Canterbury Park Holding Corp: Form 10-K for the period ended Dec 31, 2023

Available Information

The SEC maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including Canterbury Park Holding Corporation, that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Company files annual reports, quarterly reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act).

We also make available free of charge through our website (www.canterburypark.com (http://www.canterburypark.com)) the reports and other documents that we file with the SEC, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and, if applicable, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the SEC.

Overview

Canterbury Park Holding Corporation (the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is the holding company for and parent company of two subsidiaries, Canterbury Park Entertainment LLC (“Canterbury Entertainment”) and Canterbury Development (“Canterbury Development”) and an indirect subsidiary Canterbury Park Concessions, Inc. which is wholly-owned by Canterbury Entertainment. As used herein, the term “Company” or “we” includes Canterbury Park Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries unless the context indicates otherwise.

We divide our business into four segments: (i) horse racing, (ii) Casino, (iii) food and beverage, and (iv) real estate development. The horse racing segment represents our pari-mutuel wagering operations on simulcast and live horse races; the Casino segment represents our unbanked card operations; the food and beverage segment includes concessions, catering, and events and services provided at the Racetrack; and the real estate development segment represents our real estate development operations. We conduct our (i) horse racing, (ii) Casino, and (iii) food and beverage segments through Canterbury Entertainment. We conduct our real estate development segment through Canterbury Development.

In 2023, we developed a five-year strategic plan focused on growing Casino revenue. As part of our execution on the five-year strategic plan, we are actively evaluating new opportunities that would diversify and grow our business, including through potential strategic transactions and initiatives.

Canterbury Park Entertainment

Through Canterbury Entertainment, we host pari-mutuel wagering on thoroughbred and quarter horse races and “unbanked” card games at our Canterbury Park Racetrack and Casino facility (the “Racetrack”) in Shakopee, Minnesota, which is approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. The Racetrack is the only facility in the State of Minnesota that offers live pari-mutuel thoroughbred and quarter horse racing. Our pari-mutuel wagering operations include both wagering on thoroughbred and quarter horse races during live meets at the Racetrack and year-round wagering on races held at out-of-state racetracks that are televised simultaneously at the Racetrack (“simulcasting”). Unbanked card games, in which patrons compete against each other instead of the house, are hosted in the Casino at the Racetrack. The Casino has historically operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week and has offered both poker and table games at up to 80 tables as allowed by Minnesota statute. We also derive revenues from related services and activities, such as food and beverage, parking, advertising signage, publication sales, and catering and events held at the Racetrack. The ownership and operation of the Racetrack and the Casino are significantly regulated by the Minnesota Racing Commission (“MRC”). Canterbury Entertainment is the direct owner of all land, facilities, and substantially all other assets related to our pari-mutuel wagering, Casino, concessions, and other related businesses (“Racetrack Operations”), and is subject to direct regulation by the MRC. We own approximately 260 acres of land as of December 31, 2023, in Shakopee, Minnesota where the Racetrack is located.

Traditionally, our revenues have been principally derived from three activities: Casino operations, pari-mutuel operations, and food and beverage operations. For the year ended December 31, 2023, revenues from Casino operations represented 64.8% of total net revenues, wagering on horse races represented 13.4% of total net revenues, and food and beverage revenue represented 12.7% of total net revenues. These components of revenue are described in more detail below. In addition, other revenues, which are principally derived from the three activities noted above, represented 9.1% of total net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Horse Racing Operations

The Company’s horse racing operations consist of year-round simulcasting of horse races from around the U.S. and internationally and wagering on live thoroughbred and quarter horse races (“live meets”) held on a seasonal basis beginning in May and generally concluding in September each year. At the Racetrack, various aspects of our operations are subject to approval by the MRC and the organization that represents a majority of the owners and trainers of the horses who race at the Racetrack, which is the Minnesota Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (“MHBPA”).

All of the wagering on simulcast and live horse races at the Racetrack is pari-mutuel wagering. In pari-mutuel wagering, bettors wager against each other in a pool, rather than against the operator of the facility or with preset odds. From the total handle wagered, the Minnesota Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing Act (the “Minnesota Racing Act”) specifies the maximum percentage, referred to as the “takeout,” that may be withheld by the Racetrack, with the balance returned to the winning bettors.

Pari-mutuel wagering can be divided into two categories: straight wagering pools and multiple wagering pools, which are also referred to as “exotic” wagering pools. Examples of straight wagers include: “win,” “place,” and “show.” Examples of exotic wagers include: “daily double,” “exacta,” ”trifecta,” and “pick four.”

The amount of takeout earned by the Company on pari-mutuel wagering depends on where the race is run and the form of wager (straight or exotic). The total maximum takeouts are 17% from straight wagering pools and 23% from exotic wagering pools. From this takeout, Minnesota law requires deductions for purses, pari-mutuel taxes, and payments to the Minnesota Breeders’ Fund (“MBF”). The balance of the takeout remaining after these deductions is commonly referred to as the “retainage.”

While the Minnesota Racing Act regulates that a minimum of 8.4% of the live racing handle be paid as purses to the owners of the horses, purse contributions are governed by an agreement that we negotiate annually with the MHBPA and the Minnesota Quarter Horse Racing Association ("MQHRA").

In addition, the MBF receives 1% of the handle. The current pari-mutuel tax applicable to wagering on all simulcast and live races is 6% of takeout in excess of $12 million during the twelve-month period beginning July 1 and ending the following June 30.

Net revenues from pari-mutuel wagering on live races run at the Racetrack consist of the total amount wagered, less the amounts paid (i) to winning patrons, (ii) for purses, (iii) to the MBF, and (iv) for pari-mutuel taxes to the State of Minnesota. Net revenues from pari-mutuel wagering on races being run at out-of-state racetracks and simulcast to the Racetrack have similar expenses but also include a host fee payment to the host track. The host fee, which is calculated as a percentage of monies wagered (generally 3.0% to 10.0%), is negotiated with the host track and must comply with state laws governing the host track. Pari-mutuel revenues also include commission and breakage revenues on live on-track and simulcast racing, fees received from out-of-state racetracks for wagering on our live races, and proceeds from unredeemed pari-mutuel tickets and vouchers.

Additionally, Minnesota Advanced Deposit Wagering (“ADW”) legislation allows Minnesota residents to engage in pari-mutuel wagering on out-of-state horse races online with a prefunded account through an ADW provider. The Company collects a percentage of monies wagered (generally 2.75% to 5.0%) by Minnesota residents through the ADW provider as a source market fee. The Company pays 28% of the collected revenues to another Minnesota-based horse track, records the remaining 72% as revenues, and records expenses of at least 50% for purses and breeders’ awards.

Live Racing

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Racetrack hosted 53 and 64 days of live racing, respectively, beginning in May and concluding in September. In 2023, the Company had one day of live racing cancelled and two other days shortened due to inclement weather. In 2022, the Company had one day of live racing cancelled due to inclement weather.

From June 4, 2012 to December 31, 2022, we were a party to a Cooperative Marketing Agreement (“CMA”) with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community ("SMSC"), a federally recognized Indian tribe. The primary purpose of the CMA was to increase purses paid during live horse racing at Canterbury Park’s Racetrack in order to strengthen Minnesota’s thoroughbred and quarter horse industry. During the term of the CMA, the Company agreed not to promote or lobby the Minnesota legislature for expanded gambling authority and support the SMSC’s lobbying efforts against expanding gambling authority.

On June 1, 2020, we entered into a Fifth Amendment Agreement to the CMA, which became effective on June 8, 2020 upon MRC approval. Under the Fifth Amendment, the SMSC paid an annual purse enhancement of $7,280,000 for 2022. Additionally, the SMSC paid an annual marketing payment under the CMA of $1,620,000 for 2022. The CMA expired by its terms on December 31, 2022. Accordingly, for 2023, there were no purse enhancement payments or marketing payments under the CMA.

Simulcasting

Simulcasting is the process by which live horse races held at one facility (the “host track”) are transmitted simultaneously to other locations to allow patrons at each receiving location (the “guest track”) to place wagers on races transmitted from the host track. Monies are collected at the guest track, and the information with respect to the total amount wagered is electronically transmitted to the host track. All of the amounts wagered at guest tracks are combined into the appropriate pools at the host track with the final odds and payouts based upon all the monies in the respective pools.

The Company is able to offer simulcast racing seven days a week, 364 days a year from racetracks around the world, including Churchill Downs, Santa Anita, Gulfstream Park, Belmont Park, Saratoga Racecourse, and Dubai. In addition, races of national interest, such as the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, the Belmont Stakes, and the Breeders’ Cup supplement the regular simulcast program. The Company regularly evaluates its agreements with other racetracks to offer the most popular simulcast signals of live horse racing that are reasonably available.

Under federal and state law, in order to conduct simulcast operations either as a host or guest track, the Company must obtain the consent of the MRC and the MHBPA as the organization that represents a majority of the owners and trainers of the horses who race at the Racetrack. As these consents are obtained annually, no assurance can be given that the MRC and the MHBPA will allow the Company to conduct simulcast operations either as a host or guest track in future years. If either the MRC or the MHBPA do not consent, the Company’s operations could be adversely affected by a decrease in pari-mutuel revenue, lower attendance, and lower overall handle.

Casino Operations

The Casino may offer gaming 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and offers two forms of unbanked card games: poker and table games.

Poker games, including Texas Hold ‘Em, Stud, and Omaha, with betting limits per hand ranging between $2 and $100, are currently offered in our Casino. A dealer employed by the Company regulates the play of the game at each table and deals the cards but does not participate in play. In poker games, the Company is allowed to deduct a percentage from the accumulated wagers and impose other charges for hosting the activity but does not have an interest in the outcome of a game. The Company may add additional prizes, awards, or money to any game for promotional purposes. The primary source of poker revenue the Company collects is a “rake” of 5-10%, depending on the limit of the game, of the poker pot up to a maximum of $4 per hand. In addition, poker games offer progressive jackpots for most games. In order to fund the poker progressive jackpot pools, the dealer withholds up to $2 from each pot in excess of $15.

Table games, including Blackjack, Mississippi Stud, Fortune Pai Gow, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, EZ Baccarat, Criss Cross Poker, Free Bet Blackjack, DJ Wild, and I Luv Suits, with betting limits ranging between $1 and $300, are currently offered in our Casino. The Company has the option to offer banked games under the Minnesota law governing Casino operations but currently only offers “unbanked” games. “Unbanked” refers to a wagering system or game where wagers lost in card games are accumulated into a player pool liability for purposes of enhancing the total amount paid back to winning players. The Company can only serve as custodian of the player pool, may not have an active interest in any card game, and does not recognize amounts that dealers “win” or “lose” during the course of play as revenue. The primary source of table games revenue is a percentage of the buy in received from the players, aggregated up to 20% per day, as defined by the MRC regulations, as compensation for providing the Casino facility and services, referred to as “collection revenue.” In addition, several table games offer a progressive jackpot. The player has the option of playing the jackpot with the opportunity to win some or the entire jackpot amount, depending upon the player’s hand.

