PENN Entertainment Inc

Previous wording

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

Current wording

•Our business is sensitive to reductions in discretionary consumer spending, which may be adversely impacted by downturns in the economy and other factors outside of our control.

Previous wording

•Our results of operations may fluctuate due to seasonality and other factors and, therefore, our periodic operating results will not be guarantees of future performance.

Current wording

•Our results of operations may fluctuate due to seasonality and other factors, which could make our future operating results difficult to predict.

Previous wording

•Our management agreements and/or leases with third parties and local governments may not be renewed.

Current wording

•Our operations in several jurisdictions depend on management agreements and/or leases with third parties and local governments that may not be renewed.

Previous wording

•Our operations and their success are largely dependent on the skill and experience of management and key personnel.

Current wording

•Our operations and their success are largely dependent on the skill and experience of management and key personnel, and our ability to attract and retain talented team members.

Previous wording

•We rely on, among other things, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures, and contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property rights and we may be unable to protect or may not be successful in protecting our intellectual property rights.

Current wording

•We may be unable to protect or may not be successful in protecting our intellectual property rights.

Previous wording

•Our growth will depend, in part, on the success of our strategic relationships with third parties.

Current wording

•Our growth and success depend, in part, on the success of our strategic relationships with third parties.

Previous wording

•The growth of our Interactive segment will depend on our ability to attract and retain users and require investments in our online offerings, technology, and strategic marketing initiatives.

Current wording

•The growth of our Interactive segment will depend on our ability to attract and retain users and investments in our online offerings, technology, and strategic marketing initiatives.

Previous wording

We follow the sports betting industry practice of restricting and managing betting limits at the individual customer level based on individual customer profiles and enterprise risk; however, there is no guarantee that gaming regulatory authorities will allow operators such as us to place limits at the individual customer level.

Current wording

•We follow the sports betting industry practice of restricting and managing betting limits at the individual customer level, with limits determined by customer profiles and acceptable enterprise risk; however, there is no guarantee that gaming regulatory authorities will continue to allow operators such as us to follow such practices.

Previous wording

•The success, including win or hold rates, of existing or future retail, sports betting, and iCasino products depends on a variety of factors and is not completely controlled by us.

Current wording

•The success, including win or hold rates, of existing or future retail, sports betting, and iCasino products depends on a variety of factors, including factors beyond our control.

Previous wording

•We rely on third party cloud infrastructure services to deliver our offerings to users.

Current wording

•We rely on third party cloud infrastructure services to deliver our offerings to users, and we have experienced, and expect in the future to experience, service interruptions, delays, and outages.

Previous wording

•We are or may become involved in legal proceedings and no assurance can be provided as to the outcome of these matters.

Current wording

•From time to time we may become involved in legal proceedings, and no assurance can be provided as to the outcome of these matters.

Previous wording

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

Current wording

Our business is sensitive to reductions in discretionary consumer spending, which may be adversely impacted by downturns in the economy and other factors outside of our control.

Previous wording

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

Current wording

Our business is particularly sensitive to downturns in the economy and the associated impact on discretionary spending on leisure activities. As a regional operator, our in-person customers are predominately local, so we compete for more day-to-day discretionary spending as compared with destination spending. Decreases in discretionary consumer spending or changes in consumer preferences, including as a result of perceived or actual adverse economic conditions or inflation, changes in interest or unemployment rates, tight credit conditions, increased housing, energy, food and travel costs, global hostilities, trade disputes, including the imposition of new or increased tariffs, political or social unrest, widespread illnesses, or other factors beyond our control, could adversely affect the gaming and entertainment industries and demand for our products and amenities, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

The closing of our properties due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to our ability to generate revenues, profitability, and cash flows and had a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. While all our properties are currently open, there remains continuing logistical challenges faced by the entire gaming industry resulting from COVID-19-related labor shortages and supply chain disruptions. Future disruptions, as well as significant negative economic trends, due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other widespread illnesses or epidemics, may adversely impact our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

For example, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to our ability to generate revenues, profitability, and cash flows and had a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Although our properties are currently open, any future disruptions, pandemics, or significant negative economic trends, may adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

