SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization

Boyd Gaming Corporation (and together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” "Boyd Gaming," “we” or “us”) was incorporated in the state of Nevada in 1988 and has been operating since 1973. The Company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BYD”.

We are a diversified operator of 21 wholly owned gaming entertainment properties and one controlling interest in a limited liability company. Headquartered in Las Vegas, we have gaming operations in Nevada, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, Kansas, Iowa and New Jersey which we aggregate in order to present the following five reportable segments:



Las Vegas Locals
Gold Coast Hotel and Casino	Las Vegas, Nevada
The Orleans Hotel and Casino	Las Vegas, Nevada
Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall	Las Vegas, Nevada
Suncoast Hotel and Casino	Las Vegas, Nevada
Eldorado Casino	Henderson, Nevada
Jokers Wild Casino	Henderson, Nevada

Downtown Las Vegas
California Hotel and Casino	Las Vegas, Nevada
Fremont Hotel and Casino	Las Vegas, Nevada
Main Street Station Casino, Brewery and Hotel	Las Vegas, Nevada

Midwest and South
Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall	Tunica, Mississippi
IP Casino Resort Spa	Biloxi, Mississippi
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino	East Peoria, Illinois
Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa	Michigan City, Indiana
Treasure Chest Casino	Kenner, Louisiana
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel	Vinton, Louisiana
Sam's Town Hotel and Casino	Shreveport, Louisiana

Peninsula Gaming
Diamond Jo	Dubuque, Iowa
Diamond Jo Worth	Northwood, Iowa
Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino	Opelousas, Louisiana
Amelia Belle Casino	Amelia, Louisiana
Kansas Star Casino	Mulvane, Kansas

Atlantic City
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa	Atlantic City, New Jersey

Hawaiian Operations

In addition to these properties, we own and operate a travel agency in Hawaii, that operates our Hawaiian charter and a captive insurance company, also in Hawaii, that underwrites travel-related insurance. Results for our travel agency and our captive insurance company are included in our Downtown Las Vegas segment, as our Downtown Las Vegas properties concentrate significant marketing efforts on gaming customers from Hawaii.

Dania Jai-Alai

We also own and operate Dania Jai-Alai, which is a pari-mutuel jai-alai facility with approximately 47 acres of related land located in Dania Beach, Broward County, Florida. The results of Dania Jai-Alai are included as part of the “Other” category in our segment information. As discussed in Note 24, Subsequent Events, on February 22, 2013, we and Dania Entertainment Center, LLC ("Dania Entertainment") entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "New Dania Agreement") for the sale of certain assets and liabilities of the Dania Jai-Alai Business, for a purchase price of $65.5 million. The closing of the transactions contemplated by the New Dania Agreement is expected to occur on or prior to May 24, 2013, subject to certain closing conditions.

Echelon Development

Additionally, we owned 87 acres of land on the Las Vegas Strip, where our multibillion dollar Echelon development project (“Echelon”) was to be located. On August 1, 2008, due to the difficult environment in the capital markets, as well as weak economic conditions, we announced the delay of Echelon. We originally expected to resume development in the project in three to five years. However, as discussed in Note 5, Assets Held for Development, and Note 24, Subsequent Events, in December 2012, we reconsidered our commitment to complete the Echelon project and concluded that we would not resume development.

On March 1, 2013, we entered into a definitive agreement with Genting Assets, Inc. (“Genting”) to sell the Echelon site for $350 million in cash. The sale agreement included the 87-acre land parcel as well as site improvements, including the district energy system and central energy center that was to be built by LVE Energy Partners, LLC (“LVE”). See “Development Project-Central Energy Facility.” The transaction was completed on March 4, 2013, and we received $157 million of net proceeds after payment of a portion of the proceeds to a third party to fulfill our obligations to LVE Energy Partners, LLC.

