Golden Matrix Group, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2023 January (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2023 

For the transition period from ______ to _______

Commission File Number 001-41326

(702) 318-7548

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised accounting standard provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchanger Act ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

As of March 16, 2023, there were 36,099,526 shares of the registrant’s $0.00001 par value common stock issued and outstanding.

GOLDEN MATRIX GROUP, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”) and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This information may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Golden Matrix Group, Inc. (the “Company”), to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company, are generally identifiable by use of the words “may,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend,” or “project” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that may be incorrect, and there can be no assurance that these projections included in these forward-looking statements will come to pass. Actual results of the Company could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Except as required by applicable laws, the Company has no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future. You should read the matters described and incorporated by reference in “Risk Factors” and the other cautionary statements made in this Report, and incorporated by reference herein, as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this Report. We cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this Report will prove to be accurate and therefore prospective investors are encouraged not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Summary Risk Factors

Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those included in, and incorporated by reference in, the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Report. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following: 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Golden Matrix Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity

(Unaudited) 

Three Months Ended January 31, 2022

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

For the Three Months Ended January 31, 2023

 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

Golden Matrix Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization and Operations

Golden Matrix Group, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, collectively, “Golden Matrix”, “GMGI” “we”, “our”, “us”, or “Company”) is incorporated and registered in the State of Nevada, and operates as (i) an innovative provider of enterprise Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) solutions for online casino operators and online sports betting operators, commonly referred to as iGaming operators and, (ii) a provider of pay to enter prize competitions in the United Kingdom (UK).

The Company has historically operated in the business-to-business (“B2B”) segment where it develops and owns online gaming intellectual property (IP) and builds configurable and scalable, turn-key, and white-label gaming platforms for international customers, located primarily in the Asia Pacific region. In the B2B segment, the Company has developed a proprietary Internet gaming enterprise software system that provides for unique casino and live game operations on the platforms that include GM-X System (“GM-X”) and GM-Ag System, Turnkey Solution and White Label Solutions. These platforms are provided to Asia Pacific Internet-based and land-based casino operators as a turnkey technology solution for regulated real money Internet gaming (“RMiG”), Internet sports gaming, and virtual simulated gaming (“SIM”).

With the acquisition of 80% of RKingsCompetitions Ltd. (“RKings”) effective on November 1, 2021 (and the acquisition of the remaining 20% of RKings effective November 4, 2022), the Company entered into the business-to-consumer (“B2C”) segment by offering what we refer to as “pay to enter prize competitions” throughout the UK. These prize competitions are not gambling or a lottery; we do not offer B2C online sports betting and/or online casino services in the UK. The prize competitions require entrants to demonstrate sufficient skill, knowledge or judgment to have a chance of winning and participants are provided with a route to free entry to the prize competitions as required by UK law. Also, effective on August 1, 2022, the Company expanded its B2C reach by acquiring GMG Assets Limited (“GMG Assets”), a UK company, which was formed to facilitate the Company’s operation of RKings. On July 11, 2022, the Company acquired Golden Matrix MX, S.A. DE C.V., which had no assets or operations at the time of acquisition and was formed for the benefit of the Company, for the sole purpose of operating an online casino in Mexico, named Mexplay, which is planned to feature an extensive number of table games, slots, as well as sportsbook, and offers tournament competition prizes similar to those offered by RKings. The Company’s online casino and related activities in Mexico have not yet commenced as the online casino and website is still under development and enhancements to the online casino are still ongoing, and marketing efforts in connection with the online casino have not yet started.

In the B2C segment, the Company has improved functionality and responsiveness of the RKingsCompetitions.com website and expanded its marketing efforts from Northern Ireland to encompass the UK as its customer reach. Also, the Company has not commenced marketing efforts in Mexico as the online casino is being upgraded and enhanced by adding other features with the goal of attracting participants to its online casino in Mexico.

On November 22, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the filing of a Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the Company’s authorized number of shares of Common Stock from forty million (40,000,000) shares to two hundred and fifty million (250,000,000) shares and to restate Article 3, Capital Stock thereof, to reflect such amendment, and clarify the Board of Director’s ability to designate and issue ‘blank check’ preferred stock. The Amendment was filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada and became effective on December 16, 2021.

On November 29, 2021, the Company entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement of Ordinary Issued Share Capital (the “Purchase Agreement”), to acquire an 80% ownership interest in RKings. On December 6, 2021, the Company closed the Purchase, which was effective on November 1, 2021.

Effective March 10, 2022, Luxor Capital LLC (“Luxor”), the then sole shareholder of the Series B Voting Preferred Stock of the Company (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), which entity is wholly-owned by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Anthony Brian Goodman, transferred all 1,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock which it held to Mr. Goodman for no consideration.

On March 11, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors and Mr. Goodman, as the then sole shareholder of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock (pursuant to a written consent to action without meeting of the sole Series B Preferred Stock shareholder), approved the adoption of, and filing of, an Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation of Golden Matrix Group, Inc. Establishing the Designation, Preferences, Limitations and Relative Rights of its Series B Voting Preferred Stock (the terms of which are discussed in greater detail under “NOTE 12 – EQUITY”, below).

Effective on August 1, 2022, the Company acquired a 100% ownership interest in GMG Assets Limited (“GMG Assets”).

On July 11, 2022, the Company acquired 99.99% of the stock of Golden Matrix MX, S.A. DE C.V. (“Golden Matrix MX”).

On November 30, 2022, the Company completed the purchase of the remaining 20% of RKings and effective as of November 4, 2022, the Company owns 100% of RKings.

On January 11, 2023, the Company entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement of Share Capital to acquire 100% of certain gaming companies in consideration for cash, a promissory note and equity, as described in greater detail below under “Note 16 – Purchase Agreement”.

Interim Financial Statements

These unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included and such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 and notes thereto, which the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 30, 2023.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Global Technology Group Pty Ltd. (“GTG”), RKings, GMG Assets and its 99.99% ownership interest in Golden Matrix MX. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Business Combination - Acquisitions of RKingsCompetitions Ltd., Golden Matrix MX, S.A. DE C.V. and GMG Assets Limited

Effective on November 1, 2021, the Company acquired 80% of RKings and effective on November 4, 2022, the Company acquired the remaining 20% interest in RKings.

On July 11, 2022, the Company acquired 99.99% of the stock of Golden Matrix MX, S.A. DE C.V. (“Golden Matrix MX”), a then newly formed shell company incorporated in Mexico for nominal consideration. Golden Matrix MX had no assets or operations at the time of acquisition and was formed for the benefit of the Company, for the sole purpose of operating an online casino in Mexico. The acquisition closed on September 7, 2022. The Company’s operations of Golden Matrix MX in Mexico as the online casino are still under development and enhancements, and marketing efforts of the online casino have not commenced and such casino is not generating revenues as of yet.

Effective August 1, 2022, the Company acquired a 100% ownership interest in GMG Assets.

The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, “Business Combinations”. Identifiable assets acquired, and liabilities assumed, in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interest. Any adjustments to the purchase price allocation are made during the measurement period, not exceeding one year from the acquisition date, in accordance with ASC 805. The Company recognizes any non-controlling interest in the acquired subsidiary at fair value. The excess of the purchase price and the fair value of non-controlling interest in the acquired subsidiary over the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the subsidiary is recognized as goodwill. Identifiable assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include contingent liability, stock-based compensation, warrant valuation, accrued expenses and collectability of accounts receivable. The Company evaluates its estimates on an on-going basis and bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions the Company believes to be reasonable. Due to inherent uncertainties, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company currently has no cash equivalents at January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. The Company determines the allowance based on known troubled accounts, historical experience, and other currently available evidence. As of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $0 and $0, respectively. During the three months ending January 31, 2023 and the twelve-month period ending October 31, 2022, there was no bad debt recorded.

