SIMPLICITY ESPORTS & GAMING Co - Annual Report: 2020 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020

[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from               to

Commission file number: 001-38188

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number: (855) 345-9467

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes [   ] No [X]

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 [X] 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 [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 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 financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. [  ]

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

As of November 29, 2019, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the shares of common stock outstanding, other than shares held by persons who may be deemed affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing sales price for a share of common stock on November 29, 2019, as reported on the OTCQB market tier, was approximately $6,041,652

As of August 31, 2020, there were 8,171,433 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001, of the registrant issued and outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements. Specifically, forward-looking statements may include statements relating to:

These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date hereof and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, our actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include:

PART I

Unless the context otherwise requires, “we,” “us,” or “the Company” refers to (i) “Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company” after the consummation of the acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC, (ii) “Smaaash Entertainment Inc.” before the consummation of the acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC but after the closing of the transactions with Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited, and (iii) I-AM Capital Acquisition Company prior to the closing of the transactions with Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited. “Simplicity Esports LLC” means Simplicity Esports, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, and its consolidated subsidiaries. “Smaaash Private” means Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of India, and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Overview

We are a global esports organization, with an established brand, that is capitalizing on the growth in esports through three business units, Simplicity One Brasil Ltda (“Simplicity One”), Simplicity Esports, LLC (“Simplicity Esports LLC”) and PLAYlive Nation, Inc. (“PLAYlive”).

Our Esports Teams

We own and manage numerous professional esports teams domestically and internationally. Revenue is generated from prize winnings, corporate sponsorships, advertising, league subsidy payments and potential league revenue sharing payments from the publishers of video games.

Domestic Esports Teams – Simplicity Esports LLC

Through our wholly owned subsidiary Simplicity Esports LLC, we own and manage numerous professional esports teams competing in games such as Overwatch, Apex Legends, PUBG and more. We are committed to growing and enhancing the esports industry, fostering the development of amateurs to compete professionally and signing established professional gamers to support their paths to greater success.

International Esports Team - Simplicity One

Since January 2020, through our 90% owned subsidiary Simplicity One, we manage Flamengo eSports, one of the leading Brazilian League of Legends® teams. Flamengo eSports was established in 2017 as the Esports division of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, a successful Brazilian sports organization, with over 30 million followers across social media accounts, known for its world-famous soccer team. Flamengo eSports’ League of Legends® team won the CBLoL Championship in September 2019, which qualified the team to compete at the 2019 League of Legends® World Championship in Europe as one of 24 teams from 13 different regions around the world. With cost cutting steps taken during April 2020, and anticipated additional sponsorship revenue, this business unit is expected to be cash flow positive by January 2021.

Online Tournaments

Since March 2020, through our wholly owned subsidiary Simplicity Esports LLC, we hold weekly online esports tournaments. In response to demand from customers for online esports tournaments and due to increased demand from COVID-19 related social distancing, we introduced a new initiative of online esports tournaments. We acquired a database of over 400,000 paying esports gaming center customers in the acquisition of PLAYlive. We will directly promote our online Simplicity Esports tournaments to this database of over 400,000 existing customers via text messages. If we can convert merely 1% of these existing customers from the PLAYlive database to play in paid entry online Simplicity Esports tournaments, this may be a profitable business unit resulting in approximately $1,000,000 in annual revenues. At a 5% conversion rate, this business segment may generate approximately $5,000,000 in annual revenue. Management also intends to sell sponsorship and marketing activations for these online tournaments that would create additional revenue.

Our Gaming Centers

We own and operate corporate and franchise esports gaming centers, through our wholly owned subsidiaries Simplicity Esports LLC and PLAYlive, throughout the U.S. giving casual gamers the opportunity to play in a social setting with other members of the gaming community. In addition, aspiring and established professional gamers have an opportunity to compete in local and national esports tournaments held in our gaming centers for prizes, notoriety, and potential contracts to play for one of our professional esports teams. In this business unit, revenue is generated from franchise royalties, the sale of game time, memberships, tournament entry fees, birthday party events, corporate party events, concessions and gaming-related merchandise.

Our business plan encompasses a brick and click physical and digital approach to further recognize revenue from all verticals, which we believe to be unique in the industry. The physical centers, together with our esports teams, lifestyle brand and marketing campaigns offer opportunities for additional revenue via strategic partnerships with both endemic and non-endemic brands. Our ultimate goal is to further engage a diverse fan base with a 360-degree approach driving traffic to both our digital platform, tournaments, and physical real estate to maximize the monetization opportunities with these relationships. In addition, we have proprietary intellectual capital, fan engagement strategies and brand development blueprints which complement our publicly available information.

Optimally, the esports gaming centers of Simplicity Esports LLC (“Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers”) will measure between 1,200 and 2,000 square feet, with dozens of gaming stations. The Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers will feature cutting edge technology, futuristic aesthetic décor and dynamic high-speed gaming equipment. We believe our brick-and-click strategy will present attractive opportunities for sponsors and advertisers to connect with our audience, creating an intriguing monetization opportunity for sponsors and advertisers.

Creating content that engages fans, sponsors and developers, while promoting our brand is one of our primary goals. Our talented team will continue to produce unique in-depth content which showcases aspects of esports for fans. We seek to reach a broad demographic encompassing the casual, amateur and professional gaming community. Our philosophy is to enhance our footprint for both endemic and non-endemic partnerships. We believe we possess a deep perception of our markets and understand the new age of branding while maintaining authenticity to the gaming community that comprises our fanbase.

Corporate Gaming Centers

Simplicity Esports LLC has already opened and is operating four corporate-owned retail Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers. Our first Simplicity Esports Gaming Center was opened on May 3, 2019. Furthermore, we have engaged a national tenant representation real estate broker to assist in the strategic planning and negotiations for our future Simplicity Esports Gaming Center locations. We contemplate that new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers will be funded by us as well as a combination of tenant improvement allowances from landlords and sponsorships. As announced on June 5, 2020, we are in discussions with multiple commercial property owners regarding their desire to have us open 10,000 to 15,000 square foot MEGA centers at their properties. There are multiple locations available to us with a percentage rent lease structure, and construction funds offered by the landlord to assist with the build out and equipping of our planned MEGA centers. These MEGA centers are planned as hubs in our hub and spoke model that will see smaller corporate and franchisee owned gaming centers as spokes connected to MEGA centers as hubs for larger events and tournaments.

Franchised Gaming Centers

Due to interest from potential franchisees, we have launched a franchising program to accelerate the expansion of our planned nationwide footprint. We sell specific franchise territories, through our wholly owned subsidiary PLAYlive, and assist with the establishment and buildout of esports gaming centers to potential business owners that desire to use our branding, infrastructure and process to open and operate gaming centers. Franchise revenue is generated from the sale of franchise territories, supplying furniture, equipment and merchandise to the franchisees for buildout of their centers, a gross sales royalty fee and a national marketing fee. We license the use of our branding, assist in identifying and negotiating commercial locations, assist in overseeing the buildout and development, provide access to proprietary software for point of sale, inventory management, employee training and other HR functions. Franchisees also have an opportunity to participate in our national esports tournament events, and benefit from the growing profile of our professional esports teams. Once an esports gaming center is opened, we provide operational guidance, support and use of branding elements in exchange for a monthly royalty fee calculated as 6% of gross sales. On January 1, 2020 we implemented a national marketing fee of 1% of gross sales. To date, we have sold five (5) of these franchise territories.

The combination of the esports gaming centers, owned or franchised by our wholly owned subsidiaries Simplicity Esports LLC or PLAYlive, provides us with what we believe is the largest footprint of esports gaming centers in North America. Over the next 12 months, existing PLAYlive esports gaming centers will be rebranded to Simplicity Esports gaming centers. All newly opened franchise esports gaming centers will be branded as Simplicity Esports gaming centers and have numerous gaming PC’s. All gaming centers in our footprint will be participating venues in our national esports tournaments.

Franchise Roll Up Strategy

Due to the impact of COVID-19 and the resulting disruptions in the commercial real estate market, we have signed non-binding letters of intent with some of our existing franchisees to acquire their gaming centers. Closings are contingent upon Simplicity being able to secure acceptable lease modifications from the landlords. If the acquisitions close, the consideration paid for each acquisition will be restricted shares of common stock.

As part of this strategy, we acquired our first franchisee owned gaming center, located in El Paso, Texas, on June 29, 2020. The improved lease terms require monthly payments as a percentage of gross sales, resulting in the acquisition being EBITDA accretive within the first week of operations.

Our Stream Team

The Simplicity Esports LLC stream team encompasses over 30 commentators (commonly known as “casters”), influencers and personalities who connect to a dedicated fan base. Our electric group of live personalities represent our organization to the fullest with their own unique style. We are proud to support and present a diverse group of gamers as we engage fans across a multiple of esports genres. Our Twitch affiliation has enabled our stream team influences to reach a broad fan base. Additionally, we have created several niches within the streaming community which has enabled us to engage fans within certain titles on a 24/7 basis. Our notoriety in the industry is evidenced by our audience that views millions of minutes of Simplicity Esports’ content monthly, via various social media outlets including YouTube, Twitter and Twitch. Through Simplicity Esports LLC, we have begun to implement a unique approach to ensure the ultimate fan friendly esports experience. Our intention is to have gamers involved at the grassroots level and feel a sense of unity as we compete with top class talent. Our management and players are known within the esports community and we plan to use their skills to create a seamless content creation plan helping gamers feel closer to our brand than any other in the industry.

COVID-19

In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. While initially the outbreak was largely concentrated in China and caused significant disruptions to its economy, it has now spread to several other countries and infections have been reported globally.

Because COVID-19 infections have been reported throughout the United States, certain federal, state and local governmental authorities have issued stay-at-home orders, proclamations and/or directives aimed at minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Additional, more restrictive proclamations and/or directives may be issued in the future. As a result, all of our corporate and franchised Simplicity Gaming Centers were closed effective April 1, 2020. We commenced reopening Simplicity Gaming Centers on May 1, 2020 and have since reopened one corporate and 21 franchised Simplicity Gaming Centers as of August 31, 2020. Although our franchise agreements with franchisees of Simplicity Gaming Centers require a minimum monthly royalty payment to us from the franchisees regardless of whether the franchised Simplicity Gaming Centers are operating, there is a potential risk that franchisees of Simplicity Gaming Centers will default in their obligations to pay their minimum monthly royalty payment to us.

The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s operations is unknown and will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak, new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and any additional preventative and protective actions that governments, or the Company, may direct, which may result in an extended period of continued business disruption, reduced customer traffic and reduced operations. Any resulting financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time but is anticipated to have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The measures taken to date will impact the Company’s business for the fiscal fourth quarter and potentially beyond. Management expects that all of its business segments, across all of its geographies, will be impacted to some degree, but the significance of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Company’s business and the duration for which it may have an impact cannot be determined at this time.

Corporate History

Formation

We were initially a blank check company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on April 17, 2017 under the name I-AM Capital Acquisition Company. We were formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Although we were not limited to a particular industry or geographic region for purposes of consummating a business combination, we focused on businesses with a connection to India. On November 20, 2018, we changed our name from I-AM Capital Acquisition Company to Smaaash Entertainment, Inc. On January 2, 2019, we changed our name from Smaaash Entertainment, Inc. to Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company.

We are authorized to issue 21,000,000 shares of capital stock, consisting of (i) 20,000,000 shares of common stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), and (ii) 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share. As of August 31, 2020, there were 8,171,433 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding and there were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding.

Founder Shares

On May 31, 2017, we issued 1,437,500 shares of Common Stock (the “Founder Shares”) to I-AM Capital Partners LLC, our sponsor (the “Sponsor”), in exchange for a capital contribution of $25,000. Upon the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option on September 13, 2017, 137,500 Founder Shares were forfeited by the Sponsor, for a balance of 1,300,000 Founder Shares held by our Sponsor.

Initial Public Offering and Private Placement

On August 22, 2017, we sold 5,000,000 units at a purchase price of $10.00 per unit in our initial public offering (“IPO”) of public units (“Public Units”), generating gross proceeds of $50.0 million. Each Public Unit consisted of one share of our Common Stock (“Public Shares”), one right to receive one-tenth of one share our Common Stock upon consummation of an initial business combination (“Public Right”), and one redeemable warrant (“Public Warrants”). Each warrant entitled the holder to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment.

Concurrently with the closing of the IPO on August 22, 2017, the Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 254,500 units (“Private Placement Units”) at $10.00 per unit, generating gross proceeds of $2,545,000 in a private placement. The Private Placement Units (including their component securities) are not transferable, assignable or salable until 30 days after the completion of the initial business combination and the warrants included in the Private Placement Units are non-redeemable so long as they are held by the Sponsor or their permitted transferees.

On August 22, 2017, we issued 50,000 shares of Common Stock to Maxim in connection with its services as underwriter for the IPO.

Contained in the underwriting agreement for the IPO was an over-allotment option allowing the underwriters to purchase from the Company up to an additional 750,000 Public Units (the “Over-Allotment Units”) and, in addition, the Company received a commitment from the Sponsor to purchase up to an additional 26,250 Private Placement Units.

On September 13, 2017, the underwriters partially exercised their option and purchased 200,000 Over-Allotment Units, which were sold at an offering price of $10.00 per unit, generating gross proceeds of $2,000,000.

On September 13, 2017, simultaneously with the sale of the Over-Allotment Units, the Company consummated the sale of an additional 7,000 Private Placement Units (the “Over-Allotment Placement Units”), generating gross proceeds of $70,000.

On September 13, 2017, we issued Maxim an additional 2,000 shares of our Common Stock upon partial exercise of the over-allotment.

On October 9, 2017, we commenced trading our Public Shares of Common Stock, Public Rights, and Public Warrants on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbols “IAM,” “IAMXR” and “IAMXW,” respectively.

The Founder Shares are identical to the Public Shares and holders of Founder Shares have the same stockholder rights as the holders of our Public Shares (“Public Stockholders”) which include our initial stockholders, including the holders of our Founder Shares prior to the IPO (“initial stockholders”) and members of our management team, including our executive officers and directors (“management” and “management team”), to the extent our initial stockholders and/or members of our management team purchased Public Shares, provided that each initial stockholder’s and member of our management team’s status as a “public stockholder” shall only exist with respect to such Public Shares), except that the Founder Shares and the shares of Common Stock (“Private Placement Shares”) forming part of the Private Placement Units are subject to certain transfer restrictions.

Consummation of Transactions with Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited

On November 20, 2018 (the “Closing Date”), the Company and Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of India, consummated the transactions (the “Transactions” or the “Business Combination”) contemplated by the share subscription agreement (as amended, the “Subscription Agreement”), following the approval at the special meeting of the stockholders of the Company held on November 9, 2018 (the “Special Meeting”).

At the Special Meeting, holders of 4,448,260 Public Shares exercised their right to redeem those shares for cash at a price of $10.2187363 per share, for an aggregate of approximately $45,455,596. Immediately after giving effect to the initial Transactions (including as a result of the redemptions described above, the issuance of 2,000,000 shares of common stock to the Smaaash founders, the issuance of 520,000 shares of common stock upon conversion of the Public Rights at the Closing and the issuance of 208,000 shares of common stock to Chardan as consideration for services), there were 5,119,390 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase approximately.

On November 20, 2018, upon the consummation of the Business Combination with Smaaash Private, we issued 26,150 shares of common stock underlying the Private Placement Rights to the holders of the Private Placement Rights.

Pursuant to the Subscription Agreement, the purchase price of $150,000 was paid by the Company to Smaaash Private in exchange for 294,360 newly issued equity shares of Smaaash Private at the closing of the Transactions (the “Closing”).

In addition, AHA Holdings Private Limited (“AHA Holdings”) and Shripal Morakhia (together with AHA Holdings, the “Smaaash Founders”) agreed that within six months following the Closing Date, they would transfer all of their ownership interest in Smaaash Private (representing 33.6% of the share capital of Smaaash Private on a fully diluted basis as of June 22, 2018) (the “Additional Smaaash Shares”) to the Company in exchange for newly issued shares of our Common Stock (the “Transferred Company Shares”) in an amount which would enable the Smaaash Founders to retain their 33.6% ownership interest in Smaaash Private indirectly through their interest in the Company.

At the Closing, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of its common stock to the Smaaash Founders as an upfront portion of the Transferred Company Shares (the “Upfront Company Shares”). In connection with the issuance of the Upfront Company Shares, the Company and the Smaaash Founders entered into an escrow agreement pursuant to which the Upfront Company Shares would be held in escrow and will be either, (i) if the Additional Smaaash Shares are not transferred in full to the Company within the designated six-month period, cancelled, or (ii) if the Additional Smaaash Shares are transferred in full to the Company within the designated six-month period, released from escrow and the number of Upfront Company Shares will be deducted from the Transferred Company Shares that will be issued to the Smaaash Founders upon the delivery of the Additional Smaaash Shares.

On November 16, 2018, Smaaash Private and the Smaaash Founders executed a letter of undertaking, pursuant to which they agreed to transfer 4,000,000 additional equity shares of Smaaash Private to the Company in consideration for 200,000 shares of our Common Stock, simultaneously with the issuance of the 300,000 equity shares of Smaaash Private to the Company on or prior to November 30, 2018, as permitted by the laws of India. Such additional shares of Smaaash Private have not yet been delivered to the Company.

In connection with the Closing, the Company changed its name from I-AM Capital Acquisition Company to Smaaash Entertainment Inc. and entered into a master franchise agreement (“Master Franchise Agreement”) and a master license and distribution agreement (“Master Distribution Agreement”) with Smaaash Private. Prior to the Closing, the Company was a shell company with no operations, formed as a vehicle to effect a business combination with one or more operating businesses. After the Closing, the Company’s primary assets consisted of shares in Smaaash Private and the rights granted under the Master Franchise Agreement and the Master Distribution Agreement.

Pursuant to the terms of the escrow agreement, the Upfront Company Shares have been cancelled because the Additional Smaaash Shares were not transferred in full to the Company in the designated six-month period.

Master Franchise Agreement

Franchise and license right. Under the Master Franchise Agreement, Smaaash Private granted to the Company an exclusive right to establish and operate Smaaash Centers (as defined under the Master Franchise Agreement) and to sublicense the right to establish and operate Smaaash Centers to third party franchisees, and a license to use the products and other services developed by Smaaash Private with respect to the Smaaash Centers, in the territories of North America and South America (“Territory”). Further, Smaaash Private granted to the Company the limited license to use the Trademarks of Smaaash Private (as set out in the Master Franchise Agreement) for the purposes of establishing and operating the Smaaash Centers in the Territory.

Obligations of the Company. The Company agreed not to directly or indirectly engage or be concerned with any business which competes with Smaaash Private’s business in the Territory during the term of the Master Franchise Agreement. The Company agreed to market, promote and publicize the Smaaash Centers in the Territory. The Company or third party sub-franchisees agreed to set up at least six Smaaash Centers during the first calendar year.

Obligations of Smaaash Private. Smaaash Private agreed to assist in training and installing the equipment and bear all the costs associated therewith. The franchisee or sub-franchisee will bear the cost to set up the Smaaash Center.

License fees and other payments. Franchisee or the third-party franchisee will be entitled to receive the revenue generated from each of the Smaaash Centers. In connection with the operations of the Smaaash Centers by sub-franchisees, the Company shall be entitled to receive (i) a signup fee equal to 5% of the capital expenditure of the sub-franchisee, (ii) 5% of the revenue of the sub-franchisee on an annual basis; and (iii) a 15% markup of the products sold to the sub-franchisee. Smaaash Private will not receive any portion of the revenue or other fees in connection with the Master Franchise Agreement.

Term and Termination. The Master Franchise Agreement will commence from its execution date and continue until the agreement is terminated in accordance with the Master Franchise Agreement. The Master Franchise Agreement may be terminated (i) by the mutual written agreement of parties or (ii) by Smaaash Private if the Company fails to make a payment, ceases to operate or abandons the Smaaash Centers or fails to use best efforts to market the Smaaash Centers and such failure is not cured within 30 days’ notice of the failure.

Addendum to Master Franchise Agreement

On November 29, 2018, the Company and Smaaash Private executed an addendum to the Master Franchise Agreement (the “Amendment”). Pursuant to the Amendment, Smaaash Private granted the Company the exclusive rights to set up family and entertainment centers under the name “Total Sports Center” in the United States (“Total Sports Centers”) in which 51% of the investment will be borne by the Company and 49% by Smaaash Private. Smaaash Private will be responsible for identifying the locations for setting up, managing and controlling the Total Sports Centers and will carry out all the fit out requirements for such centers. Smaaash Private will also appoint the management team for the centers. Smaaash Private will be entitled to 3% of the net revenue of each center, subject to conditions to be confirmed by the parties.

Master License and Distribution Agreement

Grant of license and distribution rights. Under the Master Distribution Agreement, Smaaash Private granted to the Company an exclusive right to purchase from Smaaash Private specialized equipment and products related to sports and recreational activities (“Products”) in the territory under the brand name of Smaaash Private and sell them with a 15% markup to the customers which will be the sub-franchisees of the Company who will operate the Smaaash Centers, as specified in the Master Franchise Agreement.

Pricing. The Company may sell the Products further to any third-party franchisees at a minimum of 15% margin over and above the price at which Smaaash Private sold the Products to the Company.

Grant of license in Smaaash Marks. Smaaash Private also granted the Company a license to use the Trademarks (as set out in the Master Distribution Agreement) on a royalty free basis for the purpose of promoting the sale of the Products in the Territory.

Term and Termination. The Master Distribution Agreement commence on its execution date and will continue until it is terminated in accordance with the Master Distribution Agreement. The Master Distribution Agreement may be terminated (i) by the mutual written agreement of parties, (ii) by Smaaash Private if the Company fails to make a payment or use best efforts to market the Products and such failure is not cured within 30 days’ of notice of the failure, and (iii) by the Company for any reason upon 120 days’ notice.

Settlement Agreement

On November 20, 2018, the Company entered into a settlement and release agreement (“Settlement Agreement”) with Maxim Group LLC, the underwriter for the Company’s IPO (“Maxim”). Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Company made a cash payment of $20,000 to Maxim and issued a demand secured promissory note in favor of Maxim in the amount of $1.8 million (the “Note”) to settle the payment obligations of the Company under the underwriting agreement dated August 16, 2017, by and between the Company and Maxim. The Company also agreed to remove the restrictive legends on an aggregate of 52,000 shares of its common stock held by Maxim and its affiliate.

The Note accrues interest at 8% per annum from the date of the Note through and including May 20, 2019 and 12% per annum from and including May 21, 2019 through and including August 20, 2019, and 15% per annum from and including August 21, 2019, through and including November 20, 2019. If a late payment occurs and is continuing, the interest rate will be increased to 12% per annum and if from the date of the Note through and including August 20, 2019, and 18% per annum and if from after August 21, 2019. If a late payment remains outstanding for over 48 hours, Maxim may require the Company to redeem all or any part of the Note (“Alternate Payment Amount”) at a redemption price equal to 125% of the Alternate Payment Amount.

The principal and interest of the Note will be payable upon demand by Maxim or from time to time, in accordance the following schedule:

(i) one third of the principal, accrued and unpaid interest and any late charges on May 20, 2019;

(ii) one third of the principal, accrued and unpaid interest and any late charges on August 20, 2019; and

(iii) one third of the principal, accrued and unpaid interest and any late charges on November 20, 2019.

