-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, RPx38v3E5dRyurykjeestxk1mc1k8PI6QjaAoHBbiKyJSA9pyJP2priwzsNjzn67 GlxdgblFRm0+gsif43UORw== 0000950123-07-015221.txt : 20071109 0000950123-07-015221.hdr.sgml : 20071109 20071109140731 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950123-07-015221 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20070930 FILED AS OF DATE: 20071109 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20071109 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001297735 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-MISCELLANEOUS AMUSEMENT & RECREATION [7990] IRS NUMBER: 200573058 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-118149 FILM NUMBER: 071230347 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2000 LAS VEGAS BOULEVARD SOUTH CITY: LAS VEGAS STATE: NV ZIP: 89104 BUSINESS PHONE: 702-383-5242 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2000 LAS VEGAS BOULEVARD SOUTH CITY: LAS VEGAS STATE: NV ZIP: 89104 10-Q 1 y41909e10vq.htm FORM 10-Q FORM 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark one)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                     to                     
Commission File Number: 333-118149
American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  20-0573058
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV

(Address of principal executive offices)
  89104
(Zip Code)
(702) 380-7777
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 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 þ     No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o                    Accelerated filer o                    Non-accelerated filer þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o     No þ
 
 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
             
            Page
 
           
      Financial Information    
 
           
 
  Item 1.   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements   3
 
           
 
      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2007 (unaudited) and December 31, 2006   3
 
           
 
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 (unaudited)   4
 
           
 
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 (unaudited)   5
 
           
 
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 (unaudited)   6
 
           
 
      Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)   7
 
           
 
  Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   10
 
           
 
  Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   17
 
           
 
  Item 4.   Controls and Procedures   18
 
           
      Other Information   19
 
           
 
  Item 1A.   Risk Factors   19
 
           
 
  Item 6.   Exhibits   19
 EX-31.1: CERTIFICATION
 EX-31.2: CERTIFICATION
 EX-32.1: CERTIFICATION
 EX-32.2: CERTIFICATION

2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AMERICAN CASINO & ENTERTAINMENT PROPERTIES LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
    As of     As of  
    September 30, 2007     December 31, 2006  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
Assets
               
Current Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 87,911     $ 54,912  
Cash and cash equivalents-restricted
          269  
Investments-restricted
    2,908       3,457  
Accounts receivable, net
    6,725       6,752  
Related party receivables
    15       472  
Deferred income taxes
    2,948       2,948  
Other current assets
    13,322       16,773  
 
           
Total Current Assets
    113,829       85,583  
 
           
 
               
Property and equipment, net
    437,296       445,788  
 
           
 
               
Debt issuance and deferred financing costs, net
    4,848       5,729  
Deferred income taxes
    35,464       36,212  
Other assets
    2,239       2,514  
 
           
Total Other Assets
    42,551       44,455  
 
           
Total Assets
  $ 593,676     $ 575,826  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and Member’s Equity
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 5,269     $ 6,708  
Accrued expenses
    25,170       33,168  
Accrued payroll and related expenses
    12,476       14,391  
Current portion of capital lease obligations
    514       496  
 
           
Total Current Liabilities
    43,429       54,763  
 
           
 
               
Long-Term Liabilities:
               
Long-term debt
    255,000       255,000  
Capital lease obligations, less current portion
    1,941       2,329  
Other
    2,328       5,993  
 
           
Total Long-Term Liabilities
    259,269       263,322  
 
           
 
               
Total Liabilities
    302,698       318,085  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies
               
 
               
Member’s Equity:
               
Member’s equity
    290,978       257,741  
 
           
Total Member’s Equity
    290,978       257,741  
 
           
Total Liabilitites and Member’s Equity
  $ 593,676     $ 575,826  
 
           
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

3


Table of Contents

AMERICAN CASINO & ENTERTAINMENT PROPERTIES LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    September 30, 2007     September 30, 2006  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
Revenues:
               
Casino
  $ 64,941     $ 56,466  
Hotel
    21,872       19,698  
Food and beverage
    22,501       22,166  
Tower, retail and other
    10,511       9,689  
 
           
Gross Revenues
    119,825       108,019  
Less promotional allowances
    10,458       8,287  
 
           
Net Revenues
    109,367       99,732  
 
           
 
               
Costs and Expenses:
               
Casino
    21,765       21,738  
Hotel
    8,885       9,591  
Food and beverage
    18,407       16,211  
Other operating expenses
    4,561       4,663  
Selling, general and administrative
    32,302       30,232  
Depreciation and amortization
    9,228       7,692  
Pre-opening costs
          455  
Loss on sale of assets
    17       246  
 
           
Total Costs and Expenses
    95,165       90,828  
 
           
 
               
Income From Operations
    14,202       8,904  
 
           
 
               
Other Income (Expense):
               