Under Minnesota law, the Company is required to pay 10% of the first $6 million of gross Casino revenues towards purses for live horse racing at the Racetrack. After meeting the $6 million threshold, the Company must pay 14% of gross Casino revenues as purse monies. Of funds allocated for purses, the Company pays 10% of the purse monies to the MBF, which is a fund apportioned by the MRC among various purposes related to Minnesota’s horse breeding and horse racing industries. The remaining 90% of purse monies are divided between thoroughbred (95%) and quarter horse (5%) purse funds.

Food and Beverage Operations

We derive revenue from our food and beverage operations through sales at concession stands, restaurant and buffet, bars, and other food venues. The Company currently offers two, year-round café style restaurants and full service bars within the Casino and simulcast area. The Casino offers tableside menu service generally 24 hours a day. Our Triple Crown Club offers lounge services along with a buffet restaurant. During live racing, a wide variety of concession style food and beverage options are available to our guests.

The food and beverage operations also include our catering and events operations. We have one of the largest event spaces in the Twin Cities with more than 100,000 square feet of available space. Our facilities provide a variety of purposes for year-round events and other activities. Our event space has been used for craft shows, trade shows, pool and poker tournaments, automobile and other utility vehicle shows, major art shows, and fundraisers. Our outdoor spaces have been used for concerts, snowmobile races, and other competitions. The infield of the Racetrack has also been used as a concert and event area. In addition to event space, we have offered space in our horse stable area for rent for boat storage during the winter months.

Development Operations

Beginning in 2015, we began executing our development plan for Company land that was not necessary to conduct our Racetrack Operations (grandstand, racetrack, stable area, and parking areas) and land for other facilities, including the event center. Both Canterbury Development and the land held by Canterbury Development are not subject to direct regulation by the MRC. Originally, approximately 140 acres were considered underutilized and were targeted for real estate development by Canterbury Development to be complementary with our Racetrack Operations.

In 2023, Canterbury Development continued to pursue various development opportunities for the underutilized land in a project known as Canterbury Commons™. Canterbury Development continues to pursue various mixed use development opportunities, such as residential development, office, restaurants, hotel, entertainment, and retail operations. As of December 31, 2023, Canterbury Development has contributed approximately 36 acres of land to three, separate joint ventures described below.

In addition, we have sold several parcels of land, totaling approximately 50 acres, to third parties that have and will develop the property as described below. Although we will have no continuing ownership in these land sales, we believe the future developments of this property will contribute to the overall vitality of Canterbury Commons and drive visitation and spend to Canterbury Park.

The following is a summary of our real estate development projects within Canterbury Commons as of December 31, 2023:

• Our first real estate development project in Canterbury Commons began in 2018 with Doran Canterbury I, LLC, a joint venture between Canterbury Development and an affiliate of Doran Companies (“Doran”) for the development of the upscale Triple Crown Residences at Canterbury Park.
• In September 2018, Canterbury Development contributed approximately 13 acres of land as its equity contribution in the Doran Canterbury I, LLC joint venture and became a 27.4% equity member. Construction of the 321-unit Phase I, which was developed pursuant to the first joint venture agreement, began in late 2018 with initial occupancy on part of the building in June 2020. Remaining units were completed and available for occupancy by the end of 2020.
• In August 2020, Doran exercised its option for Phase II of the project, which include an additional 305 residential units, and the Company entered into a second joint venture with Doran called Doran Canterbury II, LLC. Pursuant to this second agreement, the Company transferred roughly 10 acres of land to Doran Canterbury II, LLC. In addition to receiving 27.4% ownership in Doran Canterbury II, the exchange resulted in the repayment of a $2.9 million note receivable which was on the Company’s balance sheet as a related party receivable as of June 30, 2020. Groundwork on the Doran Canterbury II site began in October 2020, paving the way for the ground-up construction of the second phase of apartments, which began construction in March 2022 with initial occupancy occurring in January 2024.
• As a result of these joint ventures, Canterbury Development holds a 27.4% equity interest in Doran Canterbury I, LLC governed by an operating agreement effective as of March 1, 2018 with Doran Shakopee LLC, and Canterbury Development also holds a 27.4% equity interest in Doran Canterbury II, LLC governed by an operating agreement effective as of July 30, 2020 with Doran Shakopee LLC and amended October 1, 2021.
• On June 16, 2020, Canterbury Development, entered into an operating agreement with an affiliate of Greystone Construction ("Greystone"), as the two members of a Minnesota limited liability company named Canterbury DBSV Development, LLC ("Canterbury DBSV"). Canterbury DBSV was formed as part of a joint venture between Greystone and Canterbury Development for a multi-use development on the 13-acre land parcel located on the southwest portion of the Company’s Racetrack. Canterbury Development’s equity contribution to Canterbury DBSV was approximately 13 acres of land, which were contributed to Canterbury DBSV on July 1, 2020. In connection with its contribution, Canterbury Development became a 61.87% equity member in Canterbury DBSV.
• During the fourth quarter of 2020, Canterbury DBSV transferred approximately 1.5 acres of land as an equity contribution into another joint venture, called GS Moving Up, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company. In connection with it's contribution, Canterbury DBSV became a 45.87% equity member in GS Moving Up, LLC. The land was used for the development of a new 28,000 square foot office building, with Greystone occupying the second floor as its corporate headquarters. The project was completed in the 2021 third quarter, and a lease was executed for the majority of the space resulting in 90% building occupancy.
• During the fourth quarter of 2022, Canterbury DBSV transferred 1.5 acres of land as an equity contribution into another joint venture, called SW Gateway, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company. In connection with its contribution, Canterbury DBSV became a 45.9% equity member in SW Gateway, LLC. The land was used for the development of a new 11,000 square foot building that is occupied by a local restaurant and brewery, both of which began operations in July 2023.
• Additionally, during the first quarter of 2022, Canterbury DBSV transferred approximately 3.5 acres of land as an equity contribution into another joint venture, called Omry Canterbury, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company. In connection with its contribution, Canterbury DBSV became a 16.2% equity member in Omry Canterbury, LLC. The land was used for the development of a 147-unit senior living community with initial occupancy beginning during the fourth quarter of 2023.
• Finally, during the fourth quarter of 2022, Canterbury DBSV sold approximately 1.7 acres of land to A&M Kerber Holdings, LLC for total consideration of approximately $925,000 for the construction of a Next Steps Learning Center and child care facility, which began operations during the fourth quarter of 2023.
• In April 2020, Canterbury Development entered into two agreements to sell approximately 14 acres of land on the west side of the Racetrack to Pulte Homes of Minnesota ("Pulte") and Lifestyle Communities for total consideration of approximately $3,500,000. Closing of the Lifestyle Communities and the first phase of the Pulte transactions occurred in April 2021, totaling approximately 9.8 acres. The closing of phase two of the Pulte transaction and the sale of the remaining 4.2 acres occurred in June 2022.
• Development approvals by Pulte on 109 new for sale row homes and townhome residences at Canterbury Commons was completed in late 2020. The project received its approvals from the City of Shakopee in a joint planned urban development application with Lifestyle Communities, which is located adjacent to the townhome project. Ground improvements and utility work commenced in early 2021 for both projects. Pulte has initiated ground up construction of a number of townhome buildings and its first model units were completed in the first quarter of 2022 with approximately 50 townhomes occupied as of December 31, 2023. Lifestyle Communities will be a 44-unit age restricted active senior cooperative community. The building is programmed with over 5,000 square feet of amenity spaces and outdoor spaces.
• In September 2021, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to sell approximately 37 acres of land on the northeast corner of the Racetrack to Minneapolis-based Swervo Development Corporation ("Swervo"). Swervo intends to construct a state-of-the-art amphitheater as part of the Canterbury Commons development. The closing of the land sale took place in April 2023 for approximately $8,800,000 in total consideration. In late 2023, Swervo broke ground and construction is underway on the amphitheater which is expected to open in 2025. In connection with the land sale and amphitheater development, Canterbury received approval for the first phase of its barn relocation and redevelopment plan which is expected to be completed in 2025. We believe this $15 million barn area redevelopment project will continue the Company’s ongoing commitment to provide quality horse racing in the state of Minnesota as well as allow for future development of Canterbury’s underutilized land.

In addition to the aforementioned projects, the Company continues to make progress with developer and partner selection for the other development opportunities within Canterbury Commons. The initial development portfolio was weighted heavily in the residential segment with over 800 units of multifamily and over 100 units of for sale townhomes. The Company anticipates more opportunity and focus in the entertainment, office, retail, and hospitality segments in the later phases of the Canterbury Commons development. Canterbury expects to make additional announcements of new partners for this phase in the future.

See footnote 12 of the consolidated financial statements for more detailed information on recent transactions and development activity.

Competition

The Company operates in a highly competitive wagering and gaming environment with a large number of participants. The Company competes with competitive wagering operations and activities that include tribal casinos, state-sponsored lotteries, and other forms of legalized gaming in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. The Company competes with a number of tribal casinos in the State of Minnesota that offer video slot machines, table games, and both banked and unbanked card games, including Minnesota’s largest casino, Mystic Lake, which is located approximately four miles from the Racetrack and which is owned by the SMSC.

The Company faces direct competition from Running Aces Harness Park ("Running Aces") in Columbus Township, Anoka County, Minnesota, a racetrack and card room that is located approximately 40 miles from Canterbury Park. Running Aces offers pari-mutuel wagering on live races of standardbred (“harness”) horses on a seasonal basis and year-round wagering on simulcasting of all breeds of horse races. In addition to pari-mutuel wagering, Running Aces operates a card room that directly competes with the Company’s Casino.

Additionally, Internet-based interactive gaming and wagering is growing rapidly and adversely affects all forms of wagering offered by the Company. Legislation became effective November 1, 2016 in Minnesota that allowed the Company to begin collecting source market fees from companies that offer ADW wagering. These companies provide legal simulcast horse wagering over the internet. The legislation now allows the Company to recoup a percentage of all simulcast horse racing wagers made by Minnesota residents over the internet on out-of-state races.