The Note is secured by a first priority security interest in all personal property and assets of the Company excluding the assets held in escrow with respect to (i) that certain stock purchase agreement with Polar, pursuant to which Polar agreed to sell up to 490,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Company thirty days after the consummation of the Transactions and (ii) that certain stock purchase agreement with K2 Principal Fund L.P. (“K2”), pursuant to which K2 agreed to sell up to 220,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Company thirty days after the consummation of the Transactions.

The amount payable under the Note may be paid in shares of our Common Stock or securities convertible or exercisable into shares of our Common Stock (the “Alternate Equity Payment”) if and only if the Company and Maxim mutually agree on both the purchase price and, if applicable, the conversion and/or exercise price of each security of the Company issued in such Alternate Equity Payment. Otherwise the payment should be made in cash only.

So long as any amount under the Note is outstanding, all cash proceeds received by the Company from any sales of its securities will be used to repay this Note.

Convertible Note Payable

On December 20, 2018, the Company entered into a securities exchange agreement (“Exchange Agreement”) with Maxim Group LLC (the “Holder”). Pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement, the Holder agreed to surrender and exchange the Note in the amount of $1.8 million which was issued to Maxim pursuant to the Settlement Agreement (discussed immediately above). In exchange, the Company issued to the Holder a Series A-1 Exchange Convertible Note in the principal amount of $500,000 (the “Series A-1 Note”) and a Series A-2 Exchange Convertible Note in the principal amount of $1,000,000 (the “Series A-2 Note,” and collectively with Series A-1 Note, the “Exchange Notes”). As of December 31, 2018, upon the closing of the Acquisition, the Series A-1 Note automatically converted into 193,648 shares of the Company’s common stock.

Prior to conversion, the Series A-1 Note bore interest at 2.67% per annum, was payable quarterly and had a maturity date of the earlier of the closing date of the Acquisition (as defined below) or June 20, 2020 (the “Maturity Date”). The Company was permitted to pay the interest in cash or at its sole discretion, in shares of its common stock or a combination of cash and common stock. However, the Company could only pay the interest in shares of its common stock if (i) all the equity conditions specified in the note (“Equity Conditions”) had been met (unless waived by the Holder in writing) during the 20 trading days immediately prior to the interest payment date (“Interest Notice Period”), (ii) the Company had provided proper notice pursuant to the terms of the note and (iii) the Company had delivered to the Holder’s account certain number of shares of its common stock to be applied against such interest payment prior to (but no more than five trading days before) the Interest Notice Period.

The Series A-1 Note was convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock (“Conversion Shares”) at an initial conversion price of $1.93 per share, subject to adjustment for any stock dividends and splits, rights offerings, distributions, combinations or similar transactions. Upon the closing of the Acquisition, the conversion price was automatically adjusted to equal the arithmetic average of the volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the Company’s common stock in the five trading days prior to the closing date of the Acquisition. The Holder was permitted to convert the Series A-1 Note at any time, in whole or in part, provided that upon receipt of a notice of conversion from the Holder, the Company had the right to repay all or any portion of the Series A-1 Note included in the notice of conversion.

Additionally, the Series A-1 Note would have automatically converted into shares of the Company’s common stock on the earlier of the Maturity Date or the closing date of the Acquisition provided that (i) no event of default then existed, and (ii) solely if such automatic conversion date was also the Maturity Date, each of the Equity Conditions had been met (unless waived in writing by the Holder) on each trading day during the 20 trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the automatic conversation date.

At any time prior to the Maturity Date, the Company also had the right to elect to redeem some or all of the outstanding principal amount for cash in an amount (the “Optional Redemption Amount”) equal to the sum of (a) 100% of the then outstanding principal amount of the note, (b) accrued but unpaid interest and (c) all liquidated damages and other amounts due in respect of the note (the “Optional Redemption”). The Company could only effect an Optional Redemption if each of the Equity Conditions had been met (unless waived in writing by the Holder) on each trading day during the period commencing on the date when the notice of the Optional Redemption was delivered to the date of the Optional Redemption and through and including the date payment of the Optional Redemption Amount was actually made in full.

Except as otherwise provided in the Series A-1 Note, including, without limitation, an Option Redemption, the Company could not prepay any portion of the principal amount of the note without the prior written consent of the Holder.

Pursuant to the terms of the Series A-1 Note, the Company was not permitted to convert any portion of the Series A-1 Note if doing so would result in the Holder beneficially owning more than 4.99% of the outstanding common stock of the Company after giving effect to such conversion, provided that on 61 days’ prior written notice from the Holder to the Company, that percentage could increase to 9.99%. However, if there was an automatic conversion, and the conversion would result in the Company issuing a number of shares in excess of the beneficial ownership limitation, then any such shares in excess of the beneficial ownership limitation would be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time or times, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the beneficial ownership limitation, at which time or times the Holder would be issued such shares to the same extent as if there had been no such limitation.

The Series A-1 Note contained restrictive covenants which, among other things, restricted the Company’s ability to repay or repurchase any indebtedness, make distributions on or repurchase its common stock or enter into transactions with its affiliates.

As of December 31, 2018, upon the closing of the Acquisition, the Series A-1 Note automatically converted into 193,648 shares of the Company’s common stock.

The Series A-2 Note has terms substantially similar to those of the Series A-1 Note except that the Series A-2 Note has a maturity date of June 20, 2020 and an initial conversion price of $1.93 which will be automatically adjusted to the lower of (i) the conversion price then in effect and (ii) the greater of the arithmetic average of the VWAP of the Company’s common stock in the five trading days prior to the notice of conversion and $0.50.

 Amendments to Forward Purchase Agreements and Warrants

On December 20, 2018, the Company, Polar, K2 and the Escrow Agent, entered into an Amendment (the “Amendment”), pursuant to which, among other things, the stock purchase agreements with Polar and K2 were amended to (x) reduce the purchase price per share payable by the Company at the closing of the Stock Sales from $11.23 per share to (1) first $6.00 per share up to 20% of the original number of Shares (as defined in the respective Purchase Agreement), (2) then $5.00 per remaining share up to 20% of the original number of Shares, (3) then $4.00 per remaining share up to 20% of the original number of Shares, (4) then $3.00 per remaining Share up to 20% of the original number of Shares, and (5) then $2.00 per remaining Share up to 20% of the original number of Shares, (y) to extend the outside date of the closing of the Stock Sales until January 18, 2019, and (z) to authorize the issuance of $3,542,700 and $1,590,600 from the Escrow Account to Polar and K2, respectively, as partial payment for the Shares prior to the final closing of the Stock Sales.

In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Amendment, the Company agreed to amend its outstanding Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants (1) to reduce the exercise price of the warrants from $11.50 per share to $4.00 per share, subject to adjustment (the “Exercise Price Adjustment”) and (2) to revise the redemption provisions of the warrants to provide that the Company may only redeem each warrant in whole at a price of $0.1 per warrant upon a minimum of 30 days’ written notice of redemption if, and only if, the last sale price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds $7.00 per share (as opposed to the current $21.00 per share) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period (the “Redemption Threshold Adjustment”); provided, however, that the Exercise Price Adjustment and the Redemption Threshold Adjustment shall only be effective upon the approval of the requisite number of warrant holders, as required by law.

Acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC

On January 4, 2019, the Simplicity Owners received an aggregate of 300,000 shares of common stock at the closing of the Acquisition and an additional aggregate of 700,000 shares of common stock on January 7, 2019. The Simplicity Owners are entitled to receive an additional 2,000,000 shares upon the Company’s receipt of the approval of its stockholders to such issuance. This provision was removed as the stockholder approval was only necessary due to the Company’s stock being listed on Nasdaq. Upon completion of the Simplicity Esports LLC acquisition, the Company decided that moving off the Nasdaq was appropriate and, the 2,000,000 shares are included on the balance sheet as common stock issuable to Simplicity Owners at February 28, 2019.

In connection with the acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC, on January 2, 2019, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate Amendment”) with the Delaware Secretary of State to change the Company’s name from “Smaaash Entertainment, Inc.” to “Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company”. In addition, the Company changed the ticker symbols of its common stock and public warrants to “WINR” and “WINRW,” respectively, and commenced trading of its common stock and public warrants under such new ticker symbols on the OTCQB on January 10, 2019.

Acquisition of PLAYlive

On July 30, 2019, we acquired a 100% interest in PLAYlive by way of merger pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 25, 2019, whereby we acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of PLAYlive from the selling stockholders (“PLAYlive Stockholders”) of PLAYlive in exchange for 750,000 shares of our common stock. Following this merger, PLAYlive became our wholly owned subsidiary. On the closing date of this merger, each of the PLAYlive Stockholders entered into a one-year lock-up agreement with the Company and each of Duncan Wood, Jordan C. Jenson, and Alec T. Carpenter entered into an employment agreement with PLAYlive.

Licensing of Flamengo Esports

Effective January 20, 2020, Simplicity One entered into an Exclusive Trademark and Symbol Use License Agreement, and Other Covenants (the “License Agreement”), dated November 5, 2019 with Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (one of the most successful Brazilian sports organizations, known for its world-famous soccer team), whereby Clube de Regatas do Flamengo agreed to exclusively license its intellectual property rights (“Flamengo IP Rights”) to Simplicity One (an entity which the Company and Team One E-Sports Ltda – ME own a 90% and 10% equity interest in, respectively), authorizing Simplicity One to use the Flamengo IP Rights on a League of Legends team in esports as well as in other modalities in esports, which will be maintained and assembled by Simplicity One during the term of the Licensing Agreement. The Company has appointed Fred Tannure to act as Simplicity One’s General Manager. The License Agreement has a term of three years, beginning on January 1, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2022, and may be renewed by mutual written agreement by the parties. In exchange for the exclusive license, the Company shall pay Clube de Regatas do Flamengo an annual fee for the first, second and third year in the amount of US$32,882 (Reais$170,000.00), US$35,784 (Reais$185,000.00), and US$38,685 (Reais$200,000.00), respectively, as well as the payment of royalties in the amount of 8% of the gross revenues (less taxes) of the eSports teams pursuant to the terms of the Licensing Agreement. If either party unilaterally terminates the Agreement or gives rise to certain termination grounds set forth in the Agreement, the terminating party will pay the other party a non-compensatory fine in the amount of approximately $23,870 (Reais $100,000) to indemnify the other party, without prejudice to any losses or damages that exceed such amount.

Flamengo Esports was established in 2017 as the Esports division of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, a successful Brazilian sports organization, known for its world-famous soccer team. Flamengo Esports’ League of Legends® team won the CBLoL Championship in September 2019 and competed at the 2019 League of Legends® World Championship in Europe as one of 24 teams from 13 different regions around the world.

On April 1, 2020, the Company released multiple players and staff members from Simplicity One Brasil Ltd as part of a restructuring to make the Flamengo Esports project profitable. During the first quarter of the fiscal year ending May 31, 2021, the Company applied for ownership of a franchise spot in League of Legends Brazil (CBLoL). Management expects to receive approval for franchise ownership in October 2020.

Nasdaq Delisting

On December 10, 2018, the Company received a written notice (the “Notice”) from Nasdaq’s Listing Qualifications Division indicating that the Company has not complied with the requirements of IM-5101-2 of the listing rules of Nasdaq (the “Listing Rules”).

The Notice stated that after its Business Combination, the Company had not demonstrated that its common stock met Listing Rule 5505(b)(1) that requires a market value of publicly held shares of at least $15 million. Additionally, the Company has not provided evidence that its common stock has at least 300 round lot holders as required by Listing Rule 5505(a)(3) and that its warrant has at least 400 round lot holders as required by Listing Rule 5515(a)(4). Finally, the Company does not comply with Listing Rule 5515(a)(2) which requires that for initial listing of a warrant the underlying security must be listed on Nasdaq.

On January 7, 2019, the Company received a second written notice from Nasdaq informing it that the Company failed to comply with Listing Rule 5250(e)(2) which requires companies listed on Nasdaq to timely file notification forms for the Listing of Additional Shares (the “LAS Notification”).

The Company was required to submit the LAS Notification 15 days prior to the issuance of the securities, however, the Company filed the LAS Notification for the issuance of the Series A-1 Note and Series A-2 Note and for the share exchange under our Share Exchange Agreement after such 15-day periods. Nasdaq notified the Company that each of these matters serves as an additional and separate basis for delisting the Company’s securities and that the review panel will consider these matters in rendering a determination regarding the Company’s continued listing on Nasdaq.

Management of Simplicity Esports and Gamily Company decided that moving from Nasdaq to the OTCQB is more appropriate for the Company at this time, while the Company builds out its planned network of retail esport centers.

On April 1, 2019, the Company was notified by Nasdaq that it would delist the Company’s common stock and public warrants. The Company’s common stock and public warrants were previously suspended from trading on Nasdaq, effective January 25, 2019.

On April 2, 2019, Nasdaq filed a Notification of Removal from Listing and/or Registration under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) on Form 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) relating to the Company’s common stock and public warrants. As a result, the Company’s common stock and public warrants were delisted from Nasdaq effective April 2, 2019.

The Company’s common stock and public warrants currently have been quoted on the OTCQB under the symbols “WINR” and “WINRW,” respectively.

Recent Developments

Equity Line

On March 12, 2020, the Company entered into an Common Stock Purchase Agreement with Triton Funds LP (“Selling Stockholder”), dated as of March 11, 2020, pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, the Selling Stockholder is committed to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an aggregate price of up to $500,000 (the “Maximum Commitment Amount”) over the course of the commitment period which ends on the earlier of (i) the date on which the Selling Stockholder purchases the Maximum Commitment Amount and (ii) December 31, 2020 (the “Equity Line”). In connection with the execution of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company registered the resale of up to 725,000 shares of Common Stock issuable under the Equity Line in the amount of the Maximum Commitment Amount pursuant to a registration statement declared effective by the SEC on March 30, 2020.

Online Tournaments

On March 22, 2020, the Company announced it would be holding weekly online esports tournaments, due to increased demand from COVID-19 related social distancing. Through the acquisition of PLAYlive, the Company acquired a database of over 400,000 paying PLAYlive esports gaming center customers. The Company will be promoting its new online esports tournaments directly to this existing customer base via text message announcements and promotions. The Company sees this as a new and sustainable business unit that can create revenues during stay at home orders and into the future. See further discussion elsewhere herein.

Authorized Issuances of Common Stock & Restricted Stock Awards

On July 30, 2019, in connection with the PLAYlive Merger, the Company issued 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock as Merger Consideration. Such shares were issued pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) available to the Company by Section 4(a)(2) promulgated thereunder.

On September 16, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Award, we authorized the grant to Jed Kaplan, our Chief Financial Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer and a member of our board of directors, of 70,000 shares of our restricted Common Stock. As of May 31, 2020, these shares have been issued.

On September 16, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Award, we authorized the grant to Roman Franklin, our President and a member of our board of directors, of 21,000 shares of our restricted Common Stock. As of May 31, 2020, these shares have been issued.

On September 16, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Award, we authorized the grant to Steven Grossman, our Corporate Secretary, of 14,000 shares of our restricted Common Stock. As of May 31, 2020, these shares have been issued.

On March 11, 2020, in connection with the execution of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement with Triton Funds, LP, we issued 5,000 shares of our restricted Common Stock at $1.18 per share to Triton Funds, LP as a donation.

On April 9, 2020, we delivered a Purchase Notice to Triton Funds, LP pursuant to the terms of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement requiring Triton Funds, LP to acquire 125,000 shares of our restricted Common Stock at a price of $0.70 per share. In accordance therewith, we issued 125,000 shares of our Common Stock to Triton Funds, LP, which rendered $87,700 in proceeds to the Company. Also on that date pursuant to the Common Stock Purchase Agreement 600,000 shares were issued by our transfer agent, whereas we have notified the counterparty that the Common Stock Purchase Agreement has been cancelled and are awaiting the return of the shares to treasury, we do not consider these shares to be outstanding.

On May 4, 2020, pursuant to the terms of that certain 10% Fixed Convertible Promissory Note (described below) dated April 29, 2020 in the principal amount of $152,500 issued by the Company in favor of Harbor Gates Capital, LLC, the Company agreed to issued 10,000 shares of our restricted Common Stock, issued at $0.99 per share, to Harbor Gates Capital, LLC as additional consideration for the purchase of such note, as of May 31, 2020 these shares were not issued, as of August 31, 2020, these shares have been issued.

On May 7, 2020, we authorized the sale of 22,936 shares of our restricted Common Stock, at a price of $1.09 per share, to William H. Herrmann, Jr. a member of our board of directors, for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000. As of May 31, 2020, and August 31, 2020, such shares have not been issued.

On June 4, 2020, we authorized the issuance of 85,905 shares of common stock in connection with the conversion of $100,000 in principal of a convertible note payable. issued. As of August 31, 2020, such shares have been issued.

On June 15, 2020, we issued 25,000 shares of common stock in satisfaction of an outstanding balance owed to a vendor.

On June 18, 2020, pursuant to the terms of that certain Securities Purchase Agreement between the Company and an accredited investor, pursuant to which the Company issued a 12% self-amortization promissory note (described elsewhere herein) in the principal amount of $550,000, the Company agreed to issue 55,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to such accredited investor as additional consideration for the purchase of such note. As of August 31, 2020, such shares have been issued.

On June 29, 2020, Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company acquired the assets of one of its top performing franchisee owned esports gaming centers on Fort Bliss U.S. Military base in El Paso, TX. In connection with the acquisition the Company authorized the issuance of 150,000 restricted shares. As of August 31, 2020, such shares have not been issued. 

On July 29, 2020, we authorized the grant of 300,000 shares of common stock to Jed Kaplan, our Chief Financial Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer and a member of our board of directors. As of August, 31, 2020, such shares have not been issued.

On July 29, 2020, we authorized the grant of 265,000 shares of common stock, to Roman Franklin, our President and a member of our board of directors. As of August 31, 2020, such shares have not been issued.

On July 29, 2020, we authorized the grant of 192,000 shares of common stock to an employee and the members of the Board of Directors of the Company as of August 31, 2020, such shares have not been issued.

On July 31, 2020, we entered into a marketing agreement whereby we agreed to issue 27,778 shares of common stock. As of August 31, 2020, such shares have not been issued.

On August 7, 2020, pursuant to the terms of that certain Securities Purchase Agreement between the Company and an accredited investor pursuant to which we issued a 12% self-amortization promissory note (described elsewhere herein) in the principal amount of $333,333, the Company authorized the grant of 33,333 shares of common stock. As of August 31, 2020, such shares have been issued.

Debt Obligations

10% Fixed Convertible Promissory Note

On April 29, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), the Company issued a 10% Fixed Convertible Promissory Note (the “Harbor Gates Note”), with a maturity date of October 29, 2020 (the “Maturity Date”), in the principal sum of $152,000 in favor of Harbor Gates Capital, LLC (“Harbor Gates”). Pursuant to the terms of the Harbor Gates Note, the Company agreed to pay to Harbor Gates $152,500 (the “Principal Sum”) and to pay “guaranteed” interest on the principal balance at an amount equivalent to 10% of the Principal Sum, to the extent such Principal Sum and “guaranteed” interest and any other interest, fees, liquidated damages and/or items due to Harbor Gates have not been repaid or converted into Company common stock in accordance with the terms of the Harbor Gates Note. The Harbor Gates Note carries an original issue discount (“OID”) of $2,500. Accordingly, on the Effective Date, Harbor Gates delivered $150,000 to the Company in exchange for the Harbor Gates Note.

In addition to the “guaranteed” interest, and upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as hereinafter defined), additional interest will accrue from the date of the Event of Default at the rate equal to the lower of 20% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law.

The Company may prepay the Harbor Gates Note according to the following schedule:

135% of the remaining unpaid and unconverted Principal Amount, plus all accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable on the Maturity Date. “Principal Amount” refers to the sum of (i) the original principal amount of the Harbor Gates Note (including the OID, prorated if the Harbor Gates Note has not been funded in full); (ii) all guaranteed and other accrued but unpaid interest under the Harbor Gates Note; (iii) any fees due under the Harbor Gates Notes; (iv) liquidated damages; and (v) any default payments owing under the Harbor Gates Note, in each case previously paid or added to the Principal Amount.

Pursuant to the terms of the Harbor Gates Note, the Company agreed to issue Harbor Gates shares of Company common stock in two tranches as follows:

If an Event of Default (as defined in the Promissory Note) occurs, the outstanding Principal Amount of the Harbor Gates Note owing in respect thereof through the date of acceleration, shall become, at Harbor Gates’ election, immediately due and payable in cash at the “Mandatory Default Amount”. The Mandatory Default Amount means 35% of the outstanding Principal Amount of the Harbor Gates Note will be automatically added to the Principal Sum of the Harbor Gates Note and tack back to the Effective Date for purposes of Rule 144 promulgated under the 1934 Act. Commencing five days after the occurrence of any Event of Default that results in the eventual acceleration of the Harbor Gates Note, the Harbor Gates Note will accrue additional interest, in addition to the Harbor Gates Note’s “guaranteed” interest, at a rate equal to the lesser of 20% per annum or the maximum rate permitted under applicable law.

If the Harbor Gates Note is not retired on or before the Maturity Date, then at any time and from time to time after the Maturity Date, and subject to the terms hereof and restrictions and limitations contained in the Harbor Gates Note, Harbor Gates has the right, at Harbor Gates’ sole option, to convert in whole or in part the outstanding and unpaid Principal Amount under the Harbor Gates Note into shares of the Company’s common stock at the Variable Conversion Price. The “Variable Conversion Price” will be equal to the lower of: (a) $1.00, or (b) 70% of the lowest volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock during the 15 consecutive trading days prior to the date on Harbor Gates elects to convert all or part of the Harbor Gates Note. The Company intends to prepay the Harbor Gates Note in accordance with its terms so that no amount under the Harbor Gates Note is converted into shares of the Company’s common stock.

On July 2, 2020, the Company repaid $152,500 and $15,000 in accrued interest in full satisfaction of the 10% Convertible Promissory Harbor Gates Note.

Kaplan Promissory Note

On May 12, 2020 (the “Issue Date”), the Company issued a promissory note (the “Kaplan Note”) in the principal sum of $90,000 in favor of Jed Kaplan, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, interim Chief Financial Officer, member of the Company’s Board of Directors and greater than 5% stockholder of the Company. The Kaplan Note matures on the first business day following the 150-day anniversary of the Issue Date (the “Maturity Date”). The Company will use the proceeds of the Kaplan Note to fund the operations of Simplicity One Brasil Ltda, the Company’s majority owned subsidiary (“Simplicity Brasil”).

Pursuant to the terms of the Kaplan Note, the Company agreed to pay to Mr. Kaplan the lesser of (i) the principal sum of $90,000 (the “Maximum Commitment”), or (ii) the aggregate principal amount of all direct advances of the proceeds of the Kaplan Note (each, an “Advance”), together with any interest thereon, and any and all other amounts which may be due and payable thereunder from time to time.

Subject to the terms of the Kaplan Note, Mr. Kaplan agreed to make one direct Advance to and for the benefit of the Company on the Issue Date in the amount of $45,000, and one additional Advance to and for the benefit of the Company at such time as the Company may request during the two month period following the Issue Date. The total of the aggregate principal balance of all Advances (collectively referred to herein as the “Principal Amount”) outstanding at any time shall not exceed the Maximum Commitment. Advances made by Mr. Kaplan to the Company under the Kaplan Note which have been repaid may not be borrowed again.

