UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-QSB

 

(Mark One)

 

x

 

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

o

 

TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

 

For the Transition Period From           To           

 

Commission file number 000-50572

 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada

 

87-0686721

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

2001 Killebrew Drive, Suite 350, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55425
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(952) 853-9990
(Issuer’s telephone number)

 

Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES  x   NO  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) YES  o   NO  x

 

State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date:  27,286,443 as of October 30, 2007.

 

Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): YES  o   NO  x

 

 



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

 

FORM 10-QSB
September 30, 2007

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

Financial Statements

1

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited), September 30, 2007

2

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

3

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

4

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited) for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2007

5

 

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

6

ITEM 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation

18

ITEM 3.

Controls and Procedures

27

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

Legal Proceedings

28

ITEM 6.

Exhibits

29

 

 

 

SIGNATURE PAGE

30

 

In this Form 10-QSB, references to “Southwest,” “the company,” “we,” “our” or “us,” unless the context otherwise requires, refer to Southwest Casino Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

i



 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited), September 30, 2007

2

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

3

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

4

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited) for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2007

5

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

6

 

1



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

September 30, 2007

 

 

 

2007

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

$

1,546,514

 

Accounts Receivable

 

44,624

 

Inventories

 

129,858

 

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

 

912,786

 

Total Current Assets

 

$

2,633,782

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

Leasehold Improvements

 

15,384,266

 

Furniture and Equipment

 

5,187,193

 

Accumulated Depreciation

 

(10,471,421

)

Net Property and Equipment

 

$

10,100,038

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER ASSETS

 

 

 

Other Assets

 

14,840

 

Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary

 

7,296,511

 

Total Other Assets

 

$

7,311,351

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

20,045,171

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

Accounts Payable

 

$

472,749

 

Accrued Expenses

 

1,038,391

 

Accrued Liabilities - Related Parties

 

122,467

 

Current Portion of Long-Term Liabilities

 

1,000,777

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

$

2,634,384

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

 

 

Long-Term Liabilities Net of Current Portion

 

$

6,743,222

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

Preferred Stock, $.001 Par Value; 30,000,000 Shares Authorized

 

$

 

Common Stock, $.001 Par Value; 75,000,000 Shares Authorized, 27,643,443 Shares Issued and 27,286,443 Outstanding at September 30, 2007

 

27,644

 

Additional Paid-in Capital

 

21,384,335

 

Accumulated Deficit

 

(10,422,114

)

 

 

10,989,865

 

Less Treasury Stock (357,000 shares redeemed)

 

(322,300

)

 

 

 

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

10,667,565

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

20,045,171

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

2



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

 

 

 

For the three months

 

For the three months

 

For the nine months

 

For the nine months

 

 

 

ended September 30, 2007

 

ended September 30, 2006

 

ended September 30, 2007

 

ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casino

 

$

4,094,313

 

$

4,216,390

 

$

11,219,589

 

$

11,587,076

 

Food & Beverage/Hotel

 

170,860

 

194,496

 

401,180

 

452,552

 

Management and Consulting

 

434,658

 

1,468,192

 

3,566,109

 

4,562,005

 

Entertainment

 

38,261

 

11,304

 

67,807

 

17,429

 

Other

 

42,525

 

39,062

 

124,330

 

129,295

 

 

 

4,780,617

 

5,929,444

 

15,379,015

 

16,748,357

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casino

 

$

2,964,218

 

$

3,022,993

 

$

8,709,011

 

$

8,751,517

 

Food & Beverage/Hotel

 

386,956

 

385,210

 

1,036,644

 

1,091,744

 

Corporate Expense

 

803,589

 

741,101

 

2,928,408

 

2,053,397

 

Project Development Costs

 

99,112

 

47,642

 

351,683

 

225,125

 

Entertainment

 

103,207

 

53,069

 

172,044

 

102,649

 

Impairment Loss

 

400,435

 

 

 

400,435

 

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

378,465

 

542,728

 

1,406,842

 

1,627,833

 

 

 

5,135,982

 

4,792,743

 

15,005,067

 

13,852,265

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

 

$

(355,365

)

$

1,136,701

 

$

373,948

 

$

2,896,092

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Income

 

$

16

 

$

762

 

$

3,237

 

$

1,934

 

Interest Expense

 

(187,410

)

(307,699

)

(640,233

)

(892,222

)

Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property and Equipment

 

7,420

 

(11,126

)

7,420

 

(11,126

)

Gain on Disposition of Casino

 

452,426

 

 

 

452,426

 

 

 

Write-off of Acquisition and Financing Costs

 

(476,723

)

 

 

(603,373

)

 

 

 

(204,271

)

(318,063

)

(780,523

)

(901,414

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries

 

(559,636

)

818,638

 

(406,575

)

1,994,678

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

 

 

(214,988

)

 

(615,342

)

Loss of Unconsolidated Subsidiary, Net of Tax Benefit

 

(96,096

)

(43,667

)

(312,704

)

(144,132

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations

 

(655,732

)

559,983

 

(719,279

)

1,235,204

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

(655,732

)

$

559,983

 

$

(719,279

)

$

1,235,204

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) per share - basic

 

$

(0.02

)

$

0.03

 

$

(0.03

)

$

0.06

 

Income (loss) per share - diluted

 

 

 

$

0.03

 

 

$

0.06

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

 

27,286,443

 

19,688,656

 

26,571,292

 

19,671,249

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

 

 

 

20,664,715

 

 

20,690,557

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

(719,279

)

$

1,235,204

 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

1,406,842

 

1,627,833

 

Amortization of Loan Costs

 

58,019

 

123,730

 

Impairment Loss

 

400,435

 

 

 

Write-off of Acquisition and Financing Costs

 

603,373

 

 

 

(Gain) Loss on Disposition of Property and Equipment

 

(7,420

)

11,126

 

Stock-based Compensation Expense

 

209,429

 

134,082

 

Loss of Unconsolidated Subsidiary

 

312,704

 

185,974

 

Gain on Disposition of Casino

 

(452,426

)

 

 

Change in Current Assets and Liabilities,

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) Decrease in Restricted Cash

 

 

2,656

 

(Increase) Decrease in Receivables

 

112,879

 

(66,402

)

(Increase) Decrease in Inventories

 

43,358

 

(35,080

)

(Increase) Decrease in Prepaid Expenses

 

(263,530

)

25,714

 

(Increase) Decrease in Deferred Tax Asset

 

 

573,000

 

Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable

 

(188,088

)

(276,721

)

Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Expenses

 

106,960

 

(55,036

)

Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Interest Payable

 

(5,927

)

(7,917

)

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities

 

$

1,617,329

 

$

3,478,163

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of Property and Equipment

 

(276,476

)

(328,534

)

Proceeds from Disposition of Casino

 

490,018

 

 

Receipt (Payment) of Deposit

 

(3,318

)

14,000

 

Payment of Costs Associated with Management Contract

 

(438,741

)

 

 

Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary

 

(2,555,195

)

(528,502

)

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

 

$

(2,783,712

)

$

(843,036

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Net Payments on Short-Term Notes Payable

 

$

(446,292

)

 

 

Principal Payments on Long-Term Borrowings

 

(1,471,418

)

(1,976,891

)

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock upon Exercise of Warrants

 

 

12,000

 

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock and Warrants

 

3,980,511

 

 

 

Redemption of Common Stock

 

(322,300

)

 

Payment of Financing Costs Written-Off

 

(558,864

)

 

 

Payments for Liabilities Owed to Related Parties

 

 

 

(110,000

)

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities

 

$

1,181,637

 

$

(2,074,891

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

15,254

 

560,236

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of Period

 

1,531,260

 

1,195,145

 

End of Period

 

$

1,546,514

 

$

1,755,381

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Paid

 

$

588,141

 

$

773,683

 

Income Taxes Paid

 

$

42,346

 

$

22,506

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Assets Acquired with Acounts Payable

 

$

136,270

 

$

68,081

 

Financing Costs Included in Accounts Payable

 

$

14,776

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

Treasury Stock

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

Additional

 

Retained

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Paid-in Capital

 

Earnings

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE December 31, 2006

 

 

$

 

19,688,656

 

$

19,689

 

$

17,239,894

 

$

(9,702,835

)

$

7,556,748

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of Common Stock and Warrants, net

 

 

 

 

 

7,954,787

 

7,955

 

3,935,012

 

 

 

3,942,967

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redemption of Common Stock

 

(357,000

)

(322,300

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(322,300

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based Compensation Expense Related to Options and Warrants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

209,429

 

 

 

209,429

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(719,279

)

(719,279

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE September 30, 2007

 

(357,000

)

$

(322,300

)

27,643,443

 

$

27,644

 

$

21,384,335

 

$

(10,422,114

)

$

10,667,565

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5



SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2007

 

NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The unaudited consolidated financial statements of Southwest Casino Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) applicable to interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States has been condensed or omitted. For further information, please refer to the annual audited consolidated financial statements of the Company, and the related notes included within the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the SEC on March 21, 2007.

 

In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments. The results for the current interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

NOTE 2 — MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL PLANS

 

The Company has completed two closings on an equity financing, see Note 5. The net proceeds from the sale of securities were approximately $4 million. In connection with the financing agreement entered into by North Metro, see Note 7, the Company was required to make additional membership contributions of approximately $2.35 million to North Metro from January 1, 2007 to the time the loan closed on April 20, 2007.  As a result of the termination of our management contract with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma (see Note 8) we are seeking additional debt and/or equity financing.  The Company believes it will be able to raise the financing on terms acceptable to the Company and in an appropriate timeframe; however the Company can provide no assurance that it will be able to do so.

 

NOTE 3 — STOCK OPTIONS AND AWARDS

 

Stock option plans:

 

On July 15, 2004, Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp. shareholders approved the Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan that had been adopted by the company’s Board of Directors effective June 1, 2004. Under the terms of the reorganization completed July 22, 2004, Southwest Casino Corporation assumed the rights and obligations of Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp. under this plan. The plan permits Southwest Casino Corporation to issue incentive awards to all employees of Southwest Casino Corporation or any of its subsidiaries and any non-employee directors, consultants or independent contractors of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Incentive awards under the plan include “incentive options” under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, “non-statutory stock options” that do not qualify for “incentive option” treatment, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, performance units and stock bonuses. Effective June 14, 2007, the shareholders approved an amendment to increase the number of shares available for grant under the plan from 1,500,000 to 3,000,000.  As of September 30, 2007, options to purchase 925,000 shares were issued and are outstanding.  No options have been granted since July 1, 2006.