The Minnesota legislature continues to consider bills to legalize sports betting in the State of Minnesota. If sports betting were legalized in Minnesota for tribal casinos and through mobile applications operated by the tribes, we would experience increased competition from the tribal casinos which could divert customers from our Casino and Racetrack and thus adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

The Company also faces indirect competition from a variety of sources for discretionary consumer spending including spectator sports and other entertainment and gaming options. In the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, competition includes a wide range of live and televised professional and collegiate sporting events. In addition, live horse racing competes with a wide variety of summer attractions, including amusement parks, sporting events, and other local activities.

Finally, the Company competes with racetracks located throughout the United States in securing horses to run at the Racetrack. Attracting owners and trainers that can bring high quality horses to our Racetrack is largely dependent on our ability to offer competitive purses. The Company experiences significant competition for horses from racetracks located near Des Moines, Iowa and Chicago, Illinois. We expect this competition to continue for the foreseeable future.

Canterbury Development and its joint ventures face competition from developers of other residential, mixed use, office, retail, hotel, and entertainment spaces around Shakopee, Minnesota and elsewhere in Minnesota. These other developers may be larger and have more resources than Canterbury Development or than Canterbury Development and its developer partners on a combined basis. The leasing of real estate is highly competitive. The principal competitive factors are rent, location, lease term, lease concessions, services provided, and the nature and condition of the property to be leased. The Canterbury Development joint ventures will directly compete with all owners, developers, and operators of similar space in the areas in which our properties are located. The number of competitive multifamily properties in our particular market could adversely affect lease rates at residential properties in Canterbury Commons, as well as the rents able to be charged. In addition, other forms of residential properties, including single family housing and town homes, provide housing alternatives to potential residents of luxury apartment communities like our Triple Crown Residences at Canterbury Park. Likewise, the competition for high quality tenants for retail, office, and other spaces is intense. In order to be successful, our real estate joint ventures must have high lease rates, competitive rental rates, and maintain high occupancy rates with a financially stable tenant base.

We may again in the future seek developers or other partners for joint venture arrangements or opportunities for Canterbury Development to develop our properties. We will be competing with other property owners, both around Shakopee and elsewhere, for high quality builders, commercial and residential real estate firms, and developers that share our vision for Canterbury Commons. We have in the past and may agree in the future to sell parcels of land to third parties that will then develop the properties and in that case, we will also be in competition with other sellers of properties for purchasers. Although we will have no continuing ownership in these land sales, we believe that the ability to effectively compete for tenants will be a factor in the purchasers’ selection of our property over other competing properties for their developments.

Regulation and Regulatory Changes

General

The ownership and operation of the Racetrack in Minnesota is subject to significant regulation by the MRC under the Minnesota Racing Act and the rules adopted by the MRC. The Minnesota Racing Act governs the allocation of each wagering pool to winning bettors, the Racetrack, purses, pari-mutuel taxes, and the MBF, and empowers the MRC to license and regulate substantially all aspects of horse racing in the State. The MRC, among other things, grants operating licenses to racetracks after an application process and public hearings, licenses all racetrack employees, jockeys, trainers, veterinarians, and other participants, regulates the transfer of ownership interests in licenses, allocates live race days and simulcast-only race days, approves race programs, regulates the conduct of races, sets specifications for the racing ovals, animal facilities, employee quarters and public areas of racetracks, regulates the types of wagers on horse races, and approves significant contractual arrangements with racetracks, including management agreements, simulcast arrangements, and totalizator contracts.

A federal statute, the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978, also requires that a racetrack must obtain the consent of the group representing the horsepersons (owners and trainers) racing the breed of horses that race a majority of the time at the racetrack (which is the MHBPA), and the consent of the state agency regulating the racetrack (in Minnesota, the MRC), in order to transmit simulcast signals of its live races or to receive and use simulcast signals from other racetracks.

Issuance of Class A and Class B Licenses to the Company

The Company holds a Class A License, issued by the MRC, that allows the Company to own and operate the Racetrack. The Class A License is effective until revoked, suspended by the MRC, or relinquished by the licensee. Currently, the fee for a Class A License is $253,000 per fiscal year.

The Company also holds a Class B License, issued by the MRC, that allows the Company to sponsor and manage horse racing on which pari-mutuel wagering is conducted at its Class A licensed racetrack and on other horse races run at out-of-state locations as authorized by the MRC. The Class B License is renewable each year by the MRC after a public hearing (if required by the MRC). Currently, the fee for the Class B License is $500 for each assigned race day on which live racing is actually conducted and $100 for each day on which simulcasting is authorized and actually takes place.

In addition, the law requires that the Company reimburse the MRC for actual costs, including stewards, state veterinarians and drug testing, related to the regulating of live racing. For fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company paid $497,000 and $152,000, respectively, to the MRC as reimbursement for costs of regulating live racing operations.

The MRC is also authorized by the Racing Act to regulate Casino operations. The law requires that the Company reimburse the MRC for its actual costs, including personnel costs, of regulating the Casino. For fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company paid $297,000 and $248,000, respectively, to the MRC as reimbursement for costs of regulating Casino operations.

On January 19, 2000, the MRC issued an additional Class B License to the Company that authorized the Company to host unbanked card games. The Class B License is renewable each year by the MRC after a public hearing (if required by the MRC). Currently, the Class B License fee of $10,000 per calendar year is included in the Class A License fee of $253,000 per calendar year.

Limitation on the Number of Class A and Class B Licenses

Pursuant to the Racing Act, so long as the Racetrack maintains its Class A License, no other Class A License may be issued to allow an entity to own and operate a racetrack in the seven county metropolitan area where thoroughbred and quarter horses are raced. However, the Racing Act provides that the MRC may issue an additional Class A License within the seven-county metropolitan area, if the additional license is issued for a facility that, among other conditions, is located more than 20 miles from the Racetrack, contains a track no larger than five-eighths of a mile in circumference, and is used exclusively for harness racing. In January 2005, this additional Class A license was issued for the location that later became known as Running Aces (see “Risk Factors” below).

Limitation on Ownership and Management of an Entity that holds a Class A or Class B License

The Racing Act requires prior MRC approval of all officers, directors, 5% shareholders, or other persons having a present or future direct or indirect financial or management interest in any person applying for a Class A or Class B license, and if a change of ownership of more than 5% of the licensee’s shares is made after an application is filed or the license issued, the applicant or licensee must notify the MRC of the changes within five days of this occurrence and provide the information required by the Racing Act.

Advanced Deposit Wagering Legislation

Minnesota ADW legislation that became effective November 1, 2016 requires ADW providers to be licensed by the MRC and established licensing criteria and regulatory oversight of ADW providers doing business in the State of Minnesota. The law allows licensed racetracks to negotiate separate agreements with the ADW providers to remit source market fees to those racetracks. The ADW source market revenue to the Company totaled approximately $1,331,000 and $1,511,000 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As part of the agreement, 50% of source market fees is allocated to purse accounts and the MBF.

Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), which was passed at the end of 2020 and amended in late 2022, creates uniform national standards for thoroughbred racing in the areas of racetrack safety and medication. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority was established to enforce HISA and operates under the oversight of the Federal Trade Commission. In addition to oversight by the MRC, our Racetracks and their participants are subject to the HISA equine safety, welfare and drug testing rules and regulations established by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority under HISA.

Sports Betting

The Minnesota legislature is continuing to consider bills to legalize sports betting in Minnesota at tribal casinos and online through mobile applications operated by the tribes. It is not certain whether any of these bills will be adopted into law. If sports betting were legalized in Minnesota for tribal casinos and through mobile applications operated by the tribes, we would experience increased competition from the tribal casinos which could divert customers from our Casino and Racetrack and thus adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Local Regulation

The Company’s operations are subject to state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and other provisions affecting zoning, public health, and other matters that may have the effect of restricting the uses to which the Company’s land and other assets may be used. Also, any development of the Racetrack site and Canterbury Commons is, among other things, subject to applicable zoning ordinances and requires approval by the City of Shakopee and other authorities. There can be no assurance these approvals will be obtained for any future development the Company proposes.

Minimum Wage Legislation

Minnesota has adopted a minimum wage law that sets the minimum hourly wage that must be paid to most Company employees. Beginning January 1, 2018, the minimum wage increases at the beginning of each year by the rate of inflation with a maximum increase of up to 2.5% per year. The minimum wage for 2023 was $10.59 per hour and is $10.85 per hour for 2024. This legislation has had an adverse financial impact on the Company by increasing expenses and we expect will continue to have an adverse impact on the Company. See the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." From time to time, we have implemented measures to partially mitigate the impact of increases in the minimum wage by raising our prices and reducing our employee count. These measures could themselves have an adverse effect because higher prices and diminished service levels may discourage customers from visiting the Racetrack.

Marketing

The Company’s primary market is the seven-county Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area (Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Washington, Dakota, Scott, and Carver) plus the two counties to the south of the Racetrack and Casino (Le Sueur and Rice). The City of Shakopee, located in the southwestern portion of the metropolitan area, is one of the fastest growing communities in the region, and Scott County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country.

To support its Casino, pari-mutuel horse racing, and catering and events businesses, the Company conducts year-round marketing efforts to maintain the loyalty of existing customers and attract new players to the property. The Company uses radio, television, digital advertising, social media, print advertising, and direct marketing to communicate to its audiences. In addition to its regular advertising and communication program, the Company conducts numerous special promotions, handicapping contests, and poker tournaments to attract incremental visits. The Company also uses a player rewards and database marketing program to enhance the loyalty of its guests.

The Company continues to focus on creating a premier guest experience as the core element of its marketing efforts. This includes delivering great customer service, developing new food and beverage offerings, creating fan education programs, and providing entertainment opportunities that go beyond the traditional pari-mutuel wagering and card playing activities.

Human Capital and Team Members

Talent Management

At December 31, 2023, the Company had 227 full-time team members and 538 part-time team members. The Company adds approximately 350 team members on a seasonal basis for live racing operations from early May until early September. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the entertainment industry, and actions that we and others in the industry took in response to COVID-19 (including implementing furloughs, reduced work week schedules, temporarily pay reductions, and eliminating a number of job positions) have adversely affected our ability to attract and retain team members. We have seen and continue to see industry-wide labor shortages causing challenges in hiring or re-hiring for certain positions. In response, we have enhanced our recruitment and retention efforts and increased compensation where needed to maintain competitiveness in this extremely difficult market.

We also offer benefits to eligible employees, including participation in our KSOP Plan (the “KSOP”) that includes the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”) and the 401(k) Plan. Beginning January 1, 2016, the matching of employee contributions has been issued in Company stock, which we believe aligns the interests of Company employees with our shareholders and allows employees to participate in the success that they help create at our company.

