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Document Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
Document Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 19, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	PENN NATIONAL GAMING INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000921738
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Smaller Reporting Company	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Public Float			$ 2.9
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		116,840,000

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 479,598	$ 277,953
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,161 and $2,983	106,837	62,805
Prepaid expenses	62,971	43,780
Other current assets	28,252	16,494
Total current assets	677,658	401,032
Property and equipment, net	6,868,768	2,756,669
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	128,488	148,912
Goodwill	1,228,422	1,008,097
Other intangible assets, net	1,856,868	422,606
Deferred income taxes	80,612	390,943
Loan to the JIVDC, net of allowance for loan losses of $0 and $64,052	0	20,900
Other assets	120,196	85,653
Total other assets	3,414,586	2,077,111
Total assets	10,961,012	5,234,812
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	30,551	26,048
Accrued expenses	204,656	125,688
Accrued interest	15,793	13,528
Accrued salaries and wages	139,159	111,252
Gaming, pari-mutuel, property, and other taxes	105,767	69,645
Current maturities of long-term debt	62,140	35,612
Current portion of financing obligations	67,777	56,248
Other current liabilities	112,593	91,988
Total current liabilities	738,436	530,009
Long-term debt, net of current maturities and debt issuance costs	2,350,088	1,214,625
Long-term financing obligations, net of current portion	7,080,638	3,482,573
Noncurrent tax liabilities	32,360	34,099
Other noncurrent liabilities	28,269	46,652
Total liabilities	10,229,791	5,307,958
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
Common stock ($0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 118,855,201 and 93,392,635 shares issued, and 116,687,808 and 91,225,242 shares outstanding)	1,188	933
Treasury stock, at cost, (2,167,393 shares held in both periods)	(28,414)	(28,414)
Additional paid-in capital	1,726,401	1,007,606
Accumulated deficit	(967,949)	(1,051,818)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	(1,453)
Total Penn National Gaming, Inc. stockholders’ equity (deficit)	731,226	(73,146)
Non-controlling interest	(5)	0
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	731,221	(73,146)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)	10,961,012	5,234,812
Series B Preferred stock
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
Series B Preferred stock ($0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding)	0	0
Series C Preferred stock
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
Series B Preferred stock ($0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding)	$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 3,161	$ 2,983
Loan to the JIVDC, allowance	$ 0	$ 64,052
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	118,855,201	93,392,635
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	116,687,808	91,225,242
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	2,167,393	2,167,393
Series B Preferred stock
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Series C Preferred stock
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	18,500	18,500
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues
Revenues	$ 3,587,918	$ 3,331,466	$ 3,209,041
Less: Promotional allowance	0	(183,496)	(174,661)
Revenues	3,587,918	3,147,970	3,034,380
Operating expenses
General and administrative	618,951	514,487	462,302
Depreciation and amortization	268,990	267,062	271,214
Provision for loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC, net of recoveries, and impairment losses	17,921	107,810	0
Total operating expenses	2,953,826	2,702,256	2,491,364
Operating income	634,092	445,714	543,016
Interest expense	(539,417)	(466,761)	(459,243)
Interest income	1,005	3,552	24,186
Income from unconsolidated affiliates	22,326	18,671	14,337
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(20,964)	(23,963)	0
Other	(7,121)	(2,257)	(1,679)
Total other expenses	(544,171)	(470,758)	(422,399)
Income (loss) before income taxes	89,921	(25,044)	120,617
Income tax benefit (expense)	3,593	498,507	(11,307)
Net income	93,514	473,463	109,310
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	5	0	0
Net income attributable to Penn National Gaming, Inc.	$ 93,519	$ 473,463	$ 109,310
Earnings per common share
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.96	$ 5.21	$ 1.21
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.93	$ 5.07	$ 1.19
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares)	97,105	90,854	82,929
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	100,338	93,378	91,407
Gaming
Revenues
Revenues	$ 2,894,861	$ 2,692,021	$ 2,606,262
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue	1,551,430	1,364,989	1,334,980
Food, beverage, hotel and other
Revenues
Revenues	629,733	601,731	575,434
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue	439,253	421,848	406,871
Management service and license fees
Revenues
Revenues	6,043	11,654	11,348
Reimbursable management costs
Revenues
Revenues	57,281	26,060	15,997
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue	$ 57,281	$ 26,060	$ 15,997

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 93,514	$ 473,463	$ 109,310
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment during the period	0	3,223	(122)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	3,223	(122)
Total comprehensive income	93,514	476,686	109,188
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	5	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Penn National Gaming, Inc.	$ 93,519	$ 476,686	$ 109,188

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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+ Details

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Total Penn Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)	Non-Controlling Interest
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		8,624	80,889,275
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ (678,043)	$ 0	$ 830	$ (28,414)	$ 988,686	$ (1,634,591)	$ (4,554)	$ (678,043)	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation arrangements (in shares)			1,609,033
Share-based compensation arrangements, net of tax benefits of $6,896 for the year ended December 31, 2017	25,535		$ 16		25,519			25,535
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications	(122)						(122)	(122)
Conversion of Series C preferred stock (in shares)		8,624	8,624,000
Conversion of Series C Preferred Stock			$ 86		(86)
Net income (loss)	109,310					109,310		109,310
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		0	91,122,308
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	(543,320)	$ 0	$ 932	(28,414)	1,014,119	(1,525,281)	(4,676)	(543,320)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation arrangements (in shares)			1,367,083
Share-based compensation arrangements, net of tax benefits of $6,896 for the year ended December 31, 2017	18,284		$ 14		18,270			18,284
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications	$ 3,223						3,223	3,223
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)	(1,264,149)		(1,264,149)
Repurchases of common stock	$ (24,796)		$ (13)		(24,783)			(24,796)
Net income (loss)	473,463					473,463		473,463
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		0	91,225,242
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	(73,146)	$ 0	$ 933	(28,414)	1,007,606	(1,051,818)	(1,453)	(73,146)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation arrangements (in shares)			1,466,625
Share-based compensation arrangements, net of tax benefits of $6,896 for the year ended December 31, 2017	19,413		$ 15		19,398			19,413
Acquisition of Pinnacle (in shares)			26,295,439
Acquisition of Pinnacle	749,683		$ 263		749,420			749,683
Reclassification to earnings upon termination of Casino Rama management contract	$ 1,453						1,453	1,453
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)	(2,299,498)		(2,299,498)
Repurchases of common stock	$ (50,046)		$ (23)		(50,023)			(50,046)
Net income (loss)	93,514					93,519		93,519	(5)
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		0	116,687,808
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 731,221	$ 0	$ 1,188	$ (28,414)	$ 1,726,401	$ (967,949)	$ 0	$ 731,226	$ (5)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Parenthetical) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Share-based compensation arrangements, tax benefit	$ 6,896

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating activities
Net income	$ 93,514	$ 473,463	$ 109,310
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	268,990	267,062	271,214
Amortization of items charged to interest expense	6,419	6,960	7,200
Change in fair value of contingent purchase price	454	(6,840)	1,277
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment and assets held for sale	3,168	172	(2,471)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates	(22,326)	(18,671)	(14,337)
Return on investment from unconsolidated affiliates	26,950	26,450	26,300
Deferred income taxes	(26,680)	(517,906)	8,736
Charge for stock-based compensation	12,034	7,780	6,871
Provision for loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC, net of recoveries, and impairment losses	17,921	107,810	0
Reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings upon termination of Casino Rama management contract	1,453	0	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	20,964	23,963	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired
Accounts receivable	(1,731)	(9,186)	(5,911)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	13,288	(7,239)	(485)
Other assets	1,530	2,383	(8,638)
Accounts payable	(6,080)	(342)	(7,500)
Accrued expenses	(29,358)	23,761	1,519
Accrued interest	2,226	7,183	(746)
Accrued salaries and wages	82	15,783	(6,721)
Gaming, pari-mutuel, property and other taxes	(19,917)	8,495	3,379
Income taxes	(3,316)	20,448	26,008
Other current and noncurrent liabilities	(6,791)	46,283	(7,045)
Net cash provided by operating activities	352,794	477,812	407,960
Investing activities
Project capital expenditures	(2,872)	(25,033)	(18,740)
Maintenance capital expenditures	(89,685)	(74,228)	(78,505)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment and assets held for sale	390	1,013	18,210
Consideration paid for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(1,945,239)	(127,666)	(84,192)
Cash received for the sale of the Divested Properties and Belterra Park	661,654	0	0
Consideration paid for gaming licenses and other intangible assets	(81,604)	(1,652)	(2,667)
Contributions from (to) joint ventures	18,892	(500)	0
Proceeds from the sale of loan to the JIVDC	15,186	0	0
Loans to the JIVDC	(338)	(845)	(184,193)
Proceeds from notes receivable	512	8,226	30,000
Reimbursement of advances with the JIVDC	0	0	341,864
Funds advanced to the JIVDC in connection with their refinancing	0	0	(98,000)
Land purchased adjacent to Hollywood Casino Jamul - San Diego	0	(1,500)	(3,065)
Other	0	577	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,423,104)	(221,608)	(79,288)
Financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	1,558,924	1,200,000	0
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	201,000	256,435	123,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	(482,500)	(1,127,483)	(53,662)
Repayments on revolving credit facility	(89,000)	(447,435)	(354,000)
Prepayment penalties and modification payments incurred with debt refinancing	(11,251)	(18,012)	0
Debt issuance costs and debt discount	(27,329)	(25,639)	(253)
Payments of other long-term obligations	(15,697)	(35,453)	(13,772)
Principal payments on financing obligations	(67,412)	(57,859)	(50,548)
Proceeds from the sale of real estate assets in conjunction with acquisitions	250,000	82,600	0
Proceeds from exercise of options	7,379	10,447	11,601
Repurchase of common stock	(50,046)	(24,796)	0
Payments of contingent purchase price	(4,108)	(19,613)	(1,807)
Proceeds from insurance financing	13,116	11,948	13,119
Payments on insurance financing	(10,946)	(12,180)	(13,608)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,272,130	(207,040)	(339,930)
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	201,820	49,164	(11,258)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the year	279,418	230,254	241,512
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the year	481,238	279,418	230,254
Supplemental disclosure:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	530,359	452,779	452,842
Cash payments (refunds) related to income taxes, net	24,418	(43,067)	(11,412)
Non-cash investing activities:
Accrued capital expenditures	7,736	1,890	6,749
Accrued advances to Jamul Tribe	0	2,465	6,962
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 279,418	$ 279,418	$ 230,254

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - Rocket Speed $ in Millions	Aug. 01, 2016 USD ($)
Increase in acquired assets	$ 34.4
Increase in other current and non-current liabilities	$ 34.4

Organization	12 Months Ended
Organization	Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization	Organization Penn National Gaming, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is a leading, diversified, multi-jurisdictional owner and manager of gaming and racing facilities and video gaming terminal (“VGT”) operations with a focus on slot machine entertainment. In the second half of 2018, we launched live sports wagering at our facilities in Mississippi, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. In addition, the Company operates an interactive gaming division through its subsidiary, Penn Interactive Ventures, LLC (“PIV”). As of December 31, 2018, we owned, managed, or had ownership interests in 40 facilities in 18 jurisdictions. The majority of the gaming facilities used in the Company’s operations are subject to triple net master leases; the most significant of which are the Penn Master Lease and the Pinnacle Master Lease (as such terms are defined in Note 10, “Master Lease Financing Obligations and Lease Obligations” and collectively referred to as the “Master Leases”), with Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (“GLPI”), a publicly-traded real estate investment trust (“REIT”), as the landlord under the Master Leases. References in these footnotes to “Penn,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” refer to Penn National Gaming, Inc. and its subsidiaries, except where stated or the context otherwise indicates. In October 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (“Pinnacle”), a leading regional gaming operator (the “Pinnacle Acquisition”). In conjunction with the Pinnacle Acquisition, the Company divested the membership interests of certain Pinnacle subsidiaries which operated the casinos known as Ameristar Casino Resort St. Charles, Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City, Belterra Casino Resort and Belterra Park (referred to collectively as the “Divested Properties”), to Boyd Gaming Corporation (“Boyd”). Additionally, as a part of the transaction, (i) GLPI acquired the real estate assets associated with the Plainridge Park Casino, and concurrently leased back the real estate assets to the Company (the “Plainridge Park Casino Sale-Leaseback”) and (ii) a subsidiary of Boyd acquired the real estate assets associated with Belterra Park from a subsidiary of GLPI. In connection with the sale of the Divested Properties to Boyd as well as the Plainridge Park Casino Sale-Leaseback, the Pinnacle Master Lease, which was assumed by the Company concurrent with the closing of the Pinnacle Acquisition, was amended (see Note 10, “Master Lease Financing Obligations and Lease Obligations” for more information). The Pinnacle Acquisition added twelve gaming properties to our holdings and provides us with greater operational scale and geographic diversity. In May 2017, we completed the acquisitions of 1^st Jackpot Casino Tunica (f/k/a Bally’s Casino Tunica) and Resorts Casino Tunica. In 2016, Prairie State Gaming (“PSG”) acquired two small VGT route operators in Illinois and in the first half of 2017, it acquired two additional Illinois-based VGT operators. Further, in August 2016, we enhanced our social gaming offerings with the acquisition of Rocket Speed, Inc. (“Rocket Speed”), a leading developer of social casino games.

Basis of Presentation, Principles of Consolidation, Use of Estimates and Reclassifications	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation, Principles of Consolidation, Use of Estimates and Reclassifications	Basis of Presentation, Principles of Consolidation, Use of Estimates and Reclassifications Basis of Presentation: The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Principles of Consolidation: The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Penn National Gaming, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates that do not meet the consolidation criteria of the authoritative guidance for voting interest, controlling interest or variable interest entities (“VIEs”), are accounted for under the equity method. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates: The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and (iii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates used by us include, among other things, the useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets, the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, income tax provisions, the evaluation of the future realization of deferred tax assets, determining the adequacy of reserves for self-insured liabilities and our customer loyalty programs, the initial measurements of financing obligations associated with the Master Leases, projected cash flows in assessing the recoverability of long-lived assets, asset impairments, goodwill and other intangible assets, projected cash flows in assessing the initial valuation of intangible assets in conjunction with acquisitions, the initial selection of useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets in conjunction with acquisitions, contingencies and litigation, and the expected term of stock-based compensation awards and stock price volatility when computing stock-based compensation expense. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Reclassifications: Certain amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 have been reclassified to be consistent with the current year presentation. The reclassifications had no impact the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition: The Company’s revenue from contracts with customers consists of gaming wagers, food and beverage transactions, retail transactions, hotel room sales, racing wagers, management services related to the management of external casinos, and reimbursable costs associated with management contracts. During the second quarter 2018, our management contract with Hollywood Casino-Jamul San Diego, which is located on the Jamul Tribe’s trust land in San Diego, California, was terminated and our management contract with Casino Rama, which is located in Ontario, Canada, was terminated during the third quarter 2018.

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU No. 2014-09”), and all related amendments, which introduced a new revenue standard, ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606” or the “new revenue standard”). As described in Note 4, “New Accounting Pronouncements,” the adoption of ASC 606 principally affects the presentation of promotional allowances and the measurement of the liability associated with our customer loyalty programs. We adopted ASC 606 using a modified retrospective approach, which did not require us to retrospectively restate prior year amounts. See Note 4, “New Accounting Pronouncements,” for the current year impacts of adopting the new revenue standard on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

The transaction price for a gaming wagering contract is the difference between gaming wins and losses, not the total amount wagered. The transaction price for food and beverage, hotel and retail contracts is the net amount collected from the customer for such goods and services. Sales tax and other taxes collected on behalf of governmental authorities are accounted for on the net basis and are not included in revenues or expenses. The transaction price for our racing operations, inclusive of live racing events conducted at our racing facilities and our import and export arrangements, is the commission received from the pari-mutuel pool less contractual fees and obligations primarily consisting of purse funding requirements, simulcasting fees, tote fees and certain pari-mutuel taxes that are directly related to the racing operations. The transaction price for our former management service contracts was the amount collected for services rendered in accordance with the contractual terms. The transaction price for the reimbursable costs associated with our former management contracts was the gross amount of the reimbursable expenditure, which primarily consisted of payroll costs incurred by the Company for the benefit of the managed entity. Since the Company was the controlling entity to the arrangement, the reimbursement was recorded on a gross basis with an offsetting amount charged to operating expense.

Gaming revenue contracts involve two performance obligations for those customers earning points under the Company’s loyalty reward programs and a single performance obligation for customers that do not participate in the programs. The Company applies a practical expedient by accounting for its gaming contracts on a portfolio basis as such wagers have similar characteristics and the Company reasonably expects the effects on its Consolidated Financial Statements of applying the revenue recognition guidance to the portfolio to not differ materially from that which would result if applying the guidance to an individual wagering contract. For purposes of allocating the transaction price in a wagering contract between the wagering performance obligation and the obligation associated with the loyalty points earned, the Company allocates an amount to the loyalty point contract liability based on the stand-alone selling price of the points earned, which is determined by the value of a point that can be redeemed for slot play and complimentaries such as food and beverage at our restaurants, lodging at our hotels and products offered at our retail stores, less estimated breakage. The allocated revenue for gaming wagers is recognized when the wagering occurs as all such wagers settle immediately. The loyalty reward contract liability amount is deferred and recognized as revenue when the customer redeems the loyalty points for slot play and complimentaries and such goods and services are delivered to the customer.

Food and beverage, hotel and retail services have been determined to be separate, standalone performance obligations and the transaction price for such contracts is recorded as revenue as the good or service is transferred to the customer over their stay at the hotel or when the delivery is made for the food and beverage or retail product. Cancellation fees for hotel and meeting space services are recognized upon cancellation by the customer and are included in food, beverage, hotel and other revenue.

Racing revenue contracts, inclusive of the Company’s (i) host racing facilities, (ii) import arrangements that permit the Company to simulcast in live racing events occurring at other racetracks, and (iii) export arrangements that permit the Company’s live racing event to be simulcast at other racetracks, provide access to and the processing of wagers into the pari-mutuel pool. The Company has concluded it is not the controlling entity to the arrangement, but rather functions as an agent to

the pari-mutuel pool. Commissions earned from the pari-mutuel pool less contractual fees and obligations are recognized on a net basis, which is included within food, beverage, hotel and other revenues.

Management services have been determined to be separate, standalone performance obligations and the transaction price for such contracts was recorded as services were performed. The Company recorded revenues on a monthly basis calculated by applying the contractual rate called for in the contracts.

PIV generates in-app purchase and advertising revenues from free-to-play social casino games, which can be downloaded to mobile phones and tablets from digital storefronts. Players can purchase virtual playing credits within our social casino games, which allows for increased playing opportunities and functionality. PIV records deferred revenue from the sale of virtual playing credits and recognizes this revenue over the average redemption period of the credits, which is approximately three days. Advertising revenues are recognized in the period when the advertising impression, click or install delivery occurs. PIV also generates revenue through revenue-sharing arrangements with third-party content providers whereby revenues are recognized on a net basis since PIV is not the controlling entity in the arrangement.

Complimentaries associated Gaming Contracts

Food and beverage, hotel, and other services furnished to patrons for free as an inducement to gamble or through the redemption of our customers’ loyalty points are recorded as food and beverage, hotel, and other revenues, at their estimated standalone selling prices with an offset recorded as a reduction to gaming revenues. The cost of providing complimentary goods and services to patrons for free as an inducement to gamble as well as for the fulfillment of our loyalty point obligation is included in food, beverage, hotel, and other expenses. Revenues recorded to food and beverage, hotel, and other and offset to gaming revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows:



(in thousands)	For the year ended December 31, 2018
Food and beverage	$	137,179
Hotel	60,859
Other	8,099
Total complimentaries associated with gaming contracts	$	206,137

Revenue Disaggregation

We generate revenues at our owned, managed, or operated properties principally by providing the following types of services: (i) gaming, (ii) food and beverage, (iii) hotel, (iv) racing, (v) reimbursable management costs and (vi) other. In addition, we assess our revenues based on geographic location of the related properties, which is consistent with our reportable segments (see Note 15, “Segment Information,” for further information). Our revenue disaggregation by type of revenue and geographic location was as follows:



	For the year ended December 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Northeast		South		West		Midwest		Other		Total
Revenues:
Gaming	$	1,644,176	$	302,842	$	228,055	$	719,753	$	35	$	2,894,861
Food and beverage	109,645		56,631		89,566		57,886		1,084		314,812
Hotel	23,208		23,320		90,824		26,323		—		163,675
Racing	20,275		—		580		—		5,926		26,781
Reimbursable management costs	46,822		—		10,459		—		—		57,281
Other	47,388		11,558		18,403		19,755		33,404		130,508
Revenues	$	1,891,514	$	394,351	$	437,887	$	823,717	$	40,449	$	3,587,918



	For the year ended December 31, 2017
(in thousands)	Northeast			South			West			Midwest			Other			Total
Revenues:
Gaming	$	1,583,882		$	202,967		$	219,743		$	685,429		$	—		$	2,692,021
Food and beverage	114,993			35,532			82,406			58,414			1,052			292,397
Hotel	21,513			10,340			76,147			21,959			—			129,959
Racing	49,596			—			2,340			—			10,759			62,695
Reimbursable management costs	—			—			26,060			—			—			26,060
Other	48,645			6,263			16,605			16,404			40,417			128,334
	1,818,629			255,102			423,301			782,206			52,228			3,331,466
Less: Promotional allowances	(62,050		)	(30,855		)	(42,883		)	(47,173		)	(535		)	(183,496		)
Revenues	$	1,756,579		$	224,247		$	380,418		$	735,033		$	51,693		$	3,147,970



	For the year ended December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	Northeast			South			West			Midwest			Other			Total
Revenues:
Gaming	$	1,572,378		$	166,509		$	211,788		$	655,587		$	—		$	2,606,262
Food and beverage	115,834			30,692			80,003			58,370			1,313			286,212
Hotel	20,888			8,843			73,180			22,493			—			125,404
Racing	48,063			—			2,331			—			15,596			65,990
Reimbursable management costs	—			—			15,997			—			—			15,997
Other	46,900			5,646			16,260			15,454			24,916			109,176
	1,804,063			211,690			399,559			751,904			41,825			3,209,041
Less: Promotional allowances	(62,254		)	(25,858		)	(38,783		)	(47,632		)	(134		)	(174,661		)
Revenues	$	1,741,809		$	185,832		$	360,776		$	704,272		$	41,691		$	3,034,380

Customer-related Liabilities

The Company has two general types of liabilities related to contracts with customers: (i) our loyalty credit obligation and (ii) advance payments on goods and services yet to be provided and for unpaid wagers.

The Company’s loyalty reward programs allow members to utilize their reward membership cards to earn loyalty points that are redeemable for slot play and complimentaries, such as food and beverage at our restaurants, lodging at our hotels and products offered at our retail stores across the vast majority of the Company’s casino properties. The Company accounts for the loyalty credit obligation utilizing a deferred revenue model, which defers revenue at the point in time when the loyalty points are earned by our customers. Revenue associated with the loyalty credit obligation is subsequently recognized into revenue when the loyalty points are redeemed by our customers. The deferred revenue liability is based on the estimated standalone selling price of the loyalty points earned after factoring in the likelihood of redemption.

The Company’s loyalty credit obligation, which is included in “Accrued expenses” within our Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $39.9 million as of December 31, 2018 compared to $24.7 million upon the adoption of the new revenue standard on January 1, 2018. Our loyalty credit obligations are generally settled within six months of issuance. Changes between the opening and closing balances primarily relate to (i) the Pinnacle Acquisition, in which all acquired gaming properties have a loyalty reward program and (ii) the timing of the customer’s election to redeem loyalty points for complimentaries and products offered at our food and beverage outlets, hotels and retail stores.

The Company’s advance payments on goods and services yet to be provided and for unpaid wagers primarily consist of the following: (i) deposits on rooms and convention space, (ii) money deposited on behalf of a customer in advance of their property visitation (i.e., front money), (iii) outstanding tickets generated by slot machine play or pari-mutuel wagering, (iv) outstanding chip liabilities, (v) unclaimed jackpots, and (vi) gift cards redeemable at our properties. Advance payments on goods and services are recognized as revenue when the good or service is transferred to the customer. Unpaid wagers primarily relate to the Company’s obligation to settle outstanding slot tickets, pari-mutuel racing tickets and gaming chips with customers and generally represent obligations stemming from prior wagering events, of which revenue was previously recognized. The

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all cash balances and highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash and cash equivalents.

Concentration of credit risk, with respect to casino receivables, is limited through the Company’s credit evaluation process. The Company issues markers to approved casino customers only following investigations of creditworthiness.

The Company’s receivables as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 primarily consisted of the following:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2018			2017
Markers issued to customers	$	17,242		$	5,237
Cash, credit card, and other advances to customers	20,925			13,891
Receivables from automatic teller machine and cash kiosk transactions	19,244			2,785
Hotel and banquet receivables	8,142			4,566
Receivables due from the West Virginia Lottery ⁽¹⁾	4,358			6,088
Racing settlements	6,064			5,493
Reimbursement of payroll expenses ⁽²⁾	3,439			3,366
Receivables due from platform providers for social casino game revenues	2,255			3,019
Other	28,329			21,343
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(3,161		)	(2,983		)
	$	106,837		$	62,805


(1)	Related to gaming revenue settlements and capital reinvestment projects at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races


(2)	Reimbursement of payroll expenses paid on behalf of our joint venture in Kansas Entertainment (as defined below)

Accounts are written off when management determines that an account is uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts previously written off are recorded when received. An allowance for doubtful accounts is determined to reduce the Company’s receivables to their carrying amount, which approximates fair value. The allowance is estimated based on historical collection experience, specific review of individual customer accounts, and current economic and business conditions. Historically, the Company has not incurred any significant credit-related losses.

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Capital expenditures are accounted for as either project capital or maintenance (replacement) capital expenditures. Project capital expenditures are for fixed asset additions that expand an existing facility or create a new facility. Maintenance capital expenditures are expenditures to replace existing fixed assets with a useful life greater than one year that are obsolete, worn out or no longer cost effective to repair. Maintenance and repairs that neither add materially to the value of the asset nor appreciably prolong its useful life are charged to expense as incurred. Gains or losses on the disposal of property and equipment are included in the determination of income.

The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are determined based on the nature of the assets as well as the Company’s current operating strategy. Depreciation of property and equipment is recorded using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:



	Years
Land improvements	15
Buildings and improvements	5 to 31
Vessels	10 to 35
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3 to 31

All costs funded by the Company considered to be an improvement to the real estate assets owned by GLPI under the Master Leases are recorded as leasehold improvements. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the related lease term.

The Company reviews the carrying amount of its property and equipment for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable based on undiscounted estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. The factors considered by the Company in performing this assessment include current operating results, trends and prospects, as well as the effect of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors. For purposes of recognizing and measuring impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment,” assets are grouped at the individual property level representing the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. In assessing the recoverability of the carrying amount of property and equipment, the Company must make assumptions regarding future cash flows and other factors. If these estimates or the related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record an impairment loss for these assets. Such an impairment loss would be recognized as a non-cash component of operating income.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the future economic benefits of a business combination measured as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired and has been allocated to our reporting units. Goodwill is tested annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. An income approach, in which a discounted cash flow model is utilized and a market-based approach utilizing guideline public company (“GPC”) multiples of Adjusted EBITDAR (as defined in Note 15, “Segment Information”) from the Company’s peer group is utilized to estimate the fair value of the Company’s reporting units.

For the quantitative goodwill impairment test, the current fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using a combination of the discounted cash flow model and the GPC multiples approach which is then compared to the carrying amount of each reporting unit. The Company adjusts the carrying amount of each reporting unit that utilizes property subject to either of the Master Leases by an allocation of a pro-rata portion of the applicable financing obligation based on the reporting unit’s estimated fair value as a percentage of the aggregate estimated fair value of all reporting units that utilize property that is subject to either the Penn Master Lease or the Pinnacle Master Lease, as applicable. The Company compares the aggregate weighted average fair value to the carrying amount of its reporting units. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the aggregate weighted average fair value, an impairment is recorded equal to the amount of the excess not to exceed the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

The Company considers its gaming licenses and certain other intangible assets to be indefinite-lived based on the Company’s future expectations to operate its gaming facilities indefinitely as well as its historical experience in renewing these intangible assets at minimal cost with various state commissions. Rather, these indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist, by comparing the fair value of the recorded assets to their carrying amount. If the carrying amounts of the indefinite-lived intangible assets exceed their fair value, an impairment is recognized. The Company completes its testing of its indefinite-lived intangible assets prior to assessing the realizability of its goodwill.

The Company assesses the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets (which are primarily gaming licenses) using the Greenfield Method under the income approach. The Greenfield Method estimates the fair value of the gaming license using a discounted cash flow model assuming the Company built a casino with similar utility to that of the existing facility. The method assumes a theoretical start-up company going into business without any assets other than the intangible asset being valued. As such, the value of the gaming license is a function of the following items:


•	Projected revenues and operating cash flows (including an allocation of the Company’s projected financing payments to its reporting units consistent with how the financing obligations associated with the Master Leases are allocated);


•	Theoretical construction costs and duration;


•	Pre-opening expenses; and


•	Discounting that reflects the level of risk associated with receiving future cash flows attributable to the license.

Once an impairment of goodwill or other intangible asset has been recorded, it cannot be reversed. Other intangible assets that have a definite-life are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives or related service contract. The Company reviews the carrying amount of its amortizing intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of the amortizing intangible assets exceed their fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. See Note 8, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

Master Lease Financing Obligations: The Company’s spin-off of its real estate assets into GLPI on November 1, 2013 (the “Spin-Off”) and corresponding entrance into the Penn Master Lease did not meet all of the requirements for sale-leaseback accounting treatment under ASC Topic 840, “Leases,” (“ASC 840”); specifically, the Penn Master Lease contains provisions that indicate the Company has prohibited forms of continuing involvement in the leased assets which are not a normal leaseback. Therefore, the Penn Master Lease is accounted for as a financing obligation rather than as a lease. The Company calculated a financing obligation at the inception of the Penn Master Lease based on the future minimum lease payments discounted at the Company’s estimated incremental borrowing rate at lease inception over the lease term of 35 years, which included renewal options that were reasonably assured of being exercised, and the funded construction of certain leased real estate assets in development at the commencement of the Penn Master Lease, which was determined to be 9.7%.

Within a business combination, an arrangement that did not meet all of the requirements for sale-leaseback accounting treatment under ASC 840, and previously accounted for as a financing obligation by the acquiree, retains its classification as a financing obligation on the acquiring company’s consolidated balance sheets at the business combination date. The Company calculated the financing obligation associated with the Pinnacle Master Lease based on the future minimum lease payments discounted at a rate determined to be fair value at the business combination date. The financing obligation associated with Pinnacle Master Lease was calculated at the October 15, 2018 closing date, assuming a remaining lease term of 32.5 years, which included renewal options that were reasonably assured of being exercised, and a discount rate of 7.3%. Furthermore, in conjunction with the Pinnacle Acquisition, GLPI acquired the real estate assets associated with Plainridge Park Casino for $250.0 million and leased back the real estate assets to the Company pursuant to an amendment to the Pinnacle Master Lease for a fixed annual rent of $25.0 million over the remaining term of the Pinnacle Master Lease, which resulted in an effective yield of 9.6%.

Minimum lease payments under our Master Leases are recorded as interest expense and, in part, as repayments of principal reducing the associated financing obligations. Contingent payments are recorded as interest expense as incurred. The real estate assets subject to the Master Leases are included on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and are depreciated over their remaining useful lives. For more information, see Note 10, “Master Lease Financing Obligations and Lease Obligations.”