The gaming, media, and entertainment industries are characterized by an increasingly high degree of competition among a large number of participants. We compete with a variety of gaming operations, including casinos and hotel casinos of varying quality and size and other gaming options such as state and province-sponsored internet lotteries, sweepstakes, charitable gaming, video gaming terminals at bars, restaurants, taverns and truck stops, illegal slot machines and skill games, fantasy sports and third-party internet or mobile-based gaming platforms, including both legal and illegal iCasino and sports betting operations. More generally, both our retail and interactive gaming operations face competition from all manner of leisure and entertainment activities, including shopping, athletic events, television and movies, concerts, and travel.

Current wording

The gaming, media, and entertainment industries are characterized by an increasingly high degree of competition among a large number of participants. We compete with a variety of gaming operations, including casinos and hotel casinos of varying quality and size, and other gaming options, such as state and province-sponsored internet lotteries, sweepstakes (including sweepstakes-based online sports betting and online casino), charitable gaming, video gaming terminals at bars, restaurants, taverns and truck stops, illegal slot machines and skill games, fantasy sports, event contracts related to sports or other outcomes, such as government elections, and third-party internet or mobile-based gaming platforms, including both legal and illegal iCasino and sports betting operations. More generally, both our retail and interactive gaming operations face competition from all manner of leisure and entertainment activities, including shopping, athletic events, television and movies, concerts, and travel.

Previous wording

Increased competition may require us to make substantial capital expenditures to maintain and enhance the competitive positions of our properties, including making expenditures to increase the attractiveness and add to the appeal of our facilities, increasing the manner and frequency in which we refresh, refurbish or replace fixtures, equipment and gaming offerings. After satisfying our obligations under our outstanding indebtedness and Triple Net Leases (as defined below), there can be no assurance that we will have sufficient funds to undertake these expenditures or that we will be able to obtain sufficient financing to fund such expenditures. If we are unable to make such expenditures, our competitive position could be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

We and our competitors have invested in expanding existing facilities, developing new facilities, and acquiring established facilities in existing markets. We expect this intense competition to continue, which may require us to undertake additional substantial capital expenditures to maintain and enhance the competitive positions of our properties and the attractiveness of our facilities. There can be no assurance that we will have sufficient funds, or be able to obtain sufficient financing, to undertake such expenditures. If we are unable to make such expenditures, our competitive position could be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

Similarly, there is intense competition among iCasino and online sports betting providers. Such competitors may spend more money and time on developing and testing products and services, undertake more extensive marketing campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing or promotional policies or otherwise develop more commercially successful products or services than ours, which could negatively impact our business. There has also been considerable consolidation among competitors in the interactive gaming sectors and such consolidation and future consolidation could result in the formation of larger competitors with increased financial resources and altered cost structures, which may enable them to offer more competitive products, gain a larger market share, expand offerings, and broaden their geographic scope of operations. If we are not able to maintain or improve our market share, or if our offerings do not continue to be popular, our Interactive segment’s business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations could suffer.

Current wording

Similarly, there is intense competition among iCasino and online sports betting providers, and there has been considerable consolidation among competitors in the interactive gaming sectors. This intense competition and consolidation could result in the formation of larger competitors with increased financial resources and altered cost structures, which may enable them to offer more competitive products, gain a larger market share, expand offerings, adopt aggressive pricing or promotional policies, and broaden their geographic scope of operations. If we are not able to maintain or improve our market share, or if our offerings do not continue to be popular, our Interactive segment’s business, financial condition, and results of operations could suffer.

Previous wording

Our results of operations may fluctuate due to seasonality and other factors and, therefore, our periodic operating results will not be guarantees of future performance.

Current wording

Our results of operations may fluctuate due to seasonality and other factors, which could make our future operating results difficult to predict.

Previous wording

Our online sportsbook, retail sportsbook, and core retail business operations may fluctuate due to seasonal trends and other factors. A majority of our current sports betting revenue occurs in the fourth quarter. This seasonality may cause decreases in our future revenues during the applicable off-seasons. In addition, certain individuals or teams advancing or failing to advance and their scores and other results within specific tournaments, games or events may impact our financial performance. Our retail gaming operations are also subject to seasonality, including seasonality based on the weather in the markets in which they operate, specific holidays, or other significant events.