Prior to the Maturity Date or an Event of Default (as hereinafter defined), the Principal Amount outstanding under the Kaplan Note will bear interest at a rate of 3% (the “Interest Rate”). From and after the Maturity Date or upon and during the continuance of an Event of Default, interest will accrue on the unpaid Principal Amount during any such period at an annual rate (the “Default Rate”) equal to 10% plus the Interest Rate; provided, however, that in no event will the Default Rate exceed the maximum rate permitted by law.

The Company may prepay the Kaplan Note, in whole or in part, without a prepayment penalty, at any time provided that an Event of Default has not then occurred.

Self-Amortization Promissory Note

On June 18, 2020 (the “Issue Date”), the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “SPA”) with an accredited investor (the “Holder”), pursuant to which the Company issued a 12% self-amortization promissory note (the “Amortization Note”) with a maturity date of June 18, 2021 (the “Maturity Date”), in the principal sum of $550,000. Pursuant to the terms of the Amortization Note, the Company agreed to pay to $550,000 (the “Principal Sum”) to the Holder and to pay interest on the principal balance at the rate of 12% per annum. The Amortization Note carries an original issue discount (“OID”) of $55,000. Accordingly, on the Closing Date (as defined in the SPA), the Holder paid the purchase price of $495,000 in exchange for the Amortization Note. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the SPA, the Company agreed to issue 55,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Holder as additional consideration.

The Company may prepay the Amortization Note at any time prior to the date that an Event of Default (as defined in the Amortization Note) (each an “Event of Default”) occurs at an amount equal to 100% of the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued and unpaid interest (no prepayment premium). The Amortization Note contains customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, and breach of provisions of the Amortization Note or SPA.

The Company is required to make amortization payments to the Holder according to the following schedule:

 Self-Amortization Promissory Note

On August 7, 2020 (the “Issue Date”), Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “SPA”) with FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC, an accredited investor (the “Holder”), pursuant to which the Company issued a 12% self-amortization promissory note (the “Amortization Note”) with a maturity date of August 7, 2021 (the “Maturity Date”), in the principal sum of $333,333. Pursuant to the terms of the Amortization Note, the Company agreed to pay $333,333 (the “Principal Sum”) to the Holder and to pay interest on the principal balance at the rate of 12% per annum. The Amortization Note carries an original issue discount (“OID”) of $33,333. Accordingly, on the Closing Date (as defined in the SPA), the Holder paid the purchase price of $300,000 in exchange for the Amortization Note. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the SPA, the Company agreed to issue 33,333 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Holder as additional consideration.

The Company may prepay the Amortization Note at any time prior to the date that an Event of Default (as defined in the Amortization Note) (each an “Event of Default”) occurs at an amount equal to 100% of the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued and unpaid interest (no prepayment premium). The Amortization Note contains customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, and breach of provisions of the Amortization Note or SPA.

The Company is required to make amortization payments to the Holder according to the following schedule:

Upon the Holder’s provision of notice to the Company of the occurrence of any Event of Default, which has not been cured within five calendar days as provided in the Amortization Note, the Amortization Note shall become immediately due and payable and the Company shall pay to the Holder, in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder, an amount equal to the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued interest multiplied by 125% (the “Default Amount”). Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, additional interest will accrue from the date of the Event of Default at the rate equal to the lower of 15% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law. The Company shall have the right to pay the Default Amount in cash at any time, provided, however that the Holder may convert the Amortization Note into the Company’s common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations of 4.99% contained in the Amortization Note) at any time after the date that is five calendar days after the Amortization Note becomes immediately due and payable as a result of an Event of Default until the Company has repaid the Amortization Note in cash. If the aforementioned event occurs, the conversion price will be equal to the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the respective conversion. The Company intends to repay the Amortization Note in accordance with its terms so that no amount under the Amortization Note is converted into shares of the Company’s common stock.

PLAYlive Nation Merger

On July 25, 2019, the Company entered an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Esports Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), PLAYlive, Duncan Wood, Robert J. Steinberger, Eric J. Charneski, Jordan C. Jenson, and Alec T. Carpenter (collectively, Messrs. Wood, Steinberger, Charneski, Jenson and Carpenter are referred to herein as the “PLAYlive Stockholders”), and Mr. Wood in his capacity as representative of the Stockholders (the “Stockholder Representative”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of PLAYlive by way of a merger (the “PLAYlive Merger”) pursuant to which Merger Sub merged with and into PLAYlive, with PLAYlive surviving the Merger and continuing as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in exchange for 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Merger Consideration”). The PLAYlive Merger closed on July 30, 2019.

The name of the surviving corporation remained “PLAYlive Nation, Inc.,” the Certificate of Incorporation of the surviving corporation is the certificate of incorporation of PLAYlive, and the bylaws of the surviving corporation are the bylaws of PLAYlive. The directors and officers of Merger Sub immediately prior to the effective time of the PLAYlive Merger became the directors and officers, respectively, of PLAYlive.

At the effective time of the PLAYlive Merger, by virtue of the PLAYlive Merger and without any action on the part of Merger Sub, PLAYlive or the holders of shares of PLAYlive common stock, each share of PLAYlive common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the PLAYlive Merger, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement was cancelled and extinguished and was converted automatically into the right to receive the per share Merger Consideration upon surrender of the certificate representing such shares of PLAYlive common stock as provided in the Merger Agreement. Each share of common stock of Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger was converted into and exchanged for one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock of PLAYlive. Each stock certificate of Merger Sub evidencing ownership of any such shares continues to evidence ownership of such shares of capital stock of PLAYlive.

Promptly following the effective time of the PLAYlive Merger, the Company made available for exchange in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement that portion of the Merger Consideration issuable pursuant to the Merger Agreement in exchange for outstanding PLAYlive common stock, provided, however, that the Company deposited into escrow 75,000 shares of Company common stock out of the aggregate Merger Consideration otherwise issuable to the PLAYlive Stockholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement as partial security for the indemnification obligations set forth in the Merger Agreement. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the PLAYlive Merger. The number of shares of Company common stock issued to each PLAYlive Stockholder in connection with the PLAYlive Merger (after aggregating all fractional shares of Company common stock that otherwise would have been received by such holder) were rounded up to the next whole share in lieu of such fractional share.

At the closing of the PLAYlive Merger, PLAYlive was required to have not less than $10,000 in cash net of issued but uncleared checks, ACHs, and drafts, on deposit in PLAYlive’s principal bank account (“Minimum Cash”). Within 60 days after the closing date, the Company may deliver a notice to the Stockholder Representative setting forth a description of any item which caused Minimum Cash to exceed or fall below $10,000 and the actual amount of Minimum Cash on deposit in PLAYlive’s principal bank account as of the closing (a “Minimum Cash Adjustment Notice”). If the actual amount of Minimum Cash as of the closing is more than $10,000, then the Company will pay to the Stockholder Representative (for distribution to the PLAYlive Stockholders), the amount by which Minimum Cash exceeds $10,000 provided, however, in no event shall the cash payment exceed an amount that will permit the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement to qualify for the intended tax treatment. If the actual amount of Minimum Cash as of the closing is less than $10,000, then the Stockholder Representative (on behalf of the PLAYlive Stockholders) will pay to the Company the amount by which Minimum Cash is less than $10,000.

Concurrently with execution of the Merger Agreement, the PLAYlive Stockholders executed and delivered a restrictive covenant agreement as provided in the Merger Agreement. At closing, each of Messrs. Wood, Jenson, and Carpenter entered into an employment agreement with PLAYlive, and each of the PLAYlive Stockholders entered into a one-year lock-up agreement with the Company.

The PLAYlive Merger is intended to be a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the Merger Agreement is intended to be a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of the regulations promulgated under Section 368(a) of the Code and for the purpose of qualifying as a tax-free transaction for federal income tax purposes.

Private Unit Offering

In 2019, the Company sold an aggregate of 987,500 units (the “Units”) at a purchase price of $2.00 per Unit to 12 accredited investors in exchange for receipt of $1,975,000. Each unit consists of (i) one share of common stock, and (ii) a 5-year warrant to purchase one share of common stock at a purchase price of $4.00.

Settlement Agreement

In March 2019, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with its prior attorney. The settlement agreement called for $200,000 to be paid upon signing the settlement agreement and then another $525,000 to be paid over-time. As of July 23, 2019, the Company owed this attorney $300,000.

Debt Conversion

On May 31, 2019, we issued 100,000 shares of Common Stock to affiliates of Polar in exchange for Polar’s forgiveness of $143,476 owed by us to Polar under that that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2018, between Polar and us.

Overview of Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited

Smaaash Private operates state-of-the-art games and entertainment centers (“Smaaash Centers”) in India, in addition to carrying out product sales of its games and equipment that Smaaash has developed in-house, supported by its sponsorship and other revenues. Smaaash Private’s core concept is to offer an interactive, immersive and fun experience to customers at its Smaaash Centers, blending Augmented Reality (“AR”) and Virtual Reality (“VR”) and other games, indoor entertainment, and attractive food and beverage options, customized to the tastes and preferences of a diverse set of customers across age groups, genders and backgrounds, including corporate customers, families, friends and children.

Following the January 2019 acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC, we determined to shift our current primary focus to the Simplicity Esports LLC business. Accordingly, we do not anticipate generating any material revenues from Smaaash in the next 12 months. The Master Franchise Agreement, as amended, and the Master Distribution Agreement continue in full force and effect, however, and we may now or in the future pursue Smaaash business opportunities.

Employees

As of August 31, 2020, we had 16 full-time employees and 8 part-time employees. None of our employees is represented by a union. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.

Legal Proceedings

On August 5, 2020, a lawsuit styled Duncan Wood v. PLAYlive Nation, Inc. and Simplicity eSports and Gaming Company (Case No. 20-1043) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The complaint alleges unlawful failure to make timely and reasonable payment of wages under Arizona law, breach of contract, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing and unjust enrichment. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages for all wage compensation and common stock alleged to be owed, treble damages, interest on all wage compensation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and such other monetary, injunctive, equitable, compensatory, punitive and declaratory relief as the Court deems just and proper. Defendants’ responsive pleading is not yet due and has not been filed. The litigation is in its initial stages and the Company is unable to reasonably predict its potential outcome. The Company, however, believes that the lawsuit is without merit and intends to vigorously defend the claims.

From time to time, we are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. To the knowledge of our management, there are no legal proceedings currently pending against us which we believe would have a material effect on our business, financial position or results of operations and, to the best of our knowledge, there are no such legal proceedings contemplated or threatened.

Properties

Our corporate headquarters are located at 7000 W. Palmetto Park Road, Suite 505, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, where we lease approximately 250 rentable square feet of office space from an unaffiliated third party. This lease expires on June 1, 2022. Terms of the office lease provide for a base rent payment of $800 per month. In total we lease approximately 8,600 rentable square feet of office space from unaffiliated third parties in five locations in Florida, Oregon and Washington state for our corporate offices and gaming centers. These leases expire at various times, with the first expiration being November of 2020 and the last being May of 2025. Terms of the office leases currently provide for base rent payments of approximately $17,900 per month with annual price escalations. We believe that these facilities are adequate for our current and near-term future needs.

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities carries a significant degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risks, as well as the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our historical financial statements and related notes included elsewhere herein, before you decide to purchase our securities. Any one of these risks and uncertainties has the potential to cause material adverse effects on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results which could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements expressed by us and a significant decrease in the value of our common shares and warrants. Refer to “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”.

We may not be successful in preventing the material adverse effects that any of the following risks and uncertainties may cause. These potential risks and uncertainties may not be a complete list of the risks and uncertainties facing us. There may be additional risks and uncertainties that we are presently unaware of, or presently consider immaterial, that may become material in the future and have a material adverse effect on us. You could lose all or a significant portion of your investment due to any of these risks and uncertainties.

Risks Related to Our Business

We have a relatively limited operating history and limited revenues to date and thus are subject to risks of business development and you have no basis on which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective.

Because we have a relatively limited operating history and limited revenues to date, you should consider and evaluate our operating prospects in light of the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by early-stage operating companies in rapidly evolving markets. These risks include:

Our future growth will depend substantially on our ability to address these and the other risks described in this section. If we do not successfully address these risks, our business could be significantly harmed.

We have a history of operating losses and our management has concluded that factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern and our auditor has included an explanatory paragraph relating to our ability to continue as a going concern in its audit report for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2020 and 2019.

To date, we have not been profitable and have incurred significant losses and cash flow deficits. For the fiscal years ended May 31, 2020 and 2019, we reported net losses of $2,620,238 and $3,565,272, respectively, and negative cash flow from operating activities of $1,522,486 and $1,395,255, respectively. As of May 31, 2020, we had an aggregate accumulated deficit of $6,195,044. We anticipate that we will continue to report losses and negative cash flow. Our management has concluded that our historical recurring losses from operations and negative cash flows from operations as well as our dependence on private equity and financings raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern and our auditor has included an explanatory paragraph relating to our ability to continue as a going concern in its audit report for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020 and 2019.

Our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. These adjustments would likely include substantial impairment of the carrying amount of our assets and potential contingent liabilities that may arise if we are unable to fulfill various operational commitments. In addition, the value of our securities, including common stock issued in this offering, would be greatly impaired. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon generating sufficient cash flow from operations and obtaining additional capital and financing, including funds to be raised in this offering. If our ability to generate cash flow from operations is delayed or reduced and we are unable to raise additional funding from other sources, we may be unable to continue in business even if this offering is successful. For further discussion about our ability to continue as a going concern and our plan for future liquidity, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.”

We are a holding company and depend upon our subsidiaries for our cash flows.

We are a holding company. All of our operations are conducted, and almost all of our assets are owned, by our subsidiaries. Consequently, our cash flows and our ability to meet our obligations depend upon the cash flows of our subsidiaries and the payment of funds by these subsidiaries to us in the form of dividends, distributions or otherwise. The ability of our subsidiaries to make any payments to us depends on their earnings, the terms of their indebtedness, including the terms of any credit facilities and legal restrictions. Any failure to receive dividends or distributions from our subsidiaries when needed could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Future acquisitions or strategic investments could disrupt our business and harm our business, results of operations or financial condition.

We may in the future explore potential acquisitions of companies or strategic investments to strengthen our business. Even if we identify an appropriate acquisition candidate, we may not be successful in negotiating the terms or financing of the acquisition, and our due diligence may fail to identify all of the problems, liabilities or other shortcomings or challenges of an acquired business.

Acquisitions involve numerous risks, any of which could harm our business, including:

Failure to appropriately mitigate these risks or other issues related to such strategic investments and acquisitions could result in reducing or completely eliminating any anticipated benefits of transactions, and harm our business generally. Future acquisitions could also result in dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, amortization expenses or the impairment of goodwill, any of which could have a material adverse effect on business, results of operations or financial condition.

We may require additional funding for our growth plans, and such funding may result in a dilution of your investment.

We attempted to estimate our funding requirements in order to implement our growth plans. If the costs of implementing such plans should exceed these estimates significantly or if we come across opportunities to grow through expansion plans which cannot be predicted at this time, and our funds generated from our operations prove insufficient for such purposes, we may need to raise additional funds to meet these funding requirements.

These additional funds may be raised by issuing equity or debt securities or by borrowing from banks or other resources. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain any additional financing on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If we fail to obtain additional financing on terms that are acceptable to us, we will not be able to implement such plans fully if at all. Such financing even if obtained, may be accompanied by conditions that limit our ability to pay dividends or require us to seek lenders’ consent for payment of dividends, or restrict our freedom to operate our business by requiring lender’s consent for certain corporate actions.

Further, if we raise additional funds by way of a rights offering or through the issuance of new shares, any shareholders who are unable or unwilling to participate in such an additional round of fund raising may suffer dilution in their investment.

We may not have sufficient capital to fund our ongoing operations, effectively pursue our strategy or sustain our growth initiatives.

After the consummation of the acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC and PLAYlive Nation, Inc., our remaining liquidity and capital resources may not be sufficient to allow us to fund our ongoing operations, effectively pursue our strategy or sustain our growth initiatives. If we require additional capital resources, we may seek such funds directly from third party sources; however, we may not be able to obtain sufficient equity capital and/or debt financing from third parties to allow us to fund our expected ongoing operations or we may not be able to obtain such equity capital or debt financing on acceptable terms or conditions. Factors affecting the availability of equity capital or debt financing to us on acceptable terms and conditions include:

If we are unable to obtain the equity capital or debt financing necessary to fund our ongoing operations, pursue our strategy and sustain our growth initiatives, we may be forced to scale back our operations or our expansion initiatives, and our business and operating results will be materially adversely affected.

Our growth strategy depends on the availability of suitable locations for our Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers and our ability to open new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers and operate them profitably.

A key element of our growth strategy is to extend our brand by opening corporate owned as well as franchising retail Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers in locations in the United States that we believe will provide attractive returns on investment. We have identified numerous sites for potential corporate Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers and many other sites for potential franchised esports gaming centers, in the United States, however, desirable locations for additional Simplicity Esports Gaming Center openings may not be available at an acceptable cost when we identify a particular opportunity for a new Simplicity Esports Gaming Center.

In addition, our ability to open new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers on a timely and cost-effective basis, or at all, is dependent on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including our ability or the ability of the selected franchisee to:

If we succeed in opening new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers on a timely and cost-effective basis, we may nonetheless be unable to attract enough customers to the new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers because potential customers may be unfamiliar with our brands or concepts, or our entertainment and menu options might not appeal to them. Our new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers may not meet or exceed our performance targets, including target cash-on-cash returns. New Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers may even operate at a loss, which could have a significant adverse effect on our overall operating results.

Our operations of Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers are significantly dependent on changes in public and customer tastes and discretionary spending patterns. Our inability to successfully anticipate customer preferences or to gain popularity for such Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers games may negatively impact our profitability.

Our success depends significantly on public and customer tastes and preferences, which can be unpredictable. If we are unable to successfully anticipate customer preferences or increase the popularity of the games offered at the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers, the per capita revenue and overall customer expenditures at the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers may decrease, and thereby negatively impact our profitability. In response to such developments, we may need to increase our marketing and product development efforts and expenditures, adjust our game or product sale pricing, modify the games themselves, or take other actions, which may further erode our profit margins, or otherwise adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In particular, we may need to expend considerable cost and effort in carrying out extensive research and development to assess the potential interest in a game, testing and launching new games, and to remain abreast with continually evolving technology and trends, as well as the success and popularity of Simplicity stream team’s casters, influencers and personalities among Simplicity Esports LLC’s dedicated fan base.

While we may incur significant expenditures of this nature, including in the future as we continue to expand our operations, there can be no assurance that any such expenditures or investments by us will yield expected or commensurate returns or results, within a reasonable or anticipated time, or at all.

The nature of our business exposes us to negative publicity or customer complaints, including in relation to, among other things, accidents, injuries or thefts at the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers, or health and safety concerns arising from improper use of our game equipment or at our food and beverage venues.

Our business inherently exposes us to negative publicity or customer complaints as a result of accidents, injuries, or in extreme cases, deaths, arising from instances of air-borne, water-borne or food-borne contagion or illness, food contamination, spoilage, tampering, equipment failure, improper use of our equipment, fire, explosion, terrorist attacks or civil riots, and other safety or security issues, such as kidnapping, or associated risks arising from other actual or perceived non-compliance with safety, quality or service standards or norms in relation to the various game, entertainment and food and beverage attractions at the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers. Even isolated or sporadic incidents or accidents may have a negative impact on our brand image and reputation, and the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers’, or games’ or our own popularity with customers. The considerable expansion of social media in recent years has compounded the effect of any potential negative publicity.

We cannot guarantee that our or our franchisee’s employee training, internal controls and other precautions will be sufficient to prevent any such occurrence at the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers, in relation to our Simplicity global virtual reality gaming and fully integrated esports platform, or to control or mitigate any negative consequences. In addition, we or our franchisees rely on third-party security and housekeeping staff for certain non-core functions, as well as certain technology vendors and partners. Although we monitor vendors and partners and, in certain cases, may have a contractual indemnity or recourse in case of any default on their part, our ability to assure a safe and satisfactory experience to our customers is necessarily limited to the extent of our or our franchisees’, dependence on third parties, from time to time. Moreover, we may not be able to distance or insulate ourselves from any adverse publicity or reputational damage arising from any act, omission or negligence on the part of a vendor or other third party, which may negatively affect a customer’s experience at any of the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers.

We or our franchisees may not be able to operate in the United States, or obtain and maintain licenses and permits necessary for such operation, in compliance with laws, regulations and other requirements, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Each Simplicity Esports Gaming Center will be subject to licensing and regulation by alcoholic beverage control, amusement, health, sanitation, safety, building code and fire agencies in the country, state, county and/or municipality in which the Simplicity Esports Gaming Center is located. In the United States, each Simplicity Esports Gaming Center with a restaurant or bar will be required to obtain a license to sell alcoholic beverages on the premises from a state authority and, in certain locations, county and municipal authorities. Typically, licenses must be renewed annually and may be revoked or suspended for cause at any time. In some states, the loss of a license for cause with respect to one Simplicity Esports Gaming Center may lead to the loss of licenses at all Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers in that state and could make it more difficult to obtain additional licenses in that state. Alcoholic beverage control regulations relate to numerous aspects of the daily operations of each Simplicity Esports Gaming Center, including minimum age of patrons and employees, hours of operation, advertising, wholesale purchasing, inventory control and handling and storage and dispensing of alcoholic beverages. Our failure or a failure by a franchisee in obtaining and maintaining the required licenses, permits and approvals at any one Simplicity Esports Gaming Center could impact the continuing operations of existing Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers, or delay or prevent the opening of new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers. Although we do not anticipate any material difficulties occurring in the future, the failure to receive or retain a liquor license, or any other required permit or license, in a particular location, or to continue to qualify for, or renew licenses, could have a material adverse effect on operations and our ability to obtain such a license or permit in other locations.

As a result of operating certain entertainment games and attractions, including skill-based games that offer redemption prizes, the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers in the United States are subject to amusement licensing and regulation by the countries, states, provinces, counties and municipalities in which our Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers are located. These laws and regulations can vary significantly by country, state, province, county, and municipality and, in some jurisdictions, may require us to modify our business operations or alter the mix of redemption games and simulators we offer. Moreover, as more states in the United States and local communities implement legalized gambling, the laws and corresponding enabling regulations may also be applicable to our redemption games and regulators may create new licensing requirements, taxes or fees, or restrictions on the various types of redemption games we offer. Furthermore, other states, provinces, counties and municipalities may make changes to existing laws to further regulate legalized gaming and illegal gambling. Adoption of these laws, or adverse interpretation of existing laws, after we have established a Simplicity Esports Gaming Center in the jurisdiction could require the existing center in these jurisdictions to alter the mix of games, modify certain games, change the mix of prizes that we may offer or terminate the use of specific games, any of which could adversely affect our operations.

We are also subject to laws and regulations governing our relationship with our employees, including those related to minimum wage requirements, exempt status, overtime, health insurance mandates, working and safety conditions, immigration status requirements, child labor, and non-discrimination. Additionally, changes in federal labor laws, including card verification regulations, could result in portions of our workforce being subjected to greater organized labor influence, which could result in an increase to our labor costs. A significant portion of Simplicity Esports Gaming Center personnel will be paid at minimum wage rates established by federal, state and municipal law. Increases in the minimum wage result in higher labor costs, which may be only partially offset by price increases and operational efficiencies.

