. Prior to maturity the Company made principal payments
aggregating $2.0 million, and in March 1994 KRB converted the then remaining
principal balance of the Note ($3.0 million) into 666,667 shares of the
Company's common stock of which 333,333 shares had been issued as of April 30,
1994. The remaining 333,334 shares, which are included in a total of 623,334
shares of the Company's common stock to be delivered to KRB (see Notes H and
O), will be issued upon KRB being found suitable by the Louisiana gaming
regulatory authorities.
In June 1994 the Company issued $28 million of Senior Secured
Increasing Rate Notes (the "Senior Notes") due in June 1995 which carry a 12%
coupon increasing 67 basis points each quarter up to a maximum interest rate of
14%. The Senior Notes were issued with a warrant to purchase 508,414 shares of
the Company's common stock for a period of five years at an exercise price of
$6.00 per share. The proceeds from the private placement have been allocated
between the Senior Notes and the warrant based upon the relative fair value of
each of the securities at the time of issuance. The resulting original issue
discount is being amortized over the life of the Senior Notes using the
effective interest method. In connection with the issuance of the Senior
Notes, the Company incurred debt issuance costs of approximately $1.5 million.
The Senior Notes are collateralized by substantially all the assets of
the Company and contain covenants relating to certain business, operational and
financing matters including, requirements that the Company maintain its
consolidated net worth and fixed charge coverage above specified levels and
restrictions on additional indebtedness and the payment of dividends. The
proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes and the warrant were initially
placed in escrow. At July 29, 1994, $6.5 million remained in escrow and is
available to the Company upon meeting certain conditions of the escrow
agreement.
F-13
<PAGE> 42
K - SALES AND ISSUANCES OF COMMON STOCK
During fiscal 1994 the Company conducted a private placement offering
under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933 whereby the Company sold
2,690,056 shares of its common stock to accredited investors which resulted in
gross proceeds of approximately $14.0 million. In connection with such private
placement, the Company paid cash finder's fees of approximately $770,000. In
May 1994 the Company sold an additional 636,700 shares of its common stock in
the private placement offering which resulted in gross proceeds of
approximately $3.7 million.
In connection with the purchase of the Riverboat (see Note H),
through April 30, 1994 the Company issued 433,333 shares of its common stock to
KRB. Pursuant to the purchase agreement the Company is required to deliver an
additional 623,334 shares of its common stock to KRB upon KRB being found
suitable as a 5% or greater shareholder of the Company by the Louisiana gaming
regulatory authorities.
On May 31, 1994 the Company filed a registration statement with the
Securities and Exchange Commission to register a total of 6,185,169 shares of
its common stock including 3,326,756 shares sold in private transactions,
2,264,200 shares issued in connection with the acquisitions of SCGC and GEMS,
433,333 shares issued in connection with the purchase of the Riverboat, and
160,880 shares underlying certain warrants issued during fiscal 1994. As of
July 29, 1994 the registration statement had not been declared effective.
L - STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
Options
The Company has two stock option plans, the 1986 Incentive Stock
Option Plan ("1986 Plan") for employees covering 750,000 shares of common stock
and the 1991 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan ("1991 Plan") for directors and
key employees covering 150,000 shares of common stock. In June 1994 the board
of directors approved amendments to increase the number of shares in the 1986
Plan from 750,000 to 1,250,000, and increase the number of shares in the 1991
Plan from 150,000 to 250,000, which amendments are subject to shareholder
approval.
Under the terms of the plans, the purchase price of the shares will
not be less than the fair market value at the date of the grant. Options
granted under the plans expire in the years 1998 through 2004 and generally are
exercisable on the date of grant, with the exception of options to purchase
310,000 shares which become exercisable from 1995 through 1999. At April 30,
1994, there were 50,000 shares of common stock available for grant in the 1991
Plan, and options to purchase 121,425 shares in excess of the number of shares
in the 1986 Plan had been granted. In the event the Company's shareholders
reject the proposed amendment to increase the number of shares in the 1986
Plan, then certain options previously granted will be rescinded.
