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The Company faces direct competition from Running Aces Harness Park ("Running Aces"). in Columbus Township, Anoka County, Minnesota, a racetrack and card room that is located approximately 40 miles from Canterbury Park. Running Aces offers pari-mutuel wagering on live races of standardbred (“harness”) horses on a seasonal basis and year-round wagering on simulcasting of all breeds of horse races. In addition to pari-mutuel wagering, Running Aces operates a card room that directly competes with the Company’s Casino.

Additionally, Internet-based interactive gaming and wagering is growing rapidly and adversely affects all forms of wagering offered by the Company. Legislation became effective November 1, 2016 in Minnesota that allowed the Company to begin collecting source market fees from companies that offer ADW wagering. These companies provide legal simulcast horse wagering over the internet. The legislation now allows the Company to recoup a percentage of all simulcast horse racing wagers made by Minnesota residents over the internet on out-of-state races; however, the legal clarification of this type of wagering will significantly intensify the competitionraces.

The Minnesota legislature continues to consider bills to legalize sports betting in the marketplace.State of Minnesota. If sports betting were legalized in Minnesota for tribal casinos and through mobile applications operated by the tribes, we would experience increased competition from the tribal casinos which could divert customers from our Casino and Racetrack and thus adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

The Company also faces indirect competition from a variety of sources for discretionary consumer spending including spectator sports and other entertainment and gaming options. In the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, competition includes a wide range of live and televised professional and collegiate sporting events. In addition, live horse racing competes with a wide variety of summer attractions, including amusement parks, sporting events, and other local activities.

Finally, the Company competes with racetracks located throughout the United States in securing horses to run at the Racetrack. Attracting owners and trainers that can bring high quality horses to our Racetrack is largely dependent on our ability to offer competitive purses. The Company experiences significant competition for horses from racetracks located near Des Moines, Iowa and Chicago, Illinois. We expect this competition to continue for the foreseeable future.

Canterbury Development and its joint ventures face competition from developers of other residential, mixed use, office, retail, hotel, and entertainment spaces around Shakopee, Minnesota and elsewhere in Minnesota. These other developers may be larger and have more resources than Canterbury Development or than Canterbury Development and its developer partners on a combined basis. The leasing of real estate is highly competitive. The principal competitive factors are rent, location, lease term, lease concessions, services provided, and the nature and condition of the property to be leased. The Canterbury Development joint ventures will directly compete with all owners, developers, and operators of similar space in the areas in which our properties are located. The number of competitive multifamily properties in our particular market could adversely affect lease rates at residential properties in Canterbury Commons, as well as the rents able to be charged. In addition, other forms of residential properties, including single family housing and town homes, provide housing alternatives to potential residents of luxury apartment communities like our Triple Crown Residences at Canterbury Park. Likewise, the competition for high quality tenants for retail, office, and other spaces is intense. In order to be successful, our real estate joint ventures must have high lease rates, competitive rental rates, and maintain high occupancy rates with a financially stable tenant base. 

We may again in the future seek developers or other partners for joint venture arrangements or opportunities for Canterbury Development to develop our properties. We will be competing with other property owners, both around Shakopee and elsewhere, for high quality builders, commercial and residential real estate firms, and developers that share our vision for Canterbury Commons. We have in the past and may agree in the future to sell parcels of land to third parties that will then develop the properties and in that case, we will also be in competition with other sellers of properties for purchasers. Although we will have no continuing ownership in these land sales, we believe that the ability to effectively compete for tenants will be a factor in the purchasers’ selection of our property over other competing properties for their developments. 

 

Regulation and Regulatory Changes

General

The ownership and operation of the Racetrack in Minnesota is subject to significant regulation by the MRC under the Minnesota Racing Act and the rules adopted by the MRC. The Minnesota Racing Act governs the allocation of each wagering pool to winning bettors, the Racetrack, purses, pari-mutuel taxes, and the MBF, and empowers the MRC to license and regulate substantially all aspects of horse racing in the State. The MRC, among other things, grants operating licenses to racetracks after an application process and public hearings, licenses all racetrack employees, jockeys, trainers, veterinarians, and other participants, regulates the transfer of ownership interests in licenses, allocates live race days and simulcast-only race days, approves race programs, regulates the conduct of races, sets specifications for the racing ovals, animal facilities, employee quarters and public areas of racetracks, regulates the types of wagers on horse races, and approves significant contractual arrangements with racetracks, including management agreements, simulcast arrangements, and totalizator contracts.

A federal statute, the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978, also requires that a racetrack must obtain the consent of the group representing the horsepersons (owners and trainers) racing the breed of horses that race a majority of the time at the racetrack (which is the MHBPA), and the consent of the state agency regulating the racetrack (in Minnesota, the MRC), in order to transmit simulcast signals of its live races or to receive and use simulcast signals from other racetracks.

Issuance of Class A and Class B Licenses to the Company

The Company holds a Class A License, issued by the MRC, that allows the Company to own and operate the Racetrack. The Class A License is effective until revoked, suspended by the MRC, or relinquished by the licensee. Currently, the fee for a Class A License is $252,000$253,000 per fiscal year.

The Company also holds a Class B License, issued by the MRC, that allows the Company to sponsor and manage horse racing on which pari-mutuel wagering is conducted at its Class A licensed racetrack and on other horse races run at out-of-state locations as authorized by the MRC. The Class B License is renewable each year by the MRC after a public hearing (if required by the MRC). Currently, the fee for the Class B License is $500 for each assigned race day on which live racing is actually conducted and $100 for each day on which simulcasting is authorized and actually takes place.

In addition, the law requires that the Company reimburse the MRC for actual costs, including stewards, state veterinarians and drug testing, related to the regulating of live racing. For fiscal years ended December 31, 20202023 and 20192022, the CompanyCompany paid $153,000$497,000 and $643,000$152,000, respectively, to the MRC as reimbursementreimbursement for costs of regulating live racing operations.

The MRC is also authorized by the Racing Act to regulate Card Casino operations. The law requires that the Company reimburse the MRC for its actual costs, including personnel costs, of regulating the Card Casino. For fiscal years ended December 31, 20202023 and 20192022, the CompanyCompany paid $265,000$297,000 and $245,000, respectively,$248,000, respectively, to the MRC as reimbursement for costs of regulating Card Casino operations.

On January 19, 2000, the MRC issued an additional Class B License to the Company that authorized the Company to host unbanked card games. The Class B License is renewable each year by the MRC after a public hearing (if required by the MRC). Currently, the Class B License fee of $10,000 per calendar year is included in the Class A License fee of $252,000$253,000 per calendar year.

Limitation on the Number of Class A and Class B Licenses

Pursuant to the Racing Act, so long as the Racetrack maintains its Class A License, no other Class A License may be issued to allow an entity to own and operate a racetrack in the seven county metropolitan area where thoroughbred and quarter horses are raced. However, the Racing Act provides that the MRC may issue an additional Class A License within the seven-county metropolitan area, if the additional license is issued for a facility that, among other conditions, is located more than 20 miles from the Racetrack, contains a track no larger than five-eighths of a mile in circumference, and is used exclusively for harness racing. In January 2005, this additional Class A license was issued for the location that later became known as Running Aces (see “Competition” above)“Risk Factors” below).

Limitation on Ownership and Management of an Entity that holds a Class A or Class B License

The Racing Act requires prior MRC approval of all officers, directors, 5% shareholders, or other persons having a present or future direct or indirect financial or management interest in any person applying for a Class A or Class B license, and if a change of ownership of more than 5% of the licensee’s shares is made after an application is filed or the license issued, the applicant or licensee must notify the MRC of the changes within five days of this occurrence and provide the information required by the Racing Act.

