Revenue Recognition

As described in Note 1, on January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method, which was applied to customer contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. In accordance with the modified retrospective transition method, our results of operations beginning with the first quarter of 2018 are presented in accordance with ASC 606, while prior periods continue to be reported in accordance with the historical revenue recognition guidance under ASC 605.

The following table disaggregates our revenues by type within each of our business segments:



	Revenue recognized for Year Ended December 31,
Revenue category	2018		2017		2016
Gaming
Gaming operations	$	631.9	$	696.0	$	725.3
Gaming machine sales	646.3		672.4		618.2
Gaming systems	320.6		274.0		240.8
Table products	232.6		201.9		188.4
Total	$	1,831.4	$	1,844.3	$	1,772.7

Lottery
Instant products	$	592.5	$	588.0	$	573.7
Lottery systems	253.8		223.5		204.2
Total	$	846.3	$	811.5	$	777.9

Social
Mobile	$	322.9	$	259.6	$	187.1
Web and other	93.0		102.4		87.3
Total	$	415.9	$	362.0	$	274.4

Digital
Sports and platform	$	100.5	$	—	$	—
Gaming and other	169.1		65.8		58.4
Total	$	269.6	$	65.8	$	58.4

2018 Accounting Policy Under ASC 606

General

We evaluate the recognition of revenue and rental income based on the criteria set forth in ASC 606 or ASC 840, as appropriate. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. This condition normally is met when the product has been delivered or upon performance of services. Revenue is reported net of incentive rebates and discounts. We made an accounting policy election to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price sales taxes and all other items of a similar nature, and also elected to account for shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment of our promise to transfer the goods. Accordingly, shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales.

Our credit terms are predominately short term in nature. We also grant extended payment terms under certain Gaming contracts, primarily where the sale is secured by the related equipment sold. For these contracts with customers for which the financing component is determined to be significant to the contract, the contract transaction price is adjusted for the effect of a financing component (time value of money). We have not applied the significant financing component guidance to transactions with financing terms of 12 months or less.

Any sales commissions associated with the sale or placement of our products and services are expensed as incurred as contracts associated with sales commissions are generally completed within a one-year period.

The primary types of revenue impacted by the adoption of ASC 606 were Gaming operations and Lottery instant products. Each of these is described separately below. We had other balance sheet adoption impacts that, combined with the preceding, resulted in a net increase to opening accumulated loss of $10.9 million as of January 1, 2018. As part of the adoption of ASC 606, we increased contract liabilities by $9.7 million primarily associated with Lottery instant products licensing and player loyalty contracts for which we determined that the promises in the related contracts were part of a single performance obligation under ASC 606. In addition, we reduced previously recorded deferred costs net of newly established contract assets by $11.4 million related to licensing in certain customized lottery software contracts for which we concluded that we were unable to recognize revenue for delivered elements under ASC 985-605 due to the lack of vendor-specific objective evidence for undelivered elements and for which we were required to estimate the standalone selling price of delivered performance obligations under ASC 606. Other than the adoption impact for Gaming operations and Lottery instant products, described herein, the impact of adopting the new revenue recognition guidance on revenue and operating income in aggregate was less than $10.0 million.

Contracts with Customers with Multiple Promised Goods and Services

We enter into contracts with customers that include multiple promises (such as gaming machines, gaming systems hardware and software, installation, service and maintenance, product support or lottery systems and hardware, installation and maintenance bundled promises). For such contracts, the transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation using an estimate of stand-alone selling price. The stand-alone selling price is generally based on observable prices or a cost plus margin approach. The establishment of stand-alone selling price requires judgment as to whether there is a sufficient quantity of items sold or substantively renewed on a stand-alone basis and those prices demonstrate an appropriate level of concentration to conclude that a stand-alone selling price exists.