 

In addition to the assumption of the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, Southwest Casino Corporation assumed outstanding non-plan options to acquire shares of Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp. common stock as part of its reorganization. The Company assumed stock options to purchase 1,575,000 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price of $.62 per share.

 

Valuation and Expense Information under SFAS 123(R)

 

On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123(R)”), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options and employee stock purchases based on estimated fair values. In March 2005, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB 107”) relating to SFAS 123(R). The Company has applied certain provisions of SAB 107 in its adoption of SFAS 123(R).

 

SFAS 123(R) requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. SFAS 123(R) supersedes the Company’s previous accounting under the provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS 123”).

 

6



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2007

 

The effect of stock options issued was to increase the net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 by $42,987 and $131,512 respectively, and basic loss per share by $0.002 and $0.005, respectively.  The effect of stock options issued was to decrease net earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 by $40,294 and $125,705, respectively, and basic and diluted earnings per share by $0.002 and $0.006, respectively.

 

Options are granted to employees and directors at prices equal to the market value of the stock on the dates the options are granted. The options granted have terms of 5 to 10 years from the grant date and granted options typically vest quarterly over a one to three year period. The fair value of each option is amortized into compensation expense over the period the option vests. We have estimated fair value of all stock options as of the date of grant applying the Black-Scholes pricing valuation model. The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and sensitive in the determination of compensation expense. No options were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

 

Status of options during the nine months ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

Options 
Outstanding

 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price

 

Weighted 
Average 
Contractual 
Term

 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic Value

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

 

2,500,000

 

$

0.65

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/cancelled/expired

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2007

 

2,500,000

 

$

0.65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options outstanding at September 30, 2007

 

2,500,000

 

$

0.65

 

5.3 years

 

$

 

Options exercisable at September 30, 2007

 

2,237,500

 

$

0.65

 

5.0 years

 

$

 

 

As the closing stock price of $0.47 at September 30, 2007 was less than the weighted average exercise price for both options outstanding and options exercisable there was no intrinsic value.  As of September 30, 2007, the Company’s unrecognized share-based compensation related to stock options was approximately $172,000. This cost is expected to be expensed over a weighted average period of one year.

 

No tax benefit has been recorded on the share based compensation expense for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

NOTE 4 — WARRANTS

 

Status of warrants:

 

 

 

Warrants 
Outstanding

 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price

 

Warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2006

 

1,837,500

 

$

0.56

 

Granted

 

4,258,602

 

$

0.64

 

Exercised

 

0

 

 

 

Cancelled

 

0

 

 

 

Warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2007

 

6,096,102

 

$

0.62

 

 

Sale of Unregistered Securities

 

In connection with the Securities Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) entered into on January 24, 2007 and February 26, 2007, the Company issued warrants to purchase 2,975,293 shares of common stock to investors and warrants to purchase and an additional 483,309 shares of common stock to the placement agent, see Note 5.

 

Investor Relations Services and Financial Consulting Services

 

On January 17, 2007, the Company entered into two agreements with Strategic Growth International, Inc. (“SGI”) regarding investor relations and financial consulting services. As part of these agreements, the Company issued to SGI warrants to purchase 800,000

 

7



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2007

 

shares of Southwest common stock at a price of $0.63 per share that are exercisable for two years from the date of the agreements. The exercise price equals the weighted average closing price for one Southwest share on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board market for the five trading days immediately preceding the date Southwest entered into the Investor Relations Agreement. Beginning July 17, 2007, SGI has the right to request the inclusion of the common shares underlying its warrants on any registration statement that Southwest files on which the shares are eligible for inclusion. Beginning January 17, 2008, SGI will have the right to require Southwest to file a registration statement covering those shares.

 

Southwest had the right to terminate the agreements at the end of six months. This right would have voided if SGI met certain performance goals. If Southwest had terminated the agreement at the end of six months, the number of shares subject to the warrants issued to SGI would have been reduced by 50 percent. The Company did not exercise that right. Southwest has the right to terminate the agreement at the end of any month of its term during the second year of the agreement. Southwest also agreed to indemnify SGI against certain claims that may arise in connection with the services provided by SGI under the agreements.

 

The Company reviewed EITF 96-18 “ Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services” in determining the fair value of the warrants. The Company valued the warrants based upon the consideration received. The warrants have been valued at $220,000, which is being amortized to consulting expense and additional paid in capital quarterly over the term of the service agreements.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, approximately $27,500 and $78,000 have been amortized.

 

The following is a description of each agreement:

 

                    Investor Relations Services:

 

Under the terms of a letter agreement accepted January 17, 2007, Southwest retained SGI to assist the company as an investor relations advisor and develop a comprehensive financial relations program designed to achieve increased awareness of Southwest and its business and enhanced liquidity in the public market for the Company’s stock.

 

Southwest agreed to pay SGI $10,000 per month for a period of two years for these investor relations services. Southwest also agreed to reimburse SGI’s reasonable accountable expenses incurred in connection with these services. In addition, Southwest issued to SGI a warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of Southwest common stock, see terms of warrant described above.

 

                    Financial Consulting Services:

 

Southwest also entered into an agreement with SGI for financial consulting services on January 17, 2007 (the “Consulting Agreement”). Under the Consulting Agreement, SGI will assist Southwest in developing a strategy to raise additional capital for gaming projects the company is pursuing and for general working capital. SGI will also help Southwest arrange and conduct meetings with potential sources of capital and advise Southwest regarding the terms of any proposed financing arrangements.

 

Southwest is to pay SGI $8,000 per month for 24 months for the financial consulting services provided under this agreement, however, SGI agreed to waive the monthly fee in exchange for a warrant to purchase 700,000 shares of Southwest common stock, see terms of warrant discussed above.

 

The Company will also be required to pay an additional consulting fee of $100,000 or $200,000 if SGI assists the Company in completing equity or debt financing, respectively, that meets standards stated in the agreement. In addition, if the Company issues warrants as part of such a debt financing, it will also issue warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of its common stock to SGI, on the same terms as the warrants issued as part of debt financing.

 

NOTE 5 — SALE OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

 

On January 24, 2007 and February 26, 2007, Southwest Casino Corporation (“Southwest”) entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) with certain institutional and other accredited investors, as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, under which Southwest sold in a private placement an aggregate of 7.44 million shares of its common stock with accompanying warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2.98 million shares of its common stock, at a purchase price of $0.55 per share of common stock. The warrants are exercisable for a period of five years, beginning six months after the date

 

8



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2007

 

of issuance, at an exercise price of $0.61 per share. The number of shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants and the exercise price of the warrants are adjustable in the event of stock splits, combinations and reclassifications, but not in the event of the issuance by Southwest of additional securities, unless such issuance is pursuant to a rights offering or pro rata distribution to all security holders except the investors.

 

The securities that were issued in this private placement were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  However, under the terms of a Registration Rights Agreement dated January 24, 2007 and February 26, 2007 between Southwest and the investors, Southwest agreed to register the resale of the shares sold in the private placement, including shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants on a registration statement that became effective on May 11, 2007.  Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, Southwest and the investor parties have made other covenants and representations and warranties regarding matters that are customarily included in financings of this nature.  If certain of its obligations are not met, Southwest has agreed to make pro-rata cash payments as liquidated damages to each investor.

 

The private placement resulted in net proceeds to Southwest of approximately $3.94 million, after the deduction of approximately, $150,000 of direct offering expenses. The placement agent agreed to accept the cash portion of its placement agent fee in common stock and warrants on the same terms as the investors, which resulted in the placement agent receiving approximately 517,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of approximately 207,000 shares of common stock. In addition, the placement agent received a warrant to purchase approximately 277,000 shares of common stock, which is exercisable for a period of five years, beginning six months after the date of issuance, at an exercise price of $1.00 per share.

 

The following officers and directors of Southwest participated in the private placement on the same terms as the other investors: James B. Druck, Chief Executive Officer and Director; Thomas E. Fox, President and Chief Operating Officer and entities in which Mr. Fox holds an ownership interest; Jeffrey S. Halpern, Vice President of Government Affairs; Gus A. Chafoulias, Director; and David H. Abramson, Director. Other than with respect to the SPA, there are no material relationships between Southwest and any of the other investors in the private placement.

 

NOTE 6 — PROMOTIONAL ALLOWANCES

 

Revenue does not include the retail amount of rooms, food, and beverages provided gratuitously to customers, which was $881,000 and $895,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively and was approximately $319,000 and $315,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

NOTE 7 — NORTH METRO HARNESS INITIATIVE, LLC

 

Organization:

 

North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC (a development stage Minnesota Limited Liability Company) (“North Metro”) was formed on June 16, 2003 for the purpose of developing, owning, and operating a horse race track and card room north of Minneapolis, Minnesota, in Anoka County. North Metro has purchased land and obtained zoning, permitting and regulatory approvals and begun construction of its facilities. On June 8, 2004, Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp. (“Southwest”) sold a 50% interest in the Company to MTR — Harness Inc. (“MTR”), a wholly owned subsidiary of MTR Gaming, Inc.

 

North Metro will do business in Minnesota under the name “Running Aces Harness Park”.

 

Accounting for North Metro:

 

The Company evaluates whether North Metro should be treated as a variable interest entity (“VIE”) subject to consolidation during the applicable reporting periods under Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation 46(R) — Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (as amended).

