XML 43 R25.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.8.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]
Organization
Boyd Gaming Corporation (and together with its subsidiaries, the "Company", the "Registrant", "Boyd Gaming", "Boyd", "we" or "us") was incorporated in the state of Nevada in 1988 and has been operating since 1975. The Company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "BYD".

As of December 31, 2017, we are a diversified operator of 24 wholly owned gaming entertainment properties. Headquartered in Las Vegas, we have gaming operations in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, which we aggregate in order to present the following three 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
Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel
Las Vegas, Nevada
Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa
North Las Vegas, Nevada
Cannery Casino Hotel
North 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
 
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
East Peoria, Illinois
Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa
Michigan City, Indiana
Diamond Jo Dubuque
Dubuque, Iowa
Diamond Jo Worth
Northwood, Iowa
Kansas Star Casino
Mulvane, Kansas
Amelia Belle Casino
Amelia, Louisiana
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel
Vinton, Louisiana
Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino
Opelousas, Louisiana
Sam's Town Hotel and Casino
Shreveport, Louisiana
Treasure Chest Casino
Kenner, Louisiana
IP Casino Resort Spa
Biloxi, Mississippi
Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall
Tunica, Mississippi


Cash and Cash Equivalents
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
Restricted cash consists primarily of advance payments related to: (i) future bookings with our Hawaiian travel agency; and (ii) amounts restricted by regulation for gaming and racing purposes. These restricted cash balances are invested in highly liquid instruments with a maturity of 90 days or less. These restricted cash balances are held by high credit quality financial institutions. The carrying value of these instruments approximates their fair value due to their short maturities
Accounts Receivable, net
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.
Inventories
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, 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
3 through 40 years
Riverboats and barges
5 through 40 years
Furniture and equipment
1 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.

For an asset that is held for sale, 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. All resulting recognized impairment charges are recorded as Impairment of assets within operating expenses.
Capitalized Interest
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, 2016 and 2015 was $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities
Investment in Available for Sale Securities
We have an investment in $20.5 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, 2017 and 2016 was $17.8 million and $17.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and $17.3 million and $16.8 million, respectively, is included in other assets, net.

Schedule of Bond Maturity Dates
Future maturities of the City Bonds, excluding the discount, for the years ending December 31 are summarized as follows:
(In thousands)
 
For the year ending December 31,
 
2018
$
475

2019
510

2020
550

2021
590

2022
635

Thereafter
17,760

Total
$
20,520

Intangible Assets
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 therein. These assets, considered indefinite-lived intangible assets, are not subject to amortization, but instead are subject to an annual impairment test, 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.

Goodwill
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.

We evaluate goodwill using a weighted average allocation of both the income and market approach models. The income approach is based upon a discounted cash flow method, whereas the market approach uses the guideline public company method. Specifically, the income approach focuses on the expected cash flow of the subject reporting unit, considering the available cash flow for a finite period of years. Available cash flow is defined as the amount of cash that could be distributed as a dividend without impairing the future profitability or operations of the reporting unit. The underlying premise of the income approach is that the value of goodwill can be measured by the present value of the net economic benefit to be received over the life of the reporting unit. The market approach focuses on comparing the reporting unit to selected reasonably similar (or "guideline") publicly-traded companies. Under this method, valuation multiples are: (i) derived from the operating data of selected guideline companies; (ii) evaluated and adjusted based on the strengths and weaknesses of our reporting unit relative to the selected guideline companies; and (iii) applied to the operating data of our reporting unit to arrive at an indication of value. The application of the market approach results in an estimate of the price reasonably expected to be realized from the sale of the subject reporting unit.

Revenue Recognition, Loyalty Programs [Policy Text Block]
Player Loyalty Point Program
We have established promotional programs to encourage repeat business from frequent and active slot machine customers and other patrons. Members earn points based on gaming activity and such points can be redeemed for complimentary slot play, food and beverage, and other free goods and services. We record points redeemed for complimentary slot play as a reduction to gaming revenue and points redeemed for food and beverage and other free goods and services as promotional allowances. The accrual for unredeemed points is based on estimates and assumptions regarding the redemption mix of complimentary slot play, food and beverage, and other free goods and services and the costs of providing those benefits. Historical data is used to assist in the determination of the estimated accruals. The player loyalty point program accrual is included in accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
Long-Term Debt, Net
Long-Term Debt, Net
Long-term debt, net is reported as the outstanding debt amount net of amortized cost. Any unamortized debt issuance costs, which include legal and other direct costs related to the issuance of our outstanding debt, or discount granted to the initial purchasers or lenders upon issuance of our debt instruments is recorded as a direct reduction to the face amount of our outstanding debt. The debt issuance costs and discount are accreted to interest expense using the effective interest method over the contractual term of the underlying debt. In the event that our debt is modified, repurchased or otherwise reduced prior to its original maturity date, we ratably reduce the unamortized debt issuance costs and discount and record a loss on extinguishment of debt.
Income Taxes
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. 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. Use of the term "more likely than not" indicates the likelihood of occurrence is greater than 50%. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets is continually assessed 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 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. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified.
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.

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. Accrued interest and penalties are included in other long-term tax liabilities on the balance sheet.
Self-Insurance Reserves
Self-Insurance Reserves
We are self-insured for various insurance coverages such as property, general liability, employee health and workers' compensation costs with the appropriate levels of deductibles and retentions. 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.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Components of the Company's comprehensive income are reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity and consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2017, consists of unrealized gains and losses on the investment available for sale resulting from changes in fair value.
Noncontrolling Interest
Noncontrolling Interest
Noncontrolling interest represented the ownership interest in one of our subsidiaries that was held by a third party. During 2017, the joint venture in which we held an 80% interest was dissolved, thus eliminating our noncontrolling interest.

