4. PROMOTIONAL ALLOWANCES

Hotel accommodations, bowling and food and beverage furnished without charge to customers are included in gross revenue at a value which approximates retail and are then deducted as complimentary services to arrive at net operating revenue.

The Company issues coupons for the purpose of generating future revenue. The cost of the coupons redeemed is applied against the revenue generated on the day of the redemption. In addition, members of the Company’s casinos’ player clubs earn points based on, among other things, their volume of play at the Company’s casinos. Players can accumulate points over time that they may redeem at their discretion under the terms of the program. Points can be redeemed for cash and/or various amenities at the casino, such as meals, hotel stays and gift shop items. The cost of the points is offset against the revenue in the period in which the points were earned. The value of unused or unredeemed points is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. The expiration of unused points results in a reduction of the liability. As of March 31, 2013 and 2012, the outstanding balance of this liability was $1.0 million.

Promotional allowances presented in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings include the following:


	For the three months ended March 31
	2013	2012
Amounts in thousands
Hotel, bowling, food & beverage	$ 888	$ 914
Coupons	517	454
Player points	499	586
Total promotional allowances	$ 1,904	$ 1,954