Debt Issuance Costs: Debt issuance costs that are incurred by the Company in connection with the issuance of debt are deferred and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the contractual term of the underlying indebtedness. These costs are classified as a direct reduction of long-term debt within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Self-Insurance Reserves: The Company is self-insured for employee health coverage, general liability and workers compensation up to certain stop loss amounts. The Company uses a reserve method for each reported claim plus an allowance for claims incurred but not yet reported to a fully developed claims reserve method based on an actuarial computation of ultimate liability. Self-insurance reserves are included in “Accrued expenses” within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Contingent Purchase Price: The consideration for the Company’s acquisitions may include future payments that are contingent upon the occurrence of a particular event. The Company records an obligation for such contingent payments at fair value as of the acquisition date. The Company revalues its contingent consideration obligations each reporting period. Changes in the fair value of the contingent purchase price obligation can result from changes to one or multiple inputs, including adjustments to the discount rate and changes in the assumed probabilities of successful achievement of certain financial targets. The changes in the fair value of contingent consideration are recognized within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of “General and administrative” expense.

Income Taxes: The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). Under ASC 740, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial

statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities and are measured at the prevailing enacted tax rates that will be in effect when these differences are settled or realized. ASC 740 also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The realizability of the net deferred tax assets is evaluated quarterly by assessing the valuation allowance and by adjusting the amount of the allowance, if necessary. The Company considers all available positive and negative evidence including projected future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. The evaluation of both positive and negative evidence is a requirement pursuant to ASC 740 in determining more-likely-than-not the net deferred tax assets will be realized. In the event the Company determines that the deferred income tax assets would be realized in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be recorded, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

ASC 740 also creates a single model to address uncertainty in tax positions and clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements. It also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

Gaming and Racing Taxes: The Company is subject to gaming and pari-mutuel taxes based on gross gaming revenue and pari-mutuel revenue in the jurisdictions in which it operates. The Company primarily recognizes gaming and pari-mutuel tax expense based on the statutorily required percentage of revenue that is required to be paid to state and local jurisdictions in the states where or in which wagering occurs. In certain states in which the Company operates, gaming taxes are based on graduated rates. The Company records gaming tax expense at the Company’s estimated effective gaming tax rate for the year, considering estimated taxable gaming revenue and the applicable rates. Such estimates are adjusted each interim period. If gaming tax rates change during the year, such changes are applied prospectively in the determination of gaming tax expense in future interim periods. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, these expenses, which were recorded primarily within gaming expense within the Consolidated Statements of Operations, were $1,102.3 million, $983.3 million, and $962.7 million, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company’s 8,624 outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock were sold by the holders of these securities, and therefore automatically converted to 8,624,000 shares of common stock under previously agreed upon terms. As a result, there are no longer any outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company determined that the preferred stock qualified as a participating security as defined in ASC 260 since these securities participate in dividends with the Company’s common stock. In accordance with ASC 260, a company is required to use the two-class method when computing EPS when a company has a security that qualifies as a “participating security.” The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. A participating security is included in the computation of basic EPS using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, basic EPS for the Company’s common stock is computed by dividing net income applicable to common stock by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS for the Company’s common stock is computed using the more dilutive of the two-class method or the if-converted method. For more information on our Series C Preferred Stock, refer to Note 13, “Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit).”

The following table sets forth the allocation of net income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 under the two-class method:



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Net income attributable to Penn National Gaming, Inc.	$	93,519	$	473,463	$	109,310
Net income applicable to preferred stock	—		—		8,662
Net income applicable to common stock	$	93,519	$	473,463	$	100,648

The following table reconciles the weighted-average common shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic EPS to the weighted-average common shares outstanding used in the calculation of diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018	2017	2016
Determination of shares:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	97,105	90,854	82,929
Assumed conversion of dilutive employee stock-based awards	3,018	2,431	1,299
Assumed conversion of restricted stock	215	93	42
Diluted weighted-average common share outstanding before participating security	100,338	93,378	84,270
Assumed conversion of preferred stock	—	—	7,137
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding	100,338	93,378	91,407

Options to purchase 656,588 shares; 51,803 shares; and 3,036,819 shares were outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because they were antidilutive.

The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the Company’s common stock for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2018		2017		2016
Calculation of basic EPS:
Net income applicable to common stock	$	93,519	$	473,463	$	100,648
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	97,105		90,854		82,929
Basic EPS	$	0.96	$	5.21	$	1.21
Calculation of diluted EPS using two-class method:
Net income applicable to common stock	93,519		473,463		100,648
Diluted weighted-average common share outstanding before participating security	100,338		93,378		84,270
Diluted EPS	$	0.93	$	5.07	$	1.19

The fair value of stock options is estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires management to make assumptions, including the expected term, which is based on the contractual term of the stock option and historical exercise data of the Company’s employees; the risk-free interest rate; which is based on the U.S. Treasury spot rate with a term equal to the expected term assumed at the grant date; the expected volatility, which is estimated based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price over the expected term assumed at the grant date; and the expected dividend yield, which we expect to be zero since the Company has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock since its initial public offering in May 1994 and intends to retain all of its earnings to finance the development of its business for the foreseeable future. See Note 14, “Stock-based Compensation,” for further information.

Variable Interest Entities: In accordance with the authoritative guidance of ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”), the Company consolidates a VIE if the Company is the primary beneficiary, defined as the party that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. A variable interest is a contractual, ownership or other interest that changes with changes in the fair value of the VIE’s net assets exclusive of variable interests. To determine whether a variable interest the Company holds could potentially be significant to the VIE, the Company considers both qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the nature, size and form of its involvement with the VIE. The Company

assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE or the holder of a significant variable interest in a VIE on an on-going basis for each such interest.

Segment Information: The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who is the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), as that term is defined in ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” measures and assesses the Company’s business performance based on regional operations of various properties grouped together based primarily on their geographic locations.

We view each of our gaming and racing facilities as an operating segment with the exception of our two facilities in Jackpot, Nevada, which we view as one operating segment. We view our combined VGT operations as an operating segment. See Note 15, “Segment Information,” for further information. For financial reporting purposes, as of December 31, 2018, we aggregate our operating segments into the following reportable segments:



Northeast segment ⁽¹⁾	Location
Ameristar East Chicago	East Chicago, Indiana
Hollywood Casino Bangor	Bangor, Maine
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races	Charles Town, West Virginia
Hollywood Casino Columbus	Columbus, Ohio
Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg	Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course	Grantville, Pennsylvania
Hollywood Casino Toledo	Toledo, Ohio
Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway	Dayton, Ohio
Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course	Youngstown, Ohio
Meadows Racetrack and Casino	Washington, Pennsylvania
Plainridge Park Casino	Plainville, Massachusetts

South segment	Location
1^st Jackpot Casino Tunica	Tunica, Mississippi
Ameristar Vicksburg	Vicksburg, Mississippi
Boomtown Biloxi	Biloxi, Mississippi
Boomtown Bossier City	Bossier City, Louisiana
Boomtown New Orleans	New Orleans, Louisiana
Hollywood Casino Tunica	Tunica, Mississippi
Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast	Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
L’Auberge Baton Rouge	Baton Rouge, Louisiana
L’Auberge Lake Charles	Lake Charles, Louisiana
Resorts Casino Tunica	Tunica, Mississippi

West segment ⁽²⁾	Location
Ameristar Black Hawk	Black Hawk, Colorado
Cactus Petes and Horseshu	Jackpot, Nevada
M Resort	Henderson, Nevada
Tropicana Las Vegas	Las Vegas, Nevada
Zia Park Casino	Hobbs, New Mexico

Midwest segment	Location
Ameristar Council Bluffs	Council Bluffs, Iowa
Argosy Casino Alton	Alton, Illinois
Argosy Casino Riverside	Riverside, Missouri
Hollywood Casino Aurora	Aurora, Illinois
Hollywood Casino Joliet	Joliet, Illinois
Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway ⁽³⁾	Kansas City, Kansas
Hollywood Casino St. Louis	Maryland Heights, Missouri
Prairie State Gaming	Illinois
River City Casino	St. Louis, Missouri


(1)	The Northeast segment also included the Company’s Casino Rama management service contract, which terminated in July 2018.


(2)	The West segment also included a management service contract with the JIVDC, which terminated in May 2018.

(3)

Pursuant to a joint venture with International Speedway Corporation (“International Speedway”) and includes the Company’s 50% investment in Kansas Entertainment, LLC (“Kansas Entertainment”), which owns the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.

New Accounting Pronouncements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

New Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncement Implemented in 2017

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU No. 2016-09”), which simplified the accounting for share-based payment awards, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification

on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $6.3 million related to excess tax deductions that previously would have been recognized as additional paid-in capital within “Total Stockholders’ equity (deficit).” The Company did not record a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings due to having a full valuation allowance against all deferred tax assets as of January 1, 2017. Deferred tax assets and the valuation allowance increased by $15.4 million at January 1, 2017 for the tax effect previously unrecognized for excess tax deductions. The Company elected to present the change in classification of excess/deficient tax deductions from a financing activity to an operating activity within its Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows on a retrospective basis. As a result, for the year ended December 31, 2016, there was an increase to net cash provided by operating activities of $6.9 million and a decrease to net cash used in financing activities of $6.9 million.

Accounting Pronouncements Implemented in 2018

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09 and all related amendments, which introduced ASC 606, to all contracts using the modified retrospective method. As part of the adoption, the Company utilized a practical expedient that permits the evaluation of incomplete contracts (such as our loyalty point obligations) as completed contracts. The Company recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The adoption of the new revenue standard did not have a material effect on net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 and the Company does not expect it to have a material impact on a continuing basis.

In accordance with the new revenue standard requirement, the disclosure of the impact of adoption on our Consolidated Statement of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheet as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows:



	For the year ended December 31, 2018
	As Reported		Impacts of:														Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change Higher / (Lower)
(in thousands)	As Reported		Loyalty Points ⁽¹⁾			Promotional Allowances ⁽²⁾			Reimbursable Expense - Casino Rama ⁽³⁾			Racing Revenue ⁽⁴⁾		Tier Status and Other Benefits ⁽⁵⁾			Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change Higher / (Lower)
Revenues
Gaming	$	2,894,861	$	(2,608	)	$	206,137		$	—		$	—	$	2,575		$	3,100,965		$	(206,104	)
Food, beverage, hotel and other	629,733		(252		)	30,629			—			38,975		—			699,085			(69,352		)
Management service and license fees	6,043		—			—			—			—		—			6,043			—
Reimbursable management costs	57,281		—			—			(46,822		)	—		—			10,459			46,822
	3,587,918		(2,860		)	236,766			(46,822		)	38,975		2,575			3,816,552			(228,634		)
Less: Promotional allowance	—		—			(236,766		)	—			—		—			(236,766		)	236,766
Revenues	3,587,918		(2,860		)	—			(46,822		)	38,975		2,575			3,579,786			8,132
Operating expenses
Gaming	1,551,430		(1,443		)	—			—			—		4,258			1,554,245			(2,815		)
Food, beverage, hotel and other	439,253		—			—			—			38,975		(1,683		)	476,545			(37,292		)
General and administrative	618,951		—			—			—			—		—			618,951			—
Reimbursable management costs	57,281		—			—			(46,822		)	—		—			10,459			46,822
Depreciation and amortization	268,990		—			—			—			—		—			268,990			—
Impairment losses, net of recovery on loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC	17,921		—			—			—			—		—			17,921			—
Total operating expenses	2,953,826		(1,443		)	—			(46,822		)	38,975		2,575			2,947,111			6,715
Operating income (loss)	634,092		(1,417		)	—			—			—		—			632,675			1,417

Income (loss) before income taxes	89,921		(1,417		)	—			—			—		—			88,504			1,417
Income tax benefit (expense)	3,593		323			—			—			—		—			3,916			(323		)
Net income (loss)	$	93,514	$	(1,094	)	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	92,420		$	1,094

(1)

As discussed in Note 3, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” the Company’s loyalty reward programs allow members to utilize their reward membership cards to earn loyalty points that are redeemable for slot play and complimentaries. Under the new revenue standard, the Company is required to utilize a deferred revenue model, which defers revenue at the point in time when the loyalty points are earned by our customers and recognize revenue when the loyalty points are redeemed at the estimated standalone selling price. Prior to the adoption of the new revenue standard, the estimated liability for unredeemed points was accrued and recorded to gaming expense based on expected redemption rates and the estimated cost of the goods and services to be provided.

(2)

Under ASC 606, the Company is no longer permitted to report revenue for goods and services provided to customers (i) for free as an inducement to gamble or (ii) on a discretionary basis outside of gaming play (i.e., customer appeasements) as gross revenue with a corresponding reduction in promotional allowances to arrive at net revenues. The new revenue standard requires complimentaries related to an inducement to gamble to be recorded as a reduction to gaming revenues and discretionary complimentaries provided outside of gaming play to be recorded as a reduction to food, beverage, hotel and other revenues. As such, promotional allowances provided to customers (i) as an inducement to gamble or (ii) on a discretionary basis outside of gaming play are no longer netted within our Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, ASC 606 changed the accounting for promotional allowances with respect to non-discretionary complimentaries (i.e., a customer’s redemption of loyalty points). Under the new revenue standard, the Company is no longer permitted to report revenue for goods and services provided to a customer resulting from loyalty point redemptions with a corresponding reduction in promotional allowances to arrive at net revenue. Instead, ASC 606 requires the utilization of a deferred revenue

model in which previously deferred revenue is recognized as revenue when the loyalty points are redeemed. As such, promotional allowances related to a customer’s redemption of loyalty points is no longer netted within our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(3)

The Company revised its accounting for reimbursable costs associated with our management service contract for Casino Rama. Under the new revenue standard, because we are the controlling entity in the arrangement, reimbursable costs, which primarily consisted of payroll costs, must be recognized as revenue on a gross basis, with an offsetting amount charged to reimbursable management costs within operating expenses. Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, the Company recorded these reimbursable amounts on a net basis.

(4)

Under ASC 606, as it pertains to our racing operations, we concluded that the Company is not the controlling entity in the arrangements; but rather, functions as an agent to the pari-mutuel pool. Consequently, fees and obligations related to the Company’s share of purse funding requirements, simulcasting fees, tote fees, certain pari-mutuel taxes and other fees directly related to the Company’s racing operations must be reported on a net basis and included as a deduction to food, beverage, hotel and other revenue. Prior to the adoption of the new revenue standard, the Company recorded these fees and obligations in food, beverage, hotel and other expense.

(5)

Under ASC 606, certain tier status and other benefits provided to our customers, most notably, an annual gift to members of our top tiers, are considered separate performance obligations associated with gaming contracts. Therefore, under the new revenue standard, the amount of the transaction price allocated to these performance obligations is recorded as a reduction to gaming revenue rather than as a gaming expense. Consequently, certain of the expenses associated with other benefits are now recorded as food, beverage, hotel and other.



(in thousands)	As Reported as of December 31, 2018			Balances Without the Adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change Higher (Lower)
Balance Sheet
Other assets - Deferred income taxes	$	80,612		$	78,953		$	1,659
Current liabilities - Accrued expenses	$	204,656		$	191,404		$	13,252
Stockholders’ equity - Accumulated deficit	$	(967,949	)	$	(956,418	)	$	(11,531	)

The cumulative effect of the changes made to our consolidated January 1, 2018 balance sheet for the adoption of ASC 606 was as follows:



(in thousands)	Balance as of December 31, 2017			Adjustment due to ASC 606			Balance as of January 1, 2018
Balance Sheet
Other assets - Deferred income taxes	$	390,943		$	2,044		$	392,987
Current liabilities - Accrued expenses	$	125,688		$	11,694		$	137,382
Stockholders’ equity - Accumulated deficit	$	(1,051,818	)	$	(9,650	)	$	(1,061,468	)

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Clarification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” The amendments are intended to address diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments provide guidance on the following specific cash flow issues: (a) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; (b) settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; (c) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; (d) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; (e) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies; (f) distributions received from equity method investees; (g) beneficial interest in securitization transactions; and (h) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2018 on a retrospective basis. As a result of adopting this new guidance, the impact to the year ended December 31, 2017 was an increase to both net cash provided by operating activities and net cash used in financing activities of $18.0 million within the Company’s Statements of Cash Flows.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash.” The new guidance requires a statement of cash flows to explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. As such, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2018 using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. As a result of adopting this new guidance, the impact to the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was an increase of $0.7 million and a decrease of $3.8 million, respectively, to net cash provided by operating activities within the Company’s Statements of Cash Flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business.” The new guidance narrows the existing definition of a business and provides a framework for evaluating whether a transaction should be accounted for as an acquisition of assets or a business. Under this guidance, when substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset (or group of similar assets), the assets acquired would not represent a business. In addition, in order to be considered a business, an acquisition would have to include at a minimum an input and a substantive process that together significantly contributes to the ability to create an output. The guidance is effective

for public companies for fiscal years, and interim fiscal periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted and should be applied prospectively. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2018, which was applied prospectively to all applicable transactions after the adoption date.

New Accounting Pronouncements to be Implemented in Fiscal Year 2019

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU No. 2016-02”), which supersedes leases accounting as contained within ASC 840. The core principle of ASU No. 2016-02 is that a lessee should recognize on the balance sheet the lease assets and lease liabilities that arise from all lease arrangements with terms greater than 12 months. Recognition of these lease assets and lease liabilities represents a change from previous GAAP, which did not require lease assets and lease liabilities to be recognized for operating leases. Qualitative disclosures along with specific quantitative disclosures will be required to provide enough information to supplement the amounts recorded in the financial statements so that users can understand the nature of the Company’s leasing activities.

The Company has a team in place to evaluate and implement the new guidance and the Company has substantially completed the implementation of a third-party software solution to facilitate compliance with accounting and reporting requirements. The Company continues to enhance accounting systems and update business processes and controls related to the new guidance for leases. Collectively, these activities are expected to enable the Company to meet the new accounting and disclosure requirements upon adoption in the first quarter 2019.

The provisions of ASU No. 2016-02 are effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company plans to elect the package of practical expedients included in this guidance, which allows us (i) to not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts contain leases; (ii) to not reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases; (iii) to account for a lease and non-lease component as a single component for certain classes of assets; and (iv) to not reassess the initial direct costs for existing leases. In addition, the Company does not plan to recognize short-term leases on its Consolidated Balance Sheets and will recognize the expense for those lease payments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, “Leases - Targeted Improvements,” as an update to the previously-issued guidance. This update added a transition option which allows for the recognition of a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption without recasting the financial statements in periods prior to adoption. The Company plans to elect this transition option.

We expect the most significant judgments and impacts upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 to include the following items:

•

The Company believes the most significant impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 relates to the accounting for our triple net leases, which requires us to determine the classification (operating or financing) of each component contained within each of our Master Leases with our REIT landlords which will impact the initial valuation of the right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability at the January 1, 2019 adoption date as well as the subsequent expense recognition within our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We continue to evaluate our existing sales and leaseback transactions and are evaluating if certain properties building and/or land would be considered a financing or operating lease. If certain properties are derecognized, upon adoption on January 1, 2019, we would derecognize our existing financial obligation and the net book value of the property associated with the previously failed sale-leaseback transaction. A change in the sale-leaseback accounting conclusion would also result in the recognition of a lease liability and right of use asset and a material impact to opening retained earnings. This change will also increase operating expenses and decrease interest expense and a reclassification of certain cash payments from financing outflows to operating outflows in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

•

Upon adoption on January 1, 2019, we will recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities that have not previously been recorded. The lease liability for operating leases is based on the net present value of future minimum lease payments. The right-of-use asset for operating leases is based on the lease liability adjusted for the reclassification of certain balance sheet amounts such as deferred rent. Deferred and prepaid rent will not be presented separately after the adoption of the new lease standard.

We expect this standard to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. We are finalizing the impact of the standard to our accounting policies, processes, disclosures, and internal control over financial reporting.

The adoption of this standard will have no impact on the Company’s covenant compliance under its current debt agreements.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” These amendments expand the scope of Topic 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation” (which currently only includes share-based payments to employees), to include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods or services. Consequently, the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees and employees will be substantially aligned. This new standard supersedes Subtopic 505-50, “Equity - Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees.” The guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim fiscal periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted, but no earlier than a company’s adoption date of ASC 606. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact to its Consolidated Financial Statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements to be Implemented in Fiscal Year 2020

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract.” These amendments align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contact with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The accounting for the service element of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract is not affected by these amendments. The guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim fiscal periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact to its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” The ASU removes the requirement to disclose: (a) the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; (b) the policy for timing of transfers between levels; and (c) the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. This new standard requires disclosure of changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income (loss) for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim fiscal periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact on its disclosures.

Acquisitions and Other Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Business Combinations And Other Investments [Abstract]

Acquisitions and Other Investments

Pinnacle Acquisition

On October 15, 2018, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Pinnacle for a total purchase price of $2,816.2 million, which consisted of (i) a cash payment of $20.00 per share of Pinnacle common stock, totaling $1,252.2 million; (ii) issuance of Penn common stock in the amount of $749.7 million; and (iii) the retirement of $814.3 million of Pinnacle debt obligations. As discussed in Note 1, “Organization,” in conjunction with the Pinnacle Acquisition, the Company divested the membership interests of certain Pinnacle subsidiaries which operated the Divested Properties to Boyd for $604.9 million of cash, subject to customary final working capital adjustments; GLPI acquired the real estate assets associated with the Plainridge Park Casino for $250.0 million, and concurrently leased back the real estate assets to the Company; and a subsidiary of Boyd acquired the real estate assets associated with Belterra Park from a subsidiary of GLPI, from which Penn received proceeds of $57.7 million. Additionally, as a part of the transaction, the Pinnacle Master Lease was assumed and amended by the Company. For more information on the Pinnacle Master Lease and related amendment, see Note 10, “Master Lease Financing Obligations and Lease Obligations.”

The primary reasons for the acquisition are as follows: (i) the expectation that the Pinnacle Acquisition will create economies of scale and other geographic advantages by broadening the Company’s portfolio of properties to 40 properties across 18 jurisdictions; (ii) the opportunity to combine two of the top customer loyalty programs in the industry to drive incremental revenue while also benefiting from enhanced promotional opportunities in online and social gaming across the Company’s portfolio; and (iii) the identification of revenue and cost synergies driven by the elimination of corporate overhead redundancies and improved property level efficiencies, with limited incremental costs required to scale operations and integrate Pinnacle.

In completing the acquisition, each share of Pinnacle common stock (other than treasury shares held by Pinnacle) outstanding as of October 12, 2018, on a fully-diluted basis, was automatically converted into the right to receive (i) 0.42 of a fully-paid and nonassessable share of Penn common stock (the “Share Exchange Ratio”) plus (ii) $20.00 in cash. The stock price used to determine the fair value of the stock portion of the purchase price, was based on the volume-weighted average price of a share of Penn common stock as quoted on NASDAQ Global Select Market for the ten trading days between September 28, 2018 and October 11, 2018, which was $29.80. The actual number of shares of Penn common stock issued to Pinnacle shareholders upon closing was 26,295,439 and the value of those shares was based on the closing price of Penn common stock on October 15, 2018, which was $28.51.

The following table presents the calculation of the total purchase price:



(in thousands, except per share data)	October 15, 2018
Pinnacle diluted shares outstanding	62,608,188
Share Exchange Ratio	0.42
Shares of Penn common stock issued to former Pinnacle shareholders	26,295,439
Price per share of Penn common stock	$	28.51
Fair value of Penn common stock issued to former Pinnacle shareholders	749,683
Cash paid to former Pinnacle shareholders	1,252,259
Cash paid by Penn to retire Pinnacle debt, inclusive of accrued interest	814,273
Purchase price	$	2,816,215

The purchase price excludes $89.7 million of transaction costs, which were expensed as incurred and included in “General and administrative” within our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Due primarily to the scale and complexity of the Pinnacle Acquisition, the Company has not yet finalized its valuation analysis and is in the process of evaluating key assumptions that derive the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including the income tax balances. Therefore, the allocation of the purchase price is preliminary and subject to change. The following table reflects the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the excess recorded as goodwill:



(in thousands)	October 15, 2018
Cash and restricted cash	$	124,231
Assets held for sale⁽¹⁾	667,036
Other current assets⁽²⁾	80,622
Property and equipment - non-Pinnacle Master Lease	318,856
Property and equipment - Pinnacle Master Lease	3,984,119
Goodwill	219,531
Other intangible assets
Gaming licenses	1,046,000
Trademarks	298,000
Customer relationships	22,400
Other long-term assets⁽²⁾	38,767
Total assets	$	6,799,562

Long-term financing obligation, including current portion⁽³⁾	$	3,427,016
Other current liabilities⁽⁴⁾	200,547
Deferred tax liabilities	339,149
Other long-term liabilities⁽⁴⁾	16,635
Total liabilities	3,983,347
Net assets acquired	$	2,816,215


(1)	Assets held for sale represents (i) the proceeds and working capital adjustments related to the divested properties which were sold to Boyd; and (ii) proceeds received from GLPI related to the sale of the Belterra Park real estate assets.


(2)	Other current assets consist primarily of accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and inventories. Other long-term assets consist primarily of long-term notes receivables and deposits.


(3)	Long-term financing obligation, including current portion represents the financing obligation associated with Pinnacle Master Lease, as amended.


(4)	Other current liabilities consist primarily of accounts payable, accrued compensation and accrued taxes. Other long-term liabilities primarily relate to deferred compensation.

The Company used the income, market, or cost approach (or a combination thereof) for the valuation as appropriate and used valuation inputs in these models and analyses that were based on market participant assumptions. Market participants are considered to be buyers and sellers unrelated to Penn in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. For certain items, the carrying amount was determined to be a reasonable approximation of fair value based on information available to Penn management. Property acquired is inclusive of (i) non-Pinnacle Master Lease property related to our operations (such as equipment for use in gaming operations, land/leasehold improvements and furniture and equipment), which was determined to have a fair value of approximately $319 million and (ii) Pinnacle Master Lease property (such as buildings, boats, vessels, barges, and implied land and land use rights), which was determined to have a fair value of approximately $3,984 million at the acquisition date. Land use rights represent the intangible value of the Company’s ability to utilize and access land associated with long term ground lease agreements that give the Company the exclusive rights to operate the casino gaming facilities associated with such agreements. Management determined the fair value of its (i) vessels based on valuations performed by third-party specialists; (ii) land and land use rights based on the land residual technique; (iii) office equipment, computer equipment and slot machine gaming devises based on the market approach; and (iv) other property based on the cost approach supported where available by observable market data which includes consideration of obsolescence.

Acquired identifiable intangible assets consist of gaming licenses and trademarks, which are both indefinite-lived intangible assets, and customer relationships, which are amortizing intangible assets and have been assigned a useful life of 2.0 years. Management valued (i) gaming licenses using the Greenfield Method under the income approach, which estimates the fair value of the gaming license using a discounted cash flow model assuming the Company built a casino with similar utility to that of the existing facility and assumes a theoretical start-up company going into business without any assets other than the intangible asset being valued; (ii) trademarks using the relief-from-royalty method under the income approach; and (iii) customer relationships (rated player databases) using the with-and-without method of the income approach. All valuation methods are forms of the income approach supported by observable market data for peer casino operator companies.

The goodwill is partially attributable to Penn reporting units that existed prior to the Pinnacle Acquisition as it is expected that these reporting units will experience revenue growth and cost synergies resulting from the combination of the Penn and Pinnacle businesses. Goodwill from the Pinnacle Acquisition, of which $92.4 million is deductible for tax purposes, has been preliminarily allocated to the Company’s reportable segments as follows:



(in thousands)	Goodwill
Reportable segment:
Northeast	$	56,400
South	48,300
West	51,431
Midwest	63,400
Total	$	219,531

The following table includes the financial results of the Pinnacle properties since the acquisition date which is included within our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2018:



(in thousands)	Period from October 15, 2018 through December 31, 2018
Revenues	$	385,863
Net income	$	4,664

The following table includes unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information assuming our acquisition of Pinnacle had occurred as of January 1, 2017. The pro forma financial information does not necessarily represent the results that may occur in the future. The pro forma amounts include the historical operating results of Penn and Pinnacle prior to the acquisition, with adjustments directly attributable to the acquisition, inclusive of adjustments for acquisition costs.



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands, unaudited)	2018		2017
Revenues	$	5,069,425	$	5,036,559
Net income (loss)	$	83,155	$	(38,045	)

Greektown Casino-Hotel

On November 14, 2018, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the operations of Greektown Casino-Hotel in Detroit, Michigan for approximately $300 million in cash. Simultaneous with the closing of the transaction, the Company will enter into a triple net lease agreement with VICI Properties, Inc. (“VICI”), a publicly-traded REIT, for the real estate assets used in the operations of the property. The lease will have an initial annual rent of $55.6 million and an initial term of 15 years, with four five-year renewal options. The transaction will be financed with a combination of cash on hand and debt. The transaction, which is expected to close in the second quarter 2019, is subject to approval of the Michigan Gaming Control Board and other customary closing conditions.

1^st Jackpot Casino Tunica and Resorts Casino Tunica

On May 1, 2017, the Company acquired RIH Acquisitions MS I, LLC and RIH Acquisitions MS II, LLC, the holding companies for the gaming operations of 1^st Jackpot Casino Tunica and Resorts Casino Tunica, for total cash consideration of $47.0 million. The Company leases the underlying real estate assets associated with these properties from GLPI pursuant to the Penn Master Lease. For more information, see Note 10, “Master Lease Financing Obligations and Lease Obligations.”

Rocket Speed

On August 1, 2016, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity securities of social casino game developer, Rocket Speed, for initial cash consideration of $60.5 million subject to customary working capital adjustments. The stock purchase agreement included contingent consideration payments over the next two years that were based on a multiple of 6.25 times Rocket Games’ then trailing-twelve-months earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), subject to a cap of $110 million. Up to $10 million of the contingent consideration was accounted for as compensation as it was tied to continued employment over a two-year period. The fair value of the contingent purchase price was estimated to be $34.4 million at the acquisition date.

In September 2017, PIV reached an agreement with the former shareholders of Rocket Speed to buy out the remaining contingent consideration, which resulted in a benefit of $22.2 million, which is included within “General and administrative” within our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation

On April 5, 2013, the Company announced that, subject to final National Indian Gaming Commission approval, it and the Jamul Tribe entered into definitive agreements to assist the Jamul Tribe in the development of a Hollywood Casino-branded casino on the Jamul Tribe’s trust land in San Diego County, California. The definitive agreements were entered into to: (i) secure the development, management, and branding services of the Company to assist the Jamul Tribe during the pre-development and entitlement phase of the project; (ii) set forth the terms and conditions under which the Company would provide a loan or loans to the JIVDC to fund certain development costs; and (iii) create an exclusive arrangement between the parties.

The Jamul Tribe is a federally recognized Indian Tribe holding a government-to-government relationship with the U.S. through the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs and possessing certain inherent powers of self-government. The Jamul Tribe is the beneficial owner of approximately six acres of reservation land located within the exterior boundaries of the State of California held by the U.S. in trust for the Jamul Tribe (the “Property”). The Jamul Tribe exercises jurisdiction over the Property pursuant to its powers of self-government and consistent with the resolutions and ordinances of the Jamul Tribe.

In January 2014, the Company announced the commencement of construction activities at the site. The facility opened to the public on October 10, 2016. The Company provided a portion of the financing to the JIVDC in connection with the project and, following the opening, had managed and provided branding for the casino.

The Company accounted for the development agreement and related loan commitment letter with the JIVDC as a loan (the “Loan”) with accrued interest in accordance with ASC Topic 310, “Receivables” (“ASC 310”). The Loan represented advances made by the Company to the JIVDC for the development and construction of a gaming facility for the Jamul Tribe on reservation land. As such, the Jamul Tribe owned the casino and its related assets and liabilities. Repayment of funds advanced to the Jamul Tribe was primarily predicated on cash flows from the operations of the facility.

In December 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase a $60 million subordinated note from the previous developer of the Jamul Indian Village project for $24 million. Interest on this subordinated note, as of the effective date and at all times thereafter until the Loan has been paid in full, were to accrue as follows: as of the effective date, no interest shall

accrue initially; at the opening date, interest shall accrue at a simple fixed rate of 4.25% per annum. The subordinated note is subordinated to the Loan, and payments on the subordinated note may only be made after all necessary payments are made on the Loan subject to certain limitations. The Company recorded the subordinated note at its acquisition price of $24 million, which was considered to be its fair value. As described below, this subordinated note was repaid in connection with the Jamul Tribe refinancing of its existing indebtedness and the Company received a $6 million premium, which was accounted for as an origination fee on our new loan with the JIVDC.