 

Contributions to capital of North Metro have been made in accordance with the North Metro Member Control Agreement dated June 8, 2004. Due to the amount of these contributions made by MTR as of October 20, 2005, the Company no longer provided financial support in excess of its 50 percent decision making power. As of September 30, 2007 the Company has provided approximately 42 percent of the financial support from members, but still retains its 50 percent decision making power. Therefore, since October 20,

 

9



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2007

 

2005, the Company has accounted for its investment in North Metro on the equity method. The Company’s investment in North Metro as of September 30, 2007 was $7,296,511, which is recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

 

The following represents North Metro’s income statement and the Company’s calculation of the loss of unconsolidated subsidiary net of tax benefit:

 

 

 

Three months 
ended 
September 30, 2007

 

Three months 
ended 
September 30, 2006

 

Nine months 
ended 
September 30, 2007

 

Nine months 
ended 
September 30, 2006

 

Revenues

 

$

31,844

 

$

18,218

 

$

80,305

 

$

18,218

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lobbying expenses

 

$

21,480

 

$

24,000

 

$

109,992

 

$

102,000

 

License fees—Minnesota Racing Commission

 

77,995

 

61,090

 

200,496

 

187,881

 

Other

 

124,560

 

40,817

 

395,225

 

100,285

 

Total

 

224,035

 

125,907

 

705,713

 

390,166

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

$

(192,191

)

$

(107,689

)

$

(625,408

)

$

(371,948

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50% share of net loss

 

(96,096

)

(53,845

)

(312,704

)

(185,974

)

Net tax benefit

 

 

10,178

 

 

41,842

 

Loss of unconsolidated subsidiary net of tax benefit

 

$

(96,096

)

$

(43,667

)

$

(312,704

)

$

(144,132

)

 

In 2006, North Metro formed a wholly-owned subsidiary that acquired a nearby motel in December 2006 that North Metro continues to operate in 2007 and will be used to house personnel involved in the care of horses at the track during the racing season. The motel has 15 rooms available to rent.

 

Southwest did not record a tax benefit related to North Metro’s losses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, while Southwest did record a tax benefit during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, see Note 13.

 

North Metro Financing Agreement

 

On April 20, 2007, North Metro entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Black Diamond Commercial Finance, L.L.C. (“Black Diamond”) as agent and lender. Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, North Metro will borrow $41.7 million to construct, equip and open its harness racetrack and card club facility in Columbus, Minnesota on the north side of the Minneapolis — St. Paul metropolitan area. The initial advance of $5 million of loan proceeds was made April 20, 2007. As part of the loan agreement the members of North Metro agreed to complete aggregate membership contributions of $20.8 million prior to closing the loan. The total cost of the project is expected to approximate $62 million.  As of September 30, 2007, Southwest contributed $8.9 million of the total amount of $21.2 million contributed by the members.  Certain amounts related to non-construction costs continue to be funded by the members.  These amounts are not considered to be material to the total cost of the project.  Under the Credit Agreement, the initial advance of loan proceeds will be followed by additional advances based on progress in building and opening the racetrack and card room facility. During construction, North Metro will make monthly payments of interest only based on a floating index rate plus 4 percent or on a 1-month, 2-month or 3-month LIBOR rate plus 6 percent, at North Metro’s option. After the project opens, interest rates will reduce to the applicable index rate plus 2.5 percent or the applicable LIBOR rate plus 4.5 percent, again at North Metro’s option. North Metro must also pay a fee equal to 4.5% per annum on any unused portion of the $41.7 million credit facility. Principal payments of $104,250 will be due on the last day of each fiscal quarter beginning the first full quarter after the project opening, as defined in the agreement. North Metro will also be required to prepay the loan in an amount equal to 50 percent of the project’s excess cash flow for each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, as defined in the agreement. Final payment equal to all outstanding principal and accrued interest is due April 20, 2014.

 

North Metro may prepay the loan, in whole or in part, at any time, subject to the payment of certain fees and costs. The loan is secured by substantially all of the assets of North Metro. The Credit Agreement does not provide for recourse against the members of North Metro.

 

10



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2007

 

The Credit Agreement contains standard affirmative and negative covenants regarding North Metro and its wholly-owned subsidiary North Metro Hotel, LLC that restrict, among other things, the ability to dispose of assets, transfer or pledge equity interests, incur indebtedness, and make investments or distributions. Financial covenants applicable to North Metro include, among other things, limits on capital expenditures after opening, minimum EBITDA requirements, satisfaction of leverage ratio limits, and delivery of financial statements.

 

In addition to customary and standard events of default included in the Credit Agreement, failure to substantially complete (as defined in the Credit Agreement) construction of the North Metro project by June 30, 2008, and failure to operate the card room that is part of the North Metro project at any time after July 1, 2008, would constitute a default under the Credit Agreement.

 

Additional Membership Contribution, Pledge, Subordination and Sponsor Support Agreements of Southwest

 

While the Credit Agreement does not provide for recourse against Southwest in the case of a default by North Metro, Southwest has pledged its membership interest in North Metro and North Metro pledged its membership interest in North Metro Hotel, LLC as security for repayment of the loan under the terms of a Pledge Agreement with Black Diamond (the “Pledge Agreement”).

 

Southwest also entered into a Subordination Agreement with Black Diamond (the “Subordination Agreement”) under which Southwest has agreed that repayment of a $1.65 million membership preferred capital contribution to North Metro, which North Metro was to repay to Southwest out of the first available revenue from operations, will be subordinated to the payments due under the loan agreements.

 

In addition, Southwest entered into a Sponsor Support Agreement (the “Support Agreement”) under which each member of North Metro has agreed to contribute additional capital to North Metro if proceeds from the loan are insufficient to complete construction and open the facility.

 

NOTE 8 — TERMINATION OF MANAGEMENT CONTRACT WITH THE CHEYENNE AND ARAPAHO TRIBES AND RELATED LITIGATION

 

The management and consulting revenue on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 relate entirely to revenues earned from the management agreement with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. As described below, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes contract with the Company has terminated and the Company has not and will not receive any revenues from managing those casinos after August 17, 2007. In addition, as described below, the remaining contract costs, recorded as an intangible asset, on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet have been written off.

 

On May 18, 2007, the National Indian Gaming Commission approved Amendment No. 11 to the Third Amended and Restated Gaming Management Agreement dated June 16, 1995 between the Company and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma (the “Tribes”).  Southwest continued to manage the Tribes’ Lucky Star – Concho and Lucky Star – Clinton casinos under the terms of Amendment No. 11 until August 17, 2007.

 

The May 18th NIGC approval was based on a May 18, 2007 decision of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Trial Court finding Amendment No. 11 valid under the Tribes’ constitution.  On May 21, 2007, the Governor of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes filed an appeal to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Supreme Court seeking to overturn the decision of the tribal Trial Court.  On August 17, 2007, The Supreme Court reversed the Trial Court order and declared the contract extension invalid. Also on August 17, 2007, the NIGC issued a decision and order reversing its May 18th approval of the two-year contract extension based on the tribal Supreme Court decision.  Based on the decision of the NIGC, tribal representatives took control of the casinos on Sunday, August 19, 2007.  On August 21, 2007, Southwest appealed the decision of the NIGC to reverse its approval of the two-year contract extension.  On August 24, 2007, the NIGC rejected that appeal and affirmed its decision. Southwest has not managed the casinos since August 17, 2007.

 

In connection with obtaining the two-year extension on May 18, 2007, the Company incurred approximately $438,000 of costs directly related to obtaining the management contract.  This amount was recorded as an intangible asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet to be amortized over the two-year term of Amendment No. 11.  As a result of the termination effective August 17, 2007 the remaining unamortized costs of approximately $400,000 were expensed consistent with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS #144”) and included as a separate line-item as an impairment loss on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2007.  We had accounted for

 

11



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2007

 

these costs as an intangible asset to be expensed over the two-year term of the extension of the management contract beginning May 19, 2007. We used the straight-line method of amortization, which was considered to be a systematic and rational approach.

 

The Company accounted for this contract and included the revenues and costs in its operating segment “Casino Management” in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (“SFAS #131”), see Note 16.  The Company has also disclosed information about this major customer in accordance with SFAS #131 paragraph #39.  In connection with the termination of this agreement, the Company applied Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and SFAS #144 in recognizing the impairment loss.  The Company also considered SFAS #144 paragraph #41 relating to the reporting of discontinued operations and has determined that this does not meet those requirements and has reported the transaction in continuing operations.

 

NOTE 9 — CONSULTING AGREEMENT WITH PALACE RESORTS

 

In September 2007, the Company entered into a consulting agreement to work with Palace Resorts in developing and opening a casino at the Moon Palace Casino, Golf and Spa Resort, now under construction in Punta Cana on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. Under the consulting agreement, Southwest immediately began assisting Palace Resorts in all phases of design, game selection, training and equipping the casino that will be part of the 1,700-room resort scheduled to open in 2008. Southwest will receive $50,000 a month for 10 months beginning in October 2007.  Palace Resorts is a leader in providing world-class resort vacations at all-inclusive properties throughout Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Nuevo Vallarta, Cozumel and soon, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

 

NOTE 10 — LINE OF CREDIT AND TERM LOAN

 

On April 16, 2007, the Company entered into the Third Amendment to the Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement with Crown Bank.  The agreement has been amended to extend the maturity date of the $450,000 revolving line of credit to April 30, 2008.  The amendment did not alter the terms of the $2.5 million term loan and the Company made the final payment on the term loan on April 30, 2007.  Additionally, under the amendment, three principal officers of the Company each agreed to increase their personal guarantees of the line of credit from $100,000 to $150,000 plus expenses.  As of September 30, 2007, no amounts were outstanding under the Term Loan or the Revolving Credit facility.

 

The interest rate is Prime +1%, and not less than 7.5%.  Currently the interest rate is 8.75%.  At September 30, 2007, the full amount of the line, $450,000, was available to be borrowed.

 

NOTE 11 — REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

 

The Company redeemed 357,000 shares of common stock in accordance with Article XI of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation effective January 22, 2007.  The shares were redeemed at a price of $0.90 per share based upon the closing stock price of the Company’s common stock as reported on January 22, 2007.  The Company recorded the redemption as a reduction to stockholders’ equity for the buy back of shares.  The shares of common stock are included in Treasury Stock in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity as of September 30, 2007.

 

NOTE 12 — EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

 

For all periods, basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing earnings (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, reflect the effect of all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average of all common and potentially dilutive shares outstanding.  The Company had a net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007; therefore a calculation of loss per share on a fully diluted basis would be anti-dilutive.