The following is an aggregate summary of the 1986 Plan and 1991 Plan
activity since April 30, 1991:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Option price Proceeds
of shares per share on exercise
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at April 30, 1991 287,715 $ .66 $ 188,813
Granted 68,000 $ .63 to $ .72 42,969
Canceled (87,572) $ .66 (57,469)
------- ----------
Outstanding at April 30, 1992 268,143 $ .63 to $ .72 174,313
Granted 7,500 $ .41 3,047
Canceled (38,500) $ .63 to $ .72 (24,547)
------- ----------
Outstanding at April 30, 1993 237,143 $ .41 to $ .72 152,813
Granted 507,500 $1.41 to $7.38 2,903,125
Exercised (77,500) $ .63 to $1.41 (62,891)
------- ----------
Outstanding at April 30, 1994 667,143 $ .41 to $7.38 $2,993,047
======= ==========
</TABLE>
F-14
<PAGE> 43
Warrants
In December 1993 the Company executed a commitment letter with an
institutional investor that provided for the institutional investor to, subject
to certain conditions, loan the Company up to $20 million. In April 1994 the
Company abandoned this potential financing in favor of a more attractive
financing which closed in June 1994 (see Note J). In connection with the
commitment letter, the Company issued warrants to purchase 160,880 shares of
its common stock exercisable for a five year period at $6.00 per share. The
value of the warrants of $321,760 originally recorded as deferred financing
costs was written-off to interest expense during fiscal 1994 when it was
determined such financing would be abandoned.
In connection with the private placement of the Company's common stock
during fiscal 1994, the Company issued warrants to purchase 236,214 shares of
its common stock exercisable at $6.00 per share, and warrants to purchase
78,738 shares of its common stock exercisable at $12.00 per share. The warrants
expire in 1998 and 1999.
Subsequent to year-end the Company issued warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 708,414 shares of its common stock including warrants to purchase
(i) 558,414 shares related to the issuance of the Senior Notes (see Note J),
(ii) 100,000 shares related to the purchase of the Riverboat (see Note H), and
(iii) 50,000 shares pursuant to a certain joint venture agreement (see Note O).
The warrants issued expire between 1997 and 1999 and have exercise prices
ranging from $6.00 to $7.25 per share.
All of the warrants issued by the Company became exercisable upon
their issuance, contain certain antidilutive provisions and provide the holders
with certain registration rights relative to the underlying shares. The
warrants issued were valued based upon a composite of commonly accepted warrant
valuation models. At July 15, 1994 the Company had a total of 2,379,964 shares
reserved for future issuance relative to the Company's stock option plans,
outstanding warrants and shares issuable to KRB upon KRB being found suitable
as a 5% or greater shareholder of the Company.
M - INCOME TAXES
The provisions (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations
was as follows for the three fiscal years ended April 30, 1994:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year
----------------------------------------------------
1994 1993 1992
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:
Current $ (43,359) $ 125,626 $(184,539)
Deferred (1,062,574) (258,730) (9,415)
---------------------------------------------------
$(1,105,933) $(133,104) $(193,954)
===================================================
</TABLE>
The provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations
is different from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income
tax rate to loss from continuing operations before income taxes for the
following reasons:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993 1992
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal statutory rate (34)% (34)% (34)%
State income tax, net of federal benefit (3)
Other 2
-------------------------------------------
(35)% (34)% (34)%
===========================================
</TABLE>
F-15
<PAGE> 44
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for
financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets
were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
April 30, April 30,
1994 1993
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax liabilities:
License costs $3,442,030
Land purchase option 1,792,255
Non-compete agreement $432,768
Installment sale 148,700
Tax over book depreciation 123,537
Other, net 165,475 48,667
--------------------------------
Total deferred tax liabilities 5,399,760 753,672
--------------------------------
Deferred tax assets:
Pre-opening expenses 692,530
Net operating loss carryforward 195,600
Cash to accrual conversion 95,643
Bad debt expense 68,000 13,090
Other, net 3,630 24,939
--------------------------------
Total deferred tax assets 959,760 133,672
--------------------------------
Net deferred tax liability $4,440,000 $620,000
================================
</TABLE>
The Company has not recorded a valuation allowance to reduce the
carrying value of deferred tax assets since these assets arose principally from
temporary differences which will be recognized in periods corresponding to the
reversal of certain deferred tax liabilities. At April 30, 1994 the Company
had a net operating loss carryforward for tax purposes of approximately
$523,000 which expires in 2009.