On October 20, 2016, the JIVDC obtained long-term secured financing, consisting of revolving and term loan credit facilities (the “Credit Facilities”) totaling approximately $460 million. The Credit Facilities, all of which were due in 2022, consisted of a $5 million revolving credit facility, a $340 million term loan B facility and a $98 million term loan C facility (the “Term Loan C”). The revolving credit facility was provided by various commercial banks; the term loan B facility was held by an affiliate of Och-Ziff Real Estate; and the Term Loan C was held by the Company. The Company accounted for the Term Loan C with the JIVDC as a loan in accordance with ASC 310.

Additionally, on October 20, 2016, the Company was repaid a net amount of $274.9 million (consisting of reimbursements totaling $372.9 million less funds advanced of $98.0 million) of the advances to the JIVDC for the development and construction of the property as well as previously purchased Jamul Tribal debt.

Although Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego opened to strong business and earnings volumes in October 2016, which met our expectations, results began to soften earlier and with a steeper drop-off than anticipated. As a result, we concluded the Term Loan C was impaired as of December 31, 2016 and at all time periods subsequent to this date. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information, events and projections, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and/or interest when contractually due under the terms of the loan agreement. The fair value of the Loan was not observable, nor secured by any significant levels of collateral. Therefore, the Loan was not measured using a practical expedient (observable market rate of interest or fair value of collateral) under ASC 310. As such, an impairment charge recorded to the extent the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate exceeded the carrying amount of the loan. The Company recorded interest income on a cash basis to the extent a reserve was not required for the impaired loan.

As of June 30, 2017, the JIVDC was effectively in breach of a financial covenant requirement with respect to debt-to-earnings ratios and as of September 30, 2017, the JIVDC was in active negotiations with its lenders to modify certain terms of its loan agreements, including the elimination of its June 30, 2017 financial covenant requirement. Amended terms that were negotiated during the fourth quarter 2017, were not accepted by the Jamul Tribe. As of December 31, 2017, the JIVDC was in default on its obligations. The Term Loan C was fully subordinated to the other lenders that had extended credit to the JIVDC.

In February 2018, the Company and the Jamul Tribe mutually agreed that Penn would no longer manage the facility or provide branding and development services as of May 28, 2018. The Company performed a comprehensive analysis of the future cash flows that we expected to receive on the Term Loan C based upon our best estimates of the operations of the facility and the concessions we would grant to the JIVDC. The expected cash flows to be received by the Company on the Term Loan C were then discounted at the Term Loan C’s effective interest rate in accordance with ASC 310, which was less than its carrying amount as of December 31, 2017. Therefore, the Company recorded a charge of $86.0 million within its Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017, of which $64.0 million was recorded to an allowance for loan loss and $22.0 million was recorded as a reserve for unfunded loan commitments. The reserve for unfunded loan commitments is included in “Other noncurrent liabilities” within the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017. In addition to the reserves mentioned above, the Company recorded charges of $3.8 million related to certain advances made to the JIVDC.

The unpaid principal balance of the Term Loan C as of December 31, 2017 was $98.3 million and the net carrying amount was $20.9 million. The Company’s remaining exposure as of December 31, 2017 was $27.9 million, inclusive of future unfunded commitments on the Term Loan C.

On May 25, 2018, the Company entered into a purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with the senior lender under the credit facility for the gaming facility to sell them all of the Company’s outstanding rights and obligations under the Term Loan C and the JIVDC commitments. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and related agreements, the Company received cash proceeds of $15.2 million from the sale and has been relieved of all rights and obligations with respect to the JIVDC. The sale of the loan resulted in a recovery of loan losses and unfunded loan commitments of $17.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Retama Park Racetrack

We have a management contract with Retama Development Corporation (“RDC”), a local government corporation of the City of Selma, Texas, to manage the day-to-day operations of Retama Park Racetrack, located outside of San Antonio, Texas. In addition, we own 1.0% of the equity of Retama Nominal Holder, LLC, which holds a nominal interest in the racing license used to operate Retama Park Racetrack. Additionally, we own a 75.5% interest in Pinnacle Retama Partners, LLC (“PRP”), which owns the contingent gaming rights that may arise if gaming under the existing racing license becomes legal in Texas in the future.

As of December 31, 2018, PRP held $16.9 million in promissory notes issued by RDC and $7.5 million in local government corporation bonds issued by RDC, at amortized cost. The promissory notes and local government corporation bonds, which are included in “Other assets” within our Consolidated Balance Sheets, have long-term contractual maturities and are collateralized by the assets of Retama Park Racetrack. The contractual terms of these promissory notes include interest payments due at maturity; however, we have not recorded accrued interest on these promissory notes because uncertainty exists as to RDC’s ability to make interest payments. We have the positive intent and ability to hold the local government corporation bonds to maturity and until the amortized cost is recovered.

Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates

As of December 31, 2018, investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates primarily included the Company’s 50% investment in Kansas Entertainment, which is a joint venture with International Speedway, its 50% interest in Freehold Raceway, and its 50% joint venture with MAXXAM, Inc. (“MAXXAM”) that owns and operates racetracks in Texas.

Kansas Joint Venture

The Company has a 50% investment in Kansas Entertainment, which owns the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company’s investment balance was $89.4 million and $88.3 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company received distributions from Kansas Entertainment totaling $27.0 million, $26.0 million and $25.8 million, respectively, which the Company deemed to be returns on its investment based on the source of those cash flows from the normal business operations of Kansas Entertainment.

As of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company determined that Kansas Entertainment is a VIE that should not be consolidated since the Company does not qualify as the primary beneficiary. In making this determination, the Company concluded that it does not have the ability to direct the activities of Kansas Entertainment that most significantly impact Kansas Entertainment’s economic performance without the approval of International Speedway. Furthermore, International Speedway has substantive participating rights in Kansas Entertainment.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company’s investment in Kansas Entertainment met the requirements of Regulation S-X Rule 4-08(g) to provide summarized financial information. The following table provides summary balance sheet and income statement information of Kansas Entertainment as required under Regulation S-X Rule 1-02(bb) for the comparative periods that are included within the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Current assets	$	18,260	$	18,452	$	16,638
Noncurrent assets	$	161,031	$	165,801	$	176,050
Current liabilities	$	15,099	$	17,861	$	15,351



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Revenues	$	159,017	$	155,636	$	152,926
Operating expenses	110,409		114,681		121,006
Operating income	48,608		40,955		31,920
Net income	$	48,608	$	40,955	$	31,920

Net income attributable to Penn National Gaming, Inc.	$	24,304	$	20,478	$	15,960

In addition to the assessment performed by the Company of its investment in Kansas Entertainment under the requirements of Regulation S-X Rule 4-08(g), the Company also assessed its investment in Kansas Entertainment under the requirements of Regulation S-X Rule 3-09(b) for the year ended December 31, 2018 and determined it was required to provide audited financial statements of Kansas Entertainment. The audited financial statements of Kansas Entertainment for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are provided as exhibits to this document to comply with this rule.

Texas and New Jersey Joint Ventures

The Company has a 50% interest in a joint venture with MAXXAM, which owns and operates the Sam Houston Race Park in Houston, Texas and the Valley Race Park in Harlingen, Texas, and holds a license for a racetrack in Austin, Texas. Sam Houston Race Park hosts thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing and offers daily simulcast operations, and Valley Race Park features dog racing and simulcasting. In addition, through a separate arrangement, the Company has a 50% interest in a joint venture with Greenwood Limited Jersey, Inc. (“Greenwood”), which owns and operates Freehold Raceway, in Freehold, New Jersey. The property features a half-mile standardbred racetrack and a grandstand.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company has determined that neither its Texas joint venture nor its New Jersey joint venture qualify as a VIE. Using the guidance for entities that are not VIEs, in both cases, the Company determined that it did not have a controlling financial interest in either of the joint ventures as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, primarily as it did not have the ability to direct the activities of either of the joint ventures that most significantly impacted the joint ventures’ economic performance without the input of MAXXAM or Greenwood, respectively. Therefore, the Company did not consolidate either of its investment in the joint ventures as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Property and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2018			2017
Property and equipment - non-Master Leases
Land and improvements	$	343,987		$	294,695
Building, vessels and improvements	342,944			429,015
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	1,565,830			1,385,889
Leasehold improvements	152,943			130,801
Construction in progress	25,473			15,617
	2,431,177			2,256,017
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(1,400,198		)	(1,345,147		)
	1,030,979			910,870
Property and equipment - Master Leases
Land and improvements	2,970,969			424,700
Building, vessels and improvements	3,845,062			2,258,577
	6,816,031			2,683,277
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(978,242		)	(837,478		)
	5,837,789			1,845,799
Property and equipment, net	$	6,868,768		$	2,756,669

Depreciation expense for all of our property and equipment was $251.9 million, $248.2 million and $261.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, of which, $112.1 million, $92.4 million and $91.1 million, pertained to real estate assets subject to either of our Master Leases, respectively. Interest capitalized in connection with major construction projects was zero, $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded $34.3 million of impairment on the property and equipment associated with our Resorts Casino Tunica property, principally relating to the real estate assets subject to the Penn Master Lease. The charge was the result of an impairment assessment performed after reviewing the financial results and projected results of this facility, which has been impacted by nearby competition. This impairment is included in “Provision for loan loss

and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC, net of recoveries, and impairment losses” within our Consolidated Statements of Operations. For additional information, see Note 16, “Fair Value Measurements.”

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

A reconciliation of goodwill and accumulated goodwill impairment losses, by reportable segment, is as follows:



(in thousands)	Northeast Segment			South Segment			West Segment			Midwest Segment			Other			Total
Balance as of January 1, 2017
Goodwill, gross	$	792,024		$	100,929		$	158,992		$	1,045,983		$	155,322		$	2,253,250
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	(707,593		)	(34,522		)	(1,812		)	(435,283		)	(84,355		)	(1,263,565		)
Goodwill, net	84,431			66,407			157,180			610,700			70,967			989,685
Goodwill acquired during year⁽¹⁾	—			35,929			—			669			—			36,598
Impairment losses during year	—			—			(14,821		)	—			(3,205		)	(18,026		)
Other	—			—			—			—			(160		)	(160		)
Balance as of December 31, 2017
Goodwill, gross	792,024			136,858			158,992			1,046,652			155,322			2,289,848
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	(707,593		)	(34,522		)	(16,633		)	(435,283		)	(87,720		)	(1,281,751		)
Goodwill, net	84,431			102,336			142,359			611,369			67,602			1,008,097
Goodwill acquired during year	56,400			48,300			51,431			63,400			794			220,325
Balance as of December 31, 2018
Goodwill, gross	848,424			185,158			210,423			1,110,052			156,116			2,510,173
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	(707,593		)	(34,522		)	(16,633		)	(435,283		)	(87,720		)	(1,281,751		)
Goodwill, net	$	140,831		$	150,636		$	193,790		$	674,769		$	68,396		$	1,228,422


(1)	The amount in the South segment originated from the acquisitions of 1^st Jackpot Casino Tunica and Resorts Casino Tunica, described in Note 5, “Acquisitions and Other Investments.”

As of September 30, 2017, the Company identified an indicator of impairment on its goodwill as a result of a reversal of a significant deferred tax valuation allowance, which caused increases in the carrying amounts of certain of our reporting units. As a result of an interim assessment for impairment, the goodwill at Tropicana Las Vegas was fully impaired, resulting in an impairment charge of $14.8 million, and the goodwill at Sanford-Orlando Kennel Club was partially impaired, resulting in an impairment charge of $3.2 million. The estimated fair values of the reporting units were determined by using discounted cash flow models, which utilized Level 3 inputs. These impairments are included in “Provision for loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC, net of recoveries, and impairment losses” within our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

As of December 31, 2018, six reporting units had negative carrying amounts. The amount of goodwill at these reporting units was as follows (in thousands):



Northeast segment
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races	$	8,654
Hollywood Casino Columbus	$	6,200
Hollywood Casino Toledo	$	5,800
South segment
Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast	$	2,700
Midwest segment
Argosy Casino Alton	$	11,863
Hollywood Casino Joliet	$	4,600

The table below presents the gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization, and net carrying amount of each major class of other intangible assets:



	December 31, 2018							December 31, 2017
(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Gaming licenses	$	1,498,309	$	—		$	1,498,309	$	374,709	$	—		$	374,709
Trademarks	298,000		—			298,000		—		—			—
Other	696		—			696		696		—			696
Amortizing intangible assets
Customer relationships	98,752		(51,544		)	47,208		75,252		(42,432		)	32,820
Other	61,918		(49,263		)	12,655		56,231		(41,850		)	14,381
Total other intangible assets	$	1,957,675	$	(100,807	)	$	1,856,868	$	506,888	$	(84,282	)	$	422,606

Other intangible assets increased by $1,434.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily due to the Pinnacle Acquisition, which is discussed in Note 5, “Acquisitions and Other Investments.” Additionally, we purchased two Category 4 gaming licenses to operate up to 750 slot machines and initially up to 30 table games, under each license, in York County, Pennsylvania for $50.1 million and in Berks County, Pennsylvania for $7.5 million, and real money iGaming and sports betting licenses in Pennsylvania for $20.0 million, all of which have been classified as indefinite-lived intangible assets. There were no impairment charges recorded on other intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 or 2016.

Our amortizing intangible assets have a weighted-average remaining amortization period of 3.5 years. Amortization expense relating to our amortizing intangible assets were $17.1 million, $18.9 million, and $9.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The following table presents the estimated amortization expense based on our amortizing intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands):



Years ending December 31:
2019	$	22,085
2020	16,472
2021	4,795
2022	4,063
2023	4,003
Thereafter	8,445
Total	$	59,863

Long-term Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt, net of current maturities, was as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2018			2017
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Revolving Credit Facility due 2023	$	112,000		$	—
Term Loan A Facility due 2023	707,674			288,750
Term Loan B Facility due 2024	—			471,250
Term Loan B-1 Facility due 2025	1,128,750			—
5.625% Notes due 2027	400,000			400,000
Other long-term obligations	104,583			119,310
Capital leases	381			891
	2,453,388			1,280,201
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt	(62,140		)	(35,612		)
Less: Debt discount	(2,748		)	(2,558		)
Less: Debt issuance costs	(38,412		)	(27,406		)
	$	2,350,088		$	1,214,625

The following is a schedule of future minimum repayments of long-term debt as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands):



Year ending December 31:
2019	$	62,140
2020	63,114
2021	81,474
2022	99,919
2023	655,069
Thereafter	1,491,672
Total minimum payments	$	2,453,388

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

On October 30, 2013, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “2013 Credit Agreement”) providing for: (i) a five-year $500 million revolving credit facility (the “2013 Revolving Credit Facility”), (ii) a five-year $500 million term loan A facility (the “2013 Term Loan A Facility”) and (iii) a seven-year $250 million term loan B facility (the “2013 Term Loan B Facility” and collectively with the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility and the 2013 Term Loan A Facility, the “2013 Senior Secured Credit Facilities”). The 2013 Term Loan A Facility was priced at LIBOR plus a spread (ranging from 1.25% to 2.75%) based on the Company’s Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2013 Credit Agreement). The 2013 Term Loan B Facility was priced at LIBOR plus 2.50%, with a 0.75% LIBOR floor.

On April 28, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to amend its 2013 Credit Agreement (the “Amended 2013 Credit Agreement”). In August 2015, the Amended 2013 Credit Agreement went into effect, which increased the capacity under the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility to $633.2 million and increased the 2013 Term Loan A Facility to $646.7 million. The Amended 2013 Credit Agreement did not impact the 2013 Term Loan B Facility.

On January 19, 2017, the Company entered into an agreement to amend and restate its Amended 2013 Credit Agreement (the “2017 Credit Agreement”), which provided for: (i) a five-year $700 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), a five-year $300 million term loan A facility (the “Term Loan A Facility”), and a seven-year $500 million Term Loan B facility (the “Term Loan B Facility” and collectively with the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan A Facility, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”).

On October 15, 2018, in connection with the Pinnacle Acquisition, the Company entered into an incremental joinder agreement (the “Incremental Joinder”), which amended the 2017 Credit Agreement (the “Amended 2017 Credit Agreement”). The Incremental Joinder provided for an additional $430.2 million of incremental loans having the same terms as the existing

Term Loan A Facility, with the exception of extending the maturity date, and an additional $1,128.8 million of loans as a new tranche having new terms (the “Term Loan B-1 Facility”). The proceeds resulting from the Incremental Joinder were used; together with cash on hand and proceeds received from (i) newly-issued shares of the Company’s common stock, (ii) the sale of the Divested Properties to Boyd, (iii) the Plainridge Park Casino Sale-Leaseback, and (iv) the sale of the real estate assets associated with Belterra Park to GLPI; to (a) acquire all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Pinnacle, (b) repay in full Pinnacle’s existing senior secured credit facilities at the time of the acquisition, (c) redeem, repurchase, defease or satisfy and discharge in full Pinnacle’s outstanding 5.625% senior notes due 2024, (d) repay in full the Company’s outstanding borrowings under its Term Loan B Facility at the time of the acquisition, and (e) pay fees, costs and expenses associated with the foregoing. With the exception of extending the maturity date, the Incremental Joinder did not impact the Revolving Credit Facility.

The final maturity dates for the Term Loan A Facility and Term Loan B-1 Facility are October 19, 2023 and October 15, 2025, respectively. The applicable margin for the Term Loan A Facility ranges from 1.25% to 3.00% per annum for LIBOR loans and 0.25% to 2.00% per annum for base rate loans, in each case depending on the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended 2017 Credit Agreement) as of the most recent fiscal quarter. The applicable margin for the Term Loan B-1 Facility is 2.25% per annum for LIBOR loans and 1.25% per annum for base rate loans. The Term Loan B-1 Facility is subject to a LIBOR “floor” of 0.75%. Prior to extinguishment, the applicable margin for the Term Loan B Facility was 2.50% per annum for LIBOR loans and 1.50% per annum for base rate loans. In addition, we pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility at a rate that ranges from 0.20% to 0.50% per annum, depending on the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the most recent fiscal quarter.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had conditional obligations under letters of credit issued pursuant to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities with face amounts aggregating $30.0 million and $22.1 million, respectively, resulting in $558.0 million and $677.9 million of available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, in connection with the debt financing transactions relating to the Pinnacle Acquisition and principal repayments on the Term Loan B Facility, the Company recorded $5.5 million in refinancing costs and a $21.0 million loss on early extinguishment of debt, related to refinancing costs on the extinguishment of the Term Loan B Facility and the write-off of debt issuance costs and the discount on the Term Loan B Facility. For the year ended December 31, 2017, in connection with the repayment of the 2013 Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the Company recorded $1.7 million in refinancing costs and a $2.3 million loss on early extinguishment of debt, related to the write-off of debt issuance costs and the discount on the 2013 Term Loan B Facility. The refinancing costs are included in “Other” within our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The payment and performance of obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities are guaranteed by a lien on and security interest in substantially all of the assets (other than excluded property such as gaming licenses) of the Company and its subsidiaries.

5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes

On January 19, 2017, the Company completed an offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 5.625% senior unsecured notes that mature on January 15, 2027 (the “5.625% Notes”) at a price of par. Interest on the 5.625% Notes is payable on January 15^th and July 15^th of each year. The 5.625% Notes will not be guaranteed by any of the Company’s subsidiaries except in the event that the Company in the future issues certain subsidiary-guaranteed debt securities. The Company may redeem the 5.625% Notes at any time on or after January 15, 2022, at the declining redemption premiums set forth in the indenture governing the 5.625% Notes, and, prior to January 15, 2022, at a “make-whole” redemption premium set forth in the indenture governing the 5.625% Notes. In addition, prior to January 15, 2020, the Company may redeem the 5.625% Notes with an amount equal to the net proceeds from one or more equity offerings, at a redemption price equal to 105.625% of the principal amount of the 5.625% Notes redeemed, together with accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date, so long as at least 60% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes originally issued under the indenture remains outstanding and such redemption occurs within 180 days of closing of the related equity offering.

The Company used a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the 5.625% Notes to retire its existing 5.875% Notes (as defined below) and, along with loans funded under the 2017 Credit Agreement, repay amounts outstanding under its Amended 2013 Credit Agreement, including to fund related transaction fees and expenses. The remaining proceeds from the issuance of the 5.625% Notes were used for general corporate purposes.

Redemption of 5.875% Senior Subordinated Notes

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company redeemed all of its $300 million 5.875% senior subordinated notes (“5.875% Notes”), which were due in 2021. In connection with this redemption, the Company recorded a $21.1 million loss on early extinguishment of debt for the year ended December 31, 2017 related to the difference between the reacquisition price of the 5.875% Notes and their carrying amount.

Other Long-Term Obligations

Ohio Relocation Fees

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, other long-term obligations included $91.3 million and $105.4 million, respectively, related to the relocation fees for Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway and Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course.

In June 2013, the Company finalized the terms of its memorandum of understanding with the State of Ohio, which included an agreement by the Company to pay a relocation fee in return for being able to relocate its existing racetracks in Toledo and Grove City to Dayton and Mahoning Valley, respectively. Upon opening of these two racinos in Ohio in September 2014, the relocation fee for each new racino was recorded at the present value of the contractual obligation, which was calculated as $75.0 million based on the 5.0% discount rate included in the agreement. The relocation fee for each facility is payable as follows: $7.5 million upon the opening of the facility and eighteen semi-annual payments of $4.8 million beginning one year after the commencement of operations. This obligation is accreted to interest expense at an effective yield of 5.0%. The amount included in interest expense related to this obligation was $4.8 million, $5.5 million and $6.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Event Center

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, other long-term obligations included $13.2 million and $13.8 million, respectively, related to the repayment obligation of a hotel and event center located near Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg.

The City of Lawrenceburg Department of Redevelopment completed construction of a hotel and event center located less than a mile away from Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg. Effective in January 2015, by contractual agreement, a repayment obligation for the hotel and event center was assumed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company in the amount of $15.3 million, which was financed through a loan with the City of Lawrenceburg Department of Redevelopment, in exchange for conveyance of the property. The Company is obligated to make annual payments on the loan of $1.0 million for 20 years, which began in January 2016. This obligation is accreted to interest expense at its effective yield of 3.0%. The amount included in interest expense related to this obligation was $0.4 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

Corporate Airplane Loan

On September 30, 2016, the Company acquired a previously-leased corporate airplane that was accounted for as a capital lease, which was financed through an amortizing loan at a fixed interest rate of 5.22% for a term of five years with monthly payments of $0.2 million and a balloon payment of $12.6 million at the end of the loan term. We repaid the loan in full on January 19, 2017.

Covenants

Our Senior Secured Credit Facilities and 5.625% Notes require us, among other obligations, to maintain specified financial ratios and to satisfy certain financial tests, including the Maximum Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, Maximum Consolidated Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio and Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio (as such terms are defined in our Amended 2017 Credit Agreement) as well as the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the indenture governing our 5.625% Notes). In addition, the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities and 5.625% Notes restrict, among other things, our ability to incur additional indebtedness, incur guarantee obligations, amend debt instruments, pay dividends, create liens on assets, make investments, engage in mergers or consolidations, and otherwise restrict corporate activities. As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all required financial covenants.

Master Lease Financing Obligations and Lease Obligations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Leases [Abstract]

Master Lease Financing Obligations and Lease Obligations

Master Lease Financing Obligations

The majority of the gaming facilities used in the Company’s operations are subject to triple net master leases; the most significant of which are the Penn Master Lease and the Pinnacle Master Lease. As discussed in Note 3, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” the Company’s Master Leases are accounted for as financing obligations. Contingent rental payments, such as escalators and the percentage rents not considered to be fixed at lease inception under the Penn Master Lease and the Pinnacle Master Lease are recorded as interest expense as incurred.

Penn Master Lease

Pursuant to a triple net master lease with GLPI (the “Penn Master Lease”), which became effective November 1, 2013, the Company leases real estate assets associated with 20 of the gaming facilities used in its operations. The Penn Master Lease has an initial term of 15 years with four subsequent, five-year renewal periods on the same terms and conditions, exercisable at the Company’s option.

The payment structure under the Penn Master Lease includes a fixed component, a portion of which is subject to an annual escalator of up to 2%, depending on the Adjusted Revenue to Rent Ratio (as defined in the Penn Master Lease) of 1.8:1, and a component that is based on the performance of the facilities, which is prospectively adjusted (i) every five years by an amount equal to 4% of the average change in net revenues of all facilities under the Penn Master Lease compared to a contractual baseline (other than Hollywood Casino Columbus and Hollywood Casino Toledo) during the preceding five years (“Penn Percentage Rent”) and (ii) monthly by an amount equal to 20% of the revenues of Hollywood Casino Columbus and Hollywood Casino Toledo in excess of a contractual baseline.

In April 2014, we entered into an amendment to the Penn Master Lease in order to revise certain provisions relating to our former Argosy Casino Sioux City property. In accordance with that amendment, upon the cessation of gaming operations at Argosy Casino Sioux City on July 30, 2014, due to the termination of its gaming license, the annual payment to GLPI was reduced by $6.2 million. In addition, with the openings of Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway and Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course in September 2014, our annual payment increased by $19 million, which approximated 10% of the real estate construction costs paid for by GLPI related to these facilities.

In connection with the acquisitions of 1^stJackpot Casino Tunica and Resorts Casino Tunica in May 2017, the Company’s Penn Master Lease financing obligation increased by $82.6 million, which was the price paid by GLPI for the casinos’ underlying real estate assets. As a result of the addition of these two properties to the Penn Master Lease, the annual rent payment increased by $9.0 million.

The Company has incurred annual escalators under the Penn Master Lease, which resulted in increases to the Company’s annual payment of $5.4 million, $2.4 million and $4.5 million commencing on November 1, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, effective November 1, 2018, the Penn Percentage Rent reset resulted in an annual rent reduction of $11.3 million, which will be in effect until the next Penn Percentage Rent reset, occurring on November 1, 2023.

Total lease payments under the Penn Master Lease were as follows:



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Reduction of financing obligation	$	60,061	$	57,859	$	50,548
Interest expense attributable to financing obligation	401,483		397,580		391,738
Total lease payments under the Penn Master Lease	$	461,544	$	455,439	$	442,286

The interest expense recognized for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 includes $48.9 million, $46.8 million and $43.8 million, respectively, from contingent payments associated with the monthly variable components for Hollywood Casino Columbus and Hollywood Casino Toledo.

Pinnacle Master Lease

In connection with the Pinnacle Acquisition, the Company assumed a triple net master lease with GLPI, originally effective April 28, 2016 (“Pinnacle Master Lease”). Concurrent with the closing of the Pinnacle Acquisition on October 15, 2018, the Company entered into an amendment to the Pinnacle Master Lease to, among other things, (i) remove Ameristar Casino Resort St. Charles, Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City and Belterra Casino Resort, which were sold to Boyd, and (ii) add Plainridge

Park Casino, whose real estate assets were sold to GLPI and concurrently leased back to the Company for a fixed annual rent of $25.0 million. Further, the rent payment under the Pinnacle Master Lease was increased by a fixed annual amount of $13.9 million to adjust the rent to reflect current market conditions. Reflecting this amendment, the Company leases real estate assets associated with twelve of the gaming facilities used in the Company’s operations from GLPI.

Upon assumption of the Pinnacle Master Lease, as amended, there were 7.5 years remaining of the initial 10-year term, with five subsequent, five-year renewal periods exercisable at the Company’s option. The payment structure under the Pinnacle Master Lease includes a fixed component, which is subject to an annual escalator of up to 2%, depending on the Adjusted Revenue to Rent Ratio (as defined in the Pinnacle Master Lease) of 1.8:1, and a component that is based on the performance of the facilities, which is prospectively adjusted every two years by an amount equal to 4% of the average change in net revenues of all facilities under the Pinnacle Master Lease compared to a contractual baseline during the preceding two years (“Pinnacle Percentage Rent”). The next Pinnacle Percentage Rent reset will occur effective May 1, 2020.

Total lease payments under the Pinnacle Master Lease were as follows:



(in thousands)	For the Year Ended December 31, 2018
Reduction of financing obligation	$	7,351
Interest expense attributable to financing obligation	62,993
Total lease payments under the Pinnacle Master Lease⁽¹⁾	$	70,344


(1)	Includes $13.6 million pertaining to the period from October 15, 2018 through October 31, 2018, which was prepaid by Pinnacle.

The future minimum payments related to the Penn Master Lease and Pinnacle Master Lease as of December 31, 2018 were as follows:



(in thousands)	Penn Master Lease			Pinnacle Master Lease			Total
Year ending December 31:
2019	$	347,384		$	329,245		$	676,629
2020	347,384			308,067			655,451
2021	347,384			297,478			644,862
2022	347,384			297,478			644,862
2023	347,384			297,478			644,862
Thereafter	8,626,711			8,131,064			16,757,775
Total minimum lease payments	10,363,631			9,660,810			20,024,441
Less: Amounts representing interest	(7,100,050		)	(7,285,956		)	(14,386,006		)
Plus: Residual values	215,179			1,294,801			1,509,980
Present value of future minimum lease payments	3,478,760			3,669,655			7,148,415
Less: Current portion of financing obligation	(21,114		)	(46,663		)	(67,777		)
Long-term portion of financing obligation	$	3,457,646		$	3,622,992		$	7,080,638

Operating Lease Commitments

The Company is liable under numerous operating leases for various assets, including, but not limited to ground leases, the Meadows Lease (as defined and discussed below), automobiles, and other equipment. Total rental expense under all operating lease agreements was $58.1 million, $45.4 million and $40.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The future minimum lease commitments relating to the base lease rent portion of noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):



Year ending December 31:
2019	$	43,913
2020	40,510
2021	30,497
2022	30,109
2023	28,454
Thereafter	272,492
Total	$	445,975

Meadows Lease

In connection with the Pinnacle Acquisition, the Company assumed a triple net lease of the real estate assets used in the operation of Meadows Racetrack and Casino, originally effective September 9, 2016 (the “Meadows Lease”), with GLPI as the landlord. The Meadows Lease is accounted for as an operating lease.

Upon assumption of the Meadows Lease, there were 8.0 years remaining of the initial 10-year term, with three subsequent, five-year renewal options followed by one four-year renewal option on the same terms and conditions, exercisable at the Company’s option. The payment structure under the Meadows Lease includes a fixed component (“Meadows Base Rent”), which is subject to an annual escalator of up to 5% for the initial term or until the lease year in which Meadows Base Rent plus Meadows Percentage Rent (see defined below) is a total of $31.0 million, subject to certain adjustments, and up to 2% thereafter, subject to an Adjusted Revenue to Rent Ratio (as defined in the Meadows Lease) of 2.0:1. The Meadows Percentage Rent is based on the performance of the facilities, which is prospectively adjusted for the next two-year period equal to 4% of the average annual net revenues during the trailing two-year period. The next Meadows Percentage Rent reset will occur effective October 1, 2020.