Basis of Presentation

Acquisition of Peninsula Gaming, LLC

On November 20, 2012, we completed the acquisition of Peninsula Gaming, LLC ("Peninsula Gaming") pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, under which an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company acquired the assets and assumed the liabilities of Peninsula Gaming. The net purchase price, after adjustment for working capital and other items, was approximately $1.48 billion. The acquired assets and liabilities of Peninsula Gaming are included in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 and the results of its operations and cash flows are reported in our consolidated statements of operations and cash flows from November 20, 2012 through December 31, 2012, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2012.

Acquisition of IP

On October 4, 2011, we completed the acquisition of IP Casino Resort Spa ("IP") in Biloxi, Mississippi pursuant to an Agreement for Purchase and Sale, under which the seller agreed to sell and transfer, and the Company agreed to purchase and assume, certain assets and liabilities, respectively, related to the IP, on an as-is basis. The net purchase price, after adjustment for working capital and other items, was approximately $280.6 million.

The financial position of IP is included in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011; its results of its operations for the full year ended December 31, 2012 and the period from October 4 through December 31, 2011 are included in our consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011.

Effective Control of Borgata

On March 24, 2010, as a result of the amendment to our operating agreement with MGM Resorts International (the successor in interest to MGM MIRAGE) ("MGM") (our original 50% partner in Borgata), which provided, among other things, for the termination of MGM's participating rights in the operations of Borgata, we effectively obtained control of Borgata. The amendment to the operating agreement was related to MGM's divestiture of its interest pursuant to a regulatory settlement, as discussed further in Note 3, Consolidation of Certain Interests. This resulting change in control required acquisition method of accounting in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance for business combinations. As a result, we measured our previously held equity interest at a provisional fair value as of March 24, 2010, the date of effective control.

The financial position of Borgata is included in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011; its results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the period from March 24 through December 31, 2010 are included in our consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Prior period amounts were not restated or recasted as a result of this change. We recorded the noncontrolling interest held in trust for the economic benefit of MGM as a separate component of our stockholders' equity. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, approximately $1.39 billion and $1.44 billion, respectively, of our consolidated total assets are related to Borgata.

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entity

LVE is a joint venture between Marina Energy LLC and DCO ECH Energy, LLC. We had entered into an Energy Sales Agreement (the "ESA") with LVE to design, build, own (other than the underlying real property which is leased from Echelon) and operate a district energy system and central energy center for our planned Echelon resort development. The ESA”) with LVE provides electricity, emergency electricity generation, and chilled and hot water to Echelon and potentially other joint venture entities associated with the Echelon development project or other third parties.

New consolidation guidance regarding the variable interest model became effective on January 1, 2010. Under this new qualitative model, the primary beneficiary is identified as the variable interest holder that has both the power to direct the activities of the variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the variable interest entity unless specific exceptions or exclusions are met. The authoritative literature on consolidations provides guidance related to variable interest entities.


•	a qualitative approach for identifying the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity based on (i) the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits that could be significant to the entity;


•	ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity; and separate disclosure by the primary beneficiary on the face of the balance sheet to identify (i) assets that can only be used to settle obligations of the variable interest entity, and (ii) liabilities for which creditors do not have recourse to the primary beneficiary.

For the following quantitative and qualitative reasons, we presently believe that substantially all of LVE's activities are presently performed for our benefit. Pursuant to the terms of the ESA, we are obligated to purchase substantially all of its thermal output at a fixed and variable pricing arrangement that protects LVE from commodity risk. This agreement is long-term in duration, terming for 25 years from the commencement of the commercial operations of Echelon. Additionally, during the period of suspension, we are obligated to pay fees to LVE to subsidize the holding costs of the facility. We have a fixed price put option to purchase the assets of LVE, but have no future obligation to absorb any operating losses or otherwise provide financial support, except as contractually provided as described above. We do not hold any equity interest in LVE and have not guaranteed any of its outstanding debt obligations, nor would such debt have recourse to any of our lenders, note holders or general creditors.