N - LEASES
The Company has entered into various operating leases for equipment
and office and training facilities. Future minimum lease payments required
under non-cancelable operating leases with terms of one year or more as of
April 30, 1994 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Amount
----------- ------
<S> <C>
1995 $27,654
1996 27,017
1997 11,631
1998 3,140
</TABLE>
F-16
<PAGE> 45
Rent expense for all operating leases during the last three fiscal
years was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year
----------------------------------------------------------
1994 1993 1992
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Continuing operations $39,483 $35,970 $23,598
Discontinued operations 23,727 46,105 43,825
----------------------------------------------------------
$63,210 $82,075 $67,423
==========================================================
</TABLE>
Subsequent to April 30, 1994 the company accepted delivery of various
equipment under capital leases which the Company had executed prior to year
end. The aggregate future minimum lease payments required under these
non-cancelable leases (excluding interest and executory costs) were
approximately $4.9 million.
O - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Land Purchase Agreement
In April 1994 the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire
a 23 acre tract of land on the batture of the Mississippi River in St. Charles
Parish, Louisiana to be used for the Company's riverboat casino site. Pursuant
to the purchase agreement the Company paid a $1.0 million non-refundable
deposit on execution and is required to pay an additional $6.5 million, of
which the seller has agreed to finance $2.5 million for a one year period, at
closing. Closing is conditioned upon the Company receiving approvals from the
U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and is required to occur
prior to August 27, 1994.
Joint Venture
In June 1994 the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with a
group of individuals for the purpose of pursuing a gaming license in the State
of Illinois. The agreement requires the Company to issue warrants to purchase
in the aggregate up to a maximum of 250,000 shares of the Company's common
stock, and to make certain payments in cash upon the occurrence of specified
events including the issuance of an Illinois gaming license.
Common Stock Subject to Redemption
The Company has made rescission offers to investors to satisfy state
securities laws in certain states in which the Company conducted a private
placement offering of its securities. The total number of shares and the
dollar amount of securities sold which are subject to such rescission offers is
151,000 and $829,500, respectively. The rescission offers will expire at
various times through September 1994, whereupon the respective amounts included
in common stock subject to redemption will be reclassified to additional
paid-in capital for any unaccepted offers.
Common Stock Pending Issuance
In connection with the purchase of the Riverboat, the Company issued a
$5.0 million promissory note ("Note") to KRB in January 1994. In March 1994
KRB elected to convert the then remaining principal balance of the Note ($3.0
million) into 666,667 shares of the Company's common stock (an exercise price
of $4.50 per share). At April 30, 1994 the Company had delivered one half
(333,333) of the shares due upon conversion of the Note with the remaining
333,334 shares (representing $1.5 million) by agreement to be delivered upon
KRB being found suitable as a 5% or greater shareholder of the Company by the
Louisiana gaming regulatory authorities.
Furthermore, in July 1994 in connection with the closing of the
purchase of the Riverboat, the Company is required to deliver an additional
290,000 shares (representing $1.45 million) to KRB upon KRB's satisfactory
suitability determination. In the event KRB is found unsuitable by the
Louisiana gaming regulatory authorities, the Company will be required to
deliver to KRB, within 30 days of receiving notice of such finding of
unsuitability, $2.95 million in cash in lieu of the 623,334 shares of the
Company's common stock.
F-17
<PAGE> 46
P - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In connection with the acquisition of SCGC (see Note D) the Company
issued 400,000 shares of restricted common stock as a finder's fee to a company
whose principal shareholder is an outside director of the Company.
The Company incurred legal costs of approximately $218,000 and $42,000
during fiscal 1994 and 1993, respectively, from a law firm of which an outside
director of the Company is a partner.
The Company paid $24,000 for investment banking services during fiscal
1994 to a company of which an outside director of the Company is an officer.
During fiscal 1994 the Company borrowed an aggregate of $700,000 on a
short-term basis from an individual who was a major beneficial shareholder of
the Company at the time of such loan.
Q - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Supplemental cash flow disclosures are as follows for the three fiscal
years ended April 30, 1994:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year
-----------------------------------------------------------
1994 1993 1992
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Continuing operations:
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized $ 11,474 $ 3,886
Income taxes paid, net of refunds (141,359) 226,351
Common stock issued in acquisitions 9,582,500
Property and equipment purchased with debt 5,000,000
Note payable converted to common stock 3,000,000
Retirement of debt with property 200,000
Warrants issued for services 951,664
Discontinued operations:
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized $ 817,475
Cable assets sold for notes/receivables 250,000 2,810,000
</TABLE>
R - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In June 1994 the company issued $28 million of Senior Secured
Increasing Rate Notes and a warrant to purchase 508,414 shares of the Company's
common stock exercisable for a period of five years at $6.00 per share (see
Note J).