Interest income
    660       400  
Interest expense
    (4,386 )     (5,536 )
 
           
Total Other Expense, net
    (3,726 )     (5,136 )
 
           
 
               
Income Before Income Taxes
    10,476       3,768  
 
               
Provision for income taxes
    536       862  
 
           
 
               
Net Income
  $ 9,940     $ 2,906  
 
           
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


Table of Contents

AMERICAN CASINO & ENTERTAINMENT PROPERTIES LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30, 2007     September 30, 2006  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
Revenues:
               
Casino
  $ 200,124     $ 156,074  
Hotel
    67,584       55,759  
Food and beverage
    69,024       60,514  
Tower, retail and other
    30,082       27,308  
 
           
Gross Revenues
    366,814       299,655  
Less promotional allowances
    30,421       20,854  
 
           
Net Revenues
    336,393       278,801  
 
           
 
               
Costs and Expenses:
               
Casino
    66,353       57,261  
Hotel
    27,105       24,342  
Food and beverage
    51,469       44,276  
Other operating expenses
    13,480       12,676  
Selling, general and administrative
    91,492       75,838  
Depreciation and amortization
    26,807       20,550  
Pre-opening costs
          1,904  
Loss on sale of assets
    3       246  
 
           
Total Costs and Expenses
    276,709       237,093  
 
           
 
               
Income From Operations
    59,684       41,708  
 
           
 
               
Other Income (Expense):
               
Interest income
    1,643       1,967  
Interest expense
    (15,285 )     (15,382 )
 
           
Total Other Expense, net
    (13,642 )     (13,415 )
 
           
 
               
Income Before Income Taxes
    46,042       28,293  
 
               
Provision for income taxes
    12,805       9,383  
 
           
 
               
Net Income
  $ 33,237     $ 18,910  
 
           
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


Table of Contents

AMERICAN CASINO & ENTERTAINMENT PROPERTIES LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30, 2007     September 30, 2006  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
               
Net income
  $ 33,237     $ 18,910  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    26,807       20,550  
Loss on sale of assets
    3       246  
Provision for deferred income taxes
    748       632  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Restricted cash
    269       236  
Accounts receivable, net
    27       442  
Other assets
    4,176       63  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (11,352 )     809  
Other
    (3,665 )     (54 )
 
           
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
    50,250       41,834  
 
           
 
               
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
               
(Increase) decrease in investments — restricted
    549       (580 )
Acquisition of property and equipment
    (18,517 )     (28,681 )
Acquisition of Flamingo Laughlin, net of cash acquired
          (109,906 )
Decrease in related party receivables
    457       755  
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    630       105  
 
           
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities
    (16,881 )     (138,307 )
 
           
 
               
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
               
Debt issuance and deferred financing costs
          (480 )
Proceeds from notes payable
          60,000  
Payments on notes payable
          (15,000 )
Payments on capital lease obligation
    (370 )     (354 )
 
           
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities
    (370 )     44,166  
 
           
 
               
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    32,999       (52,307 )
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period
    54,912       108,316  
 
           
Cash and Cash Equivalents — end of period
  $ 87,911     $ 56,009  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid during the period for interest
  $ 19,174     $ 18,433  
 
           
 
               
Cash paid during the period for income taxes
  $ 14,573     $ 11,650  
 
           
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6


Table of Contents

AMERICAN CASINO & ENTERTAINMENT PROPERTIES LLC
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1. The Company
     American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC, or ACEP or the Company, was formed in Delaware on December 29, 2003. We are a holding company that was formed for the purpose of acquiring the entities that own and operate the Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower, or Stratosphere, Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder in Las Vegas, Nevada. Stratosphere had been owned by a subsidiary of our indirect parent, Icahn Enterprises Holdings L.P., or IEH, which was formerly known as American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership. Prior to our acquisition of Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder, these properties were owned by Carl C. Icahn and one of his affiliated entities. Our senior management team has been responsible for the management of all three properties since 2002.
     On November 28, 2005, AREP Laughlin Corporation entered into an agreement to purchase the Flamingo Laughlin Hotel and Casino, now known as the Aquarius Casino Resort, or the Aquarius, in Laughlin, Nevada from Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. AREP Laughlin Corporation was formed by our indirect parent, IEH, to acquire, own and operate the Aquarius, and IEH contributed 100% of the stock of AREP Laughlin to us on April 4, 2006. The transaction was approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission upon recommendation of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and closed on May 19, 2006. The purchase price was $114.0 million, including working capital amounts. Accordingly, our financial statements include the financial position and results of operations of the Aquarius from May 19, 2006 forward.
     On April 22, 2007, American Entertainment Properties Corp., or AEP, our direct parent, entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, or the Agreement, with W2007/ACEP Holdings, LLC, or Whitehall, an affiliate of Whitehall Street Real Estate Funds, a series of real estate investment funds affiliated with Goldman, Sachs & Co., to sell all of our issued and outstanding membership interests, for $1.3 billion plus or minus certain adjustments such as working capital, more fully described in the Agreement.
     Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, prior to the closing, AEP is required to cause us to repay from funds provided by AEP, the principal, interest, any prepayment penalty or premium and any other obligation due under the terms of our 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 and our senior secured credit facility.
     We also adopted a Key Employee Plan, or the Plan, in conjunction with the transaction, which allows for certain key employees to be paid one year’s salary upon meeting certain conditions. The employee must be employed in good standing at the closing date and must complete the transition period, defined as up to 60 days after closing, if requested by Whitehall. The obligation to make such payments will remain with AEP.
     The transaction is also subject to approvals from the Nevada State Gaming Commission and the Nevada State Gaming Control Board as well as customary conditions. We expect to close the transaction by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2008; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to consummate the transaction.
     We are a subsidiary of AEP, and its ultimate parent is Icahn Enterprises L.P., or IE, which was formerly known as American Real Estate Partners, L.P., a Delaware master limited partnership whose units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. As of September 30, 2007, affiliates of Mr. Icahn owned 10,304,013 preferred units and 64,288,061 depositary units, which represent approximately 86.5% of the outstanding preferred units and approximately 91.0% of the outstanding depositary units of IE. Mr. Icahn is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and owns all of the capital stock of Icahn Enterprises GP Inc., which was formerly known as American Property Investors, Inc., IE’s general partner.