This guidance required us to consolidate LVE for financial statement purposes, as we determined that we are presently the primary beneficiary of the executory contract, the ESA, giving rise to the variable interest.

LVE began construction of the facility in 2007 but suspended construction in January 2009, after our announcement of the delay of Echelon. On April 3, 2009, LVE notified us that, in its view, Echelon would be in breach of the ESA unless it recommences and proceeds with construction of the Echelon development project by May 6, 2009.

On March 7, 2011, Echelon and LVE entered into both a purchase option agreement (the "Purchase Option Agreement") and a periodic fee Agreement (the "Periodic Fee Agreement"). LVE had agreed not to initiate any litigation with respect to its April 3, 2009 claim of an alleged breach of the ESA and both Echelon and LVE have mutually agreed that neither LVE nor Echelon would give notice of, file or otherwise initiate any claim or cause of action, in or before any court, administrative agency, arbitrator, mediator or other tribunal, that arises under the ESA, subject to certain exceptions, and any statute of limitations or limitation periods for defenses, claims, causes of actions and counterclaims shall be tolled while the Periodic Fee Agreement is in effect. Under the Periodic Fee Agreement, Echelon had agreed to pay LVE, beginning March 4, 2011, a monthly periodic fee (the “Periodic Fee”) and an operation and maintenance fee until Echelon either (i) resumed construction of the project or (ii) exercised its option to purchase LVE's assets pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Option Agreement. The amount of the Periodic Fee was fixed at $11.9 million annually through November 2013. Thereafter, the amount of the Periodic Fee was to be approximately $10.8 million annually. The operation and maintenance fee cannot exceed $0.6 million per annum without Echelon's prior approval.

On January 27, 2013, the Purchase Option Agreement was amended. Under the Amended Purchase Option Agreement, Echelon Resorts LLC ("Echelon Resorts") had the right, at its sole discretion, upon written notice to LVE, to purchase the assets of LVE including the central energy center and related distribution system for a price of $187.0 million, subject to certain possible adjustments. Both the ESA and the Periodic Fee Agreement would have been terminated concurrent with the purchase of the LVE assets pursuant to the Purchase Option Agreement, as amended.

On March 1, 2013, as part of the sale of the Echelon site, we entered into a definitive agreement with LVE to permit Genting to acquire LVE's power plant improvements on the Echelon site. The transaction was completed on March 4, 2013 and Genting paid LVE $187.0 million at the closing.

Other Investments

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, which are less than 50% owned and do not meet the consolidation criteria of the authoritative accounting guidance for voting interest, controlling interest or variable interest entities, are accounted for under the equity method.

Intercompany Transactions

All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at their date of purchase, and are on deposit with high credit quality financial institutions. Although these balances may at times exceed the federal insured deposit limit, we believe such risk is mitigated by the quality of the institution holding such deposit. The carrying values of these instruments approximate their fair values as such balances are generally available on demand.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash consists primarily of advance payments related to: (i) future bookings with our Hawaiian travel agency; and (ii) amounts restricted by regulation for racing purposes at Delta Downs and Evangeline Downs. Certain of these restricted cash balances are invested in highly liquid instruments with a maturity of 90 days or less.

Accounts Receivable, net

Accounts receivable consist primarily of casino, hotel and other receivables. Accounts receivable are typically non-interest bearing and are initially recorded at cost. Accounts are written off when management deems the account to be uncollectible, based upon historical collection experience, the age of the receivable and other relevant economic factors. An estimated allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained to reduce our receivables to their carrying amount. As a result, the net carrying value approximates fair value.

The activity comprising our allowance for doubtful accounts during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
				(In thousands)
Beginning balance, January 1	$	28,491		$	26,514		$	4,169
Additions due to consolidation of Borgata	—			—			24,212
Additions due to acquisition of IP	—			2,072			—
Additions	1,549			3,864			2,766
Deductions	(4,347		)	(3,959		)	(4,633		)
Ending balance	$	25,693		$	28,491		$	26,514

Management does not believe that any significant concentrations of credit risk existed as of December 31, 2012.