Website Development Costs

The Company accounts for website development costs in accordance with ASC 350-50 “Website Development Costs”. Accordingly, all costs incurred in the planning stage are expensed as incurred, costs incurred in the website application and infrastructure development stage that meet specific criteria are capitalized and costs incurred in the day-to-day operation of the website are expensed as incurred. All costs associated with the websites are subject to straight-line amortization over a three-year period. During the three months ended January 31, 2023, $52,788 in development costs, or related costs were incurred and capitalized.

Software Development Costs

The Company capitalizes internal software development costs subsequent to establishing technological feasibility of a software application in accordance with guidelines established by ASC 985-20-25 “Costs of Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Marketed”, requiring certain software development costs to be capitalized upon the establishment of technological feasibility. The establishment of technological feasibility and the ongoing assessment of the recoverability of these costs require considerable judgment by management with respect to certain external factors such as anticipated future revenue, estimated economic life, and changes in software and hardware technologies. Amortization of the capitalized software development costs begins when the product is available for general release to customers. Capitalized costs are amortized based on the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic life of the product.

Inventories, Prizes

RKings purchases prizes to award to winners of prize competitions; these prizes are RKings’ inventory. Operations that include prizes are only through RKings. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, using the specific identification method (which approximates the previously reported first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method and there is no change (or cumulative change) resulting from a change in accounting method). Costs include expenditures incurred in the normal course of business in bringing stocks to their present location and condition. Full provision is made for obsolete and slow-moving items. Net realizable value comprises actual or estimated selling price (net of discounts) less all costs to complete and costs incurred in marketing and selling. Inventory was $1,612,975 and $1,147,591 at January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Plant and machinery, fixtures, fittings, and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for major additions and betterments are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation is computed pursuant to the straight-line method over the useful life of four years. The depreciable life of leasehold improvements is limited by the expected lease term. Property, plant and equipment were $78,484 and $72,411 at January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, respectively.

Impairment of Intangible Assets

In accordance with ASC 350-30-65 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, the Company assesses the impairment of identifiable intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors the Company considers important, which could trigger an impairment review include the following:

When the Company determines that the carrying value of an intangible asset may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment and the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from projected undiscounted cash flows, the Company records an impairment charge. The Company measures any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by management to be commensurate with the risk inherent to the current business model. Significant management judgment is required in determining whether an indicator of impairment exists and in projecting cash flows. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over their useful lives. The Company incurred amortization expense of $106,666 and $94,169 during the three months ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

The Company currently has three distinctive revenue streams. In the B2B segment there are two revenue streams (i) charges for usage of the Company’s software, and (ii) royalty charged on the use of third-party gaming content. In the B2C segment, the revenue stream is related to the prize competition tickets sold to enter prize competitions in the UK through RKings.

B2B segment, revenue descriptions:

B2C segment, revenue descriptions:

Pursuant to FASB Topic 606, Revenue Recognition, our company recognizes revenues by applying the following steps:

Step 1: Identify the contract with a customer.

Step 2: Identify the separate performance obligations in the contract.

Step 3: Determine the transaction price.

Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligations in the contract.

Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

For the usage of the Company’s software, the Company provides services to the counterparty which include licensing the use of its unique IP and technology systems. The counterparty pays consideration in exchange for those services which include a variable amount depending on the Software Usage. The Company only recognizes the revenue at the month end when the usage occurs, and the revenue is based on the actual Software Usage of its customers.

For the royalty charged on the use of third-party gaming content, the Company acts as a distributor of the third-party gaming content which is utilized by the client. The counterparty pays consideration in exchange for the gaming content utilized. The Company only recognizes the revenue at the month end when the usage of the gaming content occurs, and the revenue is based on the actual usage of the gaming content.

For the prize competitions ticket sales, revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration RKings expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

Payments for prize competitions received in advance of services being rendered are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue when control of the prize has been transferred to the winner of prize competitions.

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

Basic net earnings (loss) per share of common stock is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common stock shares (Common Shares) outstanding during the period. Diluted net earnings (loss) per Common Share are determined using the weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents.

The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and warrants is reflected in diluted earnings (loss) per share by application of the treasury stock method. The dilutive effect of outstanding convertible securities is reflected in diluted earnings (loss) per share by application of the if-converted method.

The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the three months ended January 31, 2023 and 2022:

Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and loss carry-forwards and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rules on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in operations in the year of change. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is “more likely-than-not” that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

The functional currency of our foreign operations is generally the local currency. For these foreign entities, we translate their financial statements into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates for the period for income statement amounts and using end-of-period exchange rates for assets and liabilities. We record these translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of Equity, in our consolidated balance sheets. We record exchange gains and losses resulting from the conversion of transaction currency to functional currency as a component of other income (expense).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company has adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements”, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in US GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 does not require any new fair value measurements, but it does provide guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify the source of the information. The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and an entity’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs).

The hierarchy consists of three levels:

The Company uses Level 3 inputs for its valuation methodology for the warrant derivative liabilities and embedded conversion option liabilities.

Financial instruments consist principally of cash, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, intangible assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and customer deposits. The carrying amounts of such financial instruments in the accompanying balance sheets approximate their fair values due to their relatively short-term nature. It is management’s opinion that the Company is not exposed to any significant currency or credit risks arising from these financial instruments.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Stock-based compensation expense is recorded as a result of stock options granted in return for services rendered. For the comparative periods, the stock-based payment arrangements with employees were accounted for under FASB ASC 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation” while nonemployee stock-based payments issued for goods and services are accounted for under ASC 505-50 “Equity - Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees”. ASC 505-50 differs significantly from ASC 718. ASC 505-50 was updated with FASB issued ASU 2018-07, which aligned share-based payments granted to non-employees (for goods and services) with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees.

The expenses related to the stock-based compensation are recognized on each reporting date. The amount is calculated as the difference between total expenses incurred and the total expenses already recognized.

The stock-based compensation of options issued to consultants was recognized as a component of cost of goods sold since the stock-based compensation is the direct labor cost associated with running the Company’s GM2 Asset system.

Recent Issued Accounting Pronouncements

The Company does not believe that any recently issued effective pronouncements, or pronouncements issued but not yet effective, if adopted, would have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements.

NOTE 2 – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

Accounts receivable are carried at their estimated collectible amounts. The balance is composed of trade accounts receivables that are periodically evaluated for collectability based on past credit history with customers and their current financial condition and amount due from Citibank for Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers that were erroneously processed by Citibank (described below).

Amount due from Citibank is the result of Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers that were erroneously posted to the Company’s bank account. The Company first notified Citibank of ACH transfers that were erroneously posted to the account. Overall, $729,505 of ACH transactions had posted to its accounts that were not authorized. Citibank immediately recognized that it was an error under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) (15 U.S.C. 1693 et seq.) of 1978 and 12 CFR 1005.11. Through January 31, 2023, Citibank has replenished $683,010 of the unauthorized ACH transactions which resulted in a receivable due from Citibank of $46,495, which amount is still outstanding as of the date of this report. 

The Company has accounts receivable of $3,489,673 and $2,641,023 as of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, respectively (net of allowance for bad debt of $0 and $0, respectively).

NOTE 3 – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE – RELATED PARTY

Accounts receivable-related party are carried at their estimated collectible amounts. Trade accounts receivable are periodically evaluated for collectability based on past credit history with customers and their current financial condition. The Company has accounts receivable from one related party: Articulate Pty Ltd. (“Articulate”), which is wholly-owned by Anthony Brian Goodman, CEO of the Company and his wife Marla Goodman, which amounts to $355,356 and $413,714 as of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, respectively.