Advanced Deposit Wagering Legislation

Minnesota ADW legislation that became effective November 1, 2016 requires ADW providers to be licensed by the MRC and established licensing criteria and regulatory oversight of ADW providers doing business in the State of Minnesota. The law allows licensed racetracks to negotiate separate agreements with the ADW providers to remit source market fees to those racetracks. The ADW source market revenue to the Company totaled approximately $1,331,000 and $1,511,000 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As part of the agreement, 50% of source market fees is allocated to purse accounts and the MBF.

Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), which was passed at the end of 2020 and amended in late 2022, creates uniform national standards for thoroughbred racing in the areas of racetrack safety and medication. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority was established to enforce HISA and operates under the oversight of the Federal Trade Commission. In addition to oversight by the MRC, our Racetracks and their participants are subject to the HISA equine safety, welfare and drug testing rules and regulations established by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority under HISA.

Sports Betting

The Minnesota legislature is continuing to consider bills to legalize sports betting in Minnesota at tribal casinos and online through mobile applications operated by the tribes. It is not certain whether any of these bills will be adopted into law. If sports betting were legalized in Minnesota for tribal casinos and through mobile applications operated by the tribes, we would experience increased competition from the tribal casinos which could divert customers from our Casino and Racetrack and thus adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Local Regulation

The Company’s operations are subject to state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and other provisions affecting zoning, public health, and other matters that may have the effect of restricting the uses to which the Company’s land and other assets may be used. Also, any development of the Racetrack site and Canterbury Commons is, among other things, subject to applicable zoning ordinances and requires approval by the City of Shakopee and other authorities. There can be no assurance these approvals will be obtained for any future development the Company proposes.

Recent Legislation

Minimum Wage Legislation

In 2014, Minnesota legislation enacted intohas adopted a minimum wage law an increase inthat sets the minimum hourly wage that must be paid to most Company employees. Beginning January 1, 2018, the minimum wage was set to increaseincreases at the beginning of each year by the rate of inflation with a maximum increase of up to 2.5% per year.year. The minimum wage for 20212023 was $10.59 per hour and is $10.08$10.85 per hour. Prior to August 1, 2014, the Company employed a large number of individuals who received an hourly wage equal to or slightly above $7.25 per hour. As a result, thishour for 2024. This legislation has had an adverse financial impact on the Company in 2014 through 2020,by increasing expenses and we expect will continue to have an adverse impact on the Company. WeSee the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." From time to time, we have implemented measures to partially mitigate the impact of this increaseincreases in the minimum wage by raising our prices and reducing our employee count. These measures could themselves have an adverse effect because higher prices and diminished service levels may discourage customers from visiting the Racetrack.

Advanced Deposit Wagering LegislationMarketing

Minnesota ADW legislation that became effective November 1, 2016, requires ADW providers to be licensed by the MRC and established licensing criteria and regulatory oversight of ADW providers doing business in the State of Minnesota. The law allows licensed racetracks to negotiate separate agreements with the ADW providers to remit source market fees to those racetracks. The ADW source market revenue to the Company totaled approximately $1,633,000 and $941,000 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As part of the agreement, 50% of source market fees is allocated to purse accounts and the MBF.

Cooperative Marketing Agreement

On June 4, 2012, the Company entered into the CMA with the SMSC. The primary purpose of the CMA is to increase purses paid during live horse racing at Canterbury Park’s Racetrack in order to strengthen Minnesota’s thoroughbred and quarter horse through horse industry. Under the CMA, as amended, this is achieved through “Purse Enhancement Payments to Horsemen” paid directly to the MHBPA.

On June 1, 2020, we entered into a Fifth Amendment Agreement to the CMA, which became effective on June 8, 2020 upon MRC approval. Under the Fifth Amendment, the SMSC agreed to provide up to $5,620,000 for the annual purse enhancement for the year 2020. This amount was calculated by multiplying the expected 52 days of 2020 live horseracing times the amount of $108,077 per live horseracing day. Consistent with the original CMA, the Company will not receive any part of the purse enhancement amount. Under the Fifth Amendment, the SMSC also agreed to pay the $100,000 2020 Annual Horse Association Payment payable under the Horse Association Agreement. The annual purse enhancement that the SMSC is obligated to pay under Agreement for 2021 and 2022 was not changed and remains at $7,280,000 per year.

The Fifth Amendment also provides that the SMSC is not required to pay the Company a 2020 annual marketing payment. Instead, the First Amendment provides that the Company will use $1,248,343 of annual marketing payments from prior years that were unspent as of January 1, 2020 for joint marketing efforts for the mutual benefit of the Company and SMSC. The Company may also use a portion of these funds to promote, improve, or assist in the operation of horse racing at the Racetrack upon approval by the SMSC. The annual marketing payment that the SMSC is obligated to pay under the CMA for 2021 and 2022 was not changed and remains at $1,620,000 per year.

The purse enhancement payments to horsemen have no direct impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or operations. See the Management's Discussion and Analysis Section of this Form 10-K and footnote 11 of the consolidated financial statements for more detailed information on the CMA.

Marketing

The Company’s primary market is the seven-county Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area (Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Washington, Dakota, Scott, and Carver) plus the two counties to the south of the Racetrack and Card Casino (Le Sueur and Rice). The City of Shakopee, located in the southwestern portion of the metropolitan area, is one of the fastest growing communities in the region, and Scott County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country.

To support its Casino, pari-mutuel horse racing, Card Casino, and catering and events businesses, the Company conducts year-round marketing efforts to maintain the loyalty of existing customers and attract new players to the property. The Company uses radio, television, digital advertising, social media, print advertising, and direct marketing to communicate to its audiences. In addition to its regular advertising and communication program, the Company conducts numerous special promotions, handicapping contests, and poker tournaments to attract incremental visits. The Company also uses a robust player rewards and database marketing program to enhance the loyalty of its guests.

The Company continues to focus on creating a premier guest experience as the core element of its marketing efforts. This includes delivering great customer service, developing new food and beverage offerings, creating fan education programs, and providing entertainment opportunities that go beyond the traditional pari-mutuel wagering and card playing activities.

Human Capital and Team Members

Talent Management 

At December 31, 2020,2023, the Company had 227 full-time team members and 383538 part-time team members. The Company adds approximately 350 team members on a seasonal basis for live racing operations from early May until early September. During 2020, in an effort to reduce current and future costs in response to the negativeThe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the entertainment industry, and actions that we and others in the industry took in response to COVID-19 (including implementing furloughs, reduced work week schedules, temporarily pay reductions, and eliminating a number of job positions) have adversely affected our business, we made difficult decisions that impacted ourability to attract and retain team members. DuringWe have seen and continue to see industry-wide labor shortages causing challenges in hiring or re-hiring for certain positions. In response, we have enhanced our recruitment and retention efforts and increased compensation where needed to maintain competitiveness in this extremely difficult market. 