Inventories

Inventories consist primarily of food and beverage and retail items and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the weighted-average inventory method.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, for leasehold improvements, over the shorter of the asset's useful life or term of the lease.

The estimated useful lives of our major components of property and equipment are:



Building and improvements	10 through 40 years
Riverboats and barges	10 through 40 years
Furniture and equipment	3 through 10 years

Gains or losses on disposals of assets are recognized as incurred. Costs of major improvements are capitalized, while costs of normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.

We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. For an asset that is to be disposed of, we recognize the asset at the lower of carrying value or fair market value, less costs of disposal, as estimated based on comparable asset sales, solicited offers, or a discounted cash flow model. For a long-lived asset to be held and used, we review the asset for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We then compare the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset to the carrying value of the asset. The asset is not impaired if the undiscounted future cash flows exceed its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows, then an impairment charge is recorded, typically measured using a discounted cash flow model, which is based on the estimated future results of the relevant reporting unit discounted using our weighted-average cost of capital and market indicators of terminal year free cash flow multiples. If an asset is under development, future cash flows include remaining construction costs. All resulting recognized impairment charges are recorded as operating expenses. See Note 18, Impairments and Other Operating Items, Net, for a discussion of impairment charges related to our long-lived assets.

Assets Held for Development

The costs incurred relative to projects under development are carried at cost. Development costs clearly associated with the acquisition, development, and construction of a project are capitalized as a cost of that project, during the periods in which activities necessary to get the property ready for its intended use are in progress. Certain pre-acquisition costs, not qualifying for capitalization, are charged to preopening or other operating expense as incurred.

We evaluate our investment in assets held for development in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance on impairment or disposal of long lived assets. For a long-lived asset to be held and used, such as these assets under development, we review the asset for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We then compare the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset to the carrying value of the asset. The asset is not impaired if the undiscounted future cash flows exceed its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows, then an impairment charge is recorded, typically measured using a discounted cash flow model, which is based on the estimated future results of the relevant reporting unit discounted using our weighted-average cost of capital and market indicators of terminal year free cash flow multiples. For these assets under development, future cash flows include remaining construction costs.

Capitalized Interest

Interest costs associated with major construction projects are capitalized as part of the cost of the constructed assets. When no debt is incurred specifically for a project, interest is capitalized on amounts expended for the project using our weighted-average cost of borrowing. Capitalization of interest ceases when the project (or discernible portions of the project) is substantially complete. If substantially all of the construction activities of a project are suspended, capitalization of interest will cease until such activities are resumed. Interest capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $1.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively. There were no activities or expenditures which qualified for interest capitalization during the year ended December 31, 2010.

Debt Financing Costs

Debt financing costs, which include legal, and other direct costs related to the issuance of our outstanding debt, are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the contractual term of the underlying long-term debt using the effective interest method. In the event that our debt is modified, repurchased or otherwise reduced prior to its original maturity date, we ratably reduce the unamortized debt financing costs.

Restricted Investments

In accordance with the terms of the tax-exempt loan agreements, which are the obligations of LVE, unused proceeds are required to be held in escrow pending approval of construction expenditures. These investments are held in an interest-bearing account.

CRDA Investments

New Jersey state law provides, among other things, for an assessment of licensees equal to 1.25% of gross gaming revenues in lieu of an investment alternative tax equal to 2.5% of gross gaming revenues. Generally, a licensee may satisfy this investment obligation by: (i) investing in qualified eligible direct investments; (ii) making qualified contributions; or (iii) depositing funds with the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (“CRDA”). Funds deposited with the CRDA may be used to purchase bonds designated by the CRDA or, under certain circumstances, may be donated to the CRDA in exchange for credits against future CRDA investment obligations. Our net deposits with the CRDA, held by Borgata, eligible to be used to fund qualified investments were $28.5 million and $25.9 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and are included in other assets, net, on our consolidated balance sheets.