Our success depends in large part upon our ability to attract, retain, train, lead, and motivate skilled team members. To facilitate the recruitment, development, and retention of our valuable team members, we strive to make Canterbury Park a diverse, inclusive, and safe workplace, with opportunities for our team to grow and develop. The Company offers training and development opportunities for team members to enhance leadership and communication skills. The Company also has created various internal committees, including a specific rewards and recognition committee to support our team member recognition programs. To help retain talent, we measure team member engagement, including conducting regular engagement surveys to all team members. The most recent survey was conducted in 2022 and reflected an engagement level among our team members that exceeded the average engagement levels of benchmarked companies. The Company intends to complete a similar survey in late 2024.

Health and Safety

During 2022 and 2023, we continued to focus significant attention to enhancing health and safety protocols. In addition, our employee guidelines and policies are founded on our cornerstones of safety, service, courtesy, cleanliness, and integrity. We are committed to equal opportunity employment and prohibit harassment or discrimination of any kind. We have adopted an open door policy to encourage an honest employer-associate relationship which includes a confidential hotline available to all employees.

Executive Officers

The executive officers of the Company, their ages and their positions with the Company at March 15, 2024 are as follows:

Randall D. Sampson has been President and Chief Executive Officer since the formation of the Company in March 1994. Mr. Sampson was also named Chairman of the Board on October 3, 2019. He has been active in horse industry associations, currently serving as Director of the Thoroughbred Racetracks of America and is a past Vice President of the Thoroughbred Racetracks of America and past President of the Minnesota Thoroughbred Association. Mr. Sampson also currently serves as a director of Pineapple Energy Inc. (Nasdaq:PEGY), a growing domestic operator and consolidator of residential solar, battery storage, and grid service solutions based in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Randy J. Dehmer was hired as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer in May 2019, and promoted to Senior Vice President of Finance in September 2021. Mr. Dehmer worked for the Company from December 2007 to August 2013, most recently serving as controller from March 2012 to August 2013. Prior to rejoining the Company, he served as financial controller for Clearfield, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLFD), which designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber protection, fiber management and fiber delivery solutions, from September 2013 to May 2019. Mr. Dehmer also currently serves as a director on the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce board.

In addition to risks and uncertainties in the ordinary course of business that are common to all businesses, important factors that are specific to our industry and us could materially affect our business, results of operations and financial condition and the market price of our common stock. Although we believe that we have identified and discussed below the material risk factors affecting our business, there may be additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known or that are not currently believed to be material that may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, or the market price of our common stock.

Risk Factors Related to Horse Racing and Gaming Generally

We may not be successful at implementing our growth strategy.

In 2023, we developed a five-year strategic plan focused on growing Casino revenue. As part of our execution on the five-year strategic plan, we are actively evaluating new opportunities that would diversify and grow our business, including through potential strategic transactions and initiatives.

We cannot ensure that this growth strategy will be successful either in the short-term or in the long-term, or that this overall strategy will generate a positive return on our investment. We must commit significant resources to these strategic transactions and initiatives before knowing whether our investments will result in the operational or financial results we expect or intend. The return on our investments in strategic transactions and initiatives may be lower, or may develop more slowly, than we expect.

Our growth strategy may place significant demands on our financial, operational and management resources. We may not execute successfully on our growth strategy because of legislative, regulatory, financial, or other hurdles that we fail to overcome in a timely fashion, or lack of appropriate resources. Additionally, we may compete with other companies for attractive strategic opportunities. The process of identifying and exploring strategic transactions and initiatives is time consuming and may result in a diversion of management’s time and attention away from existing business activities. Additionally, if we do not effectively communicate our growth strategy to our investors and stakeholders, we may not realize the full benefits that we would otherwise gain through successful execution of that strategy.

If we do not achieve the benefits anticipated from our investments in our growth strategy or if the achievement of these benefits is delayed, our operating results may be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that we will develop and implement transactions and initiatives that will advance the goals of our strategic plan in a cost-effective or timely manner or at all.

Our business is sensitive to reductions in discretionary consumer spending as a result of downturns in the economy and other factors outside of our control.

Our business is sensitive to downturns in the economy and the associated impact on discretionary spending on entertainment, gaming, and other leisure activities. Our in-person visitors are predominately local, so we compete for more day-to-day discretionary spending as compared with destination spending. Decreases in discretionary consumer spending or consumer preferences brought about by factors such as perceived or actual general economic conditions or the economic conditions in the Twin Cities or Minnesota specifically, effects of declines in consumer confidence in the economy, any future employment and credit crisis, the impact of high and prolonged inflation, particularly with respect to housing, energy and food costs, the increased cost of travel, decreased disposable consumer income and wealth, fears of war and future acts of terrorism, or widespread illnesses or epidemics, including COVID-19, can have a material adverse effect on discretionary spending and other areas of economic behavior that directly impact the gaming and entertainment industries in general and could further reduce customer demand in our Casino, Racetrack and food and beverage segments, which may negatively impact our revenues and operating cash flow.

We have experienced a decrease in revenue and profitability from live racing.

Following the expiration of the CMA on December 31, 2022, we did not receive any purse enhancement, marketing payments, or other amounts under the CMA. In 2022, the SMSC paid an annual purse enhancement of $7,280,000 and an annual marketing payment of $1,620,000. The purse enhancement payments were paid directly to the MHBPA to support purse sizes and accordingly, such payments had no direct impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or operations. The marketing payments under the CMA offset the Company’s expense relating to certain marketing efforts, including signage, promotions, player benefits, and events.

Accordingly, due to the lack of an annual purse enhancement, the purses and the number of races we were able to offer in the 2023 live racing season were smaller than they have been in the past. These factors resulted in a decrease in wagering on live races (particularly out-of-state handle), which ultimately result in a decrease in revenue from live racing in 2023 as compared to 2022.

We enter into an agreement with the horsepersons each year for the following year’s live racing season. For the 2024 live racing season, we have agreed with the MHBPA and MQHRA to a 54-day racing season and have agreed to contribute an additional share of our Casino revenue to the statutorily required purse amounts to guarantee purses for overnight races at $23,000 per race. In order to ensure the guaranteed minimum overnight purse structure, we will be making an overpayment that may be repaid to us through reimbursement in subsequent racing years. This anticipated overpayment of purses is intended to create a short-term bridge until additional purse supplements can be obtained from other sources. In the event that additional purse revenue is secured through additional forms of gaming at Canterbury, new revenue streams, or legislative action are obtained to fund purses and beyond the current statutory requirements, we will be eligible for reimbursement of the actual 2024 overpayment amount from those purse supplements. This arrangement will have the effect of increasing the average purse size per live race for the 2024 live racing season, which we expect will lead to larger field sizes, an increase in wagering on live races and increased revenue from live racing as compared to 2023. However, there can be no assurance that our agreed-upon purse supplements will have the expected impact on the financial performance of live racing or that any improved financial performance of live racing will offset the amounts we contribute to purses. Further, there can be no assurance that we will receive any reimbursement of any 2024 overpayment amount.

Additionally, if, for any reason, we are unable to reach an annual agreement with the MHBPA and the MQHRA for any future live racing season, our operations would be adversely affected by a decrease in the daily purses, potential reduction in the quality of horses, lower attendance, lower overall average handle, and substantially greater operating expenses.

While we are pursuing initiatives to strengthen the financial returns of live racing at the Racetrack and to manage our marketing spend, there can be no assurance that we will identify and implement initiatives that will advance these goals in a cost-effective or timely manner or at all.

We may not be able to attract a sufficient number of horses and trainers to achieve above average field sizes.

We believe that patrons prefer to wager on races with a number of horses in the race (the “field”) at or above the national average. A failure to offer races with adequate fields generally results in less wagering on our horse races, which we experienced during the 2023 live racing season. Our ability to attract adequate fields depends on several factors, including our ability to offer and fund competitive purses and overall horse population available for racing. Various factors have led to declines in the horse population in Minnesota and other areas of the country, including competition from racetracks in other areas, increased costs, changing economic returns for owners and breeders, and the spread of various debilitating and contagious equine diseases. If our racetrack is faced with a sustained outbreak of a contagious equine disease, it could have a material impact on our profitability.

Finally, if we are unable to attract horse owners to stable and race their horses at our racetrack by offering a competitive environment, including high-quality facilities, a well-maintained racetrack, comfortable conditions for backstretch personnel involved in the care and training of horses stabled at our racetrack, and a competitive purse structure, our profitability could also decrease. We also face increased competition for horses and trainers from racetracks that are licensed to operate slot machines and other electronic gaming machines that provide these racetracks an advantage in generating new additional revenues for race purses and capital improvements. Our inability in the future to attract adequate fields, for whatever reason, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We face significant competition, both directly from other racing and gaming operations and indirectly from other forms of entertainment and leisure time activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

We face intense competition in our market, particularly direct competition from Running Aces in Columbus Township, Anoka County, Minnesota, a racetrack and card room that is located approximately 40 miles from Canterbury Park. Running Aces offers pari-mutuel wagering on live races of standardbred (“harness”) horses on a seasonal basis and year-round wagering on simulcasting of all breeds of horse races. In addition to pari-mutuel wagering, Running Aces operates a card room that directly competes with the Company’s Casino.

We also compete with Native American owned casinos. These Native American facilities have the advantage of being exempt from some state and federal taxes and state regulation of indoor smoking, and have the ability to offer a wider variety of gaming products.

The Company competes with racetracks located throughout the United States in securing horses to run at the Racetrack. Attracting owners and trainers that can bring high quality horses to our Racetrack is largely dependent on our ability to offer competitive purses. The Company experiences significant competition for horses from racetracks located near Des Moines, Iowa and Chicago, Illinois. We expect this competition to continue for the foreseeable future.

Internet-based interactive gaming and wagering, both legal and illegal, is growing rapidly and adversely affects all forms of wagering offered by the Company. We anticipate competition in this area will become more intense as new Internet-based ventures enter our industry and as state and federal regulations on Internet-based activities are clarified. Additionally, we compete with other forms of gambling, including betting on professional sports, spectator sports, other forms of entertainment, and other racetracks throughout the country.

We expect competition for our existing and future operations to increase from Running Aces, existing tribal casinos, and racetracks that are able to subsidize their purses with alternative gaming revenues. Competition for simulcasting customers will be intense given the 2016 legalization of online internet wagering on horse racing in Minnesota, through ADW providers. In addition, several of our tribal gaming competitors in Minnesota have substantially larger marketing and financial resources than we do and this competition may increase if sports betting is legalized in Minnesota at tribal casinos and online through mobile applications operated by the tribes. Increased competition from the tribal casinos could divert customers from our Casino and Racetrack and thus adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Furthermore, the Company faces indirect competition from a variety of sources for discretionary consumer spending, including spectator sports and other entertainment and gaming options. In the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, competition includes a wide range of live and televised professional and collegiate sporting events. In addition, live horse racing competes with a wide variety of summer attractions, including amusement parks, sporting events, and other local activities.

