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FORM 10-Q
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
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[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended: March 31, 1996
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 33-76368
BECKER GAMING, INC.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada 88-0303849
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
740 S. Decatur
Las Vegas, Nevada 89107
- ----------------- -----
(Address of principal (Zip Code)
executive offices)
(702) 258-5200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
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(Former name, former address and former fiscal year if
changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days.
YES [X] NO [ ]
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Outstanding at
Class of common stock April 30, 1996
- --------------------- --------------
$.01 par value 10,000,000 shares
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BECKER GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Page
BECKER GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1996 and
June 30, 1995 ......................................................... 1
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings
(Deficit) for the Three-Month Periods Ended
March 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the Nine-Month Periods
Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 ......................................... 2
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine-Month
Periods Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 ................................. 3
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ............................. 4
ARIZONA CHARLIE'S, INC ..................................................
Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1996 and June 30, 1995 .................. 10
Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings (Deficit) for the
Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the
Nine-Month Periods Ended March 31,
1996 and 1995 ......................................................... 11
Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine-Month Periods
Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 ......................................... 12
Notes to Financial Statements ......................................... 13
SUNSET COIN, INC ........................................................
Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1996 and June 30, 1995 .................. 19
Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the Three-Month
Periods Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the
Nine-Month Periods Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 ...................... 20
Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine-Month Periods Ended
March 31, 1996 and 1995 ............................................... 21
Notes to Financial Statements .......................................... 22
CAPITOL QUEEN & CASINO, INC .............................................
Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1996 and June 30, 1995 .................. 28
Statements of Loss Incurred During the Development Stage
for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 1996
and 1995 and for the Nine-Month Periods Ended March 31, 1996
and 1995 and for the period from January 20, 1993
(the date of inception) through March 31, 1996 ........................ 29
Statements of Cash Flows for the for Nine-Month Periods Ended
March 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the period from January 20,
1993 (the date of inception) through March 31, 1996 ................... 30
Notes to Financial Statements .......................................... 31
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
Becker Gaming, Inc. .................................................... 37
Arizona Charlie's, Inc. ................................................ 37
Sunset Coin, Inc. ...................................................... 43
Capitol Queen & Casino, Inc. ........................................... 46
Part II. Other Information
Item 1 Legal Proceedings ............................................... 48
Item 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ................................ 51
Signatures .............................................................. 52
BECKER GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Share Data)
March 31, June 30,
ASSETS 1996 1995
-------- --------
(Unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ..................... $ 8,197 $ 6,657
Restricted cash, in escrow account ............ 40 40
Trade and other accounts receivable ........... 639 1,088
Receivables from related parties .............. 199 33
Inventories ................................... 749 852
Prepaid expenses .............................. 1,125 1,318
Current portion of notes receivable ........... 196 233
-------- --------
Total current assets ........................ 11,145 10,221
-------- --------
Property and equipment:
Land improvements ............................. 1,628 1,628
Building and improvements ..................... 38,615 38,566
Leasehold improvements ........................ 1,098 1,098
Furniture and equipment ....................... 27,887 27,927
-------- --------
69,228 69,219
Less, accumulated depreciation ................ (18,653) (16,648)
-------- --------
50,575 52,571
Land .......................................... 208 208
-------- --------
Net property and equipment ................ 50,783 52,779
-------- --------
Other assets:
Assets held for sale .......................... 15,544 15,987
Notes receivable, less current portion, net ... 510 502
Receivables from related parties,
less current portion ........................ -- 165
Deposits and other ............................ 1,348 1,411
Financing costs, net .......................... 3,204 3,721
-------- --------
Total other assets ........................ 20,606 21,786
-------- --------
Total assets .............................. $ 82,534 $ 84,786
======== ========
BECKER GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Share Data)
March 31, June 30,
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY(DEFICIT) 1996 1995
------------ -------------
(Unaudited)
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable ......................... $ 1,959 $ 2,028
Accrued expenses ............................... 6,927 3,674
Notes payable .................................. 196 121
Current portion of subordinated notes
payable to stockholders ...................... 800 800
Current portion of long term debt .............. 389 356
Long-term debt classified as current,
net of unamortized original issue discount
of $2,481 and $2,882, respectively ........... 17,519 17,118
Current portion of obligations under
capital leases ............................... 852 865
-------- --------
Total current liabilities .................. 28,642 24,962
-------- --------
Long-term debt, less current portion ............ 56,428 56,593
Subordinated notes payable to stockholders,
less current portion .......................... 8,000 8,000
Obligations under capital leases,
less current portion .......................... 1,295 2,001
-------- --------
Total liabilities ........................... 94,365 91,556
-------- --------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity(deficit):
Common stock, $.01 par value, 20,000,000
shares authorized, 10,000,000 shares
issued and outstanding ....................... 100 100
Preferred stock, $1 par value, 5,000,000
shares authorized, none issued and
outstanding .................................. -- --
Additional paid-in capital ..................... 9,006 9,006
Retained earnings (deficit) .................... (20,937) (15,876)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit) ....... (11,831) (6,770)
-------- --------
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity(deficit) .............. $ 82,534 $ 84,786
======== ========
BECKER GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND RETAINED EARNINGS (DEFICIT)
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
1996 1995
------------ ------------
Revenues:
Gaming ........................................ $ 15,831 $ 15,236
Food and beverage ............................. 4,665 3,881
Hotel ......................................... 844 733
Gift shop ..................................... 150 150
Other ......................................... 359 337
------------ ------------
Gross revenues ............................... 21,849 20,337
Less, promotional allowances .................... (2,468) (1,890)
------------ ------------
Net revenues ................................. 19,381 18,447
Operating expenses:
Gaming ........................................ 3,947 3,892
Food and beverage ............................. 5,507 4,751
Hotel ......................................... 428 401
Gift shop ..................................... 119 113
Advertising and promotion ..................... 1,120 1,070
General and administrative .................... 5,102 5,487
Rent expense paid to related party ............ 103 94
Depreciation and amortization ................. 1,120 1,302
------------ ------------
Total operating expenses .................... 17,446 17,110
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Operating income ............................ 1,935 1,337
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Other income(expenses):
Development costs ............................. (195) (138)
Interest income ............................... 29 130
Interest expense .............................. (2,722) (2,698)
Interest capitalized .......................... -- --
Other, net .................................... 12 1
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Total other income (expense) ................ (2,876) (2,705)
------------ ------------
Loss before income taxes .................... (941) (1,368)
Provision for income taxes ...................... -- --
------------ ------------
Net loss .................................... (941) (1,368)
Extraordinary item:
Loss on early retirement of debt
(no income tax benefit available) .......... -- (4,089)
------------ ------------
Net income (loss) ........................... (941) (5,457)
Retained earnings (deficit),
beginning of period ....................... (19,996) (8,751)
------------ ------------
Retained earnings (deficit), end of period .. $ (20,937) $ (14,208)
============ ============
Net loss per share of common stock .......... $ (0.09) $ (0.55)
============ ============
Weighted average common shares outstanding .. 10,000,000 10,000,000
============ ============
The accompany notes are an intergral part of these financial statements.
BECKER GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND RETAINED EARNINGS (DEFICIT)
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended March 31,
1996 1995
------------ ------------
Revenues:
Gaming ....................................... $ 47,212 $ 40,435
Food and beverage ............................ 13,486 10,444
Hotel ........................................ 2,337 1,879
Gift shop .................................... 457 414
Other ........................................ 907 630
------------ ------------
Gross revenues .............................. 64,399 53,802
Less, promotional allowances ................... (6,936) (4,538)
------------ ------------
Net revenues ................................ 57,463 49,264
Operating expenses:
Gaming ....................................... 12,861 10,364
Food and beverage ............................ 16,143 12,896
Hotel ........................................ 1,243 1,128
Gift shop .................................... 353 324
Advertising and promotion .................... 3,482 3,021
General and administrative ................... 15,824 15,012
Rent expense paid to related party ........... 310 287
Depreciation and amortization ................ 3,382 4,032
------------ ------------
Total operating expenses ................... 53,598 47,064
------------ ------------
Operating income ........................... 3,865 2,200
------------ ------------
Other income(expenses):
Development costs ............................ (1,063) (736)
Interest income .............................. 59 1,102
Interest expense ............................. (7,968) (9,221)
Interest capitalized ......................... -- 676
Other, net ................................... 46 7
------------ ------------
Total other income (expense) ............... (8,926) (8,172)
------------ ------------
Loss before income taxes ................... (5,061) (5,972)
Provision for income taxes ..................... -- --
------------ ------------
Net loss ................................... (5,061) (5,972)
Extraordinary item:
Loss on early retirement of debt
(no income tax benefit available) ......... -- (4,089)
------------ ------------
Net income (loss) .......................... (5,061) (10,061)
Retained earnings (deficit),
beginning of period ...................... (15,876) (4,147)
------------ ------------
Retained earnings (deficit), end of period . $ (20,937) $ (14,208)
============ ============
Net loss per share of common stock ......... $ (0.51) $ (1.01)
============ ============
Weighted average common shares outstanding . 10,000,000 10,000,000
============ ============
The accompany notes are an intergral part of these financial statements.
BECKER GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended March 31,
1996 1995
-------- --------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss .............................................. $ (5,061) $(10,061)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
(used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization ........................ 3,382 3,336
Amortization of original issue discount .............. 401 696
Extraordinary loss on retirement of debt ............. -- 4,089
Net loss (gain) on sale of assets .................... 17 10
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Receivables .......................................... 449 (562)
Receivables from related parties ..................... -- 134
Inventories .......................................... 103 (201)
Prepaid expenses ..................................... 193 (40)
Deposits and other assets ............................ 63 (158)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable ..................................... 69 183
Accrued expenses ..................................... 3,253 1,985
-------- --------
Total adjustments ................................... 7,930 9,472
-------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities .. 2,869 (589)
-------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures .................................. (613) (26,408)
Proceeds from sale of equipment ....................... 35 14
Net reductions in restricted cash equivalents ......... -- 49,080
Issuance of notes receivable .......................... -- 147
Payments of notes receivable .......................... 29 --
Increase in deposits and other assets ................. -- 12
-------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities .. (549) 22,845
-------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable ........................... 232 586
Payments under notes payable .......................... (293) (20,535)
Payments under capital lease obligations .............. (719) (775)
-------- --------
Net cash used in financing activities ................ (780) (20,724)
-------- --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents ............ 1,540 1,532
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period ......... 6,657 6,455
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period ............... $ 8,197 $ 7,987
======== ========
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized .............. $ 5,909 $ 7,241
======== ========
Income taxes paid ..................................... $- $ 346
======== ========
Capitalized lease obligations incurred ............... $- $ 9
======== ========
BECKER GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
---------------
1) Basis of Presentation:
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Becker Gaming,
Inc. and subsidiaries ("BGI" or the "Company") are unaudited and have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of
Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and normal
recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair presentation have been
included. Operating results for the three and nine-month periods ended March 31,
1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the
year ended June 30, 1996. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial
statements and footnotes should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year
ended June 30, 1995.
2) Denial of Missouri Gaming License Application of Capitol Queen &
Casino, Inc.:
Sunset Coin, Inc. ("SC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of BGI, has
guarantied the 12% First Mortgage Notes due November 15, 2000, of Arizona
Charlie's, Inc. ("AC"), another wholly owned subsidiary of BGI, until such time
as AC completes an expansion of its casino facilities (which it has done) and
obtains a specified fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the indenture
governing the AC First Mortgage Notes (the "AC Notes"). AC, in turn, has
guarantied the 12% First Mortgage Notes (the "CQC Notes") due November 15, 2000,
of Capitol Queen & Casino, Inc. ("CQC"), another wholly owned subsidiary of BGI,
until such time as CQC is licensed to conduct gaming in Missouri.
CQC was formed to develop, own, and operate the "Capitol Queen"
riverboat casino in Jefferson City, Missouri. On September 28, 1994, CQC was
notified that its application for a gaming license was rejected by the Missouri
Gaming Commission (the "Commission"). Under the Commission's order, CQC, its
principal owners and affiliated companies cannot reapply for a gaming license in
Missouri prior to September 28, 1996.
The Commission's decision was based on an August 1994 recommendation of its
staff (the "Staff") that CQC's license application be denied without an
investigative review because CQC knowingly failed to disclose material,
substantive information in the application. The Commission did not find that CQC
knowingly failed to disclose information, but did find that the application
contained omissions of a substantive and material nature. Management of CQC
believes that its application was complete and accurate. Moreover, CQC has fully
disclosed the information cited by the Staff in post-application filings, other
public documents, and communications with the Staff, all of which management
considers to be part of the licensing and related investigative process. Based
on the advice of legal counsel, CQC believes that the Commission acted outside
its authority in rejecting the application without a formal investigation.
On October 31, 1994, CQC and BGI petitioned the Cole County Circuit
Court in Jefferson City for a writ of mandamus. In response to the petition, the
Circuit Court issued an order declaring that by denying CQC's application for a
riverboat gaming license without first conducting an investigation and by
deliberating in a closed session, the Commission had violated Missouri gaming
and open meeting laws. The Circuit Court issued a preliminary writ of mandamus
declaring the Commission's decision void and ordering the Commission to
immediately commence a full investigation and thereafter to act on CQC's
application. The Circuit Court ordered the Commission to show cause within
thirty days why the preliminary writ should not be made permanent.
In response to the Circuit Court's order to show cause, the Commission
filed two actions, both unsuccessful, in the Missouri Court of Appeals for the
Western District. On November 16, 1994, the Commission petitioned the Court of
Appeals for a writ of prohibition against the Circuit Court, contending, among
other things, that CQC was not entitled to judicial relief because it had not
exhausted its administrative remedy of an evidentiary hearing before the
Commission. The Court of Appeals initially issued a preliminary writ of
prohibition staying further proceedings in the Circuit Court. However, in an
opinion issued on April 18, 1995, the Court of Appeals concluded that its
preliminary writ of prohibition had been improvidently granted, quashed the
preliminary writ, and denied the Commission's request for a permanent writ,
relegating the Commission to its remedies in the Circuit Court. On December 13,
1994, the Commission also filed an appeal of the Circuit Court's order to show
cause. On December 23, CQC moved to dismiss the appeal on the ground that the
preliminary writ of mandamus was not a final order and therefore was not
appealable. On January 5, 1995, the Court of Appeals granted CQC's motion and
dismissed the appeal.