In June 1994 the Company exercised its option to purchase an 18.6 acre
tract of land in the gaming district of Las Vegas, Nevada for $10 million (see
Note I).
In September 1994 the Company failed to withdraw $6.5 million of the
proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes which were being held in escrow
and were designated for the purchase of certain land to be used for the
Company's riverboat casino site in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana. Such funds
have since been returned to the lender. The failure to withdraw such funds,
and the failure to receive a certain levee district permit by September 30,
1994 resulted in events of default under the agreement governing the Senior
Notes (the "Agreement"). The receipt of the permit from the levee district is
contingent upon the Company closing on the purchase of the land in St. Charles
Parish. The Company obtained waivers of such events of default from its lender
through October 31, 1994, and effective December 3, 1994, the Company and its
lender executed an amendment ("Amendment") to the Agreement eliminating the
loan covenants that gave rise to the events of default. In connection with the
execution of the Amendment, the Company agreed to reduce the exercise price of
the warrant held by the lender from $6.00 per share to $3.00 per share, and to
pay an additional fee of $430,000 payable by the issuance of a note due in June
1995 (see Note J).
F-18
<PAGE> 47
In January 1995, the Company relocated the site for its planned
riverboat casino from St. Charles Parish (near New Orleans) to Calcasieu Parish
which is located in the southwest part of Louisiana near the Texas border. In
connection with the change in site, the Company wrote-off approximately
$1.3 million of costs associated with the St. Charles site that were
capitalized at April 30, 1994 (primarily a non-refundable land deposit and site
engineering costs). In March 1995, the Company entered into an agreement
with Louisiana Riverboat Gaming Partnership ("LRGP") to form a joint venture to
develop the Calcasieu Parish project. LRGP, a joint venture owned 50% by
Casino America, Inc. and 50% by Louisiana Downs, Inc., an Edward J. DeBartolo
company, currently owns the Isle of Capri dockside riverboat casino in Bossier
City, Louisiana. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company proposes to sell a 50%
interest in SCGC to LRGP for (i) a five year $20 million note, and (ii) $1
million. Also pursuant to the agreement, LRGP will manage the casino and is
required to lend funds to SCGC, or provide a financing source for SCGC for (i)
all development costs relating to the Calcasieu Parish project, (ii) monies
necessary to buy out the Century Casinos, Inc. management agreement, and (iii)
interest due on the Senior Notes, in amounts to be agreed upon by LRGP and the
Company. The maximum amount of all loans funded or guaranteed by LRGP will not
exceed $45 million. The sale of the 50% interest in SCGC requires the approval
of the Enforcement Division which approval was obtained in March 1995. The
transaction is expected to close on or about May 31, 1995.
LRGP is in the process of obtaining financing to complete the
construction of the project and retire the Senior Notes due June 3, 1995. In
the event LRGP is itself unable to finance the retirement of the Senior Notes
by such date, or is unable to secure third party financing sufficient to retire
the Senior Notes, the Company will either seek to obtain (i) an extension of
the maturity date of the Senior Notes, or (ii) third party financing sufficient
to retire the Senior Notes. Management believes that LRGP will be successful
in obtaining the planned financing or that the Company will be able to complete
one of the above alternatives. However, there can be no assurance that LRGP
will be able to retire, directly or indirectly, the Senior Notes by June 3,
1995, or in LRGP's absence the Company will be able to (i) obtain an extension
of the maturity date of the Senior Notes, or (ii) secure financing sufficient
to retire the Senior Notes.
F-19
<PAGE> 48
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
================================================== ==========================
No dealer, salesperson, or other person has
been authorized to give any information or to make
any representation not contained in this
Prospectus, and, if given or made, such CROWN CASINO CORPORATION
information and representation must not be relied
upon as having been authorized by the Company.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to
sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of
the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction
or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make 105,000 SHARES
such offer or solicitation. Neither the delivery
of this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder COMMON STOCK
shall under any circumstances create an
implication that there has been no change in the
facts set forth in this Prospectus or in the
affairs of the Company since the date hereof.