Nationally, the popularity of horse racing has declined.

There has been a general decline in the number of people wagering on live horse races at North American racetracks, either in person or via simulcasting, due to a number of factors, including increased competition from other wagering and entertainment alternatives as discussed above. Declining interest in horse racing has had a negative impact on revenues and profitability in our racing business. A general decline in interest in horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations in future years.

A lack of confidence in the integrity of our core businesses could affect our ability to retain our customers and engage with new customers.

The integrity of horse racing, casino gaming, and pari-mutuel wagering industries must be perceived as fair to patrons and the public at large. To prevent cheating or erroneous payouts, oversight processes must be in place to ensure that these activities cannot be manipulated. A loss of confidence in the fairness of our industries could have a material adverse impact on our business.

Horse racing is an inherently dangerous sport and our racetrack is subject to personal injury litigation.

Although we carry jockey accident insurance at our racetrack to cover personal jockey injuries that may occur during races or daily workouts, there are certain exclusions to our insurance coverage, and we are still subject to litigation from injured participants. We renew our insurance policies on an annual basis. The cost of coverage may become so high that we may need to further reduce our policy limits or agree to certain exclusions from our coverage. Our results may be affected by the outcome of litigation, as this litigation could be costly and time consuming and could divert our management and key personnel from our business operations.

Our business depends on using totalizator services.

Our customers use information provided by a third-party vendor that accumulates wagers, records sales, calculates payoffs, and displays wagering data in a secure manner to patrons who wager on our horse races. Any failure to keep this technology current could limit our ability to serve patrons effectively or develop new forms of wagering or affect the security of the wagering process, thus affecting patron confidence in our product. A perceived lack of integrity in the wagering systems could result in a decline in bettor confidence and could lead to a decline in the amount wagered on horse racing. In addition, a totalizator system failure could cause a considerable loss of revenue if betting machines are unavailable for a significant period of time or during an event with high betting volume.

Inclement weather and other conditions may affect our ability to conduct live racing.

Since horse racing is conducted outdoors, unfavorable weather conditions, including extremely high and low temperatures, high winds, storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, could cause events to be postponed or canceled or attendance to be lower, resulting in reduced wagering. For example, in 2023, the Company had one day of live racing cancelled and two other days shortened due to inclement weather. Our operations, as well as the racetracks from which we receive simulcast signals, are subject to reduced patronage, disruptions, or complete cessation of operations due to weather conditions, natural disasters, and other casualties. While the Company maintains insurance for inclement weather conditions, if a prolonged business interruption were to occur due to inclement weather and continue for a significant length of time at our racetrack, it could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Risks Related to Government Regulation of our Horse Racing and Gaming Generally

We are subject to changes in the laws that govern our business, including the possibility of an increase in gaming taxes, which would increase our costs, and changes in other laws may adversely affect our ability to compete.

Our operations and oversight by the MRC are ultimately subject to the laws of Minnesota including, but not limited to, the Minnesota Racing Act and HISA, and there exists the risk that these laws may be amended in ways adverse to our operations. In particular, we are required to pay special racing-related and Casino-related taxes and fees in addition to normal federal, state, and local income taxes as well as potential costs related to HISA regulations. These taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time. From time to time, state and local legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of laws affecting our industry, such as the allocation of each wagering pool to winning bettors, the Racetrack, purses, and the MBF. In addition, poor economic conditions could intensify the efforts of state and local governments to raise revenues through increases in gaming taxes. It is not possible to predict with certainty the likelihood of changes in tax laws or in the administration of these laws. These changes, if adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

We are subject to extensive regulation from gaming authorities that could adversely affect us.

We are subject to significant regulation by the MRC under the Racing Act and the rules adopted by the MRC. The MRC has the authority to increase the Class A and Class B license fees. In addition, the Minnesota Racing Act requires that we reimburse the MRC for its actual costs of regulating the Casino, including personnel costs. Increases in these licensing and regulatory costs could adversely affect our results of operations.

Amendments to the Minnesota Racing Act or decisions by the MRC in regard to any one or more of the following matters could also adversely affect the Company’s operations: the granting of operating licenses to Canterbury Park and other racetracks after an application process and public hearings; the licensing of all track employees, jockeys, trainers, veterinarians, and other participants; regulating the transfer of ownership interests in licenses; allocating live race days and simulcast-only race days; approving race programs; regulating the conduct of races; setting specifications for the racing ovals, animal facilities, employee quarters, and public areas of racetracks; changes to the types of wagers on horse races; and approval of significant contractual agreements.

Risks Related to our Real Estate Development Efforts

We rely on the efforts of our partner Doran for the development and profitable operation of our Triple Crown Residences at Canterbury Park joint venture.

On April 2, 2018, Canterbury Development entered into an operating agreement with an affiliate of Doran Companies (“Doran”), a national commercial and residential real estate developer, as the two members of a Minnesota limited liability company named Doran Canterbury I, LLC (“Doran Canterbury I”) to construct an upscale apartment complex called the Triple Crown Residences. In September 2018, Canterbury Development contributed approximately 13 acres of land as its equity contribution in the Doran Canterbury I joint venture and became a 27.4% equity member. Construction of the 321-unit first phase began in late 2018 with initial occupancy on June 1, 2020. As of the end of December 2021, all 321 units were available for occupancy.

In August 2020, Doran exercised its option for Phase II of the project, which will include an additional 300 residential units, and Canterbury Development entered into a second joint venture agreement with Doran. Pursuant to this second agreement, in early August 2020, the Company transferred roughly 10 acres of land to the second joint venture with Doran, resulting in receiving 27.4% ownership in the Doran Phase II joint venture. Canterbury Development will rely on Doran for the successful leasing and operation of the Triple Crown Residences. If Doran's ability to successfully lease and operate this project is impaired, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, or results of operations.

We rely on the efforts of our partner Greystone Construction for a new development project.

On June 16, 2020, Canterbury Development entered into an operating agreement with an affiliate of Greystone Construction, as the two members of a Minnesota limited liability company named Canterbury DBSV Development, LLC (Canterbury DBSV). Canterbury DBSV was formed as part of a joint venture between Greystone and Canterbury Development LLC for a multi-use development on the 13-acre land parcel located on the southwest portion of the Company’s racetrack. Canterbury Development’s equity contribution to Canterbury DBSV was approximately 13 acres of land, which were contributed to Canterbury DBSV on July 1, 2020. In connection with its contribution, Canterbury Development became a 61.87% equity member in Canterbury DBSV. The Company will rely on the efforts of our partner Greystone Construction for the success of this new development project. If Greystone Construction’s ability to successfully develop this project is impaired, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, or results of operations.

We may not be successful in executing our real estate development strategy.

Canterbury Development is currently pursuing other opportunities for the commercial development of its underutilized land. The development of residential and commercial real estate involves many risks, including, but not limited to, the selection of development partners; building design and construction; obtaining government permits; financing; securing and retaining tenants; and the volatility of real estate market conditions. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that our real estate development activities will be successful.

We are obligated to make improvements in the TIF district and will be reimbursed only to the extent of future tax revenue.

Under the Redevelopment Agreement with the City of Shakopee, the Company has agreed to undertake a number of specific public infrastructure improvements within the TIF District. The funding that the Company will be paid as reimbursement under the TIF program for these improvements is not guaranteed, but will depend on future tax revenues generated from the developed property.

We face competition from other real estate developers.

Canterbury Development and its joint ventures face competition from developers of other residential, mixed use, office, retail, hotel, and entertainment spaces around Shakopee, Minnesota and elsewhere in Minnesota. These other developers may be larger and have more resources than Canterbury Development or than Canterbury Development and its developer partners on a combined basis. The leasing of real estate is highly competitive. The principal competitive factors are rent, location, lease term, lease concessions, services provided, and the nature and condition of the property to be leased. The Canterbury Development joint ventures will directly compete with all owners, developers, and operators of similar space in the areas in which our properties are located. The number of competitive multifamily properties in our particular market could adversely affect lease rates at residential properties in Canterbury Commons, as well as the rents able to be charged. In addition, other forms of residential properties, including single family housing and town homes, provide housing alternatives to potential residents of luxury apartment communities like our Triple Crown Residences at Canterbury Park. Likewise, the competition for high quality tenants for retail, office, and other spaces is intense. In order to be successful, our real estate joint ventures must have competitive rental rates and maintain high occupancy rates with a financially stable tenant base.

We may again in the future seek developers or other partners for joint venture arrangements or opportunities for Canterbury Development to develop our properties. We will be competing with other property owners, both around Shakopee and elsewhere, for high quality builders, commercial and residential real estate firms, and developers that share our vision for Canterbury Commons. We have in the past and may agree in the future to sell parcels of land to third parties that will then develop the properties and in that case, we will also be in competition with other sellers of properties for purchasers. Although we will have no continuing ownership in these land sales, we believe that the ability to effectively compete for tenants will be a factor in the purchasers’ selection of our property over other competing properties for their developments.

General Risk Factors

We may be adversely affected by the effects of inflation.

Inflation has the potential to adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial position and liquidity by increasing our overall cost structure. The existence of inflation in the economy has the potential to result in higher interest rates and capital costs, supply shortages, increased costs of labor and other similar effects. As a result of inflation, we have experienced and may continue to experience, increases in the costs of food and beverage supplies, labor, materials, energy, fuel, and other inputs. Although we may take measures to mitigate the impact of this inflation through pricing actions and efficiency gains, if these measures are not effective our business, results of operations, financial position, and liquidity could be materially adversely affected. Even if such measures are effective, there could be a difference between the timing of when these beneficial actions impact our results of operations and when the cost inflation is incurred. Additionally, the pricing actions we take could result in a decrease in market share.

An increase in the minimum wage mandated under Federal or Minnesota law could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results.

The Company employs a large number of individuals at an hourly wage equal to or slightly above the current state mandated wage of $10.85 per hour for 2024. See “Regulation and Regulatory Changes” above for additional information regarding minimum wage legislation. Most of these employees are either high school or college students employed on a seasonal basis or tipped employees, many of whom receive, on average, tip income that is significantly higher than the current minimum wage. From time to time, legislation is introduced in the U.S. Congress or the Minnesota legislature that would substantially increase the minimum wage. Passage of legislation that would substantially increase the minimum wage could have a material adverse impact on the Company. Additionally, the Minnesota minimum wage annually increases at the beginning of each year by the rate of inflation with a maximum increase of up to 2.5% per year. Multi-year increases in the Minnesota minimum wage due to sustained inflation could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

Our success may be affected if we are not able to attract, develop, and retain qualified personnel.