NOTE 4 – PREPAID EXPENSES

Prepaid expenses mainly include prepayments to suppliers for the gaming content usage, Nasdaq listing fees, rent, insurance, retainer for legal services, prepaid employee wages, and a one-year Gaming License fee. The balances of prepaid expenses are $274,688 and $84,372 as of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, respectively. The components of prepaid expenses are as follows:

NOTE 5 – SHORT-TERM DEPOSITS

Office Lease deposit

Short-term deposits represent a deposit required for a new office lease in Australia. On June 1, 2021, the Company (through GTG) entered into a three-year term lease agreement for office space and two parking spaces which commenced on June 1, 2021. The Company has the option to renew for a period of three years. The current rent is $113,110 ($167,338 AUD) per year (subject to a 4% annual increase) plus goods and services tax charged at 10% based on Australian Taxation Law.

Under the terms of the lease, the Company is required to provide a bank guarantee and has entered into a $57,630 ($81,896 AUD) Term Deposit at St. George Bank (with lessor as beneficiary) as collateral for the bank guarantee (from St. George Bank) to the benefit of the lessor. The Term Deposit was opened on June 1, 2021, had a one-year maturity and earned 0.25% interest per year. On June 1, 2022, the Term Deposit was automatically reinvested at St. George Bank for an additional one-year term, under the same terms as the original Term Deposit of June 1, 2021; the interest rate on renewal is 0.25%.

As of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, the operating lease right-of-use asset is $140,153 and $150,653, respectively, and there was also a current operating lease liability of $107,050 and $95,085, respectively and a non-current operating lease liability of $37,733 and $59,778, respectively.

NOTE 6 – ACQUISITIONS

Related Party Asset Acquisition

Acquisition of GMG Assets

On October 17, 2022, and effective on August 1, 2022, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “GMG Purchase Agreement”), to acquire a 100% ownership interest in GMG Assets, a private limited company formed under the laws of Northern Ireland from Aaron Johnston and Mark Weir, individuals, the owners of 100% of the ordinary issued share capital (100 Ordinary Shares) of GMG Assets. Aaron Johnston was then a Board Member of the Company, Mark Weir was then a 10% Shareholder in RKings, of which the Company then owned 80% of, and as such were both related parties to the Company.

Pursuant to the GMG Purchase Agreement, which was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, the Company agreed to pay the sellers 25,000 British pound sterling (GBP) (approximately $30,708) for 100% of GMG Assets, which represented the combined costs paid by the sellers to form GMG Assets. GMG Assets was formed for the sole purpose of facilitating the Company’s operation of RKings and to facilitate cash alternative offers for winners of prizes within RKings’ business. The consideration was paid on March 6, 2023.

Third Party Business Acquisition

RKings Acquisition

On November 29, 2021, the Company entered into the Purchase Agreement, to acquire an 80% ownership interest in RKings from Mark Weir and Paul Hardman, individuals (each a “Seller” and collectively the “Sellers”), the then owners of 100% of the ordinary issued share capital of RKings.

RKings is a United Kingdom based online competition company offering business-to-consumer tournaments whereby individuals can purchase entries for online prize drawings.

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Sellers agreed to sell the Company 80% of the outstanding capital stock of RKings (the “Purchase” and the “RKings Stock”). In consideration for the RKings Stock, we agreed to pay the Sellers, pro rata with their ownership of RKings:

On December 6, 2021, the Company paid the Sellers the cash payment of GBP £3,000,000 (USD $4,099,500) (described in (1) above) and, on November 29, 2021, the Company issued the 666,250 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock (described in (2) above). Also, on March 7, 2022, the Company issued 70,332 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock in payment of 80% of RKings’ net asset value as of October 31, 2021 (described in (3) above), in the amount of $562,650.

The Purchase Agreement provided for a total of GBP £1,000,000 (USD $1,366,500) (the “Holdback Amount”) to be retained by the Company, following closing, which was to be released to the Sellers within six months after the closing date only to the extent that (A) RKings achieved revenue of at least USD $7,200,000 during the six full calendar months immediately following the closing date; and (B) the Sellers did not default in any of their obligations, covenants or representations under the Purchase Agreement or other transaction documents. On June 1, 2022, the Company notified the Sellers that they were in default, under the Purchase Agreement, of their obligations (aforementioned (B) above). Consequently, the Company notified the Sellers that their right to receive the £1,000,000 Holdback Amount and the £4,000,000 Earn-Out Consideration had been terminated. However, effective on August 4, 2022, we entered into a Settlement and Mutual Release Agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with Mark Weir, one of the two sellers of the 80% interest in RKings. The Settlement Agreement was entered into to partially settle certain breaches of the Purchase Agreement which the Sellers (Mr. Weir and Mr. Paul Hardman) whereby we agreed to pay to Mr. Weir in the amount of £450,000 (approximately $548,112), representing one-half of the £1,000,000 (approximately $1,218,027) Holdback Amount, less £50,000 (approximately $60,902) in excess salary payments made to Mr. Weir (the “Settlement Payment”). The Settlement Payment was in full satisfaction of all payments (including any portion of the Holdback Amount or Earn-Out Consideration (defined and discussed below)), due to Mr. Weir under the Purchase Agreement. The Settlement Payment was paid in full on August 21, 2022. The Company’s ongoing disputes and claims against Mr. Hardman, the other Seller, relating to breaches of the terms of the Purchase Agreement by Mr. Hardman, remain outstanding and the Company is continuing to pursue such claims.

RKings Notice of Buyout

The RKings Purchase Agreement also required that the Sellers and the Company enter into a Shareholders Agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”), which was entered into and became effective on November 29, 2021, and which provides various rights and restrictions on the owners of RKings. One of those rights was a buyout right provided to the Company (the “Buyout Right”), which beginning on May 29, 2022 (the date that was six months from November 29, 2021), which provided the Company, upon written notice to the Sellers, the right to purchase all, but not less than all, of the shares of RKings then held by the Sellers (i.e., the 20% of RKings retained by such Sellers following the closing of the Purchase Agreement) for an aggregate purchase price equal to 20% of the product of (i) RKings’ then most recent three-month trailing EBITDA multiplied by (ii) sixteen (the “Buyout Price”). The Buyout Price was payable at the option of the Company in either (x) cash; or (y) shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $8.00 per share or any combination thereof.

On October 27, 2022, the Company exercised its Buyout Right by providing written notice to each of the Sellers. In connection with such exercise, the Company agreed to pay each Seller USD $661,773, which is equal to their pro rata portion of the Buyout Price, which was satisfied by the issuance by the Company to each Seller of 82,722 shares of restricted common stock of the Company (with such shares being valued at $8.00 per share pursuant to the terms of the Shareholders Agreement) (an aggregate of 165,444 shares of common stock of the Company, the “Buyout Shares”).

On November 30, 2022, the Company completed the purchase of 10% of RKings from each Seller (20% in aggregate) in consideration for the Buyout Shares and effective as of November 4, 2022, the Company owns 100% of RKings. The fair value of the 165,444 shares issued on November 4, 2022 at $2.95 per share amounted to $488,060.

Additionally, in the event the (A) the Company determines, on or before the date on which the Company files its Annual Report on Form 10-K with the SEC for the Company’s fiscal year ending October 31, 2022 (the “Filing Date”), that the increase (if any) between (1) RKings’ twelve-month trailing EBITDA for the year ended October 31, 2022, less (2) RKings’ twelve-month trailing EBITDA for the year ended October 31, 2021, is at least GBP £1,250,000 during the twelve-month period ending October 31, 2022 (“EBITDA Metric”); and (B) the Sellers do not default in any of their obligations, covenants or representations under the Purchase Agreement or other transaction documents, then the Company is required to pay the Sellers GBP £4,000,000 (USD $5,330,000) (the “Earn-Out Consideration”), which is payable at the option of the Company in either (a) cash; or (b) shares of Company common stock valued at $8.00 per share of Company common stock (subject to equitable adjustment in accordance with dividends payable in stock on such Company Common Stock, stock splits, stock combinations, and other similar events affecting the Company Common Stock) (such shares of Company Common Stock, if any, the “Earn-Out Shares”). For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, RKings did not achieve the aforementioned EBITDA Metric and did not earn the Earn-Out Consideration.