Total lease payments under the Meadows Lease were $5.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2018, of which $3.8 million was recorded as rent expense, which is included in “General and administrative” within our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Litigation The Company is subject to various legal and administrative proceedings relating to personal injuries, employment matters, commercial transactions, development agreements and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the final outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. In addition, the Company maintains what it believes is adequate insurance coverage to further mitigate the risks of such proceedings. However, such proceedings can be costly, time consuming and unpredictable and; therefore, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of such proceedings may not materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Further, no assurance can be given that the amount or scope of existing insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover losses arising from such matters. Legal proceedings could result in costs, settlements, damages, or rulings that materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial condition or operating results. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses, claims and/or counter-claims with respect to these proceedings, and intends to vigorously defend itself or pursue its claims. Location Share Agreements The Company’s subsidiary, PSG, enters into location share agreements with bar and retail establishments in Illinois. These agreements are contracts which allow PSG to place VGTs in the bar or retail establishment in exchange for a percentage of the variable revenue generated by the VGTs. PSG holds the gaming license with the state of Illinois and the location share percentage is determined by the state of Illinois. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the total location share payments made by PSG, which are recorded within our Consolidated Statements of Operations as gaming expenses, were $34.7 million, $29.7 million, and $21.2 million, respectively. Purchase Obligations The Company has obligations to purchase various goods and services totaling $97.2 million as of December 31, 2018, of which $64.9 million will be incurred in 2019. Capital Expenditure Commitments The Company’s properties that are subject to either of the Master Leases are obligated to spend a minimum of 1% of annual net revenues for the maintenance of those facilities. Labor Agreements The Company is required to have agreements with the horsemen at the majority of its racetracks to conduct its live racing and/or simulcasting activities. In addition, in order to operate gaming machines and table games in West Virginia, the Company must maintain agreements with each of the Charles Town horsemen, pari-mutuel clerks and breeders. At Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, the Company has an agreement with the Charles Town Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, which expired on June 18, 2018, but has been extended until April 18, 2019. Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races also has an agreement with the breeders that expires on June 30, 2019. Additionally, the pari-mutuel clerks at Charles Town are represented under a collective bargaining agreement with the West Virginia Union of Mutuel Clerks, which expired on December 31, 2010, but has been extended on a month-to-month basis. The Company’s agreement with the Pennsylvania Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course was renewed through January 31, 2020. The Company has an agreement with Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 108, regarding both on-track and off-track pari-mutuel clerks and admission staff, which expires on December 1, 2021. The Company has an agreement, which runs through August 2021, with the International Chapter of Horseshoers and Allied Equine Trades Local 947 regarding starting gate and jockey valet staff. The Company’s agreement with the Meadows Standardbred Owners Clubs Association was renewed through December 31, 2018. Meadows Racetrack and Casino has existing collective bargaining agreements with (1) The International Union, Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America and Local #508, which expires August 16, 2020, (2) UNITE/Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees (“HERE”) Local 57, which expires on September 11, 2020, and (3) Laborers Local Union #108 On-Track and Off-Track, which expires on March 31, 2022. We are in the process of extending the Company’s agreement with the Maine Harness Horsemen Association at Bangor Raceway through the conclusion of the 2020 racing season. In March 2014, Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course entered into an agreement with the Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. The term is for a period of ten years from the September 2014 commencement of video lottery terminal operations at that facility. Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway entered into a ten-year agreement with the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association for racing at the property in September 2015. In January 2014, Plainridge Park Casino entered into an agreement with the Harness Horsemen’s Association of New England, which expired on December 31, 2018 and is currently under negotiation. Across certain of the Company’s properties, Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trade Union (“SEATU”) represents approximately 1,628 of the Company’s employees under a National Agreement that expires on January 24, 2032 and Local Addenda that expire at various times between June 2021 and October 2024. SEATU agreements are in place at Hollywood Casino Joliet, Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg, Argosy Casino Riverside, Argosy Casino Alton, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Hollywood Gaming Dayton, Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley, Plainridge Park Casino, and Ameristar East Chicago. Argosy Alton has a wage reopener in 2019; Plainridge Park Casino wage reopener from October 2018 is still outstanding. The remainder of the SEATU agreements have expiration dates in 2020 and beyond. At Hollywood Casino Joliet, the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union Local 1 represents approximately 172 employees under a collective bargaining agreement which expires on March 31, 2019. At Hollywood Casino Columbus and Hollywood Casino Toledo, a council comprised of the United Auto Workers and the United Steel Workers represents approximately 1,254 employees under a collective bargaining agreement which ends on November 15, 2019. Ameristar East Chicago has existing collective bargaining agreements with (1) SEATU, which expires on July 30, 2023 and (2) UNITE/HERE Best and Final, which expired April 30, 2018 and has been extended on a year-to-year basis. Tropicana Las Vegas has seven existing collective bargaining agreements with the following unions: (1) Culinary & Bartenders, which expired on May 31, 2018 and continues year to year at the discretion of either party, (2) United Brotherhood of Carpenters, which expires on July 31, 2019, (3) International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which expires on February 28, 2021, (4) International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, which expired on December 31, 2018 and continues year to year at the discretion of either party, (5) International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, which expired on June 30, 2018 and continues year to year at the discretion of either party, and (6)/(7) Teamsters, regarding front and back of the house; both agreements expired on March 31, 2018 and have been extended on a year-to-year basis. If the Company fails to maintain operative agreements with the horsemen at a track, it will not be permitted to conduct live racing and export and import simulcasting at that track and off-track wagering facilities (“OTWs”) and, in West Virginia, the Company will not be permitted to operate its gaming machines and table games unless the state intervenes or changes the statute. In addition, the Company’s simulcasting agreements are subject to the horsemen’s approval. If the Company fails to renew or modify existing agreements on satisfactory terms, this failure could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations. Except for the closure of the facilities at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course and its OTWs from February 16, 1999 to March 24, 1999 due to a horsemen’s strike, and a few days at other times and locations, the Company has been able to maintain the necessary agreements. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain the required agreements. Employee Benefit Plans The Company maintains a qualified retirement plan under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which covers all eligible employees (the “Penn 401(k) Plan”). The Penn 401(k) Plan enables participating employees to defer a portion of their salary in a retirement fund to be administered by the Company. The Company makes a discretionary match contribution, where applicable, of 50% of employees’ elective salary deferrals, up to a maximum of 6% of eligible employee compensation. The matching contributions to the Penn 401(k) Plan for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $6.5 million, $6.0 million, and $5.3 million, respectively. The Company also has a defined contribution plan, the Charles Town Races Future Service Retirement Plan, covering substantially all of its union employees at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races makes annual contributions to the defined contribution plan for the eligible union employees and to the Penn 401(k) Plan for the eligible non-union employees for an amount equal to the amount accrued for retirement expense, which is calculated as 0.25% of the daily mutual handle, 1.0% of net video lottery revenue up to a base and, after the base is met, it reverts to 0.5% and 0.84% of table and poker revenue, respectively. The contributions for the two plans at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $2.6 million, $2.6 million, and $2.8 million, respectively. The Company maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan (the “EDC Plan”) that covers most management and other highly-compensated employees. The EDC Plan was effective beginning March 1, 2001. The EDC Plan allows the participants to defer, on a pre-tax basis, a portion of their base annual salary and/or their annual bonus and earn tax-deferred earnings on these deferrals. The EDC Plan also provides for matching Company contributions that vest over a five-year period. The Company has established a trust, and transfers to the trust, on a periodic basis, an amount necessary to provide for its respective future liabilities with respect to participant deferral and Company contribution amounts. The Company’s matching contributions for the EDC Plan for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $2.3 million, $2.2 million, and $2.2 million, respectively. The Company’s deferred compensation liability, which is included in “Other current liabilities” within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $64.1 million and $64.7 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law comprehensive tax reform legislation commonly known as Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), which introduces significant changes to the United States tax law. The Tax Act provides numerous provisions including, but not limited to, a reduction to the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, a temporary provision allowing 100% expensing of qualifying capital improvements, a one-time transition tax on foreign earnings, a general elimination of U.S. federal income taxes on dividends received from foreign subsidiaries and a new provision designed to tax global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”).

Also on December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provided accounting guidance for the Tax Act. SAB 118 provided a measurement period similar to a business combination whereby a company recognizes provisional amounts to the extent that they are reasonably estimable and adjusts them over time as more information becomes available, not to extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent

the accounting related to the Tax Act is incomplete but a reasonable estimate is attainable, a provisional estimate should be reflected within the financial statements.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a provisional amount for certain enactment-date effects of the Tax Act by applying the guidance in SAB 118 for the effects of the following aspects: remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities, one-time transition tax, and tax on GILTI. As of December 31, 2018, the accounting for all enactment-date income tax effects of the Tax Act was complete resulting in an adjustment to income tax expense of $1.2 million, which increased the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2018 by 1.3%.

In connection with our initial analysis of the Tax Act impact during 2017, we recorded a provisional decrease to net deferred tax assets of $261.3 million with a corresponding increase to deferred tax expense to account for the change in the federal tax rate to 21%. The Company’s computations were complete as of December 22, 2018, and a change of $0.3 million was recorded in the current year for the remeasurement of our net deferred tax assets. Beginning in 2018, the new federal rate of 21% has been reflected in the current federal tax expense within our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Additionally, there was a one-time deemed repatriation tax on undistributed foreign earnings and profits (the “transition tax”). The application of the transition tax was relevant to certain undistributed and previously untaxed post-1986 foreign earnings and profits from our management service contract with Casino Rama located in Orillia, Ontario. The Company recognized a provisional tax expense of $2.6 million related to the transition tax in 2017 and the new law allows a Company to pay this liability over an eight-year period without interest. Upon further analysis of the Tax Act and published guidance issued and proposed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service, we finalized our calculations of the transition tax liability during 2018. We increased our December 31, 2017 provisional amount by $0.9 million, which is included as a component of income tax expense. We have elected to pay our transition tax over the eight-year period provided in the Tax Act. As of December 31, 2018, the remaining balance of our transition tax obligation was $3.2 million, which will be paid over the next seven years. The Tax Act also contained a new GILTI tax provision and due to the complexity and timing of the enactment, the Company did not record any provisional amount in the December 31, 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements, or make a policy decision regarding whether to record deferred taxes related to GILTI. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company has made an accounting policy election to treat taxes due under the GILTI tax provision as a current period expense. The GILTI provision resulted in a current period expense of $0.3 million.

The following table summarizes the tax effects of temporary differences between the Consolidated Financial Statements carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, which are recorded at the prevailing enacted tax rate that will be in effect when these differences are settled or realized. These temporary differences result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. The Company assessed all available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to realize our existing net deferred tax assets. In connection with the failed spin-off-leaseback, the Company continued to record real estate assets and a financing obligation of $2.0 billion and $3.5 billion, respectively, on November 1, 2013, which resulted in a substantial increase to our net deferred tax assets of $599.9 million. ASC 740 suggests that additional scrutiny should be given to deferred taxes of an entity with cumulative pre-tax losses during the most recent three years. Positive evidence of sufficient quantity and quality is required to overcome such significant negative evidence to conclude that a valuation allowance is not warranted.

The components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2018			2017
Deferred tax assets:
Stock-based compensation expense	$	8,998		$	15,038
Accrued expenses	42,897			39,474
Loan to the JIVDC	—			26,237
Financing obligations associated with Master Leases	1,919,718			900,311
Unrecognized tax benefits	6,732			6,565
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	3,579			—
Net operating losses, interest limitation and tax credit carryforwards	122,785			59,842
Gross deferred tax assets	2,104,709			1,047,467
Less: Valuation allowance	(89,508		)	(113,699		)
Net deferred tax assets	2,015,201			933,768
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment, non-Master Leases	(47,308		)	(33,148		)
Property and equipment, Master Leases	(1,599,907		)	(469,363		)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	—			(1,218		)
Undistributed foreign earnings	(349		)	(2,061		)
Intangibles	(287,025		)	(37,035		)
Net deferred tax liabilities	(1,934,589		)	(542,825		)
Noncurrent deferred tax assets, net	$	80,612		$	390,943

We recorded a $1.0 billion increase in gross deferred income tax assets and $1.4 billion increase in gross deferred tax liabilities in connection with the acquisition of Pinnacle, which were primarily related to temporary differences associated with the financing obligation on the Pinnacle Master Lease, acquired net operating losses, and property and equipment assumed under the Pinnacle Master Lease, as amended. Pinnacle properties will now be included in our consolidated federal and state tax returns, which impacted our effective tax rate in certain jurisdictions in the fourth quarter 2018.

The realizability of the net deferred tax assets is evaluated quarterly by assessing the need for a valuation allowance and by adjusting the amount of the allowance, if necessary. The Company gives appropriate consideration to all available positive and negative evidence including projected future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. The evaluation of both positive and negative evidence is a requirement pursuant to ASC 740 in determining the net deferred tax assets will be realized. In the event the Company determines that the deferred income tax assets would be realized in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be recorded, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

The Company determined that a valuation allowance was no longer required against its federal and state net deferred tax assets for the portion that will be realized. The most significant evidence that led to the reversal of the valuation allowance during the three months ended September 30, 2017 included the following:

•

Achievement and sustained growth in our three-year cumulative pretax earnings. During the fourth quarter 2016, we emerged from a three-year cumulative pretax loss position, generating a near break-even cumulative amount of pretax income. This cumulative pretax income increased to $76.6 million as of September 30, 2017 and was expected to rise substantially at year-end since the Company had recorded a $161.5 million pretax loss in the fourth quarter 2014 due to impairment charges of $155.3 million in that period.


•	Substantial pretax income in seven of the last eight quarters with the only loss reported eight quarters ago.

•

Lack of significant goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges expected in 2017. The Company had experienced significant impairment charges in connection with the spin-off of its real estate assets to GLPI in November 2013. The Company recorded impairment charges totaling $40.0 million, $159.9 million and $798.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There were no impairments recorded in 2016 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded impairments of $29.9 million.

For the three months ended December 31, 2017, there were no material changes to our core business operations that altered our prior interim conclusion to release the valuation allowance against the federal and state net deferred tax assets for the portion that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. As such, the Company released $741.9 million of its total valuation allowance for the year ended December 31, 2017 due to the positive evidence outweighing the negative evidence thereby allowing the Company to achieve the “more-likely-than-not” realization standard. Moreover, the Company continued to experience significant three-year cumulative pretax income of $185.5 million as of December 31, 2018 supporting the position that a federal valuation allowance is not necessary excluding the valuation allowance recorded on the federal capital loss carryforwards. During the three months ended December 31, 2018, we released a partial valuation allowance on a capital loss carryforward in the amount of $22.4 million that offset the capital gain realized on the Plainridge Park Casino Sale-Leaseback. This reversal is reflected in our income tax benefit within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company continued to maintain a valuation allowance of $89.5 million as of December 31, 2018 primarily related to certain state filing groups where we continue to be in a cumulative three-year pretax loss position.

Following the ownership changes of the Tropicana Las Vegas and more recently the Pinnacle Acquisition, the Company had $252.8 million of total federal net operating loss carryforwards and a Section 163(j) interest limitation carryforward of $18.0 million. The portion of tax attributes that will expire on various dates from 2020 through 2037 is $182.1 million. The remaining tax attributes do not expire. The utilization of indefinite federal net operating loss carryforwards is limited to 80% of taxable income in any given year. As management receives additional information during the measurement period, the tax attributes acquired from Pinnacle may be adjusted through goodwill and accounted for in the period they arise. All acquired tax attributes are subject to limitations under the Internal Revenue Code and underlying Treasury Regulations, however, we believe it is more-likely-than-not that the benefit from these tax attributes will be realized.

For state income tax reporting, the Company had gross state net operating loss carryforwards aggregating approximately $835.2 million available to reduce future state income taxes, primarily for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the States of Missouri, New Mexico, Louisiana, Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio localities as of December 31, 2018. The tax benefit associated with these net operating loss carryforwards was approximately $53.2 million. Due to statutorily limited operating loss carryforwards and income and loss projections in the applicable jurisdictions, a valuation allowance has been recorded to reflect the net operating losses which are not presently expected to be realized in the amount of $32.1 million. If not used, substantially all the carryforwards will expire at various dates from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2038. The increase in total gross state net operating loss carryforwards was largely due to the tax attributes acquired upon closing the Pinnacle Acquisition. Following the ownership change, the Company acquired approximately $382.0 million of gross state net operating loss carryforwards available to reduce future state income taxes.

Overall, the Company’s valuation allowance decreased year-over-year by a net amount of $24.2 million, primarily due to the partial recognition of a capital loss carryforward associated with the loan to the JIVDC that offset the capital gain recognized from the Plainridge Park Casino Sale-Leaseback. The tax effects of the Pinnacle Acquisition were immaterial to the Company’s valuation allowance; however, they are preliminary and subject to change during the measurement period. A change in purchase accounting may affect the recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities and our effective rate in a future period.

The domestic and foreign components of income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018		2017			2016
Domestic	$	89,582	$	(29,538	)	$	116,693
Foreign	339		4,494			3,924
Total	$	89,921	$	(25,044	)	$	120,617

The provision for income taxes charged to operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was as follows:



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018			2017			2016
Current tax benefit (expense)
Federal	$	(15,336	)	$	(16,318	)	$	(8,721	)
State	(6,402		)	(6,062		)	(3,489		)
Foreign	(1,349		)	2,981			9,639
Total current	(23,087		)	(19,399		)	(2,571		)
Deferred tax benefit (expense)
Federal	14,576			480,712			(4,701		)
State	10,945			39,255			(3,279		)
Foreign	1,159			(2,061		)	(756		)
Total deferred	26,680			517,906			(8,736		)
Total income tax benefit (expense)	$	3,593		$	498,507		$	(11,307	)

The following table reconciles the statutory federal income tax rate to the actual effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:



	For the year ended December 31,
	2018		2017		2016
Percent of pretax income
Federal statutory rate	21.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State and local income taxes - net of federal benefits	(6.2	)	6.3		1.2
Nondeductible expenses	6.9		(16.0	)	0.3
Goodwill impairment	—		(20.5	)	—
Compensation	(3.8	)	29.5		(1.5	)
Contingent liability settlement	—		22.9		0.6
Foreign	(0.1	)	11.3		(8.5	)
Valuation allowance	(20.3	)	2,962.3		(17.1	)
Tax Act - deferred rate change	—		(1,043.5	)	—
Other miscellaneous items	(1.5	)	3.3		(0.6	)
Total effective tax rate	(4.0	)%	1,990.6	%	9.4	%

The income tax benefit (expense) differs from the federal statutory amount due to the effect of the items detailed in the table below:



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018			2017			2016
Amount of pretax income
Federal statutory rate	$	(18,883	)	$	8,765		$	(42,216	)
State and local income taxes - net of federal benefits	5,615			1,567			(1,498		)
Nondeductible expenses	(6,161		)	(4,018		)	(371		)
Goodwill impairment	—			(5,131		)	—
Compensation	3,369			7,376			1,817
Contingent liability settlement	—			5,740			(756		)
Foreign	117			2,840			10,268
Valuation allowance	18,275			741,872			20,675
Tax Act - deferred rate change	—			(261,329		)	—
Other miscellaneous items	1,261			825			774
Total income tax benefit (expense)	$	3,593		$	498,507		$	(11,307	)

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts for the liability for unrecognized tax benefits was as follows:



(in thousands)	Unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1, 2017	$	26,792
Additions based on current year positions	2,979
Additions based on prior year positions	2,836
Decreases due to settlements and/or reduction in reserves	(1,322		)
Currency translation adjustments	(119		)
Settlement payments	(216		)
Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2017	30,950
Additions based on current year positions	—
Additions based on prior year positions	775
Decreases due to settlements and/or reduction in reserves	(2,005		)
Currency translation adjustments	(39		)
Settlement payments	—
Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2018	$	29,681

The Company is required under ASC 740 to disclose its accounting policy for classifying interest and penalties, the amount of interest and penalties charged to expense each period, as well as the cumulative amounts recorded within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company will continue to classify any income tax related penalties and interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in the income tax provisions within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company did not record any new tax reserves, and accrued interest or penalties related to current year uncertain tax positions. The tax reserves acquired through the Pinnacle Acquisition were immaterial and as such we did not disclose separately in the reconciliation above. In regard to prior year tax positions, the Company recorded $0.8 million of tax reserves and accrued interest and reversed $2.2 million of previously recorded tax reserves and accrued interest for uncertain tax positions that are anticipated to settle and/or close within the next 12 months. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income taxes. The unrecognized tax benefits of $30.4 million are included in “Noncurrent tax liabilities” within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Overall, the Company recorded a net tax expense of $0.5 million in connection with its uncertain tax positions for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Included in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $23.6 million and $25.1 million, respectively, of tax positions that, if reversed, would affect the effective tax rate. Also included in the reserve as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, was less than $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of currency translation gain related to foreign currency tax positions and the settlement receivable on account.

During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized approximately $0.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively, of interest and penalties, net of deferred taxes. In addition, due to settlements and/or reductions in previously recorded liabilities, the Company had reductions in previously accrued interest and penalties of $0.2 million, net of deferred taxes. These accruals are included in “Noncurrent tax liabilities” within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company is currently in various stages of the examination process in connection with its open audits. Generally, it is difficult to determine when these examinations will be closed, but the Company reasonably expects that its ASC 740 liabilities will not significantly change over the next twelve months.

As of December 31, 2018, the Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for the tax years 2015, 2016, and 2017. In addition, the Company is subject to state and local income tax examinations for various tax years in the taxing jurisdictions in which the Company operates.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, “Prepaid expenses” within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets included prepaid income taxes of $14.9 million and $12.0 million, respectively.

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) Share Repurchase Program On February 3, 2017, the Company announced a share repurchase program pursuant to which the Board of Directors authorized to repurchase up to $100 million of the Company’s common stock, which expired on February 1, 2019. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company repurchased 2,299,498 and 1,264,149 shares, respectively, of its common stock in open market transactions for $50.0 million at an average price of $21.74 per share and $24.8 million at an average price of $19.59 per share, respectively. All repurchased shares were retired. Preferred Equity Investment On June 15, 2007, the Company announced that it had entered into a merger agreement that, at the effective time of the transactions contemplated thereby, would have resulted in the Company’s shareholders receiving $67 per share. Specifically, the Company, PNG Acquisition Company Inc. (“Parent”) and PNG Merger Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent, announced that they had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 15, 2007 (the “Merger Agreement”), that provided, among other things, for PNG Merger Sub, Inc. to be merged with and into the Company, as a result of which the Company would have continued as the surviving corporation and would have become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. Parent was indirectly owned by certain funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC (“Fortress”) and Centerbridge Partners, L.P. (“Centerbridge”). On July 3, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement with certain affiliates of Fortress and Centerbridge, terminating the Merger Agreement. In connection with the termination of the Merger Agreement, certain affiliates of Fortress and Centerbridge agreed to pay the Company a total of $1.475 billion, consisting of a nonrefundable $225 million cash termination fee and a $1.25 billion, zero coupon, preferred equity investment (the “Investment”). On October 30, 2008, the Company closed the sale of the Investment and issued 12,500 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company repurchased 225 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for $11.2 million. As part of the Spin-Off, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with FIF V PFD LLC, an affiliate of Fortress, providing for the exchange of shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock for shares of a new class of preferred stock, Series C Preferred Stock, in contemplation of the Spin-Off. The Exchange Agreement provided Fortress with the right to exchange its 9,750 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for fractional shares of Series C Preferred Stock at an exchange ratio that treated each such fractional share (and therefore each share of common stock into which such fractional share was convertible) as worth $67 per share, which was the “ceiling price” at which the shares of Series B Preferred Stock were redeemable by the Company at maturity. Any shares of Series B Preferred Stock that were not exchanged for shares of Series C Preferred Stock prior to the second business day before October 16, 2013, the record date established for the distribution of GLPI common stock in the Spin-Off, were automatically exchanged for shares of Series C Preferred Stock on such date. Subsequently, the Company had the right to purchase from Fortress, prior to the record date for the Spin-Off, a number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock, at a price of $67 per fractional share of Series C Preferred Stock, such that, immediately following the consummation of the Spin-Off, Fortress would not own more than 9.9% of GLPI’s common stock. On October 11, 2013, the Company completed its exchange and repurchase transactions with Fortress and repurchased all of the 2,300 shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by Centerbridge at par and issued to the affiliate of Fortress 14,553 shares of non-voting Series C Preferred Stock in order to redeem all of the previously outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The Company then repurchased 5,929 shares of Series C Preferred Stock from Fortress. Additionally, in February 2013, the Company repurchased 225 shares of Series B Preferred Stock from WF Investment Holdings, LLC at a slight discount to par. In these transactions, the Company paid a total of $649.5 million, which was primarily funded by borrowings under the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility, to the affiliates of Fortress, Centerbridge and WF Investment Holdings, LLC. In 2016, Fortress sold all 8,624 shares of Series C Preferred Stock, which converted upon sale into 8,624,000 shares of common stock under previously agreed upon terms. As a result, no shares of Series C Preferred Stock were outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

2008 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan

On August 20, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, the 2008 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2008 Plan”) and on November 12, 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2008

Plan, which permitted the Company to issue stock options (incentive and/or non-qualified), stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, phantom stock units (“PSUs”) and other equity and cash awards to employees. Non-employee directors were eligible to receive all such awards, other than incentive stock options. On June 9, 2011 and June 12, 2014, the Company’s shareholders approved amendments to the 2008 Plan, which collectively increased the aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued from 6,900,000 to 16,350,000. Awards of stock options and SARs were counted against the 16,350,000 limit as one share of common stock for each share granted; however, each share awarded in the form of restricted stock, or any other full value stock award, was counted as issuing 2.44 shares of common stock for purposes of determining the number of shares available for issuance under the 2008 Plan. Any awards that were not settled in shares of common stock were not counted against the limit. The 2008 Plan remains in place until all of the awards granted thereunder have been paid, forfeited or expired. However, the shares which remained available for issuance under such plan as of June 13, 2018 are no longer available for issuance and all future equity awards will be pursuant to the 2018 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2018 Plan”) described below.

2018 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan

On March 21, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, the 2018 Plan and on June 13, 2018, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2018 Plan, which permits the Company to issue stock options (incentive and/or non-qualified), SARs, restricted stock, PSUs and other equity and cash awards to employees. Non-employee directors are eligible to receive all such awards, other than incentive stock options. Pursuant to the 2018 Plan, 12,700,000 shares of the Company’s common stock are reserved for issuance. Awards of stock options and SARs will be counted against the 12,700,000 limit as one share of common stock for each share granted. However, each share awarded in the form of restricted stock, or any other full value stock award, will be counted as issuing 2.30 shares of common stock for purposes of determining the number of shares available for issuance under the plan. Any awards that are not settled in shares of common stock shall not count against the limit. As of December 31, 2018, there were 11,921,545 shares available for future grants under the 2018 Plan.

Performance Share Programs

On February 9, 2016, the Company’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors adopted a performance share program (the “2016 Performance Share Program”) pursuant to the 2008 Plan, which provides for the issuance of restricted stock awards with performance-based vesting conditions. An aggregate of 172,245 and 189,085 performance shares were granted on February 17, 2017 and February 9, 2016, respectively, with each grant having a three-year award period consisting of three one-year performance periods and a three-year service period.

On February 6, 2018, the Company’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors adopted a performance share program (the “2018 Performance Share Program” and together with the 2016 Performance Share Program, the “Performance Share Programs”) pursuant to the 2018 Plan, which provides for the issuance of restricted stock awards with performance-based vesting conditions. An aggregate of 197,727 performance shares were granted on February 6, 2018 with the grant having a three-year award period consisting of three one-year performance periods and a three-year service period.

The Company’s named executive officers and other key executives were/are eligible to participate in the Performance Share Programs. The Performance Share Programs were adopted in order to provide key executives with stock-based compensation tied directly to the Company’s performance to further align their interests with those of shareholders and provide compensation only if the designated performance goals are met for the applicable performance periods. For all awards granted under the Performance Share Programs as of December 31, 2018, the performance goal for each performance period is based on EBITDA, adjusted for certain other items, as established for each one-year performance period. The awards have the potential to be earned at between 0% and 150% of the number of shares granted in one-third increments depending on achievement of the annual performance goals, but remain subject to vesting for the full three-year service period.

As of December 31, 2018, the adjusted EBITDA target for the third tranche of the performance awards granted in 2017 and the second and third tranches of the performance awards granted in 2018 were not yet established. Therefore, for accounting purposes, the Company concluded that a grant date has not yet occurred. Stock-based compensation expense will be measured for each tranche based on the fair value of the restricted stock awards using the Company’s closing stock price on the grant date since all key terms for the specific tranche were established and mutually understood by the Company and the individuals receiving the awards. At each reporting period, accruals of stock-based compensation expense are based on the probable outcome of the performance condition. See “Restricted Stock Awards” section below.

Stock-based Compensation Expense

Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 totaled $12.0 million, $7.8 million and $6.9 million, respectively, and is included within the Consolidated Statements of Operations under “General and administrative.”

Stock Options

Stock options that expire between January 3, 2019 and January 3, 2029, have been granted to officers, directors, employees, and predecessor employees to purchase common stock at prices ranging from $8.88 to $32.90 per share. All options were granted at the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date (as defined in the respective plan document) and have contractual lives ranging from 1 to 10 years. The Company issues new authorized common shares to satisfy stock option exercises.

The following table contains information about our stock options:



	Number of Option Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding as of January 1, 2018	6,551,314		$	12.29
Granted	663,343		$	30.75
Exercised	(1,302,501	)	$	8.70
Forfeited	(42,945	)	$	16.67
Outstanding as of December 31, 2018	5,869,211		$	15.14	3.97	$	28,470
Exercisable as of December 31, 2018	3,099,460		$	12.83	3.25	$	17,992

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $9.88, $4.48 and $3.97, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $28.7 million, $15.8 million and $10.3 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about our outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2018:



	Exercise Price Range						Total
	$8.88 to $13.35		$13.50 to $20.52		$20.75 to $32.90		$8.88 to $32.90
Outstanding options
Number outstanding	3,637,366		1,570,183		661,662		5,869,211
Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	3.22		4.87		6.01		3.97
Weighted-average exercise price	$	12.65	$	14.38	$	30.67	$	15.14
Exercisable options
Number outstanding	2,645,735		452,466		1,259		3,099,460
Weighted-average exercise price	$	12.53	$	14.56	$	20.75	$	12.83

As of December 31, 2018, the unamortized compensation costs not yet recognized related to stock options granted totaled $9.7 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting periods, which will not exceed four years.

The following are the weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:



	For the year ended December 31,
	2018		2017		2016
Risk-free interest rate	2.26	%	1.97	%	1.20	%
Expected volatility	30.80	%	30.66	%	31.23	%
Dividend yield	—		—		—
Weighted-average expected life (in years)	5.30		5.30		5.40

Restricted Stock Awards

As noted above, the Company issues restricted stock awards with performance-based vesting conditions under its Performance Share Programs. Additionally, in conjunction with the Pinnacle Acquisition, the Company awarded 129,961 restricted stock awards to new employees of the Company. The following table contains information on our restricted stock awards:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding as of January 1, 2018	267,655		$	13.83
Awarded	333,478		$	30.00
Released	(30,979	)	$	14.15
Canceled	(11,333	)	$	17.96
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	558,821		$	23.38

As of December 31, 2018, the unamortized compensation costs not yet recognized related to restricted stock awarded totaled $7.4 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting periods, which will not exceed four years.

Phantom Stock Units

The Company’s PSUs, which vest over a period of three to four years, entitle employees and directors to receive cash based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the vesting date. The PSUs are accounted for as liability awards and are re-measured at fair value each reporting period until they become vested with compensation expense being recognized over the requisite service period in accordance with ASC Subtopic 718-30, “Compensation—Stock Compensation, Awards Classified as Liabilities.” The Company has a liability, which is included in “Accrued salaries and wages” within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, associated with its PSUs of $1.7 million and $4.8 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

For PSUs held by employees and directors of the Company, there was $3.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost as of December 31, 2018 that will be recognized over the awards remaining weighted average vesting period of 2.05 years. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized $1.1 million, $11.9 million, and $8.5 million of compensation expense associated with these awards, respectively. Amounts paid by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 on these cash-settled awards totaled $4.2 million, $12.7 million, and $10.7 million, respectively.

Stock Appreciation Rights

The fair value of SARs is calculated each reporting period and estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company’s SARs, which vest over a period of four years, are accounted for as liability awards since they will be settled in cash. Accordingly, the Company has a liability, which is included in “Accrued salaries and wages” within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, associated with its SARs of $6.8 million and $24.0 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

For SARs held by employees of the Company, there was $4.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost as of December 31, 2018 that will be recognized over the awards remaining weighted average vesting period of 1.95 years. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized a reduction to compensation expense of $6.7 million associated with these awards compared to a charge to compensation expense of $21.9 million and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Amounts paid by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 on these cash-settled awards totaled $10.5 million, $6.2 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

We have aggregated our operating segments into four reportable segments based on the similar characteristics of the operating segments within the regions in which they operate: Northeast, South, West and Midwest. The Other category is included in the following tables in order to reconcile the segment information to the consolidated information. Inter-segment revenues were not material in any of the years presented below. During the fourth quarter 2018, the Company made revisions to its reportable segments upon the consummation of the Pinnacle Acquisition. Apart from the addition of the new properties, the most significant change was dividing the South/West segment into two separate reportable segments. The financial information presented below reflects such changes, including restating prior year financial information.