Peninsula Gaming Investments

Peninsula Gaming has an investment in $22.4 million aggregate principal amount of 7.5% Urban Renewal Tax Increment Revenue Bonds, Taxable Series 2007 ("City Bonds"). This investment is classified as available-for-sale and is recorded at fair-value. The fair value at December 31, 2012 was $17.9 million. At December 31, 2012, $0.3 million is included as a current asset in other current assets, and $17.6 million is included in long-term other assets, net.

Future maturities of the City Bonds, excluding the discount, at December 31, 2012 for the years ending December 31 are summarized as follows:



City Bond Maturities	(In thousands)
2013	$	330
2014	355
2015	380
2016	410
2017	440
Thereafter	20,520
Total	$	22,435

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets include customer relationships, favorable lease rates, development agreements, gaming license rights and trademarks.

Amortizing Intangible Assets

Customer relationships represent the value of repeat business associated with our customer loyalty programs. These intangible assets are being amortized on an accelerated method over their approximate useful life. Favorable lease rates represent the amount by which acquired lease rental rates are favorable to market terms. These favorable lease values are amortized over the remaining lease term, primarily on leasehold land interests, originally ranging in duration from 41 to 52 years. Development agreements are contracts between two parties establishing an agreement for development of a product or service. These agreements are amortized over the respective cash flow period of the related agreement.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Trademarks are based on the value of our brands, which reflect the level of service and quality we provide and from which we generate repeat business. Gaming license rights represent the value of the license to conduct gaming in certain jurisdictions, which is subject to highly extensive regulatory oversight, and a limitation on the number of licenses available for issuance with these certain jurisdictions. These assets, considered indefinite-lived intangible assets, are not subject to amortization, but instead are subject to an annual impairment test, historically performed in the second quarter of each year, and between annual test dates in certain circumstances. If the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference. License rights are tested for impairment using a discounted cash flow approach, and trademarks are tested for impairment using the relief-from-royalty method.

During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company changed the date of its annual indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test dates to October 1 to better align with the Company's annual financial planning process. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company performed annual impairment tests on defined sub-sets of its indefinite-lived intangible assets on January 1, April 1 and October 1. The January 1 and April 1 tests were performed on their respective test dates during 2012, and did not result in any impairment.

Goodwill

Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is not subject to amortization, but it is subject to an annual impairment test and between annual test dates in certain circumstances.

Goodwill for relevant reporting units is tested for impairment using a weighted discounted cash flow analysis and an earnings multiple valuation technique based on the estimated future results of our reporting units discounted using our weighted-average cost of capital and market indicators of terminal year capitalization rates. The implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill is compared to the carrying value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to its assets and liabilities and the amount remaining, if any, is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than its carrying value then it must be written down to its implied fair value.

In January 2012, the Company adopted accounting guidance simplifying how entities test goodwill for impairment. The guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test. If it is determined the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the entity must perform the test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. An entity is no longer required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount.

During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company changed the date of its annual goodwill impairment test dates to October 1. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company performed annual impairment tests on its goodwill on April 1 and October 1 for different reporting units. The change in the impairment test dates for all reporting units to October 1 did not delay, accelerate or avoid an impairment charge. The April 1 test performed during 2012 prior to the change did not result in any impairment. Management believes that the new impairment test date is preferable because it is more closely aligned with the Company's annual financial planning and budgeting process. These financial plans are a key component utilized in the annual impairment testing process. The change in the impairment test dates constitutes a change in accounting principle under ASC 250, “Accounting for Changes and Error Corrections,” and had no impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheet, statement of operations or cash flows. The Company determined it was impracticable to objectively determine projected cash flows and related valuation estimates that would have been used as of each October 1 for periods prior to October 1, 2012 without the use of hindsight. As such, the Company has prospectively applied the change in annual goodwill impairment testing date from October 1, 2012.

