Great Canadian Gaming Announces Third Quarter 2018 Results, Corporate Refinancing, and Redemption of Senior Unsecured Notes

COQUITLAM, BC, Nov. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Great Canadian Gaming Corporation [TSX:GC] ("Great Canadian," or "the Company") today announced its financial results for the three month period ended September 30, 2018 (the "third quarter").

THIRD QUARTER 2018 HIGHLIGHTS

• Revenues of $343.2 million and Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $140.6 million in the third quarter, an increase of 115% and 124%, respectively, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
  
  
• Shareholders' net earnings of $52.6 million or $0.86 per common share in the third quarter, an increase of 96% and 95%, respectively, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
  
  
• The Company purchased for cancellation 278,600 common shares at a weighted average price of $46.02 per share during the third quarter of 2018 and further purchased 751,300 common shares at a weighted average price of $45.71 per share subsequent to the third quarter.
  
  
• On August 30, 2018, the Company announced the gaming expansion at Casino Woodbine on its second level, which introduced 50 table games and over 300 slot machines, including electronic table games. The addition of 50 table games was a significant milestone for the Company marking the first time live dealer table games are available within the Greater Toronto Area. Subsequent to the third quarter of 2018, Casino Woodbine added further gaming capacity on its third level, bringing the total gaming capacity to approximately 3,700 slot machines and 100 table games.
  
  
• On October 15, 2018, a grand opening celebration was held at the new Shorelines Casino Peterborough. The newest addition to the East Gaming Bundle features 500 slot machines, 22 table games, a buffet restaurant, an a-la-carte menu restaurant, and a live entertainment area. The launch of the full-service casino marks the culmination of the Company's significant capital investment requirements into the East Gaming Bundle since its acquisition in January 2016.
  
  
• On November 5, 2018, the Company amended the Credit and Guarantee Agreement of the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility by replacing it with a 4-year Senior Secured Credit Facilities agreement. The amended agreement provides the Company an aggregate capacity of up to $750.0 million, comprising a $400.0 million revolving facility and a $350.0 million delayed draw term loan facility. Accordingly, the Company has also given 30 days' notice to the noteholders for the redemption of the 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes for a total redemption price of $471.3 million, including principal of $450.0 million, an early redemption premium of $9.9 million and unpaid interest of $11.4 million. The Company expects to redeem all the Senior Unsecured Notes on December 11, 2018 using proceeds from the $350.0 million term loan facility, cash reserves, and the $400.0 million revolving credit facility as needed.

"2018 continues to be an exceptional year for Great Canadian," stated Rod Baker, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our third quarter results reflected a full three months of operations from the West GTA Gaming Bundle, which is under Great Canadian's management since May 1, 2018, and approximately one month of new revenues for Casino Woodbine generated from the introduction of table games and additional slot machines. We expect the new table games, which have been well received by the market, to help develop our customer base."

Revenues of $343.2 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $140.6 million increased by 115% and 124%, respectively, in the third quarter, when compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to the contributions from the acquisitions of the GTA and West GTA Gaming Bundles.

Shareholders' net earnings for the third quarter increased, when compared to the same period in the prior year, as a result of increased Adjusted EBITDA, partially offset by increases in amortization, interest and financing costs, net, business acquisition, restructuring and other, and income taxes, primarily due to the acquisition of the GTA and West GTA Gaming Bundles.

"The launch of Shorelines Casino Peterborough, the second casino to open in the Province of Ontario in over a decade, marks another significant milestone for Great Canadian. The new 52,000 square foot gaming facility is a modern gaming and entertainment amenity that serves the greater Peterborough area and visitors to the region. Since our acquisition of the East Gaming Bundle from OLG in January 2016, we completed two greenfield builds in Belleville and Peterborough, and completed several upgrades at Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands. With all the planned developments now complete, this gaming bundle is expected to deliver significant free cash flow. The successful results of the East Gaming Bundle demonstrate the strength of the Company's disciplined investment approach that it has taken for each of its Ontario gaming bundle opportunities."

"Our development plans for the GTA Gaming Bundle are progressing well," continued Mr. Baker. "In addition to the expanded gaming at Casino Woodbine, we are also proceeding with our plans to transform this facility into an international casino resort destination which is expected to complete in 2021. We are currently constructing another world-class casino resort in the eastern GTA, with the new casino targeted to open by end of 2019, with development plans for the hotel and theatre to follow afterwards. Construction of the new casino building addition has also started at Great Blue Heron, which is targeted to complete by the end of 2018. Renovations to the existing facility are expected to complete by the first half of 2019 with the new hotel to be opened by end of 2019. These properties will be transformed into premium gaming and tourist destinations that will also create a positive economic impact in these communities."