Current wording

Our online sportsbook, retail sportsbook, and core retail business operations may fluctuate due to seasonal trends and other factors. For example, a majority of our current sports betting revenue occurs in the fourth quarter, and we have experienced sports betting revenue decreases during applicable off-seasons and increases during significant sporting events. In addition, the performance of certain individual athletes or teams may significantly impact our financial performance. Our retail gaming operations are also subject to seasonality, including seasonality based on the weather in the markets in which they operate, specific holidays, or other significant events.

Previous wording

The operations of our properties are subject to disruptions or reduced patronage as a result of severe weather conditions, natural disasters, acts or threats of terrorism, concerns about widespread illnesses or epidemics, including COVID-19, and other casualty events, such as hurricanes or tornados. We maintain significant property insurance, including business interruption coverage, for these types of casualty events; however, if any such events occur, there can be no assurances that we will be fully or promptly compensated, if at all, for losses at any of our properties in the event of future inclement weather or casualty events or from the closings of our properties due to widespread illnesses or epidemics. In addition, the occurrence of such an event may adversely impact general economic or other conditions in the areas in which our properties are located or from which they draw their patrons, and our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

The operations of our properties are subject to disruptions or reduced patronage, including as a result of severe weather conditions, natural disasters, acts or threats of terrorism, concerns about widespread illnesses, and other significant events. The closings of, or reduced visitation volumes at, our properties due to such events have in the past and may in the future result in lost profits, and there can be no assurances that we will be fully or promptly compensated by our business interruption insurance coverage, if at all. Also, the costs of insurance against these types of events has increased in recent years. In addition, the occurrence of such an event may adversely impact general economic or other conditions in the areas in which our properties are located or from which they draw their patrons, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

An activist investor has indicated disagreement with our strategic direction and capital allocation policies and may seek representation on our Board of Directors. Our business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected and may result in, among other things: (a) increased operating costs, including increased legal expenses, insurance, administrative expenses and associated costs incurred in connection with director election contests; (b) uncertainties as to our future direction, which could result in the loss of potential business opportunities and could make it more difficult to attract, retain, or motivate qualified personnel, and strain relationships with investors and customers; and (c) reduction or delay in our ability to effectively execute our current business strategy and to implement new strategies.

Current wording

Shareholder activism pursued against the Company could give rise to or result in, among other things: (a) increased costs, including expenses of third-party advisors, insurance, administrative expenses and other associated costs; (b) perceived uncertainties as to our future direction, which could result in reputational harm and the loss of potential business opportunities and could make it more difficult to attract, retain, or motivate qualified personnel, and strain relationships with investors, customers, suppliers, and business partners; (c) reduction or delay in our ability to effectively and timely execute our current business strategy and to implement new strategies; (d) diversion of the attention of our Board of Directors and management team; and (e) fluctuations in the Company’s stock price based on temporary or speculative market perceptions or other factors that do not necessarily reflect the underlying fundamentals and prospects of our business. Any such shareholder activism could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

For the year ended December 31, 2023, we generated 13.8%, 13.6%, and 9.7% of our revenues from our retail properties within the states of Louisiana, Ohio, and Missouri, respectively. As a result, we are subject to a greater degree of risk than a gaming company with more regional diversification as our results will be dependent on the regional economies and competitive landscapes in these specific markets. Our ability to meet our operating and debt service requirements is thus dependent, in part, upon the continued success of our properties in these key regions. The risks to which we have a greater degree of exposure include changes in local economic and competitive conditions; changes in local and state governmental laws and regulations, including gaming laws and regulations, and the way in which those laws and regulations are applied; natural and other disasters, including the potential effects of climate change such as severe storms, hurricanes, typhoons, rising sea levels, severe drought, or the outbreak of infectious diseases; an increase in the cost of maintaining our properties in these areas; a decline in the number of visitors to locations in such regions; and a decrease in gaming and non-gaming activities at our properties in such regions. Any of these factors could negatively affect our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our operating and debt service requirements.