Slot Bonus Point Program

We have established promotional programs to encourage repeat business from frequent and active slot machine customers and patrons. Members earn points based on gaming activity and such points can be redeemed for cash, complimentary slot play, and other free goods and services. We record bonus points redeemed for complimentary slot play as a reduction to gaming revenue and bonus points redeemed for free goods and services as promotional allowances. The accruals are based on estimates and assumptions regarding the mix of cash, complimentary slot play, and other free goods and services that will be redeemed and the costs of providing those benefits. Historical data is used to assist in the determination of the estimated accruals. The slot bonus point accrual is included in accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.

Long-Term Debt, Net

Long-term debt is reported at amortized cost. Any discount and underwriting or other transaction costs paid to the initial purchasers or lenders upon issuance of our debt instruments are recorded as an adjustment to the face amount of our outstanding debt. This resulting difference between the net proceeds upon issuance and the face amount of the underlying debt is accreted to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the underlying debt.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are recorded under the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and attributable to operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance, if based on the available evidence it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets is assessed periodically based on a more-likely-than-not realization threshold. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with the utilization of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards before expiration and tax planning strategies.

Other Long Term Tax Liabilities

The Company's income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and other tax authorities in the locations where it operates. The Company assesses potentially unfavorable outcomes of such examinations based on accounting standards for uncertain income taxes, which prescribe a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements.

Uncertain tax position accounting standards apply to all tax positions related to income taxes. These accounting standards utilize a two-step approach for evaluating tax positions. Recognition occurs when the Company concludes that a tax position, based on its technical merits, is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement is only addressed if the position is deemed to be more likely than not to be sustained. The tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement. Use of the term “more likely than not” indicates the likelihood of occurrence is greater than 50%.

Tax positions failing to qualify for initial recognition are recognized in the first subsequent interim period that they meet the “more likely than not” standard. If it is subsequently determined that a previously recognized tax position no longer meets the “more likely than not” standard, it is required that the tax position is derecognized. Accounting standards for uncertain tax positions specifically prohibit the use of a valuation allowance as a substitute for derecognition of tax positions. As applicable, the Company will recognize accrued penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.

Self-Insurance Reserves

We are self-insured for general liability costs and self-insured up to certain stop loss amounts for employee health coverage and workers' compensation costs. Borgata is currently self-insured with respect to each catastrophe related property damage claim, non-catastrophe related property damage claim, general liability claim, and non-union employee medical case, respectively. Insurance claims and reserves include accruals of estimated settlements for known claims, as well as accruals of estimates for claims incurred but not yet reported. In estimating these accruals, we consider historical loss experience and make judgments about the expected levels of costs per claim. Management believes the estimates of future liability are reasonable based upon our methodology; however, changes in health care costs, accident frequency and severity and other factors could materially affect the estimate for these liabilities. Certain of these claims represent obligations to make future payments; and therefore we discount such reserves to an amount representing the present value of the claims which will be paid in the future using a blended rate, which represents the inherent risk and the average payout duration. Self-insurance reserves are included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	34,500	$	31,721	$	27,825
Additions
Charged to costs and expenses	103,802		89,464		77,307
Due to consolidation of Borgata	—		—		15,544
Due to acquisitions	359		1,111		—
Payments made	99,998		87,796		88,955
Ending Balance	$	38,663	$	34,500	$	31,721

Derivative Instruments

The Company applies hedge accounting to certain derivative instruments, which is conditional upon satisfying specific documentation and performance criteria. In particular, the underlying hedged item must expose the Company to risks associated with market fluctuations and the instrument used as the hedging derivative must generate offsetting effects in prescribed magnitudes. If these criteria are not met, a change in the market value of the financial instrument and all associated settlements would be recognized as gains or losses in the period of change.