 

The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

Net Earnings

 

Weighted Average 
Equity

 

Earnings 
Per Share

 

 

 

(Numerator)

 

(Denominator)

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2006:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Earnings per Share

 

$

559,983

 

19,688,656

 

$

0.03

 

Effect of Dilutive Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding Options and Warrants

 

 

 

976,059

 

 

 

 

 

$

559,983

 

20,664,715

 

$

0.03

 

 

12



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2007

 

Options and warrants to purchase 1,395,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share, options to purchase 675,000 shares at $0.65 and options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.75 per share were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2006 because the exercise price was greater than the average market price of common shares during the period.  All of these options were outstanding as of September 30, 2006.

 

 

 

Net Earnings

 

Weighted Average
Equity

 

Earnings 
Per Share

 

 

 

(Numerator)

 

(Denominator)

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2006:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Earnings per Share

 

$

1,235,204

 

19,671,249

 

$

0.06

 

Effect of Dilutive Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding Options and Warrants

 

 

 

1,019,308

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,235,204

 

20,690,557

 

$

0.06

 

 

Options and warrants to purchase 1,395,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share, options to purchase 675,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.65 and options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.75 per share were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 because the exercise price was greater than the average market price of common shares during the period.  All of these options were outstanding as of September 30, 2006.

 

NOTE 13 — INCOME TAXES

 

The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation No. 48 “ Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes “ (“Interpretation No. 48) effective January 1, 2007.  Interpretation No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertain tax positions in accordance with SFAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  Pursuant to Interpretation No. 48, the Company is required to recognize in its financial statements the largest tax benefit of a tax position that is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained on audit, based solely on the technical merits of the position as of the reporting date. Only tax positions that meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold at that date may be recognized.  The term “more-likely-than-not” means a likelihood of more than 50 percent.

 

The Company accounts for interest and penalties (if any) as interest expense in the Statement of Operations.

 

The Company does not have any unrecorded tax benefits as of January 1, 2006 or September 30, 2007.

 

The Company’s tax returns for the tax years 2003 through 2006 remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.  However, as the Company has net operating losses from prior years these tax returns can also be examined once these net operating losses are utilized in future tax filings.

 

Management evaluated its probable ability to utilize deferred tax assets arising from net operating loss carry forwards, deferred tax assets and other ordinary items and determined that a valuation allowance was appropriate during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 based upon the uncertainty and ultimate termination of the Company’s management contract with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, see Note 8.   As a result of this evaluation, a tax benefit was reduced by a comparable valuation allowance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.  As of September 30, 2007, the Company’s deferred tax asset is zero.

 

At December 31, 2003, the Company established a deferred tax asset relating to net operating losses.  As of December 31, 2005, management evaluated all evidence and determined that a portion of the deferred tax assets relating to net operating losses would be utilized in 2006 based upon forecasted income for the Company in 2006.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company recorded a tax provision to reduce the previously established deferred tax asset.

 

NOTE 14 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

In addition to $150,000 of unpaid bonuses, see Note 17, the Company has a liability to certain officers and stockholders for unpaid compensation and expenses of $122,467 as of September 30, 2007, relating to periods prior to December 31, 2003.

 

James B. Druck, Chief Executive Officer and Director; Thomas E. Fox, President and Chief Operating Officer; Jeffrey S. Halpern, Vice President of Government Affairs; Gus A. Chafoulias, Director; and David H. Abramson, Director each participated in our January 24, 2007 and February 26, 2007 private placement of common stock with accompanying warrants.  See Note 5.

 

13



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2007

 

The Company purchased furniture and equipment from Berc and Fox for $25,000.  The operations of Berc & Fox were sold in January 2007 and as a result certain furniture and equipment were available for purchase.  Thomas Fox, the Company’s President, is a shareholder and officer in Berc & Fox Limited.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2007, the Company paid Jennifer Sparlin Druck $1,000 for entertainment services at the Gold Rush Palladium.  Ms. Druck is the wife of James Druck, CEO of Southwest.

 

NOTE 15 — PROJECT DEVELOPMENT COSTS

 

The Company continues to pursue additional gaming opportunities and as a result continues to incur project development expenses.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, development expenses were $99,112 and $351,683, respectively.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, development expenses were $47,642 and $225,125, respectively.

 

NOTE 16 — SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company has grouped its operations into three segments, Casino Operations, Casino Management and Project Development.  The segment Casino Operations includes the Company’s operations in Cripple Creek, Colorado where the Company operates two casinos and an outdoor amphitheatre.  In July 2007 the Company disposed of a casino, see Note 20.  The segment Casino Management relates to our management and consulting business.  The segment Project Development relates to the Company’s investments in projects under development including any acquisition efforts. These include North Metro; see Note 7, and other development activities and their related specific costs.   Corporate expenses are included as a reduction in Casino Management income.  Corporate expenses have not been allocated to Casino Operations or Project Development.

 

Segment information related to the three months ended September 30, 2007 follows:

 

 

 

Casino
Operations

 

Casino
Management

 

Project
Development

 

Total

 

Revenues

 

$

4,345,959

 

$

434,658

*

$

 

$

4,780,617

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segmented profit (loss) before income taxes

 

813,141

 

(796,942

)#

(671,931

)

(655,732

)

Segmented assets

 

12,395,694

 

342,966

 

7,306,511

 

20,045,171

 

 

*     All of the revenues related to our operating segment Casino Management during the period were from our management contract with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma that terminated effective August 17, 2007, see Note 8.

 

#     Approximately, $400,000 was recorded as an impairment loss writing off all costs (previously reflected as an intangible asset) directly related to our management contract with the Tribes.  This loss is shown in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the line-item impairment loss, see Note 8.

 

Segment information related to the three months ended September 30, 2006 follows:

 

 

 

Casino
Operations

 

Casino
Management

 

Project
Development

 

Total

 

Revenues

 

$

4,461,252

 

$

1,468,192

 

$

 

$

5,929,444

 

Segmented profit (loss) before income taxes

 

359,352

 

506,928

 

(91,309

)*

774,971

 

Segmented assets

 

13,489,529

 

1,357,680

 

4,664,550

 

19,511,759

 

 

*  Included in Project Development in the line item segment profit (loss) before income taxes is a tax benefit of $10,178 recorded in the loss of unconsolidated subsidiary, net of tax benefit shown on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006 (see Note 7).

 

14



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2007

 

Segment information related to the nine months ended September 30, 2007 follows:

 

 

 

Casino
Operations

 

Casino
Management

 

Project
Development

 

Total

 

Revenues

 

$

11,812,906

 

$

3,566,109

*

$

 

$

15,379,015

 

Segmented profit (loss) before income taxes

 

650,620

 

(102,139

)#

(1,267,760

)

(719,279

)

Segmented assets

 

12,395,694

 

342,966

 

7,306,511

 

20,045,171

 

 

*      All of the revenues related to our operating segment Casino Management during the period were from our management contract with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma that terminated effective August 17, 2007, see Note 8.

 

#      Approximately, $400,000 was recorded as an impairment loss writing off all costs (previously reflected as an intangible asset) directly related to our management contract with the Tribes.  This loss is shown in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the line-item impairment loss, see Note 8.

 

Segment information related to the nine months ended September 30, 2006 follows:

 

 

 

Casino
Operations

 

Casino
Management

 

Project
Development

 

Total

 

Revenues

 

$

12,186,352

 

$

4,562,005

 

$

 

$

16,748,357

 

Segmented profit (loss) before income taxes

 

386,257

 

1,833,546

 

(369,257

)*

1,850,546

 

Segmented assets

 

13,489,529

 

1,357,680

 

4,664,550

 

19,511,759

 

 

*   Included in Project Development in the line item segment profit (loss) before income taxes is a tax benefit of $41,842 recorded in the loss of unconsolidated subsidiary, net of tax benefit shown on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 (see Note 7).

 

NOTE 17 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

In 2004, the Company purchased player tracking software and slot accounting software from IGT.  On December 29, 2005, the Company entered into an agreement with IGT to finance $460,324 of the purchase price for this system over 48 months with interest rate equal to the prime rate, which is currently 7.75%.  In addition, the Company agreed to purchase additional software for $200,000, which will allow the Company to offer bonusing to its customers.  The purchase is contingent upon IGT receiving necessary approvals for the bonusing system from the Colorado Division of Gaming.

 

Under the Company’s employment agreements with James B. Druck, CEO, Thomas E. Fox, President and COO, and Jeffrey S. Halpern, Vice President of Government Affairs, which were effective July 1, 2004, these executives can elect to continue their employment in a reduced capacity, with continuing medical benefits and a salary equal to their base pay at the time of termination for 12 months and not less than $25,000 after 12 months if the Company terminates the executive’s employment without cause or in connection with a change in control of the Company (as defined in the employment agreement) or if the executive terminates his employment with the Company for good cause (as defined in the employment agreement).  The initial term of these agreements expired July 1, 2006, after which the agreement renewed and will continue to renew automatically for additional one-year terms unless terminated.

 

The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain other key employees of the Company. The agreements provide for certain benefits to the employee as well as severance if the employee is terminated without cause or due to a “constructive termination” as defined in the agreements.  The severance amounts depend upon the term of the agreement and can be up to six months of base salary and bonus.

 

Bonuses:

 

On March 27, 2007 the board of directors approved performance bonuses to officers and employees of the Company in the amount of $385,000, which amount was recorded as an expense effective that date.  Of that amount, the Company has paid $210,000 during the

 

15



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2007

 

nine months ended September 30, 2007.  Bonuses in the amount of $175,000 were to be paid on or after July 1, 2007 when management determines the Company has sufficient financial resources for payment.  Unpaid bonuses in the amount of $175,000 are reflected as a liability at September 30, 2007.

 

Other:

 

The Company is involved in various claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of management, any losses that may occur from these matters are adequately covered by insurance or are provided for in our financial statements, and the ultimate outcome of these other matters will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 

NOTE 18 — NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“Interpretation No. 48”) effective January 1, 2007, see Note 13.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” which is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and for interim periods within those years.  This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the related disclosure requirements.  The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this statement.

 

In February 2007, the FASB released SFAS No. 159, “ The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 “ This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This Statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements.  The Company is evaluating the impact of this statement.