The Company utilizes Adjusted EBITDAR (as defined below) as its measure of segment profit or loss. The following table highlights our revenues and Adjusted EBITDAR for each reportable segment and reconciles Adjusted EBITDAR to Income (loss) before income taxes.



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018			2017			2016
Revenues:
Northeast segment	$	1,891,514		$	1,756,579		$	1,741,809
South segment	394,351			224,247			185,832
West segment	437,887			380,418			360,776
Midwest segment	823,717			735,033			704,272
Other ⁽¹⁾	40,449			51,693			41,691
Revenues	$	3,587,918		$	3,147,970		$	3,034,380

Adjusted EBITDAR ⁽²⁾:
Northeast segment	$	583,791		$	549,304		$	536,446
South segment	118,962			62,580			56,060
West segment	114,267			72,744			72,509
Midwest segment	294,332			249,744			239,899
Other ⁽¹⁾	(68,111		)	(55,223		)	(67,773		)
Adjusted EBITDAR ⁽²⁾	1,043,241			879,149			837,141

Other operating benefits (costs) and other income (expenses):
Rent expense associated with triple net operating lease⁽³⁾	(3,797		)	—			—
Charge for stock compensation	(12,034		)	(7,780		)	(6,871		)
Cash-settled stock award variance	19,611			(23,471		)	6,688
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets	(3,168		)	(172		)	2,471
Contingent purchase price	(454		)	6,840			(1,277		)
Pre-opening and acquisition costs	(95,020		)	(9,732		)	—
Depreciation and amortization	(268,990		)	(267,062		)	(271,214		)
Provision for loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC, net of recoveries, and impairment losses	(17,921		)	(107,810		)	—
Insurance recoveries, net of deductible charges	68			289			726
Non-operating items for Kansas JV	(5,118		)	(5,866		)	(10,311		)
Interest expense	(539,417		)	(466,761		)	(459,243		)
Interest income	1,005			3,552			24,186
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(20,964		)	(23,963		)	—
Other	(7,121		)	(2,257		)	(1,679		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	$	89,921		$	(25,044	)	$	120,617

(1)

The Other category consists of the Company's standalone racing operations, namely Sanford-Orlando Kennel Club, located in Longwood, Florida, and the Company’s joint venture interests in Texas and New Jersey (see Note 6, “Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates”). The Other category also includes PIV, our management contract for Retama Park Racetrack, and our live and televised poker tournament series that

operates under the trade name, Heartland Poker Tour. Expenses incurred for corporate and shared services activities that are directly attributable to a property or are otherwise incurred to support a property are allocated to each property. The Other category also includes corporate overhead costs, which consist of certain expenses, such as: payroll, professional fees, travel expenses and other general and administrative expenses that do not directly relate to or have otherwise been allocated to a property.

(2)

The Company defines Adjusted EBITDAR as earnings before interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, rent expense associated with our triple net operating leases, stock compensation, debt extinguishment and financing charges, impairment charges, insurance recoveries and deductible charges, changes in the estimated fair value of our contingent purchase price obligations, gain or loss on disposal of assets, the difference between budget and actual expense for cash-settled stock-based awards, pre-opening and acquisition costs, and other income or expenses. Adjusted EBITDAR is also inclusive of income or loss from unconsolidated affiliates, with our share of non-operating items (such as depreciation and amortization) added back for our joint venture in Kansas Entertainment. Adjusted EBITDAR excludes payments associated with our Master Leases with GLPI as these leases are accounted for as financing obligations.


(3)	During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company's only triple net operating lease was the Meadow Lease.



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Capital expenditures:
Northeast segment	$	38,873	$	26,283	$	34,380
South segment	10,587		6,354		6,249
West segment	12,816		35,671		24,209
Midwest segment	25,285		26,176		27,218
Other	4,996		4,777		5,189
Total capital expenditures	$	92,557	$	99,261	$	97,245



(in thousands)	Northeast		South		West		Midwest		Other		Total
As of December 31, 2018
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	$	105	$	—	$	—	$	89,350	$	39,033	$	128,488
Total assets ⁽¹⁾	$	1,330,256	$	1,082,304	$	755,665	$	1,411,468	$	6,381,319	$	10,961,012

As of December 31, 2017
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	$	102	$	—	$	—	$	88,296	$	60,514	$	148,912
Total assets ⁽¹⁾	$	921,044	$	169,255	$	625,019	$	970,809	$	2,548,685	$	5,234,812

As of December 31, 2016
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	$	76	$	—	$	—	$	93,768	$	62,332	$	156,176
Total assets ⁽¹⁾	$	973,423	$	121,619	$	718,457	$	991,759	$	2,169,226	$	4,974,484

(1)

Total assets of the Other category includes the carrying amount of the real estate assets under the Master Leases.

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes fair value measurements based on the types of inputs used for the various valuation techniques (market approach, income approach and cost approach). The levels of the hierarchy are described below:


•	Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.


•	Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; these include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.


•	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity.

The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.

The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate. The fair value of the Company’s trade accounts receivable and payables approximates the carrying amounts.

Cash and cash equivalents

The fair value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents approximates the carrying amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, due to the short maturity of the cash equivalents.

Held-to-maturity Securities and Promissory Notes

As discussed in Note 5, “Acquisitions and Other Investments,” the Company holds local government bonds, which are classified as held-to-maturity securities, and promissory notes. The fair values of such investments are principally based on appraised values of the land associated with Retama Park Racetrack, which are classified as Level 2 inputs.

Loan to the JIVDC

The fair value of the Company’s Term Loan C to the JIVDC as of December 31, 2017 was based on the present value of the projected future cash flows discounted at 14%, which we believed approximated the return a market participant would require. Since the projections are based on management’s internal projections, the Company concluded that this instrument should be classified as a Level 3 measurement. As discussed in Note 5, “Acquisitions and Other Investments,” during the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company sold all outstanding rights and obligations under the JIVDC commitments.

Long-term debt

The fair value of the Company’s Term Loan A Facility, Term Loan B-1 Facility and 5.625% Notes is estimated based on quoted prices in active markets and as such is a Level 1 measurement. The fair value of the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility approximates its carrying amount as it is revolving, variable rate debt, which we classify as a Level 2 measurement.

Other long-term obligations as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 include the relocation fees for Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway and Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course and the repayment obligation of a hotel and event center located near Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg, which are discussed in Note 9, “Long-term Debt.” The fair values of these long-term obligations are estimated based on rates consistent with the Company’s credit rating for comparable terms and debt instruments and as such are Level 2 measurements.

Other Liabilities

Other liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 principally consists of contingent consideration relating to Plainridge Park Casino, which was acquired in September 2013. The contingent consideration is calculated based on actual earnings of the gaming operations over the first 10 years of operations, which commenced on June 24, 2015. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, we were contractually obligated to make seven and eight remaining annual payments, respectively. The fair value of this liability, which is included within our Consolidated Balance Sheet in “Other current liabilities” or “Other noncurrent liabilities,” depending on the timing of the next payment, is estimated based on an income approach using a discounted cash flow model and has been classified as a Level 3 measurement.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values by input level of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows:



	December 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	479,598	$	479,598	$	479,598	$	—	$	—
Held-to-maturity securities	$	7,466	$	7,879	$	—	$	7,879	$	—
Promissory notes	$	16,853	$	17,415	$	—	$	17,415	$	—
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt
Senior Secured Credit Facilities	$	1,907,932	$	1,886,333	$	1,886,333	$	—	$	—
5.625% Notes	$	399,332	$	360,000	$	360,000	$	—	$	—
Other long-term obligations	$	104,583	$	96,338	$	—	$	96,338	$	—
Other liabilities	$	21,863	$	21,857	$	—	$	2,815	$	19,042



	December 31, 2017
(in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	277,953	$	277,953	$	277,953	$	—	$	—
Loan to the JIVDC	$	20,900	$	16,533	$	—	$	—	$	16,533
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt
Senior Secured Credit Facilities	$	730,787	$	760,456	$	760,456	$	—	$	—
5.625% Notes	$	399,249	$	412,000	$	412,000	$	—	$	—
Other long-term obligations	$	119,310	$	113,460	$	—	$	113,460	$	—
Other liabilities	$	22,696	$	22,696	$	—	$	—	$	22,696

The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 liabilities measured on a recurring basis:



	Other Liabilities
(in thousands)	Contingent Purchase Price
Balance at January 1, 2016	$	13,815
Additions	34,945
Payments	(1,793		)
Included in earnings⁽¹⁾	1,277
Balance at December 31, 2016	48,244
Additions	905
Payments	(19,613		)
Included in earnings⁽¹⁾	(6,840		)
Balance at December 31, 2017	22,696
Payments	(4,108		)
Included in earnings⁽¹⁾	454
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	19,042


(1)	The charge (benefit) is included within “General and administrative” within our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The following table sets forth the assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:



(in thousands)	Valuation Date	Valuation Technique	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Balance		Total Reduction in Fair Value Recorded
Goodwill⁽¹⁾	9/30/2017	Discounted Cash Flow	$	—	$	—	$	598	$	598	$	(18,026	)
Property and equipment⁽²⁾	12/31/2018	Cost and Market Approach	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	(34,288	)


(1)	See Note 3, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for a description of the inputs and the information used to develop the inputs in calculating the fair value measurements of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.


(2)	The fair value, which was concluded to be zero, of our property and equipment associated with Resorts Casino Tunica was determined using Level 2 inputs. See Note 7, “Property and Equipment” for more information.

The following table summarizes the significant unobservable inputs used in calculating fair value for our Level 3 liabilities as of December 31, 2018:



	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Discount Rate
Recurring basis:
Contingent purchase price - Plainridge Park Casino	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	7.53%

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party TransactionsThe Company currently leases executive office buildings in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania from affiliates of its Chairman of the Board of Directors. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $1.3 million, $1.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively. The leases for the office space expire in May 2019 and August 2024. The future minimum lease commitments relating to these leases as of December 31, 2018 were $3.2 million.

Summarized Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Summarized Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

The following table summarizes the quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:



	Fiscal Quarter
(in thousands, except per share data)	First		Second⁽¹⁾		Third		Fourth ⁽²⁾
2018
Revenues	$	816,085	$	826,913	$	789,651	$	1,155,269
Operating income	$	172,134	$	181,755	$	155,843	$	124,360
Net income (loss)	$	45,437	$	53,988	$	36,125	$	(42,036	)
Earnings (loss) per common share^:
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.50	$	0.59	$	0.39	$	(0.37	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.48	$	0.57	$	0.38	$	(0.37	)

	Fiscal Quarter
(in thousands, except per share data)	First ⁽³⁾		Second ⁽⁴⁾		Third⁽⁵⁾		Fourth⁽⁶⁾
2017
Revenues	$	776,224	$	796,463	$	806,247	$	769,036
Operating income	$	140,287	$	134,989	$	143,663	$	26,775
Net income (loss)	$	5,104	$	17,079	$	789,340	$	(338,060	)
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.06	$	0.19	$	8.68	$	(3.72	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.06	$	0.18	$	8.43	$	(3.72	)


(1)	During the second quarter 2018, the Company recorded a recovery of loan losses and unfunded loan commitments of $17.0 million relating to the JIVDC. See Note 5, “Acquisitions and Other Investments,” for further details.


(2)	During the fourth quarter 2018, we acquired Pinnacle, which resulted in the incurrence of $74.7 million in pre-opening and acquisition costs. See Note 5, “Acquisitions and Other Investments,” for further details. In addition, we recorded a $34.3 million impairment of long-lived assets. See

Note 7, “Property and Equipment,” for further details. Lastly, we recorded a $17.2 million loss on early extinguishment of debt. See Note 9, “Long-term Debt,” for more details.


(3)	During the first quarter 2017, PSG acquired DSG Amusement, Ltd., which operated two VGT routes. Additionally, we recorded a $23.4 million loss on early extinguishment of debt. See Note 9, “Long-term Debt,” for more details.


(4)	During the second quarter 2017, PSG acquired Advantage Gaming LLC, which operated two VGT routes, and the Company acquired 1^st Jackpot Casino Tunica and Resorts Casino Tunica.

(5)

During the third quarter 2017, we released $766.2 million of our total valuation allowance, as discussed in Note 12, “Income Taxes.” In addition, we recorded $18.0 million of goodwill impairment, as discussed in Note 8, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Lastly, PIV reached an agreement with the former shareholders of Rocket Speed to buy out the remaining contingent consideration, which resulted in a benefit in the amount of $22.2 million.

(6)

During the fourth quarter 2017, we wrote off $257.0 million of deferred tax assets due to the Tax Act. See Note 12, “Income Taxes,” for further information. We also recorded a $77.9 million provision relating to JIVDC loan losses and unfunded loan commitments.

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Dec. 31, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Margaritaville Resort Casino On January 1, 2019, the Company acquired the operations of Margaritaville Resort Casino for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $115 million pursuant to (i) an agreement and plan of merger (the “Margaritaville Merger Agreement”) among VICI, Riverview Merger Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of VICI (“Merger Sub”), Penn Tenant II, LLC (“Buyer”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, the Company, Bossier Casino Venture (HoldCo), Inc. (“Holdco”) and Silver Slipper Gaming, LLC and (ii) a membership interest purchase agreement (the “MIPA”) among VICI, Merger Sub, Buyer and the Company. Pursuant to the Margaritaville Merger Agreement, Merger Sub merged with and into Holdco with Holdco surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of VICI (the “Merger”) and owner of the land and real estate assets relating to Margaritaville Resort Casino. Pursuant to the MIPA, immediately following the consummation of the Merger, HoldCo sold the limited liability company interests in Holdco’s sole direct subsidiary, BCV (Intermediate) LLC, owner of the Margaritaville Resort Casino operating assets, to the Buyer. On the closing date, Buyer and VICI entered into a triple net lease agreement for the Margaritaville Resort Casino facility having an initial annual rent of $23.2 million and an initial term of 15 years, with four 5-year renewal options. The acquisition was financed through incremental borrowings under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility. Due to the recent acquisition date of Margaritaville Resort Casino, the Company has not yet finalized its valuation analysis and is in the process of evaluating key assumptions that derive the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including the income tax balances. Therefore, we are unable to provide the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. New Share Repurchase Program On January 9, 2019, the Company announced a new share repurchase program pursuant to which the Board of Directors authorized to repurchase up to $200 million of the Company’s common stock. The new share repurchase program covers an authorization period of two years, expiring on December 31, 2020.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation: The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation: The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Penn National Gaming, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates that do not meet the consolidation criteria of the authoritative guidance for voting interest, controlling interest or variable interest entities (“VIEs”), are accounted for under the equity method. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates: The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and (iii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates used by us include, among other things, the useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets, the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, income tax provisions, the evaluation of the future realization of deferred tax assets, determining the adequacy of reserves for self-insured liabilities and our customer loyalty programs, the initial measurements of financing obligations associated with the Master Leases, projected cash flows in assessing the recoverability of long-lived assets, asset impairments, goodwill and other intangible assets, projected cash flows in assessing the initial valuation of intangible assets in conjunction with acquisitions, the initial selection of useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets in conjunction with acquisitions, contingencies and litigation, and the expected term of stock-based compensation awards and stock price volatility when computing stock-based compensation expense. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications: Certain amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 have been reclassified to be consistent with the current year presentation. The reclassifications had no impact the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Revenue Recognition, Promotional Allowances, and Customer-related Liabilities

Customer-related Liabilities

Company’s advance payments on goods and services yet to be provided and for unpaid wagers were $34.3 million and $21.5 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, of which $0.7 million and $1.3 million are classified as long-term, respectively.Revenue Recognition: The Company’s revenue from contracts with customers consists of gaming wagers, food and beverage transactions, retail transactions, hotel room sales, racing wagers, management services related to the management of external casinos, and reimbursable costs associated with management contracts. During the second quarter 2018, our management contract with Hollywood Casino-Jamul San Diego, which is located on the Jamul Tribe’s trust land in San Diego, California, was terminated and our management contract with Casino Rama, which is located in Ontario, Canada, was terminated during the third quarter 2018.

Complimentaries associated Gaming Contracts

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk: Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company’s policy is to limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution, and place investments with financial institutions evaluated as being creditworthy, or in short-term money market and tax-free bond funds which are exposed to minimal interest rate and credit risk. The Company has bank deposits and overnight repurchase agreements that exceed federally-insured limits.Concentration of credit risk, with respect to casino receivables, is limited through the Company’s credit evaluation process. The Company issues markers to approved casino customers only following investigations of creditworthiness.Accounts are written off when management determines that an account is uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts previously written off are recorded when received. An allowance for doubtful accounts is determined to reduce the Company’s receivables to their carrying amount, which approximates fair value. The allowance is estimated based on historical collection experience, specific review of individual customer accounts, and current economic and business conditions. Historically, the Company has not incurred any significant credit-related losses.

Property and Equipment



	Years
Land improvements	15
Buildings and improvements	5 to 31
Vessels	10 to 35
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3 to 31

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets


•	Projected revenues and operating cash flows (including an allocation of the Company’s projected financing payments to its reporting units consistent with how the financing obligations associated with the Master Leases are allocated);


•	Theoretical construction costs and duration;


•	Pre-opening expenses; and


•	Discounting that reflects the level of risk associated with receiving future cash flows attributable to the license.

Master Lease Financing Obligations

Debt Issuance Costs

Self-Insurance Reserves

Contingent Purchase Price and Application of Business Combination Accounting

Application of Business Combination Accounting: The Company utilizes the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations,” which requires us to allocate the purchase price to tangible and identifiable intangible assets based on their fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value ascribed to tangible and identifiable intangible assets is recorded as goodwill. If the fair value ascribed to tangible and identifiable intangible assets changes during the measurement period (due to additional information being available and related Company analysis), the measurement period adjustment is recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amount is determined and offset against goodwill. The measurement period for our acquisitions are no more than one year in duration.Contingent Purchase Price: The consideration for the Company’s acquisitions may include future payments that are contingent upon the occurrence of a particular event. The Company records an obligation for such contingent payments at fair value as of the acquisition date. The Company revalues its contingent consideration obligations each reporting period. Changes in the fair value of the contingent purchase price obligation can result from changes to one or multiple inputs, including adjustments to the discount rate and changes in the assumed probabilities of successful achievement of certain financial targets. The changes in the fair value of contingent consideration are recognized within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of “General and administrative” expense.

Income Taxes

Gaming and Racing Taxes

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share: The Company calculates earnings per share (“EPS”) in accordance with ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share” (“ASC 260”). Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income applicable to common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the additional dilution for all potentially-dilutive securities such as stock options and unvested restricted shares.During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company’s 8,624 outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock were sold by the holders of these securities, and therefore automatically converted to 8,624,000 shares of common stock under previously agreed upon terms. As a result, there are no longer any outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company determined that the preferred stock qualified as a participating security as defined in ASC 260 since these securities participate in dividends with the Company’s common stock. In accordance with ASC 260, a company is required to use the two-class method when computing EPS when a company has a security that qualifies as a “participating security.” The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. A participating security is included in the computation of basic EPS using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, basic EPS for the Company’s common stock is computed by dividing net income applicable to common stock by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS for the Company’s common stock is computed using the more dilutive of the two-class method or the if-converted method.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation: The Company accounts for stock compensation under ASC Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation,” which requires the Company to expense the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. This expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period following the date of grant. The Company accounts for forfeitures in the period in which they occur based on actual amounts.The fair value of stock options is estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires management to make assumptions, including the expected term, which is based on the contractual term of the stock option and historical exercise data of the Company’s employees; the risk-free interest rate; which is based on the U.S. Treasury spot rate with a term equal to the expected term assumed at the grant date; the expected volatility, which is estimated based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price over the expected term assumed at the grant date; and the expected dividend yield, which we expect to be zero since the Company has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock since its initial public offering in May 1994 and intends to retain all of its earnings to finance the development of its business for the foreseeable future.

Variable Interest Entities

Segment Information



Northeast segment ⁽¹⁾	Location
Ameristar East Chicago	East Chicago, Indiana
Hollywood Casino Bangor	Bangor, Maine
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races	Charles Town, West Virginia
Hollywood Casino Columbus	Columbus, Ohio
Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg	Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course	Grantville, Pennsylvania
Hollywood Casino Toledo	Toledo, Ohio
Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway	Dayton, Ohio
Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course	Youngstown, Ohio
Meadows Racetrack and Casino	Washington, Pennsylvania
Plainridge Park Casino	Plainville, Massachusetts

South segment	Location
1^st Jackpot Casino Tunica	Tunica, Mississippi
Ameristar Vicksburg	Vicksburg, Mississippi
Boomtown Biloxi	Biloxi, Mississippi
Boomtown Bossier City	Bossier City, Louisiana
Boomtown New Orleans	New Orleans, Louisiana
Hollywood Casino Tunica	Tunica, Mississippi
Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast	Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
L’Auberge Baton Rouge	Baton Rouge, Louisiana
L’Auberge Lake Charles	Lake Charles, Louisiana
Resorts Casino Tunica	Tunica, Mississippi

West segment ⁽²⁾	Location
Ameristar Black Hawk	Black Hawk, Colorado
Cactus Petes and Horseshu	Jackpot, Nevada
M Resort	Henderson, Nevada
Tropicana Las Vegas	Las Vegas, Nevada
Zia Park Casino	Hobbs, New Mexico

Midwest segment	Location
Ameristar Council Bluffs	Council Bluffs, Iowa
Argosy Casino Alton	Alton, Illinois
Argosy Casino Riverside	Riverside, Missouri
Hollywood Casino Aurora	Aurora, Illinois
Hollywood Casino Joliet	Joliet, Illinois
Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway ⁽³⁾	Kansas City, Kansas
Hollywood Casino St. Louis	Maryland Heights, Missouri
Prairie State Gaming	Illinois
River City Casino	St. Louis, Missouri


(1)	The Northeast segment also included the Company’s Casino Rama management service contract, which terminated in July 2018.


(2)	The West segment also included a management service contract with the JIVDC, which terminated in May 2018.

(3)

New Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncement Implemented in 2017

Accounting Pronouncements Implemented in 2018



	For the year ended December 31, 2018
	As Reported		Impacts of:														Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change Higher / (Lower)
(in thousands)	As Reported		Loyalty Points ⁽¹⁾			Promotional Allowances ⁽²⁾			Reimbursable Expense - Casino Rama ⁽³⁾			Racing Revenue ⁽⁴⁾		Tier Status and Other Benefits ⁽⁵⁾			Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change Higher / (Lower)
Revenues
Gaming	$	2,894,861	$	(2,608	)	$	206,137		$	—		$	—	$	2,575		$	3,100,965		$	(206,104	)
Food, beverage, hotel and other	629,733		(252		)	30,629			—			38,975		—			699,085			(69,352		)
Management service and license fees	6,043		—			—			—			—		—			6,043			—
Reimbursable management costs	57,281		—			—			(46,822		)	—		—			10,459			46,822
	3,587,918		(2,860		)	236,766			(46,822		)	38,975		2,575			3,816,552			(228,634		)
Less: Promotional allowance	—		—			(236,766		)	—			—		—			(236,766		)	236,766
Revenues	3,587,918		(2,860		)	—			(46,822		)	38,975		2,575			3,579,786			8,132
Operating expenses
Gaming	1,551,430		(1,443		)	—			—			—		4,258			1,554,245			(2,815		)
Food, beverage, hotel and other	439,253		—			—			—			38,975		(1,683		)	476,545			(37,292		)
General and administrative	618,951		—			—			—			—		—			618,951			—
Reimbursable management costs	57,281		—			—			(46,822		)	—		—			10,459			46,822
Depreciation and amortization	268,990		—			—			—			—		—			268,990			—
Impairment losses, net of recovery on loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC	17,921		—			—			—			—		—			17,921			—
Total operating expenses	2,953,826		(1,443		)	—			(46,822		)	38,975		2,575			2,947,111			6,715
Operating income (loss)	634,092		(1,417		)	—			—			—		—			632,675			1,417

Income (loss) before income taxes	89,921		(1,417		)	—			—			—		—			88,504			1,417
Income tax benefit (expense)	3,593		323			—			—			—		—			3,916			(323		)
Net income (loss)	$	93,514	$	(1,094	)	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	92,420		$	1,094

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)



(in thousands)	As Reported as of December 31, 2018			Balances Without the Adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change Higher (Lower)
Balance Sheet
Other assets - Deferred income taxes	$	80,612		$	78,953		$	1,659
Current liabilities - Accrued expenses	$	204,656		$	191,404		$	13,252
Stockholders’ equity - Accumulated deficit	$	(967,949	)	$	(956,418	)	$	(11,531	)

The cumulative effect of the changes made to our consolidated January 1, 2018 balance sheet for the adoption of ASC 606 was as follows:



(in thousands)	Balance as of December 31, 2017			Adjustment due to ASC 606			Balance as of January 1, 2018
Balance Sheet
Other assets - Deferred income taxes	$	390,943		$	2,044		$	392,987
Current liabilities - Accrued expenses	$	125,688		$	11,694		$	137,382
Stockholders’ equity - Accumulated deficit	$	(1,051,818	)	$	(9,650	)	$	(1,061,468	)

New Accounting Pronouncements to be Implemented in Fiscal Year 2019

We expect the most significant judgments and impacts upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 to include the following items:

•

The adoption of this standard will have no impact on the Company’s covenant compliance under its current debt agreements.

New Accounting Pronouncements to be Implemented in Fiscal Year 2020

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of complimentaries

Revenues recorded to food and beverage, hotel, and other and offset to gaming revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows:



(in thousands)	For the year ended December 31, 2018
Food and beverage	$	137,179
Hotel	60,859
Other	8,099
Total complimentaries associated with gaming contracts	$	206,137

Schedule of disaggregation of revenue

Our revenue disaggregation by type of revenue and geographic location was as follows:



	For the year ended December 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Northeast		South		West		Midwest		Other		Total
Revenues:
Gaming	$	1,644,176	$	302,842	$	228,055	$	719,753	$	35	$	2,894,861
Food and beverage	109,645		56,631		89,566		57,886		1,084		314,812
Hotel	23,208		23,320		90,824		26,323		—		163,675
Racing	20,275		—		580		—		5,926		26,781
Reimbursable management costs	46,822		—		10,459		—		—		57,281
Other	47,388		11,558		18,403		19,755		33,404		130,508
Revenues	$	1,891,514	$	394,351	$	437,887	$	823,717	$	40,449	$	3,587,918



	For the year ended December 31, 2017
(in thousands)	Northeast			South			West			Midwest			Other			Total
Revenues:
Gaming	$	1,583,882		$	202,967		$	219,743		$	685,429		$	—		$	2,692,021
Food and beverage	114,993			35,532			82,406			58,414			1,052			292,397
Hotel	21,513			10,340			76,147			21,959			—			129,959
Racing	49,596			—			2,340			—			10,759			62,695
Reimbursable management costs	—			—			26,060			—			—			26,060
Other	48,645			6,263			16,605			16,404			40,417			128,334
	1,818,629			255,102			423,301			782,206			52,228			3,331,466
Less: Promotional allowances	(62,050		)	(30,855		)	(42,883		)	(47,173		)	(535		)	(183,496		)
Revenues	$	1,756,579		$	224,247		$	380,418		$	735,033		$	51,693		$	3,147,970



	For the year ended December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	Northeast			South			West			Midwest			Other			Total
Revenues:
Gaming	$	1,572,378		$	166,509		$	211,788		$	655,587		$	—		$	2,606,262
Food and beverage	115,834			30,692			80,003			58,370			1,313			286,212
Hotel	20,888			8,843			73,180			22,493			—			125,404
Racing	48,063			—			2,331			—			15,596			65,990
Reimbursable management costs	—			—			15,997			—			—			15,997
Other	46,900			5,646			16,260			15,454			24,916			109,176
	1,804,063			211,690			399,559			751,904			41,825			3,209,041
Less: Promotional allowances	(62,254		)	(25,858		)	(38,783		)	(47,632		)	(134		)	(174,661		)
Revenues	$	1,741,809		$	185,832		$	360,776		$	704,272		$	41,691		$	3,034,380

Schedule of receivables

The Company’s receivables as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 primarily consisted of the following:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2018			2017
Markers issued to customers	$	17,242		$	5,237
Cash, credit card, and other advances to customers	20,925			13,891
Receivables from automatic teller machine and cash kiosk transactions	19,244			2,785
Hotel and banquet receivables	8,142			4,566
Receivables due from the West Virginia Lottery ⁽¹⁾	4,358			6,088
Racing settlements	6,064			5,493
Reimbursement of payroll expenses ⁽²⁾	3,439			3,366
Receivables due from platform providers for social casino game revenues	2,255			3,019
Other	28,329			21,343
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(3,161		)	(2,983		)
	$	106,837		$	62,805


(1)	Related to gaming revenue settlements and capital reinvestment projects at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races

(2)

Reimbursement of payroll expenses paid on behalf of our joint venture in Kansas Entertainment (as defined below)

Schedule of estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment

Depreciation of property and equipment is recorded using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:



	Years
Land improvements	15
Buildings and improvements	5 to 31
Vessels	10 to 35
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3 to 31

Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2018			2017
Property and equipment - non-Master Leases
Land and improvements	$	343,987		$	294,695
Building, vessels and improvements	342,944			429,015
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	1,565,830			1,385,889
Leasehold improvements	152,943			130,801
Construction in progress	25,473			15,617
	2,431,177			2,256,017
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(1,400,198		)	(1,345,147		)
	1,030,979			910,870
Property and equipment - Master Leases
Land and improvements	2,970,969			424,700
Building, vessels and improvements	3,845,062			2,258,577
	6,816,031			2,683,277
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(978,242		)	(837,478		)
	5,837,789			1,845,799
Property and equipment, net	$	6,868,768		$	2,756,669

Schedule of allocation of net income under the two-class method

The following table sets forth the allocation of net income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 under the two-class method:



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Net income attributable to Penn National Gaming, Inc.	$	93,519	$	473,463	$	109,310
Net income applicable to preferred stock	—		—		8,662
Net income applicable to common stock	$	93,519	$	473,463	$	100,648

Schedule of reconciliation of the weighted-average common shares outstanding



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018	2017	2016
Determination of shares:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	97,105	90,854	82,929
Assumed conversion of dilutive employee stock-based awards	3,018	2,431	1,299
Assumed conversion of restricted stock	215	93	42
Diluted weighted-average common share outstanding before participating security	100,338	93,378	84,270
Assumed conversion of preferred stock	—	—	7,137
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding	100,338	93,378	91,407

Schedule of calculation of basic and diluted EPS

The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the Company’s common stock for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2018		2017		2016
Calculation of basic EPS:
Net income applicable to common stock	$	93,519	$	473,463	$	100,648
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	97,105		90,854		82,929
Basic EPS	$	0.96	$	5.21	$	1.21
Calculation of diluted EPS using two-class method:
Net income applicable to common stock	93,519		473,463		100,648
Diluted weighted-average common share outstanding before participating security	100,338		93,378		84,270
Diluted EPS	$	0.93	$	5.07	$	1.19

Schedule of operating segments within reportable segments

For financial reporting purposes, as of December 31, 2018, we aggregate our operating segments into the following reportable segments:



Northeast segment ⁽¹⁾	Location
Ameristar East Chicago	East Chicago, Indiana
Hollywood Casino Bangor	Bangor, Maine
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races	Charles Town, West Virginia
Hollywood Casino Columbus	Columbus, Ohio
Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg	Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course	Grantville, Pennsylvania
Hollywood Casino Toledo	Toledo, Ohio
Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway	Dayton, Ohio
Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course	Youngstown, Ohio
Meadows Racetrack and Casino	Washington, Pennsylvania
Plainridge Park Casino	Plainville, Massachusetts

South segment	Location
1^st Jackpot Casino Tunica	Tunica, Mississippi
Ameristar Vicksburg	Vicksburg, Mississippi
Boomtown Biloxi	Biloxi, Mississippi
Boomtown Bossier City	Bossier City, Louisiana
Boomtown New Orleans	New Orleans, Louisiana
Hollywood Casino Tunica	Tunica, Mississippi
Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast	Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
L’Auberge Baton Rouge	Baton Rouge, Louisiana
L’Auberge Lake Charles	Lake Charles, Louisiana
Resorts Casino Tunica	Tunica, Mississippi

West segment ⁽²⁾	Location
Ameristar Black Hawk	Black Hawk, Colorado
Cactus Petes and Horseshu	Jackpot, Nevada
M Resort	Henderson, Nevada
Tropicana Las Vegas	Las Vegas, Nevada
Zia Park Casino	Hobbs, New Mexico

Midwest segment	Location
Ameristar Council Bluffs	Council Bluffs, Iowa
Argosy Casino Alton	Alton, Illinois
Argosy Casino Riverside	Riverside, Missouri
Hollywood Casino Aurora	Aurora, Illinois
Hollywood Casino Joliet	Joliet, Illinois
Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway ⁽³⁾	Kansas City, Kansas
Hollywood Casino St. Louis	Maryland Heights, Missouri
Prairie State Gaming	Illinois
River City Casino	St. Louis, Missouri


(1)	The Northeast segment also included the Company’s Casino Rama management service contract, which terminated in July 2018.


