Churchill Downs Inc

Previous wording

Our business could be adversely affected by the occurrence of extraordinary events, such as terrorist attacks, public health threats, civil unrest, and inclement weather, including as a result of climate change

Current wording

Our business could be adversely affected by the occurrence of extraordinary events, such as terrorist attacks, public health threats, and civil unrest

Previous wording

Our operating results depend, in large part, on revenues derived from customers visiting our casinos and racetracks, which is subject to the occurrence and threat of extraordinary events that may discourage attendance or expose us to substantial liability. Terrorist activity, including acts of domestic terrorism, civil unrest, or other actions that discourage attendance at other locations, or even the threat of such activity, including public concerns regarding air travel, military actions, safety, and additional national or local catastrophic incidents, could result in reduced attendance at Churchill Downs Racetrack and at our other locations. A major epidemic or pandemic, outbreak of a contagious equine disease, or the threat of such an event, could also adversely affect attendance and could impact the supply chain for our major construction projects resulting in higher costs and delays of the projects. For example, the COVID-19 global pandemic resulted in the temporary suspension of operations of all of our wholly owned gaming properties, certain wholly owned racing operations, and the two casino properties related to our equity investments. While we are constantly evaluating our security precautions in an effort to ensure the safety of the public, no security measures can guarantee safety and there can be no assurances of avoiding potential liabilities.

Current wording

Our operating results depend, in large part, on revenues derived from customers visiting our casinos and racetracks, which is subject to the occurrence and threat of extraordinary events that may discourage attendance or expose us to substantial liability. Terrorist activity, including acts of domestic terrorism, civil unrest, or other actions that discourage attendance at other locations, or even the threat of such activity, including public concerns regarding air travel, military actions, safety, and additional national or local catastrophic incidents, could result in reduced attendance at Churchill Downs Racetrack and at our other locations. A major epidemic or pandemic, outbreak of a contagious equine disease, or the threat of such an event, could also adversely affect attendance and could impact the supply chain for our major construction projects resulting in higher costs and delays of the projects. For example, the COVID-19 global pandemic resulted in the temporary suspension of operations of all of our wholly owned gaming properties, certain wholly owned racing operations, and the two gaming properties related to our equity investments. While we are constantly evaluating our security precautions in an effort to ensure the safety of the public, no security measures can guarantee safety and there can be no assurances of avoiding potential liabilities.

Previous wording

Since horse racing is conducted outdoors, unfavorable weather conditions, including extremely high and low temperatures, heavy rains, high winds, storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, could cause events to be canceled and/or attendance to be lower, resulting in reduced wagering. Climate change could have an impact on longer-term natural weather trends. Extreme weather events that are linked to rising temperatures, changing global weather patterns, sea, land, and air temperatures, as well as sea levels, rain, and snow could result in increased occurrence and severity of adverse weather events. Our operations are subject to reduced patronage, disruptions, or complete cessation of operations due to weather conditions, natural disasters, and other casualties. The occurrence or threat of any such extraordinary event at our locations, particularly at Churchill Downs Racetrack during Kentucky Derby and Oaks week, could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.

Current wording

Unfavorable weather conditions, including extremely high and low temperatures, heavy rains, high winds, storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, have caused and may in the future cause events to be canceled and/or attendance to be lower, resulting in reduced wagering. Inclement weather conditions may deter or prevent customers from reaching the facilities, including our gaming and HRM venues. Climate change could have an impact on longer-term natural weather trends. Extreme weather events that are linked to rising temperatures, changing global weather patterns, sea, land, and air temperatures, as well as sea levels, rain, and snow could result in increased occurrence and severity of adverse weather events. Our operations are subject to reduced patronage, disruptions, or complete cessation of operations due to weather conditions, natural disasters, and other casualties. The occurrence or threat of any such extraordinary event at our locations, particularly at Churchill Downs Racetrack during Kentucky Derby and Oaks week, could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