On December 6, 2021, the Company closed the Purchase, which had an effective date of November 1, 2021.

The Purchase Agreement also required that the Sellers and the Company enter into a Shareholders Agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”), which was entered into and became effective on November 29, 2021.

In accordance with FASB ASC Section 805, “Business Combinations”, the Company has accounted for the Purchase Agreement transaction as a business combination using the acquisition method. Due to the continuity of operations that will remain after the acquisition, the acquisition was considered the acquisition of a “business”.

Goodwill is measured as a residual and calculated as the excess of the sum of (1) the purchase price to acquire 80% of RKings’ shares, which was $11,092,150, and (2) the fair value of the 20% noncontrolling interest in RKings, which was estimated to be $2,705,000, over the net of the acquisition-date values of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.

The Company accounts for business combinations in accordance with FASB ASC 805, “Business Combinations”. The preliminary fair value of purchase consideration for the acquisition has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on a preliminary valuation of their respective fair values and may change when the final valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is determined.

As described more fully in “NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES”, the assets and liabilities of RKings have been recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date and are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

RKings’ results of operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements beginning November 1, 2021. RKings contributed revenues of $25,500,035 and net income attributable to the Company of $1,677,577 for the period from the date of acquisition through January 31, 2023.

RKings Notice of Breach

On June 1, 2022, the Company notified the Sellers that Sellers were in default under the Purchase Agreement and demanded that Sellers cease and desist from all activity in violation of the Purchase Agreement, including (1) use of Company confidential data in breach of the non-disclosure requirements of the Purchase Agreement, (2) tortious interference with the Company’s business and customer relationships, and (3) exploitation of Company assets for personal gain. Also, Sellers had breached the Shareholders Agreement as well as their fiduciary duties as stipulated in the Shareholders Agreement dated November 29, 2021.

Based on the foregoing, and without limitation as to other breaches by either Seller, the Company notified the Sellers that they were in breach of the Purchase Agreement and demanded that each Seller cease and desist from further actions in breach of the Purchase Agreement or in violation of applicable law. In addition, the Company notified the Sellers of their indemnification obligations under the Purchase Agreement and the Company’s decision to terminate the Sellers’ right to receive the £1,000,000 Holdback Amount and the £4,000,000 Earn-Out Consideration. In addition, the Company has the right to set off any amounts which are the subject of an indemnification claim against such Holdback Amount and Earn-Out Consideration. Therefore, no contingent liability was recorded.

RKings Settlement & Release

On August 1, 2022, and effective on August 4, 2022, we entered into a Settlement and Mutual Release Agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with Mark Weir, one of the two sellers of the 80% interest in RKings which we acquired effective on November 1, 2021, pursuant to the November 29, 2021 Sale and Purchase Agreement of Ordinary Issued Share Capital. The Settlement Agreement was entered into in order to partially settle certain breaches of the Purchase Agreement which the Sellers (Mr. Weir and Mr. Paul Hardman) were jointly and severally responsible for pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, (a) we agreed to make a payment to Mr. Weir in the amount of £450,000 (approximately $548,112), representing one-half of the £1,000,000 (approximately $1,218,027) Holdback Amount, less £50,000 (approximately $60,902) in excess salary payments made to Mr. Weir (the “Settlement Payment”); (b) Mr. Weir agreed to enter into an employment agreement with RKings; and (c) we and Mr. Weir, on behalf of ourselves and our affiliates and representatives, provided each other mutual releases, subject to certain customary exceptions. The Settlement Payment was in full satisfaction of all payments (including any portion of the Holdback Amount or Earn-Out Consideration), due to Mr. Weir under the Purchase Agreement. The Settlement Payment was paid in full on August 21, 2022. The Company’s ongoing disputes and claims against Mr. Hardman, the other Seller, relating to breaches of the terms of the Purchase Agreement by Mr. Hardman, remain outstanding and the Company is continuing to pursue such claims.

RKings Notice of Buyout

On October 27, 2022, the Company exercised its Buyout Right by providing written notice to each of the Sellers. In connection with such exercise, the Company agreed to pay each Seller USD $661,773, which is equal to their pro rata portion of the Buyout Price, which was satisfied by the issuance by the Company to each Seller of 82,722 shares of restricted common stock of the Company (with such shares being valued at $8.00 per share pursuant to the terms of the Shareholders Agreement) (an aggregate of 165,444 shares of common stock of the Company, the “Buyout Shares”).

On November 30, 2022, the Company completed the purchase of 10% of RKings from each Seller (20% in aggregate) in consideration for the Buyout Shares and effective as of November 4, 2022, the Company owns 100% of RKings.

Golden Matrix MX Acquisition

On July 11, 2022, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire 99.99% of the stock of Golden Matrix MX, a then newly formed shell company incorporated in Mexico for nominal consideration. Golden Matrix MX had no assets or operations and was formed for the benefit of the Company, for the sole purpose of operating an online casino in Mexico. The acquisition closed on September 7, 2022.

NOTE 7 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS – SOFTWARE PLATFORM, WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT COSTS, TRADEMARKS AND NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS

The website development costs to upgrade and enhance the functionality of Golden Matrix MX’s website branded as Mexplay (https://www.mexplay.mx) were capitalized which amount to $52,788 for the three months ended January 31, 2023. There were no capitalized costs incurred to upgrade RKings’ website for the three months ended January 31, 2023.

Intangible assets related to software and website are amortized on a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives, estimated to be 3 years.

In connection with the 80% acquisition of RKings, the Company recognized the definite-lived intangible assets consisting of $2,000,000 of trademarks and $600,000 of non-compete agreements. The trademark for RKings is amortized over 10 years and the non-compete agreement is amortized over 5 years.

In connection with operating an online casino in Mexico, the Company applied for a gaming permit in Mexico through its subsidiary Golden Matrix MX in the amount of $223,725, which was approved on July 13, 2022. The gaming permit is recognized as an intangible asset and is amortized over 6 years.

Amortization expenses related to intangible assets were $106,666 and $94,169 for the three months ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Accumulated amortization was $531,541 and $442,479 as of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, respectively.

The following table details the carrying values of the Company’s intangible assets excluding goodwill:

NOTE 8 – ACCOUNTS PAYABLE – RELATED PARTIES

Accounts payable to related parties was $28,941 and $10,637 as of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, respectively.

NOTE 9 – DEFERRED REVENUES

The payments for prize competitions received in advance of services being rendered are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue when control of the prize has been transferred to the winners of prize competitions. Deferred revenues were $137,889 and $182,444 as of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, respectively.

NOTE 10 – CUSTOMER DEPOSITS

The Company has two sources of customer deposits.

One source of deposits is from the Company’s customers participating in the Progressive Jackpot Games. The clients are required to provide the Company with a minimum deposit amount of $5,000, which serves as a deposit for the Progressive Contribution Fee. During the tenure of the client’s operation, the deposit will not be used to deduct or offset any invoices, and when the client decides not to operate, the deposit will be fully refunded to the client. As of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, customer deposits amounted to $72,782 and $69,016, respectively.

The other source of deposits is the payment from customers in advance of any usage of gaming content. As the gaming content is utilized by the customers, revenues are recognized. As of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, a total of $237,321 and $40,312 of customer deposits are from this source.

NOTE 11 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

All related party transactions have been recorded at the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties.

Anthony Brian Goodman the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

On September 16, 2022, the Company entered into a First Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Mr. Goodman. The agreement amended and restated, effective as of September 16, 2022, the prior Employment Agreement entered into between the Company and Mr. Goodman dated October 26, 2020, to among other things extend the term thereof for four years to August 20, 2026, increase Mr. Goodman’s base salary to $158,400 per year, plus a Superannuation as mandated by the Australian Government - Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 of 10.5% and to provide for annual increases in Mr. Goodman’s salary of no less than 10% per annum.