Current wording

For the year ended December 31, 2024, we generated 13.6%, 12.7%, and 9.5% of our revenues from our retail properties within the states of Ohio, Louisiana, and Missouri, respectively. As a result, we are subject to a greater degree of risk than a gaming company with more regional diversification, as our results are dependent on the regional economies and competitive landscapes in these specific markets. Our ability to meet our operating and debt service requirements is thus dependent, in part, upon the continued success of our properties in these key regions. The operating results of these retail properties may be adversely impacted by changes in local economic and competitive conditions or local and state governmental laws and regulations, including gaming laws and regulations, and the application thereof, natural and other disasters, including the effects of climate change such as severe storms, hurricanes, typhoons, rising sea levels, or severe drought, or outbreaks of infectious diseases, increases in the costs of maintaining these properties, and declines in the number of visitors or in gaming and non-gaming activities at our properties in such regions. Any of these factors could negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations, including our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our operating and debt service requirements.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had indebtedness of $2.8 billion, including $1.5 billion outstanding under our Amended Credit Facilities. We are also required to utilize a significant portion of our cash flow from operations to make our rent payments, which were $937.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, pursuant to and subject to the terms and conditions of our Master Leases and Morgantown Lease, each with GLPI, and our Margaritaville Lease and Greektown Lease with VICI (as defined previously, collectively, our “Triple Net Leases”). As a result of these commitments under our Triple Net Leases, our ability to fund our own operations or development projects, raise capital, make acquisitions and otherwise respond to competitive and economic changes may be adversely affected. Further, our obligations under the Triple Net Leases may make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness and to obtain additional indebtedness and restrict our ability to raise capital, make acquisitions, divestitures, and engage in other significant transactions. Any of the aforementioned factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had indebtedness of $2.8 billion, including $1.5 billion outstanding under our Amended Credit Facilities. We also utilize a significant portion of our cash flow from operations to make our rent payments, which were $950.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, pursuant to and subject to the terms and conditions of our Master Leases and Morgantown Lease, each with GLPI, and our Margaritaville Lease and Greektown Lease with VICI (as defined previously, collectively, our “Triple Net Leases”). As a result of these commitments under our Triple Net Leases, our ability to fund our own operations or development projects, raise capital, make acquisitions and otherwise respond to competitive and economic changes may be adversely affected. Further, our obligations under the Triple Net Leases may make it more difficult or restrict, as applicable, our ability to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness, obtain additional financing, raise capital, make acquisitions or divestitures, or engage in other significant transactions. Any of the aforementioned factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

There is no assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us under our Amended Credit Facilities in amounts sufficient to enable us to fund our liquidity needs, including with respect to our indebtedness and rent payments. Our variable rate borrowings expose us to interest rate volatility, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly. We also may incur indebtedness related to properties we develop or acquire in the future prior to generating cash flow from those properties. If those properties do not provide us with cash flow to service that indebtedness, we will need to rely on cash flow from our other properties, which would increase our leverage. In addition, if we consummate significant acquisitions in the future, our cash requirements may increase significantly.

Current wording

There is no assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us under our Amended Credit Facilities or otherwise in amounts sufficient to enable us to fund our liquidity needs, including with respect to our indebtedness and rent payments, or development projects. Our variable rate borrowings expose us to interest rate volatility, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly. We also may incur indebtedness related to properties we develop or acquire in the future prior to generating cash flow from those properties. For example, for the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred capital project expenditures of $253.3 million in connection with the PENN Development Projects pursuant to our Master Development Agreement with GLPI, as defined and discussed in the“Executive Overview” within our Management’s Discussion and Analysis. If those properties or other properties we develop or acquire do not provide us with cash flow to service that indebtedness, we will need to rely on cash flow from other properties or sources, which would increase our leverage. In addition, if we consummate significant acquisitions in the future, our cash requirements may increase significantly.