Our ability to compete effectively depends on our ability to identify, recruit, develop, and retain qualified personnel. In particular, we depend upon the skills and efforts of our senior executives and management team, including Randall D. Sampson, who has served as our Chief Executive Officer since 1994. If we are unable to successfully identify, recruit, develop, and retain qualified personnel or adapt to changing worker expectations and working arrangements, it may be difficult for us to manage and grow our business, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, our inability to retain the key members of our senior executives and management team could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The payment and amount of future dividends is subject to Board of Director discretion and to various risks and uncertainties.

The payment and amount of future quarterly dividends is within the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on factors the Board deems relevant at each time it considers declaring a dividend. These factors include, but are not limited to: available cash; management’s expectations regarding future performance and free cash flow; alternative uses of cash to fund capital expenditures and real estate development; and the effect of various risks and uncertainties described in this “Risk Factors” section.

Our information technology and other systems are subject to cybersecurity risk including misappropriation of customer information or other information security incidents.

We rely on information technology and other systems to maintain and transmit customers’ personal and financial information, credit card information, mailing lists, and other information. We have taken steps designed to safeguard our customers’ personal and financial information and have implemented systems designed to meet the applicable requirements of the Payment Card Industry standards for data protection. However, our information and processes are subject to the ever-changing threat of compromised security, in the form of a risk of potential breach, system failure, computer virus, or unauthorized or fraudulent access or use by unauthorized individuals. The steps we take to deter and mitigate these risks may not be successful, and any resulting compromise or loss of data or systems could adversely impact operations or regulatory compliance and could result in remedial expenses, fines, litigation, and loss of reputation, potentially impacting our financial results. Although we have invested in and deployed security systems and developed processes that are designed to protect all sensitive data, prevent data loss and reduce the impact of a security incident, such measures cannot provide absolute security.

We process, store, and use personal information and other data, which subjects us to governmental regulation and other legal obligations related to privacy, and our actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could harm our business.

We receive, store, and process personal information and other customer data. There are numerous federal, state, and local laws regarding privacy and the storing, sharing, use, processing, disclosure, and protection of personal information and other data. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with our privacy policies, our privacy-related obligations to customers or other third parties, or our privacy-related legal obligations, or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release or transfer of personally identifiable information or other player data, may result in governmental enforcement actions, litigation or public statements against us by consumer advocacy groups or others and could cause our customers to lose trust in us, which could have an adverse effect on our business.

While we maintain insurance coverage specific to cyber-insurance matters, any failure on our part to maintain adequate safeguards may subject us to significant liabilities.

Additionally, if third parties we work with, such as vendors, violate applicable laws or our policies or suffer a significant cybersecurity incident, these violations may also put our customers’ information at risk and could in turn have an adverse effect on our business. The Company is also subject to payment card association rules and obligations under its contracts with payment card processors. Under these rules and obligations, if information is compromised, the Company could be liable to payment card issuers for the associated expense and penalties. In addition, if the Company fails to follow payment card industry security standards, even if no customer information is compromised, the Company could incur significant fines or experience a significant increase in payment card transaction costs.

Provisions of Minnesota law, our articles of incorporation, our bylaws and other agreements may deter a change of control of our company and may have a possible negative effect on our stock price.

Certain provisions of Minnesota law, our articles of incorporation, our bylaws and other agreements may make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire, or discourage a third-party from attempting to acquire, control of the Company, including:

• the provisions of Minnesota law relating to business combinations and control share acquisitions;
• the provisions of our bylaws regarding the business properly brought before shareholders and shareholder director nominations;
• the right of our Board to establish more than one class or series of shares and to fix the relative rights and preferences of any such different classes or series;
• the provisions of our articles of incorporation providing for a right, if specified events occur relating to our gaming license, to redeem all or any portion of the equity securities held by any person or group that becomes the beneficial owner of 5% or more of any class of our equity securities or increases its beneficial ownership of any class of our equity securities by 5% or more;
• the provisions of our Stock Plan requiring or permitting the acceleration of vesting of awards granted under the Stock Plan in the event of specified events that generally would constitute a change in control; and
• the provisions of our agreements provide for severance payments to our executive officers and other officers and the accelerated vesting or payment of their awards in the event of certain terminations following a “change in control.”

These measures could discourage or prevent a takeover of our company or changes in our management, even if an acquisition or such changes would be beneficial to our shareholders. This may have a negative effect on the price of our common stock.

The Company maintains a governance structure to address cybersecurity risk, which involves the Board, the Audit Committee, the Company’s Director of Information Technology, and a dedicated Incident Response Team.

The Company utilizes a cross-functional, multilayered approach risk management to its cybersecurity to identify, prevent, and mitigate cybersecurity threats to the Company designed to preserve the confidentiality, security, and integrity of the Company’s information and data. The Company conducts periodic tests to assess the Company’s processes and procedures and the threat landscape. The Board and the Audit Committee receive regular presentations on cybersecurity-related topics ranging from the results of penetration testing, recent developments, evolving standards, the threat environment, technological trends, and information security considerations facing the Company and its peers. At least annually, the Board discusses the Company’s approach to cybersecurity risk management with the Company’s Director of Information Technology, and at least annually, or more frequently as necessary, the Company’s Director of Information Technology meets with the Audit Committee to discuss cybersecurity risk management. The Company’s security program and IT-related controls are regularly examined by internal auditors, external auditors, and various regulators.

The Company's Incident Response Team is led by our Director of Information Technology and also comprised of various cross-functional members of management. The team is responsible for identifying, assessing, mitigating, and reporting on material cybersecurity risks and will present regular reports to the Audit Committee and the Board. The Board and the Audit Committee are also informed of any cybersecurity incident that meets established reporting thresholds, as well as ongoing updates regarding such incident until it has been addressed.

The Company maintains an operational Incident Response Plan (“IRP”) that defines how the Company handles cyber incidents, including escalation, reporting and remediation procedures. The IRP is reviewed annually both internally and by third parties during regular audits. In addition, the Company retains a third-party consultant with expertise in cyber risks and incidents to advise on cybersecurity related matters. The Company’s consultant is also part of the Company’s IRP procedures and provides independent analysis and advice during cybersecurity investigations. The Company also provides annual trainings for all employees designed to reinforce the Company’s information technology risk and security management policies, standards and practices, as well as the expectation that all employees comply with these policies. These trainings are supplemented by Company-wide assessment initiatives, including periodic testing. The Company provides specialized security training for certain employee roles.

The Company maintains a comprehensive, risk-based approach to identifying and overseeing cybersecurity risks presented by third parties, including vendors, service providers, as well as the systems of third parties that could adversely impact our business in the event of a cybersecurity incident affecting those third-party systems.

Although we have designed our cybersecurity program and governance procedures above to mitigate cybersecurity risks, we face unknown and changing cybersecurity risks, threats and attacks. To date, these risks, threats or attacks have not had a material impact on our operations, business strategy, or financial results, but we cannot provide assurance that they will not have a material impact in the future. See the section entitled “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report for further information.

General

The Company’s facilities, which are owned and operated under the name “Canterbury Park,” are a modern complex of buildings and grounds that include racing surfaces, a grandstand, event center, barn and backside facilities, and parking in Shakopee, Minnesota. The Racetrack’s grandstand has a patron capacity of approximately 10,000 within enclosed areas and a maximum patron capacity of over 30,000 including outside areas around the grandstand.

Underutilized Land

In 2023, the Company sold approximately 37 acres of land to the north of the racetrack for the development of a state-of-the-art amphitheater. In 2022, the Company sold approximately four acres of land to the west of the Racetrack. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has approximately 40 acres of land remaining that are owned or controlled by the Company that are not currently used for its business operations, and could be developed or sold, in whole or in part. See discussion above titled “Development Operations” and footnote 12 to the consolidated financial statements for more information.

There are no material legal proceedings pending against the Company. From time to time, the Company is party to ordinary and routine litigation or claims incidental to our business. We do not expect the outcome of any such litigation or claims pending at this time to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand Canterbury Park Holding Corporation, our operations, our financial results and financial condition, and our present business environment. This MD&A is provided as a supplement to and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (the “Notes”). Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements included in this discussion as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed in “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

STRATEGIC OVERVIEW

Canterbury Park Holding Corporation (the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) hosts pari-mutuel wagering on thoroughbred and quarter horse races and “unbanked” card games at its Canterbury Park Racetrack and Casino facility (the “Racetrack”) in Shakopee, Minnesota, which is approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. The Racetrack is the only facility in the State of Minnesota that offers live pari-mutuel thoroughbred and quarter horse racing.

The Company’s pari-mutuel wagering operations include both wagering on thoroughbred and quarter horse races during live meets at the Racetrack each year from May through September and year-round wagering on races primarily held at out-of-state racetracks that are televised simultaneously at the Racetrack (“simulcasting”). Unbanked card games, in which patrons compete against each other and not the house, are hosted in the Casino at the Racetrack. The Casino operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Casino offers both poker and table games at up to 80 tables. The Company also derives revenues from related services and activities, such as food and beverage, parking, advertising signage, publication sales, and from other entertainment events and activities held at the Racetrack.

In 2023, Canterbury Development continued to pursue various development opportunities that began in 2015 for its underutilized land in a project known as Canterbury Commons. These development opportunities have included contributions of land to joint ventures, three as of the end of December 2023, and sales of parcels of land to third parties that will then develop the property. Our long-term strategic direction is to continue to enhance our Racetrack as a unique gaming and entertainment destination and develop the approximately 40 acres of underutilized land not needed for our Racetrack Operations.

The following summarizes our financial performance for the last five years (in 000’s):

1 During fiscal year 2021, the Company reduced operating expenses $6,314,000 by recording an employee retention credit, a refundable tax credit.

2 During fiscal year 2019, the Company reduced operating expenses $21,000 by recording a gain on insurance recoveries.

EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDIT

The employee retention credit (“ERC”), as originally enacted on March 27, 2020 by the CARES Act, is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes equal to 50% of the qualified wages an eligible employer pays to employees after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021. The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (the “Relief Act”), enacted on December 27, 2020, amended, and extended the ERC. The Relief Act extended and enhanced the ERC for qualified wages paid after December 31, 2020 through June 30, 2021. Under the Relief Act, eligible employers may claim a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes equal to 70% of the qualified wages an eligible employer pays to employees after December 31, 2020 through June 30, 2021. The purpose of the ERC is to encourage employers to keep employees on the payroll, even if they are not working during the covered period because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Company qualified for federal government assistance through the ERC provisions for the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2020, as well as the first and second quarters of 2021. We recognize government grants for which there is a reasonable assurance of compliance with grant conditions and receipt of credits. The Company's expected one-time refunds at December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $0 and $6,103,236, respectively, and are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as an employee retention credit receivable. As indicated, the Company received its remaining employee retention credit receivable in 2023.