7


Table of Contents

Note 2. Basis of Presentation
     The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies described in our 2006 audited consolidated financial statements. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the 2006 consolidated audited financial statements presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, on March 6, 2007 (SEC File No. 333-118149). Our reports are available electronically by visiting the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.
     In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of those of a normal recurring nature), which are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future interim period or for the entire fiscal year.
Principles of Consolidation
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ACEP and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
     In June 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That is, Gross versus Net Presentation)” to clarify diversity in practice on the presentation of different types of taxes in the financial statements. The EITF concluded that, for taxes within the scope of the issue, a company may adopt a policy of presenting taxes either gross within revenue or net. That is, it may include charges to customers for taxes within revenues and the charge for the taxes from the taxing authority within cost of sales, or, alternatively, it may net the charge to the customer and the charge from the taxing authority. If taxes are reported on a gross basis, and are significant, an entity should disclose the amounts of those taxes subject to EITF 06-3. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2006. We present sales tax on a net basis in our consolidated financial statements, and the adoption of EITF 06-3 did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
     In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes: an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”)”. FIN 48, which clarifies Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” establishes the criterion that an individual tax position has to meet for some or all of the benefits of that position to be recognized in our financial statements. On initial application, FIN 48 will be applied to all tax positions for which the statute of limitations remains open. Only tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the adoption date will be recognized or continue to be recognized.
     FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and was adopted by us on January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
     In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, where fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. The standard does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. We believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.”  SFAS No. 159, which amends SFAS No. 115, allows certain financial assets and liabilities to be recognized, at our election, at fair market value, with any gains or losses for the period recorded in the statement of income.  SFAS No. 159 included available-for-sales securities in the assets eligible for this treatment.  SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and

8


Table of Contents

interim periods in those fiscal years.  We believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Note 3. Related Party Transactions
     We have an intercompany services arrangement with Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc., or Atlantic Holdings, the former owner of The Sands Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to provide management and consulting services. IE owns the majority of Atlantic Holdings’ shares. We are compensated based upon an allocation of salaries plus an overhead charge of 15% of the salary allocation plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, we billed Atlantic Holdings and its affiliates approximately $30,000 and $107,000, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, we billed Atlantic Holdings approximately $93,000 and $310,000, respectively.
     During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 we made payments to XO Communications, Inc., which is controlled by affiliates of Mr. Icahn, for certain telecommunications services provided to us. The payments totaled approximately $64,000 and $51,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $205,000 and $159,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
     As of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, we were owed approximately an aggregate of $15,000 and $472,000, respectively, from related parties.
Note 4. Long-term Debt
     As of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, we had outstanding borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility of $40.0 million. The outstanding principal balance accrues interest at a fixed rate which is equal to one month LIBOR plus 1.5% per annum, which totaled 6.63% at September 30, 2007.
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
     Our 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 are guaranteed by our operating subsidiaries. In accordance with SEC rules and regulations, separate information with respect to the parent, co-issuer, guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries is not required as the parent and co-issuer have no independent assets or operations, the guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several, and the total assets, member’s equity, revenues, income from operations before income taxes and cash flows from operating activities of the non-guarantor subsidiaries are less than 3% of our consolidated amounts.
Note 5. Legal Proceedings
     We are, from time to time, a party to various legal proceedings arising out of our businesses. We believe, however, there are no proceedings pending or threatened against us, which, if determined adversely, would have a material adverse effect upon our financial conditions, results of operations or liquidity.
Note 6. Income Taxes
     We adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007.  There was no increase or decrease in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the implementation of FIN 48.  As of the date of adoption, our unrecognized tax benefits totaled $4.9 million, all of which, if recognized, would affect the annual effective tax rate.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, there was a decrease in the unrecognized tax benefits of $3.1 million as a result of the expiration of statutes of limitations. 
     We recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense.  Penalties, if incurred, would be recognized as a component of income tax expense.  The amount of accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits was $1.1 million and $0.5 million as of January 1, 2007 and September 30, 2007, respectively. 
     We file income tax returns in the United States Federal jurisdiction and have no income tax filing requirement in any state or foreign jurisdiction.  We are no longer subject to US Federal income tax examinations for years prior to 2004. 