On June 26, 1995, the Circuit Court issued a peremptory (permanent) writ of
mandamus similar to the preliminary writ, declaring the Commission's order void
and ordering the Commission to proceed with an investigation of CQC's
application "with all deliberate speed." On July 21, 1995, the Commission
appealed the Circuit Court's decision to the Missouri Court of Appeals for the
Western District, and on April 30, 1996, a three-judge panel of that Court ruled
that mandamus was not the proper vehicle for challenging the Commission's
decision. The Court of Appeals ruled that CQC may obtain judicial review only
after an administrative proceeding. The Court of Appeals also ruled that the
Commission could deny a license without conducting an investigation, and that
the claim that the Commission broke its promise not to deny a license without
first investigating should be raised in a breach of contract action, not a
mandamus petition. The Court of Appeals did not address the merits; that is, it
did not decide whether the Commission acted arbitrarily or whether its decision
was justified or a breach of its promises. The decision has no immediate
consequence because of a Circuit Court's ruling in a separate action (discussed
below) voiding the Commission's decision for the independent reason that it was
made in violation of Missouri's open meeting law. The Court of Appeals' decision
has no effect on that ruling, so the Commission's decision remains void.
Nevertheless, an appeal to the entire nine-judge Court of Appeals or to the
Missouri Supreme Court is being considered.
On November 1, 1994, concurrent with its efforts to obtain judicial
relief, CQC (with BGI as a co-party) requested an administrative hearing
pursuant to the Missouri gaming statutes, under which a denied applicant may
request an evidentiary hearing before a Commission appointed hearing officer.
The hearing officer's decision is subject to review by the Commission, and the
Commission's decision is in turn subject to judicial review. The Commission
filed an answer on November 29, alleging, among other things, that CQC is not
entitled to an administrative hearing because CQC had not been investigated. On
December 22, because the Commission had not appointed a hearing officer or
otherwise responded to CQC's request for a hearing, CQC moved the Commission to
appoint a hearing officer and establish a procedural schedule. The Commission
did not respond to this motion. However, in March 1995, CQC's counsel was
notified by a member of the Commission's staff that he had been appointed
hearing officer in the case. Because this person appears to have participated in
the staff's recommendation that CQC's license be denied, CQC moved on March 31
for the appointment of an impartial, independent hearing officer. The
Commission's attorney filed a response in opposition to this motion on April 12,
but the Commission has not responded to it. Instead, on August 10, 1995, the
hearing officer issued an order proclaiming his ability to proceed impartially
and purporting to deny the motion. On April 30, 1996, the hearing officer
reversed himself, recused himself, and asked the Commission to appoint another
hearing officer. To date, the Commission has not acted on this request. Hearing
dates have been vacated by stipulation, and, after the Circuit Court's orders
voiding the Commission's decision appeared to make the administrative proceeding
premature, the hearing was postponed indefinitely.
On March 24, 1995, CQC filed an action against the Commission in the Cole
County, Missouri, Circuit Court, alleging that the Commission had violated
Missouri's open meeting law by deliberating in a closed session before issuing
its decision denying CQC's license. The petition requested an order voiding the
Commission's decision. On March 27, as a protective measure against possible
arguments that Cole County is not the proper venue, CQC filed a substantively
identical action in the St. Louis County Circuit Court. In April, the Commission
filed answers to both complaints denying that it had violated the open meeting
law. On June 1, CQC moved for summary judgment in the Cole County case. In its
response, the Commission stated that it "did not deliberately intend to
circumvent" the open meeting law but had deliberated in closed session based on
erroneous advice of counsel. The Commission argued that the closed session could
nevertheless be justified under statutory exceptions allowing agencies to meet
privately with their lawyers to discuss confidential information and litigation.
The Circuit Court heard the motion for summary judgment on December 19, 1995. In
an order issued on April 23, 1996, the Circuit Court granted the motion, ruled
that the Commission had violated the open meeting law, and declared the
Commission's order void.
In January 1995, CQC engaged in settlement discussions initiated by the
Missouri Attorney General's office, legal counsel for the Commission, with
respect to the civil matters involving the Commission. The discussions, which
terminated in March 1995, were resumed in August 1995 and were expanded to
include the misdemeanor charges filed by the Missouri Attorney General. While
CQC and its lawyers continue to seek a negotiated settlement to the disputes
with the Commission and the Attorney General, the discussions were again
terminated by the Attorney General's office.
At the time CQC was notified of the Staff's position, construction of
the riverboat contemplated under the project being developed by CQC was almost
completed. CQC had also obtained the necessary permits for the land-based
development portion of the project and had performed certain dredging and other
site preparation work. In August 1994, CQC suspended all further land site
development activity pending resolution of the review of its license
application. Management of CQC believes that the Commission's subsequent ruling
in September 1994 makes further development of the project unfeasible because of
significant delays in the ability to operate the riverboat casino, either
through appeal of the decision or expiration of the two-year probation period.
Accordingly, on September 29,
1994, management decided to suspend further development of the Capitol Queen
project. As a result of that decision, costs associated with the development of
the project which had been deferred during the development stage were
written-off in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended June 30, 1994, and
the land site and riverboat were written down to their estimated net realizable
value.
Prior to its suspension, CQC had financed the Capitol Queen project
through the issuance of $40,000,000 in principal amount of the 12% First
Mortgage Notes due November 15, 2000. As of January 1, 1995, the CQC Indenture
was amended to (i) eliminate CQC's obligation to construct and open the Capitol
Queen and (ii) permit a two-step purchase of the CQC Notes at 101% of principal
plus accrued and unpaid interest from a sale of assets. The repurchase of
$20,000,000 principal amount of the CQC Notes (plus accrued and unpaid interest
thereon) was completed on January 17, 1995, with funds from the project escrow
account, and an aggregate of $20,000,000 principal amount of the CQC Notes
remained outstanding. However, the dates by which CQC previously agreed with the
holders of the CQC Notes to effect the sale of its assets and repurchase the
remaining CQC Notes have passed. The CQC Notes outstanding require annual
interest payments of $2,400,000, payable in equal installments semi-annually on
May 15 and November 15. CQC was not able to make its scheduled interest payment
of $1,200,000 on November 15, 1995, and AC did not have available funds to
advance on behalf of CQC. In addition, under the terms of the AC Notes, AC is
required to offer to repurchase up to $5,500,000 in principal amount of the AC
Notes if AC's tangible net worth falls below certain limits. At March 31, 1996,
AC had a stockholders' deficiency and was subject to this requirement. AC does
not have sufficient financial resources to meet this requirement in addition to
its guarantee obligation with to CQC. Management of AC and CQC are currently
undergoing discussions with an informal committee representing the holders of
the AC Notes and CQC Notes regarding a proposed restructuring plan. However, an
agreement has not yet been reached.
CQC had entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 10, 1995,
for the sale of its assets to Aerie Riverboat Casinos of Missouri, Inc., at a
purchase price of $18,000,000. However, the consummation of the Aerie purchase
agreement was subject to the satisfaction of several conditions which could not
be satisfied timely, including, among others, that Jefferson City consent to the
assignment of the Development Agreement, that Aerie be found preliminary
suitable to hold a Missouri Gaming license and that riverboat gaming is legally
permitted in Jefferson City. As a result, the agreement with Aerie was
terminated without penalty when the expiration date of December 31, 1995,
passed. CQC is currently pursuing offers on its riverboat assets from
prospective buyers.
On November 7, 1995, voters in Jefferson City rejected an ordinance
permitting riverboat gambling, reversing the vote of an earlier election in
which Jefferson City voters approved riverboat gambling. Because CQC's
Development Agreement with Jefferson City was entered into pursuant to the
earlier ordinance permitting riverboat gambling, the Company believes that as a
matter of law the 1995 election does not affect the validity of the Development
Agreement. However, it has not yet been determined whether Jefferson City will
honor the Agreement in light of the election without litigation to uphold CQC's
position. CQC is exploring its legal options in the event Jefferson City
declines to honor the Development Agreement, but has not reached any decision. A
final judicial determination that the 1995 vote abrogates the Development
Agreement would have a material adverse effect on CQC and its ability to sell
its assets.
CQC is not expected to generate sufficient funds through the sale of
its assets to repurchase all of the outstanding CQC Notes. AC, pursuant to its
guaranty of the CQC Notes, will be liable for the principal of, and interest on,
any remaining outstanding CQC Notes. AC is restricted from selling assets under
the covenants governing the AC Notes, and management believes that access to
additional capital from other sources is restricted as a result of the
above-described circumstances. As a result, management does not believe that AC
(nor SC, as guarantor of the AC Notes) would have sufficient resources to
satisfy such obligation, should it be necessary.
3) Assets Held For Sale:
At March 31, 1996, BGI had $15,544,000 of assets held for sale
consisting of riverboat assets of $11,834,000 and aviation assets of $3,710,000
. The Company intends to sell the aviation asset, the proceeds from which are
expected to be sufficient to extinguish the existing capital lease obligations
relating thereto.
4) Abandonment of Facility:
BGI's subsidiary, Becker Gaming Group ("BGG"), abandoned one of their
bar and restaurants due to the cancellation of the lease that was no longer
affordable to the company. On April 21, 1996, Charlie's Saloon and Gambling Hall
was closed to the public. BGG and SC, who owned all the initial opening
leasehold improvements and furniture fixtures and equipment will each write-off
in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 approximately
$100,000 to reflect the disposal of assets which were not salvageable.
ARIZONA CHARLIE'S, INC.
(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary Of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
March 31, June 30,
1996 1995
---- ----
(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ........................... $ 6,292 $ 5,404
Restricted cash, in escrow account .................. 10 10
Trade and other accounts receivable ................. 408 658
Management fee receivable - Becker Gaming Inc. ...... 1,454 --
Receivable from related parties ..................... 2,270 820
Notes receivable from related party ................. 4,416 4,416
Inventories ......................................... 583 661
Prepaid expenses .................................... 1,025 1,162
-------- --------
Total current assets .............................. 16,458 13,131
-------- --------
Property and equipment:
Building and improvements ........................... 37,486 37,485
Furniture and equipment ............................. 22,525 22,609
Land improvements ................................... 1,628 1,628
-------- --------
61,639 61,722
Less, accumulated depreciation ...................... (15,491) (13,572)
-------- --------
46,148 48,150
Land ................................................ 208 208
-------- --------
Net property and equipment ........................ 46,356 48,358
-------- --------
Other assets:
Receivable from related party, noncurrent ........... 240
Deposits and other .................................. 466 551
Financing costs, less accumulated amortization
of $1,294 at March 31, 1996 and $880 June 30, 1995 2,579 2,993
-------- --------
Total other assets .............................. 3,045 3,784
-------- --------
Total assets .................................... $ 65,859 $ 65,273
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
ARIZONA CHARLIE'S, INC.
(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary Of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
March 31, June 30,
1996 1995
-------- --------
(unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable ............................. $ 1,512 $ 1,449
Accounts payable to related parties ................ 3 3
Accrued expenses ................................... 6,539 3,097
Management fees due Becker Gaming, Inc. ............ 5,961 3,287
Notes payable ...................................... 196 121
Notes payable to related party ..................... 2,250 2,250
Current portion of obligations
under capital leases ............................. 3 4
-------- --------
Total current liabilities .................... 16,464 10,211
-------- --------
Long-term debt, less current portion ................. 55,000 55,000
Subordinated notes payable to prior
stockholders ....................................... 5,000 5,000
Obligations under capital leases,
less current portion ............................... 1 4
-------- --------
Total liabilities .............................. 76,465 70,215
-------- --------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholder's equity (deficit):
Common stock, no par value, 2,500
shares authorized, 1,000 shares
issued and outstanding ........................... 469 469
Retained earnings (deficit) ........................ (11,075) (5,411)
-------- --------
Total stockholder's equity (deficit) ........... (10,606) (4,942)
-------- --------
Total liabilities and
stockholder's equity (deficit) ................. $ 65,859 $ 65,273
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
ARIZONA CHARLIE'S, INC.
(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary Of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS (DEFICIT)
(Dollars In Thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
1996 1995
-------- --------
Revenues:
Gaming .......................................... $ 13,454 $ 13,049
Food and beverage ............................... 3,436 2,980
Hotel ........................................... 844 733
Gift shop ....................................... 150 150
Management fee from affiliates .................. 729 --
Other ........................................... 338 320
-------- --------
Gross revenues .............................. 18,951 17,232
Less, promotional allowances ...................... (2,033) (1,569)
-------- --------
Net revenues ................................ 16,918 15,663
-------- --------
Operating expenses:
Gaming .......................................... 3,445 3,313
Food and beverage ............................... 4,164 3,732
Hotel ........................................... 428 401
Gift shop ....................................... 119 113
Advertising and promotion ....................... 1,097 1,051
General and administrative ...................... 5,023 4,115
Management fee - Becker Gaming, Inc. ............ 912 859
Rent expense paid to related party .............. 54 46
Depreciation and amortization ................... 889 888
-------- --------
Total operating expenses .................... 16,131 14,518
-------- --------
Operating income ............................ 787 1,145
-------- --------
Other income (expenses):
Gain(Loss) on sale of assets .................... --
Interest income ................................. 74 95
Interest expense ................................ (1,808) (1,790)
Interest capitalized ............................ -- --
Other, net ...................................... 16 --
-------- --------
Total other expenses ........................ (1,718) (1,695)
-------- --------
Income (loss) before taxes .................. (931) (550)
Provision for income tax .......................... -- --
-------- --------
Net (loss)income ........................... (931) (550)
Retained earnings (deficit), beginning of period .. (10,144) (2,314)
-------- --------
Retained earnings (deficit), end of period ........ ($11,075) ($ 2,864)
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
ARIZONA CHARLIE'S, INC.
(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary Of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS (DEFICIT)
(Dollars In Thousands)
(unaudited)
Nine Months Ended March 31,
1996 1995
-------- --------
Revenues:
Gaming ........................................... $ 39,988 $ 33,659
Food and beverage ................................ 9,807 7,664
Hotel ............................................ 2,337 1,879
Gift shop ........................................ 457 414
Management fee from affiliates ................... -- 1,454
Other ............................................ 852 582
-------- --------
Gross revenues ............................... 54,895 44,198
Less, promotional allowances ....................... (5,647) (3,575)
-------- --------
Net revenues ................................. 49,248 40,623
-------- --------
Operating expenses:
Gaming ........................................... 11,092 8,865
Food and beverage ................................ 12,054 9,815
Hotel ............................................ 1,243 1,128
Gift shop ........................................ 353 324
Advertising and promotion ........................ 3,392 2,941
General and administrative ....................... 16,247 10,812
Management fee - Becker Gaming, Inc. ............. 2,674 2,201
Rent expense paid to related party ............... 164 139
Depreciation and amortization .................... 2,668 2,525
-------- --------
Total operating expenses ..................... 49,887 38,750
-------- --------
Operating income ............................. (639) 1,873
-------- --------
Other income (expenses):
Gain(Loss) on sale of assets ..................... (10) --
Interest income .................................. 218 490
Interest expense ................................. (5,283) (5,428)
Interest capitalized ............................. -- 676
Other, net ....................................... 50 --
-------- --------
Total other expenses ......................... (5,025) (4,262)
-------- --------
Income (loss) before taxes ................... (5,664) (2,389)
Provision for income tax ........................... -- --
-------- --------
Net (loss)income ............................ (5,664) (2,389)
Retained earnings (deficit), beginning of period ... (5,411) (475)
-------- --------
Retained earnings (deficit), end of period ......... ($11,075) ($ 2,864)
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
ARIZONA CHARLIE'S, INC.