Acts of fraud or cheating in our gaming businesses using counterfeit chips, covert schemes, and other tactics, possibly in collusion with our employees, may be attempted or committed by our gaming customers with the aim of increasing their winnings. Our gaming customers, visitors, and employees may also commit crimes such as theft to obtain chips not belonging to them. We have taken measures to safeguard our interests including the implementation of systems, processes, and technologies to mitigate against these risks, extensive employee training, surveillance, security, and investigation operations and adoption of appropriate security features on our chips such as embedded radio frequency identification tags. Despite our efforts, we may not be successful in preventing or detecting such culpable behavior and schemes in a timely manner and the relevant insurance we have obtained may not be sufficient to cover our losses depending on the incident, which could result in losses to our gaming operations and generate negative publicity, both of which could have an adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations, and cash flows.

Current wording

Acts of fraud or cheating in our gaming businesses using counterfeit chips, covert schemes, and other tactics, possibly in collusion with our employees, may be attempted or committed by our gaming customers with the aim of increasing their winnings. Our gaming customers, visitors, and employees may also commit crimes such as theft to obtain chips not belonging to them. Despite our efforts to safeguard against this risk, we may not be successful in preventing or detecting such culpable behavior and schemes in a timely manner and the relevant insurance we have obtained may not be sufficient to cover our losses depending on the incident, which could result in losses to our gaming operations and generate negative publicity, both of which could have an adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations, and cash flows.

Previous wording

Other factors that could influence our reputation include the quality of the services we offer and our actions with regard to social issues such as diversity, human rights, and support for local communities. Broad access to social media makes it easy for anyone to provide public feedback that can influence perceptions of us or our properties. It may be difficult to control or effectively manage negative publicity, regardless of whether it is accurate. Negative events and publicity could quickly and materially damage perceptions of us, our properties, or our industries, which, in turn, could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations through loss of customers, loss of business opportunities, lack of acceptance of our company to operate in host communities, employee retention, or recruiting difficulties or other difficulties.

Current wording

Other factors that could influence our reputation include the quality of the services we offer and public perception of our actions with regard to social issues such as diversity, human rights, and support for local communities. Broad access to social media makes it easy for anyone to provide public feedback that can influence perceptions of us or our properties. It may be difficult to control or effectively manage negative publicity, regardless of whether it is accurate. Negative events and publicity could quickly and materially damage perceptions of us, our properties, or our industries, which, in turn, could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations through loss of customers, loss of business opportunities, lack of acceptance of our company to operate in host communities, employee retention, or recruiting difficulties or other difficulties.

Previous wording

Competition for the type of talent we seek to hire is increasingly intense in the geographic areas in which we operate. As a result, we may incur significant costs to attract and retain highly skilled employees. We may be unable to attract and retain the personnel necessary to sustain our business or support future growth.

Current wording

Competition for the type of talent we seek to hire continues to be a challenge in the geographic areas in which we operate. As a result, we may incur significant costs to attract and retain highly skilled employees. We may be unable to attract and retain the personnel necessary to sustain our business or support future growth.

Previous wording

We have observed an increasingly competitive labor market. Increased employee turnover, changes in the availability of our workers, or labor shortages in our supply chain could result in increased costs and impact our ability to fully staff our operations, which could negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Current wording

We continue to experience a competitive labor market. Increased employee turnover, changes in the availability of our workers, or labor shortages in our supply chain could result in increased costs and impact our ability to fully staff our operations, which could negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Previous wording

Our operations also face competition from other leisure and entertainment activities, including shopping, athletic events, television and movies, concerts, and travel.

Current wording

Our operations also face competition from other leisure and entertainment activities.