We also offer benefits to eligible employees, including participation in our KSOP Plan (the “KSOP”) that includes the temporary closures and suspension of the Company’s operations described above, all Canterbury Park team members, except for a limited number of key personnel required for basic ongoing maintenance, security, and management needs, were placed on an unpaid furlough. The Company also implemented a salary reduction for all remaining non-furloughed team members based on a combination of the team member’s salaryEmployee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”) and the team member’s responsibilities during401(k) Plan. Beginning January 1, 2016, the temporary shutdown. Uponmatching of employee contributions has been issued in Company stock, which we believe aligns the Company’s reopeninginterests of operations,Company employees with our shareholders and allows employees to participate in the Company implemented a salary reduction for the management team, which was in effect through 2020. Additionally, pandemic-related restrictions onsuccess that they help create at our special events and group sales operations impacted our non-gaming business for the remainder of 2020 and continues to impact us today. To address this challenge, the Company made the very difficult decision to align staffing levels with the current level of our non-gaming business. These actions included leaving vacant positions unfilled, furloughing team members, pay reductions for senior leadership, and some job eliminations.company.

Our success depends in large part upon our ability to attract, retain, train, lead, and motivate skilled team members. To facilitate the recruitment, development, and retention of our valuable team members, we strive to make Canterbury Park a diverse, inclusive, and safe workplace, with opportunities for our team to grow and develop. The Company offers training and development opportunities for team members to enhance leadership and communication skills. The Company also has created various internal committees, including a specific rewards and recognition committee to support our team member recognition programs. To help retain talent, we measure team member engagement, including conducting regular engagement surveys to all team members. The most recent survey was conducted in 20192022 and reflected an engagement level among our team members that exceeded the average engagement levels of benchmarked companies. The Company intends to complete a similar survey in late 2024.

Health and Safety

During 2020,2022 and 2023, we focusedcontinued to focus significant attention on the effective handling of the COVID-19 Pandemic. We implemented new protocolsto enhancing health and processes designed to limit the spread of the virus. These include the use of hand sanitizers and face masks, new cleaning and disinfecting regimes, the implementation of social distancing measures in restaurants, bars, gaming, recreation, and back of the house areas, and a detailed contact tracing protocol. We have made physical changes tosafety protocols. In addition, our properties, such as the installation of thermal screening points at entrances and changes to our heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems. We have also enabled employees to work from home where possible. 

Our employee guidelines and policies are founded on our cornerstones of safety, service, courtesy, cleanliness, and integrity. We are committed to equal opportunity employment and prohibit harassment or discrimination of any kind. We have adopted an open door policy to encourage an honest employer-associate relationship which includes a confidential hotline available to all employees. 

Executive Officers

The executive officers of the Company, their ages and their positions with the Company at March 15, 20212024 are as follows:

Randall D. Sampson has been President and Chief Executive Officer since the formation of the Company in March 1994. Mr. Sampson was also named Executive Chairman of the Board on October 3, 2019. He has been active in horse industry associations, currently serving as Director of the Thoroughbred Racetracks of America and is a past Vice President of the Thoroughbred Racetracks of America and past President of the Minnesota Thoroughbred Association. Mr. Sampson also currently serves as a director of Communications Systems,Pineapple Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:JCS)(Nasdaq:PEGY), a manufacturergrowing domestic operator and consolidator of telecommunicationsresidential solar, battery storage, and data communications productsgrid service solutions based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. 

Randy J. Dehmer was hired as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer in May 2019.2019, and promoted to Senior Vice President of Finance in September 2021. Mr. Dehmer worked for the Company from December 2007 to August 2013, most recently serving as controller from March 2012 to August 2013. Prior to rejoining the Company, he served as the financial controller for Clearfield, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLFD), which designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber protection, fiber management and fiber delivery solutions, from September 2013 to May 2019. Mr. Dehmer also currently serves as a public company located indirector on the Twin Cities.Shakopee Chamber of Commerce board.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to risks and uncertainties in the ordinary course of business that are common to all businesses, important factors that are specific to our industry and us could materially affect our future performancebusiness, results of operations and results. Management believesfinancial condition and the market price of our common stock.  Although we believe that we have identified and discussed below the material risk factors described belowaffecting our business, there may be additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known or that are not currently believed to be material that may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, or the most significant risks that could have a material impact onmarket price of our business.common stock.

Risk Factors Related to Horse Racing and Gaming Generally 

Our growth strategy may place significant demands on our financial, operational and management resources. We expectmay not execute successfully on our growth strategy because of legislative, regulatory, financial, or other hurdles that we fail to overcome in a timely fashion, or lack of appropriate resources. Additionally, we may compete with other companies for attractive strategic opportunities. The process of identifying and exploring strategic transactions and initiatives is time consuming and may result in a diversion of management’s time and attention away from existing business activities. Additionally, if we do not effectively communicate our growth strategy to our investors and stakeholders, we may not realize the full benefits that we would otherwise gain through successful execution of that strategy.

If we do not achieve the benefits anticipated from our investments in our growth strategy or if the achievement of these benefits is delayed, our operating results may be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that we will develop and implement transactions and initiatives that will advance the goals of our strategic plan in a cost-effective or timely manner or at all.

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

Our business is sensitive to downturns in the economy and the associated impact on discretionary spending on entertainment, gaming, and other leisure activities. Our in-person visitors 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 or the economic conditions in the Twin Cities or Minnesota specifically, effects of declines in consumer confidence in the economy, any future employment and credit crisis, the impact of high and prolonged inflation, particularly with respect to housing, energy and food costs, the disruptions resulting from the impactincreased cost of thetravel, decreased disposable consumer income and wealth, fears of war and future acts of terrorism, or widespread illnesses or epidemics, including COVID-19, Pandemic, including the extent of their adverse impact on our financial and operational results, will be dictated by the length of time such disruptions continue. Although our property is currently open as of this report, we cannot predict whether future closures would be appropriate or could be mandated. Even once capacity restrictions are modified or cease to be necessary, demand for gaming may remain weak for a significant length of time and we cannot predict if or when the gaming and non-gaming activities at our property will return to pre-outbreak levels of volume or pricing. In particular, future demand for gaming may be negatively impacted by the adverse changes in the perceived or actual economic climate, including higher unemployment rates, declines in income levels, and loss of personal wealth or reduced spending resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

Our business would also be impacted should the disruptions from the COVID-19 Pandemic lead to prolonged changes in consumer behavior. There are certain limitations on our ability to mitigate the adverse financial impact of these matters, such as the fixed costs at our properties. The COVID-19 Pandemic also makes it more challenging for management to estimate the future performance of our business, particularly over the near to medium term. Any of these events may continue to disrupt our ability to staff our business adequately, could continue to generally disrupt our operations or development projects and, if the global response to contain the COVID-19 Pandemic escalates or is unsuccessful, wouldcan have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, resultsdiscretionary spending and other areas of operationseconomic behavior that directly impact the gaming and cash flows.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has had,entertainment industries in general and will continue to have, a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. Given the uncertainty around the extent and timing of the potential future spread or mitigation of the COVID-19 Pandemic and around the imposition or relaxation of protective measures, we cannot reasonably estimate the impact on our future results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

We face significant competition, both directly from other racing and gaming operations and indirectly from other forms of entertainment and leisure time activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

We face intense competitionfurther reduce customer demand in our market, particularly competition from Running Aces in Columbus Township, Anoka County, Minnesota, a racetrackCasino, Racetrack and card room that is located approximately 50 miles from Canterbury Park. 

We also compete with Native American owned casinos. These Native American facilities have the advantage of being exempt from some statefood and federal taxesbeverage segments, which may negatively impact our revenues and state regulation of indoor smoking, and have the ability to offer a wider variety of gaming products. 