Mr. Baker noted, "Significant phased transformations for the West GTA Gaming Bundle properties have commenced. Table games are expected to be introduced by the end of 2018 at Elements Casino Mohawk, followed by a complete renovation of the second floor to further expand slots and tables, including VIP gaming.  The initial phase of developments at Elements Casino Flamboro that will see a comprehensive refresh of the existing grandstand is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2018. Renovations at Elements Casino Grand River are underway to open up additional gaming space for slot machines, including electronic table games, in the first quarter of 2019, with live dealer table games being introduced shortly afterwards. At Casino Brantford, renovations will start in 2019 to enhance the gaming offerings and increase gaming capacity. We look forward to offering these new expanded gaming and non-gaming amenities to our growing customer base in Ontario."

"As we work on these development plans for the Ontario marketplace, we continue to explore opportunities to reinvest in our properties in B.C., Atlantic, and United States.  The new B.C. Operational Service Agreements signed in early June 2018 gave us the opportunity to make long-term plans to further improve and develop our B.C. properties.  Great Canadian is dedicated to deliver outstanding guest experiences in all jurisdictions," added Mr. Baker.

"At the end of the third quarter, Great Canadian had a cash balance of $579.5 million, available capacity of $346.8 million on its undrawn Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, available capacity of $903.3 million on OTG's revolving and capital expenditures credit facilities, and $151.0 million on the revolving credit facility of OGWGLP. The comprehensive development plans for the Ontario gaming properties will be supported by their respective partnership's non-recourse credit facilities, reinvested cash flows from operations, and any partner contributions required," continued Mr. Baker.

"Upon redemption of the Senior Unsecured Notes in the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company will have successfully refinanced its capital structure, further strengthening its balance sheet. The amended Senior Secured Credit Facilities will enhance the Company's financial flexibility to continue to support its businesses, fund any required contributions for its Ontario partnerships, and lower its borrowing costs. Great Canadian continues to drive its business forward by reinvesting in its properties while finding opportunities to increase shareholders' value," concluded Mr. Baker.

Great Canadian will host a conference call for investors and analysts tomorrow, November 6, 2018, at 8:30 AM Eastern Time in order to review the financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2018. To participate in the conference call, please dial 416-764-8688, 778-383-7413, or toll free at 1-888-390-0546.  Questions will be reserved for institutional investors and analysts.  Interested parties may also access the call via the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, www.gcgaming.com/financials.  Investors using the website should allow 15 minutes for the registration and installation of any necessary software.  A replay of the call will also be available at www.gcgaming.com/financials.

ABOUT GREAT CANADIAN GAMING CORPORATION
Founded in 1982, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation is a BC based company that operates 28 gaming, entertainment and hospitality facilities in Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Washington State. Fundamental to the company's culture is its commitment to social responsibility. "PROUD of our people, our business, our community" is Great Canadian's brand that unifies the company's community, volunteering and social responsibility efforts. Under the PROUD program, Great Canadian annually invests over $2.5 million in our communities, and in 2017, over 1,900 charitable organizations were supported by Great Canadian. In each Canadian gaming jurisdiction, a significant portion of gross gaming revenue from gaming facilities is retained by our crown partners on behalf of their provincial government for the purpose of supporting programs like healthcare, education and social services.

Please refer to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") at www.gcgaming.com or www.sedar.com (available on November 5, 2018) for detailed financial information and analysis.

The financial results on the following page are unaudited and prepared by management.  Expressed in millions of Canadian dollars, except for per share information.

GREAT CANADIAN GAMING CORPORATION
Financial Highlights
(Unaudited - Expressed in millions of Canadian dollars, except for per share information)

DISCLAIMER

This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" or statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation.  Forward-looking information is based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions that were made by the Company in light of historical trends and other factors.  Forward-looking statements are frequently but not always identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "targeted", "planned", "possible" or similar expressions or statements that events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved.  All information or statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information, including statements that address expectations, estimates or projections about the future, the Company's strategy for growth and objectives, expected future expenditures, costs, operating and financial results, expected impact of future commitments, the future ability of the Company to operate the Georgian Downs facility beyond the terms of the signed Ontario Lease Agreement and Ontario Racing Agreements, the impact of conditions imposed on certain VIP players in British Columbia, the impact of unionization activities and labour organization, the Company's position on its claim against the British Columbia Lottery Corporation ("BCLC") with respect to the collection of marketing contributions, the Company's beliefs about the outcome of its notices of objection and subsequent appeals challenging the Canada Revenue Agency's reassessments and its tax position on its facility development commission prevailing, the terms and expected benefits of the normal course issuer bid, the Company's expected share of BC horse racing industry revenue in future years, and expectations and implications of changes in legislation and government policies, volatile gaming holds, the effects of competition in the market and potential difficulties in employee retention and recruitment.  Such forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and may involve a number of risks and uncertainties.