Previous wording

We may finance some of our current and future expansion, development and renovation projects and acquisitions with cash flow from operations, borrowings under our Amended Credit Facilities and equity or debt financings. For more information regarding our future development projects, see “Recent Acquisitions, Development Projects and Other” in the“Executive Overview” within our Management’s Discussion and Analysis. If we are unable to finance our current or future projects, we could have to seek alternative financing. Depending on credit market conditions, including the current high interest rate environment, alternative sources of funds may not be sufficient to finance our expansion, development and/or renovation, or such other financing may not be available on acceptable terms, in a timely manner or at all. In addition, our existing indebtedness contains restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness. If we are unable to secure additional financing, we could be forced to limit or suspend expansion, development and renovation projects and acquisitions, which may adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Current wording

Overview” within our Management’s Discussion and Analysis. If we are unable to finance our current or future projects, we may need to seek alternative financing. Depending on credit market conditions, including the current high interest rate environment, alternative sources of funds may not be sufficient to finance our expansion, development and/or renovation, or such other financing may not be available on acceptable terms, in a timely manner or at all. In addition, our existing indebtedness contains restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness. If we are unable to secure additional financing, we could be forced to limit or suspend expansion, development, and renovation projects and acquisitions, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, we have incurred significant capital project expenditures in connection with the PENN Development Projects, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially adversely impacted if we are unable to realize the anticipated benefits.

Previous wording

The capacity under our Amended Revolving Credit Facility is $1.0 billion, of which $978.3 million is available as of December 31, 2023. Our Amended Revolving Credit Facility expires in 2027. There is no certainty that our lenders will continue to remain solvent or fund their respective obligations under our Amended Credit Facilities. Events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties or other companies in the financial services industry or the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems. Although we assess our banking and customer relationships as we believe necessary or appropriate, our access to funding sources and other credit arrangements in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our current and projected future business operations could be significantly impaired by factors that affect us, the financial services industry or economy in general.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, $979.1 million is available under our Amended Revolving Credit Facility, which expires in 2027. There is no certainty that our lenders will continue to remain solvent or fund their respective obligations under our Amended Credit Facilities. Our access to funding sources and other credit arrangements in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our current and projected future business operations could be significantly impaired by factors that affect us, the financial services industry or economy in general, including events involving limited liquidity, defaults, or non-performance, or concerns or rumors about any such events, as well as our commitments under certain agreements, including our Triple Net Leases and our indemnification obligations under the Barstool SPA.

Previous wording

Most of our facilities are leased and could experience risks associated with leased property.

Current wording

We are subject to risks associated with leased property, as most of our facilities are leased.

Previous wording

We lease 36 of the facilities we operate pursuant to the Triple Net Leases. Termination of the PENN Master Lease, the 2023 Master Lease, Pinnacle Master Lease, or Morgantown Lease could result in a default under our debt agreements and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Moreover, as a lessee, we do not completely control the land and improvements underlying our operations, and our landlords under the Triple Net Leases could take certain actions to disrupt our rights in the facilities leased under the Triple Net Leases that are beyond our control. In addition, should some of our leased facilities prove to be unprofitable, we could remain obligated for lease payments and other obligations under the Triple Net Leases even if we decide to withdraw from those locations. Further, there can also be no assurance that we will be able to comply with our obligations under the Triple Net Leases in the future or that our landlords will be able to comply with their obligations under the Triple Net Leases with us.

Current wording

We lease 36 of the facilities we operate pursuant to the Triple Net Leases. Termination of the PENN Master Lease, the 2023 Master Lease, Pinnacle Master Lease, or Morgantown Lease could result in a default under our debt agreements and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Moreover, as a lessee, we do not completely control the land and improvements underlying our operations, and our landlords under the Triple Net Leases could take certain actions to disrupt our rights in the facilities leased under the Triple Net Leases that are beyond our control. In addition, should some of our leased facilities prove to be unprofitable, we could remain obligated for lease payments and other obligations under the Triple Net Leases in the event we withdraw from those locations. Further, there can be no assurance that we or our landlords will be able to comply with our respective obligations under the Triple Net Leases in the future.

Previous wording

Our management agreements and/or leases with third parties and local governments may not be renewed or the terms of a renewal may require significant fees or capital expenditure commitments.