We are also subject to the rules and regulations of the Federal Trade Commission and various state laws regulating the offer and sale of franchises. The Federal Trade Commission and various state laws require that we furnish a franchise disclosure document containing certain information to prospective franchisees, and a number of states require registration of the franchise disclosure document with state authorities. State laws that regulate the franchisor-franchisee relationship presently exist in a substantial number of states, and bills have been introduced in Congress from time to time that would provide for federal regulation of the franchisor-franchisee relationship. The state laws often limit, among other things, the duration and scope of non-competition provisions, the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise and the ability of a franchisor to designate sources of supply. We shall endeavor to make sure that any franchise disclosure document we provide, together with any applicable state versions or supplements, and franchising procedures, comply in all material respects with both the Federal Trade Commission guidelines and all applicable state laws regulating franchising in those states in which we have offered franchises.

If we and our franchisees fail to comply with such laws and regulations, we may be subject to various sanctions and/or penalties and fines or may be required to cease operations until we achieve compliance, which could have an adverse effect on our business and our financial results.

Our growth through franchising may not occur as rapidly as we currently anticipate and may be subject to additional risks.

As part of our growth strategy, we will continue to seek franchisees to operate Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers in certain strategic domestic locations or venues. We believe that our ability to recruit, retain and contract with qualified franchisees will be increasingly important to our operations as we expand. Our franchisees are dependent upon the availability of adequate sources of financing in order to meet their development obligations. Such financing may not be available to our franchisees, or only available upon disadvantageous terms. Our franchise strategy may not enhance our results of operations.

Expanding through franchising exposes our business and brand to risks because the quality of the franchised operations will be beyond our immediate control, including risks associated with our confidential information, intellectual properties (including trademarks) and brand reputation. Even if we have contractual remedies to cause franchisees to maintain operational standards, enforcing those remedies may require litigation and therefore our image and reputation may suffer, unless and until such litigation is successfully concluded.

We could face liability from or as a result of our franchisees.

Various state and federal laws will govern the relationship between us and our franchisees and the potential sale of a franchise. If we fail to comply with these laws, we could be liable for damages to franchisees and fines or other penalties. A franchisee or government agency may bring legal action against us based on the franchisee/franchisor relationship. Also, under the franchise business model, we may face claims and liabilities based on vicarious liability, joint-employer liability, or other theories or liabilities. Such legal actions could result in expensive litigation with our franchisees or government agencies that could adversely affect both our profit and our important relations with our franchisees. In addition, regulatory or legal developments could result in changes to laws or the franchisor/franchisee relationship that could negatively impact the franchise business model and, accordingly, our profit.

We may not be able to compete favorably in the highly competitive out-of-home and home-based entertainment market in the United States, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

The out-of-home entertainment market in the United States is highly competitive. Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers that we or our franchisees operate will compete for customers’ discretionary entertainment dollars with providers of out-of-home entertainment, including localized attraction facilities such as movie theatres, sporting events, bowling alleys, sports activity centers, arcades and entertainment centers, nightclubs and restaurants as well as theme parks. Many of the entities operating these businesses are larger and have significantly greater financial resources, a greater number of locations, have been in business longer, have greater name and brand recognition and are better established in the local markets where Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers are planned to be located. As a result, they may be able to invest greater resources than we can in attracting customers and succeed in attracting customers who would otherwise come to the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers we or our franchisees operate. In the United States, the legalization of casino gambling in geographic areas near any future Simplicity Esports Gaming Center would create the possibility for adult entertainment alternatives, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. We will also face competition from local, regional and national establishments that offer entertainment experiences similar to us. Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers we or our franchisees operate will also face competition from increasingly sophisticated home-based forms of entertainment, such as internet and video gaming and home movie streaming and delivery. If we fail to compete favorably in the competitive out-of-home and home-based entertainment markets it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our senior management team has limited experience in establishing, operating, licensing rights to and franchising entertainment centers and related products.

The members of our senior management team have extensive backgrounds in finance and the management of financial services businesses, however, they have limited prior experience in establishing, operating, licensing rights to and franchising entertainment centers. We will need to expand our management team, to include individuals with expertise in establishing and operating entertainment centers as well as individuals with expertise in product licensing and franchise operations. If we are unable to recruit professionals with acceptable backgrounds in establishing and operating entertainment centers and with backgrounds in product licensing and financing, we may not be able to pursue our growth strategy which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Our success depends upon our ability to recruit and retain qualified management and operating personnel at Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers.

We and our franchisees must attract, retain and motivate a sufficient number of qualified management and operating personnel in order to maintain consistency in our service, hospitality, quality and atmosphere of our Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers. Qualified management and operating personnel are typically in high demand. If we and our franchisees are unable to attract and retain a satisfactory number of qualified management and operating personnel, labor shortages could delay the planned openings of new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Acquisitions, other strategic alliances and investments could result in operating difficulties, dilution, and other harmful consequences that may adversely impact our business and results of operations.

Acquisitions are an important element of our overall corporate strategy and use of capital, and these transactions could be material to our financial condition and results of operations. We expect to continue to evaluate and enter into discussions regarding a wide array of potential strategic transactions. The process of integrating an acquired company, business, or product has created, and will continue to create, unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. The areas where we face risks may include, but are not limited to:

Our failure to address these risks or other problems encountered in connection with our past or future acquisitions and investments or strategic alliances could cause us to fail to realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions, investments or alliances, incur unanticipated liabilities, and harm our business generally.

Our acquisitions could also result in dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities or amortization expenses, or impairment of goodwill and purchased long-lived assets, and restructuring charges, any of which could harm our financial condition or results of operations and cash flows. Also, the anticipated benefits of many of our acquisitions may not materialize.

Our insurance coverage may not adequately protect us against all future risks, which may adversely affect our business and prospects.

We maintain insurance coverage, including for fire, acts of god and perils, terrorism, burglary, money, loss of profit, fidelity guarantee, fixed glass and sanitary fitting, electronic equipment, machinery breakdown, portable equipment, sign boards, commercial general liability, marine transit, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, as well as employee health and medical insurance, with standard exclusions in each instance. While we maintain insurance in amounts that we consider reasonably sufficient for a business of our nature and scale, with insurers that we consider reliable and credit worthy, we may face losses and liabilities that are uninsurable by their nature, or that are not covered, fully or at all, under our existing insurance policies. Moreover, coverage under such insurance policies would generally be subject to certain standard or negotiated exclusions or qualifications and, therefore, any future insurance claims by us may not be honored by our insurers in full, or at all. In addition, our premium payments under our insurance policies may require a significant investment by us.

To the extent that we suffer loss or damage that is not covered by insurance or that exceeds our insurance coverage, the loss will have to be borne by us and our business, cash flow, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be adversely affected.

Changes in laws or regulations, or a failure to comply with any laws and regulations, may adversely affect our business, investments and results of operations.

We are subject to laws and regulations enacted by national, regional and local governments. In particular, we are required to comply with certain SEC and other legal requirements. Compliance with, and monitoring of, applicable laws and regulations may be difficult, time consuming and costly. Those laws and regulations and their interpretation and application may also change from time to time and those changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, investments and results of operations. In addition, a failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, as interpreted and applied, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We are dependent upon our executive officers and directors and their departure could adversely affect our ability to operate.

Our operations are dependent upon a relatively small group of individuals and, in particular, our executive officers and directors. We believe that our success depends on the continued service of our executive officers and directors. We do not have key-man insurance on the life of any of our directors or executive officers. The unexpected loss of the services of one or more of our directors or executive officers could have a detrimental effect on us.

Our executive officers, directors, security holders and their respective affiliates may have competitive pecuniary interests that conflict with our interests.

We have not adopted a policy that expressly prohibits our directors, executive officers, security holders or affiliates from having a direct or indirect pecuniary or financial interest in any investment to be acquired or disposed of by us or in any transaction to which we are a party or have an interest. While our employment agreements with our key executive officers contain non-compete provisions, we do not have a policy that expressly prohibits any such persons from engaging for their own account in business activities of the types conducted by us. Accordingly, such persons or entities may have a conflict between their interests and ours.

We are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act, and if we take advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies, this could make our securities less attractive to investors and may make it more difficult to compare our performance with other public companies.

We are an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor internal controls attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As a result, our stockholders may not have access to certain information they may deem important. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our Common Stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any November 30 before that time, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following May 31. We cannot predict whether investors will find our securities less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result of our reliance on these exemptions, the trading prices of our securities may be lower than they otherwise would be, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the trading prices of our securities may be more volatile.

Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of our financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

Compliance obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may require substantial financial and management resources.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we evaluate and report on our system of internal controls. As long as we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on our internal control over financial reporting.

Provisions in our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and Delaware law may inhibit a takeover of us, which could limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for our Common Stock and could entrench management.

Our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, contains provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that stockholders may consider to be in their best interests. These provisions include a staggered board of directors and the ability of the board of directors to designate the terms of and issue new series of preferred shares, which may make more difficult the removal of management and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our securities.

If we fail to keep pace with changing industry technology and consumer preferences, we will be at a competitive disadvantage.

The Simplicity products and services compete within industries that are characterized by swiftly changing technology, evolving industry standards, frequent new and enhanced product introductions, rapidly changing consumer preferences and product obsolescence. In order to continue to compete effectively, we need to respond quickly to technological changes and to understand their impact on customers’ preferences. We may take significant time and resources to respond to these technological changes and changes in consumer preferences. Our business and results of operations may be negatively impacted if our products and services fail to keep pace with these changes.

Various product safety laws and governmental regulations applicable to the distributor of Simplicity Esports LLC’s and/or PLAYlive Nation, Inc.’s products may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our distribution of Simplicity Esports LLC’s and/or PLAYlive Nation, Inc.’s products will be subject to numerous federal, state, provincial, local and foreign laws and regulations, including laws and regulations with respect to product safety, including regulations enforced by the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission. We and our franchisees could incur costs in complying with these regulations and, if they fail to comply, could incur significant penalties. A failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or concerns about product safety, may also lead to a recall or post-manufacture repair of selected Simplicity Esports LLC’s and/or PLAYlive Nation, Inc.’s products, resulting in the rejection of the products by our franchisees, lost sales, increased customer service and support costs, and costly litigation.

Public health epidemics or outbreaks, such as COVID-19, could materially and adversely impact our business.

In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. While initially the outbreak was largely concentrated in China and caused significant disruptions to its economy, it has now spread to several other countries and infections have been reported globally.

Because COVID-19 infections have been reported throughout the United States, certain federal, state and local governmental authorities have issued stay-at-home orders, proclamations and/or directives aimed at minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Additional, more restrictive proclamations and/or directives may be issued in the future. As a result, all of our corporate and franchised Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers were closed effective April 1, 2020. We commenced reopening Simplicity Gaming Centers on May 1, 2020 and have since reopened one corporate and 21 franchised Simplicity Gaming Centers as of June 28, 2020. Although our franchise agreements with franchisees of Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers require a minimum monthly royalty payment to us from the franchisees regardless of whether the franchised Simplicity Gaming Centers are operating, there is a potential risk that franchisees of Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers will default in their obligations to pay their minimum monthly royalty payment to us.

The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s operations is unknown and will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak, new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and any additional preventative and protective actions that governments, or the Company, may direct, which may result in an extended period of continued business disruption, reduced customer traffic and reduced operations. Any resulting financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time but is anticipated to have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The measures taken to date will impact the Company’s business for the fiscal fourth quarter and potentially beyond. Management expects that all of its business segments, across all of its geographies, will be impacted to some degree, but the significance of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Company’s business and the duration for which it may have an impact cannot be determined at this time.

Risks Relating to Our Esports Business

Our esports businesses are substantially dependent on the continuing popularity of the esports industry as a whole.

The esports industry is in the early stages of its respective development. Although the esports industry has experienced rapid growth, consumer preferences may shift and there is no assurance this growth will continue in the future. We have taken steps to diversify their businesses and mitigate these risks to an extent and continue to seek out new opportunities in the esports industry. However, due to the rapidly evolving nature of technology and online gaming, the esports industry may experience volatile and declining popularity as new options for online gaming and esports become available, or consumer preferences shift to other forms of entertainment, and as a consequence, our businesses and results of operations may be materially negatively affected.

Our esports business faces intense and wide-ranging competition, which may have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.

The success of our esports business is dependent upon the performance and/or popularity of its teams. Simplicity Esports LLC’s teams compete, in varying respects and degrees, with other live sporting events, and with sporting events delivered over television networks, radio, the Internet and online services, mobile applications and other alternative sources. For example, our esports teams compete for attendance, viewership and advertising with a wide range of alternatives available in major metropolitan areas. During some or all of the esports season, our teams face competition, in varying respects and degrees, from professional and collegiate basketball, hockey, baseball, football, and soccer, among others.

As a result of the large number of options available, we face strong competition for the sports and gaming fan. We must compete with other esports teams, traditional sports teams and sporting events, in varying respects and degrees, including on the basis of the quality of the teams we field, their success in the leagues, tournaments and genres in which they compete, our ability to provide an entertaining environment at any esports games that we host at our centers, prices charged for tickets and the viewing availability of our teams on multiple media alternatives. Given the nature of esports and sports in general, there can be no assurance that we will be able to compete effectively, including with companies that may have greater resources than we have, and as a consequence, our business and results of operations may be materially negatively affected by competition.

Our businesses are substantially dependent on the continued popularity and/or competitive success of Simplicity Esports LLC’s teams, which cannot be assured.

Our future financial results will be dependent on the Simplicity teams becoming and remaining popular with our fan base and, in varying degrees, on the teams achieving in-game success, which can generate fan enthusiasm, resulting in sustained ticket and merchandise sales during the season. Furthermore, success in the regular season at certain tournaments may qualify one or more of our esports teams for participation in post-season playoffs, which provides us with additional revenue from prize money by increasing the number of games played by our sports teams and, more importantly, by generating increased excitement and interest in our esports teams, which can improve attendance in subsequent seasons. There can be no assurance that any of our esports teams, will develop a significant fan base, maintain continued popularity or compete in post-season play in the future.

Defection of our esports players to other teams or managers could hinder our success.

We compete with other esports athlete management businesses to sign and retain world class esports players, some of which have greater resources or brand recognition and popularity than ours. Our players may choose to defect to other esports organizations for various reasons, including that they have been made a superior offer or they have chosen to pursue new or other opportunities. The loss or defection of any of our esports players could have negative consequences on our businesses and results of operations. While we take or intend to take, all appropriate steps to retain our players and protect their interests, there can be no assurances that players will not defect to other esports organizations.

The actions of the various esports leagues and tournaments may have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.

The governing bodies of the various esports leagues and tournaments, under certain circumstances, can take actions that they deem to be in the best interests of their respective leagues or tournaments, which may not necessarily be consistent with maximizing our results of operations and which could affect our esports teams in ways that are different than the impact on other esports teams. For example they can take actions relating to the rights to telecast the games of league members or tournament participants, including the Simplicity team, licensing of the rights to produce and sell merchandise bearing the logos and/or other intellectual property of our esports teams and the leagues or tournaments, and the internet-based activities of our esports teams. Certain of these decisions by the esports leagues and tournaments could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations. From time to time, we may disagree with or challenge actions that the leagues or tournaments take or the power and authority they assert.

We may be unable to effectively manage the growth in the scope and complexity of our business, including our expansion into the esports business which is untested and into adjacent business opportunities.

Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to manage our expanded business, including our aspirations for continued expansion. We intend to dedicate resources to a new business model that is largely untested, as is the case with esports. We do not know to what extent our future expansions will be successful. Further, even if successful, the growth of our business could create significant challenges for our management, operational, and financial resources, and could increase existing strain on, and divert focus from, our core businesses. If not managed effectively, this growth could result in the over-extension of our operating infrastructure, and our management systems, information technology systems, and internal controls and procedures may not be adequate to support this growth. Failure to adequately manage our growth in any of these ways may cause damage to our brand, damage our reputation or otherwise negatively impact our business.

Our industry is subject to rapid technological change, and if we do not adapt to, and appropriately allocate our resources among, emerging technologies and business models, our business may be negatively impacted.

Technology changes rapidly in the interactive entertainment industry. We must continually anticipate and adapt our products, services and business models to emerging technologies and delivery platforms in order to stay competitive. Forecasting our revenues and profitability for these new products, services and business models is inherently uncertain and volatile, and if we invest in the development of interactive entertainment products or services incorporating a new technology or for a new platform that does not achieve significant commercial success, whether because of competition or otherwise, we may not recover the often substantial “up front” costs of developing and marketing those products and services, or recover the opportunity cost of diverting management and financial resources away from other products or services. Further, our competitors may adapt to an emerging technology or business model more quickly or effectively than we do, creating products that are technologically superior to ours, more appealing to consumers, or both.

If, on the other hand, we elect not to pursue the development of products or services incorporating a new technology or for new platforms, or otherwise elect not to pursue new business models, that achieve significant commercial success, it may have adverse consequences. It may take significant time and resources to shift product development resources to that technology, platform or business model, as the case may be, and may be more difficult to compete against existing products and services incorporating that technology or for that platform or against companies using that business model.

Many elements of our business are unique, evolving and relatively unproven. Our business and prospects depend on the continuing development of live streaming of competitive esports gaming. The market for esports and amateur online gaming competition is relatively new and rapidly developing and are subject to significant challenges. Our business relies upon our ability to cultivate and grow an active gamer community, and our ability to successfully monetize such community through tournament fees, subscriptions for our esports gaming services, and advertising and sponsorship opportunities. In addition, our continued growth depends, in part, on our ability to respond to constant changes in the esports gaming industry, including rapid technological evolution, continued shifts in gamer trends and demands, frequent introductions of new games and titles and the constant emergence of new industry standards and practices. Developing and integrating new games, titles, content, products, services or infrastructure could be expensive and time-consuming, and these efforts may not yield the benefits we expect to achieve at all. We cannot assure you that we will succeed in any of these aspects or that the esports gaming industry will continue to grow as rapidly as it has in the past.

We may encounter difficulties in integrating Simplicity Esports LLC’s esports businesses or otherwise realizing the anticipated benefits of the transaction.

As part of our business strategy, from time to time, we acquire, make investments in, or enter into strategic alliances and joint ventures with, complementary businesses, such as the acquisition of the Simplicity esports business in January 2019. The acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC involves significant risks and uncertainties, including: (i) the potential for Simplicity Esports LLC’s business to underperform relative to our expectations and the acquisition price, (ii) the potential for Simplicity Esports LLC’s business to cause our financial results to differ from expectations in any given period, or over the longer-term, (iii) unexpected tax consequences from the acquisition, or the tax treatment of Simplicity Esports LLC’s business’s operations going forward, giving rise to incremental tax liabilities that are difficult to predict, (iv) difficulty in integrating Simplicity Esports LLC’s business, its operations and its employees in an efficient and effective manner, (v) any unknown liabilities or internal control deficiencies assumed as part of the acquisition, and (vi) the potential loss of key employees of Simplicity Esports LLC’s businesses. Further, the transaction may involve the risk that our senior management’s attention will be excessively diverted from our other operations, the risk that the gaming industry does not evolve as anticipated and that any intellectual property or personnel skills acquired do not prove to be those needed for our future success, and the risk that our strategic objectives, cost savings or other anticipated benefits are otherwise not achieved.

Our business may be harmed if our licensing partners, or other third parties with whom we do business, act in ways that put our brand at risk.

We anticipate that our business partners shall be given access to sensitive and proprietary information or control over our intellectual property in order to provide services and support to our teams. These third parties may misappropriate our information or intellectual property and engage in unauthorized use of it or otherwise act in a way that places our brand at risk. The failure of these third parties to provide adequate services and technologies, the failure of third parties to adequately maintain or update their services and technologies or the misappropriation or misuse of this information or intellectual property could result in a disruption to our business operations or an adverse effect on our reputation, and may negatively impact our business.

Our business is highly dependent on the success and availability of video game platforms manufactured by third parties.

We expect to derive a substantial portion of our revenues from esports games played on game platforms manufactured by third parties, such as Sony’s PS4®, Microsoft’s Xbox One®, and Nintendo’s Wii U® and Switch®, and PCs. The success of our business will be driven in large part by our ability to accurately predict which platforms will be successful in the marketplace. We also rely on the availability of an adequate supply of these video game consoles and the continued support for these consoles by their manufacturers. We may be required to commit significant resources well in advance of the anticipated introduction of a new platform. If increased costs are not offset by higher revenues and other cost efficiencies, our business could be negatively impacted. If the platforms for which we invested resources do not attain significant market acceptance, we may not be able to recover our costs, which could be significant.

The games we support are subject to scrutiny regarding the appropriateness of their content. If the publishers and distributors we partner with fail to receive their target ratings for certain titles, or if retailers refuse to sell such titles due to what they perceive to be objectionable content, it could have a negative impact on our business.

Console and PC games are subject to ratings by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (the “ESRB”), a self-regulatory body based in the U.S. that provides U.S. and Canadian consumers of interactive entertainment software with ratings information, including information on the content in such software, such as violence, nudity or sexual content, along with an assessment of the suitability of the content for certain age groups. Certain other countries have also established content rating systems as prerequisites for product sales in those countries. In addition, certain stores use other ratings systems, such as Apple’s use of its proprietary “App Rating System” and Google Play’s use of the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) rating system. If the software publishers that supply our games are unable to obtain the ratings they have targeted for their products, it could have a negative impact on our business. In some instances, the software publishers and developers may be required to modify their products to comply with the requirements of the rating systems, which could delay or disrupt the release of any given product, or may prevent its sale altogether in certain territories, which would limited its availability for use in the games that our teams play.

We will depend on servers to operate our games with online features. If we were to lose server functionality for any reason, our business may be negatively impacted.

Our business at our game centers will rely on the continuous operation of servers, some of which are owned and operated by third parties. Although we shall strive to maintain more than sufficient server capacity, and provide for active redundancy in the event of limited hardware failure, any broad-based catastrophic server malfunction, a significant service-disrupting attack or intrusion by hackers that circumvents security measures, a failure of disaster recovery service or the failure of a company on which we are relying for server capacity to provide that capacity for whatever reason would likely degrade or interrupt the functionality of our games with online features, and could prevent the operation of such games altogether, any of which could result in the loss of sales for, or in, such games.

We also rely on networks operated by third parties, such as the PlayStation® Network, Xbox Live® and Steam®, for the functionality of the games we use which have online features. An extended interruption to any of these services could adversely affect our ability to operate our games with online features, negatively impacting our business.

Further, insufficient server capacity could also negatively impact our game center business. Conversely, if we overestimate the amount of server capacity required by our business, we may incur unnecessary additional operating costs.

The esports gaming industry is very “hit” driven. We may not have access to “hit” games or titles.

Select game titles dominate competitive esports and online gaming, including League of Legends, Minecraft, Fortnite and Overwatch, and many new games titles are regularly introduced in each major industry segment (console, mobile and PC free-to-download). Despite the number of new entrants, only a very few “hit” titles account for a significant portion of total revenue in each segment.