Internet-based interactive gaming and wagering, both legal and illegal, is growing rapidly and we anticipate competition in this area will become more intense as new Internet-based ventures enter our industry and as state and federal regulations on Internet-based activities are clarified. Additionally, we compete with other forms of gambling, including betting on professional sports, spectator sports, other forms of entertainment, and other racetracks throughout the country. 

We expect competition for our existing and future operations to increase from Running Aces, existing tribal casinos, and racetracks that are able to subsidize their purses with alternative gaming revenues. Competition for simulcasting customers will be intense given the 2016 legalization of online internet wagering on horse racing in Minnesota, through ADW providers. In addition, several of our tribal gaming competitors in Minnesota have substantially larger marketing and financial resources than we do. operating cash flow.

We have experienced a decrease in revenue and profitability from live racing.

We may not be able to attract a sufficient number of horses and trainers to achieve above average field sizes.

We believe that patrons prefer to wager on races with a number of horses in the race (the “field”) at or above the national average. A failure to offer races with adequate fields generally results in less wagering on our horse races.races, which we experienced during the 2023 live racing season. Our ability to attract adequate fields depends on several factors. First, it depends onfactors, including our ability to offer and fund competitive purses. Second, it depends on thepurses and overall horse population available for racing. Various factors have led to declines in the horse population in someMinnesota and other areas of the country, including competition from racetracks in other areas, increased costs, and changing economic returns for owners and breeders, and the spread of various debilitating and contagious equine diseases. If our racetrack is faced with a sustained outbreak of a contagious equine disease, it could have a material impact on our profitability.

Finally, if we are unable to attract horse owners to stable and race their horses at our racetrack by offering a competitive environment, including high-quality facilities, a well-maintained racetrack, comfortable conditions for backstretch personnel involved in the care and training of horses stabled at our racetrack, and a competitive purse structure, our profitability could also decrease. We also face increased competition for horses and trainers from racetracks that are licensed to operate slot machines and other electronic gaming machines that provide these racetracks an advantage in generating new additional revenues for race purses and capital improvements. While our ability to offer adequate fields to patrons during our live meets has been substantially strengthened byOur inability in the purse enhancement payments that are scheduled to be made under the CMA through 2022, our inabilityfuture to attract adequate fields, for whatever reason, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We face significant competition, both directly from other racing and gaming operations and indirectly from other forms of entertainment and leisure time activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

We face intense competition in our market, particularly direct competition from Running Aces in Columbus Township, Anoka County, Minnesota, a racetrack and card room that is located approximately 40 miles from Canterbury Park. Running Aces offers pari-mutuel wagering on live races of standardbred (“harness”) horses on a seasonal basis and year-round wagering on simulcasting of all breeds of horse races. In addition to pari-mutuel wagering, Running Aces operates a card room that directly competes with the Company’s Casino.

We also compete with Native American owned casinos. These Native American facilities have the advantage of being exempt from some state and federal taxes and state regulation of indoor smoking, and have the ability to offer a wider variety of gaming products. 

The Company competes with racetracks located throughout the United States in securing horses to run at the Racetrack. Attracting owners and trainers that can bring high quality horses to our Racetrack is largely dependent on our ability to offer competitive purses. The Company experiences significant competition for horses from racetracks located near Des Moines, Iowa and Chicago, Illinois. We expect this competition to continue for the foreseeable future.

Internet-based interactive gaming and wagering, both legal and illegal, is growing rapidly and adversely affects all forms of wagering offered by the Company. We anticipate competition in this area will become more intense as new Internet-based ventures enter our industry and as state and federal regulations on Internet-based activities are clarified. Additionally, we compete with other forms of gambling, including betting on professional sports, spectator sports, other forms of entertainment, and other racetracks throughout the country. 

Our horse racing and gaming businesses are sensitive to economic conditions that may affect consumer confidence, consumer discretionary spending, or our access to credit in a manner that adversely affects our operations.

Economic trends can affect consumer confidence and consumers’ discretionary spending. Lower consumer confidence or reductions in consumer discretionary spending could result in fewer patrons spending money at our racetrack. Our access to and cost of credit may be affected to the extent global and U.S. credit markets are affected by downward economic trends. Our ability to respond to periods of economic contraction may be limited, as some of our costs remain fixed or even increase when revenue declines.

A lack of confidence in the integrity of our core businesses could affect our ability to retain our customers and engage with new customers.

The integrity of horse racing, casino gaming, and pari-mutuel wagering industries must be perceived as fair to patrons and the public at large. To prevent cheating or erroneous payouts, oversight processes must be in place to ensure that these activities cannot be manipulated. A loss of confidence in the fairness of our industries could have a material adverse impact on our business.

Horse racing is an inherently dangerous sport and our racetrack is subject to personal injury litigation.

Although we carry jockey accident insurance at our racetrack to cover personal jockey injuries that may occur during races or daily workouts, there are certain exclusions to our insurance coverage, and we are still subject to litigation from injured participants. We renew our insurance policies on an annual basis. The cost of coverage may become so high that we may need to further reduce our policy limits or agree to certain exclusions from our coverage. Our results may be affected by the outcome of litigation, as this litigation could be costly and time consuming and could divert our management and key personnel from our business operations.

Our business depends on using totalizator services.

Our customers use information provided by a third partythird-party vendor that accumulates wagers, records sales, calculates payoffs, and displays wagering data in a secure manner to patrons who wager on our horse races. Any failure to keep this technology current could limit our ability to serve patrons effectively or develop new forms of wagering or affect the security of the wagering process, thus affecting patron confidence in our product. A perceived lack of integrity in the wagering systems could result in a decline in bettor confidence and could lead to a decline in the amount wagered on horse racing. In addition, a totalizator system failure could cause a considerable loss of revenue if betting machines are unavailable for a significant period of time or during an event with high betting volume.

Inclement weather and other conditions may affect our ability to conduct live racing.

Since horse racing is conducted outdoors, unfavorable weather conditions, including extremely high and low temperatures, high winds, storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, could cause events to be postponed or canceled or attendance to be lower, resulting in reduced wagering. For example, in 2023, the Company had one day of live racing cancelled and two other days shortened due to inclement weather. Our operations, as well as the racetracks from which we receive simulcast signals, are subject to reduced patronage, disruptions, or complete cessation of operations due to weather conditions, natural disasters, and other casualties. IfWhile the Company maintains insurance for inclement weather conditions, if a prolonged business interruption were to occur due to inclement weather and continue for a significant length of time at our racetrack, it could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The Company maintains insurance for incremental weather conditions that would help mitigate the financial impact on our business.

Risks Related to Our Relationship with SMSC

As discussed above, on June 4, 2012, the Company entered into the CMA with the SMSC. The primary purpose of the CMA is to increase purses paid during live horse racing at Canterbury Park’s Racetrack in order to strengthen Minnesota’s thoroughbred and quarter horse through horse industry. Under the CMA, as amended, this is achieved through “Purse Enhancement Payments to Horsemen” paid directly to the MHBPA. These payments have no direct impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or operations. Under the CMA, as amended, the SMSC paid the horsemen $7.3 million for purse enhancements for each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, with a lower amount in 2020 due to the more limited racing season and fewer races at Canterbury Park. 

If the Company breaches its obligations under the terms of the agreement, the Company is obligated to repay (1) all amounts paid by SMSC pursuant to the agreement; (2) pay to the SMSC an amount equal to all Horse Association Payments paid by SMSC; and (3) pay to SMSC any additional amounts for any other damages SMSC incurs. The Company has not violated and does not intend to violate its obligations with respect to the agreement. The Company believes the likelihood of a breach of obligations is remote.