(2)	The West segment also included a management service contract with the JIVDC, which terminated in May 2018.

(3)

New Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

Schedule of impact of adoption of ASU-2014-09



	For the year ended December 31, 2018
	As Reported		Impacts of:														Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change Higher / (Lower)
(in thousands)	As Reported		Loyalty Points ⁽¹⁾			Promotional Allowances ⁽²⁾			Reimbursable Expense - Casino Rama ⁽³⁾			Racing Revenue ⁽⁴⁾		Tier Status and Other Benefits ⁽⁵⁾			Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change Higher / (Lower)
Revenues
Gaming	$	2,894,861	$	(2,608	)	$	206,137		$	—		$	—	$	2,575		$	3,100,965		$	(206,104	)
Food, beverage, hotel and other	629,733		(252		)	30,629			—			38,975		—			699,085			(69,352		)
Management service and license fees	6,043		—			—			—			—		—			6,043			—
Reimbursable management costs	57,281		—			—			(46,822		)	—		—			10,459			46,822
	3,587,918		(2,860		)	236,766			(46,822		)	38,975		2,575			3,816,552			(228,634		)
Less: Promotional allowance	—		—			(236,766		)	—			—		—			(236,766		)	236,766
Revenues	3,587,918		(2,860		)	—			(46,822		)	38,975		2,575			3,579,786			8,132
Operating expenses
Gaming	1,551,430		(1,443		)	—			—			—		4,258			1,554,245			(2,815		)
Food, beverage, hotel and other	439,253		—			—			—			38,975		(1,683		)	476,545			(37,292		)
General and administrative	618,951		—			—			—			—		—			618,951			—
Reimbursable management costs	57,281		—			—			(46,822		)	—		—			10,459			46,822
Depreciation and amortization	268,990		—			—			—			—		—			268,990			—
Impairment losses, net of recovery on loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC	17,921		—			—			—			—		—			17,921			—
Total operating expenses	2,953,826		(1,443		)	—			(46,822		)	38,975		2,575			2,947,111			6,715
Operating income (loss)	634,092		(1,417		)	—			—			—		—			632,675			1,417

Income (loss) before income taxes	89,921		(1,417		)	—			—			—		—			88,504			1,417
Income tax benefit (expense)	3,593		323			—			—			—		—			3,916			(323		)
Net income (loss)	$	93,514	$	(1,094	)	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	92,420		$	1,094

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)



(in thousands)	As Reported as of December 31, 2018			Balances Without the Adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change Higher (Lower)
Balance Sheet
Other assets - Deferred income taxes	$	80,612		$	78,953		$	1,659
Current liabilities - Accrued expenses	$	204,656		$	191,404		$	13,252
Stockholders’ equity - Accumulated deficit	$	(967,949	)	$	(956,418	)	$	(11,531	)

The cumulative effect of the changes made to our consolidated January 1, 2018 balance sheet for the adoption of ASC 606 was as follows:



(in thousands)	Balance as of December 31, 2017			Adjustment due to ASC 606			Balance as of January 1, 2018
Balance Sheet
Other assets - Deferred income taxes	$	390,943		$	2,044		$	392,987
Current liabilities - Accrued expenses	$	125,688		$	11,694		$	137,382
Stockholders’ equity - Accumulated deficit	$	(1,051,818	)	$	(9,650	)	$	(1,061,468	)

Acquisitions and Other Investments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Business Combinations And Other Investments [Abstract]

Calculation of purchase price

The following table presents the calculation of the total purchase price:



(in thousands, except per share data)	October 15, 2018
Pinnacle diluted shares outstanding	62,608,188
Share Exchange Ratio	0.42
Shares of Penn common stock issued to former Pinnacle shareholders	26,295,439
Price per share of Penn common stock	$	28.51
Fair value of Penn common stock issued to former Pinnacle shareholders	749,683
Cash paid to former Pinnacle shareholders	1,252,259
Cash paid by Penn to retire Pinnacle debt, inclusive of accrued interest	814,273
Purchase price	$	2,816,215

Allocation of purchase price

Goodwill from the Pinnacle Acquisition, of which $92.4 million is deductible for tax purposes, has been preliminarily allocated to the Company’s reportable segments as follows:



(in thousands)	Goodwill
Reportable segment:
Northeast	$	56,400
South	48,300
West	51,431
Midwest	63,400
Total	$	219,531

The following table reflects the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the excess recorded as goodwill:



(in thousands)	October 15, 2018
Cash and restricted cash	$	124,231
Assets held for sale⁽¹⁾	667,036
Other current assets⁽²⁾	80,622
Property and equipment - non-Pinnacle Master Lease	318,856
Property and equipment - Pinnacle Master Lease	3,984,119
Goodwill	219,531
Other intangible assets
Gaming licenses	1,046,000
Trademarks	298,000
Customer relationships	22,400
Other long-term assets⁽²⁾	38,767
Total assets	$	6,799,562

Long-term financing obligation, including current portion⁽³⁾	$	3,427,016
Other current liabilities⁽⁴⁾	200,547
Deferred tax liabilities	339,149
Other long-term liabilities⁽⁴⁾	16,635
Total liabilities	3,983,347
Net assets acquired	$	2,816,215


(1)	Assets held for sale represents (i) the proceeds and working capital adjustments related to the divested properties which were sold to Boyd; and (ii) proceeds received from GLPI related to the sale of the Belterra Park real estate assets.


(2)	Other current assets consist primarily of accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and inventories. Other long-term assets consist primarily of long-term notes receivables and deposits.


(3)	Long-term financing obligation, including current portion represents the financing obligation associated with Pinnacle Master Lease, as amended.

(4)

Other current liabilities consist primarily of accounts payable, accrued compensation and accrued taxes. Other long-term liabilities primarily relate to deferred compensation.

Actual and pro forma financial results



(in thousands)	Period from October 15, 2018 through December 31, 2018
Revenues	$	385,863
Net income	$	4,664



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands, unaudited)	2018		2017
Revenues	$	5,069,425	$	5,036,559
Net income (loss)	$	83,155	$	(38,045	)

Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Schedule of summary financial information for Kansas Entertainment

The following table provides summary balance sheet and income statement information of Kansas Entertainment as required under Regulation S-X Rule 1-02(bb) for the comparative periods that are included within the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Current assets	$	18,260	$	18,452	$	16,638
Noncurrent assets	$	161,031	$	165,801	$	176,050
Current liabilities	$	15,099	$	17,861	$	15,351



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Revenues	$	159,017	$	155,636	$	152,926
Operating expenses	110,409		114,681		121,006
Operating income	48,608		40,955		31,920
Net income	$	48,608	$	40,955	$	31,920

Net income attributable to Penn National Gaming, Inc.	$	24,304	$	20,478	$	15,960

Property and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of property and equipment, net

Depreciation of property and equipment is recorded using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:



	Years
Land improvements	15
Buildings and improvements	5 to 31
Vessels	10 to 35
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3 to 31

Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2018			2017
Property and equipment - non-Master Leases
Land and improvements	$	343,987		$	294,695
Building, vessels and improvements	342,944			429,015
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	1,565,830			1,385,889
Leasehold improvements	152,943			130,801
Construction in progress	25,473			15,617
	2,431,177			2,256,017
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(1,400,198		)	(1,345,147		)
	1,030,979			910,870
Property and equipment - Master Leases
Land and improvements	2,970,969			424,700
Building, vessels and improvements	3,845,062			2,258,577
	6,816,031			2,683,277
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(978,242		)	(837,478		)
	5,837,789			1,845,799
Property and equipment, net	$	6,868,768		$	2,756,669

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Details of goodwill

A reconciliation of goodwill and accumulated goodwill impairment losses, by reportable segment, is as follows:



(in thousands)	Northeast Segment			South Segment			West Segment			Midwest Segment			Other			Total
Balance as of January 1, 2017
Goodwill, gross	$	792,024		$	100,929		$	158,992		$	1,045,983		$	155,322		$	2,253,250
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	(707,593		)	(34,522		)	(1,812		)	(435,283		)	(84,355		)	(1,263,565		)
Goodwill, net	84,431			66,407			157,180			610,700			70,967			989,685
Goodwill acquired during year⁽¹⁾	—			35,929			—			669			—			36,598
Impairment losses during year	—			—			(14,821		)	—			(3,205		)	(18,026		)
Other	—			—			—			—			(160		)	(160		)
Balance as of December 31, 2017
Goodwill, gross	792,024			136,858			158,992			1,046,652			155,322			2,289,848
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	(707,593		)	(34,522		)	(16,633		)	(435,283		)	(87,720		)	(1,281,751		)
Goodwill, net	84,431			102,336			142,359			611,369			67,602			1,008,097
Goodwill acquired during year	56,400			48,300			51,431			63,400			794			220,325
Balance as of December 31, 2018
Goodwill, gross	848,424			185,158			210,423			1,110,052			156,116			2,510,173
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	(707,593		)	(34,522		)	(16,633		)	(435,283		)	(87,720		)	(1,281,751		)
Goodwill, net	$	140,831		$	150,636		$	193,790		$	674,769		$	68,396		$	1,228,422

(1)

The amount in the South segment originated from the acquisitions of 1^st Jackpot Casino Tunica and Resorts Casino Tunica, described in Note 5, “Acquisitions and Other Investments.”As of December 31, 2018, six reporting units had negative carrying amounts. The amount of goodwill at these reporting units was as follows (in thousands):



Northeast segment
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races	$	8,654
Hollywood Casino Columbus	$	6,200
Hollywood Casino Toledo	$	5,800
South segment
Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast	$	2,700
Midwest segment
Argosy Casino Alton	$	11,863
Hollywood Casino Joliet	$	4,600

Schedule of indefinite-lived intangible assets

table below presents the gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization, and net carrying amount of each major class of other intangible assets:



	December 31, 2018							December 31, 2017
(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Gaming licenses	$	1,498,309	$	—		$	1,498,309	$	374,709	$	—		$	374,709
Trademarks	298,000		—			298,000		—		—			—
Other	696		—			696		696		—			696
Amortizing intangible assets
Customer relationships	98,752		(51,544		)	47,208		75,252		(42,432		)	32,820
Other	61,918		(49,263		)	12,655		56,231		(41,850		)	14,381
Total other intangible assets	$	1,957,675	$	(100,807	)	$	1,856,868	$	506,888	$	(84,282	)	$	422,606

Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets

table below presents the gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization, and net carrying amount of each major class of other intangible assets:



	December 31, 2018							December 31, 2017
(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Gaming licenses	$	1,498,309	$	—		$	1,498,309	$	374,709	$	—		$	374,709
Trademarks	298,000		—			298,000		—		—			—
Other	696		—			696		696		—			696
Amortizing intangible assets
Customer relationships	98,752		(51,544		)	47,208		75,252		(42,432		)	32,820
Other	61,918		(49,263		)	12,655		56,231		(41,850		)	14,381
Total other intangible assets	$	1,957,675	$	(100,807	)	$	1,856,868	$	506,888	$	(84,282	)	$	422,606

Expected intangible asset amortization expense

following table presents the estimated amortization expense based on our amortizing intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands):



Years ending December 31:
2019	$	22,085
2020	16,472
2021	4,795
2022	4,063
2023	4,003
Thereafter	8,445
Total	$	59,863

Long-term Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of long-term debt, net of current maturities

Long-term debt, net of current maturities, was as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2018			2017
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Revolving Credit Facility due 2023	$	112,000		$	—
Term Loan A Facility due 2023	707,674			288,750
Term Loan B Facility due 2024	—			471,250
Term Loan B-1 Facility due 2025	1,128,750			—
5.625% Notes due 2027	400,000			400,000
Other long-term obligations	104,583			119,310
Capital leases	381			891
	2,453,388			1,280,201
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt	(62,140		)	(35,612		)
Less: Debt discount	(2,748		)	(2,558		)
Less: Debt issuance costs	(38,412		)	(27,406		)
	$	2,350,088		$	1,214,625

Schedule of future minimum repayments of long-term debt

The following is a schedule of future minimum repayments of long-term debt as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands):



Year ending December 31:
2019	$	62,140
2020	63,114
2021	81,474
2022	99,919
2023	655,069
Thereafter	1,491,672
Total minimum payments	$	2,453,388

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
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Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75038535&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 9: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21475-112644

+ Details

Master Lease Financing Obligations and Lease Obligations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule of total lease payments under the Master Leases

Total lease payments under the Penn Master Lease were as follows:



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Reduction of financing obligation	$	60,061	$	57,859	$	50,548
Interest expense attributable to financing obligation	401,483		397,580		391,738
Total lease payments under the Penn Master Lease	$	461,544	$	455,439	$	442,286

Total lease payments under the Pinnacle Master Lease were as follows:



(in thousands)	For the Year Ended December 31, 2018
Reduction of financing obligation	$	7,351
Interest expense attributable to financing obligation	62,993
Total lease payments under the Pinnacle Master Lease⁽¹⁾	$	70,344

(1)

Includes $13.6 million pertaining to the period from October 15, 2018 through October 31, 2018, which was prepaid by Pinnacle.

Schedule of future minimum payments related to the Master Leases

The future minimum payments related to the Penn Master Lease and Pinnacle Master Lease as of December 31, 2018 were as follows:



(in thousands)	Penn Master Lease			Pinnacle Master Lease			Total
Year ending December 31:
2019	$	347,384		$	329,245		$	676,629
2020	347,384			308,067			655,451
2021	347,384			297,478			644,862
2022	347,384			297,478			644,862
2023	347,384			297,478			644,862
Thereafter	8,626,711			8,131,064			16,757,775
Total minimum lease payments	10,363,631			9,660,810			20,024,441
Less: Amounts representing interest	(7,100,050		)	(7,285,956		)	(14,386,006		)
Plus: Residual values	215,179			1,294,801			1,509,980
Present value of future minimum lease payments	3,478,760			3,669,655			7,148,415
Less: Current portion of financing obligation	(21,114		)	(46,663		)	(67,777		)
Long-term portion of financing obligation	$	3,457,646		$	3,622,992		$	7,080,638

Schedule of future minimum rental payments for operating leases

The future minimum lease commitments relating to the base lease rent portion of noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):



Year ending December 31:
2019	$	43,913
2020	40,510
2021	30,497
2022	30,109
2023	28,454
Thereafter	272,492
Total	$	445,975

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities

The components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2018			2017
Deferred tax assets:
Stock-based compensation expense	$	8,998		$	15,038
Accrued expenses	42,897			39,474
Loan to the JIVDC	—			26,237
Financing obligations associated with Master Leases	1,919,718			900,311
Unrecognized tax benefits	6,732			6,565
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	3,579			—
Net operating losses, interest limitation and tax credit carryforwards	122,785			59,842
Gross deferred tax assets	2,104,709			1,047,467
Less: Valuation allowance	(89,508		)	(113,699		)
Net deferred tax assets	2,015,201			933,768
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment, non-Master Leases	(47,308		)	(33,148		)
Property and equipment, Master Leases	(1,599,907		)	(469,363		)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	—			(1,218		)
Undistributed foreign earnings	(349		)	(2,061		)
Intangibles	(287,025		)	(37,035		)
Net deferred tax liabilities	(1,934,589		)	(542,825		)
Noncurrent deferred tax assets, net	$	80,612		$	390,943

Components of income before income tax expense

The domestic and foreign components of income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018		2017			2016
Domestic	$	89,582	$	(29,538	)	$	116,693
Foreign	339		4,494			3,924
Total	$	89,921	$	(25,044	)	$	120,617

Schedule of provision for income taxes

The provision for income taxes charged to operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was as follows:



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018			2017			2016
Current tax benefit (expense)
Federal	$	(15,336	)	$	(16,318	)	$	(8,721	)
State	(6,402		)	(6,062		)	(3,489		)
Foreign	(1,349		)	2,981			9,639
Total current	(23,087		)	(19,399		)	(2,571		)
Deferred tax benefit (expense)
Federal	14,576			480,712			(4,701		)
State	10,945			39,255			(3,279		)
Foreign	1,159			(2,061		)	(756		)
Total deferred	26,680			517,906			(8,736		)
Total income tax benefit (expense)	$	3,593		$	498,507		$	(11,307	)

Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the actual effective income tax rate

The following table reconciles the statutory federal income tax rate to the actual effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:



	For the year ended December 31,
	2018		2017		2016
Percent of pretax income
Federal statutory rate	21.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State and local income taxes - net of federal benefits	(6.2	)	6.3		1.2
Nondeductible expenses	6.9		(16.0	)	0.3
Goodwill impairment	—		(20.5	)	—
Compensation	(3.8	)	29.5		(1.5	)
Contingent liability settlement	—		22.9		0.6
Foreign	(0.1	)	11.3		(8.5	)
Valuation allowance	(20.3	)	2,962.3		(17.1	)
Tax Act - deferred rate change	—		(1,043.5	)	—
Other miscellaneous items	(1.5	)	3.3		(0.6	)
Total effective tax rate	(4.0	)%	1,990.6	%	9.4	%

The income tax benefit (expense) differs from the federal statutory amount due to the effect of the items detailed in the table below:



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018			2017			2016
Amount of pretax income
Federal statutory rate	$	(18,883	)	$	8,765		$	(42,216	)
State and local income taxes - net of federal benefits	5,615			1,567			(1,498		)
Nondeductible expenses	(6,161		)	(4,018		)	(371		)
Goodwill impairment	—			(5,131		)	—
Compensation	3,369			7,376			1,817
Contingent liability settlement	—			5,740			(756		)
Foreign	117			2,840			10,268
Valuation allowance	18,275			741,872			20,675
Tax Act - deferred rate change	—			(261,329		)	—
Other miscellaneous items	1,261			825			774
Total income tax benefit (expense)	$	3,593		$	498,507		$	(11,307	)

Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts for the liability for unrecognized tax benefits was as follows:



(in thousands)	Unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1, 2017	$	26,792
Additions based on current year positions	2,979
Additions based on prior year positions	2,836
Decreases due to settlements and/or reduction in reserves	(1,322		)
Currency translation adjustments	(119		)
Settlement payments	(216		)
Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2017	30,950
Additions based on current year positions	—
Additions based on prior year positions	775
Decreases due to settlements and/or reduction in reserves	(2,005		)
Currency translation adjustments	(39		)
Settlement payments	—
Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2018	$	29,681

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Information on stock options issued

The following table contains information about our stock options:



	Number of Option Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding as of January 1, 2018	6,551,314		$	12.29
Granted	663,343		$	30.75
Exercised	(1,302,501	)	$	8.70
Forfeited	(42,945	)	$	16.67
Outstanding as of December 31, 2018	5,869,211		$	15.14	3.97	$	28,470
Exercisable as of December 31, 2018	3,099,460		$	12.83	3.25	$	17,992

Information about stock options by exercise price range

The following table summarizes information about our outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2018:



	Exercise Price Range						Total
	$8.88 to $13.35		$13.50 to $20.52		$20.75 to $32.90		$8.88 to $32.90
Outstanding options
Number outstanding	3,637,366		1,570,183		661,662		5,869,211
Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	3.22		4.87		6.01		3.97
Weighted-average exercise price	$	12.65	$	14.38	$	30.67	$	15.14
Exercisable options
Number outstanding	2,645,735		452,466		1,259		3,099,460
Weighted-average exercise price	$	12.53	$	14.56	$	20.75	$	12.83

Weighted-average assumptions used in Black-Scholes option pricing model

The following are the weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:



	For the year ended December 31,
	2018		2017		2016
Risk-free interest rate	2.26	%	1.97	%	1.20	%
Expected volatility	30.80	%	30.66	%	31.23	%
Dividend yield	—		—		—
Weighted-average expected life (in years)	5.30		5.30		5.40

Information on restricted stock awards

restricted stock awards with performance-based vesting conditions under its Performance Share Programs. Additionally, in conjunction with the Pinnacle Acquisition, the Company awarded 129,961 restricted stock awards to new employees of the Company. The following table contains information on our restricted stock awards:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding as of January 1, 2018	267,655		$	13.83
Awarded	333,478		$	30.00
Released	(30,979	)	$	14.15
Canceled	(11,333	)	$	17.96
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	558,821		$	23.38

Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of segment information

The following table highlights our revenues and Adjusted EBITDAR for each reportable segment and reconciles Adjusted EBITDAR to Income (loss) before income taxes.



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018			2017			2016
Revenues:
Northeast segment	$	1,891,514		$	1,756,579		$	1,741,809
South segment	394,351			224,247			185,832
West segment	437,887			380,418			360,776
Midwest segment	823,717			735,033			704,272
Other ⁽¹⁾	40,449			51,693			41,691
Revenues	$	3,587,918		$	3,147,970		$	3,034,380

Adjusted EBITDAR ⁽²⁾:
Northeast segment	$	583,791		$	549,304		$	536,446
South segment	118,962			62,580			56,060
West segment	114,267			72,744			72,509
Midwest segment	294,332			249,744			239,899
Other ⁽¹⁾	(68,111		)	(55,223		)	(67,773		)
Adjusted EBITDAR ⁽²⁾	1,043,241			879,149			837,141

Other operating benefits (costs) and other income (expenses):
Rent expense associated with triple net operating lease⁽³⁾	(3,797		)	—			—
Charge for stock compensation	(12,034		)	(7,780		)	(6,871		)
Cash-settled stock award variance	19,611			(23,471		)	6,688
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets	(3,168		)	(172		)	2,471
Contingent purchase price	(454		)	6,840			(1,277		)
Pre-opening and acquisition costs	(95,020		)	(9,732		)	—
Depreciation and amortization	(268,990		)	(267,062		)	(271,214		)
Provision for loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC, net of recoveries, and impairment losses	(17,921		)	(107,810		)	—
Insurance recoveries, net of deductible charges	68			289			726
Non-operating items for Kansas JV	(5,118		)	(5,866		)	(10,311		)
Interest expense	(539,417		)	(466,761		)	(459,243		)
Interest income	1,005			3,552			24,186
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(20,964		)	(23,963		)	—
Other	(7,121		)	(2,257		)	(1,679		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	$	89,921		$	(25,044	)	$	120,617

(1)

(2)


(3)	During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company's only triple net operating lease was the Meadow Lease.



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Capital expenditures:
Northeast segment	$	38,873	$	26,283	$	34,380
South segment	10,587		6,354		6,249
West segment	12,816		35,671		24,209
Midwest segment	25,285		26,176		27,218
Other	4,996		4,777		5,189
Total capital expenditures	$	92,557	$	99,261	$	97,245



(in thousands)	Northeast		South		West		Midwest		Other		Total
As of December 31, 2018
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	$	105	$	—	$	—	$	89,350	$	39,033	$	128,488
Total assets ⁽¹⁾	$	1,330,256	$	1,082,304	$	755,665	$	1,411,468	$	6,381,319	$	10,961,012

As of December 31, 2017
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	$	102	$	—	$	—	$	88,296	$	60,514	$	148,912
Total assets ⁽¹⁾	$	921,044	$	169,255	$	625,019	$	970,809	$	2,548,685	$	5,234,812

As of December 31, 2016
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	$	76	$	—	$	—	$	93,768	$	62,332	$	156,176
Total assets ⁽¹⁾	$	973,423	$	121,619	$	718,457	$	991,759	$	2,169,226	$	4,974,484

(1)

Total assets of the Other category includes the carrying amount of the real estate assets under the Master Leases.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of carrying amounts and estimated fair values by input level

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values by input level of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows:



	December 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	479,598	$	479,598	$	479,598	$	—	$	—
Held-to-maturity securities	$	7,466	$	7,879	$	—	$	7,879	$	—
Promissory notes	$	16,853	$	17,415	$	—	$	17,415	$	—
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt
Senior Secured Credit Facilities	$	1,907,932	$	1,886,333	$	1,886,333	$	—	$	—
5.625% Notes	$	399,332	$	360,000	$	360,000	$	—	$	—
Other long-term obligations	$	104,583	$	96,338	$	—	$	96,338	$	—
Other liabilities	$	21,863	$	21,857	$	—	$	2,815	$	19,042



	December 31, 2017
(in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	277,953	$	277,953	$	277,953	$	—	$	—
Loan to the JIVDC	$	20,900	$	16,533	$	—	$	—	$	16,533
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt
Senior Secured Credit Facilities	$	730,787	$	760,456	$	760,456	$	—	$	—
5.625% Notes	$	399,249	$	412,000	$	412,000	$	—	$	—
Other long-term obligations	$	119,310	$	113,460	$	—	$	113,460	$	—
Other liabilities	$	22,696	$	22,696	$	—	$	—	$	22,696

Summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 liabilities

The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 liabilities measured on a recurring basis:



	Other Liabilities
(in thousands)	Contingent Purchase Price
Balance at January 1, 2016	$	13,815
Additions	34,945
Payments	(1,793		)
Included in earnings⁽¹⁾	1,277
Balance at December 31, 2016	48,244
Additions	905
Payments	(19,613		)
Included in earnings⁽¹⁾	(6,840		)
Balance at December 31, 2017	22,696
Payments	(4,108		)
Included in earnings⁽¹⁾	454
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	19,042

(1)

The charge (benefit) is included within “General and administrative” within our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Schedule of the assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis

The following table sets forth the assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:



(in thousands)	Valuation Date	Valuation Technique	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Balance		Total Reduction in Fair Value Recorded
Goodwill⁽¹⁾	9/30/2017	Discounted Cash Flow	$	—	$	—	$	598	$	598	$	(18,026	)
Property and equipment⁽²⁾	12/31/2018	Cost and Market Approach	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	(34,288	)


(1)	See Note 3, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for a description of the inputs and the information used to develop the inputs in calculating the fair value measurements of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

(2)

The fair value, which was concluded to be zero, of our property and equipment associated with Resorts Casino Tunica was determined using Level 2 inputs. See Note 7, “Property and Equipment” for more information.

Summary of significant unobservable inputs used in calculating Level 3 assets and liabilities

The following table summarizes the significant unobservable inputs used in calculating fair value for our Level 3 liabilities as of December 31, 2018:



	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Discount Rate
Recurring basis:
Contingent purchase price - Plainridge Park Casino	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	7.53%

Summarized Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information

The following table summarizes the quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:



	Fiscal Quarter
(in thousands, except per share data)	First		Second⁽¹⁾		Third		Fourth ⁽²⁾
2018
Revenues	$	816,085	$	826,913	$	789,651	$	1,155,269
Operating income	$	172,134	$	181,755	$	155,843	$	124,360
Net income (loss)	$	45,437	$	53,988	$	36,125	$	(42,036	)
Earnings (loss) per common share^:
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.50	$	0.59	$	0.39	$	(0.37	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.48	$	0.57	$	0.38	$	(0.37	)

	Fiscal Quarter
(in thousands, except per share data)	First ⁽³⁾		Second ⁽⁴⁾		Third⁽⁵⁾		Fourth⁽⁶⁾
2017
Revenues	$	776,224	$	796,463	$	806,247	$	769,036
Operating income	$	140,287	$	134,989	$	143,663	$	26,775
Net income (loss)	$	5,104	$	17,079	$	789,340	$	(338,060	)
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.06	$	0.19	$	8.68	$	(3.72	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.06	$	0.18	$	8.43	$	(3.72	)


(1)	During the second quarter 2018, the Company recorded a recovery of loan losses and unfunded loan commitments of $17.0 million relating to the JIVDC. See Note 5, “Acquisitions and Other Investments,” for further details.


(2)	During the fourth quarter 2018, we acquired Pinnacle, which resulted in the incurrence of $74.7 million in pre-opening and acquisition costs. See Note 5, “Acquisitions and Other Investments,” for further details. In addition, we recorded a $34.3 million impairment of long-lived assets. See

Note 7, “Property and Equipment,” for further details. Lastly, we recorded a $17.2 million loss on early extinguishment of debt. See Note 9, “Long-term Debt,” for more details.


(3)	During the first quarter 2017, PSG acquired DSG Amusement, Ltd., which operated two VGT routes. Additionally, we recorded a $23.4 million loss on early extinguishment of debt. See Note 9, “Long-term Debt,” for more details.


(4)	During the second quarter 2017, PSG acquired Advantage Gaming LLC, which operated two VGT routes, and the Company acquired 1^st Jackpot Casino Tunica and Resorts Casino Tunica.