The size and engagement level of our online and in person gamers are critical to our success and are closely linked to the quality and popularity of the esports game publishers with which we have licenses. Esports game publishers on our gaming platform, including those who have entered into license agreements with us, may leave us for other gaming platforms or leagues which may offer better competition, and terms and conditions than we do. Furthermore, we may lose esports game publishers if we fail to generate the number of gamers to our tournaments and league competitions expected by such publishers. In addition, if popular esports game publishers cease to license their games to us, or our live streams fail to attract gamers, we may experience a decline in gamer traffic, subscriptions and engagement, which may have a material and adverse impact on our results of operations and financial conditions.

We must continue to attract and retain the most popular esports gaming titles in order to maintain and increase the popularity of our leagues, tournaments and competitions, and ensure the sustainable growth of our gamer community. We must continue to identify and enter into license agreements with esports gaming publishers developing “hit’ games that resonate with our community on an ongoing basis. We cannot assure you that we can continue to attract and retain the same level of first-tier esports game publishers and our ability to do so is critical to our future success.

If we fail to keep our existing gamers highly engaged, to acquire new gamers, to successfully implement a membership model for our gaming community, our business, profitability and prospects may be adversely affected.

Our success depends on our ability to maintain and grow the number of gamers attending and participating in our in-person and online tournaments and competitions, and using our gaming platform, and keeping our gamers highly engaged. Of particular importance is the successful deployment and expansion of our membership model to our gaming community for purposes of creating predictable recurring revenues.

In order to attract, retain and engage gamers and remain competitive, we must continue to develop and expand our leagues, including internationally, produce engaging tournaments and competitions, successfully license the newest “hit” esports games and titles, implement new technologies and strategies, improve features of our gaming platform and stimulate interactions in our gamer community.

A decline in the number of our gamers in our ecosystem may adversely affect the engagement level of our gamers, the vibrancy of our gamer community, or the popularity of our league play, which may in turn reduce our monetization opportunities, and have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to attract and retain gamers, our revenues may decline and our results of operations and financial condition may suffer.

We cannot assure you that our online and in person gaming platform and centers will remain sufficiently popular with gamers to offset the costs incurred to operate and expand them. It is vital to our operations that we remain sensitive and responsive to evolving gamer preferences and offer first-tier esports game content that attracts our gamers. We must also keep providing gamers with new features and functions to enable superior content viewing, and social interaction. Further, we will need to continue to develop and improve our gaming platform and centers and to enhance our brand awareness, which may require us to incur substantial costs and expenses. If such increased costs and expenses do not effectively translate into an improved gamer experience and long-term engagement, our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Risks Related to International Operations

The risks related to international operations, in particular in countries outside of the United States, could negatively affect the Company’s results.

It is expected that the Company will derive between 15% to 20% of its revenue from transactions denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, such as Brazil, and the Company expects that receivables with respect to foreign sales will account for a significant amount of its total accounts and receivables. As such, the Company’s operations may be adversely affected by changes in foreign government policies and legislation or social instability and other factors which are not within the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, recessions in foreign economies, expropriation, nationalization and limitation or restriction on repatriation of funds, assets or earnings, longer receivables collection periods and greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable, changes in consumer tastes and trends, renegotiation or nullification of existing contracts or licenses, changes in gaming policies, regulatory requirements or the personnel administering them, currency fluctuations and devaluations, exchange controls, economic sanctions and royalty and tax increases, risk of terrorist activities, revolution, border disputes, implementation of tariffs and other trade barriers and protectionist practices, taxation policies, including royalty and tax increases and retroactive tax claims, volatility of financial markets and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, difficulties in the protection of intellectual property particularly in countries with fewer intellectual property protections, the effects that evolving regulations regarding data privacy may have on the Company’s online operations, adverse changes in the creditworthiness of parties with whom the Company has significant receivables or forward currency exchange contracts, labor disputes and other risks arising out of foreign governmental sovereignty over the areas in which the Company’s operations are conducted. The Company’s operations may also be adversely affected by social, political and economic instability and by laws and policies of such foreign jurisdictions affecting foreign trade, taxation and investment. If the Company’s operations are disrupted and/or the economic integrity of its contracts is threatened for unexpected reasons, its business may be harmed.

The Company’s international activities may require protracted negotiations with host governments, national companies and third parties. Foreign government regulations may favor or require the awarding of contracts to local contractors or require foreign contractors to employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a particular jurisdiction. In the event of a dispute arising in connection with the Company’s operations in a foreign jurisdiction where it conducts its business, the Company may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts or may not be successful in subjecting foreign persons to the jurisdictions of the courts of United States or enforcing American judgments in such other jurisdictions. The Company may also be hindered or prevented from enforcing its rights with respect to a governmental instrumentality because of the doctrine of sovereign immunity. Accordingly, the Company’s activities in foreign jurisdictions could be substantially affected by factors beyond the Company’s control, any of which could have a material adverse effect on it. The Company believes that management’s experience to date in commercializing its products, services and solutions in Brazil may be of assistance in helping to reduce these risks. Some countries in which the Company may operate may be considered politically and economically unstable.

Doing business in the industries in which the Company operates often requires compliance with numerous and extensive procedures and formalities. These procedures and formalities may result in unexpected or lengthy delays in commencing important business activities. In some cases, failure to follow such formalities or obtain relevant evidence may call into question the validity of the entity or the actions taken. Management of the Company is unable to predict the effect of additional corporate and regulatory formalities which may be adopted in the future including whether any such laws or regulations would materially increase the Company’s cost of doing business or affect its operations in any area.

The Company may in the future enter into agreements and conduct activities outside of the jurisdictions where it currently carries on business, which expansion may present challenges and risks that the Company has not faced in the past, any of which could adversely affect the results of operations and/or financial condition of the Company.

The Company is subject to foreign exchange and currency risks that could adversely affect its operations, and the Company’s ability to mitigate its foreign exchange risk through hedging transactions may be limited.

The Company expects that it will derive between 15% and 20% of its revenues in currencies other than the United States dollar; however, a substantial portion of the Company’s operating expenses are incurred in United States dollars. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar, the Real (Brazil) and other currencies may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and operating results. The Company’s consolidated financial results are affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Foreign currency exchange rate exposures arise from current transactions and anticipated transactions denominated in currencies other than United States dollars and from the translation of foreign-currency-denominated balance sheet accounts into United States dollar-denominated balance sheet accounts. The Company is exposed to currency exchange rate fluctuations because portions of its revenue and expenses are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, particularly the Real. In particular, uncertainty regarding economic conditions in Brazil pose risk to the stability of the Real. Exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect the Company’s operating results and cash flows and the value of its assets outside of United States. If a foreign currency is devalued in a jurisdiction in which the Company is paid in such currency, then the Company’s customers may be required to pay higher amounts for the Company’s products or services, which they may be unable or unwilling to pay.

While the Company may enter into forward currency swaps and other derivative instruments intended to mitigate the foreign currency exchange risk, there can be no assurance the Company will do so or that any instruments that the Company enters into will successfully mitigate such risk. If the Company enters into foreign currency forward or other hedging contracts, the Company would be subject to the risk that a counterparty to one or more of these contracts defaults on its performance under the contracts. During an economic downturn, a counterparty’s financial condition may deteriorate rapidly and with little notice, and the Company may be unable to take action to protect its exposure. In the event of a counterparty default, the Company could lose the benefit of its hedging contract, which may harm its business and financial condition. In the event that one or more of the Company’s counterparties becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy, its ability to eventually recover any benefit lost as a result of that counterparty’s default may be limited by the liquidity of the counterparty. The Company expects that it will not be able to hedge all of its exposure to any particular foreign currency, and it may not hedge its exposure at all with respect to certain foreign currencies. Changes in exchange rates and the Company’s limited ability or inability to successfully hedge exchange rate risk could have an adverse impact on the Company’s liquidity and results of operations.

We may be unable to obtain licenses in new jurisdictions where our customers operate.

We are subject to regulation in any jurisdiction where our customers access our website. To expand into any such jurisdiction, we may need to be licensed, or obtain approvals of our products or services. If we do not receive, or receive a revocation of a license in a particular jurisdiction for our products or services, we would not be able to sell or place our products or services in that jurisdiction. Any such outcome could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and any growth plans for our business.

Privacy concerns could result in regulatory changes and impose additional costs and liabilities on the Company, limit its use of information, and adversely affect its business.

Personal privacy has become a significant issue in the United States, Brazil, Europe, and many other countries in which the Company currently operates and may operate in the future. Many federal, state, and foreign legislatures and government agencies have imposed or are considering imposing restrictions and requirements about the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information obtained from individuals. Changes to laws or regulations affecting privacy could impose additional costs and liability on the Company and could limit its use of such information to add value for customers. If the Company were required to change its business activities or revise or eliminate services, or to implement burdensome compliance measures, its business and results of operations could be harmed. In addition, the Company may be subject to fines, penalties, and potential litigation if it fails to comply with applicable privacy regulations, any of which could adversely affect the Company’s business, liquidity and results of operation.

The Company’s results of operations could be affected by natural events in the locations in which it operates or where its customers or suppliers operate.

The Company, its customers, and its suppliers have operations in locations subject to natural occurrences such as severe weather and other geological events, including hurricanes, earthquakes, or flood that could disrupt operations. Any serious disruption at any of the Company’s facilities or the facilities of its customers or suppliers due to a natural disaster could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s revenues and increase its costs and expenses. If there is a natural disaster or other serious disruption at any of the Company’s facilities, it could impair its ability to adequately supply its customers, cause a significant disruption to its operations, cause the Company to incur significant costs to relocate or re-establish these functions and negatively impact its operating results. While the Company intends to seek insurance against certain business interruption risks, such insurance may not adequately compensate the Company for any losses incurred as a result of natural or other disasters. In addition, any natural disaster that results in a prolonged disruption to the operations of the Company’s customers or suppliers may adversely affect its business, results of operations or financial condition.

Risks Related to Regulation

The Company is subject to various laws relating to trade, export controls, and foreign corrupt practices, the violation of which could adversely affect its operations, reputation, business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.

We are subject to risks associated with doing business outside of the United States, including exposure to complex foreign and U.S. regulations such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) and other anti-corruption laws which generally prohibit U.S. companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Violations of the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws may result in severe criminal and civil sanctions and other penalties. It may be difficult to oversee the conduct of any contractors, third-party partners, representatives or agents who are not our employees, potentially exposing us to greater risk from their actions. If our employees or agents fail to comply with applicable laws or company policies governing our international operations, we may face legal proceedings and actions which could result in civil penalties, administration actions and criminal sanctions. Any determination that we have violated any anti-corruption laws could have a material adverse impact on our business. Changes in trade sanctions laws may restrict the Company’s business practices, including cessation of business activities in sanctioned countries or with sanctioned entities.

Violations of these laws and regulations could result in significant fines, criminal sanctions against the Company, its officers or its employees, requirements to obtain export licenses, disgorgement of profits, cessation of business activities in sanctioned countries, prohibitions on the conduct of its business and its inability to market and sell the Company’s products or services in one or more countries. Additionally, any such violations could materially damage the Company’s reputation, brand, international expansion efforts, ability to attract and retain employees and the Company’s business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.

Regulations that may be adopted with respect to the internet and electronic commerce may decrease the growth in the use of the internet and lead to the decrease in the demand for Esports’ products and services.

The Company may become subject to any number of laws and regulations that may be adopted with respect to the internet and electronic commerce. New laws and regulations that address issues such as user privacy, pricing, online content regulation, taxation, advertising, intellectual property, information security, and the characteristics and quality of online products and services may be enacted. As well, current laws, which predate or are incompatible with the internet and electronic commerce, may be applied and enforced in a manner that restricts the electronic commerce market. The application of such pre-existing laws regulating communications or commerce in the context of the internet and electronic commerce is uncertain. Moreover, it may take years to determine the extent to which existing laws relating to issues such as intellectual property ownership and infringement, libel and personal privacy are applicable to the internet. The adoption of new laws or regulations relating to the internet, or particular applications or interpretations of existing laws, could decrease the growth in the use of the internet, decrease the demand for esports’ products and services, increase esports’ cost of doing business or could otherwise have a material adverse effect on esports’ business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.

Risk Factors Relating to Our Securities and Capital Structure

We have not paid dividends on our Common Stock in the past and do not expect to pay dividends on our Common Stock in the future. Any return on investment in our common stock may be limited to the value of our Common Stock.

We have never paid cash dividends on our Common Stock and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends on our Common Stock would depend on earnings, financial condition, and other business and economic factors affecting us at such time as our board of directors may consider relevant. If we do not pay dividends on our Common Stock, our Common Stock may be less valuable because a return on your investment will only occur if its stock price appreciates.

Trading on the OTC Markets is volatile and sporadic, which could depress the market price of our common stock and make it difficult for our security holders to resell their common stock and/or warrants.

Our Common Stock and Public Warrants are quoted on the OTCQB tier of the OTC Markets Group, Inc. (“OTC Markets”). Trading in securities quoted on the OTC Markets is often thin and characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices, due to many factors, some of which may have little to do with our operations or business prospects. This volatility could depress the market price of our common stock for reasons unrelated to operating performance. Moreover, the OTC Markets is not a stock exchange, and trading of securities on the OTC Markets is often more sporadic than the trading of securities listed on a quotation system like Nasdaq or a stock exchange like the NYSE American. These factors may result in investors having difficulty reselling any shares of our common stock.

Our stock price is likely to be highly volatile because of several factors, including a limited public float.

The market price of our Common Stock and Public Warrants have been volatile in the past and the market price of our Common Stock and Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants are likely to be highly volatile in the future. You may not be able to resell shares of our Common Stock and/or Private Placement Warrants following periods of volatility because of the market’s adverse reaction to volatility.

Other factors that could cause such volatility may include, among other things:

Any of these factors could have a significant and adverse impact on the market price of our Common Stock and/or Private Placement Warrants. In addition, the stock market in general has at times experienced extreme volatility and rapid decline that has often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our Common Stock and/or Private Placement Warrants, regardless of our actual operating performance.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about the Company, its business, or its market, or if they change their recommendations regarding our securities adversely, the price and trading volume of our securities could decline.

The trading market for our securities will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about us, our business, our market, or our competitors. Securities and industry analysts do not currently, and may never, publish research on the Company. If no securities or industry analysts commence coverage of the Company, our stock price and trading volume would likely be negatively impacted. If any of the analysts who may cover the Company change their recommendation regarding our securities adversely, or provide more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors, the price of our securities would likely decline. If any analyst who may cover the Company were to cease coverage of the Company or fail to regularly publish reports on it, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.

Our common stock has in the past been a “penny stock” under SEC rules, and our warrants may be subject to the “penny stock” rules. It may be more difficult to resell securities classified as “penny stock.”

In the past, our common stock was a “penny stock” under applicable SEC rules (generally defined as non-exchange traded stock with a per-share price below $5.00). Unless we successfully list our common stock and our warrants on a national stock exchange, or maintain a per-share price above $5.00, these rules impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers that recommend the purchase or sale of penny stocks to persons other than those who qualify as “established customers” or “accredited investors.” For example, broker-dealers must determine the appropriateness for non-qualifying persons of investments in penny stocks. Broker-dealers must also provide, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, a standardized risk disclosure document that provides information about penny stocks and the risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, disclose the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, furnish monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account, provide a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser, and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction.

Legal remedies available to an investor in “penny stocks” may include the following:

However, investors who have signed arbitration agreements may have to pursue their claims through arbitration.

These requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity, if any, in the secondary market for a security that becomes subject to the penny stock rules. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by such requirements may discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our securities, which could severely limit the market price and liquidity of our securities. These requirements may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell our common stock or our Private Placement Warrants and may affect your ability to resell our common stock and our Private Placement Warrants.

Many brokerage firms will discourage or refrain from recommending investments in penny stocks. Most institutional investors will not invest in penny stocks. In addition, many individual investors will not invest in penny stocks due, among other reasons, to the increased financial risk generally associated with these investments.

For these reasons, penny stocks may have a limited market and, consequently, limited liquidity. We can give no assurance at what time, if ever, our common stock or our Private Placement Warrants will not be classified as a “penny stock” in the future.

A sale of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock may cause the price of the Common Stock to decline.

If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our Common Stock in the public market, the market price of our Common Stock could fall. These sales also may make it more difficult for us to sell our equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate. This risk is significant because of concentrated positions of our Common Stock held by a small group of investors.

Because certain of our stockholders control a significant number of shares of our Common Stock, they may have effective control over actions requiring stockholder approval.

Our directors, executive officers and principal stockholders, and their respective affiliates, beneficially own approximately 21.7% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock. Accordingly, our executive officers, directors and principal stockholders, and their respective affiliates, will have significant influence on the ability to control the Company and the outcome of issues submitted to our stockholders.

If the benefits of any proposed acquisition of do not meet the expectations of investors, stockholders or financial analysts, the market price of our Common Stock may decline.

If the benefits of any proposed acquisition of do not meet the expectations of investors or securities analysts, the market price of our Common Stock prior to the closing of the proposed acquisition may decline. The market values of our Common Stock at the time of the proposed acquisition may vary significantly from their prices on the date the acquisition target was identified.

In addition, broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of our Common Stock irrespective of our operating performance. The stock market in general has experienced price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the particular companies affected. The trading prices and valuations of these stocks, and of our securities, may not be predictable. A loss of investor confidence in the market for retail stocks or the stocks of other companies which investors perceive to be similar to us could depress our stock price regardless of our business, prospects, financial conditions or results of operations. A decline in the market price of our securities also could adversely affect our ability to issue additional securities and our ability to obtain additional financing in the future.

Changes in accounting principles and guidance, or their interpretation, could result in unfavorable accounting charges or effects, including changes to our previously filed financial statements, which could cause our stock price to decline.

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). These principles are subject to interpretation by the SEC and various bodies formed to interpret and create appropriate accounting principles and guidance. A change in these principles or guidance, or in their interpretations, may have a significant effect on our reported results and retroactively affect previously reported results.

Being a public company results in additional expenses, diverts management’s attention and could also adversely affect our ability to attract and retain qualified directors.

As a public reporting company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. These requirements generate significant accounting, legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more difficult, time consuming or costly and may place significant strain on our personnel and resources. The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. In order to establish the requisite disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, significant resources and management oversight are required.

As a result, management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could have an adverse and even material effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. These rules and regulations may also make it more difficult and expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. If we are unable to obtain appropriate director and officer insurance, our ability to recruit and retain qualified officers and directors, especially those directors who may be deemed independent, could be adversely impacted.

We are an “emerging growth company” and our election to delay adoption of new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies may result in our financial statements not being comparable to those of some other public companies. As a result of this and other reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies, our securities may be less attractive to investors.

As a public reporting company with less than $1,070,000,000 in revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of certain reduced reporting requirements and is relieved of certain other significant requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to public companies. In particular, as an emerging growth company we:

We intend to take advantage of all of these reduced reporting requirements and exemptions, including the longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards under §107 of the JOBS Act. Our election to use the phase-in periods may make it difficult to compare our financial statements to those of non-emerging growth companies and other emerging growth companies that have opted out of the phase-in periods under §107 of the JOBS Act.

Certain of these reduced reporting requirements and exemptions were already available to us due to the fact that we also qualify as a “smaller reporting company” under SEC rules. For instance, smaller reporting companies are not required to obtain an auditor attestation and report regarding management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting; are not required to provide a compensation discussion and analysis; are not required to provide a pay-for-performance graph or Chief Executive Officer pay ratio disclosure; and may present only two years of audited financial statements and related MD&A disclosure.

Under the JOBS Act, we may take advantage of the above-described reduced reporting requirements and exemptions for up to five years after our initial sale of common equity pursuant to a registration statement declared effective under the Securities Act, or such earlier time that we no longer meet the definition of an emerging growth company. In this regard, the JOBS Act provides that we would cease to be an “emerging growth company” if we have more than $1,070,000,000 in annual revenues, have more than $700 million in market value of our Common Stock held by non-affiliates, or issue more than $1.0 billion in principal amount of non-convertible debt over a three-year period. Further, under current SEC rules we will continue to qualify as a “smaller reporting company” for so long as we have a public float (i.e., the market value of common equity held by non-affiliates) of less than $75 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

We cannot predict if investors will find our securities less attractive due to our reliance on these exemptions.

Failure to establish and maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price.

We are required to comply with the SEC’s rules implementing Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which require management to certify financial and other information in our quarterly and annual reports and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of controls over financial reporting. However, as an emerging growth company, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 until the end of the fiscal year for which our second annual report is due or the date we are no longer an emerging growth company. At such time, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our controls are documented, designed or operating.

To comply with the requirements of being a public company, we have undertaken various actions, and may need to take additional actions, such as implementing new internal controls and procedures and hiring additional accounting or internal audit staff. Testing and maintaining internal control can divert our management’s attention from other matters that are important to the operation of our business. Additionally, when evaluating our internal control over financial reporting, we may identify material weaknesses that we may not be able to remediate in time to meet the applicable deadline imposed upon us for compliance with the requirements of Section 404. If we identify any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting or are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting once we are no longer an emerging growth company, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our Common Stock could be negatively affected, and we could become subject to investigations by the Financial Industry Regulatory Agency, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.

Anti-takeover provisions contained in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, could impair a takeover attempt.

The Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control or changes in our management without the consent of our board of directors. These provisions include:

These provisions, alone or together, could delay hostile takeovers and changes in control of the Company or changes in our board of directors and management.

Any provision of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our security holders to receive a premium for their securities and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our securities.

In the event that our common stock price does not exceed the exercise price of the Private Placement Warrants during the period when the Private Placement Warrants are exercisable, the Private Placement Warrants may not have any value.

The warrants will be immediately exercisable and expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance. The Private Placement Warrants will have an initial exercise price per share equal to $11.50. In the event that our common stock price does not exceed the exercise price of the Private Placement Warrants during the period when the Private Placement Warrants are exercisable, the Private Placement Warrants may not have any value.

There is no established trading market for the Private Placement Warrants and the market for the Private Placement Warrants may be highly volatile or may decline regardless of our operating performance. We do not intend to list the Private Placement Warrants, nor do we expect the Private Placement Warrants to be quoted, on any securities exchange.

There must be a current registration statement in order for you to exercise the Private Placement Warrants.

Holders of Private Placement Warrants will be able to exercise the Private Placement Warrants only if a current registration statement relating to the common stock underlying the Private Placement Warrants is then in effect. Although we will attempt to maintain the effectiveness of a current registration statement covering the common stock underlying the Private Placement Warrants, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so. If the registration statement covering the shares issuable upon exercise of the Private Placement Warrants is no longer effective, the Private Placement Warrants may only be exercised on a “cashless” basis and will be issued with restrictive legends unless such shares are eligible for sale under Rule 144 of the Securities Act.

Holders of our Private Placement Warrants will have no rights as a common stockholder until they acquire our common stock.

Until you acquire shares of our common stock upon exercise of your Private Placement Warrants, you will have no rights with respect to our common stock. Upon exercise of your Private Placement Warrants, you will be entitled to exercise the rights of a common stockholder only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise date.

Not applicable.

Our corporate headquarters are located at 7000 W. Palmetto Park Road, Suite 505, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, where we lease approximately 250 rentable square feet of office space from an unaffiliated third party. This lease expires on June 1, 2022. Terms of the office lease provide for a base rent payment of $800 per month. In total we lease approximately 8,600 rentable square feet of office space from unaffiliated third parties in five locations in Florida, Oregon and Washington state for our corporate offices and gaming centers. These leases expire at various times, with the first expiration being November of 2020 and the last being May of 2025. Terms of the office leases currently provide for base rent payments of approximately $17,900 per month with annual price escalations. We believe that these facilities are adequate for our current and near-term future needs.