Previous wording

Our TwinSpires segment and gaming and historical racing properties are characterized by the rapid development of new technologies and the continuous introduction of new products. Our main technological advantage versus potential competitors is our software lead-time in the market and our experience in operating an Internet-based wagering network. It may be difficult to maintain our competitive technological position against current and potential competitors, especially those with greater financial resources. Our success depends upon new product development and technological advancements, including the development of new wagering platforms and features. While we expend resources on research and development and product enhancement, we may not be able to continue to improve and market our existing products or technologies or develop and market new products in a timely manner. Further technological developments may cause our products or technologies to become obsolete or noncompetitive.

Current wording

Our Wagering Services and Solutions segment and gaming and historical racing properties are characterized by the rapid development of new technologies and the continuous introduction of new products. Our main technological advantage versus potential competitors is our software lead-time in the market and our experience in operating an Internet-based wagering network. It may be difficult to maintain our competitive technological position against current and potential competitors, especially those with greater financial resources. The Company's competitors may adopt new technologies and technological advancements, such as using artificial intelligence and machine learning, to pursue new products, services and approaches more quickly, successfully, and effectively than the Company.

Previous wording

A significant amount of our revenue is attributable to slot, HRM, VLTs, and video poker machines operated by us at our properties, and there are a limited number of slot machine and HRM manufacturers servicing the industry. It is important for competitive reasons that we offer the most popular and up-to-date machine games with the latest technology to our guests. A substantial majority of the slot machines sold in the U.S. in recent years were manufactured by a few select companies, and there has been extensive consolidation activity within the gaming equipment sector. Recently, the prices of new machines have escalated faster than the rate of inflation and slot machine manufacturers have occasionally refused to sell slot machines featuring the most popular games, instead requiring participating lease arrangements to acquire the machines. Participation slot machine leasing arrangements typically require the payment of a fixed daily rental. Such agreements may also include a percentage payment of coin-in or net win. Generally, a participating lease is substantially more expensive over the long term than the cost to purchase a new machine. For competitive reasons, we may be forced to purchase new slot machines or enter into participating lease arrangements that are more expensive than the costs associated with the continued operation of our existing slot machines. If the newer slot machines do not result in sufficient incremental revenue to offset the increased investment, it could adversely affect our operations and profitability.

Current wording

A significant amount of our revenue is attributable to slot, HRM, VLTs, and video poker machines operated by us at our properties, and there are a limited number of slot machine and HRM manufacturers servicing the industry. It is important for competitive reasons that we offer the most popular and up-to-date machine games with the latest technology to our guests. A substantial majority of the slot and HRM machines sold in the U.S. are manufactured by a few select companies. The prices of new machines may escalate and manufacturers could refuse to sell us machines featuring the most popular games, instead requiring participating lease arrangements to acquire the machines. Such agreements may be substantially more expensive over the long term than the cost of purchasing a new machine.

Previous wording

We rely on a variety of hardware and software products to maximize revenue and efficiency in our operations. Technology in the gaming industry is developing rapidly, and we may need to invest substantial amounts to acquire the most current gaming and hotel technology and equipment in order to remain competitive in the markets in which we operate. We rely on a limited number of vendors to provide video poker and slot machines and any loss of our equipment suppliers could impact our operations. Ensuring the successful implementation and maintenance of any new technology acquired is an additional risk.

Current wording

We rely on a variety of hardware and software products to maximize revenue and efficiency in our operations. Technology in the gaming industry is developing rapidly, and we may need to invest substantial amounts to acquire the most current gaming and hotel technology and equipment in order to remain competitive in the markets in which we operate. We rely on a limited number of vendors to provide video poker, slot, and HRM machines and any loss of equipment suppliers could impact our operations. Ensuring the successful implementation and maintenance of any new technology acquired is an additional risk.