Purse Enhancement Payments and Marketing Payments under our CMA with SMSC may not continue after 2022.

The term of the CMA with SMSC ends December 31, 2022, and there is no certainty the CMA can be extended or renegotiated on terms that are mutually acceptable to SMSC, the horsepersons’ associations, and the Company. In particular, there can be no assurance that, after December 31, 2022, SMSC’s purse enhancement payments to the horsepersons’ associations and marketing payments to the Company will continue at the levels currently being paid, if at all. If, by December 31, 2022, the CMA is not extended or renegotiated on economic terms substantially similar to those currently in effect or due to the parties being unable to mutually agree on other terms, the Company’s future revenue from live racing and its profitability could be materially adversely affected.

Risks Related to Government Regulation of our Horse Racing and Gaming Generally

We are subject to changes in the laws that govern our business, including the possibility of an increase in gaming taxes, which would increase our costs, and changes in other laws may adversely affect our ability to compete.

Our operations and oversight by the MRC are ultimately subject to the laws of Minnesota including, but not limited to, the Minnesota Racing Act and HISA, and there exists the risk that these laws may be amended in ways adverse to our operations. In particular, we are required to pay special racing-related and Card-Casino-relatedCasino-related taxes and fees in addition to normal federal, state, and local income taxes.taxes as well as potential costs related to HISA regulations. These taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time. From time to time, state and local legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of laws affecting our industry, such as the allocation of each wagering pool to winning bettors, the Racetrack, purses, and the MBF. In addition, poor economic conditions could intensify the efforts of state and local governments to raise revenues through increases in gaming taxes. It is not possible to predict with certainty the likelihood of changes in tax laws or in the administration of these laws. These changes, if adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

We are subject to extensive regulation from gaming authorities that could adversely affect us.

We are subject to significant regulation by the MRC under the Racing Act and the rules adopted by the MRC. The MRC has the authority to increase the Class A and Class B license fees. In addition, the Minnesota Racing Act requires that we reimburse the MRC for its actual costs of regulating the Card Casino, including personnel costs. Increases in these licensing and regulatory costs could adversely affect our results of operations.

Amendments to the Minnesota Racing Act or decisions by the MRC in regard to any one or more of the following matters could also adversely affect the Company’s operations: the granting of operating licenses to Canterbury Park and other racetracks after an application process and public hearings; the licensing of all track employees, jockeys, trainers, veterinarians, and other participants; regulating the transfer of ownership interests in licenses; allocating live race days and simulcast-only race days; approving race programs; regulating the conduct of races; setting specifications for the racing ovals, animal facilities, employee quarters, and public areas of racetracks; changes to the types of wagers on horse races; and approval of significant contractual agreements.

Risks Related to our Real Estate Development Efforts

We rely on the efforts of our partner Doran for the development and profitable operation of our Triple Crown Residences at Canterbury Park joint venture.

On April 2, 2018, Canterbury Development entered into an operating agreement with an affiliate of Doran Companies (“Doran”), a national commercial and residential real estate developer, as the two members of a Minnesota limited liability company named Doran Canterbury I, LLC (“Doran Canterbury I”) to construct an upscale apartment complex called the Triple Crown Residences. In September 2018, Canterbury Development contributed approximately 13 acres of land as its equity contribution in the Doran Canterbury I joint venture and became a 27.4% equity member. Construction of the 321-unit first phase began in late 2018 with initial occupancy on June 1, 2020. As of the end of December 2020,2021, all 321 units were available for occupancy.

In August 2020, Doran exercisedexercised its option for Phase II of the project, which will include an additional 300 residential units, and Canterbury Development entered into a second joint venture agreement with Doran. Pursuant to this second agreement, in early August 2020, the Company transferred roughly 10 acres of land to the second joint venture with Doran. In addition toDoran, resulting in receiving 27.4% ownership in the Doran Phase II joint venture, the exchange resulted in the repayment of a $2.9 million note receivable which was on the Company’s balance sheet as a related party receivable as of June 30, 2020. Groundwork on the Doran Canterbury II site began in October 2020, paving the way for the ground-up construction of the second phase of apartments, which is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2021.

venture. Canterbury Development will rely on Doran for the successful leasing and operation of the Triple Crown Residences as well as completionResidences. If Doran's ability to successfully lease and operate this project is impaired, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, or results of the second phase of the project. operations.

We rely on the efforts of our partner Greystone Construction for a new development project. 

On June 16, 2020, CanterburyCanterbury Development entered into an operating agreement with an affiliate of Greystone Construction, as the two members of a Minnesota limited liability company named Canterbury DBSV Development, LLC (Canterbury DBSV). Canterbury DBSV was formed as part of a joint venture between Greystone and Canterbury Development LLC for a multi-use development on the 13-acre land parcel located on the southwest portion of the Company’s racetrack. Canterbury Development’s equity contribution to Canterbury DBSV was approximately 13 acres of land, which were contributed to Canterbury DBSV on July 1, 2020. In connection with its contribution, Canterbury Development became a 61.87% equity member in Canterbury DBSV. The Company will rely on the efforts of our partner Greystone Construction for the success of this new development project. If Greystone Construction’s ability to successfully develop this project is impaired, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, or results of operations.

We may not be successful in executing our real estate development strategy. 

Canterbury Development is currently pursuing other opportunities for the commercial development of its underutilized land. The development of residential and commercial real estate involves many risks, including, but not limited to, the selection of development partners; building design and construction; obtaining government permits; financing; securing and retaining tenants; and the volatility of real estate market conditions. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that our real estate development activities will be successful.

We are obligated to make improvements in the TIF district and will be reimbursed only to the extent of future tax revenue.

Under the Redevelopment Agreement with the City of Shakopee, the Company has agreed to undertake a number of specific public infrastructure improvements within the TIF District. The funding that the Company will be paid as reimbursement under the TIF program for these improvements is not guaranteed, but will depend on future tax revenues generated from the developed property.

We face competition from other real estate developers.

Canterbury Development and its joint ventures face competition from developers of other residential, mixed use, office, retail, hotel, and entertainment spaces around Shakopee, Minnesota and elsewhere in Minnesota. These other developers may be larger and have more resources than Canterbury Development or than Canterbury Development and its developer partners on a combined basis. The leasing of real estate is highly competitive. The principal competitive factors are rent, location, lease term, lease concessions, services provided, and the nature and condition of the property to be leased. The Canterbury Development joint ventures will directly compete with all owners, developers, and operators of similar space in the areas in which our properties are located. The number of competitive multifamily properties in our particular market could adversely affect lease rates at residential properties in Canterbury Commons, as well as the rents able to be charged. In addition, other forms of residential properties, including single family housing and town homes, provide housing alternatives to potential residents of luxury apartment communities like our Triple Crown Residences at Canterbury Park. Likewise, the competition for high quality tenants for retail, office, and other spaces is intense. In order to be successful, our real estate joint ventures must have competitive rental rates and maintain high occupancy rates with a financially stable tenant base. 

We may again in the future seek developers or other partners for joint venture arrangements or opportunities for Canterbury Development to develop our properties. We will be competing with other property owners, both around Shakopee and elsewhere, for high quality builders, commercial and residential real estate firms, and developers that share our vision for Canterbury Commons. We have in the past and may agree in the future to sell parcels of land to third parties that will then develop the properties and in that case, we will also be in competition with other sellers of properties for purchasers. Although we will have no continuing ownership in these land sales, we believe that the ability to effectively compete for tenants will be a factor in the purchasers’ selection of our property over other competing properties for their developments.