Although forward-looking information is based on information and assumptions that the Company believes are current, reasonable and complete, they are subject to unknown risks, uncertainties, and a number of factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.  Such factors may include, but are not limited to: terms of existing operational services agreements with lottery corporations; terms of new operational services agreements with lottery corporations; changes to gaming laws that may impact the operational services agreements; pending, proposed or unanticipated regulatory or policy changes (including those related to anti-money laundering legislation or policy that may impact VIP play), volatile gaming holds, the effects of competition in the market; the development of properties in Ontario and transitioning of operations to the Company and affiliates; the Company's ability to obtain and renew required business licenses, leases, and operational services agreements; unanticipated fines, sanctions and suspensions imposed on the Company by its regulators; impact of global liquidity and credit availability; actual and possible reassessments of the Company's prior tax filings by tax authorities; the results of the Company's notices of objection and subsequent appeals challenging reassessments received by the Canada Revenue Agency; the Company's tax position on its facility development commission prevailing; the results of the Company's litigation with BCLC; adverse tourism trends and further decreases in levels of travel, leisure and consumer spending; competition from established competitors and new entrants in the gaming business; dependence on key personnel; the timing and results of collective bargaining negotiations and potential labour disruption; adverse changes in the Company's labour relations; the Company's ability to manage its capital projects and its expanding operations in jurisdictions where it operates; the risk that systems, procedures and controls may not be adequate to meet regulatory requirements or to support current and expanding operations; potential undisclosed liabilities and capital expenditures associated with acquisitions; negative connotations linked to the gaming industry; the risk associated with partnership relationship; First Nations rights with respect to some land on which the Company conducts operations; future or current legal proceedings; construction disruptions; financial covenants associated with credit facilities and long-term debt; credit, liquidity and market risks associated with our financial instruments; interest and exchange rate fluctuations; demand for new products and services; fluctuations in operating results; economic uncertainty and financial market volatility; technology dependence; and privacy breaches or data theft.  The Company cautions that this list of factors is not exhaustive.  Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time, including in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Information Form for fiscal 2017, and as identified in the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The forward-looking information in documents incorporated by reference speaks only as of the date of those documents.  The Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information.  The Company undertakes no obligation to revise forward-looking information to reflect subsequent events or circumstances except as required by law.  The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date hereof, is subject to change after such date, and is expressly qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements in this press release.

The Company has included non-International Financial Reporting Standards ("non-IFRS") measures in this press release.  Adjusted EBITDA, as defined by the Company, means earnings before interest and financing costs (net of interest income), income taxes, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, impairment reversal of long-lived assets, business acquisition, restructuring and other, and foreign exchange (gain) loss and other.  Adjusted EBITDA is derived from the consolidated statements of earnings and other comprehensive income, and can be computed as revenues plus share of profit of operating equity investees less human resources expenses, and property, marketing and administration expenses.  The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure because it provides information to management about the operating and financial performance of the Company and its ability to generate operating cash flow to fund future working capital needs, service outstanding debt, and fund future capital expenditures.  Adjusted EBITDA is also used by investors and analysts for the purpose of valuing the Company.  Items of note may vary from time to time and in this press release include pre-opening costs, restructuring severance costs, impairment reversal of long-lived assets, facility development commission revenues previously deferred at Casino Nanaimo, other and the related income taxes thereon.

Readers are cautioned that these non-IFRS definitions are not recognized measures under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS, and should not be construed to be alternatives to net earnings determined in accordance with IFRS or as indicators of performance or liquidity or cash flows.  The Company's method of calculating these measures may differ from methods used by other entities and accordingly our measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities or in other jurisdictions.  The Company uses these measures because it believes they provide useful information to both management and investors with respect to the operating and financial performance of the Company.

ON BEHALF OF

GREAT CANADIAN GAMING CORPORATION

"Original Signed By Rod N. Baker"

_____________________
Rod N. Baker
President and Chief Executive Officer

SOURCE Great Canadian Gaming Corporation