9


Table of Contents

Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
     The following discussion contains management’s discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition and should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. Certain statements in this discussion are forward-looking statements.
Overview
     We own and operate four gaming and entertainment properties in Clark County, Nevada. The four properties are the Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower, or the Stratosphere, which is located on the Las Vegas Strip and caters to visitors to Las Vegas, two off-Strip casinos, Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder, which cater primarily to residents of Las Vegas and the surrounding communities, and the Aquarius Casino Resort, formerly known as the Flamingo Laughlin Hotel and Casino, in Laughlin, Nevada, or the Aquarius, which caters to visitors to Laughlin. The Stratosphere is one of the most recognized landmarks in Las Vegas, our two Arizona Charlie’s properties are well-known casinos in their respective marketplaces and the Aquarius has the largest hotel in Laughlin. Each of our properties offers customers a value-oriented experience by providing competitive odds in our casinos, quality rooms in our hotels, award-winning dining facilities and, at the Stratosphere and Aquarius, an offering of competitive value-oriented entertainment attractions. We believe the value we offer our patrons, together with a strong focus on customer service, will enable us to continue to attract customers to our properties.
     On November 28, 2005, AREP Laughlin Corporation entered into an agreement to purchase the Aquarius, in Laughlin, Nevada from Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. AREP Laughlin Corporation was formed by our indirect parent, IEH, to acquire, own and operate the Aquarius, and IEH contributed 100% of the stock of AREP Laughlin to us on April 4, 2006. The transaction was approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission upon recommendation of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and closed on May 19, 2006. The purchase price was $114.0 million, including working capital amounts. Accordingly, our financial statements include the financial position and results of operations of the Aquarius from May 19, 2006 forward.
     On April 22, 2007, American Entertainment Properties Corp., or AEP, our direct parent, entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, or the Agreement, with W2007/ACEP Holdings, LLC, or Whitehall, an affiliate of Whitehall Street Real Estate Funds, a series of real estate investment funds affiliated with Goldman, Sachs & Co., to sell all of our issued and outstanding membership interests, for $1.3 billion plus or minus certain adjustments such as working capital, more fully described in the Agreement.
     Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, prior to the closing, AEP is required to cause us to repay from funds provided by AEP, the principal, interest, any prepayment penalty or premium and any other obligation due under the terms of our 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 and our senior secured credit facility.
     We also adopted a Key Employee Plan, or the Plan, in conjunction with the transaction, which allows for certain key employees to be paid one year’s salary upon meeting certain conditions. The employee must be employed in good standing at the closing date and must complete the transition period, defined as up to 60 days after closing, if requested by Whitehall. The obligation to make such payments will remain with AEP.
     The transaction is also subject to approvals from the Nevada State Gaming Commission and the Nevada State Gaming Control Board as well as customary conditions. We expect to close the transaction by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2008; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to consummate the transaction.

10


Table of Contents

     We currently offer gaming, hotel, dining, entertainment, tower attractions, retail and other amenities at our properties. The following table provides certain summary information for each of our properties at September 30, 2007:
                                 
    Casino   Number of   Number   Number
    Square   Hotel   of   of
    Footage   Rooms   Slots   Table Games
Stratosphere
    80,000       2,444       1,268       49  
Arizona Charlie’s Decatur
    52,000       258       1,363       15  
Arizona Charlie’s Boulder
    47,000       303       1,059       16  
Aquarius
    57,000       1,907       1,239       42  
     We use certain key measurements to evaluate operating revenue. Casino revenue measurements include “table games drop” and “slot coin-in,” which are measures of the total amounts wagered by patrons. Win or hold percentage represents the percentage of table games drop or slot coin-in that is won by the casino and recorded as casino revenue. Hotel revenue measurements include hotel occupancy rate, which is the average percentage of available hotel rooms occupied during a period, and average daily room rate, which is the average price of occupied rooms per day. Food and beverage revenue measurements include number of covers, which is the number of guest checks, and the average check amount.
Results of Operations
     Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2006
                         