The guidance in ASC 606 requires that we apply judgments or estimates to determine both the performance obligations and the stand-alone selling prices of identified performance obligations. Contracts with multiple promised goods and services described above will often involve significant judgment in determining whether each promise is distinct or should be combined with other promises in such contracts in concluding on the distinct performance obligations for such contracts. Such judgment generally requires an assessment of the level of integration and interdependency between individual components particularly in our gaming systems and certain digital contracts with customers. Associated with these same contracts, we also apply significant judgment to determine the stand-alone selling prices of the identified performance obligations. In certain contracts with customers, we bundle the selling price for multiple promised goods or services or we may license systems for which the solutions we provide are highly customized and therefore the prices we charge are either uncertain, highly variable, or both.

Gaming Operations

Gaming operations revenues are generated by providing customers access to proprietary land-based gaming equipment, table game products and VLTs under a variety of recurring operating, service, or rental contracts, for which consideration is based upon a percentage of Coin-in, a percentage of Net win, or a fixed daily/monthly fee, with variability generally resolved in the reporting period. For these contracts with customers, we generally transfer control and recognize revenue or rental income over time based on the amount we expect to receive as described and classify such revenue or rental income as services revenue. Payments from customers under these contracts are typically due on a monthly basis. Jackpot expense for our WAP services is recorded as a reduction to revenue, which decreased revenue and cost of services by $22.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This change in classification has no impact on operating income or net loss. There was $23.2 million and $29.8 million of such amounts presented as cost of services for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. The amount of rental income revenue that is outside the scope of ASC 606 and ASC 605 was $265.2 million, $275.0 million, and $294.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Gaming Machine Sales

These contracts with customers include the sale of gaming machines, including game content, electronic table game products and parts (including game themes and conversion kits). We transfer control and recognize revenue from the sale of gaming machines at a point in time upon delivery of gaming machines to our customers or distributors pursuant to the terms of the contract. If the sale of gaming machines includes multiple promised goods and services, these contracts are accounted for as described in the “Contracts with Customers with Multiple Promised Goods and Services” section above. Our credit terms are predominately short term in nature.

Gaming Systems

Gaming systems contracts with customers can include a comprehensive suite of technology solutions provided to gaming operators, including perpetual licenses to core system solutions and non-core system solutions and other applications and tools. Gaming systems products also include the iVIEW touch screen display, which facilitates the player experience, bonus features, customer service, and employee functions and ongoing hardware and software maintenance services and upgrades.

Determination of performance obligations and timing of the transfer of control varies by contract. Generally, these contracts contain multiple promised goods and services, including the following: (i) core system software license; (ii) non-core system software license(s); (iii) professional services; (iv) system-based hardware; (v) in-game hardware products; and (vi) software and hardware maintenance and product support.

Control transfers and we recognize revenue from the sale of perpetual gaming systems licenses and various hardware products at a point in time when the gaming system is available for use by a customer which is no earlier than the commencement of the license term, and for the hardware products upon delivery. For contracts that include new core gaming system installations, control is not considered transferred until control of the core gaming system license is transferred as the additional promises are generally highly dependent on the core gaming system. Software and hardware maintenance and product support services are considered stand-ready obligations, therefore control transfers and revenue is recognized over time over the term of the maintenance and support period. If a gaming systems contract includes multiple promised goods and services, these contracts are accounted for as described in the “Contracts with Customers with Multiple Promised Goods and Services” section above.

Table Products

Table products revenue is generated from supplying and maintaining or selling table game products, primarily including automatic card shufflers, deck checkers, table roulette chip sorters and other land-based table gaming equipment. We transfer control and recognize revenue from the sale of table products at a point in time upon delivery to our customers or distributors pursuant to the terms of the contract. Supply and maintenance contracts, for which consideration is primarily based on a fixed monthly fee, are considered stand-ready obligations, therefore control transfers and revenue is recognized over time over the term of the supply and maintenance period. Such contracts are generally short-term in nature. We also license our proprietary table games content, for which revenue is recognized at a point in time under the licensing of intellectual property guidance as such licenses are functional licenses.