On August 5, 2020, a lawsuit styled Duncan Wood v. PLAYlive Nation, Inc. and Simplicity eSports and Gaming Company (Case No. 20-1043) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The complaint alleges unlawful failure to make timely and reasonable payment of wages under Arizona law, breach of contract, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing and unjust enrichment. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages for all wage compensation and common stock alleged to be owed, treble damages, interest on all wage compensation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and such other monetary, injunctive, equitable, compensatory, punitive and declaratory relief as the Court deems just and proper. Defendants’ responsive pleading is not yet due and has not been filed. The litigation is in its initial stages and the Company is unable to reasonably predict its potential outcome. The Company, however, believes that the lawsuit is without merit and intends to vigorously defend the claims.

Not applicable.

PART II

Price Range of Securities

Our Common Stock and Public Warrants are currently quoted on the OTCQB under the symbols “WINR” and “WINRW”, respectively. On October 9, 2017, our Common Stock and Public Warrants commenced public trading on the Nasdaq under the symbols “IAM” and “IAMXW”, respectively. On November 20, 2018, we changed the symbols of our Common Stock and Public Warrants to “SMSH” and “SMSHW”, respectively, in conjunction with our name change from “I-AM Capital Acquisition Company” to “Smaaash Entertainment, Inc.” On January 10, 2019, we changed the symbols of our Common Stock and Public Warrants to “WINR” and “WINRW”, respectively, in conjunction with our name change from “Smaaash Entertainment, Inc.” to “Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company.” However, on January 25, 2019, the Nasdaq suspended our Common Stock and Public Warrants from trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market and the OTCQB commenced the quotation of our Common Stock and Public Warrants. On April 2, 2019, the NASDAQ Capital Market filed a Form 25 for our Common Stock and Public Warrants, which became effective ten days thereafter.

The following table includes the high and low bids for our Common Stock and Public Warrants for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2020 and 2019.

On August 28, 2020, the closing price of our Common Stock and Public Warrants were $0.918 and $0.1925, respectively. As of August 28, 2020, we had 8,171,433 shares of Common Stock and 6,424,000 Public and Private Warrants issued and outstanding.

Holders

As of August 31, 2020, there were approximately 106 holders of record of our Common Stock and 16 holders of record of our Public Warrants.

Dividends

The Company has not paid any dividends on its Common Stock to date. It is the present intention of the Company to retain any earnings for use in its business operations and, accordingly, the Company does not anticipate the board of directors declaring any dividends in the foreseeable future on our Common Stock. Consequently, you will only realize an economic gain on your investment in our Common Stock if the price appreciates. You should not purchase our Common Stock expecting to receive cash dividends. Since we do not anticipate paying dividends, and if we are not successful in establishing an orderly public trading market for our shares, then you may not have any manner to liquidate or receive any payment on your investment. Therefore, our failure to pay dividends may cause you to not see any return on your investment even if we are successful in our business operations. In addition, because we may not pay dividends in the foreseeable future, we may have trouble raising additional funds which could affect our ability to expand our business operations.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

On July 30, 2019, in connection with the PLAYlive Merger, the Company issued 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock as Merger Consideration. Such shares were issued pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act available to the Company by Section 4(a)(2) promulgated thereunder.

On September 16, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Award, we authorized the grant to Jed Kaplan, our Chief Financial Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer and a member of our board of directors, of 70,000 shares of our restricted Common Stock. As of May 31, 2020, these shares have been issued.

On September 16, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Award, we authorized the grant to Roman Franklin, our President and a member of our board of directors, of 21,000 shares of our restricted Common Stock. As of May 31, 2020, these shares have been issued.

On September 16, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Award, we authorized the grant to Steven Grossman, our Corporate Secretary, of 14,000 shares of our restricted Common Stock. As of May 31, 2020, these shares have been issued.

On March 11, 2020, in connection with the execution of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement with Triton Funds, LP, we issued 5,000 shares of our restricted Common Stock at $1.18 per share to Triton Funds, LP as a donation.

On April 9, 2020, we delivered a Purchase Notice to Triton Funds, LP pursuant to the terms of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement requiring Triton Funds, LP to acquire 125,000 shares of our restricted Common Stock at a price of $0.70 per share. In accordance therewith, we issued 125,000 shares of our Common Stock to Triton Funds, LP, which rendered $87,700 in proceeds to the Company. Also on that date pursuant to the Common Stock Purchase Agreement 600,000 shares were issued by our transfer agent, whereas we have notified the counterparty that the Common Stock purchase agreement has been cancelled and are awaiting the return of the shares to treasury, we do not consider these shares to be issued.

On May 4, 2020, pursuant to the terms of that certain 10% Fixed Convertible Promissory Note (described below) dated April 29, 2020 in the principal amount of $152,500 issued by the Company in favor of Harbor Gates Capital, LLC, the Company agreed to issued 10,000 shares of our restricted Common Stock, issued at $0.99 per share, to Harbor Gates Capital, LLC as additional consideration for the purchase of such note, as of May 31, 2020 these shares were not issued, as of August 31, 2020, these shares have been issued.

On May 7, 2020, we authorized the sale of 22,936 shares of our restricted Common Stock, at a price of $1.09 per share, to William H. Herrmann, Jr. a member of our board of directors, for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000. As of May 31, 2020, and August 31, 2020, such shares have not been issued.

On June 4, 2020, we authorized the issuance of 85,905 shares of common stock in connection with the conversion of $100,000 in principal of a convertible note payable. issued. As of August 31, 2020, such shares have been issued.

On June 15, 2020 we issued 25,000 shares of common stock in satisfaction of an outstanding balance owed to a vendor.

On June 18, 2020, pursuant to the terms of that certain Securities Purchase Agreement between the Company and an accredited investor, pursuant to which the Company issued a 12% self-amortization promissory note (described elsewhere herein) in the principal amount of $550,000, the Company agreed to issue 55,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to such accredited investor as additional consideration for the purchase of such note. As of August 31, 2020, such shares have been issued.

On June 29, 2020 Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company acquired the assets of one of its top performing franchisee owned esports gaming centers on Fort Bliss U.S. Military base in El Paso, TX. In connection with the acquisition the Company authorized the issuance of 150,000 restricted shares As of August 31, 2020, such shares have not been issued.

On July 29, 2020, we authorized the grant of 300,000 shares of common stock

to Jed Kaplan, our Chief Financial Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer and a member of our board of directors. As of August 31, 2020, such shares have not been issued.

On July 29, 2020, we authorized the grant of 265,000 shares of common stock, to Roman Franklin, our President and a member of our board of directors. As of August 31, 2020, such shares have not been issued.

On July 29, 2020, we authorized the grant of 192,000 shares of common stock to an employee and the members of the Board of Directors of the Company as of August 31, 2020, such shares have not been issued.

On July 31, 2020, we entered into a marketing agreement whereby we agreed to issue 27,778 shares of common stock. As of August 31, 2020, such shares have not been issued.

On August 7, 2020, pursuant to the terms of that certain Securities Purchase Agreement between the Company and an accredited investor pursuant to which we issued a 12% self-amortization promissory note (described elsewhere herein) in the principal amount of $333,333, the Company authorized the grant of 33,333 shares of common stock. As of August 31, 2020, such shares have been issued.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

None.

Not applicable.

References herein to “we,” “us” or the “Company” refer to Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company, formerly known as Smaaash Entertainment Inc. and prior to that as I-AM Capital Acquisition Company. The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere herein.

Overview

We are a global esports organization, with an established brand, that is capitalizing on the growth in esports through three business units, Simplicity One Brasil Ltda (“Simplicity One”), Simplicity Esports, LLC (“Simplicity Esports LLC”) and PLAYlive Nation, Inc. (“PLAYlive”).

Online Tournaments

As mentioned elsewhere herein, we acquired a database of over 400,000 paying esports gaming center customers in the acquisition of PLAYlive. In response to demand from customers for online esports tournaments and due to increased demand from COVID-19 related social distancing, we introduced a new initiative of weekly online esports tournaments. We will directly promote our online Simplicity Esports tournaments to this database of over 400,000 existing customers via text messages. If we can convert merely 1% of these existing customers from the PLAYlive database to play in paid entry online Simplicity Esports tournaments, this may be a profitable business unit resulting in approximately $1,000,000 in annual revenues. At a 5% conversion rate, this business unit may generate approximately $5,000,000 in annual revenue. Management also intends to sell sponsorship and marketing activations for these online tournaments that would create additional revenue.

Esports Teams

We own and manage numerous professional esports teams domestically and internationally. Revenue is generated from prize winnings, corporate sponsorships, advertising, league subsidy payments and potential league revenue sharing payments from the publishers of video games.

Domestic Esports Teams – Simplicity Esports LLC

Through our wholly owned subsidiary Simplicity Esports LLC, we own and manage numerous professional esports teams competing in games such as Overwatch, Apex Legends, PUBG and more. We are committed to growing and enhancing the esports industry, fostering the development of amateurs to compete professionally and signing established professional gamers to support their paths to greater success.

International Esports Team - Simplicity One

Since January 2020, through our 90% owned subsidiary Simplicity One, we manage Flamengo eSports, one of the leading Brazilian League of Legends® teams. Flamengo eSports was established in 2017 as the Esports division of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, a successful Brazilian sports organization, with over 30 million followers across social media accounts, known for its world-famous soccer team. Flamengo eSports’ League of Legends® team won the CBLoL Championship in September 2019, which qualified the team to compete at the 2019 League of Legends® World Championship in Europe as one of 24 teams from 13 different regions around the world. With cost cutting steps taken during April 2020, and anticipated additional sponsorship revenue, this business unit is expected to be cash flow positive by January 2021.

Gaming Centers

We own and operate corporate and franchise esports gaming centers, through our wholly owned subsidiaries Simplicity Esports LLC and PLAYlive, throughout the U.S. giving casual gamers the opportunity to play in a social setting with other members of the gaming community. In addition, aspiring and established professional gamers have an opportunity to compete in local and national esports tournaments held in our gaming centers for prizes, notoriety, and potential contracts to play for one of our professional esports teams. In this business unit, revenue is generated from franchise royalties, the sale of game time, memberships, tournament entry fees, birthday party events, corporate party events, concessions and gaming-related merchandise.

Our business plan encompasses a brick and click physical and digital approach to further recognize revenue from all verticals, which we believe to be unique in the industry. The physical centers, together with our esports teams, lifestyle brand and marketing campaigns offer opportunities for additional revenue via strategic partnerships with both endemic and non-endemic brands. Our ultimate goal is to further engage a diverse fan base with a 360-degree approach driving traffic to both our digital platform, tournaments, and physical real estate to maximize the monetization opportunities with these relationships. In addition, we have proprietary intellectual capital, fan engagement strategies and brand development blueprints which complement our publicly available information.

Optimally, the esports gaming centers of Simplicity Esports LLC (“Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers”) will measure between 1,200 and 2,000 square feet, with dozens of gaming stations. The Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers will feature cutting edge technology, futuristic aesthetic décor and dynamic high-speed gaming equipment. We believe our brick-and-click strategy will present attractive opportunities for sponsors and advertisers to connect with our audience, creating an intriguing monetization opportunity for sponsors and advertisers.

Creating content that engages fans, sponsors and developers, while promoting our brand is one of our primary goals. Our talented team will continue to produce unique in-depth content which showcases aspects of esports for fans. We seek to reach a broad demographic encompassing the casual, amateur and professional gaming community. Our philosophy is to enhance our footprint for both endemic and non-endemic partnerships. We believe we possess a deep perception of our markets and understand the new age of branding while maintaining authenticity to the gaming community that comprises our fanbase.

Corporate Gaming Centers

Simplicity Esports LLC has already opened and is operating four corporate-owned retail Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers. Our first Simplicity Esports Gaming Center was opened on May 3, 2019. Furthermore, we have engaged a national tenant representation real estate broker to assist in the strategic planning and negotiations for our future Simplicity Esports Gaming Center locations. We contemplate that new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers will be funded by us as well as a combination of tenant improvement allowances from landlords and sponsorships. As announced on June 5, 2020, we are in discussions with multiple commercial property owners regarding their desire to have us open 10,000 to 15,000 square foot MEGA centers at their properties. There are multiple locations available to us with a percentage rent lease structure, and construction funds offered by the landlord to assist with the build out and equipping of our planned MEGA centers. These MEGA centers are planned as hubs in our hub and spoke model that will see smaller corporate and franchisee owned gaming centers as spokes connected to MEGA centers as hubs for larger events and tournaments.

Franchised Gaming Centers

Due to interest from potential franchisees, we have launched a franchising program to accelerate the expansion of our planned nationwide footprint. We sell specific franchise territories, through our wholly owned subsidiary PLAYlive, and assist with the establishment and buildout of esports gaming centers to potential business owners that desire to use our branding, infrastructure and process to open and operate gaming centers. Franchise revenue is generated from the sale of franchise territories, supplying furniture, equipment and merchandise to the franchisees for buildout of their centers, a gross sales royalty fee and a national marketing fee. We license the use of our branding, assist in identifying and negotiating commercial locations, assist in overseeing the buildout and development, provide access to proprietary software for point of sale, inventory management, employee training and other HR functions. Franchisees also have an opportunity to participate in our national esports tournament events, and benefit from the growing profile of our professional esports teams. Once an esports gaming center is opened, we provide operational guidance, support and use of branding elements in exchange for a monthly royalty fee calculated as 6% of gross sales. On January 1, 2020 we implemented a national marketing fee of 1% of gross sales. To date, we have sold five (5) of these franchise territories.

The combination of the esports gaming centers, owned or franchised by our wholly owned subsidiaries Simplicity Esports LLC or PLAYlive, provides us with what we believe is the largest footprint of esports gaming centers in North America. Over the next 12 months, existing PLAYlive esports gaming centers will be rebranded to Simplicity Esports gaming centers. All newly opened franchise esports gaming centers will be branded as Simplicity Esports gaming centers and have numerous gaming PC’s. All gaming centers in our footprint will be participating venues in our national esports tournaments.

Franchise Roll Up Strategy

Due to the impact of COVID-19 and the resulting disruptions in the commercial real estate market, we have signed non-binding letters of intent with some of our existing franchisees to acquire their gaming centers. Closings are contingent upon Simplicity being able to secure acceptable lease modifications from the landlords. If the acquisitions close, the consideration paid for each acquisition will be restricted shares of common stock.

As part of this strategy, we acquired our first franchisee owned gaming center, located in El Paso, Texas, on June 29, 2020. The improved lease terms require monthly payments as a percentage of gross sales, resulting in the acquisition being EBITDA accretive within the first week of operations.

Our Stream Team

The Simplicity Esports and Flamengo Esports stream team encompasses over 30 commentators (commonly known as “casters”), influencers and personalities who connect to a dedicated fan base. Our electric group of live personalities represent our organization to the fullest with their own unique style. We are proud to support and present a diverse group of gamers as we engage fans across a multiple of esports genres. Our Twitch affiliation has enabled our stream team influences to reach a broad fan base. Additionally, we have created several niches within the streaming community which has enabled us to engage fans within certain titles on a 24/7 basis. Our notoriety in the industry is evidenced by our audience that views millions of minutes of Simplicity Esports’ and Flamengo Esports’ content monthly, via various social media outlets including YouTube, Twitter and Twitch. Through Simplicity Esports LLC, we have begun to implement a unique approach to ensure the ultimate fan friendly esports experience. Our intention is to have gamers involved at the grassroots level and feel a sense of unity as we compete with top class talent. Our management and players are known within the esports community and we plan to use their skills to create a seamless content creation plan helping gamers feel closer to our brand than any other in the industry.

For the fiscal years ended May 31, 2020 and 2019, we generated revenues of $861,410 and $37,995 and reported net losses of $2,620,238 and $3,565,272, respectively, and negative cash flow from operating activities of $1,522,486 and $1,395,256, respectively. We had an accumulated deficit of approximately $6,195,000 at May 31, 2020. We anticipate that we will continue to report losses and negative cash flow. There is substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern as a result of our historical recurring losses and negative cash flows from operations as well as our dependence on private equity and financings. See “Risk Factors— We have a history of operating losses and our auditors have indicated that there is a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.”

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes our operating results for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2020 and 2019.

Summary of Statement of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2020 and 2019:

Revenue

We generated $861,410 of revenue for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020 as compared to $37,995 for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019.

Franchise royalties, franchise termination revenue and company-owned stores sales, totaling $697,049, started in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020 with the acquisition of PLAYlive and the conversion of two franchises into company owned stores. In addition, Esports revenue was $164,361 during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020, up from $37,995 in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019. This increase was due to inclusion of the full year of operations of Simplicity Esports LLC as well as the addition of Simplicity One Brazil in January 2020.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020 totaled $422,539. There was no cost of goods sold in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019. Cost of goods sold in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020 was related to brokerage commissions for franchises, royalty fees, title licensing costs, player and team expenses related to esports revenues and cost of gaming system and store fixtures merchandise sold to franchisees.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020 totaled $3,170,992, a $1,182,197 decrease from the $4,353,189 of general and administrative expense in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019. This change was caused by a reduction in legal fees of approximately $2,997,000, offset by increases in payroll related costs ($596,000), an increase in rent expense ($141,000) and an increase in stock-based compensation ($783,000). The legal fees in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 were related to the merger transaction between Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company and Simplicity Esports, LLC.

Other income (expense)

Other income during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020 consisted of debt forgiveness income ($93,000), interest income ($3,000), rebate income ($2,000) and interest expense ($32,000). The debt forgiveness income in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020 was related to the forgiveness of the sponsor loan and related accrued interest. Other income during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 consisted of debt forgiveness income ($369,000), interest income ($404,000) and interest expense ($23,000). The debt forgiveness income during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 was related to renegotiation of the Maxim Note. Interest income during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 was earned on the trust account balance which was included in the merger transaction. The trust account balance was then used to pay common stock redemption debt in February 2019.

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest

As part of the conversion of two franchises into company-owned stores, the original franchisees retained a 21% interest in the stores. As such, a portion of the net loss incurred during the year is allocated to those parties. There was no non-controlling interest during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The completion of the Initial Public Offering and simultaneous Private Placement, inclusive of the underwriters’ exercise of their over-allotment option, generated gross proceeds to the Company of $54,615,000. Related transaction costs amounted to approximately $3,838,000, consisting of $3,360,000 of underwriting fees, including $1,820,000 of deferred underwriting commissions payable (which was held in the Trust Account) and $478,000 of Initial Public Offering costs.

Following the Initial Public Offering and the underwriter’s partial exercise of the over-allotment option, a total of $52,780,000 was placed in the Trust Account and we had $552,190 of cash held outside of the Trust Account, after payment of all costs related to the Initial Public Offering.

On November 20, 2018, in connection with the closing of our initial Business Combination, the funds in the Trust Account were used for, among other things, the following:

As of May 31, 2020, we had no cash and marketable securities held in the Trust Account.

As of May 31, 2020, we had cash of $160,208, which is available for use by us to cover the costs associated with general corporate purposes. In addition, as of May 31, 2020, we had accounts payable and accrued expenses of $1,548,558.

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020, cash used in operating activities amounted to $1,522,486, mainly resulting from a net loss of $2,620,238 and non-cash debt forgiveness income of $93,761, offset by stock issued for services of $171,676 and depreciation and amortization charges of $268,540. Changes in our operating liabilities and assets provided $656,189 of cash. Cash used in investing activities amounted to $138,068, mainly resulting from the purchase of property and equipment of $163,472, offset by $26,180 of cash acquired in the acquisition of PLAYlive Nation. Cash provided from financing activities amounted to $280,604, mainly resulting from the sale of private units of $112,700 and the net effect of the issuance of notes payable of $192,048.

We will need to raise additional funds in order to meet the expenditures required for operating our business.

Off-balance sheet arrangements

We have no obligations, assets or liabilities which would be considered off-balance sheet arrangements. We do not participate in transactions that create relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. We have not entered into any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, established any special purpose entities, guaranteed any debt or commitments of other entities, or purchased any non-financial assets.

Going Concern

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that it will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business.

As reflected in the consolidated financial statements, the Company has an accumulated deficit as of May 31, 2020, a net loss and net cash used in operating activities for the reporting period then ended. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the of the date that the financial statements are issued.

The Company’s cash position may not be sufficient to support the Company’s daily operations. Management plans to raise additional funds by way of a private or public offering. While the Company believes in the viability of its strategy and its ability to generate sufficient revenue and to raise additional funds, there can be no assurances to that effect. Should the Company fail to raise additional capital, it may be compelled to reduce the scope of its planned future business activities.

The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to further implement its business plan, to generate sufficient revenue and to raise additional funds by way of public and/or private offerings.

The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. While initially the outbreak was largely concentrated in China and caused significant disruptions to its economy, it has now spread to several other countries and infections have been reported globally.

Because COVID-19 infections have been reported throughout the United States, certain federal, state and local governmental authorities have issued stay-at-home orders, proclamations and/or directives aimed at minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Additional, more restrictive proclamations and/or directives may be issued in the future. As a result, all of our corporate and franchised Simplicity Gaming Centers had been closed effective April 1, 2020. Although our franchise agreements with franchisees of Simplicity Gaming Centers require a minimum monthly royalty payment to us from the franchisees regardless of whether the franchised Simplicity Gaming Centers are operating, there is a potential risk that franchisees of Simplicity Gaming Centers will default in their obligations to pay their minimum monthly royalty payment to us. As of May 31, 2020, some of our franchised gaming centers have begun to re-open.

The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s operations is unknown and will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak, new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and any additional preventative and protective actions that governments, or the Company, may direct, which may result in an extended period of continued business disruption, reduced customer traffic and reduced operations. Any resulting financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time but is anticipated to have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The measures taken to date impacted the Company’s business for the fiscal fourth quarter and potentially beyond. Management expects that all of its business segments, across all of its geographies, will be impacted to some degree, but the significance of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Company’s business and the duration for which it may have an impact cannot be determined at this time.

Contractual obligations

We do not have any long-term capital lease obligations, operating lease obligations or long-term liabilities, except as follows:

On November 20, 2018, the Company entered into a settlement and release agreement with Maxim Group, LLC, the underwriter for the IPO. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Company made a cash payment of $20,000 to Maxim and issued a demand secured promissory note in favor of Maxim in the amount of $1.8 million to settle the payment obligations of the Company under the underwriting agreement dated August 16, 2017, by and between the Company and Maxim. The Company also agreed to remove the restrictive legends on an aggregate of 52,000 shares of its common stock held by Maxim and its affiliate.

In February of 2019, the Company opened its first gaming center and in connection with this gaming center entered into a 5 year operating lease in Boca Raton, Florida. Rent is approximately $2,300 per month for the first year and contains customary escalation clauses. In June of 2019, the Company entered into a five-year operating lease for its corporate office, rent is approximately $700 per month. In August of 2019, the Company opened its second gaming center and in connection with this gaming center entered into a five-year operating lease in Deland, Florida. Rent is approximately $2,500 per month for the first year and contains customary escalation clauses.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with 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 income and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

As of January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASC 606”). The new guidance sets forth a new five-step revenue recognition model which replaces the prior revenue recognition guidance in its entirety and is intended to eliminate numerous industry-specific pieces of revenue recognition guidance that have historically existed in GAAP. The underlying principle of the new standard is that a business or other organization will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects to receive in exchange for the goods or services. The standard also requires more detailed disclosures and provides additional guidance for transactions that were not addressed completely in the prior accounting guidance. The Company adopted the standard using the modified retrospective method and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied. Product sales occur once control is transferred upon delivery to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods and services. Our revenue is derived from two sources, the first is from the sale of the rights to our players to third parties and second from participation and prize money awarded at gaming tournaments.