    Three Months Ended  
    September 30,  
    (in millions)  
    2007     2006     % Change  
Income Statement Data:
                       
Revenues:
                       
Casino
  $ 64.9     $ 56.5       14.9 %
Hotel
    21.9       19.7       11.2 %
Food and beverage
    22.5       22.1       1.8 %
Tower, retail and other
    10.6       9.7       9.3 %
 
                   
Gross revenues
    119.9       108.0       11.0 %
Less promotional allowances
    10.5       8.3       26.5 %
 
                   
Net revenues
    109.4       99.7       9.7 %
 
                   
 
                       
Costs and expenses:
                       
Casino
    21.8       21.7       0.5 %
Hotel
    8.9       9.6       -7.3 %
Food and beverage
    18.4       16.2       13.6 %
Other operating expenses
    4.6       4.7       -2.1 %
Selling, general and administrative
    32.3       30.4       6.3 %
Pre-opening costs
          0.5       -100.0 %
Depreciation and amortization
    9.2       7.7       19.5 %
 
                   
Total costs and expenses
    95.2       90.8       4.8 %
 
                   
Income from operations
  $ 14.2     $ 8.9       59.6 %
 
                   
     Gross Revenues
     Gross revenues increased 11.0% to $119.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $108.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in slot and hotel revenues as discussed below.

11


Table of Contents

     Casino Revenues
     Casino revenues increased 14.9% to $64.9 million, or 54.1% of gross revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $56.5 million, or 52.3% of gross revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in slot revenues, due to a 15.3% increase in slot coin-in. For the three months ended September 30, 2007, slot machine revenues were $54.2 million, or 83.5% of casino revenues, and table game revenues were $8.9 million, or 13.7% of casino revenues, compared to $46.3 million and $8.5 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Other casino revenues, consisting of race and sports book, poker, bingo and keno, were $1.8 million and $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
     Non-Casino Revenues
     Hotel revenues increased 11.2% to $21.9 million, or 18.3% of gross revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $19.7 million, or 18.2% of gross revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to a 6.4% increase in the average daily room rate. The increase in the average daily room rate was primarily attributable to an increase in direct bookings and a decrease in rooms sold through wholesalers.
     Food and beverage revenues increased 1.8% to $22.5 million, or 18.8% of gross revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $22.1 million, or 20.5% of gross revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to a 4.4% increase in the average check amount partially offset by a 2.7% decrease in the number of covers. The decrease in the number of covers is due to the opening of an independently run Outback Steakhouse® at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur.
     Tower, retail and other revenues increased 9.3% to $10.6 million, or 8.8% of gross revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2007, compared to $9.7 million, or 9.0% of gross revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to the new slot program called Turn a Twenty, at the Aquarius.
     Promotional Allowances
     Promotional allowances are comprised of the retail value of goods and services provided to casino patrons under various marketing programs. As a percentage of casino revenues, promotional allowances increased to 16.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from 14.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the number of casino patrons that were provided hotel rooms and food and beverage, particularly at the Stratosphere.
     Operating Expenses
     Casino operating expenses increased 0.5% to $21.8 million, or 33.6% of casino revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $21.7 million, or 38.4% of casino revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to increased revenue taxes from increased casino revenue, partially offset by decreased slot participation expense, as a result of a reduction in participation games.
     Hotel operating expenses decreased 7.3% to $8.9 million, or 40.6% of hotel revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $9.6 million, or 48.7% of hotel revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This decrease was primarily due to a reduction in commission and brokers fees, due to a decrease in reservations booked through wholesalers.
     Food and beverage operating expenses increased 13.6% to $18.4 million, or 81.8% of food and beverage revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $16.2 million, or 73.3% of food and beverage revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in payroll and related expenses.
     Other operating expenses decreased 2.1% to $4.6 million, or 43.4% of tower, retail and other revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $4.7 million, or 48.5% of tower, retail and other revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This decrease was primarily due to decreased entertainer fees, due to the cancellation of the afternoon show, Viva Las Vegas, at the Stratosphere.

12


Table of Contents

     Selling, general and administrative expenses were primarily comprised of payroll, utilities, advertising and other administrative expenses. These expenses increased 6.3% to $32.3 million, or 26.9% of gross revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $30.4 million, or 28.1% of gross revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in payroll and related expenses.
     Interest Expense
     Interest expense decreased 20.0% to $4.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $5.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The decrease of $1.1 million was primarily due to a reduction in the outstanding borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit facility and the reversal of a portion of the accrued interest related to the decrease in the unrecognized tax benefit.
     Nine months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to Nine months Ended September 30, 2006
                                   
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,  
    (in millions)  
    Including          
    Aquarius       Excluding Aquarius  
    2007       2007     2006     % Change  
Income Statement Data:
                                 
Revenues:
                                 