General Risk Factors

We may be adversely affected by the effects of inflation.

Inflation has the potential to adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial position and liquidity by increasing our overall cost structure. The existence of inflation in the economy has the potential to result in higher interest rates and capital costs, supply shortages, increased costs of labor and other similar effects. As a result of inflation, we have experienced and may continue to experience, increases in the costs of food and beverage supplies, labor, materials, energy, fuel, and other inputs. Although we may take measures to mitigate the impact of this inflation through pricing actions and efficiency gains, if these measures are not effective our business, results of operations, financial position, and liquidity could be materially adversely affected. Even if such measures are effective, there could be a difference between the timing of when these beneficial actions impact our results of operations and when the cost inflation is incurred. Additionally, the pricing actions we take could result in a decrease in market share.

An increase in the minimum wage mandated under Federal or Minnesota law could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results.

The Company employs a large number of individuals at an hourly wage equal to or slightly above the current state mandated wage of $10.00$10.85 per hour for 2020.2024. See “Recent Legislation”“Regulation and Regulatory Changes” above for additional information regarding recently enacted minimum wage legislation. Most of these employees are either high school or college students employed on a seasonal basis or tipped employees, many of whom receive, on average, tip income that is significantly higher than the current minimum wage. From time to time, legislation is introduced in the U.S. Congress or the Minnesota legislature that would substantially increase the minimum wage. Passage of legislation that would substantially increase the minimum wage could have a material adverse impact on the Company. Additionally, the Minnesota minimum wage annually increases at the beginning of each year by the rate of inflation with a maximum increase of up to 2.5% per year.  Multi-year increases in the Minnesota minimum wage due to sustained inflation could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

Our success may be affected if we are not able to attract, develop, and retain qualified personnel.

We dependOur ability to compete effectively depends on key personnel.

Our continued success and our ability to maintain our competitive position is largely dependentidentify, recruit, develop, and retain qualified personnel.  In particular, we depend upon among other things, the skills and efforts of our senior executives and management team, including Randall D. Sampson, who has served as our Chief Executive Officer. We have no employment agreements withOfficer since 1994. If we are unable to successfully identify, recruit, develop, and retain qualified personnel or adapt to changing worker expectations and working arrangements, it may be difficult for us to manage and grow our business, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, our inability to retain the key members of our senior executives and key personnel, and we cannot guarantee that these individuals will remain with us. Their retention is affected by the competitiveness ofmanagement team could adversely affect our terms of employment and our ability to compete effectively against other gaming companies. Our inability to retain key personnel could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.operations and financial condition.

The payment and amount of future dividends is subject to Board of Director discretion and to various risks and uncertainties.

The payment and amount of future quarterly dividends is within the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on factors the Board deems relevant at each time it considers declaring a dividend. These factors include, but are not limited to: available cash; management’s expectations regarding future performance and free cash flow; alternative uses of cash to fund capital expenditures and real estate development; and the effect of various risks and uncertainties described in this “Risk Factors” section.

Our information technology and other systems are subject to cyber securitycybersecurity risk including misappropriation of customer information or other breaches of information security.security incidents.

We rely on information technology and other systems to maintain and transmit customers’ personal and financial information, credit card information, mailing lists, and other information. We have taken steps designed to safeguard our customers’ personal and financial information and have implemented systems designed to meet allthe applicable requirements of the Payment Card Industry standards for data protection. However, our information and processes are subject to the ever-changing threat of compromised security, in the form of a risk of potential breach, system failure, computer virus, or unauthorized or fraudulent access or use by unauthorized individuals. The steps we take to deter and mitigate these risks may not be successful, and any resulting compromise or loss of data or systems could adversely impact operations or regulatory compliance and could result in remedial expenses, fines, litigation, and loss of reputation, potentially impacting our financial results. Although we have invested in and deployed security systems and developed processes that are designed to protect all sensitive data, prevent data loss and reduce the impact of anya security breach,incident, such measures cannot provide absolute security.

We process, store, and use personal information and other data, which subjects us to governmental regulation and other legal obligations related to privacy, and our actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could harm our business.

We receive, store, and process personal information and other customer data. There are numerous federal, state, and local laws regarding privacy and the storing, sharing, use, processing, disclosure, and protection of personal information and other data. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with our privacy policies, our privacy-related obligations to customers or other third parties, or our privacy-related legal obligations, or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release or transfer of personally identifiable information or other player data, may result in governmental enforcement actions, litigation or public statements against us by consumer advocacy groups or others and could cause our customers to lose trust in us, which could have an adverse effect on our business.

While we maintain insurance coverage specific to cyber-insurance matters, any failure on our part to maintain adequate safeguards may subject us to significant liabilities.

Additionally, if third parties we work with, such as vendors, violate applicable laws or our policies or suffer a significant cybersecurity incident, these violations may also put our customers’ information at risk and could in turn have an adverse effect on our business. The Company is also subject to payment card association rules and obligations under its contracts with payment card processors. Under these rules and obligations, if information is compromised, the Company could be liable to payment card issuers for the associated expense and penalties. In addition, if the Company fails to follow payment card industry security standards, even if no customer information is compromised, the Company could incur significant fines or experience a significant increase in payment card transaction costs.

We are also subjectProvisions of Minnesota law, our articles of incorporation, our bylaws and other agreements may deter a change of control of our company and may have a possible negative effect on our stock price.

Certain provisions of Minnesota law, our articles of incorporation, our bylaws and other agreements may make it more difficult for a third-party to federal and Minnesota laws that affect businesses generally. Some of these laws, such as laws pertainingacquire, or discourage a third-party from attempting to immigration, have severe penalties for law violations. In addition, it is possible, as a resultacquire, control of the legislative process, that legislation directlyCompany, including:

These measures could discourage or indirectly adverseprevent a takeover of our company or changes in our management, even if an acquisition or such changes would be beneficial to our shareholders. This may have a negative effect on the Company may be enacted into law. price of our common stock.

Energy and fuel price increases may adversely affect our costs of operations and our revenues.

Our facility uses significant amounts of electricity, natural gas, and other forms of energy. Increases in the cost of electricity or natural gas negatively affect our results of operations. In addition, energy and fuel price increases could negatively affect our operations by reducing disposable income of potential customers and decreasing visits to our facility.

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not Applicable.

Item 1C. CYBERSECURITY

The Company maintains a governance structure to address cybersecurity risk, which involves the Board, the Audit Committee, the Company’s Director of Information Technology, and a dedicated Incident Response Team. 

The Company utilizes a cross-functional, multilayered approach risk management to its cybersecurity to identify, prevent, and mitigate cybersecurity threats to the Company designed to preserve the confidentiality, security, and integrity of the Company’s information and data. The Company conducts periodic tests to assess the Company’s processes and procedures and the threat landscape. The Board and the Audit Committee receive regular presentations on cybersecurity-related topics ranging from the results of penetration testing, recent developments, evolving standards, the threat environment, technological trends, and information security considerations facing the Company and its peers. At least annually, the Board discusses the Company’s approach to cybersecurity risk management with the Company’s Director of Information Technology, and at least annually, or more frequently as necessary, the Company’s Director of Information Technology meets with the Audit Committee to discuss cybersecurity risk management. The Company’s security program and IT-related controls are regularly examined by internal auditors, external auditors, and various regulators. 