Current wording

Our operations in several jurisdictions depend on management agreements and/or leases with third parties and local governments that may not be renewed or the terms of a renewal may require significant fees or capital expenditure commitments.

Previous wording

Our operations in several jurisdictions depend on land leases and/or management and development agreements with third parties and local governments. If we, or if GLPI or VICI, in the case of leases pursuant to which we are the sub-lessee, are unable to renew these leases and agreements on satisfactory terms as they expire or if disputes arise regarding the terms of these agreements, our business may be disrupted and, in the event of disruptions in multiple jurisdictions, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. We may also be required to pay higher fees and/or incur additional capital expenditures to renew management agreements with third parties and local governments in our existing jurisdictions, or incur higher fees and/or capital expenditures than forecasted in connection with new management agreements with third parties and local governments as we expand into new jurisdictions.

Current wording

Our operations in several jurisdictions depend on land leases and/or management and development agreements with third parties and local governments. If we, or if GLPI or VICI, in the case of leases pursuant to which we are the sub-lessee, are unable to renew these leases and agreements on satisfactory terms as they expire or if disputes arise regarding the terms of these agreements, our business may be disrupted and, in the event of disruptions in multiple jurisdictions, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We may also be required to pay higher fees and/or incur additional capital expenditures to renew management agreements with third parties and local governments in our existing jurisdictions, or incur higher fees and/or capital expenditures than forecasted in connection with new management agreements with third parties and local governments as we expand into new jurisdictions.

Previous wording

Certain of the jurisdictions in which we operate have legalized intra-state sports wagering and have established extensive state licensing and regulatory requirements governing any such intra-state sports wagering. As of December 31, 2023, we have launched the ESPN BET app in 17 states, and we expect to launch our ESPN BET app in additional states throughout 2024. Our sports betting and iCasino operations compete, and will continue to compete, in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive market against an increasing number of competitors.

Current wording

Certain of the jurisdictions in which we operate have legalized intra-state sports wagering and have established extensive state licensing and regulatory requirements governing any such intra-state sports wagering. As of December 31, 2024, we have launched the ESPN BET app in 19 US states and territories, and we expect to launch our ESPN BET app in additional states throughout 2025. Additionally, we have entered into agreements with other online sports betting and iCasino operators and may enter into additional agreements with strategic partners and other third-party vendors to provide market access in certain jurisdictions.

Previous wording

Additionally, and as described in more detail below, we have entered into agreements with other online sports betting and iCasino operators and may enter into additional agreements with strategic partners and other third-party vendors to provide market access in certain jurisdictions. In addition, there can be no assurance that the ESPN BET audience will engage in sports betting and iCasino products to the extent that we expect. Further, the success of our proposed sports betting and iCasino operations is dependent on a number of additional factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the ultimate tax rates and license fees charged by jurisdictions across the United States and Canada; our ability to gain market share in a new market; the timeliness and the technological and popular viability of our products; our ability to compete with new entrants in the market; changes in consumer demographics and public tastes and preferences; cancellations and delays in sporting seasons and sporting matches as a result of events such as player strikes or lockouts; and the availability and popularity of other forms of entertainment. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete effectively or that our expansion will be successful and generate sufficient returns on our investment.

Current wording

Our sports betting and iCasino operations compete, and will continue to compete, in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive market against an increasing number of competitors. There can be no assurance that the ESPN BET audience will engage in sports betting and iCasino products to the extent that we expect or that we will otherwise realize the anticipated benefits of our expanded sports betting and iCasino operations. Further, the success of our proposed sports betting and iCasino operations is dependent on a number of additional factors, many of which are beyond our control, including tax rates and license fees, our ability to gain market share, the timeliness and viability of our products, our ability to compete with new entrants in the market, changes in consumer demographics and public tastes and preferences, unexpected sporting event cancellations or delays, and the availability and popularity of other forms of entertainment. There can be no assurance that our expanded sports betting and iCasino operations will be able to compete effectively or generate sufficient returns.