Previous wording

We intend to focus on market access and our retail operations for our TwinSpires sports betting business and there can be no assurance that we will be able to compete effectively or that we will generate sufficient returns on our investment

Current wording

We intend to focus on market access and our retail operations for our sports betting business and there can be no assurance that we will be able to compete effectively or that we will generate sufficient returns on our investment

Previous wording

During the second quarter of 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting. Sports betting has been authorized and is operational in thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia as of December 31, 2023. Additional states may legalize sports betting in the future. Each state has different structures for the number of allowable industry participants, license fees, taxes, and other operational requirements. The market for sports betting and online gaming is rapidly evolving and highly competitive with an increasing number of competitors. The success of our retail and online sports books is dependent on several factors that are beyond our control, including:

Current wording

During the second quarter of 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting. Sports betting has been authorized and is operational in thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia as of December 31, 2024. Additional states may legalize sports betting in the future. Each state has different structures for the number of allowable industry participants, license fees, taxes, and other operational requirements. The market for sports betting and online gaming is rapidly evolving and highly competitive with an increasing number of competitors. The success of our retail and online sportsbooks is dependent on several factors that are beyond our control, including:

Previous wording

There can be no assurance as to the returns that we will receive from TwinSpires sports betting business.

Current wording

There can be no assurance as to the returns that we will receive from sports betting business.

Previous wording

Our business is subject to online security risk, including cybersecurity breaches. Loss or misuse of our stored information as a result of such a breach, including customers’ personal information, could lead to government enforcement actions or other litigation, potential liability, or otherwise harm our business

Current wording

Our business is subject to online security risk, including data privacy and cybersecurity breaches. Loss or misuse of our stored information as a result of such a breach, including customers’ personal information, could lead to government enforcement actions or other litigation, potential liability, or otherwise harm our business

Previous wording

We have experienced cyber attacks in the past. While these attacks did not have a significant impact to the Company, we may continue to experience such attacks. Our systems and processes that are designed to protect customer information and prevent data loss and other security breaches, including systems and processes designed to reduce the impact of a security breach at a third-party vendor or joint venture partner, may not be successful. Interruptions in our services or a breach of a customer’s secure data could cause current or potential users to believe that our systems are unreliable, which could permanently harm our reputation and brand. These interruptions could also increase the burden on our engineering staff, which, in turn, could delay our introduction of new features and services on our websites and in our casinos. Such incidents could give rise to remediation costs, monetary fines, and other penalties, which could be significant. We attempt to protect against this risk with our property and business interruption insurance, which covers damage or interruption of our systems, although there is no assurance that such insurance will be adequate to cover all potential losses.

Current wording

We have experienced cyber attacks in the past. While these attacks have not had a significant impact on the Company to date, we may continue to experience cyber attacks, and such attacks could have an adverse impact on our business in the future. Our systems and processes that are designed to protect customer information and prevent data loss and other security breaches, including systems and processes designed to reduce the impact of a security breach at a third-party vendor or joint venture partner, may not be successful. Interruptions in our services or a breach of a customer’s secure data could cause current or potential users to believe that our systems are unreliable, which could permanently harm our reputation and brand. These interruptions could also increase the burden on our engineering staff, which, in turn, could delay our introduction of new features and services on our websites and in our casinos. Such incidents could give rise to remediation costs, monetary fines, and other penalties, which could be significant. We attempt to protect against this risk with our property and business interruption insurance, which covers damage or interruption of our systems, although there is no assurance that such insurance will be adequate to cover all potential losses.

Previous wording

Security breaches, computer malware, and computer hacking attacks have become more prevalent in our industry, and hackers and data thieves are increasingly sophisticated and operate large-scale and complex automated attacks. Many companies, including ours, have been the targets of such attacks. Moreover, the rapid evolution and increased adoption of artificial intelligence technologies may intensify our cybersecurity risks. Any security breach caused by hacking which involves efforts to gain unauthorized access to information or systems, or to cause intentional malfunctions or loss or corruption of data, software, hardware or other computer equipment, and the inadvertent transmission of computer viruses could harm our business. Though it is difficult to determine what harm may directly result from any specific interruption or breach, any failure to maintain performance, reliability, security, and availability of our network infrastructure to the satisfaction of our players may harm our reputation and our ability to retain existing players and attract new players.