Casino
  $ 200.1       $ 138.7     $ 134.2       3.4 %
Hotel
    67.6         53.0       49.2       7.7 %
Food and beverage
    69.0         54.9       54.0       1.7 %
Tower, retail and other
    30.1         25.9       25.8       0.4 %
 
                           
Gross revenues
    366.8         272.5       263.2       3.5 %
Less promotional allowances
    30.4         19.4       16.8       15.5 %
 
                           
Net revenues
    336.4         253.1       246.4       2.7 %
 
                           
 
                                 
Costs and expenses:
                                 
Casino
    66.4         47.6       48.7       -2.3 %
Hotel
    27.1         20.9       21.0       -0.5 %
Food and beverage
    51.5         42.9       39.3       9.2 %
Other operating expenses
    13.5         10.9       11.4       -4.4 %
Selling, general and administrative
    91.5         63.3       63.9       -0.9 %
Depreciation and amortization
    26.8         20.3       18.3       10.9 %
 
                           
Total costs and expenses
    276.8         205.9       202.6       1.6 %
 
                           
Income from operations
  $ 59.6       $ 47.2     $ 43.8       7.8 %
 
                           
     As disclosed in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report, we acquired the Aquarius on May 19, 2006. Net revenues and operating income for the Aquarius for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $83.3 million and $12.4 million, respectively.
     The following discussion of the results of operations at our gaming properties excludes the results of the Aquarius.
     Gross Revenues
     Gross revenues increased 3.5% to $272.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $263.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in slot and hotel revenues as discussed below.

13


Table of Contents

     Casino Revenues
     Casino revenues increased 3.4% to $138.7 million, or 50.9% of gross revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $134.2 million, or 51.0% of gross revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in slot revenue, due to a 4.3% increase in slot hold percentage. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, slot machine revenues were $115.1 million, or 83.0% of casino revenues, and table game revenues were $19.1 million, or 13.8% of casino revenues, compared to $109.3 million and $19.2 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Other casino revenues, consisting of race and sports book, poker, bingo and keno, were $4.5 million and $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
     Non-Casino Revenues
     Hotel revenues increased 7.7% to $53.0 million, or 19.5% of gross revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $49.2 million, or 18.7% of gross revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to a 7.6% increase in the average daily room rate. The increase in the average daily room rate was primarily attributable to an increase in direct bookings and a decrease in rooms sold through wholesalers.
     Food and beverage revenues increased 1.7% to $54.9 million, or 20.1% of gross revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $54.0 million, or 20.5% of gross revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to a 6.7% increase in the average check amount partially offset by a 4.7% decrease in the number of covers. The decrease in the number of covers is due to the opening of an independently run Outback Steakhouse® at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur.
     Tower, retail and other revenues increased 0.4% to $25.9 million, or 9.5% of gross revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to $25.8 million, or 9.8% of gross revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to increased rental revenue due from the opening of an independently run night club at the Stratosphere, partially offset by reduced tower and ride revenues.
     Promotional Allowances
     Promotional allowances are comprised of the retail value of goods and services provided to casino patrons under various marketing programs. As a percentage of casino revenues, promotional allowances increased to 14.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 12.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the number of casino patrons that were provided hotel rooms and food and beverage, particularly at the Stratosphere.
     Operating Expenses
     Casino operating expenses decreased 2.3% to $47.6 million, or 34.3% of casino revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $48.7 million, or 36.3% of casino revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This decrease was primarily due to decreased slot participation expense, as a result of a reduction in participation games, partially offset by increased revenue taxes from increased casino revenues.
     Hotel operating expenses decreased 0.5% to $20.9 million, or 39.4% of hotel revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $21.0 million, or 42.7% of hotel revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This decrease was primarily due to a reduction in commission and brokers fees, due to a decrease in reservations booked through wholesalers.
     Food and beverage operating expenses increased 9.2% to $42.9 million, or 78.1% of food and beverage revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $39.3 million, or 72.8% of food and beverage revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the cost of food and beverages, which is attributable to increased delivery costs.