 

NOTE 19 — CASINO ACQUISITION

 

On December 18, 2006, Southwest Eagle, LLC (“Southwest Eagle”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Casino Corporation, entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement and a long-term lease with Pinnacle Casinos and Resorts, LLC (“Pinnacle”).  Under the Asset Purchase Agreement, Southwest Eagle had agreed to acquire the operating assets and lease the real property of the Double Eagle Hotel and Casino and Gold Creek Casino in Cripple Creek, Colorado (collectively, the “Double Eagle”).

 

On April 13, 2007, Southwest Casino Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary Southwest Eagle notified Pinnacle that Southwest had elected to terminate the Asset Purchase Agreement between Southwest Eagle and Pinnacle dated December 18, 2006 and all related agreements.

 

Southwest terminated the Asset Purchase Agreement in response to notice Southwest received on April 10, 2007 from Pinnacle that the separate Stock Purchase Agreement under which Pinnacle was to acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of Colorado Casino Resorts, Inc. (“CCRI”), the owner of the Double Eagle, had terminated in accordance with its terms when Pinnacle did not make a required payment. Because Pinnacle was unable to complete its proposed acquisition of the CCRI stock in accordance with the Stock Purchase Agreement, as amended, Pinnacle was also unable to perform its obligations under the Asset Purchase Agreement with Southwest Eagle.  The Company incurred $126,650 of transaction costs specific to this acquisition.  The Company wrote-off this amount in the second quarter of 2007 when the negotiations ceased with the sellers of the Double Eagle in early July 2007.  The Company had substantial doubt that it would be able to reach terms on the Double Eagle with the sellers in late June 2007 and this was confirmed in early July 2007.  Thus the $126,650 transaction costs were written-off in the second quarter of 2007. This is included as a separate line item under Other Income (Expense) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

 

The Company also incurred financing costs with a lender in the amount of approximately $477,000.  These financing costs were initially associated with the financing of the original arrangements to acquire the Double Eagle. Even though the proposed Double Eagle acquisition ceased effective June 30, 2007, the financing arrangement and negotiations continued.  In July 2007 the Company

 

16



 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2007

 

received a revised term sheet from the lender that provided for a non-specific property acquisition line of credit and also included a working capital amount available immediately, as defined in the agreement.  As part of the terms of this new term sheet the Company wired an additional expense deposit to the lender on August 6, 2007.  The Company was scheduled to close on this financing by the end of August 2007.

 

As a result of the termination of the management agreement with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, effective August 17, 2007, the financing contemplated with this lender did not occur and the arrangement was terminated.  Thus the Company wrote-off amounts related to the financing of $476,723 included as a separate line item within Other Income (Expense) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2007.

 

NOTE 20 — SALE OF UNCLE SAM’S CASINO

 

On June 25, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with the landlord to purchase the leased real property on which it operated Uncle Sam’s Casino in Cripple Creek, Colorado.  The purchase agreement provided that the Company would not be obligated to purchase the real property unless the Company assigned its rights under the purchase agreement to a third party.  On June 26, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement to assign its rights under the purchase agreement and the operating lease.  On July 29, 2007 the Company closed Uncle Sam’s Casino and on July 31, 2007 the Company assigned its rights under the purchase agreement and lease and received an assignment fee of approximately $487,000.  The Company recognized a gain of $452,426 on this transaction that is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations during the three months ended September 30, 2007 as a separate line item within Other Income (Expense).  The Company transferred the majority of the equipment and slot machines to the Gold Rush and Gold Diggers casinos in the amount of the net book value of approximately $58,000.  Additionally, the Uncle Sam’s employees were transferred to the Gold Rush and Gold Diggers casinos and the customers were offered incentives to migrate their play at Uncle Sam’s to the Gold Rush and Gold Diggers casinos.

 

The Company has recorded the transaction involving Uncle Sam’s casino in continuing operations as the Company reviewed SFAS #144 and determined that it did not meet the requirements for accounting as discontinued operations.  The Company also reviewed Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146 “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” and determined no accruals were necessary at June 30, 2007.  The transaction was completed and recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

17



 

Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation

 

The following is a discussion and analysis of the financial position and operating results of Southwest Casino Corporation (referred to in this discussion, together with its consolidated subsidiaries where appropriate, as “Southwest Casino”, “Southwest”, the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

Summary of Consolidated Operating Results:

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2007, we had a net loss of $655,732 on revenues of $4,780,617 compared to net income of $559,983 on revenues of $5,929,444 for the same period in 2006.  This amounts to a basic loss per outstanding share during the three months ended September 30, 2007 of $0.02 and basic and fully diluted earnings per outstanding share during the three months ended September 30, 2006 of $0.03.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we had a net loss of $719,279 on revenues of $15,379,015 compared to net income of $1,235,204 on revenues of $16,748,357 for the same period in 2006.  This amounts to a basic loss per outstanding share of $0.03 during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to basic and fully diluted earnings per outstanding share of $0.06 during the same period in 2006.

 

The net loss of $655,732 in the three months ended September 30, 2007, compared to net income of $559,983 for the same period in 2006, primarily results from a reduction in revenues of approximately $1 million from our management contract with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, which terminated on August 17, 2007, and increased operating expenses of approximately $343,000.  We also incurred other expenses of $204,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $318,000 in 2006. The significant components of the $114,000 decrease related to a decrease in interest expense of $120,000 and a gain on the disposition of the Uncle Sam’s casino of $452,000, which were offset by the write off of financing costs of $477,000.  During the three months ended September 30, 2006 we recognized income tax expense of $215,000 compared to $0 in 2007.

 

The net loss of $719,279 in the first nine months of 2007, compared to net income of $1,235,204 for the same period in 2006, primarily results from reduced revenues of approximately $1 million from our management contract with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, which terminated on August 17, 2007, and increased operating expenses of approximately $1.2 million related primarily to an increase in corporate and project development expenses during 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.  We also incurred other expenses of $780,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $901,000 in 2006. The significant components of the decrease of $121,000 related to a decrease in interest expense of $252,000 and a gain on the disposition of the Uncle Sam’s casino of $452,000, which were offset by the write off of acquisition and financing costs of $603,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 we recognized income tax expense of $615,000 compared to $0 in 2007.

 

Overview:

 

Our principal business is the management, operation and development of gaming facilities in emerging and established gaming jurisdictions.  Currently, we operate two casinos in Cripple Creek, Colorado — Gold Rush Hotel and Casino and Gold Digger’s Casino.  Until July 28, 2007, we also operated Uncle Sam’s Casino in Cripple Creek.  Until August 17, 2007 we managed two Native American gaming operations in Oklahoma for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, Lucky Star - Concho and Lucky Star – Clinton.  We also own a 50% membership interest in North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC, (“North Metro”).  North Metro is building a harness racetrack and 50-table card room in Columbus, Minnesota on the north side of the Minneapolis — St. Paul Metropolitan area.  North Metro secured financing for the project and began construction in April 2007 and plans to begin harness racing in Spring 2008 and open the card room after completing 50 days of live racing (as required by Minnesota statue).  In September 2007, we entered into a consulting agreement to work with Palace Resorts in developing and opening a casino at the Moon Palace Casino, Golf and Spa Resort now under construction in Punta Cana on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. Under the consulting agreement, we will assist Palace Resorts in all phases of design, game selection, training and equipping the casino that will be part of the 1,700-room resort that is scheduled to open in 2008. Southwest will receive $50,000 a month for 10 months beginning in October 2007.  Palace Resorts is a leader in providing world-class resort vacations at all-inclusive properties throughout Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Nuevo Vallarta, Cozumel and soon, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

 

From May 19, 2007 to August 19, 2007, Southwest managed the Lucky Star – Concho and Lucky Star – Clinton casinos under Amendment No. 11 to the Third Amended and Restated Gaming Management agreement between Southwest and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, which extended that agreement for up to two years.  On August 17, 2007, the Supreme Court of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes declared Amendment No. 11 invalid.  Also on August 17, 2007, the National Indian Gaming Commission reversed its prior approval

 

18



 

of Amendment No. 11.  On August 24, 2007, the NIGC rejected Southwest’s challenge to its decision and Southwest has not received management fees from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes since August 17, 2007.  As a result of the termination of our management contract with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma we believe it is a necessity to seek additional debt and/or equity financing to fund our future operations including project development costs.  We have undertaken such an effort and believe we will be able to raise the financing on terms acceptable to us and in an appropriate timeframe; however we can provide no assurance that we will be able to do so.

 

We continually evaluate other management, consulting, development and acquisition opportunities related to gaming that have the potential to generate new revenue streams for us.

 

Operating segments:

 

Our executive officers review operating results, assess performance and make decisions related to the allocation of resources on a property by property basis; however, certain properties are combined into one operating segment for financial reporting purposes as they meet the criteria for aggregation under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 paragraph 17.  We have grouped the following properties into the following two operating segments that are described in further detail below:

 

Casino Management:

 

Casino Operations:

Lucky Star — Concho

 

Gold Rush/ Gold Digger’s Casinos

Lucky Star — Clinton

 

Uncle Sam’s Casino

 

Casino Management:

 

We managed two casinos for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma under the Third Amended and Restated Gaming Management Agreement dated June 16, 1995 between us and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma (the “Tribes”) until August 17, 2007.

 

On May 18, 2007, the National Indian Gaming Commission approved Amendment No. 11 to the Third Amended and Restated Gaming Management Agreement.  Southwest continued to manage the Tribes’ Lucky Star — Concho and Lucky Star — Clinton casinos under the terms of Amendment No. 11 until August 17, 2007.

 

The May 18th NIGC approval was based on a May 18, 2007 decision of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Trial Court finding Amendment No. 11 valid under the Tribes’ constitution.  On May 21, 2007, the Governor of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes filed an appeal to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Supreme Court seeking to overturn the decision of the tribal Trial Court.  On August 17, 2007, the Supreme Court reversed the Trial Court order and declared the contract extension invalid. Also on August 17, 2007, the NIGC issued a decision and order reversing its May 18th approval of the two-year contract extension based on the tribal Supreme Court decision.  Based on the decision of the NIGC, tribal representatives took control of the casinos on Sunday, August 19, 2007.  On August 21, 2007, Southwest appealed the decision of the NIGC to reverse its approval of the two-year contract extension.  On August 24, 2007, the NIGC rejected that appeal and affirmed its decision.  Southwest has not received management fees from the casinos since August 17, 2007.