As of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, total wages payable to Mr. Goodman were $8,249 and $0, respectively, and the superannuation payable was $5,544 and $5,229, respectively.

Effective March 10, 2022, Luxor Capital LLC (Luxor), the then sole shareholder of the Series B Voting Preferred Stock of the Company (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), which entity is wholly owned by Mr. Goodman, transferred all 1,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock which it held to Mr. Goodman for no consideration in a private transaction.

On September 16, 2022, the Company granted 750,000 restricted stock units (RSUs) to Mr. Goodman in consideration for services to be rendered by Mr. Goodman through October 2024. The restricted stock units are subject to vesting, to the extent that certain performance metrics are met by the Company. Certain revenue and EBITDA goals for the year ended October 31, 2022, were met and 250,000 RSUs for the year ended October 31, 2022 vested upon the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2022, on January 30, 2023. 250,000 shares of common stock were issued to Mr. Goodman on January 30, 2023, to settle the vested RSUs. More details of the restricted stock units are covered in “NOTE 12 - EQUITY”.

On December 1, 2022, Mr. Goodman, exercised options to purchase 5,400,000 shares of common stock in a cashless exercise pursuant to which 151,017 shares of common stock were surrendered to the Company to pay for the aggregate exercise price of the options ($356,400) and 5,248,983 shares of common stock were issued. These shares were issued pursuant to the terms of the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.

Weiting ‘Cathy’ Feng the Company’s Chief Operating Officer and Director

On September 16, 2022, we entered into a First Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Ms. Feng. The agreement amended and restated, effective as of September 16, 2022, the prior Employment Agreement entered into between the Company and Ms. Feng dated October 26, 2020, to among other things extend the term thereof for four years to August 20, 2026, increase Ms. Feng’s base salary to $132,000 per year, plus a Superannuation as mandated by the Australian Government - Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 of 10.5%, and to provide for annual increases in Ms. Feng’s salary of no less than 10% per annum.

As of January 31, 2023, and October 31, 2022, total wage payable to Ms. Feng was $4,729 and $0, respectively, and the superannuation payable was $4,620 and $4,358, respectively.

On September 16, 2022, the Company granted 375,000 restricted stock units to Ms. Feng in consideration for services to be rendered by Ms. Feng through October 2024. The restricted stock units are subject to vesting, to the extent that certain performance metrics are met by the Company. Certain revenue and EBITDA goals for the year ended October 31, 2022, were met and 125,000 RSUs for the year ended October 31, 2022 vested upon the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2022, on January 30, 2023. 125,000 shares of common stock were issued to Ms. Feng on January 30, 2023, to settle the vested RSUs. More details of the restricted stock units are covered in “NOTE 12- EQUITY”.

On December 1, 2022, Ms. Feng, exercised options to purchase 1,400,000 shares of common stock in a cashless exercise pursuant to which 35,594 shares of common stock were surrendered to the Company to pay for the aggregate exercise price of the options ($84,000) and 1,364,406 shares of common stock were issued. These shares were issued pursuant to the terms of the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.

Thomas E. McChesney, a member of the Board of Directors of the Company

On April 24, 2020, the Board of Directors appointed Mr. Thomas E. McChesney as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. Mr. McChesney’s appointment was effective on April 27, 2020. The Board of Directors granted Mr. McChesney options to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock (at $0.795 per share, expiring April 27, 2025) in connection with his appointment.

Compensation for Mr. McChesney’s service on the Board, payable in arrears, was $2,000 per month from the date of his appointment to November 1, 2021; $3,000 per month from November 1, 2021 to May 25, 2022; and $5,000 per month from May 25, 2022 to present.

On January 28, 2022, Mr. McChesney exercised options to purchase 40,000 shares of common stock in a cashless exercise pursuant to which 4,977 shares of common stock were surrendered to the Company to pay for the aggregated exercise price of the options ($31,800) and 35,023 shares of common stock were issued.

During the three months ended January 31, 2023, and 2022, total consulting fees paid to Mr. McChesney were $15,000 and $9,000, respectively. As of January 31, 2023, and October 31, 2021, the amount payable to Mr. McChesney was $0 and $0, respectively.

On September 16, 2022, the Company granted 150,000 restricted stock units to Mr. McChesney in consideration for services to be rendered by Mr. McChesney through October 2024. The restricted stock units are subject to vesting, to the extent that certain performance metrics are met by the Company. Certain revenue and EBITDA goals for the year ended October 31, 2022, were met and 50,000 RSUs for the year ended October 31, 2022 vested upon the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2022, on January 30, 2023. 50,000 shares of common stock were issued to Mr. McChesney on January 30, 2023, to settle the vested RSUs. More details of the restricted stock units are covered in “NOTE 12- EQUITY”.

Murray G. Smith, a member of the Board of Directors of the Company

On July 27, 2020, the Board of Directors appointed Mr. Murray G. Smith as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. Mr. Smith’s appointment was effective on August 1, 2020. The Board of Directors granted Mr. Smith options to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock (at $2.67 per share, expiring August 1, 2025) in connection with his appointment.

Compensation for Mr. Smith’s service on the Board of Directors, payable in arrears, was $2,000 per month from the date of his appointment until November 1, 2021; $3,000 per month from November 1, 2021 to May 25, 2022; and $5,000 per month from May 25, 2022 to present.

During the three months ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, total consulting fees paid to Mr. Smith were $15,000 and $9,000, respectively. As of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2021, the amount payable to Mr. Smith was $0 and $0, respectively.

On September 16, 2022, the Company granted 150,000 restricted stock units to Mr. Smith in consideration for services to be rendered by Mr. Smith through October 2024. The restricted stock units are subject to vesting, to the extent that certain performance metrics are met by the Company. Certain revenue and EBITDA goals for the year ended October 31, 2022 were met and 50,000 RSUs for the year ended October 31, 2022 vested upon the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2022, on January 30, 2023. 50,000 shares of common stock were issued to Mr. Smith on January 30, 2023 to settle the vested RSUs. More details of the restricted stock units are covered in “NOTE 12- EQUITY”.

Philip D. Moyes, a member of the Board of Directors of the Company

Effective on December 3, 2022, the Board of Directors appointed Philip Daniel Moyes as a member of the Board of Directors and as a member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, with such appointment to take effect immediately.

Mr. Moyes is entitled to receive compensation for his services as a director consistent with the compensation paid to other non-executive directors. Currently the compensation is $5,000 per month, payable in arrears.

During the three months ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, total consulting fees paid to Mr. Moyes were $10,000 and $0, respectively. As of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2021, the amount payable to Mr. Moyes was $0 and $0, respectively.

On December 8, 2022, the Company granted 100,000 restricted stock units to Mr. Moyes in consideration for services to be rendered by Mr. Moyes through October 2024. The restricted stock units are subject to vesting, to the extent that certain performance metrics are met by the Company. More details of the restricted stock units are covered in “NOTE 12- EQUITY”.

Aaron Richard Johnston, former member of the Board of Directors through November 1, 2022 and Current Consultant

Effective August 23, 2020, the Board of Directors appointed Mr. Aaron Richard Johnston as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. The Board of Directors granted Mr. Johnston options to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock (at $2.67 per share, expiring August 1, 2025) in connection with his appointment.

Mr. Johnston’s compensation as a member of the Board, payable in arrears, has been $2,000 per month from the date of his appointment to November 1, 2021; $3,000 per month from November 1, 2021 to May 25, 2022; and $5,000 per month from May 25, 2022 to his resignation as a member of the Board of Directors effective November 1, 2022.

During the three months ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, fees paid to Mr. Johnston as a director were $0 and $9,000, respectively. As of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2021, the amount payable to Mr. Johnston as a director was $0 and $0, respectively.