(5)

(6)

Organization (Details)		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Organization (Details)	Oct. 15, 2018 property	Jun. 30, 2017 business	Dec. 31, 2016 business	Dec. 31, 2018 jurisdiction facility
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of facilities the entity owned, managed, or had ownership interests in \| facility				40
Number of jurisdictions in which the entity operates \| jurisdiction				18
Pinnacle
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of properties acquired \| property	12
Other acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired \| business		2	2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition and Complimentaries (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total complimentaries associated with gaming contracts	$ 206,137
Virtual playing credits
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Contract term	three days
Food and beverage
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total complimentaries associated with gaming contracts	$ 137,179
Hotel
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total complimentaries associated with gaming contracts	60,859
Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total complimentaries associated with gaming contracts	$ 8,099

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue Disaggregation and Customer Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 3,587,918	$ 3,331,466	$ 3,209,041
Less: Promotional allowance									0	(183,496)	(174,661)
Revenues	$ 1,155,269	$ 789,651	$ 826,913	$ 816,085	$ 769,036	$ 806,247	$ 796,463	$ 776,224	3,587,918	3,147,970	3,034,380
Loyalty credit obligation
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Customer-related liabilities	39,900								$ 39,900			$ 24,700
Contract with customer, term									6 months
Advance payments on goods and services yet to be provided or unpaid wagers
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Customer-related liabilities	34,300				21,500				$ 34,300	21,500
Customer-related liabilities, long-term	$ 700				$ 1,300				700	1,300
Gaming
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									2,894,861	2,692,021	2,606,262
Food and beverage
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									314,812	292,397	286,212
Hotel
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									163,675	129,959	125,404
Racing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									26,781	62,695	65,990
Reimbursable management costs
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									57,281	26,060	15,997
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									130,508	128,334	109,176
Operating segments \| Northeast segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									1,891,514	1,818,629	1,804,063
Less: Promotional allowance										(62,050)	(62,254)
Revenues									1,891,514	1,756,579	1,741,809
Operating segments \| Northeast segment \| Gaming
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									1,644,176	1,583,882	1,572,378
Operating segments \| Northeast segment \| Food and beverage
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									109,645	114,993	115,834
Operating segments \| Northeast segment \| Hotel
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									23,208	21,513	20,888
Operating segments \| Northeast segment \| Racing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									20,275	49,596	48,063
Operating segments \| Northeast segment \| Reimbursable management costs
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									46,822	0	0
Operating segments \| Northeast segment \| Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									47,388	48,645	46,900
Operating segments \| South segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									394,351	255,102	211,690
Less: Promotional allowance										(30,855)	(25,858)
Revenues									394,351	224,247	185,832
Operating segments \| South segment \| Gaming
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									302,842	202,967	166,509
Operating segments \| South segment \| Food and beverage
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									56,631	35,532	30,692
Operating segments \| South segment \| Hotel
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									23,320	10,340	8,843
Operating segments \| South segment \| Racing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									0	0	0
Operating segments \| South segment \| Reimbursable management costs
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									0	0	0
Operating segments \| South segment \| Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									11,558	6,263	5,646
Operating segments \| West segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									437,887	423,301	399,559
Less: Promotional allowance										(42,883)	(38,783)
Revenues									437,887	380,418	360,776
Operating segments \| West segment \| Gaming
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									228,055	219,743	211,788
Operating segments \| West segment \| Food and beverage
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									89,566	82,406	80,003
Operating segments \| West segment \| Hotel
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									90,824	76,147	73,180
Operating segments \| West segment \| Racing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									580	2,340	2,331
Operating segments \| West segment \| Reimbursable management costs
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									10,459	26,060	15,997
Operating segments \| West segment \| Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									18,403	16,605	16,260
Operating segments \| Midwest segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									823,717	782,206	751,904
Less: Promotional allowance										(47,173)	(47,632)
Revenues									823,717	735,033	704,272
Operating segments \| Midwest segment \| Gaming
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									719,753	685,429	655,587
Operating segments \| Midwest segment \| Food and beverage
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									57,886	58,414	58,370
Operating segments \| Midwest segment \| Hotel
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									26,323	21,959	22,493
Operating segments \| Midwest segment \| Racing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									0	0	0
Operating segments \| Midwest segment \| Reimbursable management costs
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									0	0	0
Operating segments \| Midwest segment \| Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									19,755	16,404	15,454
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									40,449	52,228	41,825
Less: Promotional allowance										(535)	(134)
Revenues									40,449	51,693	41,691
Other \| Gaming
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									35	0	0
Other \| Food and beverage
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									1,084	1,052	1,313
Other \| Hotel
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									0	0	0
Other \| Racing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									5,926	10,759	15,596
Other \| Reimbursable management costs
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									0	0	0
Other \| Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 33,404	$ 40,417	$ 24,916

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentration of Credit Risk and Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ (3,161)	$ (2,983)
Receivables, net	106,837	62,805
Markers issued to customers
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	17,242	5,237
Cash, credit card, and other advances to customers
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	20,925	13,891
Receivables from automatic teller machine and cash kiosk transactions
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	19,244	2,785
Hotel and banquet receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	8,142	4,566
Receivables due from the West Virginia Lottery
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	4,358	6,088
Racing settlements
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	6,064	5,493
Reimbursement of payroll expenses
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	3,439	3,366
Receivables due from platform providers for social casino game revenues
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	2,255	3,019
Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	$ 28,329	$ 21,343

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Master Lease Financing Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands					1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2018	Oct. 15, 2018	Jul. 30, 2014	Nov. 01, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Remaining lease term		7 years 6 months
Proceeds from the sale of real estate assets in conjunction with acquisitions						$ 250,000	$ 82,600	$ 0
Penn Master Lease
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease term				35 years
Discount rate				9.70%
Rent adjustment increase (decrease)	$ (11,300)		$ (6,200)		$ 19,000
Pinnacle Master Lease
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Discount rate		7.30%
Remaining lease term		32 years 6 months
Proceeds from the sale of real estate assets in conjunction with acquisitions		$ 250,000
Rent adjustment increase (decrease)		$ 25,000
Effective yield		9.60%

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Equipment, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Land improvements
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment
Useful lives	15 years
Building and improvements \| Minimum
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment
Useful lives	5 years
Building and improvements \| Maximum
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment
Useful lives	31 years
Vessels \| Minimum
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment
Useful lives	10 years
Vessels \| Maximum
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment
Useful lives	35 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment \| Minimum
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment
Useful lives	3 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment \| Maximum
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment
Useful lives	31 years

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Gaming and Racing Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Gaming taxes	$ 1,102.3	$ 983.3	$ 962.7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net income loss available to common stockholders
Net income attributable to Penn National Gaming, Inc.									$ 93,519	$ 473,463	$ 109,310
Net income applicable to preferred stock									0	0	8,662
Net income applicable to common stock									$ 93,519	$ 473,463	$ 100,648
Determination of shares:
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares)									97,105,000	90,854,000	82,929,000
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding before participating security (in shares)									100,338,000	93,378,000	84,270,000
Assumed conversion of preferred stock (in shares)									0	0	7,137,000
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares)									100,338,000	93,378,000	91,407,000
Anti-dilutive securities, stock options (in shares)									656,588	51,803	3,036,819
Calculation of basic EPS:
Net income applicable to common stock									$ 93,519	$ 473,463	$ 100,648
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares)									97,105,000	90,854,000	82,929,000
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)	$ (0.37)	$ 0.39	$ 0.59	$ 0.50	$ (3.72)	$ 8.68	$ 0.19	$ 0.06	$ 0.96	$ 5.21	$ 1.21
Calculation of diluted EPS using two class method:
Net income applicable to common stock									$ 93,519	$ 473,463	$ 100,648
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding before participating security (in shares)									100,338,000	93,378,000	84,270,000
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)	$ (0.37)	$ 0.38	$ 0.57	$ 0.48	$ (3.72)	$ 8.43	$ 0.18	$ 0.06	$ 0.93	$ 5.07	$ 1.19
Stock options
Determination of shares:
Assumed conversion of dilutive employee stock-based awards and restricted stock (in shares)									3,018,000	2,431,000	1,299,000
Restricted stock
Determination of shares:
Assumed conversion of dilutive employee stock-based awards and restricted stock (in shares)									215,000	93,000	42,000
Common Stock
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Conversion of Series C preferred stock (in shares)											8,624,000
Series C Preferred stock
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Conversion of Series C preferred stock (in shares)											8,624
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0				0				0	0

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Stock-Based Compensation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Segment Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 facility segment
Segment Information
Number of facilities the entity owned, managed, or had ownership interests in	40
Kansas Entertainment
Segment Information
Ownership interest in joint venture	50.00%
Jackpot, Nevada
Segment Information
Number of facilities the entity owned, managed, or had ownership interests in	2
Number of operating segments \| segment	1

New Accounting Pronouncements - Cumulative Effect on Statements of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										$ 3,587,918	$ 3,331,466	$ 3,209,041
Less: Promotional allowance										0	(183,496)	(174,661)
Revenues	$ 1,155,269	$ 789,651	$ 826,913	$ 816,085	$ 769,036	$ 806,247	$ 796,463	$ 776,224		3,587,918	3,147,970	3,034,380
Operating expenses
General and administrative										618,951	514,487	462,302
Depreciation and amortization										268,990	267,062	271,214
Impairment losses, net of recovery on loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC										17,921	107,810	0
Total operating expenses										2,953,826	2,702,256	2,491,364
Operating income	124,360	155,843	181,755	172,134	26,775	143,663	134,989	140,287		634,092	445,714	543,016
Income (loss) before income taxes									$ (161,500)	89,921	(25,044)	120,617
Income tax benefit (expense)										3,593	498,507	(11,307)
Net income	$ (42,036)	$ 36,125	$ 53,988	$ 45,437	$ (338,060)	$ 789,340	$ 17,079	$ 5,104		93,514	473,463	109,310
Gaming
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										2,894,861	2,692,021	2,606,262
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										1,551,430	1,364,989	1,334,980
Food, beverage, hotel and other
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										629,733	601,731	575,434
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										439,253	421,848	406,871
Management service and license fees
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										6,043	11,654	11,348
Reimbursable management costs
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										57,281	26,060	15,997
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										57,281	$ 26,060	$ 15,997
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										3,816,552
Less: Promotional allowance										(236,766)
Revenues										3,579,786
Operating expenses
General and administrative										618,951
Depreciation and amortization										268,990
Impairment losses, net of recovery on loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC										17,921
Total operating expenses										2,947,111
Operating income										632,675
Income (loss) before income taxes										88,504
Income tax benefit (expense)										3,916
Net income										92,420
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 \| Gaming
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										3,100,965
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										1,554,245
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 \| Food, beverage, hotel and other
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										699,085
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										476,545
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 \| Management service and license fees
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										6,043
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 \| Reimbursable management costs
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										10,459
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										10,459
ASU 2014-09 \| Effect of Change Higher / (Lower)
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										(228,634)
Less: Promotional allowance										236,766
Revenues										8,132
Operating expenses
General and administrative										0
Depreciation and amortization										0
Impairment losses, net of recovery on loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC										0
Total operating expenses										6,715
Operating income										1,417
Income (loss) before income taxes										1,417
Income tax benefit (expense)										(323)
Net income										1,094
ASU 2014-09 \| Effect of Change Higher / (Lower) \| Gaming
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										(206,104)
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										(2,815)
ASU 2014-09 \| Effect of Change Higher / (Lower) \| Food, beverage, hotel and other
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										(69,352)
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										(37,292)
ASU 2014-09 \| Effect of Change Higher / (Lower) \| Management service and license fees
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Effect of Change Higher / (Lower) \| Reimbursable management costs
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										46,822
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										46,822
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Loyalty Points
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										(2,860)
Less: Promotional allowance										0
Revenues										(2,860)
Operating expenses
General and administrative										0
Depreciation and amortization										0
Impairment losses, net of recovery on loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC										0
Total operating expenses										(1,443)
Operating income										(1,417)
Income (loss) before income taxes										(1,417)
Income tax benefit (expense)										323
Net income										(1,094)
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Loyalty Points \| Gaming
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										(2,608)
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										(1,443)
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Loyalty Points \| Food, beverage, hotel and other
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										(252)
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Loyalty Points \| Management service and license fees
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Loyalty Points \| Reimbursable management costs
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										0
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Promotional Allowance
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										236,766
Less: Promotional allowance										(236,766)
Revenues										0
Operating expenses
General and administrative										0
Depreciation and amortization										0
Impairment losses, net of recovery on loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC										0
Total operating expenses										0
Operating income										0
Income (loss) before income taxes										0
Income tax benefit (expense)										0
Net income										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Promotional Allowance \| Gaming
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										206,137
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Promotional Allowance \| Food, beverage, hotel and other
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										30,629
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Promotional Allowance \| Management service and license fees
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Promotional Allowance \| Reimbursable management costs
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										0
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Reimbursable Expense - Casino Rama
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										(46,822)
Less: Promotional allowance										0
Revenues										(46,822)
Operating expenses
General and administrative										0
Depreciation and amortization										0
Impairment losses, net of recovery on loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC										0
Total operating expenses										(46,822)
Operating income										0
Income (loss) before income taxes										0
Income tax benefit (expense)										0
Net income										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Reimbursable Expense - Casino Rama \| Gaming
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										0
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Reimbursable Expense - Casino Rama \| Food, beverage, hotel and other
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										0
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Reimbursable Expense - Casino Rama \| Management service and license fees
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Reimbursable Expense - Casino Rama \| Reimbursable management costs
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										(46,822)
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										(46,822)
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Racing Revenue
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										38,975
Less: Promotional allowance										0
Revenues										38,975
Operating expenses
General and administrative										0
Depreciation and amortization										0
Impairment losses, net of recovery on loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC										0
Total operating expenses										38,975
Operating income										0
Income (loss) before income taxes										0
Income tax benefit (expense)										0
Net income										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Racing Revenue \| Gaming
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										0
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Racing Revenue \| Food, beverage, hotel and other
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										38,975
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										38,975
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Racing Revenue \| Management service and license fees
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Racing Revenue \| Reimbursable management costs
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										0
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Tier Status and Other Benefits
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										2,575
Less: Promotional allowance										0
Revenues										2,575
Operating expenses
General and administrative										0
Depreciation and amortization										0
Impairment losses, net of recovery on loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC										0
Total operating expenses										2,575
Operating income										0
Income (loss) before income taxes										0
Income tax benefit (expense)										0
Net income										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Tier Status and Other Benefits \| Gaming
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										2,575
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										4,258
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Tier Status and Other Benefits \| Food, beverage, hotel and other
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										0
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										(1,683)
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Tier Status and Other Benefits \| Management service and license fees
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										0
ASU 2014-09 \| Impact of Tier Status and Other Benefits \| Reimbursable management costs
Cumulative effect of adoption
Revenues										0
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue										$ 0

New Accounting Pronouncements - Cumulative Effect on Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Balance Sheet
Other assets - Deferred income taxes	$ 80,612	$ 392,987	$ 390,943
Current liabilities - Accrued expenses	204,656	137,382	125,688
Stockholders’ equity - Accumulated deficit	(967,949)	(1,061,468)	$ (1,051,818)
ASU 2014-09 \| Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606
Balance Sheet
Other assets - Deferred income taxes	78,953
Current liabilities - Accrued expenses	191,404
Stockholders’ equity - Accumulated deficit	(956,418)
ASU 2014-09 \| Effect of Change Higher / (Lower)
Balance Sheet
Other assets - Deferred income taxes	1,659	2,044
Current liabilities - Accrued expenses	13,252	11,694
Stockholders’ equity - Accumulated deficit	$ (11,531)	$ (9,650)

New Accounting Pronouncements - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Income tax benefit, excess tax deductions for stock-based compensation		$ 6,300
Deferred tax assets, stock-based compensation expense	$ 8,998	15,038
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance	89,508	113,699
Net cash provided by operating activities	352,794	477,812	$ 407,960
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	$ 1,272,130	(207,040)	(339,930)
ASU 2016-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, stock-based compensation expense				$ 15,400
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance				$ 15,400
Net cash provided by operating activities			6,900
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			(6,900)
ASU 2016-05
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities		18,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(18,000)
ASU 2016-18
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities		$ 700	$ (3,800)

Acquisitions and Other Investments - Pinnacle Acquisition - Additional Information (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 15, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) jurisdiction facility	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) jurisdiction facility	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash received for the sale of the Divested Properties and Belterra Park			$ 661,654	$ 0	$ 0
Proceeds from the sale of real estate assets in conjunction with acquisitions			$ 250,000	$ 82,600	$ 0
Number of facilities the entity owned, managed, or had ownership interests in \| facility		40	40
Number of jurisdictions in which the entity operates \| jurisdiction		18	18
Certain Pinnacle subsidiaries
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash received for the sale of the Divested Properties and Belterra Park	$ 604,900
Belterra Park
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash received for the sale of the Divested Properties and Belterra Park	57,700
Pinnacle
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price	$ 2,816,215
Cash paid per share (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 20.00
Cash paid to former Pinnacle shareholders	$ 1,252,259
Fair value of Penn common stock issued to former Pinnacle shareholders	749,683
Cash paid by Penn to retire Pinnacle debt, inclusive of accrued interest	$ 814,273
Share Exchange Ratio	0.42
Number of trading days	10 days
Shares of Penn common stock issued to former Pinnacle shareholders (in shares) \| shares	26,295,439
Price per share of Penn common stock (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 28.51
Transaction costs expensed		$ 74,700	$ 89,700
Property and equipment - non-Pinnacle Master Lease	$ 318,856
Property and equipment - Pinnacle Master Lease	3,984,119
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes	$ 92,400
Pinnacle \| Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period of amortizing intangible assets acquired	2 years
Pinnacle \| Weighted average
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Price per share of Penn common stock (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 29.80
Pinnacle Master Lease
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from the sale of real estate assets in conjunction with acquisitions	$ 250,000

Acquisitions and Other Investments - Calculation of Purchase Price (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 15, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2018 shares	Dec. 31, 2017 shares	Dec. 31, 2016 shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pinnacle diluted shares outstanding (in shares) \| shares		100,338,000	93,378,000	91,407,000
Pinnacle
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Share Exchange Ratio	0.42
Shares of Penn common stock issued to former Pinnacle shareholders (in shares) \| shares	26,295,439
Price per share of Penn common stock (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 28.51
Fair value of Penn common stock issued to former Pinnacle shareholders	$ 749,683
Cash paid to former Pinnacle shareholders	1,252,259
Cash paid by Penn to retire Pinnacle debt, inclusive of accrued interest	814,273
Purchase price	$ 2,816,215
Pinnacle
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pinnacle diluted shares outstanding (in shares) \| shares	62,608,188

Acquisitions and Other Investments - Allocation of Purchase Price (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Oct. 15, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,228,422		$ 1,008,097	$ 989,685
Pinnacle
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and restricted cash		$ 124,231
Assets held for sale		667,036
Other current assets		80,622
Property and equipment - non-Pinnacle Master Lease		318,856
Property and equipment - Pinnacle Master Lease		3,984,119
Goodwill		219,531
Other long-term assets		38,767
Total assets		6,799,562
Long-term financing obligation, including current portion		3,427,016
Other current liabilities		200,547
Deferred tax liabilities		339,149
Other long-term liabilities		16,635
Total liabilities		3,983,347
Net assets acquired		2,816,215
Pinnacle \| Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortizing intangible assets		22,400
Pinnacle \| Gaming licenses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		1,046,000
Pinnacle \| Trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		$ 298,000

Acquisitions and Other Investments - Goodwill Allocated to Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Oct. 15, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,228,422		$ 1,008,097	$ 989,685
Pinnacle
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 219,531
Pinnacle \| Northeast segment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		56,400
Pinnacle \| South segment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		48,300
Pinnacle \| West segment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		51,431
Pinnacle \| Midwest segment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 63,400

Acquisitions and Other Investments - Pinnacle Actual and Pro Forma Financial Results (Details) - Pinnacle - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Actual financial results of acquiree since acquisition date
Revenues	$ 385,863
Net income	4,664
Pro forma financial results
Revenues	5,069,425	$ 5,036,559
Net income (loss)	$ 83,155	$ (38,045)

Acquisitions and Other Investments - Additional Acquisitions (Details) $ in Millions			3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2017 USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($) renewal_option	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
1st Jackpot Casino
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net assets acquired	$ 47.0
Rocket Speed
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net assets acquired		$ 60.5
Percentage acquired		100.00%
Contingent consideration, period		2 years
Multiple applied to then-trailing 12 months of EBITDA to determine contingent consideration		6.25
Contingent consideration, cap		$ 110.0
Contingent consideration (up to)		34.4
Benefit from buyout of contingent purchase price consideration				$ 22.2	$ 22.2
Rocket Speed \| Employee retention compensation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration (up to)		$ 10.0
Scenario, Forecast \| Greektown Casino-Hotel
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net assets acquired			$ 300.0
Annual rent			$ 55.6
Lease term			15 years
Number of lease renewal options \| renewal_option			4
Lease renewal term			5 years

Acquisitions and Other Investments - Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation (Details) - USD ($)			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	May 25, 2018	Oct. 20, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Payments to acquire note receivable						$ 338,000	$ 845,000	$ 184,193,000
Reimbursement of advances						0	0	341,864,000
Funds advanced						0	0	98,000,000
Net carrying amount of loan receivable					$ 20,900,000	0	20,900,000
Proceeds from the sale of loan to the JIVDC						15,186,000	0	$ 0
JIVDC
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Acquired note receivable, book value at acquisition date			$ 60,000,000
Payments to acquire note receivable			$ 24,000,000
Interest rate			4.25%
Acquired note receivable, fair value at acquisition date			$ 24,000,000
Premium received upon refinancing of note receivable			$ 6,000,000
Reimbursement of advances, net of funds advanced		$ 274,900,000
Reimbursement of advances		372,900,000
Funds advanced		98,000,000.0
Provision (recovery) for loan and unfunded loan commitments				$ (17,000,000.0)	77,900,000	$ (17,000,000.0)	86,000,000.0
Charges for certain advances							3,800,000
Net carrying amount of loan receivable					20,900,000		20,900,000
Remaining exposure, inclusive of unfunded commitments					27,900,000		27,900,000
Proceeds from the sale of loan to the JIVDC	$ 15,200,000
JIVDC \| Secured credit facility
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facilities		460,000,000
JIVDC \| Secured credit facility \| Revolving credit facility
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facilities		5,000,000
JIVDC \| Secured credit facility \| Term loan B facility
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facilities		340,000,000
JIVDC \| Secured credit facility \| Term loan C facility
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facilities		$ 98,000,000
Unpaid principal balance of term loan facility					$ 98,300,000		98,300,000
Allowance for loan loss \| JIVDC
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Provision (recovery) for loan and unfunded loan commitments							64,000,000.0
Unfunded loan commitments \| JIVDC
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Provision (recovery) for loan and unfunded loan commitments							$ 22,000,000.0

Acquisitions and Other Investments - Retama Park Racetrack (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Promissory notes	$ 0	$ 20,900
Pinnacle Retama Partners, LLC \| Local government bonds \| Other assets
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Local government bonds, amortized cost	7,500
Pinnacle Retama Partners, LLC \| Retama Development Corporation \| Other assets
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Promissory notes	$ 16,900
Retama Nominal Holder, LLC
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Ownership interest, equity method investment	1.00%
Pinnacle Retama Partners, LLC
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Ownership interest, subsidiary	75.50%

Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Return on investment from unconsolidated affiliates	$ 26,950	$ 26,450	$ 26,300
Summary financial information
Net income attributable to Penn National Gaming, Inc.	$ 22,326	18,671	14,337
Kansas Entertainment
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest in joint venture	50.00%
Investment balance	$ 89,400	88,300
Return on investment from unconsolidated affiliates	27,000	26,000	25,800
Summary financial information
Current assets	18,260	18,452	16,638
Noncurrent assets	161,031	165,801	176,050
Current liabilities	15,099	17,861	15,351
Revenues	159,017	155,636	152,926
Operating expenses	110,409	114,681	121,006
Operating income	48,608	40,955	31,920
Net income	48,608	40,955	31,920
Net income attributable to Penn National Gaming, Inc.	$ 24,304	$ 20,478	$ 15,960
Freehold Raceway
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest in joint venture	50.00%
MAXXAM
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest in joint venture	50.00%

Property and Equipment - Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property and equipment - non-Master Leases
Property and equipment, gross	$ 2,431,177	$ 2,256,017
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(1,400,198)	(1,345,147)
Property and equipment, net	1,030,979	910,870
Property and equipment - Master Leases
Property and equipment, gross	6,816,031	2,683,277
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(978,242)	(837,478)
Property and equipment, net	5,837,789	1,845,799
Property and equipment, net	6,868,768	2,756,669
Land and improvements
Property and equipment - non-Master Leases
Property and equipment, gross	343,987	294,695
Property and equipment - Master Leases
Property and equipment, gross	2,970,969	424,700
Building, vessels and improvements
Property and equipment - non-Master Leases
Property and equipment, gross	342,944	429,015
Property and equipment - Master Leases
Property and equipment, gross	3,845,062	2,258,577
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Property and equipment - non-Master Leases
Property and equipment, gross	1,565,830	1,385,889
Leasehold improvements
Property and equipment - non-Master Leases
Property and equipment, gross	152,943	130,801
Construction in progress
Property and equipment - non-Master Leases
Property and equipment, gross	$ 25,473	$ 15,617

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense		$ 251,900	$ 248,200	$ 261,900
Interest capitalized		0	200	100
Impairment of property and equipment	$ 34,300	34,288
Master Lease assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense		112,100	$ 92,400	$ 91,100
Master Lease assets \| Resorts Casino Tunica
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of property and equipment		$ 34,300

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill and Accumulated Goodwill Impairment Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance		$ 2,289,848	$ 2,253,250
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses, beginning balance		(1,281,751)	(1,263,565)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance		1,008,097	989,685
Goodwill acquired during year		220,325	36,598
Impairment losses during year	$ (18,000)	(18,026)	(18,026)
Other			(160)
Goodwill, gross, ending balance		2,510,173	2,289,848
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses, ending balance		(1,281,751)	(1,281,751)
Goodwill, net, ending balance		1,228,422	1,008,097
Operating segments \| Northeast segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance		792,024	792,024
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses, beginning balance		(707,593)	(707,593)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance		84,431	84,431
Goodwill acquired during year		56,400	0
Impairment losses during year			0
Other			0
Goodwill, gross, ending balance		848,424	792,024
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses, ending balance		(707,593)	(707,593)
Goodwill, net, ending balance		140,831	84,431
Operating segments \| South segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance		136,858	100,929
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses, beginning balance		(34,522)	(34,522)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance		102,336	66,407
Goodwill acquired during year		48,300	35,929
Impairment losses during year			0
Other			0
Goodwill, gross, ending balance		185,158	136,858
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses, ending balance		(34,522)	(34,522)
Goodwill, net, ending balance		150,636	102,336
Operating segments \| West segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance		158,992	158,992
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses, beginning balance		(16,633)	(1,812)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance		142,359	157,180
Goodwill acquired during year		51,431	0
Impairment losses during year			(14,821)
Other			0
Goodwill, gross, ending balance		210,423	158,992
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses, ending balance		(16,633)	(16,633)
Goodwill, net, ending balance		193,790	142,359
Operating segments \| Midwest segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance		1,046,652	1,045,983
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses, beginning balance		(435,283)	(435,283)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance		611,369	610,700
Goodwill acquired during year		63,400	669
Impairment losses during year			0
Other			0
Goodwill, gross, ending balance		1,110,052	1,046,652
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses, ending balance		(435,283)	(435,283)
Goodwill, net, ending balance		674,769	611,369
Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance		155,322	155,322
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses, beginning balance		(87,720)	(84,355)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance		67,602	70,967
Goodwill acquired during year		794	0
Impairment losses during year			(3,205)
Other			(160)
Goodwill, gross, ending balance		156,116	155,322
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses, ending balance		(87,720)	(87,720)
Goodwill, net, ending balance		$ 68,396	$ 67,602

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortizing intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ (100,807)	$ (84,282)
Amortizing intangible assets, net carrying amount	59,863
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total other intangible assets, gross carrying amount	1,957,675	506,888
Total other intangible assets, net carrying amount	1,856,868	422,606
Gaming licenses
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	1,498,309	374,709
Trademarks
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	298,000	0
Other
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	696	696
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortizing intangible assets, gross carrying amount	98,752	75,252
Amortizing intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(51,544)	(42,432)
Amortizing intangible assets, net carrying amount	47,208	32,820
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortizing intangible assets, gross carrying amount	61,918	56,231
Amortizing intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(49,263)	(41,850)
Amortizing intangible assets, net carrying amount	$ 12,655	$ 14,381

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Expected Intangible Asset Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2019	$ 22,085
2020	16,472
2021	4,795
2022	4,063
2023	4,003
Thereafter	8,445
Amortizing intangible assets, net carrying amount	$ 59,863

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Reporting Units With Negative Carrying Values (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Northeast segment \| Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
Goodwill [Line Items]
Reporting unit with negative carrying amount, goodwill	$ 8,654
Northeast segment \| Hollywood Casino Columbus
Goodwill [Line Items]
Reporting unit with negative carrying amount, goodwill	6,200
Northeast segment \| Hollywood Casino Toledo
Goodwill [Line Items]
Reporting unit with negative carrying amount, goodwill	5,800
South segment \| Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast
Goodwill [Line Items]
Reporting unit with negative carrying amount, goodwill	2,700
Midwest segment \| Argosy Casino Alton
Goodwill [Line Items]
Reporting unit with negative carrying amount, goodwill	11,863
Midwest segment \| Hollywood Casino Joliet
Goodwill [Line Items]
Reporting unit with negative carrying amount, goodwill	$ 4,600

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) reporting_unit	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Increase in intangible assets		$ 1,434,300,000
Purchase of intangible assets		81,604,000	$ 1,652,000	$ 2,667,000
Impairment charges on other intangible assets		$ 0	0	0
Weighted-average remaining amortization period		3 years 6 months
Intangible asset amortization expense		$ 17,100,000	18,900,000	$ 9,300,000
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment charges	$ 18,000,000.0	$ 18,026,000	$ 18,026,000
Number of reporting units with negative carrying values \| reporting_unit		6
Tropicana Las Vegas
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment charges	14,800,000
Sanford Orlando Kennel Club
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment charges	$ 3,200,000
Gaming licenses \| York County, Pennsylvania
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Purchase of intangible assets		$ 50,100,000
Gaming licenses \| Berks County, Pennsylvania
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Purchase of intangible assets		7,500,000
Gaming licenses \| Pennsylvania
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Purchase of intangible assets		$ 20,000,000.0

Long-term Debt - Debt Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 19, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 2,453,388	$ 1,280,201
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt	(62,140)	(35,612)
Less: Debt discount	(2,748)	(2,558)
Less: Debt issuance costs	(38,412)	(27,406)
Long-term debt, net of current maturities and debt issuance costs	$ 2,350,088	1,214,625
Interest rate	5.625%
Secured credit facility \| Revolving Credit Facility due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 112,000	0
Secured credit facility \| Term Loan A Facility due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	707,674	288,750
Secured credit facility \| Term Loan B Facility due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	0	471,250
Secured credit facility \| Term Loan B-1 Facility due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,128,750	0
Senior notes \| 5.625% Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 400,000	400,000
Interest rate	5.625%		5.625%
Other long-term obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 104,583	119,310
Capital leases
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 381	$ 891

Long-term Debt - Debt Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Year ending December 31:
2019	$ 62,140
2020	63,114
2021	81,474
2022	99,919
2023	655,069
Thereafter	1,491,672
Total minimum payments	$ 2,453,388	$ 1,280,201

Long-term Debt - Senior Secured Credit Facilities (Details) - USD ($)				12 Months Ended
	Oct. 15, 2018	Jan. 19, 2017	Oct. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				5.625%
Pinnacle 5.625% senior notes due 2024 \| Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.625%
Secured credit facility \| 2013 Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term			5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 500,000,000			$ 633,200,000
Secured credit facility \| 2013 Term Loan A Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term			5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 500,000,000
Secured credit facility \| 2013 Term Loan A Facility \| LIBOR \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on variable interest rate			1.25%
Secured credit facility \| 2013 Term Loan A Facility \| LIBOR \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on variable interest rate			2.75%
Secured credit facility \| 2013 Term Loan B Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term			7 years
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 250,000,000			$ 646,700,000
Secured credit facility \| 2013 Term Loan B Facility \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on variable interest rate	2.50%		2.50%
Variable interest rate floor			0.75%
Secured credit facility \| 2013 Term Loan B Facility \| Base rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on variable interest rate	1.50%
Secured credit facility \| Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term		5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 700,000,000
Letters of credit outstanding				$ 30,000,000.0	$ 22,100,000
Available borrowing capacity				$ 558,000,000.0	677,900,000
Secured credit facility \| Term Loan A Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term		5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 300,000,000
Secured credit facility \| Term Loan B Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term		7 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 500,000,000
Secured credit facility \| Term Loan A Facility due 2023, incremental loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 430,200,000
Secured credit facility \| Term Loan A Facility due 2023 \| LIBOR \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on variable interest rate	1.25%
Secured credit facility \| Term Loan A Facility due 2023 \| LIBOR \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on variable interest rate	3.00%
Secured credit facility \| Term Loan A Facility due 2023 \| Base rate \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on variable interest rate	0.25%
Secured credit facility \| Term Loan A Facility due 2023 \| Base rate \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on variable interest rate	2.00%
Secured credit facility \| Term Loan B-1 Facility due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,128,800,000
Variable interest rate floor	0.75%
Secured credit facility \| Term Loan B-1 Facility due 2025 \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on variable interest rate	2.25%
Secured credit facility \| Term Loan B-1 Facility due 2025 \| Base rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on variable interest rate	1.25%
Secured credit facility \| Revolving Credit Facility due 2023 \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused commitment fee percentage				0.20%
Secured credit facility \| Revolving Credit Facility due 2023 \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused commitment fee percentage				0.50%
Secured credit facility \| Senior Secured Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Refinancing costs					5,500,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt					21,000,000.0
Secured credit facility \| 2013 Senior Secured Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Refinancing costs					1,700,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt					$ 2,300,000

Long-term Debt - 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 19, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		5.625%
Senior notes \| 5.875% senior subordinated notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			5.875%
Senior notes \| 5.625% Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt principal amount	$ 400,000,000
Interest rate	5.625%	5.625%
Redemption price	105.625%
Percentage of principal that must remain outstanding following redemption, at least	60.00%
Period from completion of equity offering, during which notes can be redeemed	180 days

Long-term Debt - Redemption of 5.875% Senior Subordinated Notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.625%		5.625%
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	$ 17,200	$ 23,400	$ 20,964	$ 23,963	$ 0
Senior notes \| 5.875% senior subordinated notes due 2021
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate				5.875%
Debt redemption amount				$ 300,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt				$ 21,100