--------------------------
P R O S P E C T U S
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MAY __, 1995
Page
----
Available Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Incorporation of Certain
Documents by Reference . . . . . . . . . . . 2
The Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Risk Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Selling Shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Description of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Plan of Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 SUITE 103
Legal Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 2415 WEST NORTHWEST HIGHWAY
Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 DALLAS, TEXAS 75220
Index to Financial Statements . . . . . . . . F-1 (214) 352-7561
================================================== ==========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 49
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
Set forth below are estimates of the fees and expenses payable by the
Registrant in connection with the offer and sale of the Common Stock:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SEC Registration Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 197
Blue Sky Qualification Fees and Expenses . . . . . . . . . 3,000
Transfer Agent Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000
Printing, Materials, and Postage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,000
Legal Fees and Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,500
Accounting Fees and Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,500
Miscellaneous Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,803
-------
TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20,000
=======
</TABLE>
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS.
The Company's Articles of Incorporation provide that a director shall not
be personally liable to the Company or its shareholders for monetary damages
for an act or omission in the director's capacity as a director, except that
such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director for (a)
a breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its shareholders;
(b) an act or omission not in good faith that constitutes a breach of duty of
the director to the Company or an act or omission that involves intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; (c) a transaction from which the
director received an improper benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted from
an action taken within the scope of the director's office; or (d) an act or
omission for which the liability of a director is expressly provided by an
applicable statute.
The Company's Articles of Incorporation also provide that if applicable
law is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting
the liability of directors, then the liability of each director of the
Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law, as amended.
Article XI of the Company's By-Laws provides that the Company shall
indemnify a director or officer who has been successful in the defense of any
proceeding to which he was a party or in defense of any claim, issue or matter
therein because he is or was a director or officer of the Company, against
reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with such defense.
The Company's By-Laws also provide that the Company may indemnify or
obligate itself to indemnify an individual who was, is or is threatened to be
made a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding because he is or was a
director or officer against liability incurred in the proceeding if (a) acting
in his official capacity as a director or officer of the Company, he acted in a
manner he believed in good faith to be in the best interests of the Company
and, (b) in all other cases, his conduct was at least not opposed to the
Company's best interests, and (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, he
had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The Company may
not indemnify a director or officer (a) in connection with a proceeding by or
in the right of the Company in which the director or officer was adjudged
liable to the corporation, or (b) in connection with any other proceeding in
which he was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly
received by him, whether or not the benefit resulted from an action taken in
the person's official capacity.
II-1
<PAGE> 50
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
(a) The following exhibits are filed with this Registration Statement.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
- ----------- ----------------------
<S> <C>
5.1 Opinion of Smith, Gambrell & Russell
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.2 Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
23.3 Consent of Fred Bastie & Associates, P.C.
23.4 Consent of Davis & Co., CPAs, P.C.
23.5 Consent of Smith, Gambrell & Russell (contained in their opinion filed as
Exhibit 5.1 hereto)
</TABLE>
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3)
of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most
recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
Registration Statement;
(iii) to include any material information with respect to
the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement
or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement.
Provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (i) and (ii)
above do not apply if the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports
filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to
be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at the time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of
II-2
<PAGE> 51
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions referred to in Item 15
above, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
II-3
<PAGE> 52
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Dallas, State of Texas, on the 17th day of May,
1995.
CROWN CASINO CORPORATION
By: /s/ Mark D. Slusser
--------------------------------------------
Mark D. Slusser
Vice President Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Edward R. McMurphy and Mark D. Slusser
and each of them, his attorney-in-fact, with power of substitution, for him in
any and all capacities, to sign any amendments or supplements to this
Registration Statement or any other instruments he deems necessary or
appropriate, to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any state
securities commissions, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
following capacities on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Edward R. McMurphy Chairman of the Board, President and May 17, 1995
------------------------------------------- Chief Executive Officer
Edward R. McMurphy (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Tilman J. Falgout, III Director May 17, 1995
-------------------------------------------
Tilman J. Falgout, III
/s/ David J. Douglas Director May 17, 1995
-------------------------------------------
David J. Douglas
/s/ John David Simmons Director May 18, 1995
-------------------------------------------
John David Simmons
/s/ Gerald L. Adams Director April 21, 1995
-------------------------------------------
Gerald L. Adams
/s/ Gerard M. Jacobs Director May 17, 1995
-------------------------------------------
Gerard M. Jacobs
/s/ Robert J. Kehl Director April 24, 1995
-------------------------------------------
Robert J. Kehl
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 53
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Sequential
Number Description of Exhibit Page No.