The Company's Incident Response Team is led by our Director of Information Technology and also comprised of various cross-functional members of management. The team is responsible for identifying, assessing, mitigating, and reporting on material cybersecurity risks and will present regular reports to the Audit Committee and the Board. The Board and the Audit Committee are also informed of any cybersecurity incident that meets established reporting thresholds, as well as ongoing updates regarding such incident until it has been addressed. 

The Company maintains an operational Incident Response Plan (“IRP”) that defines how the Company handles cyber incidents, including escalation, reporting and remediation procedures. The IRP is reviewed annually both internally and by third parties during regular audits. In addition, the Company retains a third-party consultant with expertise in cyber risks and incidents to advise on cybersecurity related matters. The Company’s consultant is also part of the Company’s IRP procedures and provides independent analysis and advice during cybersecurity investigations. The Company also provides annual trainings for all employees designed to reinforce the Company’s information technology risk and security management policies, standards and practices, as well as the expectation that all employees comply with these policies. These trainings are supplemented by Company-wide assessment initiatives, including periodic testing. The Company provides specialized security training for certain employee roles.

The Company maintains a comprehensive, risk-based approach to identifying and overseeing cybersecurity risks presented by third parties, including vendors, service providers, as well as the systems of third parties that could adversely impact our business in the event of a cybersecurity incident affecting those third-party systems.

Although we have designed our cybersecurity program and governance procedures above to mitigate cybersecurity risks, we face unknown and changing cybersecurity risks, threats and attacks. To date, these risks, threats or attacks have not had a material impact on our operations, business strategy, or financial results, but we cannot provide assurance that they will not have a material impact in the future. See the section entitled “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report for further information.

Item 2. PROPERTIES

General

The Company’s facilities, which are owned and operated under the name “Canterbury Park,” are a modern complex of buildings and grounds that generally compare favorably to other major racetracks located throughout the country.include racing surfaces, a grandstand, event center, barn and backside facilities, and parking in Shakopee, Minnesota. The Racetrack’s grandstand has a patron capacity of approximately 10,000 within enclosed areas and a maximum patron capacity of over 30,000 including outside areas around the grandstand. The grandstand and most public outdoor areas contain numerous pari-mutuel windows, odds information boards, video monitors, food and beverage stands, and other amenities.

The Racetrack is located approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. The area immediately surrounding the Racetrack consists of retail, commercial and industrial buildings, farmland, and residential areas. The Racetrack is close to a number of major entertainment destinations including: Valleyfair, an amusement park about two miles from the Racetrack that annually attracts visitors during the spring and summer; the Renaissance Festival, a seven-weekend late summer annual event located about five miles from the Racetrack; and Mystic Lake Casino, located about four miles from the Racetrack, which draws thousands of visitors daily. The Mall of America, the largest enclosed shopping mall in the United States, which attracts more than 40 million visitors per year, is approximately 17 miles from the Racetrack.

Racing Surfaces

The racing surfaces consist of a one-mile oval dirt/limestone track and a 7/8-mile oval turf course. The dirt track includes a one and one-quarter mile front stretch chute, a 6-1/2 furlong backstretch chute, and a 3-1/2 furlong chute and is lighted for night racing.

Grandstand

The grandstand is a modern, air-conditioned enclosed structure of approximately 275,000 square feet with a variety of facilities on six levels. The lower level contains space for support functions such as jockey quarters, administrative offices, Racing Commission offices, first aid, mechanical rooms, and electrical rooms. The track level includes pari-mutuel windows, restrooms, a variety of concession stands and other services as well as the Card Casino, which occupies 22,000 square feet. The mezzanine level contains 1,320 fixed seats in a glass-enclosed, air-conditioned area and an additional 3,000 seats located outside. The mezzanine level also contains pari-mutuel windows, restrooms, concession stands, and other guest facilities. A portion of the mezzanine level is currently being used as a simulcast center during live racing, and for banquets and other events during the off-season. The kitchen level is an intermediate level located between the mezzanine and clubhouse floors. It contains a full-service kitchen that supports a full dining menu for the track-side dining terraces on the clubhouse level and food preparation for the other concession areas. The clubhouse level is a multi-purpose area that includes a simulcast center for wagering on televised races, a full-service dining area during the live racing season, and a year-round banquet facility. The clubhouse level includes 325 trackside tables, each equipped with a television set, with a total seating capacity of 1,200 patrons and an additional 1,000 seats are located in lounges located throughout the area. The press box and officials’ level is located in the roof trusses over the clubhouse and contains work areas for the press, racing officials, closed-circuit television, photo finish, and the track announcer. In addition, the grandstand was structurally built to accommodate skyboxes under the press box/officials’ level, although none have yet been constructed. Escalators and elevators are available to move patrons among the various levels within the grandstand.

Expo Center

In 2014, the Company added an Expo Center, which is a 30,000 square foot structure designed for year-round special events, trade shows, and exhibits. The facility features 24,000 square feet of open event space and another 6,000 square feet containing an entry area, offices, restrooms and storage. Canterbury Park now offers the fourth largest event space in the Twin Cities with more than 100,000 total square feet of available space.

Barn and Backside Facilities

The stable area consists of 33 barns with a total of approximately 1,650 stalls. In the stable area, there are 240 dormitory rooms for the grooms and others working at the Racetrack. The stable area also contains a combination racing office and cafeteria/recreation building for stable personnel, two blacksmith buildings, and a 5/8 mile training track.

Parking

Approximately 5,500 paved parking spaces are available for patron and employee vehicles at the Racetrack, including parking spaces that are reserved for handicapped patrons. The Racetrack also has unpaved areas available for overflow parking for approximately 3,000 additional automobiles.

Underutilized Land

In 2020,2023, the Company transferred approximately 23sold approximately 37 acres of land to the Doran Canterbury II and Canterbury DBSV joint ventures as partnorth of its equity contribution in these projects.the racetrack for the development of a state-of-the-art amphitheater. In 2022, the Company sold approximately four acres of land to the west of the Racetrack. As of December 31, 2020,2023, the Company has approximately 9040 acres of land remainingremaining that are owned or controlled by the Company that are not currently used for its business operations, and could be developed or sold, in whole or in part. See discussion above titled “Development Operations” and footnote 12 to the consolidated financial statements for more information.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are no material legal proceedings pending against the Company. From time to time, the Company is party to ordinary and routine litigation or claims incidental to our business. We do not expect the outcome of any such litigation or claims pending at this time to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

PART II

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

(a)          MARKET INFORMATION

The Company’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol CPHC.

(b)          HOLDERS

At March 15, 2021,7, 2024, the Company had 615 shareholders568 shareholders of record of its common stock. Since many holders’ shares are listed under their brokerage firms’ names, the actual number of shareholders is estimated by the Company to be over 2,000.

(c)          DIVIDENDS

On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that due to the effect of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the Company’s Board of Directors had suspended declaring and paying its quarterly cash dividend until the Company's business operations return to normal. Prior to 2020, the Company had a dividend policy to pay regular quarterly cash dividends to its shareholders based on the Company’s earnings, projected future earnings, and cash requirements. In 2019, the Company paid a $0.07 per share dividend in January, April, July, and October.

(d)          SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2020 regarding our equity compensation plans:

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA[RESERVED]

Reserved.