Long-term Debt - Other Long-term Obligations (Details)		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Long-term Debt - Other Long-term Obligations (Details)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) payment	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt				$ 2,453,388,000	$ 1,280,201,000
Interest rate				5.625%
Other long-term obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt				$ 104,583,000	119,310,000
Other long-term obligations \| Ohio relocation fees debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt				91,300,000	105,400,000
Debt principal amount			$ 75,000,000.0
Amount payable upon opening of the facility			$ 7,500,000
Number of semi-annual payments \| payment			18
Amount of semi-annual payments due beginning one year from commencement of operations			$ 4,800,000
Effective yield			5.00%
Interest expense				4,800,000	5,500,000	$ 6,200,000
Other long-term obligations \| Ohio relocation fees debt \| Discount rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Discount rate			0.050
Other long-term obligations \| Event center debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt				13,200,000	13,800,000
Debt principal amount		$ 15,300,000
Effective yield		3.00%
Interest expense				400,000	400,000	$ 400,000
Periodic payment amount		$ 1,000,000.0
Debt term		20 years
Capital leases
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt				$ 381,000	$ 891,000
Capital leases \| Corporate airplane loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Periodic payment amount	$ 200,000
Debt term	5 years
Interest rate	5.22%
Balloon payment	$ 12,600,000

Master Lease Financing Obligations and Lease Obligations - Master Lease Financing Obligations - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands									1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2018 USD ($)	Oct. 15, 2018 USD ($)	Nov. 01, 2017 USD ($)	May 01, 2017 USD ($) property	Nov. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2016 property extension_period	Jul. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Nov. 01, 2013 facility extension_period	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Schedule of Leased Assets [Line Items]
Proceeds from the sale of real estate assets in conjunction with acquisitions										$ 250,000	$ 82,600	$ 0
Remaining lease term		7 years 6 months
Penn Master Lease
Schedule of Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of facilities with leased real estate \| facility								20
Lease term								15 years
Number of lease renewal options \| extension_period								4
Lease renewal term								5 years
Annual escalator percentage - up to								2.00%
Adjusted Revenue to Rent Ratio, as defined										1.8
Period over which fixed component is adjusted								5 years
Adjustment to fixed component as percentage of the average change to net revenues during the preceding five years								4.00%
Adjustment to fixed component as percentage of the average change to net revenues during preceding month								20.00%
Rent adjustment increase (decrease)	$ (11,300)						$ (6,200)		$ 19,000
Percentage of construction costs paid by lessor									10.00%
Increase in annual rent due to escalators	$ 5,400		$ 2,400		$ 4,500
Penn Master Lease \| Hollywood Casino Columbus and Hollywood Casino Toledo
Schedule of Leased Assets [Line Items]
Interest expense										$ 48,900	$ 46,800	$ 43,800
Penn Master Lease \| 1st Jackpot Casino
Schedule of Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rent adjustment increase (decrease)				$ 9,000
Proceeds from the sale of real estate assets in conjunction with acquisitions				$ 82,600
Number of properties added to lease \| property				2
Pinnacle Master Lease
Schedule of Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease term						10 years
Number of lease renewal options \| extension_period						5
Lease renewal term						5 years
Annual escalator percentage - up to						2.00%
Adjusted Revenue to Rent Ratio, as defined						1.8
Rent adjustment increase (decrease)		$ 25,000
Proceeds from the sale of real estate assets in conjunction with acquisitions		250,000
Increase in annual rent to adjust to current market conditions		$ 13,900
Number of leased assets \| property						12
Remaining lease term		32 years 6 months
Fixed period of percentage rent component						2 years
Percentage rent escalation interval						2 years
Percentage of average net revenues during preceding two years						4.00%

Master Lease Financing Obligations and Lease Obligations - Master Lease Financing Obligations - Total Lease Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Reduction of financing obligation		$ 67,412	$ 57,859	$ 50,548
Interest expense attributable to financing obligation		530,359	452,779	452,842
Penn Master Lease
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Reduction of financing obligation		60,061	57,859	50,548
Interest expense attributable to financing obligation		401,483	397,580	391,738
Total lease payments under the Penn Master Lease		461,544	$ 455,439	$ 442,286
Pinnacle Master Lease
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Reduction of financing obligation		7,351
Interest expense attributable to financing obligation		62,993
Total lease payments under the Penn Master Lease		$ 70,344
Pinnacle Master Lease \| Pinnacle
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Total lease payments under the Penn Master Lease	$ 13,600

Master Lease Financing Obligations and Lease Obligations - Future Minimum Payments Related to the Master Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Year ending December 31:
2019	$ 676,629
2020	655,451
2021	644,862
2022	644,862
2023	644,862
Thereafter	16,757,775
Total minimum lease payments	20,024,441
Less: Amounts representing interest	(14,386,006)
Plus: Residual values	1,509,980
Present value of future minimum lease payments	7,148,415
Less: Current portion of financing obligation	(67,777)	$ (56,248)
Long-term portion of financing obligation	7,080,638	$ 3,482,573
Penn Master Lease
Year ending December 31:
2019	347,384
2020	347,384
2021	347,384
2022	347,384
2023	347,384
Thereafter	8,626,711
Total minimum lease payments	10,363,631
Less: Amounts representing interest	(7,100,050)
Plus: Residual values	215,179
Present value of future minimum lease payments	3,478,760
Less: Current portion of financing obligation	(21,114)
Long-term portion of financing obligation	3,457,646
Pinnacle Master Lease
Year ending December 31:
2019	329,245
2020	308,067
2021	297,478
2022	297,478
2023	297,478
Thereafter	8,131,064
Total minimum lease payments	9,660,810
Less: Amounts representing interest	(7,285,956)
Plus: Residual values	1,294,801
Present value of future minimum lease payments	3,669,655
Less: Current portion of financing obligation	(46,663)
Long-term portion of financing obligation	$ 3,622,992

Master Lease Financing Obligations and Lease Obligations - Operating Lease Commitments - Future Minimum Lease Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Year ending December 31:
2019	$ 43,913
2020	40,510
2021	30,497
2022	30,109
2023	28,454
Thereafter	272,492
Total	$ 445,975

Master Lease Financing Obligations and Lease Obligations - Operating Lease Commitments - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) extension_period	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rent expense	$ 58.1	$ 45.4	$ 40.3
Meadows Lease
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rent expense	$ 3.8
Remaining lease term	8 years
Lease term	10 years
Percent escalation during initial term	0.05
Sum of base rent and percentage rent threshold	$ 31.0
Annual escalator if certain rent coverage ratio thresholds are met	2.00%
Adjusted revenue to rent ratio	2.0
Fixed period of percentage rent component	2 years
Percentage of average net revenues during preceding two years	4.00%
Lease payments	$ 5.6
Meadows Lease \| Lease renewal option one
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of lease renewal options \| extension_period	3
Lease renewal term	5 years
Meadows Lease \| Lease renewal option two
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of lease renewal options \| extension_period	1
Lease renewal term	4 years

Commitments and Contingencies - Location Share Agreements, Purchase Obligations and Capital Expenditure Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Purchase obligations	$ 97.2
Purchase obligations, 2019	$ 64.9
Master Leases
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Minimum required facility maintenance spending, as a percent of annual net revenues	1.00%
Location share agreements
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Cost of revenue	$ 34.7	$ 29.7	$ 21.2

Commitments and Contingencies - Employee Benefit Plans and Labor Agreements (Details) $ in Millions				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Aug. 25, 2015 agreement	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) plan employee	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Matching contributions				$ 2.6	$ 2.6	$ 2.8
Matching contribution as a percentage of the daily mutual handle				0.25%
Matching contribution as a percentage of net video lottery revenue up to a base				1.00%
Matching contribution as a percentage of table revenue after the base is met				0.50%
Matching contribution as a percentage of poker revenue after the base is met				0.84%
Number of plans \| plan				2
Deferred compensation vesting period				5 years
Deferred compensation matching contributions				$ 2.3	2.2	2.2
Deferred compensation liability, current				$ 64.1	64.7
Tropicana Las Vegas
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Number of collective bargaining agreements \| agreement		7
Ohio Horsemans Benevolent and Protective Association
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Term of other labor agreement			10 years
Ohio Harness Horsemens Association
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Term of other labor agreement	10 years
401(k) Plan
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discretionary match contribution percentage				50.00%
Maximum percentage of eligible employee compensation eligible for discretionary employer match contribution				6.00%
Matching contributions				$ 6.5	$ 6.0	$ 5.3
SEATU
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Number of employees covered under collective bargaining agreement \| employee				1,628
Hotel Employees And Restaurant Employees Union Local 1
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Number of employees covered under collective bargaining agreement \| employee				172
United Auto Workers and United Steel Workers Council
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Number of employees covered under collective bargaining agreement \| employee				1,254

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 8,998	$ 15,038
Accrued expenses	42,897	39,474
Loan to the JIVDC	0	26,237
Financing obligations associated with Master Leases	1,919,718	900,311
Unrecognized tax benefits	6,732	6,565
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	3,579	0
Net operating losses, interest limitation and tax credit carryforwards	122,785	59,842
Gross deferred tax assets	2,104,709	1,047,467
Less: Valuation allowance	(89,508)	(113,699)
Total deferred tax assets	2,015,201	933,768
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment, non-Master Leases	(47,308)	(33,148)
Property and equipment, Master Leases	(1,599,907)	(469,363)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	0	(1,218)
Undistributed foreign earnings	(349)	(2,061)
Intangibles	(287,025)	(37,035)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(1,934,589)	(542,825)
Noncurrent deferred tax assets, net	$ 80,612	$ 390,943

Income Taxes - Income Before Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ (161,500)	$ 89,921	$ (25,044)	$ 120,617
Domestic
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes		89,582	(29,538)	116,693
Foreign
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes		$ 339	$ 4,494	$ 3,924

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Benefit (Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current tax benefit (expense)
Federal	$ (15,336)	$ (16,318)	$ (8,721)
State	(6,402)	(6,062)	(3,489)
Foreign	(1,349)	2,981	9,639
Total current	(23,087)	(19,399)	(2,571)
Deferred tax benefit (expense)
Federal	14,576	480,712	(4,701)
State	10,945	39,255	(3,279)
Foreign	1,159	(2,061)	(756)
Total deferred	26,680	517,906	(8,736)
Total income tax benefit (expense)	$ 3,593	$ 498,507	$ (11,307)

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Effective Income Tax Rate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Percent of pretax income
Federal statutory rate			21.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes - net of federal benefits			(6.20%)	6.30%	1.20%
Nondeductible expenses			6.90%	(16.00%)	0.30%
Goodwill impairment			0.00%	(20.50%)	0.00%
Compensation			(3.80%)	29.50%	(1.50%)
Contingent liability settlement			0.00%	22.90%	0.60%
Foreign			(0.10%)	11.30%	(8.50%)
Valuation allowance			(20.30%)	2962.30%	(17.10%)
Tax Act - deferred rate change			0.00%	(1043.50%)	0.00%
Other miscellaneous items			(1.50%)	3.30%	(0.60%)
Total effective tax rate			(4.00%)	1990.60%	9.40%
Amount of pretax income
Federal statutory rate			$ (18,883)	$ 8,765	$ (42,216)
State and local income taxes - net of federal benefits			5,615	1,567	(1,498)
Nondeductible expenses			(6,161)	(4,018)	(371)
Goodwill impairment			0	(5,131)	0
Compensation			3,369	7,376	1,817
Contingent liability settlement			0	5,740	(756)
Foreign			117	2,840	10,268
Valuation allowance	$ 22,400	$ 766,200	18,275	741,872	20,675
Tax Act - deferred rate change			0	(261,329)	0
Other miscellaneous items			1,261	825	774
Total income tax benefit (expense)			$ 3,593	$ 498,507	$ (11,307)

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 30,950	$ 26,792
Additions based on current year positions	0	2,979
Additions based on prior year positions	775	2,836
Decreases due to settlements and/or reduction in reserves	(2,005)	(1,322)
Currency translation adjustments	(39)	(119)
Settlement payments	0	(216)
Balance	$ 29,681	$ 30,950

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details)		3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details)	Nov. 01, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Oct. 15, 2018 USD ($)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Act, measurement period adjustment, income tax expense							$ 1,200,000
Tax Act, measurement period adjustment, increase in effective tax rate							0.013
Tax Act, deferred tax assets, provisional income tax expense			$ 257,000,000.0					$ 261,300,000
Tax Act, deferred tax assets, measurement period adjustment, income tax expense							$ 300,000
Tax Act, transition tax, provisional income tax expense								2,600,000
Tax Act, transition tax, measurement period adjustment, income tax expense							900,000
Tax Act, transition tax, liability		$ 3,200,000					3,200,000
Tax Act, GILTI provision, income tax expense							300,000
Real property assets		6,868,768,000	2,756,669,000				6,868,768,000	2,756,669,000
Three-year cumulative pretax income		185,500,000		$ 76,600,000		$ 76,600,000	185,500,000
Income (loss) before income taxes					$ (161,500,000)		89,921,000	(25,044,000)	$ 120,617,000
Impairment charges					$ 155,300,000	$ 29,900,000			0	$ 40,000,000.0	$ 159,900,000	$ 798,300,000
Valuation allowance released		22,400,000		$ 766,200,000			18,275,000	741,872,000	20,675,000
Valuation allowance		89,508,000	113,699,000				89,508,000	113,699,000
Tax benefit associated with net operating loss carryforwards		53,200,000					53,200,000
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance							(24,200,000)
Tax reserves, interest and penalties related to current year tax positions							0
Tax reserves, interest and penalties related to prior year tax positions							800,000
Reversal of previously recorded tax reserves and accrued interest for tax positions settled and/or closed							2,200,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, including accrued interest and penalties		30,400,000					30,400,000
Net tax expense in connection with uncertain tax positions							500,000
Tax positions that, if reversed, would affect the effective tax rate		23,600,000	25,100,000				23,600,000	25,100,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, currency translation and settlements (less than in 2018)		100,000	100,000				100,000	100,000
Interest and penalties recognized, net of deferred taxes							500,000	1,700,000
Reductions in previously accrued interest and penalties							200,000
Prepaid income taxes		14,900,000	$ 12,000,000.0				14,900,000	12,000,000.0
Domestic
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes							89,582,000	$ (29,538,000)	$ 116,693,000
Net operating loss carryforwards		252,800,000					252,800,000
Interest limitation carryforward		18,000,000.0					18,000,000.0
Net operating loss and interest limitation carryforwards, subject to expiration		182,100,000					182,100,000
State
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		835,200,000					835,200,000
Net operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance		$ 32,100,000					32,100,000
Increase in net operating loss carryforwards from acquisitions							$ 382,000,000.0
Pinnacle
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Gross deferred income tax assets, acquisition													$ 1,000,000,000.0
Gross deferred tax liabilities, acquisition													$ 1,400,000,000
Failed spin-off leaseback
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Real property assets	$ 2,000,000,000.0
Financing obligation	3,500,000,000
Increase in net deferred tax assets	$ 599,900,000

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Details) - USD ($)						1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 15, 2017	Oct. 16, 2013	Oct. 11, 2013	Oct. 30, 2008	Jul. 03, 2008	Feb. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2010	Feb. 03, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Authorized amount under share repurchase program											$ 100,000,000
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)							2,299,498	1,264,149
Repurchases of common stock							$ 50,046,000	$ 24,796,000
Average price paid per share of common stock repurchased (in dollars per share)							$ 21.74	$ 19.59
Consideration that the shareholders would have received under merger agreement before termination (in dollars per share)	$ 67
Consideration from the termination of the Merger Agreement					$ 1,475,000,000
Non-refundable cash termination fee from the termination of the Merger Agreement					225,000,000
Investment in preferred equity from the termination of the Merger Agreement					$ 1,250,000,000
Fortress \| GLPI common stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Threshold ownership percentage following Spin-Off per Exchange Agreement		9.90%
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)							2,299,498	1,264,149
Repurchases of common stock							$ 23,000	$ 13,000
Conversion of Series C preferred stock (in shares)									8,624,000
Series B Preferred stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Issuance of stock (in shares)				12,500
Repurchases of preferred stock (in shares)			2,300			225				225
Repurchases of preferred stock			$ 649,500,000							$ 11,200,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)							0	0
Series B Preferred stock \| Fortress
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares of stock provided with the right to exchange as per the Exchange Agreement (in shares)		9,750
Ceiling price at which the shares of preferred stock are redeemable at maturity (in dollars per share)		$ 67
Series C Preferred stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Issuance of stock (in shares)			14,553
Repurchases of preferred stock (in shares)			5,929
Conversion of Series C preferred stock (in shares)									8,624
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)							0	0
Series C Preferred stock \| Fortress
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase price of preferred stock (in dollars per share)		$ 67

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Number of Option Shares
Options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	6,551,314
Granted (in shares) \| shares	663,343
Exercised (in shares) \| shares	(1,302,501)
Forfeited (in shares) \| shares	(42,945)
Options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	5,869,211
Options outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term	3 years 11 months 19 days
Options outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value \| $	$ 28,470
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 12.29
Granted (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	30.75
Exercised (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	8.70
Forfeited (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	16.67
Options outstanding (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 15.14
Options Exercisable
Options exercisable (in shares) \| shares	3,099,460
Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 12.83
Options exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual term	3 years 3 months
Options exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value \| $	$ 17,992

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Options By Exercise Price Ranges (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 $ / shares shares
$8.88 to $13.35
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Low end of exercise price range (in dollars per share)	$ 8.88
High end of exercise price range (in dollars per share)	$ 13.35
Outstanding options
Number outstanding (in shares) \| shares	3,637,366
Weighted-average remaining contractual life	3 years 2 months 19 days
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 12.65
Exercisable options
Number outstanding (in shares) \| shares	2,645,735
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 12.53
$13.50 to $20.52
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Low end of exercise price range (in dollars per share)	13.50
High end of exercise price range (in dollars per share)	$ 20.52
Outstanding options
Number outstanding (in shares) \| shares	1,570,183
Weighted-average remaining contractual life	4 years 10 months 13 days
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 14.38
Exercisable options
Number outstanding (in shares) \| shares	452,466
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 14.56
$20.75 to $32.90
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Low end of exercise price range (in dollars per share)	20.75
High end of exercise price range (in dollars per share)	$ 32.90
Outstanding options
Number outstanding (in shares) \| shares	661,662
Weighted-average remaining contractual life	6 years 3 days
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 30.67
Exercisable options
Number outstanding (in shares) \| shares	1,259
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 20.75
$8.88 to $32.90
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Low end of exercise price range (in dollars per share)	8.88
High end of exercise price range (in dollars per share)	$ 32.90
Outstanding options
Number outstanding (in shares) \| shares	5,869,211
Weighted-average remaining contractual life	3 years 11 months 19 days
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 15.14
Exercisable options
Number outstanding (in shares) \| shares	3,099,460
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 12.83

Stock-Based Compensation - Weighted-Average Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model
Risk-free interest rate	2.26%	1.97%	1.20%
Expected volatility	30.80%	30.66%	31.23%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted-average expected life	5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years 4 months 24 days

Stock-Based Compensation - Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - Restricted stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 $ / shares shares
Number of Shares
Outstanding (in shares) \| shares	267,655
Granted (in shares) \| shares	333,478
Released (in shares) \| shares	(30,979)
Canceled (in shares) \| shares	(11,333)
Outstanding (in shares) \| shares	558,821
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 13.83
Awarded (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	30.00
Released (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	14.15
Canceled (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	17.96
Outstanding (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 23.38

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions							12 Months Ended
	Oct. 15, 2018 shares	Mar. 21, 2018 shares	Feb. 06, 2018 shares	Feb. 17, 2017 shares	Feb. 09, 2016 shares	Jun. 12, 2014 shares	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) performance_period $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) $ / shares	Jun. 09, 2011 shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense							$ 12.0	$ 7.8	$ 6.9
Weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares							$ 9.88	$ 4.48	$ 3.97
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised							$ 28.7	$ 15.8	$ 10.3
Unamortized compensation costs, stock options							$ 9.7
Pinnacle
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted (in shares) \| shares	129,961
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Low end of exercise price range (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares							$ 8.88
High end of exercise price range (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares							$ 32.90
Unamortized compensation costs, weighted average period of recognition							4 years
Stock options \| Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual lives							1 year
Stock options \| Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual lives							10 years
Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted (in shares) \| shares							333,478
Unamortized compensation costs, weighted average period of recognition							4 years
Unrecognized compensation cost, other awards							$ 7.4
Phantom share units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense							$ 1.1	11.9	8.5
Unamortized compensation costs, weighted average period of recognition							2 years 18 days
Unrecognized compensation cost, other awards							$ 3.0
Liability for cash-settled awards							1.7	4.8
Amounts paid on cash-settled awards							$ 4.2	12.7	10.7
Phantom share units (PSUs) \| Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period							3 years
Phantom share units (PSUs) \| Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period							4 years
Stock appreciation rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period							4 years
Stock-based compensation expense							$ (6.7)	21.9	2.4
Unamortized compensation costs, weighted average period of recognition							1 year 11 months 12 days
Unrecognized compensation cost, other awards							$ 4.5
Liability for cash-settled awards							6.8	24.0
Amounts paid on cash-settled awards							$ 10.5	$ 6.2	$ 3.3
2008 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock available for awards, up to (in shares) \| shares						16,350,000				6,900,000
2008 Plan \| Stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock counted against the maximum shares available for grant for each share awarded under the plan (in shares) \| shares						1
2008 Plan \| Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock counted against the maximum shares available for grant for each share awarded under the plan (in shares) \| shares						2.44
2018 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock available for awards, up to (in shares) \| shares		12,700,000
Common stock counted against the maximum shares available for grant for each share awarded under the plan (in shares) \| shares		1
Shares available for future grants (in shares) \| shares							11,921,545
2018 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan \| Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock counted against the maximum shares available for grant for each share awarded under the plan (in shares) \| shares		2.30
Performance Share Program \| Performance shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted (in shares) \| shares			197,727	172,245	189,085
Award period							3 years
Number of annual award performance periods \| performance_period							3
Service period							3 years
Vesting period							3 years
Performance Share Program \| Performance shares \| Vesting tranche one
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Increment percentage at which shares are awarded							33.33%
Performance Share Program \| Performance shares \| Vesting tranche two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Increment percentage at which shares are awarded							33.33%
Performance Share Program \| Performance shares \| Vesting tranche three
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Increment percentage at which shares are awarded							33.33%
Performance Share Program \| Performance shares \| Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of award which can potentially be earned							0.00%
Performance Share Program \| Performance shares \| Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of award which can potentially be earned							150.00%

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) segment	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments \| segment										4
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 1,155,269	$ 789,651	$ 826,913	$ 816,085	$ 769,036	$ 806,247	$ 796,463	$ 776,224		$ 3,587,918	$ 3,147,970	$ 3,034,380
Adjusted EBITDAR:
Adjusted EBITDAR										1,043,241	879,149	837,141
Rent expense associated with triple net operating lease										(3,797)	0	0
Charge for stock compensation										(12,034)	(7,780)	(6,871)
Cash-settled stock award variance										19,611	(23,471)	6,688
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets										(3,168)	(172)	2,471
Contingent purchase price										(454)	6,840	(1,277)
Pre-opening and acquisition costs										(95,020)	(9,732)	0
Depreciation and amortization										(268,990)	(267,062)	(271,214)
Provision for loan loss and unfunded loan commitments to the JIVDC, net of recoveries, and impairment losses										(17,921)	(107,810)	0
Insurance recoveries, net of deductible charges										68	289	726
Non-operating items for Kansas JV										(5,118)	(5,866)	(10,311)
Interest expense										(539,417)	(466,761)	(459,243)
Interest income										1,005	3,552	24,186
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(17,200)							$ (23,400)		(20,964)	(23,963)	0
Other										(7,121)	(2,257)	(1,679)
Income (loss) before income taxes									$ (161,500)	89,921	(25,044)	120,617
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditures										92,557	99,261	97,245
Assets:
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	128,488				148,912					128,488	148,912	156,176
Total assets	$ 10,961,012				5,234,812					10,961,012	5,234,812	4,974,484
South/West segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of new reportable segments from division of segment \| segment	2
Operating segments \| Northeast segment
Revenues:
Revenues										1,891,514	1,756,579	1,741,809
Adjusted EBITDAR:
Adjusted EBITDAR										583,791	549,304	536,446
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditures										38,873	26,283	34,380
Assets:
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	$ 105				102					105	102	76
Total assets	1,330,256				921,044					1,330,256	921,044	973,423
Operating segments \| South segment
Revenues:
Revenues										394,351	224,247	185,832
Adjusted EBITDAR:
Adjusted EBITDAR										118,962	62,580	56,060
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditures										10,587	6,354	6,249
Assets:
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	0				0					0	0	0
Total assets	1,082,304				169,255					1,082,304	169,255	121,619
Operating segments \| West segment
Revenues:
Revenues										437,887	380,418	360,776
Adjusted EBITDAR:
Adjusted EBITDAR										114,267	72,744	72,509
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditures										12,816	35,671	24,209
Assets:
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	0				0					0	0	0
Total assets	755,665				625,019					755,665	625,019	718,457
Operating segments \| Midwest segment
Revenues:
Revenues										823,717	735,033	704,272
Adjusted EBITDAR:
Adjusted EBITDAR										294,332	249,744	239,899
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditures										25,285	26,176	27,218
Assets:
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	89,350				88,296					89,350	88,296	93,768
Total assets	1,411,468				970,809					1,411,468	970,809	991,759
Other
Revenues:
Revenues										40,449	51,693	41,691
Adjusted EBITDAR:
Adjusted EBITDAR										(68,111)	(55,223)	(67,773)
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditures										4,996	4,777	5,189
Assets:
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	39,033				60,514					39,033	60,514	62,332
Total assets	$ 6,381,319				$ 2,548,685					$ 6,381,319	$ 2,548,685	$ 2,169,226

Fair Value Measurements - Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values by Input Level (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 19, 2017
Financial liabilities:
Interest rate	5.625%
Senior notes \| 5.625% Notes
Financial liabilities:
Interest rate	5.625%		5.625%
Carrying Amount \| Recurring
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 479,598	$ 277,953
Held-to-maturity securities	7,466
Promissory notes	16,853
Loan to the JIVDC		20,900
Financial liabilities:
Other liabilities	21,863	22,696
Carrying Amount \| Recurring \| Secured credit facility
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	1,907,932	730,787
Carrying Amount \| Recurring \| Senior notes \| 5.625% Notes
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	399,332	399,249
Carrying Amount \| Recurring \| Other long-term obligations
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	104,583	119,310
Fair Value \| Recurring
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	479,598	277,953
Held-to-maturity securities	7,879
Promissory notes	17,415
Loan to the JIVDC		16,533
Financial liabilities:
Other liabilities	21,857	22,696
Fair Value \| Recurring \| Secured credit facility
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	1,886,333	760,456
Fair Value \| Recurring \| Senior notes \| 5.625% Notes
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	360,000	412,000
Fair Value \| Recurring \| Other long-term obligations
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	96,338	113,460
Level 1 \| Recurring
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	479,598	277,953
Held-to-maturity securities	0
Promissory notes	0
Loan to the JIVDC		0
Financial liabilities:
Other liabilities	0	0
Level 1 \| Recurring \| Secured credit facility
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	1,886,333	760,456
Level 1 \| Recurring \| Senior notes \| 5.625% Notes
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	360,000	412,000
Level 1 \| Recurring \| Other long-term obligations
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	0	0
Level 2 \| Recurring
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Held-to-maturity securities	7,879
Promissory notes	17,415
Loan to the JIVDC		0
Financial liabilities:
Other liabilities	2,815	0
Level 2 \| Recurring \| Secured credit facility
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	0	0
Level 2 \| Recurring \| Senior notes \| 5.625% Notes
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	0	0
Level 2 \| Recurring \| Other long-term obligations
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	96,338	113,460
Level 3 \| Recurring
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Held-to-maturity securities	0
Promissory notes	0
Loan to the JIVDC		16,533
Financial liabilities:
Other liabilities	19,042	22,696
Level 3 \| Recurring \| Secured credit facility
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	0	0
Level 3 \| Recurring \| Senior notes \| 5.625% Notes
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	0	0
Level 3 \| Recurring \| Other long-term obligations
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Liabilities (Details) - Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Contingent Purchase Price
Balance	$ 22,696	$ 48,244	$ 13,815
Additions		905	34,945
Payments	(4,108)	(19,613)	(1,793)
Included in earnings	454	(6,840)	1,277
Balance	$ 19,042	$ 22,696	$ 48,244

Fair Value Measurements - Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill - total reduction in fair value recorded		$ (18,000)	$ (18,026)	$ (18,026)
Property and equipment - total reduction in fair value recorded	$ (34,300)		(34,288)
Non-recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill	598		598
Property and equipment	0		0
Level 1 \| Non-recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill	0		0
Property and equipment	0		0
Level 2 \| Non-recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill	0		0
Property and equipment	0		0
Level 3 \| Non-recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill	598		598
Property and equipment	$ 0		$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Significant Unobservable Inputs For Level 3 Assets and Liabilities (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017
Plainridge Park Casino \| Discounted cash flow \| Level 3 \| Discount rate
Recurring basis:
Contingent purchase price, measurement input	0.0753

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Details)	1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2018 payment	Dec. 31, 2017 payment	Jan. 19, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate		5.625%
Plainridge Park Casino
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Period of actual earnings used to calculate contingent consideration	10 years
Number of remaining annual payments		7	8
Senior notes \| 5.625% Notes due 2027
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate		5.625%		5.625%
JIVDC \| Discounted cash flow \| Discount rate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loan receivable, measurement input			0.14

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Rent expense	$ 58,100	$ 45,400	$ 40,300
Future minimum lease commitments	445,975
Affiliates of Chairman of Board of Directors
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Rent expense	1,300	$ 1,200	$ 1,200
Future minimum lease commitments	$ 3,200

Summarized Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,155,269	$ 789,651	$ 826,913	$ 816,085	$ 769,036	$ 806,247	$ 796,463	$ 776,224	$ 3,587,918	$ 3,147,970	$ 3,034,380
Operating income	124,360	155,843	181,755	172,134	26,775	143,663	134,989	140,287	634,092	445,714	543,016
Net income (loss)	$ (42,036)	$ 36,125	$ 53,988	$ 45,437	$ (338,060)	$ 789,340	$ 17,079	$ 5,104	$ 93,514	$ 473,463	$ 109,310
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.37)	$ 0.39	$ 0.59	$ 0.50	$ (3.72)	$ 8.68	$ 0.19	$ 0.06	$ 0.96	$ 5.21	$ 1.21
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.37)	$ 0.38	$ 0.57	$ 0.48	$ (3.72)	$ 8.43	$ 0.18	$ 0.06	$ 0.93	$ 5.07	$ 1.19

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
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+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

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+ Details

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

+ Details

Summarized Quarterly Data (Unaudited) - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 VGT_route	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($) VGT_route	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Impairment of property and equipment	$ 34,300						$ 34,288
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	17,200					$ 23,400	20,964	$ 23,963	$ 0
Number of VGT routes acquired \| VGT_route					2	2
Valuation allowance released	22,400			$ 766,200			18,275	741,872	$ 20,675
Goodwill impairment charges				18,000			18,026	18,026
Tax Act, deferred tax assets, provisional income tax expense			$ 257,000					261,300
Pinnacle
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Pre-opening and acquisition costs	$ 74,700						89,700
Rocket Speed
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Benefit from buyout of contingent purchase price consideration				$ 22,200				22,200
JIVDC
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Provision (recovery) for loan and unfunded loan commitments		$ (17,000)	$ 77,900				$ (17,000)	$ 86,000

Subsequent Events (Details)	Jan. 09, 2019 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2019 USD ($) renewal_option	Feb. 03, 2017 USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Authorized amount under share repurchase program			$ 100,000,000
Subsequent event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Authorized amount under share repurchase program	$ 200,000,000
Share repurchase program period	2 years
Subsequent event \| Margaritaville Resort Casino
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase price		$ 115,000,000
Annual rent		$ 23,200,000
Lease term		15 years
Number of lease renewal options \| renewal_option		4
Lease renewal term		5 years

Label	Element	Value
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (9,650,000)
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent	1,640,000
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent	1,465,000
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent	744,000
Parent [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	(9,650,000)
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (9,650,000)