Lottery Instant Products

Our instant products revenue is primarily generated under long-term contracts to supply instant products and provide related services to our Lottery customers. For instant products that are sold on a PPU and POS basis, we generally have a single performance obligation of a promise to supply the instant products. Control transfers and we recognize revenue from the sale of such instant products when the lotteries have taken delivery of shipments of instant products pursuant to the terms of the contract. For instant products that are sold on a POS basis, we are compensated based on retail sales, therefore the timing difference between the recognition of revenue, the billing of our customers and the receipt of payments depends on retail sales. Contract assets resulting from these contracts remain until we have the contractual ability to invoice and collect from customers (which occurs upon retail sales). For our CSP contracts, revenue is recognized when a lottery retailer activates associated instant tickets, which timing corresponds with how we satisfy our performance obligation.

The guidance in ASC 606 requires that we apply judgment to determine the timing of control transfer of performance obligations in our Lottery instant products contracts. For instant products that are sold under POS contracts, we generally have a single performance obligation of a promise to supply the instant products. The determination of when control transfers requires significant judgment because lotteries take delivery of shipments of instant products, but we retain the risk of such inventory until retail sales of such tickets takes place. We have determined control transfers upon delivery to a lottery-controlled warehouse, because we do not have the ability to direct the use of such instant products subsequent to delivery.

Lottery revenue associated with instant products sold on a POS basis increased by less than $5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as a result of adopting the new revenue recognition guidance.

The revenue value of tickets and the associated historical cost of inventory sold under POS arrangements remaining in the distribution channel at December 31, 2017 was reflected directly in shareholders’ deficit with an increase to contract assets (included in Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets) totaling $52.0 million, a reduction to inventory totaling $33.0 million and a decrease to accumulated net loss totaling $19.0 million. The impact of ASC 606 on our December 31, 2018 consolidated balance sheet was a $36.5 million decrease to inventories and a $64.3 million increase to contract assets included in Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets.

Lottery Systems

Our Lottery business segment offers our customers a number of related, value-added services as part of an integrated product offering. These services include lottery systems, including point-of-sale terminals and other equipment, software, data communication services and support and instant game validation systems, and software, hardware and related services for sports wagering and keno systems.

For our integrated lottery systems service contracts (described above), our single performance obligation is a promise to perform a series of stand-ready services to operate a fully-functional draw lottery. Revenue is recognized over time in an amount generally based on a percentage of sales of the related games, which represents our measure of progress toward satisfying our performance obligation.

For our perpetual licensing of customized lottery software contracts, we generally recognize revenue over time using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated completion costs to measure progress toward satisfying our performance obligations, which we believe best depicts the transfer of control to the customer.

Maintenance on lottery software and lottery terminals is considered a stand-ready obligation, with control transferring and revenue being recognized over time ratably over the maintenance and support period. If a lottery systems contract includes multiple promised goods and services, these contracts are accounted for as described in the “Contracts with Customers with Multiple Promised Goods and Services” section above.

Social Gaming

Social gaming revenues are generated from the sale of virtual coins, chips or bingo cards (collectively referred to as “virtual currency”), which players can use to play casino-style slot and table games or bingo games (i.e., spin in the case of slot games, bet in the case of table games and use of bingo cards in the case of bingo games). We distribute our games through various global social web and mobile platforms such as Facebook, Apple, Google, Amazon, and other web and mobile platforms. Control transfers and we recognize revenues from player purchases of virtual currency as the virtual currency is consumed for game play, which is based on a historical data analysis. Because we have control over the content and functionality of games before they are accessed by the end user, we have determined we are the principal and, as a result, revenues are recorded on a gross basis. Payment processing fees paid to platform providers (such as Facebook, Apple, Amazon and Google) are recorded within cost of services. All social gaming revenue is classified as services revenue.

