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Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
General
We are a party to various legal proceedings, which have arisen in the normal course of our business. Such proceedings can be costly, time consuming and unpredictable and, therefore, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of such proceedings will not materially impact our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Estimated losses are accrued for these proceedings when the loss is probable and can be estimated. While we maintain insurance coverage that we believe is adequate to mitigate the risks of such proceedings, no assurance can be given that the amount or scope of existing insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover losses arising from such matters. The current liability for the estimated losses associated with these proceedings is not material to our consolidated financial condition and those estimated losses are not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations.
COVID-19 Insurance Claims
The COVID-19 public health emergency had a significant impact on the Company’s business and employees, as well as the communities where the Company operates and serves. The Company purchased broad property insurance coverage to protect against “all risk of physical loss or damage” and resulting business interruption, unless specifically excluded by policies. The Company submitted claims for losses incurred as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency which are expected to exceed $2 billion. The insurance carriers under the Company’s insurance policies have asserted that the policies do not cover losses incurred by the Company as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency and have refused to make payments under the applicable policies. Therefore, on March 19, 2021, the Company filed a lawsuit against its insurance carriers in the state court in Clark County, Nevada. On June 8, 2021, the Company filed an amended complaint. Litigation is proceeding and there can be no assurance as to the outcome of the litigation.
Contractual Commitments
Capital Commitments
Harrah’s New Orleans
In April 2020, the Company and the State of Louisiana, by and through the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, entered into an Amended and Restated Casino Operating Contract. Additionally, the Company, New Orleans Building Corporation and the City entered into a Second Amended and Restated Lease Agreement. Based on these amendments related to Harrah’s New Orleans, the Company is required to make certain payments and to make a capital investment of $325 million on or around Harrah’s New Orleans by July 15, 2024. In connection with the capital investment in Harrah’s New Orleans, construction has begun and we are in the process of rebranding the property as Caesars New Orleans which we expect to be complete in 2024.
Atlantic City
As required by the New Jersey Gaming Control Board in connection with its approval of the Merger, we funded $400 million in escrow to provide funds for a three year capital expenditure plan in the state of New Jersey. This amount is currently included in restricted cash in Other assets, net. As of December 31, 2021, our restricted cash balance in the escrow account was $297 million for future capital expenditures in New Jersey.
Sports Sponsorship/Partnership Obligations
We have agreements with certain professional sports leagues and teams, sporting event facilities and media companies for tickets, suites, and advertising, marketing, promotional and sponsorship opportunities including communication with partner customer databases. Additionally, a selection of such partnerships provide Caesars with exclusivity to access the aforementioned rights within the casino and/or sports betting category. In connection with the launch of the Caesars Sportsbook app, we entered into a significant marketing campaign with distinguished actors, athletes and other media personalities. As of December 31, 2021, obligations related to these agreements were $997 million, which include obligations assumed in the William Hill Acquisition, with contracts extending through 2040. These obligations include leasing of event suites that are generally considered short term leases for which we do not record a right of use asset or lease liability. We recognize expenses in the period services are received in accordance with the various agreements. In addition, assets or liabilities may be recorded related to the timing of payments as required by the respective agreement.
Self-Insurance
We are self-insured for workers compensation and other risk insurance, as well as health insurance and general liability. Our total estimated self-insurance liability was $221 million and $223 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which is included in Accrued other liabilities on our Balance Sheets.
The assumptions, including those related to the COVID-19 public health emergency, utilized by our actuaries are subject to significant uncertainty and if outcomes differ from these assumptions or events develop or progress in a negative manner, the Company could experience a material adverse effect and additional liabilities may be recorded in the future.
Contingent Liabilities
Weather disruption - Lake Charles
On August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura made landfall on Lake Charles as a Category 4 storm severely damaging the Isle of Capri Casino Lake Charles (“Lake Charles”). During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company received insurance proceeds of $44 million related to damaged fixed assets and remediation costs. The Company also recorded a gain of $21 million as
proceeds received for the cost to replace damaged property were in excess of the respective carrying value of the assets. The property will remain closed until the second half of 2022 when construction of a new land-based casino is expected to be complete.