Current wording

Security breaches, computer malware, and computer hacking attacks have become more prevalent in our industry, and hackers and data thieves are increasingly sophisticated and operate large-scale and complex attacks. Many companies, including ours, have been the targets of such attacks. Moreover, the rapid evolution and increased adoption of artificial intelligence technologies may intensify our cybersecurity risks. Any security breach caused by hacking which involves efforts to gain unauthorized access to information or systems, or to cause intentional malfunctions or loss or corruption of data, software, hardware or other computer equipment, and the inadvertent transmission of computer viruses could harm our business. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable, or degrade service, or sabotage systems, change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. Though it is difficult to determine what harm may directly result from any specific interruption or breach, any failure to maintain performance, reliability, security, and availability of our network infrastructure to the satisfaction of our players may harm our reputation and our ability to retain existing players and attract new players.

Previous wording

Our online wagering, HRM and brick-and-mortar casino businesses depend upon our communications hardware and our computer hardware. We have built certain redundancies into our systems to attempt to avoid downtime in the event of outages, system failures or damage. Our systems also remain vulnerable to damage or interruption from floods, fires, power loss, telecommunication failures, terrorist cyber attacks, hardware or software error, computer viruses, computer denial-of-service attacks and similar events. Despite any precautions we may take, the occurrence of a natural disaster or other unanticipated problems could result in lengthy interruptions in our services. Any unscheduled interruption in the availability of our websites and our services could result in an immediate, and possibly substantial, loss of revenue.

Current wording

Our online wagering, HRM and brick-and-mortar casino businesses depend upon our communications hardware and our computer hardware. Our systems also remain vulnerable to damage or interruption from floods, fires, power loss, telecommunication failures, terrorist cyber attacks, hardware or software error, computer viruses, computer denial-of-service attacks and similar events. Despite any precautions we may take, the occurrence of a natural disaster or other unanticipated problems could result in lengthy interruptions in our services. Any unscheduled interruption in the availability of our websites and our services could result in an immediate, and possibly substantial, loss of revenue.

Previous wording

We may decide to develop, construct, and open hotels, casinos, other gaming venues, or racetracks in response to opportunities that may arise. For example, we've announced multiple major multi-year capital investments to transform key areas of Churchill Downs Racetrack, as well as other capital investments such The Rose Dumfries, Owensboro Racing & Gaming, a charitable gaming facility in New Hampshire, and the Terre Haute Casino Resort. Future development projects may require significant capital commitments and the incurrence of additional debt, which could have a material adverse impact on our business. In addition, we may not receive the intended benefits of such capital investments.

Current wording

We may decide to develop, construct, and open hotels, casinos, other gaming venues, or racetracks in response to opportunities that may arise. For example, we've announced multiple major multi-year capital investments to transform key areas of Churchill Downs Racetrack, as well as other capital investments in new venues. Future development projects may require significant capital commitments and the incurrence of additional debt, which could have a material adverse impact on our business. In addition, we may not receive the intended benefits of such capital investments.

Previous wording

From time to time, we are a party in various lawsuits and judicial and governmental actions. No assurance can be provided as to the outcome of these lawsuits and actions which can be expensive and time consuming. We may not be successful in the defense or prosecution of these lawsuits or actions, which could result in settlements, costs, or damages that could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and reputation. Such matters may include investigations or litigation from various parties, including vendors, customers, state, and federal agencies, stockholders, and employees relating to intellectual property, employment, consumer, personal injury, corporate governance, commercial, or other matters arising in the ordinary course of business.

Current wording

From time to time, we are a party to various lawsuits and judicial and governmental actions. No assurance can be provided as to the outcome of these lawsuits and actions, which can be expensive and time consuming. We may not be successful in the defense or prosecution of these lawsuits or actions, which could result in settlements, costs, or damages that could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and reputation. Such matters may include investigations or litigation from various parties, including vendors, customers, state, and federal agencies, stockholders, and employees relating to intellectual property, employment, consumer, personal injury, corporate governance, commercial, or other matters arising in the ordinary course of business.