Digital

Digital revenue is generated from professional services related to highly customized software design, development, licensing, maintenance and support services associated with a comprehensive suite of technology solutions, including sports books and betting markets across both fixed-odds and pari-mutuel betting styles. Additionally, through our integrated suite of various platform and technology solutions, we provide gaming operators optional portals for reporting and administrative functions, and access to a wide portfolio of content, including casino, lottery and bingo style games.

Determination of performance obligations and timing of the transfer of control vary based on the nature of the contract. Generally, these contracts contain multiple promises, including the following: (i) implementation of customized software solution and the associated software license; (ii) support services and unspecified software updates; (iii) professional development services; and (iv) access to the game content. Control generally transfers and we recognize revenue from the implementation of a customized software solution and the associated software license over time using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated completion costs to measure progress toward satisfying our performance obligations, which we believe best depicts the transfer of control to the customer. Support services and unspecified software updates are considered stand-ready obligations, therefore control transfers and revenue is recognized over time ratably over the term of the support period. Professional development services generally relate to post-go live development, and control transfers and revenue is recognized over time as services are rendered.

We also generate revenue from various content aggregation platforms, remote gaming servers, our SG Universe platform and various other platforms, which deliver a wide spectrum of internally developed and branded games and popular third-party provided games to gaming operators. We provide daily access to these platforms and are typically compensated based on variable consideration, such as a percentage of net gaming revenue with variability generally resolved in the reporting period. Substantially all Digital revenue is classified as services revenue.

Contract Liabilities and Other Disclosures

The following table summarizes the activity in our contract liabilities for the reporting period:



	Year Ended December 31, 2018
Contract liability balance, beginning of period⁽¹⁾	$	88.2
Liabilities recognized during the period	53.7
Amounts recognized in revenue from beginning balance	(44.8		)
Contract liability balance, end of period⁽¹⁾	$	97.1
(1) Contract liabilities are included within accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.

The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed receivables, unbilled receivables (contract assets), and customer advances and deposits (contract liabilities) on our consolidated balance sheet. Other than contracts with customers with financing arrangements exceeding 12 months, revenue recognition is generally proximal to conversion to cash, except for Lottery instant products sold under percentage of sale contracts. As disclosed in “Lottery Instant Products” above, revenue is recognized for such contracts upon delivery to our customers, while conversion to cash is based on the retail sale of the underlying tickets to end consumers. As a result, revenue recognition under ASC 606 does not approximate conversion to cash in any periods post-adoption. Total revenue recognized under such contracts was $103.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The following table summarizes our opening and closing balances in these accounts (other than contract liabilities disclosed above):



	Receivables		Contract Assets⁽¹⁾
Opening balance, January 1, 2018	$	724.7	$	66.4
Closing balance, December 31, 2018	753.3		113.7
(1) Contract assets are included primarily within Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets in our December 31, 2018 consolidated balance sheet.

Other than acquired contract assets and receivables and assumed contract liabilities resulting from the NYX acquisition (described in Note 9), we did not have any material changes in these balances other than normal, recurring activity during the year ended December 31, 2018.

As of December 31, 2018, other than as described above, we did not have material unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts expected to be long-term or contracts for which we recognize revenue at an amount other than for which we have the right to invoice for goods or services delivered or performed.

2017 and 2016 Accounting Policy Under ASC 605

Refer above for description of how revenue is generated for each revenue category within each of our business segments.

General

We evaluate the recognition of revenue and rental income based on the criteria set forth in ASC 605, ASC 985 or ASC 840, as appropriate. Revenue is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership have substantively transferred to customers. This condition normally is met when the product has been delivered or upon performance of services. Revenue is reported net of incentive rebates, discounts, sales taxes and all other items of a similar nature. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales. Collectability is evaluated based on a review of the customer’s creditworthiness and a review of historic collection experience under contracts with extended payment terms, as applicable. We separately assess whether pricing is fixed or determinable under arrangements with extended payment terms reflected in the issuance of a receivable.

The majority of our sales agreements are for standard products and services with customer acceptance occurring upon delivery of the product or performance of the service. However, SGC also enters into agreements that involve multiple elements (such as gaming machines, systems hardware and software, installation and service and maintenance and product support), or non-standard terms and conditions.