 

Lucky Star - Concho

 

We earned management fees of $266,457 and $896,449 from Lucky Star - Concho during the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  We earned management fees of $2,045,984 and $2,809,052 from Lucky Star - Concho during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The decrease in management fees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period in the prior year is due to the amendment of our management contract in May 2007 that changed the management fee structure and the subsequent termination of the management contract on August 17, 2007.

 

Lucky Star - Clinton

 

We earned management fees of $168,201 and $571,743 from Lucky Star - Clinton during the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.   We earned management fees of $1,520,125 and $1,752,953 from Lucky Star - Clinton during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.   The decrease in management fees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period in the prior year is due to the amendment of our management contract in May 2007 that changed the management fee structure and the subsequent termination of the management contract on August 17, 2007.

 

19



 

Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians

 

Southwest entered into a Gaming Management Agreement with the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians under which Southwest was to manage the Tribe’s Seven Clans Paradise Casino in Red Rock, Oklahoma, on March 24, 2006.  The Otoe-Missouria Tribe submitted the Gaming Management Agreement to the National Indian Gaming Commission, which must approve it before it can be effective, on April 10, 2006.   In response to comments from the NIGC, Southwest and the Tribe submitted a revised agreement to the NIGC in August 2006.  The NIGC provided additional comments on and requested additional changes to the management agreement on September 15, 2006.  The Tribe did not respond to the NIGC or to Southwest’s efforts to complete a revised management agreement.

 

On July 11, 2007, the NIGC delivered a letter to Southwest and the Chairman of the Tribe requesting that we submit a revised management agreement or withdraw the request for approval of the current agreement within 30 days.  Southwest met with representatives of the Tribe’s Economic Development Authority (“OMDA”) on August 6, 2007 and discussed the status of the management agreement.  The OMDA has told us that they do not intend to go forward with the management agreement and we have withdrawn our request for NIGC review of this management agreement. We continue to seek reimbursement from the Otoe-Missouria of expenses incurred by Southwest while working with the Tribe in 2006.

 

Casino operations:

 

Gold Rush/Gold Digger’s Casino (“GR/GD”) Results

 

 

 

Three Months 
Ended
September 30, 2007

 

Three Months 
Ended 
September 30, 2006

 

Percentage 
Increase 
(Decrease)

 

Nine Months 
Ended 
September 30, 2007

 

Nine Months 
Ended 
September 30, 2006

 

Percentage 
Increase 
(Decrease)

 

Casino revenues

 

$

4,035,628

 

$

3,957,770

 

2.0

%

$

10,767,126

 

$

10,856,649

 

(0.8

)%

Total revenues

 

4,241,304

 

4,166,323

 

1.8

%

11,271,345

 

11,412,467

 

(1.2

)%

Profit before income taxes

 

504,286

 

516,049

 

(2.3

)%

653,338

 

888,994

 

(26.5

)%

Earnings margin (*)

 

11.9

%

12.4

%

 

 

5.8

%

7.8

%

 

 

 

* The earnings margin is calculated by dividing profit before income taxes by Total revenues.

 

Profit before income taxes is determined by reducing Total revenues by, among other things, interest expense on our capital lease at the Gold Rush and depreciation and amortization expenses.  The capital lease was carried on our Consolidated Balance Sheet in the amount of approximately $7.5 million as of September 30, 2007.  Interest expense was $183,000 and $561,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $219,000 and $608,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006.  Depreciation and amortization expenses were $350,000 and $1.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $383,000 and $1.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2007, GR/GD’s total casino revenues increased by 2.0% as compared to the same period last year.  The Cripple Creek market increased by 2.6% during this same time period compared to the same period in the prior year.   In addition we increased marketing expenses as a result of closing Uncle Sam’s and offering incentives to players in order to attract customers who played at Uncle Sam’s to play at GR/GD.  This resulted in a slight decrease in our earnings margin.

 

Additionally, we closed Uncle Sam’s casino on July 29, 2007.  We transferred approximately eight employees to our GR/GD properties.  Thus certain salaries and expenses previously incurred by Uncle Sam’s have been included with operations of the GR/GD properties since the closure of Uncle Sam’s casino on July 29, 2007.   Additionally, the players/customers who played at Uncle Sam’s were offered incentives to migrate their play to the Gold Rush and Gold Digger’s casino.    We have estimated that we retained approximately 40% - 70% of the revenues from those players who played previously at Uncle Sam’s and now are playing at the Gold Rush and Gold Diggers casinos.  The Gold Rush and Gold Diggers casinos had available capacity to absorb the players from Uncle Sam’s.  The Uncle Sam’s brand name is no longer used in our operations.  However, since inception we have used an integrated players club for all three Cripple Creek casinos whereby the player could redeem points earned at one casino at any of the casinos.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, GR/GD’s total casino revenues declined 0.8% as compared to the same period last year.  The decrease in revenues can be directly attributed to bad weather in the months of January and April.  During these two months we suffered a decline in casino revenues of 24.5% for January and a decline of 13.8% for April.   By contrast the Cripple Creek market was down 12.2% for January and essentially flat in April.  Some of our competitors have parking garages that gives them an advantage in bad weather months.  During this same time period, our earnings margin declined from 7.8% to 5.8% from prior year, primarily due to lower revenues and higher marketing expenses.  The company spent additional marketing dollars in May and June to

 

20



 

recapture customers potentially lost during the bad weather months as well as increased marketing in August as a result of closing Uncle Sam’s.

 

Uncle Sam’s Casino:

 

 

 

Three Months 
Ended 
September 30, 2007

 

Three Months 
Ended 
September 30, 2006

 

Nine Months 
Ended 
September 30, 2007

 

Nine Months 
Ended 
September 30, 2006

 

Total revenues

 

60,514

 

279,601

 

464,697

 

752,043

 

Profit (loss) before income taxes

 

370,728

 

(116,001

)

101,032

 

(413,012

)

 

Operating results at Uncle Sam’s continued to deteriorate in 2007 because the property was small, detached from the GR/GD and we did not make significant improvements to the property.   On June 25, 2007, we entered into an agreement with the landlord to purchase the leased real property on which we operated Uncle Sam’s Casino in Cripple Creek, Colorado.  The purchase agreement provided that we would not be obligated to purchase the real property unless we assigned our rights under the purchase agreement to a third party.  On June 26, 2007, we entered into an agreement to assign our rights under the purchase agreement and the operating lease.  On July 29, 2007, we closed Uncle Sam’s Casino and, on July 31, 2007, we assigned our rights under the purchase agreement and lease and received an assignment fee of approximately $487,000.  We recognized a gain of $452,426 on this transaction that is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations during the three months ended September 30, 2007 as a separate line item within Other Income (Expense) and included in the schedule above in Profit (loss) before income taxes.  We transferred the majority of the equipment and slot machines to the Gold Rush and Gold Diggers casinos in the amount of their net book value of approximately $58,000.  Additionally, approximately eight employees were transferred to the Gold Rush and Gold Diggers casinos and the customers were offered incentives to migrate their play at Uncle Sam’s to the Gold Rush and Gold Diggers casinos.

 

We also include within the operating segment “Casino Operations” our outdoor amphitheatre at the Gold Rush.  Revenues from the amphitheatre are less than 1% of total revenues.

 

Project Development costs for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $99,112 and $47,642, respectively.  Project development costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $351,683 and $225,125, respectively.  The increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 is primarily a result of increased costs associated with the management contract with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, see above discussion under “Casino Management,” and costs associated with obtaining our consulting agreement with Palace Resorts in September 2007.

 

Corporate expenses were $803,589 and $741,101 during the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, an increase of approximately $62,000.  Corporate expenses were $2,928,408 and $2,053,397 during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, an increase of approximately $875,000.

 

The increase in corporate expenses of approximately $62,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2007 over the comparable period in 2006 is primarily due to increased public relations expense of approximately $60,000 and increased salary and benefit expense of approximately $24,000, which were offset by a reduction of legal and accounting fees of approximately $30,000 due primarily to timing of services performed.

 

The increase in corporate expenses of approximately $875,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 over the comparable period in 2006 is primarily due to increased salary and benefit expense of approximately $529,000 which included discretionary performance bonuses approved by the board of directors in March 2007 of approximately $385,000 (with no corresponding amount in the same period in 2006) and fees for investor relations and financial consulting services of approximately $173,000.  The bonus approved and recorded in March 2007 consists of $210,000 that was paid in March 2007, and $175,000 to be paid on or after July 1, 2007 at such time as management determines that we have sufficient financial resources for the payment.  The $175,000 is accrued as a liability at September 30, 2007.

 

Impairment loss was approximately $400,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.  The impairment loss relates to the write-off of costs related to the termination of the management contract with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma.

 

Interest Expense was $187,410 and $307,699 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, a decrease of approximately $120,000.  Interest expense was $640,233 and $892,222 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, a decrease of approximately $251,000.  The decrease is primarily due to lower interest from our $2.5 million term loan as the loan was fully paid in April 2007.

 

21



 

Write off of acquisition and financing costs of $476,723 and $603,373 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 relate to the write-off of costs associated with the proposed acquisition of the Double Eagle and the write-off of financing costs.  See further discussion below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

 

Loss of unconsolidated subsidiary, net of tax benefit represents our share of the losses of North Metro, which were $96,096 and $43,667 during the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $312,704 and $144,132 during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.    The increase in losses in 2007 compared to 2006 is primarily due to increased real estate taxes in 2007 due to higher assessed land values following the purchase of land by North Metro in late 2005.

 

Effective tax rate.   For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, we did not record a tax benefit for the net loss as a result of our evaluation of deferred tax assets and our ability to utilize the deferred tax assets in the future.  In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 we recorded a tax provision of approximately $215,000 and $615,000.  As of December 31, 2005, we evaluated all evidence and determined that a portion of the deferred tax assets relating to net operating losses in previous years would be utilized in 2006 based upon forecasted income for 2006.  We evaluated the valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets at September 30, 2007 and concluded to continue to record a 100% valuation allowance because of the termination of our management agreement with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, effective August 17, 2007.  As of September 30, 2007, our deferred tax asset is zero.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

 

We generated cash flow from our Oklahoma management activities, which terminated in August 2007, and continue to generate cash flow from our casino operations in Colorado.  We use the cash flows generated to pay off debt in accordance with our agreements, fund reinvestment in existing properties for both refurbishment and replacement of assets, and to pursue additional growth opportunities.  To fund our cash requirements we supplement the cash flows generated by our operations with funds provided by financing activities.