OPERATIONS REVIEW

YEAR ENDED December 31, 2023 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED December 31, 2022

EBITDA represents earnings before interest income, income tax expense, depreciation, and amortization. EBITDA is not a measure of performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"), and should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income as an indicator of our operating performance or cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. We present EBITDA as a supplemental disclosure for our Racetrack Operations because it is a widely used measure of performance of and basis for valuation of companies in the gaming industry. Other companies that provide EBITDA information may calculate EBITDA differently than we do. We also compute Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, which reflects additional adjustments to EBITDA to eliminate unusual or non-recurring items, as well as items relating to our real estate development operations. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Adjusted EBITDA excluded from EBITDA stock-based compensation (which includes the Company's 401(k) match in stock contribution), the gain on sale of land, loss on disposal of assets, insurance proceeds received by the Company's equity investment and depreciation, and amortization and interest related to equity investments. For the year ended December 31, 2022, Adjusted EBITDA excluded from EBITDA stock-based compensation (which includes the Company's 401(k) match in stock contribution), the gain on saleof land, loss on disposal of assets, and depreciation, and amortization and interest related to equity investments.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income, a GAAP financial measure, to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (defined above), which are non-GAAP measures, for the years ended:

SUMMARY OF EBITDA DATA

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $5,764,000, or 35.6%, for 2023 compared to 2022. For 2023, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue was 17.0%. For 2022, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue was 24.3%.

REVENUES

Total net revenues for 2023 were $61,437,000, a decrease of $5,387,000, or 8.1%, compared to total net revenues of $66,824,000 for 2022. For 2023 as compared to 2022, total pari-mutuel revenue decreased 24.7%, Casino revenue decreased 1.1%, food and beverage revenue decreased 4.8%, and other revenue decreased 24.9%. See below for a further discussion of our sources of revenues for each of our pari-mutuel, Casino, food and beverage, and other revenues.

CASINO REVENUES

The primary source of Casino revenue is a percentage of the wagers received from the players as compensation for providing the Casino facility and services, referred to as “collection revenue.” Other Revenue presented above includes fees collected for the administration of tournaments and amounts earned as reimbursement of the administrative costs of maintaining jackpot funds. Casino revenue represented 64.8% and 60.2% of the Company’s net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Total Casino revenue decreased $438,000, or 1.1%, in 2023 compared to 2022.The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in live race days year-over-year.

PARI-MUTUEL REVENUES

Simulcast and Live Racing pari-mutuel revenues include commission and breakage revenues from on-track live and simulcast wagering. We receive guest fees from out-of-state racetracks and ADW companies for out-of-state wagering on our live races. Other revenues include source market fees paid by ADW companies for wagers made by Minnesota residents on out-of-state races and proceeds from unredeemed pari-mutuel tickets.

Total 2023 pari-mutuel revenue decreased $2,704,000, or 24.7%, compared to 2022. The decrease in revenue in 2023 compared to 2022 is primarily due to a decrease in live race days year-over-year (53 race days in 2023 compared to 64 race days in 2022) as well as decreased guest fees from out-state-handle on our live racing product on a per day basis due to decreased field size.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE REVENUES

Food and beverage revenue decreased $398,000, or 4.8%, to $7,829,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease in food and beverage revenues is primarily due to Twin Cities Summer Jam not taking place in 2023 as it did during the third quarter of 2022.

OTHER REVENUES

Other revenue, consisting of admission revenues, corporate sponsorships, space rentals, and other miscellaneous activities, decreased $1,847,000, or 24.9%, to $5,573,000 in 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease is primarily due to the expiration of the CMA as marketing funds received from the agreement were used and subsequently recorded in other revenues as well as being recorded as operating expenses, primarily advertising and marketing.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenses increased $483,000, or 0.9%, to $56,426,000 in 2023, from $55,943,000 in 2022. An explanation of changes in specific categories of operating expense is set forth below. Total operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased to 91.8% in 2023 from 83.7% in 2022, which was a result of decreased net revenues for 2023 as compared to 2022.

Total purse expense decreased $930,000, or 10.9%, in 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease is due primarily to the decrease in pari-mutuel revenues. This also resulted in a decrease in Minnesota Breeders' Fund (the "MBF") expense (shown below). As discussed in greater detail in Item 1 above, Minnesota law requires us to allocate a portion of Casino revenues, wagering handle on simulcast and live horse races, and ADW source market fees for future payment as purses for live horse races and other authorized uses. While most of these amounts were paid into the purse funds for thoroughbred and quarter horse races, Minnesota law requires that a portion of the amounts allocated for purses be paid into the MBF.

Salaries and benefits expense increased $1,136,000, or 4.7%, in 2023 compared to 2022. The increase is primarily due to an increase in our wage-rate structure for seasonal as well as year-round employees to attract and retain front-line workers. The Company also increased its 401(k) match percentage, effective January 1, 2023.

Cost of food and beverage sales decreased $209,000, or 6.4%, in 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease is primarily due to the decreased food and beverage revenue due to Twin Cities Summer Jam not taking place in 2023 as noted above.

Advertising and marketing costs decreased $1,030,000, or 33.2%, in 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease is primarily attributable to the expiration of the Cooperative Marketing Agreement mentioned above in the other revenues section.

Professional and contracted service expenses increased $1,209,000, or 25.3% in 2023 compared to 2022. The increase is primarily attributable to long-term strategic growth initiatives being pursued as part of the execution on our five-year strategic plan focused on growing Casino revenue.

During 2023, the Company recorded a gain on sale of land of $6,490,000 as of result of the sale of approximately 37 acres of land to an affiliate of Swervo Development for approximately $8,800,000 in total consideration. During 2022, the Company recorded a gain on sale of land of $12,000 as of result of the sale of approximately 4.2 acres of land for approximately $1,200,000 in gross proceeds.

During 2023, the Company performed a review of any fixed assets that were no longer in service at December 31, 2023. As a result of this review, management determined to dispose of assets resulting in a loss on disposal of $223,000 during the fourth quarter of 2023. In addition to this write-off, the Company had multiple additional asset disposals for a gain of $66,000, resulting in a net loss on disposal of assets of $157,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. During 2022, the Company performed a review of any fixed assets that were no longer in service at December 31, 2022. As a result of this review, management determined to dispose of assets resulting in a loss on disposal of $175,000 during the fourth quarter of 2022. In addition to this write-off, the Company had multiple additional asset disposals for a gain of $18,000, resulting in a net loss on disposal of assets of $157,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

OTHER INCOME (LOSS), NET

Other income, net, for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $3,479,000, an increase of $4,137,000, compared to an other loss, net, of $658,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase for the 2023 is primarily due to our share of a gain recognized on insurance proceeds received on a claim by Doran Canterbury I. The Company's portion of the gain on insurance proceeds recognized by Doran Canterbury I was $4,228,000. Also contributing to the 2023 increase was increased interest income of approximately $1,068,000 year-over-year, due to the Company transferring available cash into certificates of deposit and money market funds as well as increasing interest rates related to our member loans to Doran Canterbury I and Doran Canterbury II.

The Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $4,417,000 and $2,722,000 for 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in our tax expense for 2023 compared to 2022 is due to an increase in income before taxes from operations, primarily related to the gain on land sale mentioned above. Our effective tax rate was 29.5% and 26.6% for 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Net income for the years 2023 and 2022 was $10,563,000 and $7,513,000, respectively.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. The nature of the estimates and assumptions are material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain factors or the susceptibility of such factors to change. The development and selection of critical accounting estimates, and the related disclosures, have been reviewed with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. We believe the current assumptions and other considerations used to estimate amounts reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements are appropriate. However, if actual experience differs from the assumptions and other considerations used in estimating amounts reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements, the resulting changes could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts - Property Tax Increment Financing "TIF" Receivable

As of December 31, 2023, the Company recorded a TIF receivable of approximately $13,973,000, which represents $11,307,000 of principal and $2,666,000 of interest. The TIF receivable requires significant management estimates and judgement pertaining to expected future tax revenue, the Company's development cost on infrastructure improvements, and whether an allowance for doubtful accounts is necessary. The TIF receivable was generated in connection with the Contract for Private Redevelopment, in which the City of Shakopee has agreed that a portion of the future tax increment revenue generated from the developed property around the Racetrack will be paid to the Company to reimburse it for expenses in constructing public infrastructure improvements.

The Company typically performs an annual collectability analysis of the TIF receivable in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if indicators of the receivable to be potentially uncollectable exist. The Company utilizes a third party to assist with the projected tax increments. The quantitative analysis includes assumptions based on the market values of the completed development projects within Canterbury Commons, which derives the future projected tax increment revenue. The Company uses the analysis to determine if expected future tax increment revenue will exceed the Company's development costs on infrastructure improvements. As a result of our analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, management believes the TIF receivable will be fully collectible and no allowance related to this receivable is necessary.

COOPERATIVE MARKETING AGREEMENT

The amounts received from the marketing payments under the CMA were recorded as a component of other revenue and the related expenses were recorded as a component of advertising and marketing expense and depreciation in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded $1,920,000 in other revenue and incurred $1,698,000 in advertising and marketing expense and $222,000 in depreciation related to the SMSC marketing payment.

The CMA expired by its terms on December 31, 2022. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2023, there were no purse enhancement payments or marketing payments under the CMA.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Effective December 21, 2021, the Company entered into a Contribution and Indemnity Agreement ("Indemnity Agreement") with affiliates of Doran Companies ("Doran") relating to debt financing by Doran Canterbury I, LLC as borrower, which is guaranteed by Doran affiliates. Under the Indemnity Agreement, the Company is obligated to reimburse and indemnify each loan guarantor for any amounts paid by such loan guarantor to the lender on debt financing by Doran Canterbury I, LLC, up to a maximum of $5,000,000. Effective October 27, 2022, the Indemnity Agreement was amended to increase the maximum indemnification by an additional $700,000. Effective December 12, 2023, the Indemnity Agreement was amended to increase the maximum indemnification by an additional $1,300,000, bringing the total to a maximum of $7,000,000.