(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary Of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended March 31,
1996 1995
-------- --------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) ................................. ($ 5,664) ($ 2,389)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization ..................... 2,668 2,525
Provision for losses on related party receivables . 1,239 --
(Gain) loss on sale of equipment .................. 11 (2)
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Receivables ....................................... (2,203) 543
Inventories ....................................... 78 (134)
Prepaid expenses .................................. 137 (79)
Deposits and other ................................ 85 (30)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable .................................. 63 (216)
Accrued expenses .................................. 3,442 2,201
Management fees due to Becker Gaming, Inc. ........ 2,674 1,967
-------- --------
Total adjustments .............................. 8,194 6,775
-------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities ..... 2,530 4,386
-------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures .............................. (271) (23,870)
Increase in receivable from Becker Gaming, Inc. ... -- (4,147)
Increase in management fee receivable
from Becker Gaming, Inc. ....................... (1,454) --
Net (additions to) reductions in restricted
cash equivalents ............................... -- 24,182
Proceeds from assets sales ........................ 12 --
-------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities ........ (1,713) (3,835)
-------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowing under notes payable ..... 75 1,000
Principal payments on notes payable ............. -- (140)
Payments under capital lease obligations ........ (4) (19)
-------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities .... 71 841
-------- --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents .... 888 1,392
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period .. 5,404 4,014
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period ........ $ 6,292 $ 5,406
======== ========
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized ........ $ 5,282 $ 3,685
======== ========
Income taxes paid ............................... $ -- $ 136
======== ========
Capital lease obligations incurred .............. $ -- $ 9
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
ARIZONA CHARLIE'S, INC.
(A wholly owned subsidiary of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
---------------
1) Basis of Presentation:
Arizona Charlie's, Inc. ("AC") is a wholly owned subsidiary of Becker
Gaming, Inc. ("BGI"). The accompanying financial statements of AC are unaudited
and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form
10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of
the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting
principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all
adjustments and normal recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair
presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine-month
periods ended March 31, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results that
may be expected for the year ended June 30, 1996. The accompanying unaudited
financial statements and footnotes should be read in conjunction with the
financial statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for
the year ended June 30, 1995.
2) Denial of Missouri Gaming License Application of Capitol Queen &
Casino, Inc.:
Sunset Coin, Inc. ("SC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of BGI, has
guarantied the 12% First Mortgage Notes due November 15, 2000, of AC until such
time as AC completes an expansion of its casino facilities (which it has done)
and obtains a specified fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the indenture
governing the AC First Mortgage Notes (the "AC Notes"). AC, in turn, has
guarantied the 12% First Mortgage Notes (the "CQC Notes") due November 15, 2000,
of Capitol Queen & Casino, Inc. ("CQC"), another wholly owned subsidiary of BGI,
until such time as CQC is licensed to conduct gaming in Missouri.
CQC was formed to develop, own, and operate the "Capitol Queen"
riverboat casino in Jefferson City, Missouri. On September 28, 1994, CQC was
notified that its application for a gaming license was rejected by the Missouri
Gaming Commission (the "Commission"). Under the Commission's order, CQC, its
principal owners and affiliated companies cannot reapply for a gaming license in
Missouri prior to September 28, 1996.
The Commission's decision was based on an August 1994 recommendation of its
staff (the "Staff") that CQC's license application be denied without an
investigative review because CQC knowingly failed to disclose material,
substantive information in the application. The Commission did not find that CQC
knowingly failed to disclose information, but did find that the application
contained omissions of a substantive and material nature. Management of CQC
believes that its application was complete and accurate. Moreover, CQC has fully
disclosed the information cited by the Staff in post-application filings, other
public documents, and communications with the Staff, all of which management
considers to be part of the licensing and related investigative process. Based
on the advice of legal counsel, CQC believes that the Commission acted outside
its authority in rejecting the application without a formal investigation.
On October 31, 1994, CQC and BGI petitioned the Cole County Circuit
Court in Jefferson City for a writ of mandamus. In response to the petition, the
Circuit Court issued an order declaring that by denying CQC's application for a
riverboat gaming license without first conducting an investigation and by
deliberating in a closed session, the Commission had violated Missouri gaming
and open meeting laws. The Circuit Court issued a preliminary writ of mandamus
declaring the Commission's decision void and ordering the Commission to
immediately commence a full investigation and thereafter to act on CQC's
application. The Circuit Court ordered the Commission to show cause within
thirty days why the preliminary writ should not be made permanent.
In response to the Circuit Court's order to show cause, the Commission
filed two actions, both unsuccessful, in the Missouri Court of Appeals for the
Western District. On November 16, 1994, the Commission petitioned the Court of
Appeals for a writ of prohibition against the Circuit Court, contending, among
other things, that CQC was not entitled to judicial relief because it had not
exhausted its administrative remedy of an evidentiary hearing before the
Commission. The Court of Appeals initially issued a preliminary writ of
prohibition staying further proceedings in the Circuit Court. However, in an
opinion issued on April 18, 1995, the Court of Appeals concluded that its
preliminary writ of prohibition had been improvidently granted, quashed the
preliminary writ, and denied the Commission's request for a permanent writ,
relegating the Commission to its remedies in the Circuit Court. On December 13,
1994, the Commission also filed an appeal of the Circuit Court's order to show
cause. On December 23, CQC moved to dismiss the appeal on the ground that the
preliminary writ of mandamus was not a final order and therefore was not
appealable. On January 5, 1995, the Court of Appeals granted CQC's motion and
dismissed the appeal.
On June 26, 1995, the Circuit Court issued a peremptory (permanent) writ of
mandamus similar to the preliminary writ, declaring the Commission's order void
and ordering the Commission to proceed with an investigation of CQC's
application "with all deliberate speed." On July 21, 1995, the Commission
appealed the Circuit Court's decision to the Missouri Court of Appeals for the
Western District, and on April 30, 1996, a three-judge panel of that Court ruled
that mandamus was not the proper vehicle for challenging the Commission's
decision. The Court of Appeals ruled that CQC may obtain judicial review only
after an administrative proceeding. The Court of Appeals also ruled that the
Commission could deny a license without conducting an investigation, and that
the claim that the Commission broke its promise not to deny a license without
first investigating should be raised in a breach of contract action, not a
mandamus petition. The Court of Appeals did not address the merits; that is, it
did not decide whether the Commission acted arbitrarily or whether its decision
was justified or a breach of its promises. The decision has no immediate
consequence because of a Circuit Court's ruling in a separate action (discussed
below) voiding the Commission's decision for the independent reason that it was
made in violation of Missouri's open meeting law. The Court of Appeals' decision
has no effect on that ruling, so the Commission's decision remains void.
Nevertheless, an appeal to the entire nine-judge Court of Appeals or to the
Missouri Supreme Court is being considered.
On November 1, 1994, concurrent with its efforts to obtain judicial
relief, CQC (with BGI as a co-party) requested an administrative hearing
pursuant to the Missouri gaming statutes, under which a denied applicant may
request an evidentiary hearing before a Commission appointed hearing officer.
The hearing officer's decision is subject to review by the Commission, and the
Commission's decision is in turn subject to judicial review. The Commission
filed an answer on November 29, alleging, among other things, that CQC is not
entitled to an administrative hearing because CQC had not been investigated. On
December 22, because the Commission had not appointed a hearing officer or
otherwise responded to CQC's request for a hearing, CQC moved the Commission to
appoint a hearing officer and establish a procedural schedule. The Commission
did not respond to this motion. However, in March 1995, CQC's counsel was
notified by a member of the Commission's staff that he had been appointed
hearing officer in the case. Because this person appears to have participated in
the staff's recommendation that CQC's license be denied, CQC moved on March 31
for the appointment of an impartial, independent hearing officer. The
Commission's attorney filed a response in opposition to this motion on April 12,
but the Commission has not responded to it. Instead, on August 10, 1995, the
hearing officer issued an order proclaiming his ability to proceed impartially
and purporting to deny the motion. On April 30, 1996, the hearing officer
reversed himself, recused himself, and asked the Commission to appoint another
hearing officer. To date, the Commission has not acted on this request. Hearing
dates have been vacated by stipulation, and, after the Circuit Court's orders
voiding the Commission's decision appeared to make the administrative proceeding
premature, the hearing was postponed indefinitely.
On March 24, 1995, CQC filed an action against the Commission in the Cole
County, Missouri, Circuit Court, alleging that the Commission had violated
Missouri's open meeting law by deliberating in a closed session before issuing
its decision denying CQC's license. The petition requested an order voiding the
Commission's decision. On March 27, as a protective measure against possible
arguments that Cole County is not the proper venue, CQC filed a substantively
identical action in the St. Louis County Circuit Court. In April, the Commission
filed answers to both complaints denying that it had violated the open meeting
law. On June 1, CQC moved for summary judgment in the Cole County case. In its
response, the Commission stated that it "did not deliberately intend to
circumvent" the open meeting law but had deliberated in closed session based on
erroneous advice of counsel. The Commission argued that the closed session could
nevertheless be justified under statutory exceptions allowing agencies to meet
privately with their lawyers to discuss confidential information and litigation.
The Circuit Court heard the motion for summary judgment on December 19, 1995. In
an order issued on April 23, 1996, the Circuit Court granted the motion, ruled
that the Commission had violated the open meeting law, and declared the
Commission's order void.
In January 1995, CQC engaged in settlement discussions initiated by the
Missouri Attorney General's office, legal counsel for the Commission, with
respect to the civil matters involving the Commission. The discussions, which
terminated in March 1995, were resumed in August 1995 and were expanded to
include the misdemeanor charges filed by the Missouri Attorney General. While
CQC and its lawyers continue to seek a negotiated settlement to the disputes
with the Commission and the Attorney General, the discussions were again
terminated by the Attorney General's office.
At the time CQC was notified of the Staff's position, construction of
the riverboat contemplated under the project being developed by CQC was almost
completed. CQC had also obtained the necessary permits for the land-based
development portion of the project and had performed certain dredging and other
site preparation work. In August 1994, CQC suspended all further land site
development activity pending resolution of the review of its license
application. Management of CQC believes that the Commission's subsequent ruling
in September 1994 makes further development of the project unfeasible because of
significant delays in the ability to operate the riverboat casino, either
through appeal of the decision or expiration of the two-year probation period.
Accordingly, on September 29, 1994, management decided to suspend further
development of the Capitol Queen project. As a result of that decision, costs
associated with the development of the project which had been deferred during
the development stage were written-off in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1994, and the land site and riverboat were written down to their
estimated net realizable value.
Prior to its suspension, CQC had financed the Capitol Queen project
through the issuance of $40,000,000 in principal amount of the 12% First
Mortgage Notes due November 15, 2000. As of January 1, 1995, the CQC Indenture
was amended to (i) eliminate CQC's obligation to construct and open the Capitol
Queen and (ii) permit a two-step purchase of the CQC Notes at 101% of principal
plus accrued and unpaid interest from a sale of assets. The repurchase of
$20,000,000 principal amount of the CQC Notes (plus accrued and unpaid interest
thereon) was completed on January 17, 1995, with funds from the project escrow
account, and an aggregate of $20,000,000 principal amount of the CQC Notes
remained outstanding. However, the dates by which CQC previously agreed with the
holders of the CQC Notes to effect the sale of its assets and repurchase the
remaining CQC Notes have passed. The CQC Notes outstanding require annual
interest payments of $2,400,000, payable in equal installments semi-annually on
May 15 and November 15. CQC was not able to make its scheduled interest payment
of $1,200,000 on November 15, 1995, and AC did not have available funds to
advance on behalf of CQC. In addition, under the terms of the AC Notes, AC is
required to offer to repurchase up to $5,500,000 in principal amount of the AC
Notes if AC's tangible net worth falls below certain limits. At March 31, 1996,
AC had a stockholders' deficiency and was subject to this requirement. AC does
not have sufficient financial resources to meet this requirement in addition to
its guarantee obligation with to CQC. Management of AC and CQC are currently
undergoing discussions with an informal committee representing the holders of
the AC Notes and CQC Notes regarding a proposed restructuring plan. However, an
agreement has not yet been reached.
CQC had entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 10, 1995,
for the sale of its assets to Aerie Riverboat Casinos of Missouri, Inc., at a
purchase price of $18,000,000. However, the consummation of the Aerie purchase
agreement was subject to the satisfaction of several conditions which could not
be satisfied timely, including, among others, that Jefferson City consent to the
assignment of the Development Agreement, that Aerie be found preliminary
suitable to hold a Missouri Gaming license and that riverboat gaming is legally
permitted in Jefferson City. As a result, the agreement with Aerie was
terminated without penalty when the expiration date of December 31, 1995,
passed. CQC is currently pursuing offers on its riverboat assets from
prospective buyers.
On November 7, 1995, voters in Jefferson City rejected an ordinance
permitting riverboat gambling, reversing the vote of an earlier election in
which Jefferson City voters approved riverboat gambling. Because CQC's
Development Agreement with Jefferson City was entered into pursuant to the
earlier ordinance permitting riverboat gambling, the Company believes that as a
matter of law the 1995 election does not affect the validity of the Development
Agreement. However, it has not yet been determined whether Jefferson City will
honor the Agreement in light of the election without litigation to uphold CQC's
position. CQC is exploring its legal options in the event Jefferson City
declines to honor the Development Agreement, but has not reached any decision. A
final judicial determination that the 1995 vote abrogates the Development
Agreement would have a material adverse effect on CQC and its ability to sell
its assets.
CQC is not expected to generate sufficient funds through the sale of
its assets to repurchase all of the outstanding CQC Notes. AC, pursuant to its
guaranty of the CQC Notes, will be liable for the principal of, and interest on,
any remaining outstanding CQC Notes. AC is restricted from selling assets under
the covenants governing the AC Notes, and management believes that access to
additional capital from other sources is restricted as a result of the
above-described circumstances. As a result, management does not believe that AC
(nor SC, as guarantor of the AC Notes) would have sufficient resources to
satisfy such obligation, should it be necessary.