Under cash flow hedge accounting, effective derivative results are initially recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and later reclassified to earnings, coinciding with the income recognition relating to the variable interest payments being hedged (i.e., when the interest expense on the variable-rate liability is recorded in earnings). Any hedge ineffectiveness (which represents the amount by which hedge results exceed the variability in the cash flows of the forecasted transaction due to the risk being hedged) is recorded in current period earnings.

During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had certain derivative instruments that were not designated to qualify for hedge accounting. The periodic change in the mark-to-market of these derivative instruments was recorded in period earnings.

Derivatives are included in the consolidated balance sheets as assets or liabilities at fair value. Certain interest rate swap contract liabilities included in our consolidation of LVE are recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and all other non-stockholder changes in equity, or other comprehensive income (loss). Components of the Company's comprehensive income (loss) are reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of stockholders' equity. The cumulative balance of other comprehensive income (loss) consists of fair value adjustments related to hedged derivative instruments and unrealized gains and losses on the investment available for sale resulting from changes in fair value.

Noncontrolling Interest

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, noncontrolling interests are comprised of: (i) the 50% interest in Borgata, held in trust for the economic benefit of MGM; and (ii) all 100% of the members' equity interest in LVE, the variable interest entity, which is consolidated in our financial statements, but in which we hold no equity interest. Noncontrolling interests are reported as a separate component of our stockholders' equity in our consolidated balance sheet. Our consolidated net income is reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both us and the noncontrolling interest.

Revenue Recognition

Gaming revenue represents the net win from gaming activities, which is the aggregate difference between gaming wins and losses. The majority of our gaming revenue is counted in the form of cash and chips and therefore is not subject to any significant or complex estimation procedures. Cash discounts, commissions and other cash incentives to customers related to gaming play are recorded as a reduction of gross gaming revenues.

Race revenue recognition criteria are met at the time the results of the event are official.

Room revenue recognition criteria are met at the time of occupancy.

Food and beverage revenue recognition criteria are met at the time of service.

Promotional Allowances

The retail value of accommodations, food and beverage, and other services furnished to guests without charge is included in gross revenues and then deducted as a promotional allowance. Promotional allowances also include incentives earned in our slot bonus program such as cash, complimentary play, and the estimated retail value of goods and services (such as complimentary rooms and food and beverages). We reward customers, through the use of bonus programs, with points based on amounts wagered that can be redeemed for a specified period of time, principally for complimentary play, and to a lesser extent for goods or services, depending upon the property.

The amounts included in promotional allowances for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Rooms	$	144,605	$	130,168	$	109,268
Food and beverage	191,419		175,391		159,229
Other	114,652		114,380		85,328
Total promotional allowances	$	450,676	$	419,939	$	353,825

The estimated costs of providing such promotional allowances for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Rooms	$	62,323	$	58,821	$	53,928
Food and beverage	182,138		158,881		159,617
Other	21,641		18,092		16,884
Total cost of promotional allowances	$	266,102	$	235,794	$	230,429

Gaming Taxes

We are subject to taxes based on gross gaming revenues in the jurisdictions in which we operate. These gaming taxes are assessed based on our gaming revenues and are recorded as a gaming expense in the consolidated statements of operations. These taxes totaled approximately $270.3 million, $258.4 million and $256.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Advertising Expense

Direct advertising costs are expensed the first time such advertising appears. Advertising costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and totaled $38.3 million, $33.1 million and $31.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Corporate Expense

Corporate expense represents unallocated payroll, professional fees, aircraft costs and various other expenses that are not directly related to our casino hotel operations. Corporate expense totaled $50.7 million, $49.0 million and $48.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Preopening Expenses

Certain costs of start-up activities are expensed as incurred. The following reconciles our preopening expenses to provide the amounts incurred, net of the amounts eliminated upon the consolidation of LVE.