Previous wording

There is a growing consensus that greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions continue to alter the composition of the global atmosphere in ways that are affecting, and are expected to continue affecting, the global climate. We may become subject to legislation and regulation regarding climate change, and compliance with any new rules could be difficult, burdensome, and costly. Concerned parties, such as legislators and regulators, stockholders, and nongovernmental organizations, as well as companies in many business sectors, are considering ways to reduce GHG emissions. Many states have announced or adopted programs to stabilize and reduce GHG emissions and, in the past, federal legislation has been proposed in Congress. If such legislation is enacted, we could incur increased energy, environmental and other costs, and capital expenditures to comply with the limitations. Unless and until legislation is enacted and its terms are known, we cannot reasonably or reliably estimate its impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or ability to compete. Further, regulation of GHG emissions may limit our customers’ ability to travel to our properties (e.g. as a result of increased fuel costs or restrictions on transport-related emissions).

Current wording

There is a growing consensus that greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions continue to alter the composition of the global atmosphere in ways that are affecting, and are expected to continue affecting, the global climate. We may become subject to legislation and regulation regarding climate change, and compliance with any new rules could be difficult, burdensome, and costly. Concerned parties, such as legislators and regulators, stockholders, and nongovernmental organizations, as well as companies in many business sectors, are considering ways to reduce GHG emissions. Many states have announced or adopted programs to stabilize and reduce GHG emissions and, in the past, federal legislation has been proposed in Congress. If such legislation is enacted, we could incur increased energy, environmental and other costs, and capital expenditures to comply with the limitations. In addition, if such legislation is enacted but later significantly changed or repealed, we could incur costs related to compliance with the prior legislation without realizing the anticipated benefits. Unless and until legislation is enacted and its terms are known, we cannot reasonably or reliably estimate its impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Further, regulation of GHG emissions may limit our customers’ ability to travel to our properties (e.g. as a result of increased fuel costs or restrictions on transport-related emissions).

Previous wording

There is an increasing focus from certain investors, customers, partners, employees, other stakeholders, governments, and regulators concerning environmental, social, and governance matters (“ESG”). For example, various policymakers, such as the SEC and the State of California, have adopted, or are considering adopting rules or laws to require companies to provide significantly expanded climate-related disclosures, which may require us to incur significant additional costs to comply, including the implementation of significant additional internal controls processes and procedures regarding matters that have not been subject to such controls in the past, and impose increased oversight obligations on our management and board of directors. Additionally, some investors may use these non-financial performance factors to guide their investment strategies and, in some cases, may choose not to invest in us if they believe our policies and actions relating to ESG are inadequate. We may face reputational damage in the event that we do not meet the ESG standards set by various constituencies.

Current wording

There is an increasing focus from certain investors, customers, partners, employees, other stakeholders, governments, and regulators concerning environmental, social, and governance matters (“ESG”). For example, various policymakers, such as the SEC and the State of California, have adopted, or are considering adopting rules or laws to require companies to provide significantly expanded climate-related disclosures, which may require us to incur significant additional costs to comply, including the implementation of significant additional internal controls processes and procedures regarding matters that have not been subject to such controls in the past, and impose increased oversight obligations on our management and board of directors. In addition, if such rules or laws are adopted but later significantly changed or repealed, we could incur significant costs related to compliance without realizing the anticipated benefits. Additionally, certain investors may use these non-financial performance factors to guide their investment strategies and, in some cases, may choose not to invest in us if they believe our policies and actions relating to ESG are inadequate. We also may face reputational damage in the event that we do not meet the ESG standards set by various constituencies.

Previous wording

As ESG best practices and reporting standards continue to develop, we may incur increasing costs related to ESG monitoring and reporting and compliance with ESG initiatives. We publish an annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which highlights, among other things, our climate change mitigation activities and how we are supporting our workforce, including our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts. Our disclosures on these matters, or a failure to meet evolving stakeholder expectations for ESG practices and reporting, may potentially harm our reputation and customer relationships.