3) Relationship To Becker Gaming, Inc.:
Due to the decision to suspend development of CQC's riverboat casino
project and sell its assets, the majority of BGI's management and administrative
services are anticipated to benefit AC in the future. Accordingly, in late March
1995, BGI transferred approximately 40 employees involved in accounting and
administrative functions from BGI to AC. These employees were originally
employees of AC and were transferred to BGI in June 1994, when the
Reorganization became effective. The Company has reviewed the amount of the BGI
management fee (currently 5% of gross revenues) and determined that effective
October 1, 1995 an amount equal to 4% of gross revenues will be returned to AC
from BGI for the services that AC provides for BGI's subsidiaries as mentioned
above.
SUNSET COIN, INC.
(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary Of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
ASSETS
March 31, June 30,
1996 1995
------- -------
(Unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash ............................................ $ 1,013 $ 506
Current portion of notes receivable ............. 177 175
Note receivable from related party .............. 2,250 2,250
Other receivables ............................... 157 146
Prepaid expenses ................................ 23 46
------- -------
Total current assets ........................ 3,620 3,123
------- -------
Property and equipment:
Building and leasehold improvements ............. 509 461
Furniture, fixtures and equipment ............... 2,969 2,984
------- -------
3,478 3,445
Less, accumulated depreciation .................. (1,659) (1,710)
------- -------
Net property and equipment .................. 1,819 1,735
------- -------
Other assets:
Notes receivable, less current portion ........... 248 267
Advances to related parties ....................... 118 86
Other assets, less accumulated
amortization of $20 at March 31, 1995,
and $19 at June 30 , 1995 ....................... 91 138
------- -------
Total assets ................................ $ 5,896 $ 5,349
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an intergral part of these financial statement.
SUNSET COIN, INC.
(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary Of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
March 31, June 30,
1996 1995
------ ------
(Unaudited)
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable .......................... $ 0 $ 69
Accrued expenses ................................. 284 594
Current portion of long term debt ................. 287 255
------ ------
Total current liabilities .......................... 881 608
------ ------
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, less current portion ........... 575 664
Subordinated notes payable to
former stockholders .......................... 3,000 3,000
------ ------
Total liabilities ........................... 4,456 4,272
------ ------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholder's equity:
Common stock, no par value, 2,500
shares authorized, 400 shares
issued and outstanding .......................... 27 27
Retained earnings ................................. 1,413 1,050
------ ------
Total stockholder's equity .................. 1,440 1,077
------ ------
Total liabilities and stockholder's
equity ...................................... $5,896 $5,349
====== ======
The accompanying notes are an intergral part of these financial statement.
SUNSET COIN, INC.
(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
(Dollars in Thousands )
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
1996 1995
------- -------
Revenues:
Slot route:
From locations controlled by
related parties ................................. $ 607 $ 592
Other ............................................ 38 66
Slot service fees:
From related parties ............................. 24 18
Other ............................................ 8 13
------- -------
Total revenues ................................. 677 689
Operating expenses:
Slot route and service .............................. 324 271
General and administrative .......................... 4 19
Management fee - Becker Gaming, Inc. ................ 34 34
Depreciation and amortization ....................... 75 60
------- -------
Total operating expenses ......................... 437 387
------- -------
Operating income ..................................... 240 302
------- -------
Other income (expense):
Interest income ..................................... 44 41
Interest expense .................................... (96) (87)
Other income ........................................ 24 22
------- -------
Total other income (expense) ..................... (28) (24)
------- -------
Net income before income tax ......................... 212 278
Provision for income tax ............................. (72) (95)
------- -------
Net income ........................................... 140 183
Retained earnings, beginning of period ............... 1,273 718
------- -------
Retained earnings, end of period ..................... $ 1,413 $ 901
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial.
SUNSET COIN, INC.
(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
(Dollars in Thousands )
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended March 31,
1996 1995
------- -------
Revenues:
Slot route:
From locations controlled by
related parties ................................. $ 1,750 $ 1,719
Other ............................................ 112 208
Slot service fees:
From related parties ............................. 72 54
Other ............................................ 25 46
------- -------
Total revenues ................................. 1,959 2,027
Operating expenses:
Slot route and service .............................. 939 777
General and administrative .......................... 31 54
Management fee - Becker Gaming, Inc. ................ 102 112
Depreciation and amortization ....................... 224 173
------- -------
Total operating expenses ......................... 1,296 1,116
------- -------
Operating income ..................................... 663 911
------- -------
Other income (expense):
Interest income ..................................... 126 100
Interest expense .................................... (298) (257)
Other income ........................................ 59 63
------- -------
Total other income (expense) ..................... (113) (94)
------- -------
Net income before income tax ......................... 550 817
Provision for income tax ............................. (187) (278)
------- -------
Net income ........................................... 363 539
Retained earnings, beginning of period ............... 1,050 362
------- -------
Retained earnings, end of period ..................... $ 1,413 $ 901
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial.
SUNSET COIN, INC.
(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended March 31,
1996 1995
------- -------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income ...........................................$ 363 $ 539
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization ....................... 224 173
Gain on sales of equipment .......................... 13 12
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Other receivables ................................... (11) 20
Prepaid expenses .................................... 23 14
Deposits ............................................ -- (59)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable .................................... (69) (38)
Notes payable ....................................... -- 15
Accrued expenses .................................... 310 (1)
------- -------
Total adjustments ................................. 490 136
------- -------
Net cash provided by operating activities ......... 853 675
------- -------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures ................................. (324) (313)
Proceeds from sales of equipment ..................... 12 14
Decrease (increase) in related party notes receivable -- (1,000)
Decrease (increase) in advances to related parties ... (32) (23)
Repayments of notes receivable ....................... 63 109
------- -------
Net cash used in investing activities .............. (281) (1,213)
------- -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable .......................... 157 237
Principal payments on notes payable .................. (222) (72)
------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (65) 165
------- -------
Net increase in cash ............................... 507 (373)
Cash, beginning of period .............................. 506 1,940
------- -------
Cash, end of period ....................................$ 1,013 $ 1,567
======= =======
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Interest paid .....................................$ 298 $ 170
======= =======
Income taxes paid ................................. $- $ 102
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an intergral part of these financial statements.
SUNSET COIN, INC.
(A wholly owned subsidiary of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
---------------
1) Basis of Presentation:
Sunset Coin, Inc. ("SC") is wholly owned subsidiary of Becker Gaming,
Inc. ("BGI"). The accompanying financial statements of SC are unaudited and have
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for
interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article
10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information
and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and normal
recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair presentation have been
included. Operating results for the three and nine-month periods ended March 31,
1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the
year ended June 30, 1996. The accompanying unaudited financial statements and
footnotes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included
in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1995.
2) Denial of Missouri Gaming License Application of Capitol Queen &
Casino, Inc.:
SC has guarantied the 12% First Mortgage Notes due November 15, 2000,
of Arizona Charlie's, Inc. ("AC"), another wholly owned subsidiary of BGI, until
such time as AC completes an expansion of its casino facilities (which it has
done) and obtains a specified fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the
indenture governing the AC First Mortgage Notes (the "AC Notes"). AC, in turn,
has guarantied the 12% First Mortgage Notes (the "CQC Notes") due November 15,
2000, of Capitol Queen & Casino, Inc. ("CQC"), another wholly owned subsidiary
of BGI, until such time as CQC is licensed to conduct gaming in Missouri.
CQC was formed to develop, own, and operate the "Capitol Queen"
riverboat casino in Jefferson City, Missouri. On September 28, 1994, CQC was
notified that its application for a gaming license was rejected by the Missouri
Gaming Commission (the "Commission"). Under the Commission's order, CQC, its
principal owners and affiliated companies cannot reapply for a gaming license in
Missouri prior to September 28, 1996.
The Commission's decision was based on an August 1994 recommendation of its
staff (the "Staff") that CQC's license application be denied without an
investigative review because CQC knowingly failed to disclose material,
substantive information in the application. The Commission did not find that CQC
knowingly failed to disclose information, but did find that the application
contained omissions of a substantive and material nature. Management of CQC
believes that its application was complete and accurate. Moreover, CQC has fully
disclosed the information cited by the Staff in post-application filings, other
public documents, and communications with the Staff, all of which management
considers to be part of the licensing and related investigative process. Based
on the advice of legal counsel, CQC believes that the Commission acted outside
its authority in rejecting the application without a formal investigation.
On October 31, 1994, CQC and BGI petitioned the Cole County Circuit
Court in Jefferson City for a writ of mandamus. In response to the petition, the
Circuit Court issued an order declaring that by denying CQC's application for a
riverboat gaming license without first conducting an investigation and by
deliberating in a closed session, the Commission had violated Missouri gaming
and open meeting laws. The Circuit Court issued a preliminary writ of mandamus
declaring the Commission's decision void and ordering the Commission to
immediately commence a full investigation and thereafter to act on CQC's
application. The Circuit Court ordered the Commission to show cause within
thirty days why the preliminary writ should not be made permanent.
In response to the Circuit Court's order to show cause, the Commission
filed two actions, both unsuccessful, in the Missouri Court of Appeals for the
Western District. On November 16, 1994, the Commission petitioned the Court of
Appeals for a writ of prohibition against the Circuit Court, contending, among
other things, that CQC was not entitled to judicial relief because it had not
exhausted its administrative remedy of an evidentiary hearing before the
Commission. The Court of Appeals initially issued a preliminary writ of
prohibition staying further proceedings in the Circuit Court. However, in an
opinion issued on April 18, 1995, the Court of Appeals concluded that its
preliminary writ of prohibition had been improvidently granted, quashed the
preliminary writ, and denied the Commission's request for a permanent writ,
relegating the Commission to its remedies in the Circuit Court. On December 13,
1994, the Commission also filed an appeal of the Circuit Court's order to show
cause. On December 23, CQC moved to dismiss the appeal on the ground that the
preliminary writ of mandamus was not a final order and therefore was not
appealable. On January 5, 1995, the Court of Appeals granted CQC's motion and
dismissed the appeal.
On June 26, 1995, the Circuit Court issued a peremptory (permanent) writ of
mandamus similar to the preliminary writ, declaring the Commission's order void
and ordering the Commission to proceed with an investigation of CQC's
application "with all deliberate speed." On July 21, 1995, the Commission
appealed the Circuit Court's decision to the Missouri Court of Appeals for the
Western District, and on April 30, 1996, a three-judge panel of that Court ruled
that mandamus was not the proper vehicle for challenging the Commission's
decision. The Court of Appeals ruled that CQC may obtain judicial review only
after an administrative proceeding. The Court of Appeals also ruled that the
Commission could deny a license without conducting an investigation, and that
the claim that the Commission broke its promise not to deny a license without
first investigating should be raised in a breach of contract action, not a
mandamus petition. The Court of Appeals did not address the merits; that is, it
did not decide whether the Commission acted arbitrarily or whether its decision
was justified or a breach of its promises. The decision has no immediate
consequence because of a Circuit Court's ruling in a separate action (discussed
below) voiding the Commission's decision for the independent reason that it was
made in violation of Missouri's open meeting law. The Court of Appeals' decision
has no effect on that ruling, so the Commission's decision remains void.
Nevertheless, an appeal to the entire nine-judge Court of Appeals or to the
Missouri Supreme Court is being considered.
On November 1, 1994, concurrent with its efforts to obtain judicial
relief, CQC (with BGI as a co-party) requested an administrative hearing
pursuant to the Missouri gaming statutes, under which a denied applicant may
request an evidentiary hearing before a Commission appointed hearing officer.
The hearing officer's decision is subject to review by the Commission, and the
Commission's decision is in turn subject to judicial review. The Commission
filed an answer on November 29, alleging, among other things, that CQC is not
entitled to an administrative hearing because CQC had not been investigated. On
December 22, because the Commission had not appointed a hearing officer or
otherwise responded to CQC's request for a hearing, CQC moved the Commission to
appoint a hearing officer and establish a procedural schedule. The Commission
did not respond to this motion. However, in March 1995, CQC's counsel was
notified by a member of the Commission's staff that he had been appointed
hearing officer in the case. Because this person appears to have participated in
the staff's recommendation that CQC's license be denied, CQC moved on March 31
for the appointment of an impartial, independent hearing officer. The
Commission's attorney filed a response in opposition to this motion on April 12,
but the Commission has not responded to it. Instead, on August 10, 1995, the
hearing officer issued an order proclaiming his ability to proceed impartially
and purporting to deny the motion. On April 30, 1996, the hearing officer
reversed himself, recused himself, and asked the Commission to appoint another
hearing officer. To date, the Commission has not acted on this request. Hearing
dates have been vacated by stipulation, and, after the Circuit Court's orders
voiding the Commission's decision appeared to make the administrative proceeding
premature, the hearing was postponed indefinitely.
On March 24, 1995, CQC filed an action against the Commission in the Cole
County, Missouri, Circuit Court, alleging that the Commission had violated
Missouri's open meeting law by deliberating in a closed session before issuing
its decision denying CQC's license. The petition requested an order voiding the
Commission's decision. On March 27, as a protective measure against possible
arguments that Cole County is not the proper venue, CQC filed a substantively
identical action in the St. Louis County Circuit Court. In April, the Commission
filed answers to both complaints denying that it had violated the open meeting
law. On June 1, CQC moved for summary judgment in the Cole County case. In its
response, the Commission stated that it "did not deliberately intend to
circumvent" the open meeting law but had deliberated in closed session based on
erroneous advice of counsel. The Commission argued that the closed session could
nevertheless be justified under statutory exceptions allowing agencies to meet
privately with their lawyers to discuss confidential information and litigation.
The Circuit Court heard the motion for summary judgment on December 19, 1995. In
an order issued on April 23, 1996, the Circuit Court granted the motion, ruled
that the Commission had violated the open meeting law, and declared the
Commission's order void.
In January 1995, CQC engaged in settlement discussions initiated by the
Missouri Attorney General's office, legal counsel for the Commission, with
respect to the civil matters involving the Commission. The discussions, which
terminated in March 1995, were resumed in August 1995 and were expanded to
include the misdemeanor charges filed by the Missouri Attorney General. While
CQC and its lawyers continue to seek a negotiated settlement to the disputes
with the Commission and the Attorney General, the discussions were again
terminated by the Attorney General's office.
At the time CQC was notified of the Staff's position, construction of
the riverboat contemplated under the project being developed by CQC was almost
completed. CQC had also obtained the necessary permits for the land-based
development portion of the project and had performed certain dredging and other
site preparation work. In August 1994, CQC suspended all further land site
development activity pending resolution of the review of its license
application. Management of CQC believes that the Commission's subsequent ruling
in September 1994 makes further development of the project unfeasible because of
significant delays in the ability to operate the riverboat casino, either
through appeal of the decision or expiration of the two-year probation period.
Accordingly, on September 29, 1994, management decided to suspend further
development of the Capitol Queen project. As a result of that decision, costs
associated with the development of the project which had been deferred during
the development stage were written-off in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1994, and the land site and riverboat were written down to their
estimated net realizable value.