For non-software multiple-element arrangements, we recognize revenue for delivered elements when they have stand-alone value to the customer, they have been accepted by the customer, and for which there are only customary refund or return rights. The transaction price is allocated to the deliverables by use of the relative selling price method. The selling price used for each deliverable is based on VSOE if available, TPE if VSOE is not available, or ESP if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. ESP is determined in a manner consistent with that used to establish the price to sell the deliverable on a standalone basis. In addition to the preceding conditions, equipment revenue is not recorded until the installation has been completed if equipment acceptance is dependent upon installation or if installation is essential to the functionality of the equipment. Installation revenues are not recorded until installation has been completed.

In accounting for multiple-element arrangements that include both hardware and software elements, we first separate the collective hardware and software elements using the relative selling price method as prescribed by ASC 605-25. For software elements not essential to functionality of related hardware, we follow the industry specific software guidance set forth in ASC 985, which only allows for the use of VSOE in establishing fair value if such elements remain undelivered. Generally, VSOE is the price charged when the deliverable is sold separately or the price established by management for a product that is not yet sold. For these types of arrangements (or portions of arrangements) falling within software revenue recognition standards and that do not involve significant production, modification, or customization, revenue for each software or software-related element is recognized when we have VSOE of the selling price of all of the undelivered elements and applicable revenue recognition criteria have been met for the delivered elements. The establishment of VSOE requires judgment as to whether there is a sufficient quantity of items sold on a stand-alone basis or substantive post-contract customer support (“PCS”) contract renewals and whether the prices or PCS renewal rates demonstrate an appropriate level of concentration to conclude that VSOE exists.

Gaming, Social and Digital segments revenue categories are recognized under the general revenue recognition policy described above. If the sale of gaming machines or other arrangements includes multiple elements, these arrangements are accounted for under multiple element arrangement accounting described above.

The following are specific revenue recognition policies for our Lottery segment:


•	Revenue from the sale of instant products that are sold on a PPU basis is recognized when the customer accepts the product pursuant to the terms of the contract and are recognized under general accounting policy described above.

•

Revenue from the sale of instant products that are sold on a Participation basis (POS and CSP) is recognized as retail sales are generated. We believe that products and services provided under these arrangements are delivered contemporaneously and are not separate units of account; therefore, as the services offered are a comprehensive solution in exchange for Participation-based or price-per-unit based compensation, this revenue is recognized under the general revenue recognition policy above.


•	Revenue from the provision of lottery system services provided on a Participation basis is recognized when the retail sales of draw lottery games are generated. Some lottery systems contracts also result in recognition of revenue when retail sales of instant tickets through the system are generated.


•	Revenue from the perpetual licensing of customized lottery software is recognized under the percentage of completion method of accounting, based on the ratio of costs incurred to estimated costs to complete.


•	Revenue derived from maintenance on lottery software and lottery terminals is recognized ratably over the maintenance period.

Deferred revenue and deferred cost of revenue

Deferred revenue arises primarily from the timing differences between the shipment or installation of Gaming and Lottery equipment and systems products and the satisfaction of all revenue recognition criteria consistent with our revenue recognition policy, and prepayment of contracts which are recognized ratably over a service period, such as maintenance or licensing revenue. Deferred cost of revenue primarily consists of the direct costs associated with the manufacture of Gaming and Lottery equipment and systems products for which revenue has been deferred. Deferred revenue and deferred cost of revenue expected to be realized within one year are classified as current liabilities and current assets, respectively.

Sales commissions

Any sales commissions associated with the sale or placement of our products are expensed as incurred. Contracts associated with sales commissions are generally completed within a one-year period.

Warranties

At the time a sale is recognized, we record estimated future warranty costs. The warranty liability is determined by applying historical claim rate experience to the current applicable population. Warranty costs may differ from those estimated if actual claim rates are higher or lower than our historical rates.