Item 7.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand Canterbury Park Holding Corporation, our operations, our financial results and financial condition, and our present business environment. This MD&A is provided as a supplement to and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (the “Notes”). Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements included in this discussion as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed in “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

STRATEGIC OVERVIEW

Canterbury Park Holding Corporation (the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) hosts pari-mutuel wagering on thoroughbred and quarter horse races and “unbanked” card games at its Canterbury Park Racetrack and Card Casino facility (the “Racetrack”) in Shakopee, Minnesota, which is approximately 2520 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. The Racetrack is the only facility in the State of Minnesota that offers live pari-mutuel thoroughbred and quarter horse racing.

The Company’s pari-mutuel wagering operations include both wagering on thoroughbred and quarter horse races during live meets at the Racetrack each year from May through September and year-round wagering on races primarily held at out-of-state racetracks that are televised simultaneously at the Racetrack (“simulcasting”). Unbanked card games, in which patrons compete against each other and not the house, are hosted in the Card Casino at the Racetrack. The Card Casino operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Card Casino offers both poker and table games at up to 80 tables. The Company also derives revenues from related services and activities, such as food and beverage, parking, advertising signage, publication sales, and from other entertainment events and activities held at the Racetrack.

In 2020,2023, Canterbury Development continued to pursue various development opportunities begunthat began in 2015 for its underutilized land in a project known as Canterbury Commons. These development opportunities have included contributions of land to joint ventures, three as of the end of December 2020,2023, and sales of parcels of land to third parties that will then develop the property.

The following summarizes our financial performance for the last five years (in 000’s):

Our long-term strategic direction is to continue to enhance our Racetrack as a unique gaming and entertainment destination and develop the approximately 90approximately 40 acres of underutilized land not needed for our Racetrack Operations. 

The following summarizes our financial performance for the last five years (in 000’s):

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

In January 2020, an outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a new strain of coronavirus was identified. The disease has since spread rapidly across the world, causing the World Health Organization to declare the outbreak a pandemic (the “COVID-19 Pandemic”) on March 12, 2020. Since that time, governments and businesses have taken measures to limit the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, including the issuance of shelter-in-place orders, social distancing measures, travel bans and restrictions and business shutdowns.

On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that, based on the advice of Minnesota state and regulatory bodies, it was temporarily suspending all Card Casino, simulcast, and food and beverage operations at Canterbury Park in response to concerns about the COVID-19 Pandemic. Canterbury Park determined this voluntary suspension of activities was in the best interest of the health and safety of its guests and team members and would provide the Company an opportunity to review and update operational best practices and strategies based on what was currently known about this public health situation and future developments. On June 10, 2020, the Company reopened and resumed simulcast, live racing, and food and beverage operations. The Company also resumed table games and poker operations in the Company’s Card Casino on June 15, 2020 and July 9, 2020, respectively. These reopenings were done in compliance with Minnesota state guidelines on capacity limitations.

On November 18, 2020, Minnesota state and regulatory bodies issued an executive order requiring closure of places of public accommodation as a measure to slow the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the Company temporarily suspended all card casino, simulcast, and food and beverage operations from November 21 2020 through January 10, 2021. 

Despite a strong start to the year, the disruptions arising from the COVID-19 Pandemic had a significant impact on the Company's financial condition and operations during the year ended December 31, 2020. The duration and intensity of this global health emergency and related disruptions is uncertain. Given the dynamic nature of these circumstances, the impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows and financial condition in 2020 has been material, and the Company expects it will continue to be material. The Company cannot reasonably estimate at this time when the COVID-19 Pandemic will end, or when or how quickly the current travel restrictions and capacity restrictions will be modified or cease to be necessary. As a result, it is difficult to predict the continuing and future impact on the Company’s business and the willingness of customers to spend on entertainment in venues such as ours.

The Company had no long-term debt and a $6.0 million credit line as of December 31, 2020. The Company anticipates that its existing cash balance, any cash generated from operations and availability under its credit line will provide the Company with the necessary liquidity and financial flexibility to manage through this challenging operating environment. We have taken significant actions to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on our operations, including initiating workforce reductions and furloughs, suspending the Company’s quarterly cash dividend, postponing non-essential capital expenditures, reducing operating costs, and substantially reducing discretionary spending. We expect these countermeasures to partially mitigate the impact of COVID-19. As the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the economy and our operations evolves, we will continue to assess the impact on the Company and respond accordingly.

OPERATIONS REVIEWEMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDIT

YEAR ENDED The employee retention credit (“ERC”), as originally enacted on March 27, 2020 by the CARES Act, is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes equal to 50% of the qualified wages an eligible employer pays to employees after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021. The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (the “Relief Act”), enacted on December 27, 2020, amended, and extended the ERC. The Relief Act extended and enhanced the ERC for qualified wages paid after December 31, 2020 through June 30, 2021. Under the Relief Act, eligible employers may claim a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes equal to 70% of the qualified wages an eligible employer pays to employees after December 31, 2020 through June 30, 2021. The purpose of the ERC is to encourage employers to keep employees on the payroll, even if they are not working during the covered period because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Company qualified for federal government assistance through the ERC provisions for the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2020, as well as the first and second quarters of 2021. We recognize government grants for which there is a reasonable assurance of compliance with grant conditions and receipt of credits. The Company's expected one-time refunds at December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $0 and $6,103,236, respectively, and are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as an employee retention credit receivable. As indicated, the Company received its remaining employee retention credit receivable in 2023. 

OPERATIONS REVIEW

YEAR ENDED December 31, 2023 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED December 31, 20192022

EBITDA represents earnings before interest income, income tax expense, depreciation, and amortization. EBITDA is not a measure of performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"), and should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income as an indicator of our operating performance or cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. We present EBITDA as a supplemental disclosure for our Racetrack Operations because it is a widely used measure of performance of and basis for valuation of companies in the gaming industry. Other companies that provide EBITDA information may calculate EBITDA differently than we do. We also compute Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, which reflects additional adjustments to Net IncomeEBITDA to eliminate unusual or non-recurring items, as well as items relating to our real estate development operations. For the year ended December 31, 2020,2023, Adjusted EBITDA excluded from EBITDA stock-based compensation (which includes the Company's 401(k) match in stock contribution), the gain on sale of land, loss on disposal of assets, gain on transfer of land,insurance proceeds received by the Company's equity investment and depreciation, and amortization and interest related to equity investments. For the year ended December 31, 2019,2022, Adjusted EBITDA excluded from EBITDA stock-based compensation (which includes the Company's 401(k) match in stock contribution), the gain on saleof land, loss on disposal of assets, gain on insurance recoveries, and gain on sale of assets. depreciation, and amortization and interest related to equity investments. 

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income, a GAAP financial measure, to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (defined above), which is also aare non-GAAP measure,measures, for the years ended:

SUMMARY OF EBITDA DATA

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $5,560,000,$5,764,000, or 87.3%35.6%, and decreasedfor 2023 compared to 2022. For 2023, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenues to 2.4% from 10.7% for 2020 compared to 2019revenue was 17.0%. For 2022, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue was 24.3%.

REVENUES

Total net revenues for 20202023 were $33,140,000,$61,437,000, a decrease of $26,087,000,$5,387,000, or 44.0%8.1%, compared to total net revenues of $59,227,000$66,824,000 for 2019. Total2022. For 2023 as compared to 2022, total pari-mutuel revenue decreased 18.9%24.7%, Card Casino revenue decreased 42.2%1.1%, food and beverage revenue decreased 73.3%4.8%, and other revenue decreased 52.4% in 2020 compared to 201924.9%. See below for a further discussion of our sources of revenues for each of our pari-mutuel, Casino, food and beverage, and other revenues.

CASINO REVENUES