Prior to its suspension, CQC had financed the Capitol Queen project
through the issuance of $40,000,000 in principal amount of the 12% First
Mortgage Notes due November 15, 2000. As of January 1, 1995, the CQC Indenture
was amended to (i) eliminate CQC's obligation to construct and open the Capitol
Queen and (ii) permit a two-step purchase of the CQC Notes at 101% of principal
plus accrued and unpaid interest from a sale of assets. The repurchase of
$20,000,000 principal amount of the CQC Notes (plus accrued and unpaid interest
thereon) was completed on January 17, 1995, with funds from the project escrow
account, and an aggregate of $20,000,000 principal amount of the CQC Notes
remained outstanding. However, the dates by which CQC previously agreed with the
holders of the CQC Notes to effect the sale of its assets and repurchase the
remaining CQC Notes have passed. The CQC Notes outstanding require annual
interest payments of $2,400,000, payable in equal installments semi-annually on
May 15 and November 15. CQC was not able to make its scheduled interest payment
of $1,200,000 on November 15, 1995, and AC did not have available funds to
advance on behalf of CQC. In addition, under the terms of the AC Notes, AC is
required to offer to repurchase up to $5,500,000 in principal amount of the AC
Notes if AC's tangible net worth falls below certain limits. At March 31, 1996,
AC had a stockholders' deficiency and was subject to this requirement. AC does
not have sufficient financial resources to meet this requirement in addition to
its guarantee obligation with to CQC. Management of AC and CQC are currently
undergoing discussions with an informal committee representing the holders of
the AC Notes and CQC Notes regarding a proposed restructuring plan. However, an
agreement has not yet been reached.
CQC had entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 10, 1995,
for the sale of its assets to Aerie Riverboat Casinos of Missouri, Inc., at a
purchase price of $18,000,000. However, the consummation of the Aerie purchase
agreement was subject to the satisfaction of several conditions which could not
be satisfied timely, including, among others, that Jefferson City consent to the
assignment of the Development Agreement, that Aerie be found preliminary
suitable to hold a Missouri Gaming license and that riverboat gaming is legally
permitted in Jefferson City. As a result, the agreement with Aerie was
terminated without penalty when the expiration date of December 31, 1995,
passed. CQC is currently pursuing offers on its riverboat assets from
prospective buyers.
On November 7, 1995, voters in Jefferson City rejected an ordinance
permitting riverboat gambling, reversing the vote of an earlier election in
which Jefferson City voters approved riverboat gambling. Because CQC's
Development Agreement with Jefferson City was entered into pursuant to the
earlier ordinance permitting riverboat gambling, the Company believes that as a
matter of law the 1995 election does not affect the validity of the Development
Agreement. However, it has not yet been determined whether Jefferson City will
honor the Agreement in light of the election without litigation to uphold CQC's
position. CQC is exploring its legal options in the event Jefferson City
declines to honor the Development Agreement, but has not reached any decision. A
final judicial determination that the 1995 vote abrogates the Development
Agreement would have a material adverse effect on CQC and its ability to sell
its assets.
CQC is not expected to generate sufficient funds through the sale of
its assets to repurchase all of the outstanding CQC Notes. AC, pursuant to its
guaranty of the CQC Notes, will be liable for the principal of, and interest on,
any remaining outstanding CQC Notes. AC is restricted from selling assets under
the covenants governing the AC Notes, and management believes that access to
additional capital from other sources is restricted as a result of the
above-described circumstances. As a result, management does not believe that AC
(nor SC, as guarantor of the AC Notes) would have sufficient resources to
satisfy such obligation, should it be necessary.
3) Abandonment of Facility:
SC's affiliate, Becker Gaming Group ("BGG"), abandoned one of their bar
and restaurants due to the cancellation of the lease that was no longer
affordable to the company. On April 21, 1996, Charlie's Saloon and Gambling Hall
was closed to the public. BGG and SC, who owned all the initial opening
leasehold improvements and furniture fixtures and equipment will each write-off
in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 approximately
$100,000 to reflect the disposal of assets which were not salvageable.
CAPITOL QUEEN & CASINO, INC.
(A Development Stage Company And A Wholly Owned Subsidiary
of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Share Data)
March 31, June 30,
ASSETS 1996 1995
------- -------
(Unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents .............................. $- $ 45
Restricted cash, in escrow account .................... 30 30
------- -------
Total current assets ............................... 30 75
------- -------
Other assets:
Assets held for sale ................................... 11,834 12,146
Financing costs, net of accumulated
amortization of $310 at March 31, 1996
and $212 at June 30, 1995 ............................ 607 705
Deposits and other assets .............................. 60 60
------- -------
Total other assets ................................. 12,501 12,911
------- -------
Total assets ....................................... $12,531 $12,986
------- -------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CAPITOL QUEEN & CASINO, INC.
(A Development Stage Company And A Wholly Owned Subsidiary
of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Share Data)
March 31, June 30,
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY(DEFICIT) 1995 1995
-------- --------
(Unaudited)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable ....................................... $- $ 142
Advances from related parties .......................... 1,252 404
Accrued interest ....................................... 2,159 395
Notes payable to related parties ....................... 1,200 1,200
Long-term debt classified as current,
net of unamortized original issue discount
of $2,481 and $2,882, respectively ................... 17,519 17,118
-------- --------
Total current liabilities ....................... 22,130 19,259
-------- --------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholder's equity(deficit):
Common stock, $1.00 par value, 1,000 shares
authorized, 100 shares issued and outstanding ......... -- --
Additional paid-in capital ............................. 12,732 12,732
Deficit accumulated during development stage ........... (22,331) (19,005)
-------- --------
Total stockholder's equity (deficit) ............... (9,599) (6,273)
-------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity(deficit) $ 12,531 $ 12,986
-------- --------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CAPITOL QUEEN & CASINO, INC.
(A Development Stage Company
And A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
STATEMENTS OF LOSS INCURRED DURING THE DEVELOPMENT STAGE
(Dollars In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
1996 1995
-------- --------
Revenues .................................... $- $-
Operating expenses:
Amortization of financing and other costs . 33 199
Abandonment loss .......................... -- --
Development costs ......................... 195 137
-------- --------
Total operating expenses .............. 228 336
-------- --------
Operating loss .............................. (228) (336)
Other income (expenses):
Interest income ........................... -- 55
Interest expense .......................... (750) (707)
Interest capitalized ...................... -- --
-------- --------
Total other income (expense) ................ (750) (652)
-------- --------
Net loss before extraordinary item .......... (978) (988)
-------- --------
Extraordinary item:
Loss on early retirement of debt
(no income tax benefit available) ...... -- (4,089)
-------- --------
Net loss ................................. $ (978) $ (5,077)
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an intergral part of these financial statements.
CAPITOL QUEEN & CASINO, INC.
(A Development Stage Company
And A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Becker Gaming, Inc.)
STATEMENTS OF LOSS INCURRED DURING THE DEVELOPMENT STAGE
(Dollars In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
For The Period
January 20, 1993
(The Date Of
Inception)
Through
Nine Months Ended March 31, March 31,
1996 1995 1996
-------- -------- --------
Revenues .............................. $- $- $-
Operating expenses:
Amortization of financing and
other costs ...................... 98 869 1,340
Abandonment loss ..................... -- -- 6,034
Development costs .................... 1,063 736 2,269
-------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses ......... 1,161 1,605 9,643
-------- -------- --------
Operating loss ........................ (1,161) (1,605) (9,643)
Other income (expenses):
Interest income ...................... -- 610 1,265
Interest expense ..................... (2,165) (3,160) (10,547)
Interest capitalized ................. -- -- 683
-------- -------- --------
Total other income (expense) .......... (2,165) (2,550) (8,599)
-------- -------- --------
Net loss before extraordinary item .... (3,326) (4,155) (18,242)
-------- -------- --------
Extraordinary item:
Loss on early retirement of debt
(no income tax benefit available) .. -- (4,089) (4,089)
-------- -------- --------
Net loss ............................. $ (3,326) $ (8,244) $(22,331)
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an intergral part of these financial statements.
CAPITOL QUEEN & CASINO, INC.
( A Development Stage Company And A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of
Becker Gaming, Inc.)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended March 31,
1996 1995
-------- --------
Cash flows from development stage activities:
Net loss .............................................. $ (3,326) $ (8,244)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by (used in) development stage activities:
Amortization of financing and other costs ........... 98 173
Amortization of original issue discount ............. 401 696
Abandonment loss .................................... -- --
Extraordinary loss on retirement of debt ............ -- 4,089
Increase in accounts payable and accruals,
net of amounts for capital expenditures ......... 1,622 320
Increase in advances from related parties ............ 848 35
-------- --------
Total adjustments ............................... 2,969 5,313
-------- --------
Net cash used in development stage activities ... (357) (2,931)
-------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures, net of construction .............
accounts payable -- (1,680)
Net (additions to) reductions in restricted ...........
cash equivalents -- 24,898
Decrease (increase) in deposits and other assets ...... 312 12
Capitalization of preopening costs .................... -- --
Development costs ..................................... -- --
-------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities . 312 23,230
-------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on First Mortgage Notes ........... -- (20,200)
Proceeds from issuance of First Mortgage Notes,
net of financing costs ............................. -- --
Proceeds from borrowings under notes payable to ...... .
related parties .................................... -- 1,200
Equity contribution from Becker Gaming, Inc. .........
relating to sale of warrants ....................... -- --
-------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities .......... 0 (20,200)
-------- --------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (45) 99
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period ......... 45 33
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period ............... $- $ 132
-------- --------
-------- --------
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized ............. $- $ 2,820
-------- --------
-------- --------
Original issue discount that did not affect cash ...... $- $-
-------- --------
-------- --------
Equity contribution by Becker Gaming that did not
affect cash ......................................... $- $-
-------- --------
-------- --------
CAPITOL QUEEN & CASINO, INC.
( A Development Stage Company And A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of
Becker Gaming, Inc.)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
For The Period
January 20, 1993
(The Date Of
Inception) Through
March 31,
1996
--------
Cash flows from development stage activities:
Net loss .............................................. $(22,331)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by (used in) development stage activities:
Amortization of financing and other costs ........... 1,339
Amortization of original issue discount ............. 1,900
Abandonment loss .................................... 6,034
Extraordinary loss on retirement of debt ............ 4,089
Increase in accounts payable and accruals,
net of amounts for capital expenditures ......... 2,171
Increase in advances from related parties ............ 1,240
--------
Total adjustments ............................... 16,773
--------
Net cash used in development stage activities ... (5,558)
--------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures, net of construction .............
accounts payable (12,936)
Net (additions to) reductions in restricted ...........
cash equivalents (31)
Decrease (increase) in deposits and other assets ...... 252
Capitalization of preopening costs .................... (340)
Development costs ..................................... (553)
--------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities . (13,608)
--------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on First Mortgage Notes ........... (20,200)
Proceeds from issuance of First Mortgage Notes,
net of financing costs ............................. 30,666
Proceeds from borrowings under notes payable to ...... --
related parties ....................................
Equity contribution from Becker Gaming, Inc. .........
relating to sale of warrants ....................... 7,500
--------
Net cash provided by financing activities .......... 19,166
--------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents --
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period ......... --
--------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period ............... $-
--------
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized ............. $ 5,807
--------
Original issue discount that did not affect cash ...... $ 7,500
--------
Equity contribution by Becker Gaming that did not
affect cash ......................................... $ 5,232
--------
CAPITOL QUEEN & CASINO, INC.
(A Development stage company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Becker
Gaming, Inc.)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
---------------
1) Basis of Presentation:
Capitol Queen & Casino, Inc. ("CQC") is wholly owned subsidiary of
Becker Gaming, Inc. ("BGI"). The accompanying financial statements of CQC have
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for
interim financial information and with the instruction to Form 10-Q and Article
10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information
and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and normal
recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair presentation have been
included. Operating results for the three and nine-month periods ended March 31,
1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the
year ended June 30, 1996. The accompanying unaudited financial statements and
footnotes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included
in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1995.
2) Denial of Missouri Gaming License Application of Capitol Queen &
Casino, Inc.:
Sunset Coin, Inc. ("SC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of BGI, has
guarantied the 12% First Mortgage Notes due November 15, 2000, of Arizona
Charlie's, Inc. ("AC"), another wholly owned subsidiary of BGI, until such time
as AC completes an expansion of its casino facilities (which it has done) and
obtains a specified fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the indenture
governing the AC First Mortgage Notes (the "AC Notes"). AC, in turn, has
guarantied the 12% First Mortgage Notes (the "CQC Notes") due November 15, 2000,
of CQC, until such time as CQC is licensed to conduct gaming in Missouri.
CQC was formed to develop, own, and operate the "Capitol Queen"
riverboat casino in Jefferson City, Missouri. On September 28, 1994, CQC was
notified that its application for a gaming license was rejected by the Missouri
Gaming Commission (the "Commission"). Under the Commission's order, CQC, its
principal owners and affiliated companies cannot reapply for a gaming license in
Missouri prior to September 28, 1996.
The Commission's decision was based on an August 1994 recommendation of its
staff (the "Staff") that CQC's license application be denied without an
investigative review because CQC knowingly failed to disclose material,
substantive information in the application. The Commission did not find that CQC
knowingly failed to disclose information, but did find that the application
contained omissions of a substantive and material nature. Management of CQC
believes that its application was complete and accurate. Moreover, CQC has fully
disclosed the information cited by the Staff in post-application filings, other
public documents, and communications with the Staff, all of which management
considers to be part of the licensing and related investigative process. Based
on the advice of legal counsel, CQC believes that the Commission acted outside
its authority in rejecting the application without a formal investigation.
On October 31, 1994, CQC and BGI petitioned the Cole County Circuit
Court in Jefferson City for a writ of mandamus. In response to the petition, the
Circuit Court issued an order declaring that by denying CQC's application for a
riverboat gaming license without first conducting an investigation and by
deliberating in a closed session, the Commission had violated Missouri gaming
and open meeting laws. The Circuit Court issued a preliminary writ of mandamus
declaring the Commission's decision void and ordering the Commission to
immediately commence a full investigation and thereafter to act on CQC's
application. The Circuit Court ordered the Commission to show cause within
thirty days why the preliminary writ should not be made permanent.
In response to the Circuit Court's order to show cause, the Commission
filed two actions, both unsuccessful, in the Missouri Court of Appeals for the
Western District. On November 16, 1994, the Commission petitioned the Court of
Appeals for a writ of prohibition against the Circuit Court, contending, among
other things, that CQC was not entitled to judicial relief because it had not
exhausted its administrative remedy of an evidentiary hearing before the
Commission. The Court of Appeals initially issued a preliminary writ of
prohibition staying further proceedings in the Circuit Court. However, in an
opinion issued on April 18, 1995, the Court of Appeals concluded that its
preliminary writ of prohibition had been improvidently granted, quashed the
preliminary writ, and denied the Commission's request for a permanent writ,
relegating the Commission to its remedies in the Circuit Court. On December 13,
1994, the Commission also filed an appeal of the Circuit Court's order to show
cause. On December 23, CQC moved to dismiss the appeal on the ground that the
preliminary writ of mandamus was not a final order and therefore was not
appealable. On January 5, 1995, the Court of Appeals granted CQC's motion and
dismissed the appeal.
On June 26, 1995, the Circuit Court issued a peremptory (permanent) writ of
mandamus similar to the preliminary writ, declaring the Commission's order void
and ordering the Commission to proceed with an investigation of CQC's
application "with all deliberate speed." On July 21, 1995, the Commission
appealed the Circuit Court's decision to the Missouri Court of Appeals for the
Western District, and on April 30, 1996, a three-judge panel of that Court ruled
that mandamus was not the proper vehicle for challenging the Commission's
decision. The Court of Appeals ruled that CQC may obtain judicial review only
after an administrative proceeding. The Court of Appeals also ruled that the
Commission could deny a license without conducting an investigation, and that
the claim that the Commission broke its promise not to deny a license without
first investigating should be raised in a breach of contract action, not a
mandamus petition. The Court of Appeals did not address the merits; that is, it
did not decide whether the Commission acted arbitrarily or whether its decision
was justified or a breach of its promises. The decision has no immediate
consequence because of a Circuit Court's ruling in a separate action (discussed
below) voiding the Commission's decision for the independent reason that it was
made in violation of Missouri's open meeting law. The Court of Appeals' decision
has no effect on that ruling, so the Commission's decision remains void.
Nevertheless, an appeal to the entire nine-judge Court of Appeals or to the
Missouri Supreme Court is being considered.
On November 1, 1994, concurrent with its efforts to obtain judicial
relief, CQC (with BGI as a co-party) requested an administrative hearing
pursuant to the Missouri gaming statutes, under which a denied applicant may
request an evidentiary hearing before a Commission appointed hearing officer.
The hearing officer's decision is subject to review by the Commission, and the
Commission's decision is in turn subject to judicial review. The Commission
filed an answer on November 29, alleging, among other things, that CQC is not
entitled to an administrative hearing because CQC had not been investigated. On
December 22, because the Commission had not appointed a hearing officer or
otherwise responded to CQC's request for a hearing, CQC moved the Commission to
appoint a hearing officer and establish a procedural schedule. The Commission
did not respond to this motion. However, in March 1995, CQC's counsel was
notified by a member of the Commission's staff that he had been appointed
hearing officer in the case. Because this person appears to have participated in
the staff's recommendation that CQC's license be denied, CQC moved on March 31
for the appointment of an impartial, independent hearing officer. The
Commission's attorney filed a response in opposition to this motion on April 12,
but the Commission has not responded to it. Instead, on August 10, 1995, the
hearing officer issued an order proclaiming his ability to proceed impartially
and purporting to deny the motion. On April 30, 1996, the hearing officer
reversed himself, recused himself, and asked the Commission to appoint another
hearing officer. To date, the Commission has not acted on this request. Hearing
dates have been vacated by stipulation, and, after the Circuit Court's orders
voiding the Commission's decision appeared to make the administrative proceeding
premature, the hearing was postponed indefinitely.
On March 24, 1995, CQC filed an action against the Commission in the Cole
County, Missouri, Circuit Court, alleging that the Commission had violated
Missouri's open meeting law by deliberating in a closed session before issuing
its decision denying CQC's license. The petition requested an order voiding the
Commission's decision. On March 27, as a protective measure against possible
arguments that Cole County is not the proper venue, CQC filed a substantively
identical action in the St. Louis County Circuit Court. In April, the Commission
filed answers to both complaints denying that it had violated the open meeting
law. On June 1, CQC moved for summary judgment in the Cole County case. In its
response, the Commission stated that it "did not deliberately intend to
circumvent" the open meeting law but had deliberated in closed session based on
erroneous advice of counsel. The Commission argued that the closed session could
nevertheless be justified under statutory exceptions allowing agencies to meet
privately with their lawyers to discuss confidential information and litigation.
The Circuit Court heard the motion for summary judgment on December 19, 1995. In
an order issued on April 23, 1996, the Circuit Court granted the motion, ruled
that the Commission had violated the open meeting law, and declared the
Commission's order void.
In January 1995, CQC engaged in settlement discussions initiated by the
Missouri Attorney General's office, legal counsel for the Commission, with
respect to the civil matters involving the Commission. The discussions, which
terminated in March 1995, were resumed in August 1995 and were expanded to
include the misdemeanor charges filed by the Missouri Attorney General. While
CQC and its lawyers continue to seek a negotiated settlement to the disputes
with the Commission and the Attorney General, the discussions were again
terminated by the Attorney General's office.
At the time CQC was notified of the Staff's position, construction of
the riverboat contemplated under the project being developed by CQC was almost
completed. CQC had also obtained the necessary permits for the land-based
development portion of the project and had performed certain dredging and other
site preparation work. In August 1994, CQC suspended all further land site
development activity pending resolution of the review of its license
application. Management of CQC believes that the Commission's subsequent ruling
in September 1994 makes further development of the project unfeasible because of
significant delays in the ability to operate the riverboat casino, either
through appeal of the decision or expiration of the two-year probation period.
Accordingly, on September 29, 1994, management decided to suspend further
development of the Capitol Queen project. As a result of that decision, costs
associated with the development of the project which had been deferred during
the development stage were written-off in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1994, and the land site and riverboat were written down to their
estimated net realizable value.
Prior to its suspension, CQC had financed the Capitol Queen project
through the issuance of $40,000,000 in principal amount of the 12% First
Mortgage Notes due November 15, 2000. As of January 1, 1995, the CQC Indenture
was amended to (i) eliminate CQC's obligation to construct and open the Capitol
Queen and (ii) permit a two-step purchase of the CQC Notes at 101% of principal
plus accrued and unpaid interest from a sale of assets. The repurchase of
$20,000,000 principal amount of the CQC Notes (plus accrued and unpaid interest
thereon) was completed on January 17, 1995, with funds from the project escrow
account, and an aggregate of $20,000,000 principal amount of the CQC Notes
remained outstanding. However, the dates by which CQC previously agreed with the
holders of the CQC Notes to effect the sale of its assets and repurchase the
remaining CQC Notes have passed. The CQC Notes outstanding require annual
interest payments of $2,400,000, payable in equal installments semi-annually on
May 15 and November 15. CQC was not able to make its scheduled interest payment
of $1,200,000 on November 15, 1995, and AC did not have available funds to
advance on behalf of CQC. In addition, under the terms of the AC Notes, AC is
required to offer to repurchase up to $5,500,000 in principal amount of the AC
Notes if AC's tangible net worth falls below certain limits. At March 31, 1996,
AC had a stockholders' deficiency and was subject to this requirement. AC does
not have sufficient financial resources to meet this requirement in addition to
its guarantee obligation with to CQC. Management of AC and CQC are currently
undergoing discussions with an informal committee representing the holders of
the AC Notes and CQC Notes regarding a proposed restructuring plan. However, an
agreement has not yet been reached.
CQC had entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 10, 1995,
for the sale of its assets to Aerie Riverboat Casinos of Missouri, Inc., at a
purchase price of $18,000,000. However, the consummation of the Aerie purchase
agreement was subject to the satisfaction of several conditions which could not
be satisfied timely, including, among others, that Jefferson City consent to the
assignment of the Development Agreement, that Aerie be found preliminary
suitable to hold a Missouri Gaming license and that riverboat gaming is legally
permitted in Jefferson City. As a result, the agreement with Aerie was
terminated without penalty when the expiration date of December 31, 1995,
passed. CQC is currently pursuing offers on its riverboat assets from
prospective buyers.
On November 7, 1995, voters in Jefferson City rejected an ordinance
permitting riverboat gambling, reversing the vote of an earlier election in
which Jefferson City voters approved riverboat gambling. Because CQC's
Development Agreement with Jefferson City was entered into pursuant to the
earlier ordinance permitting riverboat gambling, the Company believes that as a
matter of law the 1995 election does not affect the validity of the Development
Agreement. However, it has not yet been determined whether Jefferson City will
honor the Agreement in light of the election without litigation to uphold CQC's
position. CQC is exploring its legal options in the event Jefferson City
declines to honor the Development Agreement, but has not reached any decision. A
final judicial determination that the 1995 vote abrogates the Development
Agreement would have a material adverse effect on CQC and its ability to sell
its assets.
CQC is not expected to generate sufficient funds through the sale of
its assets to repurchase all of the outstanding CQC Notes. AC, pursuant to its
guaranty of the CQC Notes, will be liable for the principal of, and interest on,
any remaining outstanding CQC Notes. AC is restricted from selling assets under
the covenants governing the AC Notes, and management believes that access to
additional capital from other sources is restricted as a result of the
above-described circumstances. As a result, management does not believe that AC
(nor SC, as guarantor of the AC Notes) would have sufficient resources to
satisfy such obligation, should it be necessary.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATION
Becker Gaming, Inc.
The Company serves as a holding company for, and provides management and
administrative services to, the Becker family gaming interests, including
Arizona Charlie's, Inc. ("AC"), Sunset Coin, Inc. ("SC"), Becker Gaming Group
("BGG"), and Capitol Queen & Casino, Inc. ("CQC"). The Company has not engaged
in any business other than providing such management and administrative services
to its subsidiaries.
The Company's prospects for the receipt of management fee income from
CQC have been adversely impacted by events in Missouri adversely affecting CQC's
efforts to become licensed to conduct riverboat gaming in that State. As a
result of such events, CQC proposes to sell its riverboat casino project. See
"Capitol Queen & Casino, Inc. - General."
Arizona Charlie's, Inc.
General
AC's revenues are derived largely from gaming activities at its Arizona
Charlie's casino-hotel, and, to a lesser extent, from food and beverage,
lodging, entertainment and retail sales. AC generally views its non-casino
operations as complementary to its core casino operations. Accordingly, it
utilizes entertainment primarily as a casino marketing tool. Further, AC
maintains food and beverage pricing structures designed to benefit casino
volumes, often resulting in department operating losses. AC seeks to maximize
profits from its hotel operations, however, while maintaining attractive room
rental rates. Gaming revenues represent the net win from gaming wins and losses.
The retail value of accommodations, food and beverage provided to customers
without charge is included in gross revenues and deducted as promotional
allowance.
Results of Operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 1996 and
1995
Results from operations at AC decreased for both the three-month and
nine-month periods ended March 31, 1996 compared to the same periods in 1995,
despite increased revenues, as a result of increased operating expenses in the
more recent periods. The increased revenues and expenses reflect the opening of
new and expanded facilities at Arizona Charlie's from September 1994 through
January 1995. In addition, the increase in expenses for the 1996 periods reflect
increased slot promotional activity, accrued costs that are attributable to CQC,
and the addition of staff personnel, equipment and related operating expenses
transferred to AC from BGI.
Net revenues at AC increased by $1,255,000, or 8.0%, from $15,663,000
to $16,918,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 1996 compared to the
three-month period ended March 31, 1995. In the same period-to-period
comparison, operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization,
increased by 11.1% to $16,131,000 from $14,518,000. This resulted in a $358,000
decrease in operating income from $1,145,000 to $787,000 for the more recent
three-month period.
Net revenues at AC increased by $8,625,000, or 21.2%, from $40,623,000
to $49,248,000 for the nine-month period ended March 31, 1996 compared to the
nine-month period ended March 31, 1995. In the same period-to-period comparison,
operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased by 28.7%
to $49,887,000 from $38,750,000. This resulted in a $2,512,000 decrease in
operating income from $1,873,000 to an operating loss of $639,000 for the more
recent nine-month period.
Gaming revenues increased $405,000, or 3.1%, for the three-month period
ended March 31, 1996 compared to the same period in the prior year. The largest
portion of the gaming revenue increase is attributable to gaming machine
revenues, which increased 4.8% from $10,939,000 to $11,465,000 for the
three-month period ended March 31, 1996, reflecting increased levels of play as
a result of additional slot promotional events in the latter period. Revenues
from table games decreased 24.1% from $1,412,000 to $1,071,000 during the more
recent three-month period as a result of a lower than normal hold percentage for
blackjack games. Poker revenues remained relatively flat at $158,000 for the
1996 three-month period compared to $161,000 for the 1995 three-month period.
Bingo revenues increased by $143,000 for the three-month period ended March 31,
1996 when compared to the same period of the prior year as a result of increased
play and lower than normal payouts.
The largest portion of the increase in revenues for the nine-month
period ended March 31, 1996 is attributable to gaming revenues which increased
18.8% from $33,659,000 to $39,988,000. Specifically, gaming machine revenues
increased $5,467,000, or 19.3%, from $28,293,000 to $33,760,000. Revenues from
table games increased $10,716, or 0.3%, from $3,496,000 to $3,506,000, and
revenues from the race & sports book increased $364,000, or 18.5%, from
$1,967,000 to $2,332,000. These increases are primary the result of increased
levels of play by patrons and revenue generated from an additional 399 slot
machines, 5 table games and an expanded race & sports book facility that offers
pari-mutual wagering. Bingo revenues also increased by $254,000 during the
nine-month period ended March 31, 1996 compared to the same period of the prior
year as a result of increased play and lower than normal payouts.
Food and beverage revenues increased 15.3% from $2,980,000 to
$3,436,000 during the three-month period ended March 31, 1996 compared to the
same period in the prior year, reflecting increased customer volumes at the two
specialty restaurants, Chin's and the Yukon Grill, both of which opened in
December of 1994. For the nine-month period ended March 31, 1996, food and
beverage revenues increased $2,143,000, or 28.0%, from $7,664,000 to $9,807,000
when compared to the nine-month period of the prior year, also reflecting the
additional revenues from the two specialty restaurants.
Hotel revenues increased 15.1% from $733,000 to $844,000 during the
three months ended March 31, 1996 compared to the same three-month period in
1995. The increased revenue is due to a small increase in room rates combined
with a 8.0% increase in occupancy rates. During the nine-month period ended
March 31, 1996, hotel revenues increased by $458,000, or 24.4%, from $1,879,000
to $2,337,000 compared to the same nine-month period of 1995, reflecting an
increase in room and occupancy rates, and the addition of 158 new rooms that
were opened in September 1994.
Gift shop revenues remained flat at $150,000 during the three-month
period ended March 31, 1996 compared to the same period in 1995. During the
nine-month period ended March 31, 1996, gift shop revenues increased $43,000, or
10.4%, from $414,000 to $457,000 compared to the same period in 1995, primarily
as the result of the relocation and enlargement of the gift shop in January
1995.
Management fees from BGI were $729,000 and $1,454,000 and for the
three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31, 1996. Such fees were
implemented on October 1, 1995 and are designed to recover expenses associated
with the addition of approximately 40 employees in the accounting, payroll,
personnel (and related departmental costs) and technical services departments
and the transfer of certain executive personnel in March 1995 to the Company
from BGI. The management fee is also designed to recover other expenses
transferred from BGI to the Company including the maintenance and other
operating expenses associated with an airplane and two boats. Management fee
revenue to the Company from BGI is equal to 80% of the management fee expense to
BGI. The management fee is not collected from BGI, but serves as a vehicle to
offset the above described additional expenses and costs incurred by the
Company.
Other revenues which principally include entertainment cover charges,
ATM commissions, and revenues from PBX and banquets, increased 5.6% from
$320,000 to $338,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 1996 compared to
the same period in 1995. During the nine-month period ended March 31, 1996,
other revenues increased by $270,000, or 46.4%, from $582,000 to $852,000
compared to the same nine-month period of 1995. The increases for the 1996
periods reflect higher entertainment cover- charge and banquet revenues
resulting from the addition of the showroom and the banquet facilities which
opened in December 1994, partially offset by a reduction in the number of
entertainment events conducted in the 1996 three-month period.
Gaming expenses increased by $132,000 and $2,227,000, or 4.0% and
25.12%, from $3,313,000 and $8,865,000 to $3,445,000 and $11,092,000,
respectively, for the three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31, 1996
compared to the same periods in the prior year. The higher levels of expense for
the 1996 three-month period reflect the additional salaries and wages and
certain costs associated with Company-sponsored promotional events for premium
players totaling $146,000. For the nine-month period ended March 31, 1996,
increased expenses include slot promotional expense of $1,142,000, higher gaming
tax and licenses fees of $464,000 along with the additional expense of the newly
created casino marketing department totaling $337,000. As a result, gaming
expenses represented 25.6% and 27.7% of gaming revenues for the three-month and
nine-month periods ended March 31, 1996, compared to 25.4% and 26.3% of the
gaming revenues for the same periods ended March 31, 1995.
Food and beverage expenses increased by $432,000 and $2,239,000, or
11.6.0% and 22.8.0%, from $4,164,000 and $12,054,000 to $3,732,000 and
$9,810,000, respectively, for the three-month and nine-month periods ended March
31, 1996 when compared to the same periods ended March 31, 1995, as a result of
increased food costs and the additional departmental personnel required for the
two new specialty restaurants and the sports book deli that opened in March
1995. As a result, food and beverage expenses represented 121.2% and 123.0% of
food and beverage revenues for the three-month and nine-month periods ended
March 31, 1996 compared to 125.2% and 128.1% of the food and beverage revenues
for the same periods ended March 31, 1995. Management anticipates these costs
will continue to decline as a percentage of revenues as these facilities
continue to generate higher customer volumes.
Hotel expenses increased by $27,000 and $115,000, or 6.7% and 10.2%,
from $401,000 and $1,128,000 to $428,000 and $1,243,000, respectively, for the
three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31, 1996 as compared to the same
periods in 1995, reflecting increased salaries and wages and the additional
expense associated with the operation of the added rooms and suites. However,
net contribution by the hotel department (hotel revenues less hotel operating
expenses) improved to $416,000 and $1,094,000 for the three-month and nine-month
periods ended March 31, 1996 from $332,000 and $751,000 for the same periods in
1995.
General and administrative expenses increased by $908,000 and
$5,435,000, or 22.1% and 50.3%, from $4,115,000 and $10,812,000 to $5,023,000
and $16,247,000 respectively, for the three-month and nine-month periods ended
March 31, 1996 as compared to the same periods in 1995. The increases resulted
from the additional staffing in the accounting, payroll, personnel and technical
services departments and the transfer of executive personnel (and related
departmental costs) in March 1995 to the Company from BGI. Other expenses
transferred from BGI to the Company include the maintenance and other operating
expenses associated with an airplane and two boats. Other increases to general
and administrative expenses included accrued expenses and payments made on
behalf of CQC in the amounts of $794,000 and $2,947,000 for the three-month and
nine-month periods ended March 31, 1996. The Company accrued management fees
payable to BGI of $912,000 and $2,674,000 during the three-month and nine-month
periods ended March 31, 1996.
Advertising and promotional expenses increased by $46,000 and $451,000,
or 4.4% and 15.3%, from $1,051,000 and $2,941,000 to $1,097,000 and $3,392,000
during the three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31, 1996 compared to
the same periods in 1995. The increases in the 1996 periods are attributable to
additional television advertising expenses and the costs of casino mailing
promotions.
Depreciation and amortization increased slightly by $1,000 and
$143,000, or 0.1% and 5.7%, from $888,000 and $2,525,000 to $889,000 and
$2,668,000 during the three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31, 1996
when compared to the same periods in 1995, primarily due to additional
depreciation expense associated with new expansion assets.
AC had other expenses of $1,718,000 and $5,025,000 for the three-month
and nine-month periods ended March 31, 1996 compared with $1,695,000 and
$4,262,000 for the same periods in 1995. The increased expense is due to a
reduction of interest income in the amount of $21,000 in the three-month period
and a decrease in capitalized interest (other income) in the amount $676,000 for
the nine-month period ended March 31, 1996.
Income Taxes
As a result of the termination of its election to be treated as an S
corporation, AC is liable for income taxes on income earned from and after
January 1, 1995. Prior to such termination, AC did not incur or pay income taxes
but distributed cash to its stockholders in amounts sufficient to pay their
income tax liability in respect to income of AC. Since terminating its S
corporation status, AC generated a net operating loss for income tax purposes of
approximately $5,900,000. Management anticipates that, upon full operation of
its expanded facilities, AC will generate taxable income and that its effective
federal income tax rate will approximate the statutory rate of 35%, prior to
consideration of the benefit from the net operating losses, which may be
utilized to offset taxable income.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At March 31, 1996, AC had working capital deficit of $6,000 compared to
working capital of $2,920,000 at June 30, 1995. The decrease in working capital
was caused primarily by increased accruals representing interest owed on the CQC
Notes, management fees payable to BGI, interest expense on the $2,250,000
short-term note payable to Sunset Coin, Inc., and a decrease in prepaid expenses
offset by an increase in receivable from related parties.
For the nine-month period ended March 31, 1996, cash provided by
operating activities decreased by 42.3% to $2,530,000 from $4,386,000 for the
same period ended in 1995. The decrease is primarily attributable to a net loss
of $5,664,000 for the nine-month period in 1996 compared to a net loss of
$2,389,000 for the same period last year, an increase in operating assets of
$1,903,000 from a decrease of $300,000 for the same period last year offset by
an increase in operating liabilities to $6,179,000 for the nine-month period in
1996 from $3,952,000 for the same period in 1995.
For the nine-month period ended March 31, 1996, net cash used in
investing activities decreased by 55.3% to $1,713,000 from $3,835,000 for the
same period ended in 1995. The decrease is the result of a $23,599,000 reduction
in capital expenditures, offset by a $24,182,000 net reduction to restricted
cash. Capital expenditures decreased in the 1996 period because the majority of
the construction of the expanded facility occurred and was completed in the 1995
period. Restricted cash was reduced in the period ended March 31, 1995 upon
payment for the construction of the expanded facility which also occurred in the
period ended March 31, 1995. Other decreases in investing activities reflect a
$4,147,000 net reduction in receivables from BGI attributable to a decrease in
cash advances to BGI from AC.
Cash flows provided by financing activities for the nine-month period
ended March 31, 1996 was $71,000 reflecting payments on notes payable and
capital leases. For the same period ended in 1995, cash flows from financing
activities provided $841,000 derived mostly from borrowing under notes payable.
AC's long-term obligations, approximately $61,000,000 at March 31,
1996, consist of the AC Notes, stockholder notes and capitalized equipment
leases. AC has annual interest expenses aggregating $6,600,000 and $500,000 with
respect to the AC Notes and the stockholder notes, in addition to current annual
payment of $1,200,000 associated with capitalized equipment financing. Further,
AC is expected to have annual capital expenditure requirements of approximately
$600,000.
AC has a substantial contingent obligation resulting from its guarantee
of the CQC Notes, $20,000,000 in principal amount of which are outstanding, as a
result of a September 28, 1994 ruling of the Missouri Gaming Commission denying
CQC's gaming license application. Because CQC does not have significant funds,
AC is obligated to pay interest on the CQC Notes, which accrues at the rate of
$2,400,000 annually. Such interest is payable semi-annually on May 15 and
November 15 of each year.
In addition, unless the holders of the CQC Notes otherwise agree, AC
will be liable for any shortfall between the proceeds from any sale of assets by
CQC and the amount required to retire the CQC Notes. Because there can be no
assurances that CQC will be able to sell its assets for an amount which will
allow it to fully or substantially repay the CQC Notes, AC's liability under its
guarantee of the CQC Notes may exceed that amount which it could support. In
addition, a default under the AC Notes would entitle the holders of 25% or more
in principal amount thereof to cause such AC Notes to become accelerated, in
which event they would become immediately due and payable in full.
On November 15, 1995, AC made an interest payment due on the AC Notes
in the amount of $1,650,000, an amount equal to 50% of the required amount due.
The remainder of the interest was paid on December 27, 1995. CQC was not able to
make its November 15, 1996 scheduled interest payment of $1,200,000, and AC did
not have funds available to advance on behalf of CQC. Further, CQC will not be
able to make its May 15, 1996 scheduled interest payment of $1,200,000 and AC
will not have funds available to advance on behalf of CQC. Management of AC and
CQC are currently undergoing discussions with an informal committee representing
the holders of the AC Notes and CQC Notes regarding a proposed restructuring
plan; however, an agreement has not yet been reached.
AC's management believes that, if not required to make any large cash
payments under its guarantee of the CQC Notes, AC has sufficient funds to meet
its projected needs for financing of existing operations and service its debt
obligations. However, AC's performance will be influenced by prevailing economic
conditions and financial, business and competitive factors, many of which are
beyond its control.
Sunset Coin, Inc.
General
SC derives its revenues and profits largely from its gaming machine
route pursuant to participation contracts and, to a lesser extent, space leases.
Under its participation contracts, SC pays a percentage of the net win (amounts
wagered less winnings paid) from its gaming machines to the site owner. The
balance is retained by SC. Under its space leases, SC pays the site owner a
fixed space rental fee and retains all of the net win. SC gaming revenues under
participation contracts represent SC's share of the net win after payments to
the location, and under space leases represent all revenues before lease
payments, which are treated as expenses. A majority of SC's gaming machines are
installed at locations controlled by the Becker family and the contracts with
such locations are expected to be renewed as a matter of general course.
In addition to the operation of its gaming machine route, SC services
gaming machines owned by other operators for fixed service fees. Included among
its service agreements are contracts with six Becker Gaming Group ("BGG")
locations and one additional location owned by an unrelated party, which are
expected to be renewed in general course except for Charlie's Saloon (a BGG bar)
which discontinued its operation on April 21, 1996.
Results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 1996
and 1995
SC's results of operations declined for the three-month and nine-month
periods ended March 31, 1996 compared to the same periods in the prior year.
Revenues decreased by 1.7% to $677,000 for the three-month period and by 3.4% to
$1,959,000 for the nine-month period. The decreases in revenues are attributable
to the expiration of contracts that were not renewed with one participation and
one service fee location in the more recent period, the effect of which was
slightly offset by the addition of two participation locations and the
conversion of another location from a participation contract to a more favorable
space lease contract. Additional service revenues were recognized in the 1996
periods due to the recently added BGG bar, Charlie's Bar Down Under.
The total number of gaming machines operated during the three-month and
nine-month periods ended March 31, 1996 were 395 compared to 352 in the prior
year periods. The total number of gaming machines at BGG locations serviced by
SC was 130 for the three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31, 1996
compared to 95 for the same periods in 1995. Slot service fees from BGG for the
three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31, 1996 were $24,000 and
$72,000, up from $18,000 and $54,000 for the same periods in the prior year.
Gaming machine route expenses for the three-month and nine-month
periods ended March 31, 1996 increased by 19.6% to $324,000 and by 20.8% to
$939,000 when compared to the same periods in the prior year reflecting
increased salaries and wages, due to additional staffing requirements and the
transfer of management personnel from BGI to SC, as well as additional security
guard wage expense in the more recent three-month period. Other increased
expenses for repairs and maintenance, automotive and complimentary expenses were
partially offset by a decrease in loss and damage, advertising, and supplies
expenses.
General and administrative expenses for the three-month and nine-month
periods decreased by 78.9% and 42.6% to $4,000 and $31,000 from $19,000 and
$54,000, reflecting decreases in professional fees, donations, office and
supplies expenses, and bad debts.
Management fees (based upon gross revenues) decreased by 8.1% and 8.9%
to $34,000 and $102,000 for the three-month and nine-month periods ended March
31, 1996 when compared to the same periods in the prior year. This decrease is
attributable to lower gross revenues in the more recent periods.
Depreciation and amortization increased by 25.0% and 29.5% to $75,000
and $224,000 for the three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31, 1996,
reflecting additional depreciation and amortization costs associated with the
April 1995 opening of Charlie's Bar Down Under (a BGG bar). SC purchased certain
furniture, fixtures and equipment contained in this bar.
During the three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31, 1996, SC
had other expenses (net of other income) of approximately $28,000 and $113,000
compared to $24,000 and $94,000 for the same periods in 1995. The increases are
attributable to increased interest expense relating to draws on a line of credit
to finance the furniture, fixtures and equipment installed at Charlie's Down
Under and slot machines for the new and existing locations.
Income Taxes
As a result of the termination of its election to be treated as S
corporation, SC became liable for income taxes on income earned from and after
January 1, 1995. Prior to such termination, SC did not incur or pay their income
tax liability in respect to income of SC. Estimated income tax payable for the
three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31, 1996 amounted to $72,000 and
$187,000 from $95,000 and $278,000 in the same period in the prior year. These
were based on an anticipated effective federal income tax rate approximating the
statutory rate of 34%.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash provided by operating activities for the nine-month period ended
March 31, 1996 increased to $853,000 from $675,000 for the nine-month period
ended March 31, 1995, mostly due to a net increase in operating liabilities of
$265,000 and depreciation and amortization of $51,000 offset by a decrease in
operating assets of $37,000, and revenues of $176,000.
Cash flows used in investing activities for the nine months ended March
31, 1996 amounted to $281,000, including repayment of notes receivable of
$63,000, a decrease in advances to related parties of $32,000, purchases of slot
machines of $324,000, and proceeds from the sale of slot machines of $12,000.
Cash flows used in financing activities for the nine months ended
March 31, 1996 amounted to $65,000, reflecting note proceeds of $157,000 and
$222,000 in principal payments on notes payable.
SC's indebtedness includes stockholder notes and notes collateralized
by its gaming equipment and other assets. The stockholder notes aggregate
$3,000,000 in principal amount, bear interest at an annual rate of 10% and
mature January 2001. The collateralized notes bear interest at annual rates of
approximately 10.89%, in the case of fixed rate loans, or at prime plus 1.5% ,
in the case of a collateralized line of credit, the outstanding aggregate
balance of which, $272,000, was converted to a note at July 1, 1994 with monthly
payments through June 1998. The fixed rate notes mature at various dates through
December 1995.
In July 1994, SC entered into an agreement with a bank for a new $1.2
million non-revolving line of credit. Each advance under the line shall be
evidenced by a separate promissory note with maturity date not exceeding 66
months from the date of the respective advance giving rise to the note. Under
the agreement, SC originally could request advances through October 28, 1995
only, at which time its rights to advances under the agreement were terminated.
In December 1995, the agreement was amended making available the unused portion
of $1,200,000 until October 20, 1996. Advances under the agreement bear interest
at the bank's prime rate plus 1.5% up to a maximum rate of 2.0%. As of March 31,
1996, the amount outstanding under the non-revolving line of credit totaled
$821,000. SC's management believes that it has sufficient funds through the
non-revolving line of credit and cash generated by operations to meet its
projected needs for existing operations and limited expansion of its gaming
machine route business. Should SC determine to expand on more than a limited
basis, it is likely that further capital would be necessary. SC's access to
additional capital will be significantly restricted under the AC Indenture so
long as SC is a guarantor of the AC Notes. SC has guaranteed the payment of the
AC Notes, which guarantee is subject to release upon attainment by AC of a fixed
charge coverage ratio of 2.25 to 1. In connection with its guarantee, the
Indenture imposes restrictions on the distribution of earnings. SC's management
believes that it has sufficient funds through the non-revolving line of credit
and cash generated by operations to meet its projected needs for existing
operations and limited expansion of its gaming machine route business. Should SC
determine to expand on more than a limited basis, it is likely that further
capital would be necessary. SC's access to additional capital will be
significantly restricted under the AC Indenture so long as SC is a guarantor of
the AC Notes.
AC may have liability under its guarantee of the CQC Notes beyond that
which it could immediately support, AC may be in default of the AC Notes and SC,
as guarantor of the AC Notes, would have liability under its guarantee. Such
liability would likely exceed the amount which SC could immediately support,
including amounts available under its non-revolving line of credit.
Capitol Queen & Casino, Inc.
Analysis of Development Stage Activities for the period July 1, 1995 through
March 31, 1996
CQC was organized on January 20, 1993 for the purpose of developing,
constructing, owning and operating the Capitol Queen riverboat casino. Since
inception, CQC's activities have been limited to, in addition to the financing
transaction described below, the acquisition of a land site in Jefferson City,
Missouri and the rights to develop the Capitol Queen thereon, the preparation
and prosecution of applications to become licensed to own and operate the
Capitol Queen in Missouri and for all other required permits and approvals, the
preparation of preliminary design plans, drawings and budgets for the project,
construction of a riverboat vessel and other pre-opening development activities.
As of August 1994, CQC has suspended the development of the Capitol Queen, other
than completion of the riverboat. As a result of a September 28, 1994 ruling by
the Missouri Gaming Commission denying CQC's license application, CQC proposes
to sell its assets. Such assets include its riverboat, Jefferson City land site,
the Riverfront Development Agreement with Jefferson City and certain permits.
As of January 1, 1995, the CQC Indenture was amended to (i) eliminate
CQC's obligation to construct and open the Capitol Queen and (ii) permit a
two-step purchase of the CQC Notes at 101% of principal plus accrued and unpaid
interest from a sale of assets. The repurchase of $20,000,000 principal amount
of the CQC Notes (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon) was completed on
January 17, 1995 with funds from the project escrow account and an aggregate of
$20,000,000 principal amount of the CQC Notes remained outstanding. However, the
dates by which CQC previously agreed with the holders of the CQC Notes to effect
the sale of its assets and repurchase the remaining CQC Notes have passed. The
CQC Notes outstanding require annual interest payments of $2,400,000, payable in
equal installments semi-annually on May 15 and November 15. CQC was not able to
make its scheduled interest payment of $1,200,000 on November 15, 1995 and also
will not be able to make the interest payment due May 15, 1996. AC does not have
available funds to advance on behalf of CQC. Management of AC and CQC are
currently undergoing discussions with an informal committee representing the
holders of the AC Notes and CQC Notes regarding a proposed restructuring plan,
however, an agreement has not yet been reached.
CQC had entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 10, 1995
for the sale of its assets to Aerie Riverboat Casinos of Missouri, Inc. at a
purchase price of $18,000,000. However, the consummation of the Aerie purchase
agreement was subject to the satisfaction of several conditions which could not
be satisfied timely, including, among others, that Jefferson City consent to the
assignment of the Development Agreement, that Aerie be found preliminary
suitable to hold a Missouri Gaming license and that riverboat gaming is legally
permitted in Jefferson City. As a result, the agreement with Aerie was
terminated without penalty when the expiration date of December 31, 1995 passed.
CQC is currently pursuing offers on its riverboat assets from prospective
buyers.
During the period from July 1, 1995 through March 31, 1996, CQC had
total operating expenses of $1,161,000 consisting primarily of amortization
expenses of $98,000 associated with debt issue costs and $1,063,000 of other
operating costs. Other operating costs include a write-off of $312,000 of costs
for architectural plans and dredging costs and approximately $200,000 of costs
associated with the November 8, 1995 election campaign. The remaining $500,000
in operating costs are legal and professional fees and $15,000 per month for
boat storage and insurance paid to the shipbuilder. For the same period, CQC
incurred $2,165,000 of interest cost, of which none was capitalized due to the
decision to suspend development of the riverboat project.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
For the period July 1, 1995 through March 31, 1996, net cash used by
development stage activities was $357,000. At March 31, 1996, CQC had expended a
total of approximately $21,400,000 on the development and construction of the
Capitol Queen.
CQC's long-term obligations consist of the $20,000,000 in principal
amount of the outstanding CQC Notes. There can be no assurance that CQC will be
successful in its efforts to sell its assets or, that if a sale is effected, the
proceeds will be sufficient to fully or substantially repay the CQC Notes and
accrued interest thereon. Moreover, CQC because it has not yet effected the sale
of its assets, is in default of the CQC Indenture. As a result, the holders of
25% or more in principal amount of the CQC Notes may cause the CQC Notes to be
accelerated, in which event they would become immediately due and payable in
full. If the CQC Notes were to be accelerated, CQC would not be able to pay the
outstanding CQC Notes without an infusion of capital, which is not expected to
be available. CQC is not expected to engage in any activities after the sale of
its assets, although it may continue to pursue legal relief with respect to the
injury caused by the ruling of Missouri Gaming Commission and the recent vote in
Jefferson City. The cost of pursuing such relief is expected to be borne by BGI.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
BGI, CQC, and the Nevada Operating Companies (Arizona Charlie's, Inc.,
Becker Gaming Group, and Sunset Coin, Inc.) are parties to various lawsuits
relating to routine matters incidental to their respective businesses, in
addition to the litigation discussed below. Based on the amounts and issues
believed to be in controversy and management's evaluation of the merits of the
claims after consultation with counsel, management does not believe that the
outcome of such litigation, in the aggregate, will have a material adverse
effect on the results of operations or financial condition of BGI, CQC, or the
Nevada Operating Companies.
On October 31, 1994, CQC and BGI petitioned the Cole County Circuit
Court in Jefferson City for a writ of mandamus. In response to the petition, the
Circuit Court issued an order declaring that by denying CQC's application for a
riverboat gaming license without first conducting an investigation and by
deliberating in a closed session, the Commission had violated Missouri gaming
and open meeting laws. The Circuit Court issued a preliminary writ of mandamus
declaring the Commission's decision void and ordering the Commission to
immediately commence a full investigation and thereafter to act on CQC's
application. The Circuit Court ordered the Commission to show cause within
thirty days why the preliminary writ should not be made permanent.
In response to the Circuit Court's order to show cause, the Commission
filed two actions, both unsuccessful, in the Missouri Court of Appeals for the
Western District. On November 16, 1994, the Commission petitioned the Court of
Appeals for a writ of prohibition against the Circuit Court, contending, among
other things, that CQC was not entitled to judicial relief because it had not
exhausted its administrative remedy of an evidentiary hearing before the
Commission. The Court of Appeals initially issued a preliminary writ of
prohibition staying further proceedings in the Circuit Court. However, in an
opinion issued on April 18, 1995, the Court of Appeals concluded that its
preliminary writ of prohibition had been improvidently granted, quashed the
preliminary writ, and denied the Commission's request for a permanent writ,
relegating the Commission to its remedies in the Circuit Court. On December 13,
1994, the Commission also filed an appeal of the Circuit Court's order to show
cause. On December 23, CQC moved to dismiss the appeal on the ground that the
preliminary writ of mandamus was not a final order and therefore was not
appealable. On January 5, 1995, the Court of Appeals granted CQC's motion and
dismissed the appeal.
On June 26, 1995, the Circuit Court issued a peremptory (permanent)
writ of mandamus similar to the preliminary writ, declaring the Commission's
order void and ordering the Commission to proceed with an investigation of CQC's
application "with all deliberate speed." On July 21, 1995, the Commission
appealed the Circuit Court's decision to the Missouri Court of Appeals for the
Western District, and on April 30, 1996, a three-judge panel of that Court ruled
that mandamus was not the proper vehicle for challenging the Commission's
decision. The Court of Appeals ruled that CQC may obtain judicial review only
after an administrative proceeding. The Court of Appeals also ruled that the
Commission could deny a license without conducting an investigation, and that
the claim that the Commission broke its promise not to deny without first
investigating should be raised in a breach of contract action, not a mandamus
petition. The Court of Appeals did not address the merits; that is, it did not
decide whether the Commission acted arbitrarily or whether its decision was
justified or a breach of its promises. The decision has no immediate consequence
because of a Circuit Court's ruling in a separate action (discussed below)
voiding the Commission's decision for the independent reason that it was made in
violation of Missouri's open meeting law. The Court of Appeals' decision has no
effect on that ruling, so the Commission's decision remains void. Nevertheless,
an appeal to the entire nine-judge Court of Appeals or to the Missouri Supreme
Court is being considered.
On November 1, 1994, concurrent with its efforts to obtain judicial
relief, CQC (with BGI as a co-party) requested an administrative hearing
pursuant to the Missouri gaming statutes, under which a denied applicant may
request an evidentiary hearing before a Commission appointed hearing officer.
The hearing officer's decision is subject to review by the Commission, and the
Commission's decision is in turn subject to judicial review. The Commission
filed an answer on November 29, alleging, among other things, that CQC is not
entitled to an administrative hearing because CQC had not been investigated. On
December 22, because the Commission had not appointed a hearing officer or
otherwise responded to CQC's request for a hearing, CQC moved the Commission to
appoint a hearing officer and establish a procedural schedule. The Commission
did not respond to this motion. However, in March 1995, CQC's counsel was
notified by a member of the Commission's staff that he had been appointed
hearing officer in the case. Because this person appears to have participated in
the staff's recommendation that CQC's license be denied, CQC moved on March 31
for the appointment of an impartial, independent hearing officer. The
Commission's attorney filed a response in opposition to this motion on April 12,
but the Commission has not responded to it. Instead, on August 10, 1995, the
hearing officer issued an order proclaiming his ability to proceed impartially
and purporting to deny the motion. On April 30, 1996, the hearing officer
reversed himself, recused himself, and asked the Commission to appoint another
hearing officer. To date, the Commission has not acted on this request. Hearing
dates have been vacated by stipulation, and, after the Circuit Court's orders
voiding the Commission's decision appeared to make the administrative proceeding
premature, the hearing was postponed indefinitely.
On March 23, 1995, the Missouri Attorney General filed misdemeanor
charges against CQC and Bruce Becker alleging they knowingly made false
statements on CQC's gaming license application. CQC and Mr. Becker vehemently
denied the charges and launched a vigorous defense. On July 25, 1995, the
Circuit Court for St. Louis County, Missouri, dismissed the charges, ruling that
they did not state an offense, that the Attorney General lacked authority to
bring them, and that they were filed after the statute of limitations had
expired. On July 28, 1995, the Attorney General filed an appeal in the Missouri
Court of Appeals for the Eastern District. CQC's and Bruce Becker's motions to
dismiss the appeals as untimely filed were summarily denied on August 14, 1995.
On April 16, 1996, in a 2-1 decision, a panel of the Missouri Court of Appeals
reversed the Circuit Court's dismissal. An appeal to the entire nine-judge Court
of Appeals or to the Missouri Supreme Court is being considered. These charges
are not expected to have a material adverse effect on BGI or CQC.
On March 24, 1995, CQC filed an action against the Commission in the
Cole County, Missouri, Circuit Court, alleging that the Commission had violated
Missouri's open meeting law by deliberating in a closed session before issuing
its decision denying CQC's license. The petition requested an order voiding the
Commission's decision. On March 27, as a protective measure against possible
arguments that Cole County is not the proper venue, CQC filed a substantively
identical action in the St. Louis County Circuit Court. In April, the Commission
filed answers to both complaints denying that it had violated the open meeting
law. On June 1, CQC moved for summary judgment in the Cole County case. In its
response, the Commission stated that it "did not deliberately intend to
circumvent" the open meeting law but had deliberated in closed session based on
erroneous advice of counsel. The Commission argued that the closed session could
nevertheless be justified under statutory exceptions allowing agencies to meet
privately with their lawyers to discuss confidential information and litigation.
The Circuit Court heard the motion for summary judgment on December 19, 1995. In
an order issued on April 23, 1996, the Circuit Court granted the motion, ruled
that the Commission had violated the open meeting law, and declared the
Commission's order void.
In January 1995, CQC engaged in settlement discussions initiated by the
Missouri Attorney General's office, legal counsel for the Commission, with
respect to the civil matters involving the Commission. The discussions, which
terminated in March 1995, were resumed in August 1995 and were expanded to
include the misdemeanor charges filed by the Missouri Attorney General. While
CQC and its lawyers continue to seek a negotiated settlement to the disputes
with the Commission and the Attorney General, the discussions were again
terminated by the Attorney General's office.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
No exhibits are included herein:
The Company did not file any reports on from 8-K during the Three and
Nine Month periods ended March 31, 1996.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Becker Gaming, Inc.
(Registrant)
Date: May 15, 1996
/S/ Bruce F. Becker
- -------------------
Bruce F. Becker
President, Chief Executive
Officer(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: May 15, 1996
/S/ Jerry Griffis
- -----------------
Jerry Griffis
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
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