Revenue Recognition
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
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 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 for complimentary slot play, food and beverage, and to a lesser extent for other goods or services, depending upon the property.
Gaming Taxes
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 $324.5 million, $321.7 million and $332.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Advertising Expense
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 $29.9 million, $32.3 million and $33.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Corporate Expense
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.
Project Development, Preopening and Writedowns
Project Development, Preopening and Writedowns
Project development, preopening and writedowns represent: (i) certain costs incurred and recoveries realized related to the activities associated with various acquisition opportunities, dispositions and other business development activities in the ordinary course of business; (ii) certain costs of start-up activities that are expensed as incurred and do not qualify as capital costs; and (iii) asset write-downs.

Share-Based Compensation
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. The requisite service period can be impacted by the provisions of the Company’s stock compensation programs that provide for automatic vesting acceleration upon retirement (including as a result of death or disability) for those long-service participants achieving defined age and years of service criteria. These acceleration provisions do not apply to stock grants and awards issued within six months of the employee’s retirement. 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.
Earnings per Share
Net Income per Share
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income 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.

Concentration of Credit Risk
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that subject us to credit risk consist of cash equivalents and accounts receivable.

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 that 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.

Use of Estimates
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.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
arnings of $15.8 million on the consolidated statement of changes in stockholders' equity for the year ended December 31, 2017. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded an excess tax benefit in our tax expense of approximately $1.5 million. We anticipate recording excess tax benefits as a component of tax expense will cause volatility in our future effective tax rate.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Update 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation ("Update 2017-09")
In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Update 2017-09, which amends the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. The standard is effective for the financial statements issued for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted Update 2017-09 during second quarter 2017. The early adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other ("Update 2017-04")
In January 2017, the FASB issued Update 2017-04, which addresses goodwill impairment testing. Instead of determining goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill, an entity should perform goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. The standard is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted Update 2017-04 effective January 1, 2017. The early adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows ("Update 2016-18")
In November 2016, the FASB issued Update 2016-18, which amends Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 230 to add or clarify the guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of Update 2016-18 to the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update 2016-17, Consolidation ("Update 2016-17")
In October 2016, the FASB issued Update 2016-17, which amends the guidance on related parties that are under common control.
The ASU provides guidance on a single decision maker does not consider indirect interest held through related parties as equivalent to direct interests in determining whether it meets the economics criterion to be a primary beneficiary. The standard is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The Company determined that the impact of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements will not be material.

Accounting Standards Update 2016-16, Income Taxes ("Update 2016-16")
In October 2016, the FASB issued Update 2016-16, which addresses the immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements. The Company determined that the impact of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements will not be material.

Accounting Standards Update 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows ("Update 2016-15")
In August 2016, the FASB issued Update 2016-15, which amends the guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") is intended to reduce the lack of consistent principles on certain classifications such as debt prepayment, debt extinguishment costs, distributions, insurance claims and beneficial interest in securitization transactions. The standard is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of Update 2016-15 to the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses ("Update 2016-13")
In June 2016, the FASB issued Update 2016-13, which amends the guidance on the impairment of financial instruments. Update 2016-13 adds to GAAP an impairment model (known as the current expected credit loss ("CECL") model) that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. The standard is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of Update 2016-13 to the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases ("Update 2016-02")
In February 2016, the FASB issued Update 2016-02 which requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and the disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. The standard is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of Update 2016-02 to the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("Update 2014-09"); Accounting Standards Update 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Deferral of the Effective Date ("Update 2015-14" ); Accounting Standards Update 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) ("Update 2016-08"); Accounting Standards Update 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing ("Update 2016-10"); Accounting Standards Update 2016-11, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) - Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting ("Update 2016-11"); and Accounting Standards Update 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients ("Update 2016-12"); (collectively, the “Revenue Standard”)
The Revenue Standard prescribes a new, single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The Revenue Standard is effective for our Company on January 1, 2018, and must be adopted by applying either a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in the period of adoption or a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application. We are adopting the Revenue Standard by following the full retrospective approach. The accompanying financial statements and related disclosures do not reflect the effects of the Revenue Standard. We are finalizing our assessment of the effects of the Revenue Standard on our consolidated financial statements, and we will begin reporting under the new guidance effective with our first quarter 2018 financial report.

As a result of the Revenue Standard, our historical income statement presentation, which reflects revenues gross for goods and services provided to our customers as an inducement to play with us with an offsetting reduction for promotional allowances to derive net revenues, is no longer allowed. Under the new guidance, revenues are allocated among our departmental classifications based on the relative standalone selling prices of the goods and services provided to the customer. While the amount of net revenues is not changed, this methodology results in a reduction of our reported departmental revenues by an aggregate amount equivalent to our reported promotional allowance revenues. The majority of this adjustment is applied to our gaming revenues.
Historically, and in accordance with prior guidance, we reported the expense for amounts paid to operators of wide area progressive games as contra-revenues. Under the Revenue Standard, these payments will be reported as an operating expense. The impact of this classification change will be to increase our gaming revenues and gaming expenses by equal amounts.
The accounting for our frequent player programs is also impacted. Historically, we have valued the points earned under these programs based on the estimated cost of redemption. Under the new guidance, we will account for the point programs under a deferred revenue model. The impact of this change in accounting is not expected to be material to any annual accounting period.

A variety of proposed or otherwise potential accounting standards are currently being studied 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.