 

On January 24, 2007 and February 26, 2007, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) with certain institutional and other accredited investors, as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, under which we sold in private placements an aggregate of 7.44 million shares of our common stock with accompanying warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2.98 million shares of our common stock, at a purchase price of $0.55 per share of common stock.  The warrants are exercisable for a period of five years, beginning six months after the date of issuance, at an exercise price of $0.61 per share.  The number of shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants and the exercise price of the warrants are adjustable in the event of stock splits, combinations and reclassifications, but not in the event of the issuance by us of additional securities, unless such issuance is pursuant to a rights offering or pro rata distribution to all security holders except the investors.

 

The securities that were issued in this private placement were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  However, under the terms of the Registration Rights Agreements dated January 24, 2007 and February 26, 2007 between us and the investors, we agreed to register the resale of the shares sold in the private placement, including shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants.  The registration statement became effective on May 11, 2007.  Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, we and the investor parties have made other covenants and representations and warranties regarding matters that are customarily included in financings of this nature.  If certain of our obligations are not met, we have agreed to make pro-rata cash payments as liquidated damages to each investor.

 

The private placement resulted in net proceeds to us of approximately $3.94 million, after the deduction of approximately $150,000 of direct offering expenses.  The placement agent agreed to accept the cash portion of the placement agent commission in common stock and warrants on the same terms as the investors, which resulted in the placement agent receiving approximately 517,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of approximately 207,000 shares of common stock.  In addition, the placement agent received a warrant to purchase approximately 277,000 shares of common stock, which is exercisable for a period of five years, beginning six months after the date of issuance, at an exercise price of $1.00 per share.

 

The following officers and directors participated in the private placement on the same terms as the other investors: James B. Druck, Chief Executive Officer and Director; Thomas E. Fox, President and Chief Operating Officer and entities in which Mr. Fox holds an ownership interest; Jeffrey S. Halpern, Vice President of Government Affairs; Gus A. Chafoulias, Director; and David H. Abramson, Director.  Other than with respect to their participation in this offering, there are no material relationships between us and any of the other investors in the private placement.

 

On April 20, 2007, North Metro entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Black Diamond Commercial Finance, L.L.C. (“Black Diamond”) as agent and lender.  Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, North Metro will borrow $41.7 million to construct, equip and open its harness racetrack and card club facility in Columbus, Minnesota on the north side of the Minneapolis — St. Paul metropolitan area. As part of the loan agreement the members of North Metro agreed to complete aggregate membership

 

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contributions of $20.8 million before closing the loan. The total cost of the project is expected to approximate $62 million.  As of September 30, 2007, Southwest contributed $8.9 million of the total amount of $21.2 million contributed by the members.  Certain amounts related to non-construction costs continue to be funded by the members.  These amounts are not considered to be material.

 

While the Credit Agreement does not provide for recourse against us in the case of a default by North Metro, we have pledged our membership interest in North Metro and North Metro pledged its membership interest in North Metro Hotel, LLC as security for repayment of the loan under the terms of a Pledge Agreement with Black Diamond (the “Pledge Agreement”).

 

We also entered into a Subordination Agreement with Black Diamond (the “Subordination Agreement”) under which we agreed that repayment of a $1.65 million membership preferred capital contribution to North Metro, which North Metro was to repay to us out of the first available revenue from operations, will be subordinated to the payments due under the loan agreements.

 

In addition, we entered into a Sponsor Support Agreement (the “Support Agreement”) under which each member of North Metro agreed to contribute additional capital to North Metro if proceeds from the loan are insufficient to complete construction and open the facility.  We believe the loan financing secured by North Metro will be sufficient to construct and open the facility.

 

As a result of the termination of our management contract with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma (see above discussion under the operating segment “Casino Management”) we believe it is necessary to seek additional debt and/or equity financing to fund our future operations including project development costs.  We have undertaken such an effort and believe we will be able to raise the financing on terms acceptable to us and in an appropriate timeframe, but can provide no assurance that we will be able do so.

 

We continue to review additional opportunities to acquire or invest in companies, properties and other investments that meet our strategic and return on investment criteria.  If we complete a material acquisition or investment, our operating results and financial condition could change significantly in future periods.  In addition, any new opportunity we undertake would in all likelihood require additional equity or debt financing.

 

On December 18, 2006, we entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement and a long-term lease with Pinnacle Casinos and Resorts, LLC (“Pinnacle”). Under the Asset Purchase Agreement, we agreed to acquire the operating assets and lease the real property of the Double Eagle Hotel and Casino and Gold Creek Casino in Cripple Creek, Colorado (collectively, the “Double Eagle”).  On April 13, 2007, we notified Pinnacle that we had elected to terminate the Asset Purchase Agreement.

 

We terminated the Asset Purchase Agreement in response to notice we received on April 10, 2007 from Pinnacle that the separate Stock Purchase Agreement under which Pinnacle was to acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of Colorado Casino Resorts, Inc. (“CCRI”), the owner of the Double Eagle, had terminated in accordance with its terms when Pinnacle did not make a required payment. Because Pinnacle was unable to complete its proposed acquisition of the CCRI stock in accordance with the Stock Purchase Agreement, as amended, Pinnacle was also unable to perform its obligations under the Asset Purchase Agreement with us.  In connection with this acquisition we incurred $126,650 of transaction costs specific to this acquisition.  We wrote-off this amount in the second quarter of 2007.  We had substantial doubt that we would be able to reach terms on the Double Eagle with the sellers in late June 2007 and this was confirmed when the negotiations ceased with the sellers of the Double Eagle in early July 2007.  Thus the $126,650 transaction costs were written-off in the second quarter of 2007. This is included as a separate line item under Other Income (Expense) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

 

We also incurred financing costs with a lender in the amount of approximately $477,000.  These financing costs were initially associated with the financing of the original arrangements to acquire the Double Eagle. Even though the proposed Double Eagle acquisition ceased effective June 30, 2007, the financing arrangement and negotiations continued.  In July 2007 we received a revised term sheet from the lender that provided for a non-specific property acquisition line of credit and also included a working capital amount available immediately, as defined in the agreement.  As part of the terms of this new term sheet we wired an additional expense deposit to the lender on August 6, 2007.  We scheduled to close on this financing by the end of August 2007.

 

As a result of the termination of the management agreement with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, effective August 17, 2007, the financing contemplated with this lender did not occur and the arrangement was terminated.  Thus we wrote-off amounts related to the financing of $476,723 which are included as a separate line item within Other Income (Expense) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2007.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $1,617,329 compared to $3,478,163 during the same period in the prior year, a decrease of approximately $1,861,000.  The decrease between periods is primarily due to a

 

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decrease in revenues of approximately $1.4 million and an increase in operating expenses of approximately $1.2 million, offset by timing of working capital items.

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $2,783,712 and $843,036, respectively, an increase of approximately $1,941,000.  The increase in use of cash between the periods was due primarily to an increase in our investment in North Metro of approximately $2,027,000 in connection with the closing of the construction financing secured by North Metro in April 2007.  We also had additional costs of approximately $439,000 associated with obtaining our two-year extension of the Cheyenne and Arapaho management contract, which was subsequently terminated on August 17, 2007.  These costs were offset by proceeds from the sale of Uncle Sam’s casino of approximately $490,000.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $1,181,637 compared to net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 of $2,074,891.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 we had the following financing activities:

 

                                    We completed an equity financing resulting in proceeds of approximately $4.0 million, see further discussion above.

 

                                    We made payments of approximately $1.5 million on long-term borrowings compared to approximately $2.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

 

                                    We paid costs of approximately $322,000 related to the redemption of 357,000 shares of common stock in accordance with Article XI of our Articles of Incorporation effective January 22, 2007.  The shares were redeemed at a price of $0.90 per share based upon the closing stock price of our common stock as reported on January 22, 2007.  We recorded the redemption as a reduction to stockholder’s equity for the buy back of shares.  The shares of common stock are included in Treasury Stock in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity as of September 30, 2007.

 

                                    We made payments of approximately $559,000 related to financing and acquisition costs, see discussion above.

 

                                    We made payments on our line of credit of $446,292 during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $0 in the first nine months of 2006.

 

                                    We made payments of $110,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to three officers related to unpaid compensation from prior periods.  No such amount was paid during the same period in 2007.

 

Line of Credit.   On October 20, 2005, we established a $450,000 line of credit with Crown Bank of Minneapolis, Minnesota.  The line of credit is due April 30, 2008 with a variable interest rate at one percent above prime but not less than 7.5% (8.75% at September 30, 2007).  As of September 30, 2007, the outstanding balance was $0.  Our three principal officers have guaranteed up to $450,000 of this line of credit.

 

Term Note.   On October 20, 2005, the Company entered into a term loan to borrow $2.5 million. The loan terminated on April 30, 2007 and had a variable interest rate of one percent above prime but not less than 7.5%. Twelve shareholders of the Company, including our three principal officers and a member of our board of directors, guaranteed the loan. As of April 30, 2007 the loan was paid in full.

 

Equipment Loan.  On December 23, 2005, the Company negotiated a loan of $460,324 to pay off outstanding payables in connection with the installation of a player tracking system at our three casinos in Cripple Creek, Colorado. The loan is for a term of 48 months with interest equal to the prime rate, which is 7.75% as of September 30, 2007.   The outstanding balance as of September 30, 2007 was approximately $268,000.

 

Seasonality:

 

We believe that the operations of all casinos managed or owned by us will be affected by seasonal factors, including holidays, weather and travel conditions.

 

Effects of Current Economic and Political Conditions:

 

Competitive Pressures:

 

Many casino operators are either entering or expanding in our markets thereby increasing competition. As companies have completed new or expanded projects, supply has sometimes grown at a faster pace than demand, and competition has increased significantly. Furthermore, several operators, including Southwest, have plans for additional developments or expansions in our markets.