On September 16, 2022, the Company granted 150,000 restricted stock units to Mr. Johnston in consideration for services to be rendered by Mr. Johnston through October 2024. The restricted stock units are subject to vesting, to the extent that certain performance metrics are met by the Company. More details of the restricted stock units are covered in “NOTE 12- EQUITY”.

A total of 100,000 of the restricted stock units granted to Mr. Johnston in consideration for his services as a director were forfeited upon his resignation. The remaining 50,000 RSUs granted to Mr. Johnston in consideration for his services on the Board of Directors vested to Mr. Johnston upon the Company reaching certain revenue and EBITDA goals for the year ended October 31, 2022, and upon the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2022, on January 30, 2023. 50,000 shares of common stock were issued to Mr. Smith on January 30, 2023 to settle the vested RSUs.

Brett Goodman, Vice President of Business Development and son of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer

On May 1, 2020, the Company entered into a consultant agreement with Brett Goodman, the son of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, where Mr. Brett Goodman agreed to provide consulting services assisting the Company with building a Peer-to-Peer gaming system. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to pay Mr. Brett Goodman $3,000 per month.

On September 16, 2022, and effective on September 1, 2022, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Mr. Brett Goodman. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Brett Goodman agreed to serve as the Vice President of Business Development for the Company for a term of three years (through September 1, 2025), subject to automatic one-year extensions of the agreement, if not terminated by either party at least three months prior to the renewal date.

The agreement provides for an annual salary of $60,000 per year, plus a 10.5% Superannuation, subject to annual increases in the discretion of the Audit Committee of the Company. The Board of Directors (or Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors) may also grant Mr. Goodman bonuses from time to time in its discretion, in cash, stock or equity, including in the form of options, in amounts determined in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors (or Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors). The Board of Directors or Compensation Committee may also increase Mr. Goodman’s salary from time to time in their discretion.

The agreement contains standard confidentiality and indemnification obligations of the parties and provides for Mr. Goodman to receive three months of severance pay in the event Mr. Goodman’s employment is terminated other than for cause or by Mr. Goodman without cause. Upon such qualifying termination, all options held by Mr. Goodman vest immediately and are exercisable for the later of the original stated expiration date thereof or 24 months after such termination date.

In connection with the entry into the employment agreement, the Company granted Mr. Brett Goodman options to purchase 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, evidenced by a Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Stock Option Award Agreement (the “Option Agreement”), with an exercise price equal to $3.98 per share, the closing sales price of the Company on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date the grant was approved by the Board of Directors of the Company. The options vest at the rate of 1/2 of such Options on each of August 22, 2023 and 2024, subject to Mr. Brett Goodman’s continued service with the Company on such vesting dates and such options shall expire if unexercised on February 22, 2025. The options were granted under, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.

On December 8, 2022, the Company granted Mr. Brett Goodman 40,000 RSUs which vest at the rate of 1/2 of such RSUs on each of December 8, 2023 and 2024, subject to Mr. Brett Goodman’s continued service with the Company on such vesting dates. The RSUs will be settled in shares of common stock.

Marla Goodman, owner of 50% of Articulate Pty Ltd and wife ofthe Company’s Chief Executive Officer

Marla Goodman is the wife of Anthony Brian Goodman, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Marla Goodman owns 50% of Articulate Pty Ltd. (discussed below).

Articulate Pty Ltd, 50% owned by Marla Goodman (wife of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer) and 50% owned by Mr. Goodman, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer

(a) License Agreement:

On March 1, 2018, the Company entered into a License Agreement with Articulate, in which Articulate received a license from the Company to use the GM2 Asset technology, and agreed to pay the Company a usage fee calculated as a certain percentage of the monthly content and software usage within the GM2 Asset system.

During the three months ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, revenues from Articulate were $186,643 and $235,246, respectively. As of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, the amount receivable from Articulate was $355,356 and $413,714, respectively.

(b) Offset accounts payable with accounts receivable

On October 14, 2022, the Company and Articulate reached an agreement, and entered into a memorandum dated as of the same date, to offset accounts payable with accounts receivable in the amount of $77,019.

Omar Jimenez

On April 22, 2021, the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement with Omar Jimenez, who was appointed as Chief Financial Officer/Chief Compliance Officer on the same date. The Consulting Agreement provides for Mr. Jimenez to be paid $12,500 per month (which may be increased from time to time with the mutual consent of Mr. Jimenez and the Company and which salary was increased to $25,000 per month on January 26, 2022, effective January 1, 2022), and the grant to Mr. Jimenez of options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock (at $9.910 per share, expiring April 23, 2023), granted under the Company’s 2018 Equity Compensation Plan, of which options to purchase 25,000 shares vested on April 22, 2021, and options to purchase 25,000 shares vested on October 22, 2021. Mr. Jimenez may also receive discretionary bonuses from time to time in the discretion of the Board of Directors in cash, stock or options.

During the three months ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, total consulting fees paid to Mr. Jimenez were $75,000 and $75,000, respectively. As of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, the amount payable to Mr. Jimenez was $0 and $0, respectively.

Elray Resources Inc., Mr. Goodman, the Company’s CEO, serves as CEO & Director of Elray and, Ms. Feng, the Company’s COO, serves as Treasurer and Director of Elray.

Effective on December 7, 2022, the Company entered into a Software License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with Elray Resources Inc. (“Elray”). Mr. Anthony Brian Goodman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chairman of the Company and Weiting ‘Cathy’ Feng, Chief Operating Officer and director of the Company, currently serve as Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Director (Goodman) and Treasurer and Director (Feng), respectively, of Elray.

Elray operates, manages, and maintains a blockchain online gaming operation and provides blockchain currency technology to licensed casino operators.

Pursuant to the License Agreement, which was effective as of December 1, 2022, the Company granted Elray a non-exclusive, non-licensable, non-sublicensable, non-assignable and non-transferable license for the use and further distribution of certain of the Company’s online games (as such games may be expanded from time to time), subject to certain exceptions, and in certain approved territories where the Company or Elray holds required licenses and/or certifications, which list of approved territories may be updated from time to time. The license provides Elray the right to use the online games solely for the purpose of running an online blockchain casino enterprise.

The License Agreement also includes a right of first refusal for the Company to provide certain branded gaming content to Elray during the term of the agreement.

Pursuant to the License Agreement we are required to maintain all permits for the use of the licensed games and operate the platform on which the games will be integrated.

The License Agreement has an initial term of 24 months, commencing from the Go-Live Date, which has not yet occurred, and continues thereafter indefinitely unless or until either party has provided the other at least six months written notice of termination, provided that the agreement can be terminated earlier by a non-breaching party upon the material breach of the agreement by the other party, subject to a 15 day cure right; by one party if the other party enters into bankruptcy proceedings; or in the event Elray loses rights to any required permits or licenses. Additionally, we may immediately terminate the License Agreement if Elray is unable to comply with certain due diligence requirements set forth in the agreement on a timely basis; if there is threatened or instigated enforcement proceedings or actions against the Company in connection with the agreement or a governmental or governing body orders, notifies or recommends that the Company prevent Elray from using the licensed games; or if the continuation of the agreement will have a detrimental impact on the Company.

The License Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants of the parties, including confidentiality obligations; customary limitations of liability (which total liability under the agreement of each party is limited to 100,000 Euros); and restrictions on Elray’s ability to distribute and reverse engineer the licensed games. As part of the License Agreement, we and Elray entered into a customary Service Level Agreement to govern the management and maintenance of the licensed games.

In consideration for licensing the online games to Elray, Elray agreed to pay the Company a monthly license fee equal to 125% of the Company’s costs of such games. Elray also agreed to pay the Company a 10,000 Euro deposit under the agreement, paid no later than the date of integration of the licensed software. The deposit is refundable upon the termination of the agreement. For participation in the progressive jackpot games, Elray is required to make an advance payment of 5,000 Euros.