Intangible Assets and impairment

Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for potential impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment at least annually. The Company had intangible assets subject to amortization related to its acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC. These costs were included in intangible assets on our balance sheet and amortized on a straight-line basis when placed into service over the estimated useful lives of the costs, which is 3 to 5 years.

The Company periodically reviews its intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of expected undiscounted future cash flows is less that the carrying amount of the asset. The amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s estimated fair value and its book value.

Goodwill

Goodwill is the excess of our purchase cost over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. We do not amortize goodwill, but we assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually. Our assessment date was May 31, 2020 quantitative and qualitative, considerations indicated no impairment.

Not applicable.

Reference is made to Pages F-1 through F-30 comprising a portion of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

None.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of May 31, 2020. Based upon their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were not effective.

We do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all instances of fraud. Disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Further, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all disclosure controls and procedures, no evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures can provide absolute assurance that we have detected all our control deficiencies and instances of fraud, if any. The design of disclosure controls and procedures also is based partly on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

Our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2020. Our management’s evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting was based on the 2013 framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that as of May 31, 2020, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective.

The ineffectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting was due to the following material weakness which we identified in our internal control over financial reporting:

A material weakness is a deficiency or a combination of control deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

Management believes that the material weakness set forth above did not have an effect on our Company’s financial results.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm due to applicable rules of the SEC.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the three months ended May 31, 2020, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

On August 17, 2020, the Company amended its certificate of incorporation to increase the total number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock from 20,000,000 to 36,000,000. 

PART III

The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers:

Jed Kaplan. Mr. Kaplan has been a member of our Board of Directors since December 31, 2018 and our sole Chief Executive Officer since February 8, 2019. From December 31, 2018 to February 8, 2019, Mr. Kaplan served as our co-Chief Executive Officer. He founded and serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Shearson Financial Services, a FINRA-registered broker dealer, since May 1995. As a natural leader possessing a passion for sports management, Mr. Kaplan has been involved in a wide variety of professional sports ventures. Most recently Mr. Kaplan successfully sold the NBA G League Team, Iowa Energy to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Currently Mr. Kaplan is also a minority owner of both the Memphis Grizzlies and Swansea City of the English Championship League. Mr. Kaplan’s insight, vision and knowledge are all represented as an appointed founding member of the NBA G League leadership committee. Mr. Kaplan graduated from City University of New York in 1989 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

The Company believes Mr. Kaplan’s strong expertise in the financial services and sports management industries qualifies him to serve on its Board of Directors.

Donald R. Caldwell. Mr. Caldwell, who has been an independent director and the Chairman of our Board of Directors since August 16, 2017, is an experienced investor, co-founded Cross Atlantic Capital Partners, Inc., a venture capital management company, where he has served as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 1999. At Cross Atlantic Capital Partners, Inc., Mr. Caldwell has raised four investment funds totaling over $500 million of committed capital and is responsible for the firm’s operations, building the investment team, and growing the Cross Atlantic franchise through fundraising, network development, and deal flow generation. Prior to founding Cross Atlantic Capital Partners, Inc. in March 1999, Mr. Caldwell was President and Chief Operating Officer of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (NYSE: SFE) (“Safeguard”) from 1996 to 1999, where he also previously served as Executive Vice President from 1993 to 1996. In addition to his service on our Board, Mr. Caldwell currently serves on the board of directors of two public companies: Lightning Gaming, Inc., since June 2015, where he serves as a director and chairman of the audit committee; and Quaker Chemical Corporation (NYSE: KWR) since 1997, where he serves as lead director, as chairman of the executive committee and member of the compensation and audit committees; Mr. Caldwell was previously a member of the board of directors of Diamond Cluster International, Inc. from 1994 to 2010 and has served as a director for several private companies and non-profit organizations, including software and money management firms as well as the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Committee for Economic Development. Mr. Caldwell is a Certified Public Accountant (Retired) and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Babson College and a Master of Business Administration from the Graduate School of Business at Harvard University.

We believe Mr. Caldwell’s deep financial, entrepreneurial and business expertise and extensive experience as a member of the boards and board committees of other public companies qualifies him to serve on our Board of Directors.

Roman Franklin. Mr. Franklin has been a member of our Board of Directors since August 16, 2017, and our President since December 31, 2018. Mr. Franklin was Chief Investment Officer of SMC Global USA from March 2016 until December 31, 2016, and prior, President of Franklin Financial Planning from 2005 to 2016. Roman Franklin is a 16-year veteran of the financial services industry. By the age of 22 he held FINRA Series 7, Series 66, and Life, Health, and Variable Insurance Licenses. In 2005, he founded a fee-only registered investment advisory firm. In 2008, he was one of the youngest recipients of the National Association of Financial Advisors (“NAPFA”) Registered Financial Advisor (RFA) designation. In 2015, he was elected as a Board Member of the NAPFA, South Region Board of Directors, overseeing more than a dozen states from Texas, to Florida, to North Carolina. Mr. Franklin has experience in domestic and international investment, and has been involved in multiple business transactions tied to India, including the sale of a 50% equity stake in his wealth management business to Indian financial services firm SMC. Mr. Franklin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Barry University and an M.B.A. in Finance from the Graduate School of Business at Stetson University. His civic organization roles include School Advisory Council for Volusia County Schools, City of DeLand Economic Development Committee, and the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Central Florida.

We believe Mr. Franklin’s strong expertise in finance and international and domestic business transactions qualifies him to serve on our Board of Directors.

Max Hooper. Mr. Hooper, who has been an independent member of our Board of Directors since August 16, 2017, serves as Managing Director of Merging Traffic, a web-based crowdsourcing portal, since September 2015 and Head of Investment Banking and Senior Vice President of Triloma Securities, a subsidiary of Triloma Financial Group LLC, since January 2016. Dr. Hooper is also the founder and owner of Partners Advisory Group and Partners Capital Group, two financial advisory firms since January 2014. Since February 2018, Dr. Hooper’s primary focus has been as Managing Director/CEO of Managing Traffic and co-owner of Triloma Financial Group. Prior to that, Dr. Hooper was co-founder of Equity Broadcasting Corporation, a media company that owned and operated more than one hundred television stations across the United States. Dr. Hooper is an accomplished entrepreneur and has started multiple businesses in technology/internet, lodging, and services industries. Dr. Hooper has served on the investment committee of several venture capital and angel funds, and has completed “work out” transactions as a Certified Debt Arbitrator representing banks and private transactions. Dr. Hooper also has prior experience with SPACs such as transaction structuring, administration, research, and execution. Dr. Hooper has earned five doctorate degrees from a variety of institutions.

We believe Dr. Hooper’s expertise in investment, management and mergers and acquisitions over various industries qualify him to serve on our Board of Directors.

Frank Leavy. Mr. Leavy has been an independent member of our Board of Directors since August 16, 2017. Since 2007, Mr. Leavy has been the Senior Vice President and Director of Finance and Administration for Blake’s All Natural Foods, a manufacturer of “better for you” frozen entrees. Prior to that, he held various financial officer positions at member companies of Group Rossignol, a world leading company in the winter sports industry. Specifically, he was Controller of Rossignol Ski Company from 1982 to 2006 and Vice President of Finance of Skis Dynastar, Inc. and Skis Dynastar Canada from 2000 to 2006. He also served as Chief Operating Officer at Roger Cleveland Golf Company, a subsidiary of Group Rossignol from 1999 to 2000 and was elected a director of the company from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Leavy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master of Science degree in accounting from the Graduate School of Professional Accounting at Northeastern University.

We believe Mr. Leavy’s extensive experience in corporate finance qualify him to serve on our Board of Directors.

Edward Leonard Jaroski. Mr. Jaroski has been an independent member of our Board of Directors since October 2017. Mr. Jaroski was the founder of Capstone Asset Management Company and had served as its President and Chief Executive Officer from 1987 to 2016. Mr. Jaroski had been Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of various Capstone/Steward Funds in the fund complex from 1987 through 2016. Mr. Jaroski was at Tenneco Financial Services from 1981 to 1987, where he was the Executive Vice President. He started his career at Philadelphia Life Insurance Company as Manager of Investments in 1969, where he served until 1981 and also served as its Vice President of Finance. He also served as a Director of Philadelphia Life Asset Management Company. Mr. Jaroski holds the insurance industry professional designations of Chartered Life Underwriter, Charter Financial Consultant and Fellow Life Management Institute. He holds a B.B.A. degree in Accounting from Temple University.

We believe Mr. Jaroski’s experience in investments and asset management qualify him to serve on our Board of Directors.

William H. Herrmann, Jr. Mr. Herrmann has been an independent member of our Board of Directors since October 2017. Mr. Herrmann has over 45 years of experience in financial services, and insurance and investment planning industries. Presently, Mr. Herrmann is the Owner of Herrmann & Associates, a financial services firm affiliated with Hudson Heritage Capital Management Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor since February 15, 2006. Mr. Herrmann has also served as an independent Director of Steward Funds, from 2011 until 2017. Mr. Herrmann served as the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and was Chairman of the Contracts Committee. He previously served as Independent Lead Director of Steward Funds Mr. Herrmann is also an Independent Director of Church Capital Fund.

Mr. Herrmann is a member of the Advisory Committee to the Liquidation Trustee for Church Capital Fund Liquidation Trust under TMI Trust Company. Mr. Herrmann is also a Trustee of LuLu Shriners Investment Advisory Committee and the Chairman of Beta Rho Property Company. Mr. Herrmann holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from Temple University, and holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from American College. Mr. Herrmann holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses as well as insurance licenses in multiple states.

We believe Mr. Herrmann’s experience in financial services and the investment planning industry qualify him to serve on our Board of Directors.

Our officers and Board of Directors are well qualified as leaders. In their prior positions they have gained experience in core management skills, such as strategic and financial planning, public company financial reporting, compliance, risk management, and leadership development. Our officers and directors also have experience serving on boards of directors and board committees of other public companies and private companies, and have an understanding of corporate governance practices and trends, which provides an understanding of different business processes, challenges, and strategies.

Number and Terms of Office of Officers and Directors

Our Board of Directors is comprised of nine directors, divided into two classes, Class I and Class II, with only one class of directors being elected in each year and each class serving a two-year term. There are four Class I directors and five Class II directors. However, as of August 31, 2020, there are two Board vacancies. The Board is conducting a search for replacement directors to fill the vacancies. Once suitable replacements are found, they will serve as Class II directors.

Our officers are elected by the Board of Directors and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors, rather than for specific terms of office. Our Board of Directors is authorized to appoint persons to the offices set forth in our bylaws as it deems appropriate. Our bylaws provide that our officers may consist of a Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Vice Presidents, Secretary, Assistant Secretaries, Treasurer and such other offices as may be determined by the Board of Directors.

Board Committees and Director Independence

Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB under the symbol “WINR.” Our warrants issued in connection with our initial public offering in August 2017 are quoted on OTCQB under the symbol “WINRW.” Under the rules of the OTCQB, we are not required to maintain a majority of independent directors on our Board of Directors and we are not required to establish committees of the Board of Directors consisting of independent directors. However, we intend to apply to list our common stock and our warrants on The NYSE American (“NYSE American”). In order to list our common stock and our warrants on the NYSE American, we are required to comply with the NYSE American standards relating to corporate governance, requiring, among other things, that:

Under applicable NYSE American rules, a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of the listed company’s board of directors, that person does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In order to be considered independent for purposes of Rule 10A-3, a member of an audit committee of a listed company may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit committee, the board of directors, or any other board committee, accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the listed company or any of its subsidiaries or otherwise be an affiliated person of the listed company or any of its subsidiaries. Our Board of Directors has determined in its business judgment that each of Messrs. Caldwell, Leavy, Jaroski and Herrmann and Dr. Hooper is independent within the meaning of the NYSE American rules for U.S. Companies, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related SEC rules. Therefore, a majority of the members of our Board of Directors is independent.

In addition, our Board of Directors has two standing committees: an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors has two standing committees: an audit committee and a compensation committee. Both our audit committee and our compensation committee are composed solely of independent directors.

Audit Committee

Messrs. Caldwell and Leavy and Dr. Hooper will serve as members of our audit committee. Mr. Caldwell serves as chairman of the audit committee. Under NYSE American listing standards and applicable SEC rules, we are required to have three members of the audit committee, all of whom must be independent. Messrs. Caldwell, and Leavy and Dr. Hooper are independent.

Each member of the audit committee is financially literate, and our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Caldwell qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in applicable SEC rules.

Responsibilities of the audit committee include:

Compensation Committee

The members of our compensation committee are Messrs. Caldwell and Jaroski and Dr. Hooper. Mr. Caldwell serves as chairman of the compensation committee. We have adopted a compensation committee charter, which details the principal functions of the compensation committee, including:

The charter also provides that the compensation committee may, in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice of a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser and will be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any such adviser. However, before engaging or receiving advice from a compensation consultant, external legal counsel or any other adviser, the compensation committee will consider the independence of each such adviser, including the factors required by NYSE American and the SEC.

Director Nominations

We do not have a standing nominating committee. In accordance with Section 804(a) of the NYSE American Company Guide, a majority of the independent directors may recommend a director nominee for selection by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors believes that the independent directors can satisfactorily carry out the responsibility of properly selecting or approving director nominees without the formation of a standing nominating committee. The directors who shall participate in the consideration and recommendation of director nominees are Messrs. Caldwell, Jaroski, Leavy, and Herrmann, and Dr. Hooper. In accordance with Section 804(a) of the NYSE American Company Guide, all such directors are independent. As there is no standing nominating committee, we do not have a nominating committee charter in place.

The Board of Directors will also consider director candidates recommended for nomination by our stockholders during such times as they are seeking proposed nominees to stand for election. Our stockholders that wish to nominate a director for election to the Board of Directors should follow the procedures set forth in our bylaws.

We have not formerly established any specific, minimum qualifications that must be met or skills that are necessary for directors to possess. In general, in identifying and evaluating nominees for director, the Board of Directors considers educational background, diversity of professional experience, knowledge of our business, integrity, professional reputation, independence, wisdom, and the ability to represent the best interests of our stockholders.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to our directors, officers and employees. We previously filed a copy of our Code of Ethics as an exhibit to our registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-219251). You can review our Code of Ethics by accessing our public filings on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the Code of Ethics will be provided without charge upon request from us. We intend to disclose any amendments to or waivers of certain provisions of our Code of Ethics in a Current Report on Form 8-K.

Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

Our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, provides that our officers and directors will be indemnified by us to the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law, as it now exists or may in the future be amended. In addition, our restated certificate provides that our directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages to us for breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law.

We have entered into agreements with our officers and directors to provide contractual indemnification in addition to the indemnification provided for in our third amended and restated certificate. Our bylaws also permit us to maintain insurance on behalf of any officer, director or employee for any liability arising out of his or her actions, regardless of whether Delaware law would permit such indemnification. We have purchased a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures our officers and directors against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment in some circumstances and insures us against our obligations to indemnify our officers and directors.

Our officers and directors have agreed to waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the trust account, and have agreed to waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind they may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any services provided to us and will not seek recourse against the trust account for any reason whatsoever. Accordingly, any indemnification we provide to our officers and directors will only be able to be satisfied by us if we have sufficient funds outside of the trust account.

These provisions may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against officers and directors, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. Furthermore, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against officers and directors pursuant to these indemnification provisions.

We believe that these provisions, the insurance and the indemnity agreements are necessary to attract and retain talented and experienced officers and directors.

The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

Although our management is primarily responsible for managing our risk exposure on a daily basis, our Board of Directors oversees the risk management processes. Our Board, as a whole, determines the appropriate level of risk for our Company, assesses the specific risks that we face, and reviews management’s strategies for adequately mitigating and managing the identified risks. Although our Board administers this risk management oversight function, our audit committee supports our Board in discharging its oversight duties and addresses risks inherent in its area.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our common stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. These reporting persons are also required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely upon a review of such forms, we believe that except as set forth herein, no Section 16(a) reporting persons failed to timely file their required Section 16(a) reports during the year fiscal ended May 31, 2020. During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020, Mr. Franklin failed to timely file a Form 5 relating to one transaction, a gift of securities. In addition, Mr. Herrmann failed to timely file one Form 4 relating to two transactions and one Form 4 relating to one transaction.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

2020 Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes all compensation recorded by us in the past two fiscal years ended May 31, 2020 for:

For definitional purposes, these individuals are sometimes referred to as the “named executive officers.”

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2020 Fiscal Year-End

The following table sets forth information on outstanding options and stock awards held by the named executive officers as of May 31, 2020.

2020 Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table

The following table sets forth the vesting of restricted stock during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020 for the named executive officers:

Executive Officer and Director Compensation

The Company intends to develop an executive compensation program that is consistent with its existing compensation policies and philosophies, which are designed to align compensation with our business objectives and the creation of stockholder value, while enabling us to attract, motivate and retain individuals who contribute to the long-term success of the Company.

Decisions on the executive compensation program will be made by the compensation committee. The following discussion is based on the present expectations as to the executive compensation program to be adopted by the compensation committee. The executive compensation program actually adopted will depend on the judgment of the members of the compensation committee and may differ from that set forth in the following discussion.

We anticipate that decisions regarding executive compensation will reflect our belief that the executive compensation program must be competitive in order to attract and retain our executive officers. We anticipate that the compensation committee will seek to implement our compensation policies and philosophies by linking a significant portion of our executive officers’ cash compensation to performance objectives and by providing a portion of their compensation as long-term incentive compensation in the form of equity awards.

We anticipate that compensation for our executive officers will have three primary components: base salary, an annual cash incentive bonus and long-term incentive compensation in the form of share-based awards, if any.

Base Salary

Our compensation committee will determine base salaries and manage the base salary review process, subject to existing employment agreements.

Annual Bonuses

We intend to use annual cash incentive bonuses for the executive officers to tie a portion of their compensation to financial and operational objectives achievable within the applicable fiscal year. We expect that, near the beginning of each year, the compensation committee will select the performance targets, target amounts, target award opportunities and other term and conditions of annual cash bonuses for the executive officers, subject to the terms of any employment agreement. Following the end of each year, the compensation committee will determine the extent to which the performance targets were achieved and the amount of the award that is payable to the executive officers.

On July 29, 2020, the Board approved a cash bonus to each of Messrs. Kaplan and Franklin in the amount of $75,000 in return for services provided during the 2020 fiscal year. Such bonuses will be deferred and paid when the Company has sufficient funds available to pay such bonuses, as to be reasonably determined by the Board and the respective executive.

Stock-Based Awards

We intend to use stock-based awards to reward long-term performance of the executive officers. We believe that providing a meaningful portion of the total compensation package in the form of stock-based awards will align the incentives of its executive officers with the interests of its stockholders and serve to motivate and retain the individual executive officers. Stock-based awards will be awarded under the Incentive Plan, which has been adopted by our Board of Directors and is being submitted to our shareholders for approval at the special meeting in lieu of an annual meeting.

Restricted Stock Awards

On March 27, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, we granted Jed Kaplan, our Chief Executive Officer and interim Chief Financial Officer and a member of our board of directors, 120,000 shares of our restricted Common Stock. Such shares vested over the succeeding nine-month period. As of July 2, 2020, all of such shares have vested.

On March 27, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, we granted Roman Franklin, our President and a member of our board of directors, 36,000 shares of our restricted Common Stock. Such shares vested over the succeeding nine-month period. As of July 2, 2020, such shares have vested.

Each of the Restricted Stock Awards was entered into in connection with entry into employment agreements with each of Messrs. Kaplan and Franklin initially executed on December 31, 2018.

The Kaplan 2018 Agreement (as hereinafter defined) provides for the grant to Mr. Kaplan of 10,000 shares of common stock per month. As of August 31, 2020, such shares of not been issued for the months of January through May 2020. The Franklin 2018 Agreement (as hereinafter defined) provides for the grant to Mr. Franklin of 3,000 shares of common stock per month. As of August 31, 2020, such shares have not been issued for the months of January through May 2020.

On July 29, 2020, the Board approved the grant of 250,000 shares of common stock to each of Messrs. Kaplan and Franklin in return for services provided during the 2020 fiscal year. Such grants will be fully vested and earned as of the issuance thereof. As of August 31, 2020, such shares have not been issued.

Executive Employment Agreements

On December 31, 2018, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Kaplan 2018 Agreement”) with Jed Kaplan, pursuant to which the parties agreed that he would serve as the Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company until March 31, 2019, at which point he automatically became the sole Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Under the terms of the Kaplan 2018 Agreement, Mr. Kaplan shall not receive a salary or other monetary compensation and in lieu thereof he shall receive an equity grant of 10,000 shares of Common Stock per month, which shares shall be fully vested upon grant. Mr. Kaplan shall also be eligible to receive a quarterly bonus in the form of cash or equity shares and shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans. The term of the Kaplan 2018 Agreement is for an initial one-year term, which shall automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless either party provides 60 days’ advance written notice of its intention not to renew the Kaplan 2018 Agreement at the conclusion of the then applicable term. The term of the Kaplan 2018 Agreement may be terminated by the Company with or without cause or by Mr. Kaplan with or without good reason, as such terms are defined therein.

On July 29, 2020, the Company entered into a new employment agreement (the “Kaplan 2020 Agreement”) with Mr. Kaplan. Such employment agreement replaced the Kaplan 2018 Agreement. As a result, the Kaplan 2018 Agreement was terminated and is of no further force or effect. Pursuant to the terms of the Kaplan 2020 Agreement, the Company agreed to pay Mr. Kaplan a monthly base salary of $5,000; provided, however, that the parties agreed that such base salary will be deferred and will accumulate until the Company has sufficient cash available to make such payments, to be reasonably determined by the Board of Directors and Mr. Kaplan, at which time all accrued and unpaid base salary will be paid. In addition, Mr. Kaplan will receive an equity grant of 15,000 shares of common stock per month, which shares will be fully vested upon grant. Mr. Kaplan will also be eligible to receive a quarterly bonus in the form of cash or equity shares and will be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans. In addition, if, during the term of the Kaplan 2020 Agreement, the Company’s shares are approved for listing on a U.S. national securities exchange, the Company will pay Mr. Kaplan a $50,000 cash bonus, to be paid upon such listing begin effective.

The term of the Kaplan 2020 Agreement is for an initial one-year term, which shall automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless either party provides 60 days’ advance written notice of its intention not to renew the Kaplan 2020 Agreement at the conclusion of the then applicable term. The term of the Kaplan 2020 Agreement may be terminated by the Company with or without cause or by Mr. Kaplan with or without good reason, as such terms are defined therein.