14


Table of Contents

     Other operating expenses decreased 4.4% to $10.9 million, or 42.1% of tower, retail and other revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $11.4 million or 44.2% of tower, retail and other revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This decrease was primarily due to decreased payroll and related expenses and entertainer fees due to the cancellation of the afternoon show, Viva Las Vegas, at the Stratosphere.
     Selling, general and administrative expenses were primarily comprised of payroll, utilities, advertising and other administrative expenses. These expenses decreased 0.9% to $63.3 million, or 23.2% of gross revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $63.9 million, or 24.3% of gross revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in payroll and related expenses.
     Interest Expense
     Interest expense decreased 0.6% to $15.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $15.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The decrease of $0.1 million was due to the reversal of a portion of the accrued interest related to the decrease in the unrecognized tax benefit, partially offset by the senior secured revolving credit facility being outstanding for the full nine months of 2007 versus four months during the 2006 period.
Financial Condition
Liquidity and Capital Resources
     Our primary source of cash is from the operation of our properties. At September 30, 2007, we had cash and cash equivalents of $87.9 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, net cash provided by operating activities (including the operations of the Aquarius) totaled approximately $50.3 million compared to approximately $41.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The change in cash provided by operating activities was attributable to the increase in net income from $18.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to $33.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, reflecting factors discussed above. In addition to cash from operations, cash is available to us, if necessary, under our senior secured revolving credit facility entered into by us, as borrower, and certain of our subsidiaries, as guarantors. In May 2006, we entered into an amendment to the senior secured revolving credit facility, increasing the amount of borrowings allowed by it to $60.0 million, subject to us complying with financial and other covenants (discussed below), until May 12, 2010. We borrowed the maximum amount available under the facility, $60.0 million, in order to fund our acquisition of the Aquarius. At September 30, 2007, we had outstanding borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit facility of $40.0 million and availability of $20.0 million.
     Our primary use of cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was for operating expenses, to pay interest on our 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 and interest under our senior secured revolving credit facility. Our capital spending was approximately $18.5 million and $28.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. We have estimated our 2007 capital spending for our existing facilities at approximately $31.1 million, which we anticipate to include approximately $14.9 million to purchase new and convert existing slot machines, of which approximately $11.5 million has been spent, and approximately $7.0 million for remaining Aquarius hotel renovations. The remainder of our capital spending estimate for 2007 will be for upgrades or maintenance to our existing assets.
     We believe operating cash flows will be adequate to meet our anticipated requirements for working capital, capital spending and scheduled interest payments on the notes and under the senior secured revolving credit facility, lease payments and other indebtedness at least through the next twelve months. However, additional financing, if needed, may not be available to us or, if available, the financing may not be on terms favorable to us. Our estimates of our reasonably anticipated liquidity needs may not be accurate and new business opportunities or other unforeseen events could occur, resulting in the need to raise additional funds from outside sources.
     The indenture governing our 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 restricts the payment of cash dividends or distributions, the purchase of equity interests, and the purchase, redemption, defeasance or acquisition of debt subordinated to the investments as “restricted payments.” The indenture also prohibits

15


Table of Contents

the incurrence of debt and the issuance of disqualified or preferred stock, as defined, by us and our restricted subsidiaries, with certain exceptions, provided that we may incur debt or issue disqualified or preferred stock if, immediately after such incurrence or issuance, the ratio of consolidated cash flow to fixed charges (each as defined in the indenture governing the 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012) for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional indebtedness is incurred or disqualified or preferred stock is issued would have been at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis giving effect to the debt incurrence or issuance. As of September 30, 2007, such ratio was 5.3 to 1.0. The indenture also restricts the creation of liens, the sale of assets, mergers, consolidations or sales of substantially all of our assets, the lease or grant of a license, concession, other agreements to occupy, manage or use our assets, the issuance of capital stock of restricted subsidiaries and certain related party transactions. The indenture governing the notes allows us, and our restricted subsidiaries, to incur indebtedness, among other things, of up to $50.0 million under credit facilities, non-recourse financing of up to $15.0 million to finance the construction, purchase or lease of personal or real property used in our business, permitted affiliate subordinated indebtedness (as defined), additional 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed 2.0 times net cash proceeds received from equity offerings and permitted affiliate subordinated debt and additional indebtedness of up to $10 million.
     Additionally, as described above, we have a senior secured revolving credit facility that allows for borrowings of up to $60.0 million, including the issuance of letters of credit of up to $10.0 million. Loans made under the senior secured revolving facility will mature and the commitments under them will terminate in May 2010. The facility contains restrictive covenants similar to those contained in the indenture governing the 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012. In addition, the facility requires that, as of the last date of each fiscal quarter, our ratio of consolidated first lien debt to consolidated cash flow be not more than 1.0 to 1.0. As of September 30, 2007, this ratio was 0.4 to 1.0.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
     In June 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That is, Gross versus Net Presentation)” to clarify diversity in practice on the presentation of different types of taxes in the financial statements. The EITF concluded that, for taxes within the scope of the issue, a company may adopt a policy of presenting taxes either gross within revenue or net. That is, it may include charges to customers for taxes within revenues and the charge for the taxes from the taxing authority within cost of sales, or, alternatively, it may net the charge to the customer and the charge from the taxing authority. If taxes are reported on a gross basis, and are significant, an entity should disclose the amounts of those taxes subject to EITF 06-3. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2006. We present sales tax on a net basis in our consolidated financial statements, and the adoption of EITF 06-3 did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
     In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes: an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48, which clarifies Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” establishes the criterion that an individual tax position has to meet for some or all of the benefits of that position to be recognized in our financial statements. On initial application, FIN 48 will be applied to all tax positions for which the statute of limitations remains open. Only tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the adoption date will be recognized or continue to be recognized.
     FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and was adopted by us on January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
     In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, where fair value is the relevant

