MINNEAPOLIS, May 20, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Lakes Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: LACO) today announced results for the three months ended April 4, 2010.

Net loss for the first quarter of 2010 was $4.7 million, compared to earnings of $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2009, and the loss from operations was less than $0.1 million for each of those quarters. Basic and diluted losses were $0.18 per share for the first quarter of 2010 compared to basic and diluted earnings of $0.04 per share for the first quarter of 2009.

Lakes Entertainment reported first quarter 2010 revenues of $7.0 million, compared to prior-year first quarter revenues of $7.3 million. This decrease was primarily due to new competition that entered the Four Winds Casino Resort market during the third quarter of 2009.

For the first quarter of 2010, Lakes' selling, general and administrative expenses were $3.2 million compared to $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2009. Selling, general and administrative expenses consisted primarily of payroll and related expenses, travel expenses and professional fees, all of which decreased compared to the prior year's first quarter.

Net unrealized gains (losses) on notes receivable relate to the Company's notes receivable from Indian tribes for casino projects that are not yet open, which are adjusted to estimated fair value based upon the current status of the related tribal casino projects and evolving market conditions. In the first quarter of 2010, net unrealized gains on notes receivable were $1.8 million, compared to net unrealized losses of $0.2 million in the prior year period. The net unrealized gains in the first quarter of 2010 consisted of $0.9 million related to the project for the Ioway Casino with the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma ("Iowa Tribe"). These gains resulted from the previously announced termination agreement entered into with the Iowa Tribe in May 2010. Also included in net unrealized gains were gains of $0.9 million related to the Jamul Indian Village ("Jamul Tribe") near San Diego, California due primarily to improvements in the credit markets. The net unrealized losses in the first quarter of 2009 were related to the project with the Jamul Tribe and the Iowa Tribe due primarily to ongoing issues in the credit markets and general economic uncertainties.

Lakes recognized impairment losses of $2.7 million during the first quarter of 2010 compared to $0.6 million in the prior-year period. Included in impairment losses for the first quarter of 2010 were $2.1 million related to the termination of the agreements with the Iowa Tribe discussed above. In each of the current and prior year first quarters, impairment losses included approximately $0.6 million due to continued uncertainty surrounding the completion of the Jamul project.

Amortization of intangible assets related to the operating casinos was $2.8 million for the first quarter of 2010 compared to $2.5 million for the first quarter of 2009.

Other income (expense), net for the first quarters of 2010 and 2009 was $1.5 million.

The income tax provision for the first quarter of 2010 was $6.1 million compared to $0.4 million for the first quarter of 2009. Lakes' income tax provision in the current year period is primarily due to the effect of valuation allowances associated with 2010 timing differences.

Lyle Berman, Chief Executive Officer of Lakes stated, "Although revenue declined slightly in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009, management fees from each of our managed properties met our expectations for the first quarter of 2010. New competition entered the Four Winds Casino Resort market during the third quarter of 2009 which affected Four Winds. However, this property continued to perform well even considering this new competition. At Red Hawk, the prior year period included New Year's Eve and the property's grand opening celebration. However, improved operating efficiencies in 2010 helped Red Hawk Casino maintain consistent year-over-year results."

Further commenting, Tim Cope, President and Chief Financial Officer of Lakes, stated, "Our primary focus remains on operating our managed casino properties as efficiently as possible to achieve the best possible operating results. As we recently announced, we withdrew our application for a gaming site in the State of Kansas. As a result, in mid-April, we were refunded our $8.3 million deposit related to that application and have terminated our involvement with that project. Progress continues on each of the four casino projects in Ohio that were approved in the November 2009 election. We look forward to investing in these projects which we believe will add value to our company in the future."

About Lakes Entertainment

Lakes Entertainment, Inc. currently has development and management or financing agreements with three separate Tribes for casino operations in Michigan, and California, for a total of three separate casino sites. Lakes is currently managing the Four Winds Casino Resort for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and the Red Hawk Casino for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. Lakes is also involved in other business activities, including the development of new table games for licensing to Tribal and non-Tribal casinos.

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this press release (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by Lakes Entertainment, Inc.) contains statements that are forward-looking, such as statements relating to plans for future expansion and other business development activities as well as other capital spending, financing sources and the effects of regulation (including gaming and tax regulation) and competition. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the company. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, need for potential future financing to meet Lakes' development needs; those relating to the inability to complete or possible delays in completion of Lakes' casino projects, including various regulatory approvals and numerous other conditions which must be satisfied before completion of these projects; possible termination or adverse modification of management or development contracts; Lakes operates in a highly competitive industry; possible changes in regulations; reliance on continued positive relationships with Indian tribes and repayment of amounts owed to Lakes by Indian tribes; possible need for future financing to meet Lakes' expansion goals; risks of entry into new businesses; and reliance on Lakes' management. For more information, review the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: Lakes Entertainment, Inc.

Lakes Entertainment, Inc.
Timothy Cope, 952-449-7030