Current wording

As ESG best practices and reporting standards continue to develop, we may incur increasing costs related to ESG monitoring and reporting and compliance with ESG initiatives. We publish an annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which highlights, among other things, our climate change mitigation activities and how we are supporting our workforce. Our disclosures on these matters, or a failure to meet evolving stakeholder expectations for ESG practices and reporting, may potentially harm our reputation and customer relationships.

Previous wording

Furthermore, if our competitors’ ESG performance is perceived to be better than ours, potential or current investors may elect to invest with our competitors instead. In addition, in the event that we communicate certain initiatives or goals regarding ESG matters, we could fail, or be perceived to fail, in our achievement of such initiatives or goals, or we could be criticized for the scope of such initiatives or goals. If we fail to satisfy the expectations of investors, customers, employees, and other stakeholders, or our initiatives are not executed as planned, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects could be adversely affected.

Current wording

Furthermore, if our competitors’ ESG performance is perceived to be better than ours, potential or current investors may elect to invest with our competitors instead. In addition, in the event that we communicate certain initiatives or goals regarding ESG matters, we could fail, or be perceived to fail, in our achievement of such initiatives or goals, or we could be criticized for the scope of such initiatives or goals. If we fail to satisfy the expectations of investors, customers, employees, and other stakeholders, or our initiatives are not executed as planned, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Our operations and their success are largely dependent on the skill and experience of management and key personnel.

Current wording

The success of our business is largely dependent on the skill and experience of management and key personnel, and our ability to attract and retain talented team members.

Previous wording

Our success and our competitive position, related to our retail operations, sports betting and iCasino operations, and media businesses, are largely dependent upon, among other things, the efforts and skills of our senior executives and management team. Although we enter into employment agreements with certain of our senior executives and key personnel, we cannot assure you that we will be able to retain our existing senior executive and management personnel or attract additional qualified senior executive and management personnel.

Current wording

The success and competitive position of our retail operations, sports betting and iCasino operations, and media businesses are largely dependent upon, among other things, the efforts and skills of our senior executives and management team, and our ability to attract and retain talented team members.

Previous wording

We compete with other companies both within and outside of our industry for talented personnel. If we cannot recruit, train, develop, and retain skilled and experienced personnel to our corporate, retail operations, sports betting and iCasino, and media businesses, we could experience increased employee turnover, decreased guest or user satisfaction, low morale, inefficiency, or internal control failures. Insufficient numbers of talented team members could also limit our ability to grow and expand our businesses. A shortage of frontline and skilled labor could also result in higher wages that would increase our labor costs, which could reduce our profits. Additionally, the increased ability of employees to work from home or in other remote work arrangements has impacted, and may continue to impact, our ability to attract and retain talented personnel.

Current wording

We compete with other companies both within and outside of our industry for talented personnel. If we cannot recruit, train, develop, and retain skilled and experienced personnel to our corporate, retail operations, sports betting and iCasino, and media businesses, we could experience increased employee turnover, decreased guest or user satisfaction, low morale, inefficiency, or internal control failures. Insufficient numbers of talented team members or the loss of senior executives or key personnel could also limit our ability to grow and expand our businesses. A shortage of frontline and skilled labor could also result in higher wages that would increase our labor costs, which could reduce our profits. Additionally, the increased ability of employees to work from home or in other remote work arrangements has impacted, and may continue to impact, our ability to attract and retain talented personnel.

Previous wording

Qualified individuals are in high demand, particularly in the technology and media industries, and we may incur significant costs to attract them. We may use equity awards to attract talented employees, influencers and media personalities. If the value of our common stock declines significantly and remains depressed, that may prevent us from recruiting and retaining qualified talent. Our ability to attract, retain, and motivate employees, influencers and media personalities may also be adversely affected by stock price volatility.

Current wording

Qualified individuals are in high demand, particularly in the technology and media industries, and we may incur significant costs to attract them. We also cannot assure that we will be able to retain our existing senior executive and key personnel or attract additional qualified senior executive and key personnel. We may use equity awards to attract talented employees, influencers and media personalities. If the value of our common stock declines significantly and remains depressed, that may prevent us from recruiting and retaining qualified talent. Our ability to attract, retain, and motivate employees, influencers and media personalities may also be adversely affected by stock price volatility.