During the three months ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, revenues from Elray were $0 and $0, respectively. As of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, the amount receivable from Elray was $0 and $0, respectively. There are no revenues or receivables from Elray prior to December 7, 2022 as that is the date the Agreement with Elray commenced. The blockchain online gaming operations and blockchain currency technology expected to be licensed to casino operators is expected to be fully integrated, tested and operational by the end of the third fiscal quarter ending July 31, 2023.

NOTE 12 - EQUITY

Preferred Stock

The Company has 20,000,000 shares of $0.00001 par value preferred stock authorized.

Effective March 10, 2022, Luxor, the then sole shareholder of the Series B Voting Preferred Stock of the Company (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), which entity is wholly-owned by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Anthony Brian Goodman, transferred all 1,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock which it held to Mr. Goodman for no consideration in a private transaction.

On March 11, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors and Mr. Goodman, as the then sole shareholder of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock (pursuant to a written consent to action without meeting of the sole Series B Preferred Stock shareholder), approved the adoption of, and filing of, an Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation of Golden Matrix Group, Inc. Establishing the Designation, Preferences, Limitations and Relative Rights of its Series B Voting Preferred Stock (the “Amended and Restated Designation”).

The Amended and Restated Designation, which was filed with, and became effective with, the Secretary of State of Nevada on March 11, 2022, amended the Certificate of Designation of the Series B Preferred Stock, previously filed by the Corporation with the Secretary of State of Nevada on August 18, 2015, to, among other things:

(a) include the right of the holder of the Series B Preferred Stock to convert each share of the Series B Preferred Stock into 1,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at the holder’s option from time to time after May 20, 2022;

(b) provide for the automatic conversion of all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock into common stock of the Company, on a 1,000 for 1 basis, on the date that the aggregate beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock, calculated without regard to any shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock, nor any voting rights associated with such Series B Preferred Stock, of Mr. Goodman, falls below 10% of the Company’s common stock then outstanding, or the first business day thereafter that the Company becomes aware of such;

(c) provide that each share of Series B Preferred Stock entitles the holder to 7,500 votes on all matters presented to the Company’s shareholders for a vote of shareholders, whether such vote is taken in person at a meeting or via a written consent (7,500,000 votes in aggregate for all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock);

(d) require the consent of the holders of at least a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock to (i) amend any provision of the Amended and Restated Designation, (ii) increase or decrease (other than by redemption or conversion) the total number of authorized shares of Series B Preferred Stock, (iii) adopt or authorize any new designation of any preferred stock or amend the Articles of Incorporation of the Company in a manner which adversely affects the rights, preferences and privileges of the Series B Preferred Stock, (iv) effect an exchange, or create a right of exchange, cancel, or create a right to cancel, of all or any part of the shares of another class of shares into shares of Series B Preferred Stock, (v) issue any additional shares of Series B Preferred Stock, or (vi) alter or change the rights, preferences or privileges of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock so as to affect adversely the shares of Series B Preferred Stock;

(e) provide that the shares of Series B Preferred Stock are not transferrable by Mr. Goodman; and

(f) clarify that the Series B Preferred stock is not entitled to any dividend rights, preemptive rights, redemption rights, or liquidation preference.

As of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, 1,000 Series B preferred shares of par value $0.00001 were designated and outstanding and 19,999,000 shares of preferred stock remained undesignated.

Common Stock

As of January 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, 250,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, were authorized, of which 36,099,526 and 28,182,575 shares were issued and outstanding, respectively.

Corporate Action regarding Common Stock and Common Stock Transactions

(a) Business Consultant Agreements

On March 1, 2021, the Company entered into two Business Consultant Agreements with Ontario Inc. and ANS Advisory. Pursuant to the agreements, Vladislav Slava Aizenshtat, acting on behalf of Ontario Inc. and Aaron Neill-Stevens, acting on behalf of ANS Advisory will each be issued $3,000 of shares of common stock per month beginning on March 1, 2021, payable in arrears, based on the 7-day average price of the stock leading up to the end of the calendar month and to be issued within 7 days of month end. The Company also agreed to grant Vladislav Slava Aizenshtat, acting on behalf of Ontario Inc., warrants to purchase 120,000 shares of common stock and Aaron Neill-Stevens, acting on behalf of ANS Advisory, warrants to purchase 120,000 shares of common stock. On March 22, 2021, the warrants were granted. The warrants have an exercise price of $5.50 per share (and no cashless exercise rights) and are exercisable until March 22, 2023. On November 23, 2021, the two previously mentioned Business Consulting Agreements were terminated.

During the three months ended January 31, 2023, 4,277 shares of restricted common stock, with a value of $10,000, were issued to a consultant in connection with investor relation and press release services rendered to the Company. During the three months ended January 31, 2022, 808 shares of restricted common stock, with a value of $6,000, were issued to two consultants for the maintenance and development of the Company’s GM-Ag system.

(b) Certificate of Amendment

On November 23, 2021, Luxor Capital LLC, which entity is beneficially owned and controlled by Anthony Brian Goodman, the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, which beneficially owned an aggregate of 109,121,634,483 total voting shares, representing approximately 99.982% of the Company’s then voting stock as of such date, including (a) 7,470,483 shares of common stock, representing 27.4% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, and (b) 1,000 shares of the Company’s Series B Voting Preferred Voting Stock, representing 100% of the Company’s issued and outstanding Series B Voting Preferred Voting Stock, which Series B Voting Preferred Voting Stock shares each voted four times the number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding (27,278,541 shares), executed a written consent in lieu of a special meeting of shareholders, approving the following matter, which had previously been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company on November 22, 2021: the filing of a Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the Company’s authorized number of shares of Common Stock from forty million (40,000,000) shares to two hundred and fifty million (250,000,000) shares and to restate Article 3, Capital Stock thereof, to reflect such amendment, and clarify the Board of Director’s ability to designate and issue ‘blank check’ preferred stock (the “Amendment”). The Amendment was filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada and became effective on December 16, 2021.

(c) Share consideration issued to acquire RKings

On November 29, 2021, the Company entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement of Ordinary Issued Share Capital to purchase 80% of the outstanding capital stock of RKings.

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, on November 29, 2021, the Company issued 666,250 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock to the sellers, with an agreed value of GBP £4,000,000 (USD $5,330,000), or $8.00 per share and a market value of $5,063,500 or $7.60 per share of Company common stock. Additionally, as a requirement of the purchase, on March 7, 2022, the Company issued 70,332 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock to the sellers, equal to 80% of RKings’ net asset value as of October 31, 2021, in the amount of $562,650.

On October 27, 2022, the Company exercised a buyout right which it was provided pursuant to the terms of a shareholders agreement entered into with the Sellers, by providing written notice to the minority owners of RKings. In connection with such exercise, the Company agreed to pay the minority owners a total of $1,323,552, which was satisfied by the issuance by the Company to the minority owners of 165,444 shares of restricted common stock of the Company (with such shares being valued at $8.00 per share pursuant to the terms of the shareholders agreement). On November 4, 2022, 165,444 restricted shares of common stock were issued to the minority owners. On November 30, 2022, RKings filed a confirmation statement with UK’s Companies House pursuant to which the 20% minority shares of RKings were transferred to the Company effective on November 4, 2022, and at that time RKings became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. 

Option Extension

On June 29, 2021, the Company agreed to extend the exercise period of certain stock options granted to Anthony Brian Goodman, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Weiting Feng, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, and an external consultant of the Company (collectively the “Optionees”), which options would have expired on June 30, 2021. The Company extended the expiration date of the options granted to the Optionees until December 31, 2022, which covered options to purchase 466,667 shares of common stock previously granted to the external consultant at an exercise price of $0.06 per share, options to purchase 5,400,000 shares of common stock previously granted to Anthony Brian Goodman at an exercise price of $0.066 per share, and options to purchase 1,400,000 shares of common stock previously granted to Weiting Feng at an exercise price of $0.06 per share. The Company recorded a total of $2,069 of expenses due to the option extension.