Effective December 21, 2023, the Company entered into its annual live race meet and purse fund contribution agreement with the Minnesota Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (“MNHBPA”) and the Minnesota Quarter Horse Racing Association (“MQHRA”) regarding the upcoming 2024 live race meet. In an effort to increase field size and improve the quality of racing for the 2024 season, the Company has guaranteed purses for overnight races at $23,000 per race. The parties recognize there is likely to be a significant financial cost to the Company in establishing a 2024 thoroughbred purse structure intended to average $23,000 per conducted overnight race and that to maintain that average purse structure, the Company will be making an overpayment that may be repaid to the Company through reimbursement in subsequent racing years. This anticipated overpayment of purses by the Company is intended to create a short-term bridge until additional purse supplements can be obtained from other sources. In the event that additional purse revenue is secured within the next five years through additional forms of gaming at the Company, new revenue streams, or legislative action, the Company will be eligible for reimbursement of the actual 2024 overpayment amount from those purse supplements.

The Company is periodically involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the normal course of business. Management believes that the resolution of any pending claims and legal actions at December 31, 2023 and as of the date of this report will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The Company has committed to payment of statutory distributions under a $500,000 bond issued to the MRC as required under Minnesota law. The Company was not required to make any payments related to this bond in 2023 or 2022, and there is no liability related to this bond on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2023.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Cash provided by operating activities for 2023 was $11,537,000, primarily as a result of the following: the Company reported net income of $10,563,000, depreciation of $3,145,000, deferred income taxes of $2,826,000, and stock-based compensation and 401(k) match totaling $1,379,000, offset by a gain from equity investment of $1,501,000 and a gain on land sale of $6,490,000. The Company experienced an increase in cash related to an employee retention credit receivable of $6,103,000, offset by a decrease in accounts payable, net of land, buildings, and equipment funded through accounts payable, of $1,465,000, and an increase in income taxes receivable of $2,031,000.

Cash provided by operating activities for 2022 was $11,217,000 as a result of net income of $7,513,000 and was increased by 2022 noncash charges from depreciation of $2,981,000, stock-based compensation expense of $450,000, stock-based employee match contribution of $619,000, and loss from equity investment of $1,568,000. Cash from operating activities in 2022 was reduced by a gain on sale of land of $12,000. The Company also experienced a decrease in Casino accruals of $573,000 and an increase in income taxes receivable of $788,000 in 2022 as compared to 2021. This was partially offset by an increase in our TIF receivable of $792,000 and a decrease in employee retention credit receivable of $211,000.

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Net cash used in investing activities for 2023 of $455,000 was used primarily for additions to land, buildings, and equipment of $7,908,000, an increase in related party receivable of $971,000, primarily due to additional member loans and interest related to the member loans, and purchases of short-term investments of $5,000,000. This was partially offset by proceeds received from the sale of land of $8,336,000 and proceeds from the sale of short-term investments of $5,000,000.

Net cash used in investing activities for 2022 of $9,275,000 was used primarily for additions to land, buildings, and equipment of $4,997,000, an increase in related party receivable of $377,000, purchases of short-term investments of $5,000,000, and an equity investment contribution of $398,000. This was partially offset by proceeds received from the sale of land $1,160,000 and cash dividends received from investments of $337,000.

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Net cash used in financing activities for 2023 was $1,345,000 primarily due to cash dividends paid to shareholders and payments for taxes of equity awards, partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of common stock.

Net cash used in financing activities for 2022 was $1,435,000 primarily due to the reinstituted quarterly cash dividend as well as payments for taxes of equity awards, partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of common stock.

CASH AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At December 31, 2023, we had cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash of $25,842,000 compared to $16,106,000 at December 31, 2022. This $9,736,000 increase consisted of $11,537,000 of net cash provided by operating activities in 2023, offset by $455,000 of net cash used in financing activities in 2023 and $1,345,000 of net cash used in investing activities in 2023. We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents, along with our short-term investments and cash flow from operations and availability of borrowing under our revolving line of credit agreement, will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and working capital requirements beyond the next 12 months.

Additionally, we also have finalized our stable area improvement plan, and have begun construction on our barn demo and relocation. We expect to invest approximately $15 million in the stable area improvement plan as currently designed, staged over the course of the next two years.

We also expect that we will see higher than historic use of cash for guaranteed overnight purses for the 2024 live racing season, which are guaranteed under our annual live race meet and purse fund contribution agreement with the MHBPA and MQHRA, which may be repaid to the Company through reimbursement in subsequent racing years.

The Company has a general credit and security agreement with a financial institution. The agreement was amended as of February 28, 2021 to extend the maturity date to January 31, 2024 and increase its revolving credit line up to $10,000,000. The line of credit was collateralized by all receivables, inventory, equipment, and general intangibles of the Company, as well as a mortgage on certain real property. The Company had no borrowings under the credit line during the year ended December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the outstanding balance on the line of credit was $0. The credit agreement contains covenants requiring the Company to maintain certain financial ratios. The Company was in compliance with these requirements at all times throughout 2023. The general credit and security agreement was further amended as of January 31, 2024 to extend the maturity date to January 31, 2027 and reduce the maximum borrowing under the line of credit to $5,000,000. In connection with the amendment, the financial institution terminated a mortgage to release certain Company real property as collateral and the parties entered into a negative pledge agreement under which the Company agreed not to create any liens or encumbrances on certain Company real property.

Our three largest sources of revenue: pari-mutuel wagering, Casino operations, and food and beverage, are all based on cash transactions. Consequently, we have significant inflows of cash on a daily basis. We designate cash balances that will be required to satisfy certain short-term liabilities such as progressive jackpots, the player pool, collateral needed for joint venture operations, and amounts due horsemen for purses and awards as “restricted” as a separate balance sheet item.

The Company offers unbanked table games that refer to a wagering system or game where wagers “lost” or “won” by the host are accumulated into a “player pool” to enhance the total amount paid back to players in any other card game. The Company is required to return accumulated player pool funds to the players through giveaways, promotional items, prizes, or by other means. The player pool liability was $1,055,000 and $1,064,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Additionally, the table games jackpot pool was $524,000 and $309,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The Company also maintains a poker promotional pool where a portion of the poker "rake" is collected and accumulated into a promotional pool to enhance the total amount paid back to poker players. The Company is required to return accumulated poker promotional pool funds to the players through poker jackpots, giveaways, promotional items, prizes, or by other means. The poker promotional pool liability was $339,000 and $576,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The Casino offers progressive jackpots for poker games. Amounts collected for these jackpot funds are accrued as liabilities until paid to winners. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, accrued jackpot funds totaled $172,000 and $132,000, respectively. The MRC regulates the operation of the player pool and progressive jackpot pools. These liabilities have the potential for significant fluctuation on a daily basis.

All games in the Casino are played using chips. The value of chips issued and outstanding, referred to as the “outstanding chip liability,” was $558,000 and $587,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This liability has the potential for significant fluctuation on a daily basis depending upon the demand for chip redemptions and sales.

Our second largest individual operating expense item is purse expense. Pursuant to an agreement with the MHBPA, we transferred into a trust account or paid directly to the MHBPA, approximately $7,133,000 and $7,846,000 in purse funds related to thoroughbred races for 2023 and 2022, respectively. Minnesota law provides that amounts transferred into this trust account are the property of the trust and not the Company. There were no unpaid purse fund obligations due to the MHBPA at December 31, 2023 or 2022.

In March 2014, the Company entered into a seven-year agreement with a new totalizator provider, which was extended an additional year in 2021. In March 2022, the Company entered into a five-year agreement with a new totalizator provider. Pursuant to the agreement, the vendor provides totalizator equipment and related software that records and processes all wagers and calculates odds and payoffs. Under the new agreement, $166,400 was charged to operations in 2023. The future minimum purchase obligations under the new agreement are $166,400 per year for each of the next four years. The amounts charged to operations for totalizator expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $205,000 and $253,000, respectively.

In August 2018, the Company entered into a Contract for Private Redevelopment with the City of Shakopee in connection with a Tax Increment Financing District (“TIF District”) which was amended in September 2021. The Company is obligated to construct certain public infrastructure improvements within the TIF District, and will be reimbursed by the City of Shakopee by future tax increment revenue generated from the developed property. See Note 12 for a more detailed description of the agreement.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the use of terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” and similar words or similar expressions (or negative versions of such words or expressions). We also may make forward-looking statements in other reports filed with the SEC, in press releases, and in other communications to shareholders or the investing public.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future actions, outcomes, results or performance. Any forward-looking statement made by us or on our behalf speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. There are many important factors that could cause our future results to differ materially from historical results or trends, results anticipated or planned by us, or the results expressed in or implied by any forward-looking statements. These important factors include, but are not limited to:

• We may not be successful at implementing our growth strategy.
• Our business is sensitive to reductions in discretionary consumer spending as a result of downturns in the economy and other factors outside of our control.
• We have experienced a decrease in revenue and profitability from live racing.
• We may not be able to attract a sufficient number of horses and trainers to achieve above average field sizes.
• We face significant competition, both directly from other racing and gaming operations and indirectly from other forms of entertainment and leisure time activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
• Nationally, the popularity of horse racing has declined.
• A lack of confidence in the integrity of our core businesses could affect our ability to retain our customers and engage with new customers.
• Horse racing is an inherently dangerous sport and our racetrack is subject to personal injury litigation.
• Our business depends on using totalizator services.
• Inclement weather and other conditions may affect our ability to conduct live racing.
• We are subject to changes in the laws that govern our business, including the possibility of an increase in gaming taxes, which would increase our costs, and changes in other laws may adversely affect our ability to compete.
• We are subject to extensive regulation from gaming authorities that could adversely affect us.
• We rely on the efforts of our partner Doran for the development and profitable operation of our Triple Crown Residences at Canterbury Park joint venture.
• We rely on the efforts of our partner Greystone Construction for a new development project.
• We may not be successful in executing our real estate development strategy.
• We are obligated to make improvements in the TIF district and will be reimbursed only to the extent of future tax revenue.
• We face competition from other real estate developers.
• We may be adversely affected by the effects of inflation.
• An increase in the minimum wage mandated under Federal or Minnesota law could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results.
• Our success may be affected if we are not able to attract, develop and retain qualified personnel.
• The payment and amount of future dividends is subject to Board of Director discretion and to various risks and uncertainties.
• Our information technology and other systems are subject to cyber security risk including misappropriation of customer information or other breaches of information security.
• We process, store, and use personal information and other data, which subjects us to governmental regulation and other legal obligations related to privacy, and our actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could harm our business.

We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Randall D. Sampson, and Chief Financial Officer Randy J. Dehmer, have reviewed the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this review, these officers have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

(b) Management’s Annual Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting of the Company. This system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting can only provide reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making this evaluation, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013), as supplemented by the guidance for internal control over sustainability reporting issued by COSO in 2023. Based on management’s evaluation and those criteria, management concluded that the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.

(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023, that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.