16


Table of Contents

measurement attribute. The standard does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. We believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.”  SFAS No. 159, which amends SFAS No. 115, allows certain financial assets and liabilities to be recognized, at our election, at fair market value, with any gains or losses for the period recorded in the statement of income.  SFAS No. 159 included available-for-sales securities in the assets eligible for this treatment.  SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods in those fiscal years.  We believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Forward-Looking Statements
     With the exception of historical facts, the matters discussed in this report are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, future actions, future performance generally, business development activities, future capital expenditures, strategies, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, future financial results, financing sources and availability and the effects of regulation and competition. Please see Risk Factors in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2006. When we use the words “believe,” “intend,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipate,” “could,” “estimate,” “plan,” “predict,” “project” or their negatives, or other similar expressions, the statements which include those words are usually forward-looking statements. When we describe strategy that involves risks or uncertainties, we are making forward-looking statements.
     We warn you that forward-looking statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ as a result of risks that we face. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and we undertake no obligation to update them.
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
     Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We can borrow, from time to time, up to $60.0 million under our senior secured revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2007, there were $40.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the facility.
     The fair value of our long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities. As such, the estimated fair value of long-term debt outstanding is approximately $220.9 million as of September 30, 2007.
     For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we incurred approximately $15.3 million in interest expense. Certain amounts of our outstanding indebtedness for that period were based upon a variable, LIBOR plus a premium. A 1% increase in the LIBOR would have increased our interest cost for 2007 by approximately $303,000. We do not invest in derivative financial instruments, interest rate swaps or other investments that alter interest rate exposure.

17


Table of Contents

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures
     As of September 30, 2007, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to the Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). Based upon such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
     During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
     It should be noted that any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance that the objectives of the system are met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.

18


Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A.   Risk Factors
     The risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 have not materially changed. The discussion of our business and operations should be read together with such risk factors, which describe various risks and uncertainties to which we are or may become subject. These risks and uncertainties have the potential to affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, strategies or prospects in a material and adverse manner.
Item 6.   Exhibits
     The list of exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K and filed as part of this report is set forth in the exhibits index.

19


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  AMERICAN CASINO & ENTERTAINMENT PROPERTIES LLC
 
 
  By:   /s/ DENISE BARTON    
    Denise Barton   
    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary (Principal Financial Accounting Officer)   
 
Date: November 9, 2007

20


Table of Contents

Exhibits Index
     
Exhibit    
No.   Description
31.1
  Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

21

EX-31.1 2 y41909exv31w1.htm EX-31.1: CERTIFICATION EX-31.1
 

EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     I, Richard P. Brown, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC (the “Registrant”) for the period ended September 30, 2007 (the “Report”);
2. Based on my knowledge, this Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this Report;
4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the Registrant and have:
          a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Report is being prepared;
          b) evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this Report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Report based on such evaluation; and
          c) disclosed in this Report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
          a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
          b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
         
     
  By:   /s/ RICHARD P. BROWN    
    Richard P. Brown   
    President and Chief Executive Officer of American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC   
 
Date: November 9, 2007

22

EX-31.2 3 y41909exv31w2.htm EX-31.2: CERTIFICATION EX-31.2
 

EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     I, Denise Barton, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC (the “Registrant”) for the period ended September 30, 2007 (the “Report”);
2. Based on my knowledge, this Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this Report;
4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the Registrant and have:
          a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Report is being prepared;
          b) evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this Report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Report based on such evaluation; and
          c) disclosed in this Report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
          a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
          b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
         
     
  By:   /s/ DENISE BARTON    
    Denise Barton   
    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC   
 
Date: November 9, 2007

23

EX-32.1 4 y41909exv32w1.htm EX-32.1: CERTIFICATION EX-32.1
 

EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
          I, Richard P. Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC (the “Registrant”), certify that to the best of my knowledge, based upon a review of the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2007 of the Registrant (the “Report”):
  (1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
 
  (2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.
         
By:
  /s/ Richard P. Brown
 
Richard P. Brown
   
 
  President and Chief Executive Officer of    
 
  American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC    
Date: November 9, 2007

24

EX-32.2 5 y41909exv32w2.htm EX-32.2: CERTIFICATION EX-32.2
 

EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
          I, Denise Barton, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC (the “Registrant”), certify that to the best of my knowledge, based upon a review of the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2007 of the Registrant (the “Report”):
  (1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
 
  (2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.
         
By:
  /s/ Denise Barton
 
Denise Barton
   
 
  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial    
 
  Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of    
 
  American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC    
Date: November 9, 2007

25

-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----