2018 Equity Incentive Plan

On January 3, 2018, the Company adopted a stock option plan: the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. The fair value of stock options was measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes valuation model takes into consideration the share price of the Company, the exercise price of the option, the amount of time before the option expires, and the volatility of share price. Compensation expense will be charged to operations through the vesting period. The amount of cost will be calculated based on the new accounting standard ASU 2018-07. All option awards described below were granted under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. All shares and prices per share have been adjusted for a 1 share-for-150 shares reverse stock split that took effect on June 26, 2020:

During the three months ended January 31, 2023, no options were granted, expired, or forfeited.

During the three months ended January 31, 2023, options to purchase 7,333,332 shares of common stock were exercised in a cashless exercise pursuant to which 211,102 shares of common stock were surrendered to pay for the aggregate price of the options ($500,400) and 7,122,230 shares of common stock were issued.

The total compensation cost related to stock options granted was $132,525 and $137,931, for the three months ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The following table represents stock option activity for the three months ended January 31, 2023:

2022 Equity Incentive Plan

On May 5, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors and majority stockholders approved the adoption of the Company’s 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”). The 2022 Plan provides an opportunity for any employee, officer, director or consultant of the Company, subject to limitations provided by federal or state securities laws, to receive (i) incentive stock options (to eligible employees only); (ii) nonqualified stock options; (iii) restricted stock; (iv) restricted stock units, (v) stock awards; (vi) shares in performance of services; (vii) other stock-based awards; or (viii) any combination of the foregoing. In making such determinations, the Board of Directors may take into account the nature of the services rendered by such person, his or her present and potential contribution to the Company’s success, and such other factors as the board of directors of the Company in its discretion shall deem relevant. The 2022 Plan became effective on June 29, 2022.

Grant and Vesting of Restricted Stock Units to Management, the Independent Directors and other Related Parties

Effective on September 16, 2022, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors approved the grant, effective on the same date, of an aggregate of 1,575,000 restricted stock units to the officers and directors of the Company listed below (the “RSU Recipients”), in consideration for services to be rendered by such officers and directors through October 2024 (the “RSUs”):

The RSUs are subject to vesting, and vest to the RSU Recipients, to the extent and in the amounts set forth below, to the extent the following performance metrics are met by the Company as of the dates indicated (the “Performance Metrics” and the “Performance Metrics Schedule”):

 * 1/6th of the total RSUs granted to each RSU Recipient above.

 For purposes of the calculations above, (a) “EBITDA” means net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation; (b) ”Revenue” means annual revenue of the Company; and (c) ”FY 2022” means actual Revenue or EBITDA, as the case may be achieved during the 12 month period from November 1, 2021 to October 31, 2022, and “FY 2023” means actual Revenue or EBITDA as the case may be for the 12 month period from November 1, 2022 to October 31, 2023, in each case as set forth in the Company’s audited year-end financial statements (the “Target Definitions”). Both Revenue and EBITDA, and the determination of whether or not the applicable Revenue and EBITDA targets above have been met are to be determined based on the audited financial statements of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the applicable year ends above, and determined on the date such Annual Reports on Form 10-K are filed publicly with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Dates of Determination”).

The Company also entered into a Restricted Stock Grant Agreement with each of the RSU Recipients above to evidence such grants of the RSUs.

The RSUs were granted pursuant to, and subject in all cases to, the terms of the Company’s 2022 Equity Incentive Plan.

Total revenues and EBITDA for the year ended October 31, 2022 were $36,034,856 and $3,526,543, respectively. As a result, the required performance metrics were met by the Company for the year ended October 31, 2022, and the RSUs subject to vesting for fiscal 2022 vested and were settled in shares of common stock. Total expenses of $2,089,500 were recognized for the year ended October 31, 2022.

Effective on December 8, 2022, the Board of Directors, with the recommendation of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, granted Phillip Daniel Moyes, 100,000 RSUs, which vest, if at all, at the rate of 1/4^th of such RSUs upon the Company reaching the same EBITDA and revenue targets described in the table above for the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2024.

On January 30, 2023, the following RSUs of the officers and directors of the Company vested, and shares of common stock were issued in connection therewith:

Effective on November 1, 2022, in connection with Mr. Johnston’s resignation as a member of the Board of Directors on such date, the 100,000 RSUs which were to vest upon the Company meeting certain EBITDA and revenue targets for 2023 and 2024, which were granted to him as a member of the Board of Directors, were terminated and forfeited.

Total revenues and EBITDA for the three months ended January 31, 2023 were $10,777,679 and $889,605, respectively.

On December 8, 2022, the Company granted Mr. Brett Goodman 40,000 RSUs which vest at the rate of 1/2 of such RSUs on each of December 8, 2023 and 2024, subject to Mr. Brett Goodman’s continued service with the Company on such vesting dates.

The total compensation cost related to RSUs granted to related parties was $510,425 and $0 for the three months ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Grant or Vesting of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stocks to Employees and Consultants (Non-related Parties)

During the three months ended January 31, 2023, 1,043,400 RSUs were granted to employees and consultants and none of such RSUs were vested.

On November 1, 2022, the Company granted 600,000 RSUs to Mr. Aaron Richard Johnston, former member of the Board of Directors, for his consulting services to the Company. 300,000 RSUs vest, if at all, at the rate of 1/4th of such RSUs, upon the Company meeting certain (1) revenue and (2) EBITDA targets, as of the end of fiscal 2023 and 2024, and upon the public disclosure of such operating results in the Company’s subsequently filed Annual Reports on Form 10-K, subject to the Mr. Johnston’s continued service through the applicable vesting dates. 300,000 RSUs vest, if at all, upon the closing of a transaction that, on a pro forma basis, doubles the Company’s revenues for the fiscal quarter prior to the closing of the acquisition (“Doubling Transaction”), provided that such RSUs shall be terminated and forfeited if such Doubling Transaction does not close prior to November 1, 2023, subject to Mr. Johnston’s continued service to the Company on such date.

On November 8, 2022, the Company granted 300,000 RSUs to Mark Weir, the director of RKings. 25,000 RSUs shall vest each quarter until October 31, 2025, provided that the quarterly revenues of RKingsCompetition Ltd increase by 5% compared to the previous quarter. None of these RSUs have vested to date.

The RSUs granted to the rest of the employees and consultants were subject to their continued performance of services for the Company through each vesting date.

The total compensation cost related to the RSUs granted to employees and consultants was $175,445 and $0 for the three months ended January 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

On October 27, 2022, the Company granted 100,000 restricted shares of common stock to Aaron Johnston, former member of the Board of Directors, for his consulting services to the Company. The restricted shares were issued on November 1, 2022, and vested at the rate of 50,000 shares of restricted common stock on November 1, 2022 and 50,000 shares of restricted common stock on February 1, 2023.

The total compensation cost related to the restricted shares of common stock vested to Mr. Johnston was $253,389 and $0 for the three months ended January 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

 NOTE 13 – SEGMENT REPORTING AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

We operate our business in two operating segments: the B2B for charges for usage of the Company’s software, and royalties charged on the use of third-party gaming content, and the B2C segment which is related to the charges to enter prize competitions in the UK and online gaming site in Mexico (Latin America).

All operating segments have been aggregated due to their inter-dependencies, commonality of long-term economic characteristics, products and services, the production processes, class of customer, and distribution processes.

For geographical revenue reporting, revenues are attributed to the geographic location in which the distributors are located. Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment, net, intangible assets, operating lease right-of-use assets, and goodwill, and are attributed to the geographic region in which they are located.

The following is a summary of revenues by geographic region, for the indicated periods (as a percentage of total revenues):