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Calder Racing Operations (Notes)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014
Calder Racing [Abstract]  
Calder Racing Operations [Text Block]
NOTE 14 — CALDER RACING OPERATIONS
During 2013, Calder and Gulfstream Park began conducting concurrent live thoroughbred racing in certain months, leading to an overlapping of live racing resulting in direct competition for on-track horseracing, in the intrastate and interstate simulcast markets and for racehorses in South Florida. This negatively affected Calder’s ability to achieve full field horseraces and to generate handle on live racing. On May 24, 2013, Calder filed a petition with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (the “DOAH”) challenging the other racetracks' interpretation that they may conduct interstate simulcasting, and whether that was a valid interpretation of state law and the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978. During 2013 and 2014, the DOAH and other state legislative bodies held public hearings and proposed modification to state laws without reaching a definitive resolution.
On July 1, 2014, the Company finalized an agreement with The Stronach Group (“TSG”) under which TSG will operate, at TSG’s expense, live racing and maintain certain facilities used for racing and training at Calder. The agreement, which expires on December 31, 2020, will involve a lease to TSG of Calder’s racetrack and certain other racing and training facilities, including a portion of the barns on Calder’s backside consisting of approximately 430 stalls. TSG will operate live horse racing at Calder, under Calder’s racing permits, in compliance with all applicable laws and licensing requirements. TSG will operate and maintain the racing and training facilities at Calder on a year-round basis. Furthermore, TSG will be responsible for substantially all of the direct and indirect costs associated with these activities and receive the associated revenues. The Company will continue to own and operate the Calder Casino.
In addition, as part of the agreement, effective July 1, 2014, the Company amended Calder’s agreement with the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc. (“FHBPA”) which reduced the rate of non-stakes purse supplements payable by the Calder Casino from 12 percent to 10 percent of slot machine revenue. Finally, the Company and TSG modified their HRTV operating and ownership agreement which will result in the divestiture of the Company’s interest in HRTV. The Company expects to complete the HRTV transaction during the first quarter of 2015.
As a result of the agreement with TSG, on July 1, 2014, the Company notified 214 Calder employees of the termination of their employment which occurred between July 8, 2014, and September 2, 2014. In accordance with the terms of a one-time benefit arrangement, the Company recognized $2.3 million of severance and other benefit costs within selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2014. In addition, Calder recognized accelerated depreciation expense of approximately $1.3 million related to Calder's barns, which are not expected to be utilized subsequent to December 31, 2014. The Company expects to recognize additional depreciation expense of approximately $2.3 million during the three months ended December 31, 2014. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company will continue to assess potential alternative uses of its Calder facility not associated with the lease agreement.