- ------- ---------------------- ----------
<S> <C>
5.1 Opinion of Smith, Gambrell & Russell
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.2 Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
23.3 Consent of Fred Bastie & Associates, P.C.
23.4 Consent of Davis & Co., CPAs, P.C.
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5.1
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SMITH, GAMBRELL & RUSSELL
A PARTNERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL CORPORATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
(404) 264-2620 ATLANTA FINANCIAL CENTER MIDTOWN OFFICE
SUITE 3100, PROMENADE II
TELECOPIER (404) 264-2652 SUITE 1800 1230 PEACHTREE STREET, N.E.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30309-3592
3343 PEACHTREE ROAD, N.E. (404) 815-3500
TELECOPIER (404) 815-3509
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30326-1010
-------
ESTABLISHED 1893
</TABLE>
May 18, 1995
Board of Directors
Crown Casino Corporation
2415 West Northwest Highway, Suite 103
Dallas, Texas 75220
RE: Crown Casino Corporation
Registration Statement on Form S-3
105,000 Shares of Common Stock
Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel for Crown Casino Corporation (the "Company")
in connection with the proposed public offering by certain shareholders of the
Company of the shares of the Company's $.01 par value Common Stock (the "Common
Stock") covered by the above-described Registration Statement.
In connection therewith, we have examined the following:
(1) The Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended,
certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Texas;
(2) The By-Laws of the Company, certified as complete and correct
by the Secretary of the Company;
(3) The minute book of the Company, certified as correct and
complete by the Secretary of the Company;
(4) Certificate of Good Standing with respect to the Company,
issued by the Comptroller's Office of the State of Texas; and
(5) The Registration Statement on Form S-3 to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Registration Statement").
<PAGE> 2
Board of Directors
Crown Casino Corporation
May 18, 1995
Page Two
Based upon such examination and upon examination of such other
instruments and records as we have deemed necessary, we are of the opinion
that:
(A) The Company has been duly incorporated under the laws of the
State of Texas and is validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of that state.
(B) The 105,000 shares of Common Stock covered by the Registration
Statement to be sold by the selling shareholders referenced
therein have been legally authorized by the Company and when
sold in accordance with the terms described in said
Registration Statement, will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.
We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to this firm under the caption
"Legal Matters" in the Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not thereby
admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required
under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, or the rules and regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
Sincerely,
SMITH, GAMBRELL & RUSSELL
/s/ Helen T. Ferraro
--------------------
Helen T. Ferraro
HTF/dkaw
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Crown Casino
Corporation (formerly Skylink America Incorporated) for the registration of
105,000 shares of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference
therein of our reports dated June 11, 1993, with respect to the consolidated
balance sheet as of April 30, 1993, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the two years in
the period ended April 30, 1993, of Crown Casino Corporation incorporated by
reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended April 30, 1994,
and included herein, and the related financial statement schedules included
therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Dallas, Texas
May 15, 1995
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the inclusion in this registration statement of Crown Casino
Corporation and subsidiaries on Form S-3 of our report, which includes an
explanatory paragraph relating to the Company's plans to retire or extend its
Senior Notes which are due June 3, 1995, dated August 1, 1994, except as to
Note R for which the date is May 2, 1995, on our audit of the consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedules of Crown Casino
Corporation and subsidiaries as of April 30, 1994, and for the year ended April
30, 1994. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption
"Experts."
/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Dallas, Texas
May 15, 1995
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 and related Prospectus pertaining to the
registration of shares of common stock of Crown Casino Corporation (formerly
Skylink America Incorporated) and to the incorporation by reference of our
report dated October 22, 1993, with respect to the financial statements of St.
Charles Gaming Company, Inc. (a development stage company) as of June 24, 1993
and for the period from January 18, 1993 (inception) to June 24, 1993 into such
Registration Statement and Prospectus.
/s/ Fred Bastie & Associates, P.C.
Dallas, Texas Fred Bastie & Associates, P.C.
May 16, 1995 Certified Public Accountants
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.4
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 and related Prospectus pertaining to the
registration of shares of common stock of Crown Casino Corporation (formerly
Skylink America Incorporated) and to the incorporation by reference of our
report dated January 31, 1994, with respect to the financial statements of
Gaming Entertainment Management Services, Inc. (a development stage company) as
of September 30, 1993 and December 12, 1993 and for the periods from September
22, 1992 (inception) to September 30, 1993 and October 1, 1993 to December 12,
1993 into such Registration Statement and Prospectus.
/s/ Davis & Co., CPAs, P.C.
Davis & Co., CPAs, P.C.
Certified Public Accountants
Englewood, Colorado
May 16, 1995