On December 31, 2018, the Company also entered into an employment agreement (the “Franklin 2018 Agreement”) with Roman Franklin, pursuant to which the parties agreed that he would serve as the President of the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the Franklin 2018 Agreement, the Company agreed to that Mr. Franklin would receive (i) a monthly base salary of $8,333.33 and (ii) an equity grant of 3,000 shares of Common Stock per month, which shares shall be fully vested upon grant. Mr. Franklin was also eligible to receive a quarterly bonus in the form of cash or equity shares and was entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans. The term of the Franklin 2018 Agreement was for an initial one-year term, which automatically renewed for successive one-year terms unless either party provides 60 days’ advance written notice of its intention not to renew the Franklin 2018 Agreement at the conclusion of the then applicable term. The term of the Franklin 2018 Agreement may be terminated by the Company with or without cause or by Mr. Franklin with or without good reason, as such terms are defined therein.

On July 29, 2020, the Company entered into a new employment agreement (the “Franklin 2020 Agreement”) with Mr. Franklin. Such employment agreement replaced the Franklin 2018 Agreement. As a result, the Franklin 2018 Agreement was terminated and is of no further force or effect. Pursuant to the terms of the Franklin 2020 Agreement, the Company agreed to pay Mr. Franklin a monthly base salary of $12,500; provided, however, that the parties agreed that such base salary will be deferred and will accumulate until the Company has sufficient cash available to make such payments, to be reasonably determined by the Board of Directors and Mr. Franklin, at which time all accrued and unpaid base salary will be paid. In addition, Mr. Franklin will receive an equity grant of 6,250 shares of common stock per month, which shares will be fully vested upon grant. Mr. Franklin will also be eligible to receive a quarterly bonus in the form of cash or equity shares and will be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans. In addition, if, during the term of the Franklin 2020 Agreement, the Company’s shares are approved for listing on a U.S. national securities exchange, the Company will pay Mr. Franklin a $50,000 cash bonus, to be paid upon such listing begin effective.

Each of the Kaplan 2018 Agreement, the Kaplan 2020 Agreement, the Franklin 2018 Agreement and the Franklin 2020 Agreement contains customary non-competition and non-solicitation covenants for a period of one year after the termination of the executive’s employment.

2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan

The board and shareholders of the Company approved of the Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”) on April 22, 2020 and June 23, 2020, respectively. We believe that the 2020 Plan serves as an essential element of our compensation program and is critical to our ability to attract and retain the highly qualified employees essential for the execution of our business strategy. We believe the 2020 Plan will (i) attract and retain key personnel, and (ii) provide a means whereby directors, officers, employees, consultants, and advisors of the Company and its subsidiaries can acquire and maintain an equity interest in the Company, or be paid incentive compensation, including incentive compensation measure by reference to the value of the Company’s common stock, thereby strengthening their commitment to the welfare of the Company and its subsidiaries and aligning their interests with those of the Company’s stockholders. The 2020 Plan provides for various stock-based incentive awards, including incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and other equity-based or cash-based awards.

2020 Plan Highlights

Highlights of the 2020 Plan are as follows:

Material Features of the 2020 Plan

Term

The 2020 Plan was effective June 23, 2020. The 2020 Plan will terminate on June 23, 2030, unless the Board terminates it earlier.

Purpose

The purpose of the 2020 Plan is to provide a means through with the Company and its subsidiaries may attract and retain key personnel, and to provide a means whereby directors, officer, employees, consultants, and advisors of the Company and its subsidiaries can acquire and maintain an equity interest in the Company, or be paid incentive compensation, thereby strengthening their commitment to the welfare of the Company and its subsidiaries and aligning their interests with those of the Company’s stockholders.

Administration

Pursuant to the terms of the 2020 Plan, a committee of the Board or any properly delegated subcommittee, or, if no such committee or subcommittee thereof exists, the Board, shall administer the 2020 Plan. The Compensation Committee, which is comprised entirely of independent directors, administers the 2020 Plan. The Compensation Committee will have the sole and plenary authority to (i) designate participants; (ii) determine the type or types of awards; (iii) determine the number of shares to be covered by, or with respect to which payments, rights, or other matters are to be calculated in connection with, awards; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any award; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances awards may be settled in, or exercised for, cash, shares of Company common stock, other securities, other awards, or other property, or canceled, forfeited, or suspended and the method or methods by which awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited, or suspended; (vi) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances the delivery of cash, shares of Company common stock, other securities, other awards, or other property and other amounts payable with respect to an award shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the participant or of the Compensation Committee; (vii) interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency in, correct any defect in, and/or supply any omission in the 2020 Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or award granted under, the 2020 Plan; (viii) establish, amend, suspend, or waive any rules and regulations and appoint such agents as the Compensation Committee shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the 2020 Plan; (ix) adopt sub-plans; and (x) make any other determination and take any other action that the Compensation Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the 2020 Plan.

The Compensation Committee may delegate its authority to administer the 2020 Plan as permitted by law, except for award grants to non-employee directors.

The Compensation Committee will have the discretion to select particular performance targets in connection with awards under the 2020 Plan. Under the 2020 Plan, performance targets are specific levels of performance of the Company (and/or subsidiaries, divisions or operational and/or business units, product lines, brands, business segments, administrative departments, or any combination of the foregoing), which may be determined in accordance with GAAP or on a non-GAAP basis on the specified measures, including, but not limited to:

Eligibility

Employees, directors and independent contractors (except those performing services in connection with the offer or sale of the Company’s securities in a capital raising transaction, or promoting or maintaining a market for the Company’s securities) of the Company or its subsidiaries will be eligible to receive awards under the 2020 Plan.

Maximum Shares Available

Awards granted under the 2020 Plan are subject to the following limitations: (i) no more than 1,000,000 shares of common stock (the “Absolute Share Limit”) will be available for awards under the 2020 Plan; (ii) no more than the number of shares of common stock equal to the Absolute Share Limit may be issued in the aggregate pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock options granted under the 2020 Plan; and (iii) the maximum number of shares of common stock subject to awards granted during a single calendar year to any non-employee director, taken together with any cash fees paid to such non-employee director during such calendar year, shall not exceed a total value of $250,000 (calculating the value of any such awards based on the grant date fair value of such awards for financial reporting purposes).

When (i) an option or SAR is granted under the 2020 Plan, the maximum number of shares subject to the option or SAR will be counted against the Absolute Share Limit as one share for every share subject to such option or SAR, regardless of the actual number of shares (if any) used to settle such option or SAR upon exercise; and (ii) an award other than an option or SAR is granted under the 2020 Plan, the maximum number of shares subject to the award will be counted against the Absolute Share Limit as two shares for every share subject to such award, regardless of the actual number of shares (if any) used to settle such award. The issuance of shares or the payment of cash upon the exercise of an award or in consideration of the cancellation or termination of an award shall reduce the total number of shares available under the 2020 Plan, as applicable. If shares are not issued or are withheld from payment of an award to satisfy tax obligations with respect to the award, such shares will not be added back to the Absolute Share Limit, but rather will count against the Absolute Share Limit.

To the extent that an award granted under the 2020 Plan or a prior plan award expires or is canceled, forfeited or terminated, in whole or in part without issuance to the holder thereof of shares of common stock to which the award or prior plan award related or cash or other property in lieu thereof, the unissued shares of common stock will again be available for grant under the 2020 Plan; provided that, in any such case, the number of shares again available for grant under the 2020 Plan shall be the number of shares previously counted against the Absolute Share Limit (or, in the case of prior plan award, the number of shares that would have been counted against the Absolute Share Limit if such prior plan award had been granted under this 2020 Plan) with respect to such unissued shares of common stock to which such award or prior plan award related, as determined in accordance with the terms of the 2020 Plan.

Awards may, in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, be granted under the 2020 Plan in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an entity directly or indirectly acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines (“Substitute Awards”). Substitute Awards will not be counted against the Absolute Share Limit; provided, that Substitute Awards issued in connection with the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding options intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) will be counted against the aggregate number of shares of common stock available for awards of incentive stock options under the 2020 Plan. Subject to applicable stock exchange requirements, available shares of common stock under a stockholder-approved plan of an entity directly or indirectly acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines (as appropriately adjusted to reflect the acquisition or combination transaction) may be used for awards under the 2020 Plan and will not reduce the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2020 Plan.

Adjustments

In the event of a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reorganization, stock split or dividend, or similar event affecting the common stock, the number (including limits on shares of common stock granted) and kind of shares granted under the 2020 Plan, the Compensation Committee will make such proportionate substitution or adjustment, if any, as it deems equitable, to any or all of the Absolute Share Limit, the number of shares of common stock or other securities of the Company that may be issued in respect of awards or with respect to which awards may be granted and the terms of any outstanding award.

Restricted Stock

The Compensation Committee will be authorized to award restricted stock under the 2020 Plan. Awards of restricted stock will be subject to the terms and conditions established by the Compensation Committee. Restricted stock is common stock that is subject to such restrictions as may be determined by the Compensation Committee for a specified period.

RSU Awards

The Compensation Committee will be authorized to award RSUs in lieu of or in addition to any restricted stock awards. RSUs will be subject to the terms and conditions established by the Compensation Committee. Each RSU will have an initial value that is at least equal to the fair market value of a share of Company common stock on the date of grant. RSUs may be paid at such time as the Compensation Committee may determine in its discretion, and payments may be made in a lump sum or in installments, in cash, shares of common stock, or a combination thereof, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion.

Options

The Compensation Committee will be authorized to grant options to purchase shares of common stock that are either “qualified,” meaning they are intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) for incentive stock options, or “nonqualified,” meaning they are not intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code. Options granted under the 2020 Plan will be subject to the terms and conditions established by the Compensation Committee. Under the terms of the 2020 Plan, the exercise price of the options will not be less than the fair market value of our common stock at the time of grant. Options granted under the 2020 Plan will be subject to such terms, including the exercise price and the conditions and timing of exercise, as may be determined by the Compensation Committee and specified in the applicable award agreement. The maximum term of an option granted under the 2020 Plan will be 10 years from the date of grant (or five years in the case of a qualified option granted to a 10% stockholder). Payment in respect of the exercise of an option may be made in cash or by check, by surrender of unrestricted shares (at their fair market value on the date of exercise), or through a “net exercise,” or the Compensation Committee may, in its discretion and to the extent permitted by law, allow such payment to be made through a broker-assisted cashless exercise mechanism or by such other method as the Compensation Committee may determine to be appropriate.

Stock Appreciation Rights

The Compensation Committee will be authorized to award SARs under the 2020 Plan. SARs will be subject to the terms and conditions established by the Compensation Committee and reflected in the award agreement. A SAR is a contractual right that allows a participant to receive, in the form of either cash, shares or any combination of cash and shares, the appreciation, if any, in the value of a share over a certain period of time. An option granted under the 2020 Plan may include SARs, and SARs may also be awarded to a participant independent of the grant of an option. SARs granted in connection with an option shall be subject to terms similar to the option corresponding to such SARs.

Other Stock-Based Awards

The Compensation Committee will be authorized to award other stock-based awards having terms and conditions as determined by the Compensation Committee. These awards may be granted either alone or in tandem with other awards.

Qualified Performance-Based Awards

Restricted stock and RSUs granted to officers and employees of the Company may depend on the degree of achievement of one or more performance goals relative to a pre-established targeted level or levels using one or more identified performance targets. The applicable performance period may not be less than three months nor more than 10 years.

Dividends and Voting Rights

Participants awarded stock options and SARs will not receive dividends or dividend equivalents or have any voting rights with respect to shares of common stock underlying these awards prior to the issuance of any such shares. Participants that hold unearned awards subject to performance vesting conditions (other than or in additional to the passage of time) will not receive dividends or dividend equivalents or have any voting rights with respect to shares of common stock underlying these awards prior to the issuance of any such shares; provided, however, that dividends and dividend equivalents may be accumulated in respect of unearned awards and paid within 30 days after such awards are earned and become payable or distributable.

Transferability

Awards granted under the 2020 Plan generally will be transferable only by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution. In certain limited circumstances, the Compensation Committee may authorize stock options, other than incentive stock options, to be transferred to family members or trusts controlled by family members of the participant. Restricted stock may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of until the applicable restrictions lapse.

Change in Control

In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the 2020 Plan), options become immediately exercisable in full. In addition, in such event the Compensation Committee may accelerate the termination date of the option to a date no earlier than 30 days after notice of such acceleration is given to the participant. Upon the giving of any such acceleration notice, the option shall become immediately exercisable in full.

A participant’s right to SARs under an SAR agreement immediately vest as to 100% of the total number of shares covered by the grant (i) upon termination of the grantee’s employment on account of the grantee’s death or permanent disability; or (ii) upon the occurrence of a Change in Control.

With respect to restricted stock and RSUs, in the event that the grantee’s status as an employee is terminated following a Change in Control, then all unvested shares of restricted stock and RSUs will immediately vest.

Clawback

All awards under the 2020 Plan are subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with (i) any clawback, forfeiture or other similar policy adopted by the Board or the Compensation Committee and as in effect from time to time; and (ii) applicable law.

Amendment and Termination

The Board may terminate or amend the 2020 Plan or any portion thereof at any time; provided, however, that the Board may not, without stockholder approval, amend the 2020 Plan if:

In addition, any such amendment that would materially and adversely affect an award holder’s rights with respect to a previously granted and outstanding award will not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected holder of such award.

The Compensation Committee may terminate or amend any award agreement, to the extent consistent with the terms of the 2020 Plan and any applicable award agreement and so long as such termination or amendment would not materially and adversely affect an award holder’s rights with respect to a previously granted and outstanding award (unless the affected holder consents thereto); provided, however that the Compensation Committee may not, without stockholder approval, amend or terminate an award or award agreement to:

U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to 2020 Plan participants and the Company of the grant, vesting and exercise of awards under the 2020 Plan and the disposition of shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of such awards and is based upon an interpretation of the current federal income tax laws and regulations and may be inapplicable if such laws and regulations are changed. This summary is not intended to be a complete statement of applicable law or constitute tax advice, nor does it address foreign, state, local and payroll tax considerations. Moreover, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to any particular participant may differ from those described herein by reason of, among other things, the particular circumstances of such participant. To the extent that any awards under the 2020 Plan are subject to Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”), the following discussion assumes that such awards will be designed to conform to the requirements of Section 409A and the regulations promulgated thereunder (or an exception thereto). The 2020 Plan is not subject to the protective provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and is not qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code.

Incentive Stock Options. Options issued under the 2020 Plan and designated as incentive stock options are intended to qualify as such under Section 422 of the Code. Under the provisions of Section 422 of the Code and the related regulations, holders of incentive stock options will generally incur no federal income tax liability at the time of grant or upon exercise of those options, and the Company will not be entitled to a deduction at the time of the grant or exercise of the option. However, the difference between the value of the common stock received on the exercise date and the exercise price paid will be an “item of tax preference,” which may give rise to “alternative minimum tax” liability to the holder for the taxable year in which the exercise occurs. The taxation of gain or loss upon the sale of the common stock acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option depends, in part, on whether the holding period of the shares of our common stock acquired through the exercise of an incentive stock option is at least (i) two years from the date of grant of the option and (ii) one year from the date the option was exercised. If these holding period requirements are satisfied, any gain or loss realized on a subsequent disposition of the shares will constitute long-term capital gain or loss, as the case may be. Assuming both holding periods are satisfied, no deduction will be allowed to us for federal income tax purposes in connection with the grant or exercise of the incentive stock option. If these holding periods requirements are not met, then, upon such “disqualifying disposition” of the shares, the participant will generally realize compensation, taxable as ordinary income, at the time of such disposition in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the share on the date of exercise over the exercise price, limited to the gain on the sale, and that amount will generally be deductible by us for federal income tax purposes, subject to the possible limitations on deductibility under Section 162(m)of the Code for compensation paid to certain executives designated thereunder. Finally, if an otherwise qualified incentive stock option becomes first exercisable in any one year for shares having an aggregate value in excess of $100,000 (based on the grant date value), the portion of the incentive stock option in respect of those excess shares will be treated as a non-qualified stock option for federal income tax purposes.

Non-qualified Stock Options. No income will generally be realized by a participant upon grant of a non-qualified stock option. Upon the exercise of a non-qualified stock option, the participant will recognize ordinary compensation income in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the underlying exercised shares over the option exercise price paid at the time of exercise. We will be able to deduct this same amount for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but such deduction may be limited under Section 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to certain executives designated thereunder. Upon a subsequent disposition of the shares acquired under a non-qualified stock option, the participant will realize short-term or long-term capital gain (or loss) depending on the holding period. The capital gain (or loss) will be short-term if the shares are disposed of within one year after the non-qualified stock option is exercised, and long-term if shares were held more than 12 months as of the sale date.

Restricted Stock. A participant will normally not be required to recognize income for federal income tax purposes upon the grant of an award of restricted stock, nor is the Company entitled to any deduction, to the extent that the shares awarded have not vested (i.e., are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture). On the date an award of restricted stock is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, the participant will compensation taxable as ordinary income in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the vested shares on that date and the amount the participant paid for such shares, if any, unless the participant made an election under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed at the time of grant. The participant may, however, make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code, within 30 days following the grant of the restricted stock award, to be taxed at the time of the grant of the award based on the difference between the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant and the amount the participant paid for such shares, if any. If the shares subject to such election are subsequently forfeited, the participant will not be entitled to any deduction, refund or loss for tax purposes with respect to the forfeited shares. We will be able to deduct, at the same time as it is recognized by the participant, the amount of taxable compensation to the participant for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but such deduction may be limited under Section 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to certain executives designated thereunder. Upon the sale of the vested shares, the participant will realize short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on the holding period. The holding period generally begins when the restriction period expires. If the recipient timely made a Section 83(b) election, the holding period commences on the date of the grant.

Deferred Stock Units and Restricted Stock Units. A participant will not be subject to federal income tax upon the grant of a deferred stock unit award or a restricted stock unit award, and the Company is not entitled to a deduction at the time of grant. Rather, upon the delivery of shares or cash pursuant to a deferred stock unit award or a restricted stock unit award, the participant will generally have compensation taxable at ordinary income rates in an amount equal to the fair market value of the number of shares (or the amount of cash) actually received with respect to the settlement of the award of such units. We will generally be able to deduct the amount of the ordinary income realized by the participant for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but the deduction may be limited under Section 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to certain executives designated thereunder. If the participant receives shares upon settlement then, upon disposition of such shares, appreciation or depreciation after the settlement date is treated as either short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, depending on how long the shares have been held.

SARs. SARs are treated very similarly to non-qualified options for tax purposes. No income will normally be realized by a participant upon grant of a SAR. Upon the exercise of a SAR, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income in an amount equal to either: (i) the cash received upon exercise; or (ii) if shares are received upon the exercise of the SAR, the fair market value of the shares received in respect of the SAR. We will be able to deduct this same amount for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but such deduction may be limited under Section 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to certain executives designated thereunder.

Performance Awards. A participant generally will not recognize income upon the grant of a performance award. Upon payment of the performance award, the participant will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the cash received or, if the performance award is payable in shares, the fair market value of the shares received. When the participant recognizes ordinary income upon payment of a performance award, the Company generally will be entitled to a tax deduction in the same amount.

Other Stock-Based Awards. A participant will generally have compensation taxable as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares on the date the award is settled (whether in shares or cash, or both) over the amount the participant paid for such shares, if any. We will generally be able to deduct, at the same time as it is recognized by the participant, the amount of taxable compensation to the participant for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but such deduction may be limited under Section 162(m) for compensation paid to certain executives designated thereunder.

Consequences of Change of Control. If a change of control of the Company causes awards under the 2020 Plan to accelerate vesting or is deemed to result in the attainment of performance goals, certain participants could, in some cases, be considered to have received “excess parachute payments,” which could subject certain participants to a 20% excise tax on the excess parachute payments and result in a disallowance of the Company’s deductions under Section 280G of the Code.

Section 409A. Section 409A applies to compensation that individuals earn in one year but that is not paid until a future year. This is referred to as non-qualified deferred compensation. Section 409A, however, does not apply to qualified plans (such as a Section 401(k) plan) and certain welfare benefits. If deferred compensation covered by Section 409A meets the requirements of Section 409A, then Section 409A has no effect on the individual’s taxes. The compensation is taxed in the same manner as it would be taxed if it were not covered by Section 409A. If a deferred compensation arrangement does not meet the requirements of Section 409A, the compensation is subject to accelerated taxation in the year in which such compensation is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture and certain additional taxes, interest and penalties, including a 20% additional income tax. Awards of stock options, SARs, restricted stock units and performance awards under the 2020 Plan may, in some cases, result in the deferral of compensation that is subject to the requirements of Section 409A. Awards under the 2020 Plan are intended to comply with Section 409A, the regulations issued thereunder or an exception thereto. Notwithstanding, Section 409A may impose upon a participant certain taxes or interest charges for which the participant is responsible. Section 409A does not impose any penalties on the Company and does limit the Company’s deduction with respect to compensation paid to a participant.

Section 162(m). The Company generally may deduct any compensation or ordinary income recognized by the recipient of an award under the 2020 Plan when recognized, subject to the limits of Section 162(m) of the Code (“Section 162(m)”). Prior to 2018, Section 162(m) imposed a $1 million limit on the amount a public company may deduct for compensation paid to a Company’s Chief Executive Officer or any of the Company’s three other most highly compensated executive officers (other than the Chief Financial Officer) who were employed as of the end of the year. This limitation did not apply to compensation that met Code requirements for “qualified performance-based compensation.” The performance-based compensation exemption, the last day of the year determination date, and the exemption of the Chief Financial Officer from Code Section 162(m)’s deduction limit have all been repealed under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”), effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, such that awards paid under the 2020 Plan to our covered executive officers may not be deductible for such taxable years due to the application of the $1 million deduction limitation. However, under Tax Reform transition relief, compensation provided under a written binding contract in effect on November 2, 2017 that is not materially modified after that date continues to be subject to the performance-based compensation exception. As in prior years, while deductibility of executive compensation for federal income tax purposes is among the factors the Compensation Committee considers when structuring our executive compensation, it is not the sole or primary factor considered. Our Board and the Compensation Committee retain the flexibility to authorize compensation that may not be deductible if they believe it is in our best interests.

Tax Withholding. The Company and its affiliates have the right to deduct or withhold, or require a participant to remit to the Company and its affiliates, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state and local taxes (including employment taxes) required by law to be withheld with respect to any exercise, lapse of restriction or other taxable event arising with respect to awards under the 2020 Plan.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The table below sets forth information as of May 31, 2020.

(1) This represents (i) 500,000 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”), and (ii) 1,000,000 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”).

The Company’s stockholders approved the 2018 Plan on October 4, 2018. Under the 2018 Plan, 500,000 shares of common stock are authorized for issuance to employees, officers, directors, consultants. The 2018 Plan authorizes the grant of nonqualified stock options and incentive stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, other stock bonus awards, and performance compensation awards. There were 500,000 shares available for award as of May 31, 2020 under the 2018 Plan. The Company does not intend to make any grants under the 2018 Plan.

The Board of Directors and stockholders of the Company approved the 2020 Plan on April 22, 2020 and June 23, 2020, respectively. Under the 2020 Plan, 1,000,000 shares of common stock are authorized for issuance to employees, directors and independent contractors (except those performing services in connection with the offer or sale of the Company’s securities in a capital raising transaction, or promoting or maintaining a market for the Company’s securities) of the Company or its subsidiaries. The 2020 Plan authorizes equity-based and cash-based incentives for participants. There were 1,000,000 shares available for award as of May 31, 2020 under the 2020 Plan.

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of August 31, 2020, by:

Information with respect to beneficial ownership has been furnished by each director, executive officer or 5% stockholder, as the case may be. Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock beneficially owned by them.