Previous wording

Our Live and Historical Racing segment is subject to extensive state and local regulation, and we depend on continued state approval of legalized pari-mutuel wagering in states where we operate. Our wagering and racing (including HRM) facilities must meet the licensing requirements of various regulatory authorities. We have obtained all governmental licenses, registrations, permits, and approvals necessary for operation. However, we may be unable to maintain our existing licenses. The failure to obtain such licenses in the future or the loss of or material change in our business licenses, registrations, permits, or approvals may materially limit the number of races we conduct or our racing (including HRM) operation. The loss of a license in one jurisdiction could trigger the loss of a license or affect our eligibility for a license in another jurisdiction.

Current wording

Our Live and Historical Racing segment is subject to extensive state and local regulation, and we depend on continued state approval of legalized pari-mutuel wagering in states where we operate. Our wagering and racing (including HRM) facilities must meet the licensing requirements of various regulatory authorities. We may be unable to maintain our existing licenses. The failure to obtain such licenses in the future or the loss of or material change in our business licenses, registrations, permits, or approvals may materially limit the number of races we conduct or our racing (including HRM) operation.

Previous wording

States may take affirmative action to make ADW expressly unlawful. We may not be successful in lobbying state legislatures or regulatory bodies to obtain or renew required legislation, licenses, registrations, permits, and approvals necessary to facilitate the operation or expansion of our online horse racing wagering business or in any legal challenge to the validity of any restrictions on ADW. Legal challenges and regulatory and legislative processes can be lengthy, costly, and uncertain.

Current wording

Certain states have taken affirmative action and more may take action in the future to make advance deposit wagering unlawful or to limit the number of ADW licenses. We may not be successful in lobbying state legislatures or regulatory bodies to obtain or renew required legislation, licenses, registrations, permits, and approvals necessary to facilitate the operation or expansion of our online horse racing wagering business or in any legal challenge to the validity of any restrictions on ADW. Legal challenges and regulatory and legislative processes can be lengthy, costly, and uncertain.

Previous wording

During inflationary periods, interest rates have historically increased, which would have a direct effect on the interest expense of our borrowings. Primarily in response to concerns about inflation, the U.S. Federal Reserve has significantly raised its benchmark federal funds rate, which has led to increases in interest rates in the credit markets. The U.S. Federal Reserve may continue to raise the federal funds rate, which will likely lead to higher interest rates in the credit markets and the possibility of lower asset values, slowing economic growth and/or possibly leading to a recession. We are exposed to increases in interest rates on our variable-rate borrowings, which consist of borrowings under our credit facility and our term loans. Therefore, interest rate increases, due to inflation or otherwise, could, increase our interest expense under these variable-rate facilities in the short-term and increase our financing costs as we refinance our existing variable-rate and fixed-rate long-term borrowings in the long term, or we could incur additional interest expense related to the issuance of incremental debt. These increased costs could reduce our profitability, impair our ability to meet our debt obligations, negatively impact our ability to maintain compliance with the financial covenants in our Credit Agreement, or increase the cost of financing our acquisition, investment, and development activity.

Current wording

During inflationary periods, interest rates have historically increased, which would have a direct effect on the interest expense of our borrowings. We are exposed to increases in interest rates on our variable-rate borrowings, which consist of borrowings under our credit facility and our term loans. Therefore, interest rate increases, due to inflation or otherwise, could, increase our interest expense under these variable-rate facilities in the short-term and increase our financing costs as we refinance our existing variable-rate and fixed-rate long-term borrowings in the long term, or we could incur additional interest expense related to the issuance of incremental debt. These increased costs could reduce our profitability, impair our ability to meet our debt obligations, negatively impact our ability to maintain compliance with the financial covenants in our Credit Agreement, or increase the cost of financing our acquisition, investment, and development activity.