 

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Although, the short-term effect on Southwest of these competitive developments generally has been negative, we are not able to determine the long-term impact, whether favorable or unfavorable, that development and expansion trends and events will have on current or future markets. We believe that the geographic diversity of our operations, our service training, our rewards and customer loyalty programs, and our continuing efforts to improve our facilities will insure continued customer loyalty and will enable us to face the competitive challenges present within our industry.

 

The Governor of Colorado recently signed a bill that removes the exemption for casinos from the state’s 2006 smoking ban, effective January 1, 2008.  We expect the extension of the ban to Colorado casinos will have some negative impact on business volumes at our Cripple Creek property, the magnitude of which we cannot predict at this time.

 

Political Uncertainties:

 

The casino entertainment industry is subject to political and regulatory uncertainty.  From time to time, individual jurisdictions and Native American Tribes we do business with have considered actions, legislation or referendums that could adversely impact our operations.  The likelihood or outcome of similar actions, legislation and referendums in the future is difficult to predict.

 

The casino entertainment industry represents a significant source of tax revenues to the various jurisdictions in which casinos operate.  From time to time, various state and federal legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of tax laws, that would affect the industry.  It is not possible to determine with certainty the scope or likelihood of possible future changes in tax laws or in the administration of tax laws.  If adopted, changes in tax law could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

 

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates:

 

We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  Certain of our accounting policies, including, but not limited to, the estimated lives assigned to our assets, the determination of bad debt, asset impairment, valuation of stock option or warrant awards, and income taxes, require that we apply significant judgment in defining the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates.

 

By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty.  Our judgments are based on our historical experience, terms of existing contracts, our observance of trends in the industry, information provided by our customers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate.  We cannot assure you that our actual results will not differ from our estimates.  For a discussion of our significant accounting policies and estimates, please refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements presented in the 2006 Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB.

 

New Accounting Pronouncement:

 

We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“Interpretation No. 48”) effective January 1, 2007, which did not have a significant impact to our financial statements.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” which is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and for interim periods within those years.  This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the related disclosure requirements.  We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this statement.

 

In February 2007, the FASB released SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”.  This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This Statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements.  We are evaluating the impact of this statement.

 

Forward-Looking Statements:

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB contains “forward-looking statements.” You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements often contain words such as “may,” “will,” “project,” “might,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “would,” “estimate,” “continue” or “pursue,” or the negative or other variations of those words or comparable terminology. In particular, they include statements relating to, among other things, future actions, new

 

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projects, strategies, future performance, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings and future financial results. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events.

 

We caution the reader that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward- looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following factors as well as other factors described from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission:

 

                  the approval, continuation or extension of management contracts with Tribal partners;

 

                  our ability to build and maintain healthy personal and professional relationships with tribes and their officials;

 

                  the potential change of policies and personnel of tribal governments, which could adversely affect our relationships;

 

                  the effects of competition, including location of competitors and operating and market competition;

 

                  access to and the cost of available and feasible financing;

 

                  our ability to recoup costs of capital investments through higher revenues;

 

                  success of our customer tracking and customer loyalty programs;

 

                  abnormal gaming holds;

 

                  litigation outcomes and judicial actions, including gaming legislation, referenda and taxation;

 

                  the effect of economic, credit and capital market conditions on the economy in general, and on gaming companies in particular;

 

                  construction factors, including delays, zoning issues, environmental restrictions, soil and water conditions, weather and other hazards, site access matters and building permit issues;

 

                  the effects of environmental and structural building conditions relating to the Company’s properties;

 

                  changes in laws (including increased tax rates), regulations or accounting standards, third-party relationships and approvals, and decisions of courts, regulators and governmental bodies; and

 

Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

Risk Factors

 

In reviewing this quarterly report on Form 10-QSB, you should carefully consider the matters concerning Southwest Casino Corporation described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the annual report on Form 10-KSB filed by the Corporation on March 21, 2007, which are incorporated in this document by reference.

 

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Item 3.  Controls and Procedures

 

(a)           Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The company’s principal executive officer (Chief Executive Officer) and principal financial officer (President and Chief Operating Officer) have evaluated the company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2007, and have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a—15(e) and 15d—15(e)) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. These disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports that it files or submits is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

(b)           Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, no change occurred in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or is likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

 

Approval of Gaming Management Contracts with Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma

 

At a special meeting held on March 31, 2007, the Tribal Council of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma voted to approve nine separate agreements to extend and expand the gaming management relationship between Southwest and the Tribes and to authorize and direct the Governor of the Tribes to sign those agreements and the tribal Legislature to ratify them.  One of the nine approved agreements was a two-year extension of the existing management agreement that included changes to Southwest’s management fee.  On April 3, 2007, the tribal Governor filed a declaratory judgment action in the Cheyenne and Arapaho Trial court asking the court to declare those resolutions invalid.  Southwest intervened in this case on April 13, 2007.  After a hearing on May 18, 2007, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Trial Court issued an order validating the two-year extension of the existing Gaming Management Agreement between Southwest and the Tribes.  After receipt of the May 18, 2007 Order of Trial Court validating, the Chairman of the NIGC issued a letter approving that two-year contract extension.

 

On May 21, 2007, the Governor of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes filed an appeal to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Supreme Court seeking to overturn the decision of the tribal Trial Court validating the two-year contract extension.  On August 17, 2007, The Supreme Court reversed the Trial Court order and declared the contract extension invalid. Also on August 17, 2007, the NIGC issued a decision and order reversing its previous approval of the two-year contract extension.  Based on the decision of the NIGC, tribal representatives took control of the casinos on Sunday, August 19, 2007.  On August 21, 2007, Southwest appealed the decision of the NIGC to reverse its approval of the two-year contract extension.  On August 24, 2007, the NIGC rejected that challenge and affirmed its decision. Southwest has not managed the casinos since August 17, 2007.

 

Alleged Breach of Gaming Management Agreement

 

On July 24, 2007, the tribal Governor delivered notice to Southwest that on July 13, 2007 he had initiated an arbitration proceeding against Southwest for alleged breach of the Third Amended and Restated Gaming Management Agreement between Southwest and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.  An initial administrative conference in this matter was held on October 9, 2007 and Southwest is preparing its response to the arbitration demand.  In addition, on November 2, 2007, Southwest filed a counterclaim in this proceeding alleging a breach of the Gaming Management Agreement by the tribal Governor.

 

In the arbitration demand, the Governor alleged that Southwest breached the management agreement by interfering with or attempting to influence internal affairs or governmental decisions of the Tribes in connection with Southwest’s ongoing efforts to extend its gaming management relationship with the Tribes and seeks termination of the agreement (which terminated on other grounds on August 17, 2007) and $10 million in damages.  Southwest does not believe it has improperly interfered with or attempted to influence internal governmental decisions of the Tribes and Southwest intends to vigorously defend itself in this arbitration proceeding. Under its Gaming Management Agreement with the Tribes, Southwest was permitted to oppose, publicly or privately, any action by the Tribes that Southwest believes is not in the best interest of the Tribal gaming operations. Southwest believes that all of the actions it has taken on behalf of the gaming operations it manages or as part of its efforts to extend its gaming management relationship with the Tribes are consistent with that provision.

 

In its counterclaim, Southwest alleges that the Governor of the Tribes breached the Management Agreement by refusing to negotiate in good faith for an extension and expansion of the gaming management relationship between Southwest and the Tribes.  Southwest asserts that these negotiations were required under the Management Agreement if Southwest assisted the Tribes in entering into a compact for expanded gaming with the State of Oklahoma.  Under Southwest’s leadership, the Tribes entered into that gaming compact in April 2005.

 

Theft and Distribution of Surveillance Video from Lucky Star Clinton casino

 

On August 24, 2007, Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp., as exclusive manager of the Lucky Star casinos of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma filed a lawsuit against Doris Thunderbull, Darrell Flyingman, in his individual capacity, and John Does No. 1 and 2 alleging theft (conversion) of confidential surveillance video from the Lucky Star – Clinton casino and subsequent copyright infringement and defamation in connection with the posting of the stolen video on the website YouTube.com and widespread distribution of DVDs containing the video by mail.  Southwest initially sought an emergency temporary restraining order barring further distribution of the video. That request was denied on August 27, 2007 and Southwest withdrew its request for restraining order on September 24, 2007.  Southwest continues to pursue claims for conversion, copyright infringement, tortious interference with contract, defamation, and conspiracy against the defendants.

 

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Recall of Tribal Governor

 

Concurrent with the litigation described above regarding the validity of the agreements to extend and expand the management relationship between Southwest and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, separate legal proceedings related to efforts to recall the Governor of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes were ongoing.  While Southwest was not a party to this, the proceedings could have impacted our management agreements with the Tribes.

 

On June 14, 2007, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes held a recall election in which they voted to remove Governor Flyingman from office.  On June 19, 2007, the tribal Election Commission certified the results of the recall election.  On July 9, 2007, the Supreme Court of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes ruled that due to procedural errors by the tribal Election Commission with regard to timing of the election and election notices, the election was invalid and Darrell Flyingman remained the Governor of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma.

 

On July 13, 2007, the tribal Election Commission again scheduled a second recall election for September 1, 2007 based on the previously submitted petition.  On September 1, 2007, the members of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes again voted to remove Governor Flyingman from office.  On September 24, 2007, the Supreme Court of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes overruled the votes of the members of the Tribes and invalidated the recall election on procedural grounds for a second time.

 

Other Litigation Matters

 

In addition to the matters described above, we are involved in various claims, legal actions and other complaints arising in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of management, any losses that may occur from these matters are adequately covered by insurance or are provided for in our financial statements and the ultimate outcome of these other matters will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 

Item 6.  Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are attached to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB:

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14.

31.2

 

Certification of Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

 

Certification of Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Pursuant to 18.U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

  November 13, 2007

 

SOUTHWEST CASINO CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ James B. Druck

 

 

James B. Druck

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(principal executive officer)

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Thomas E. Fox

 

 

Thomas E. Fox

 

 

President and Chief Operating Officer

 

 

(principal financial and accounting officer)

 

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