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
				(In thousands)
Preopening expense:
Amounts incurred by Boyd Gaming Corporation	$	22,437		$	17,492		$	8,405
Amounts eliminated upon consolidation of LVE	(10,896		)	(10,858		)	(946		)
Amounts reported in our consolidated statements of operations	$	11,541		$	6,634		$	7,459

Share-Based Compensation

Share-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense, net of estimated forfeitures, over the employee's requisite service period. Compensation costs related to stock option awards are calculated based on the fair value of each major option grant on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires the following assumptions: expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rates, expected option lives and dividend yields. We formed our assumptions using historical experience and observable market conditions.

The following table discloses the weighted-average assumptions used in estimating the fair value of our significant stock option grants and awards during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Expected stock price volatility	77.11		%	79.70		%	72.90		%
Annual dividend rate	—			—			—
Risk-free interest rate	0.55		%	0.40		%	0.90		%
Expected option life (in years)	4.3			3.0			4.3
Estimated fair value per share	$	3.04		$	3.44		$	4.67

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to Boyd Gaming Corporation stockholders, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the additional dilution for all potentially-dilutive securities, such as stock options.

The weighted average number of common and common share equivalent shares used in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share calculations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011and 2010, consisted of the following amounts:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012	2011	2010
	(In thousands)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	87,652	87,263	86,601
Potential dilutive effect	—	—	230
Diluted	87,652	87,263	86,831

Anti-dilutive options totaling 8.1 million have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share during the years ended December 31, 2010, as these shares were out of the money. Due to the net losses for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the effect of all potential common share equivalents was anti-dilutive, and therefore all such shares were excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

In January 2012, the Company adopted guidance requiring the presentation of comprehensive income (loss), the components of net income (loss), and the components of other comprehensive income (loss) either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income (loss) or in two separate but consecutive statements. Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and all other non-stockholder changes in equity, or other comprehensive income (loss). Components of the Company's comprehensive income (loss) are reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The cumulative balance of other comprehensive income (loss) consists of fair value adjustments related to hedged derivative instruments held by the variable interest entity and unrealized gains and losses from the available for sale investment.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that subject us to credit risk consist of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and interest rate swap contracts. Our interest rate swap contracts terminated on June 30, 2011.

Our policy is to limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution, and place investments with financial institutions evaluated as being creditworthy, or in short-term money market and tax-free bond funds which are exposed to minimal interest rate and credit risk. We have bank deposits which may at times exceed federally-insured limits.

Concentration of credit risk, with respect to gaming receivables, is limited through our credit evaluation process. We issue markers to approved gaming customers only following credit checks and investigations of creditworthiness.

Credit valuations of counterparties to our swap contracts are performed to reflect the impact of the credit ratings of both such counterparties, based primarily upon the market value of the credit default rates of the respective parties.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts presented in our consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. These reclassifications related to the disaggregation of non-cash impairment charges that were previously accumulated in other operating items, net, to impairment of assets in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These reclassifications had no effect on our retained earnings or net income (loss) as previously reported.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

A variety of proposed or otherwise potential accounting standards are currently under study by standard-setting organizations and certain regulatory agencies. Because of the tentative and preliminary nature of such proposed standards, we have not yet determined the effect, if any, that the implementation of such proposed standards would have on our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update 2012-02 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment ("Update 2011-02")

In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Update 2012-02 which is an amendment to Topic 350-30 of the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC").

The objective of Update 2012-02 is to amend ASC 350-30 is to reduce the cost and complexity of performing an impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets by simplifying how an entity tests those assets for impairment and to improve consistency in impairment testing guidance among long-lived asset categories. The guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value to its carrying value. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, the entity must record an impairment.

Update 2012-02 is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, although early adoption is permitted. In September 2012, the Company adopted Update 2012-02. Update 2012-02 did not have a material impact on the computation of the impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets.