UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-KSB
|X| ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004
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|_| TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934
For the transition period from to
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Commission file number 000-28399
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Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc.
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(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
Utah 59-1643698
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
6757 Spencer Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 89119
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Issuer's telephone number: (702) 407-2471
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $.01 par value
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(Title of each class)
Check whether the issuer (1) 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 |_|
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained in this form, and no disclosure will be
contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB
or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. |_|
State issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year: $312,401
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State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common
equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the
common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common
equity, as of a specified date within the past 60 days: $4,354,948 ($0.35 per
share as of February 18, 2005).
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common equity, as of the latest practicable date: Common Stock, $.01 par value,
19,017,352 shares (as of February 18, 2005).
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The information required by Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB
is incorporated by reference from the issuer's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A
to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Commission, not
later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I.............................................................................................................2
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS............................................................................2
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY...........................................................................14
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.................................................................................14
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS...............................................14
PART II...........................................................................................................14
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.............................................14
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION.........................................17
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS..............................................................................33
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE..............54
ITEM 8A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES...........................................................................54
PART III..........................................................................................................55
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF
THE EXCHANGE ACT..................................................................................55
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION............................................................................58
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS....59
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS....................................................62
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K..................................64
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES............................................................64
SIGNATURES...................................................................................................65
EXHIBIT INDEX.....................................................................................................66
PART I.
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS.
BACKGROUND
On or about January 12, 2004, NorStar Group, Inc., a publicly-held company
that was not conducting or developing any commercial operations, or NorStar,
consummated a series of transactions, including: (i) a 1-for-24.852732 reverse
split of its outstanding shares of common stock; (ii) the issuance of 14,600,000
post-split shares of common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding shares
of common stock of Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation, or
GEG Nevada; (iii) the issuance of options and warrants to purchase 4,257,937
post-split shares of common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding options
and warrants to purchase shares of GEG Nevada; and (iv) a change in the name of
NorStar to Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc., or the Company. As a result of
the exchange, GEG Nevada became a subsidiary of the Company, and the former
stockholders of GEG Nevada became the holders of 91.25% of the then outstanding
shares of common stock of the combined companies. In addition, the former
directors and officers of GEG Nevada became the controlling members of the board
of directors and management of the combined companies. Since GEG Nevada was the
only operating company in the exchange and the former stockholders of GEG Nevada
received a substantial majority of the voting securities of the combined
companies, the exchange was accounted for as a "reverse acquisition" and,
effectively, as a recapitalization, in which GEG Nevada was the accounting
acquirer (and the legal acquiree) and NorStar was the accounting acquiree (and
the legal acquirer). Since the exchange was accounted for as a "reverse
acquisition," the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004, reflect the
historical financial statements of GEG Nevada, the accounting acquirer, as
adjusted for the effects of the exchange of shares on its equity accounts, the
inclusion of the net liabilities of the accounting acquiree as of January 12,
2004 on their historical basis and the inclusion of the accounting acquiree's
results of operations from that date.
In this report, the references to "we," "us" or "our" relate to GEG Nevada
prior to January 12, 2004 and to GEG, GEG Nevada and their other subsidiaries
from that date forward.
SUMMARY OF BUSINESS
Since 1995, we have been a leading supplier of government-regulated
networked gaming technology. During this period, we have built a comprehensive
networked gaming platform that has passed multiple government prescribed
validations in Australia (Tasmania and Queensland), Republic of Vanuatu and
Great Britain (Alderney and the Isle of Man). We originally designed and
deployed our gaming platform in the Internet-based gaming market, as evidenced
by our agreements with traditional land-based gaming operators and numerous
Australia-based online operators. In 2000, our gaming platform went live with
its first customer, www.wrestpointcasino.com in Tasmania, Australia and for
points-play at GOCORP in Queensland, Australia. In 2002, we commenced live
operations of www.clubfiore.com, an online gaming site offered by Action Online,
Inc. through the Isle of Man. In 2002, we entered into an agreement with the
Venetian Interactive, LLC for the purpose of developing and providing an
Internet gaming site for the Venetian Hotel.
In 2003, we commenced the expansion of our product line to include gaming
systems and game content, ultimately for deployment in land-based casinos.
Specifically, we have developed, or are currently developing, a proprietary
central server gaming system and various games for the European gaming market
including fixed-odds betting terminals (roulette), amusement with prizes
machines (a suite of video poker games), and Section 16 roulette devices. The
amusement with prizes gaming machines are stand-alone gaming machines that do
not communicate with a server, while the fixed-odds betting terminals and the
Section 16 roulette machines are client-server devices. In addition, for the
North American gaming market, we have developed, or licensed, electronic bingo
games for the Class II gaming market (Class II games are simply bingo games, or
games similar to bingo that can be in paper or electronic form; this market
primarily consists of Native American casinos), video lottery terminals (video
slots) for the racino market (racinos is the term used for horse and greyhound
tracks that have implemented gaming at their facilities), and our
electro-mechanical virtual ball blower which is a digital version of the ball
draw used at bingo halls and for lotteries across the United States. We will
continue to seek a formal strategic relationship with a major gaming equipment
manufacturer principally for deployment of our central server gaming system. In
the meantime, we have established a turnkey manufacturing relationship with a
major Las Vegas, Nevada-based gaming machine supplier for products deployed in
the future in North America, and will use one or more turnkey sources in the
United Kingdom for gaming machines deployed in the future in Europe.
- 2 -
In September 2004, we entered into a series of agreements with GEG
Holdings, LLC, or GEG Holdings, an affiliate of Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. GEG
Holdings loaned us the sum of $750,000 in the form of debt financing during the
period September 2004 through November 2004. Thereafter, on December 8, 2004,
Cantor G&W (Nevada), L.P., or Cantor, and the Company entered into a series of
definitive agreements to create a formal strategic partnership which provided
Cantor with, among other things, an exclusive perpetual worldwide license to our
Internet gaming software, and in return we will receive an additional $1,250,000
of senior secured debt financing in multiple tranches. The promissory note
relating to the $750,000 loan of GEG Holdings was assigned to Cantor. As part of
the transaction, Cantor received the right to acquire majority control of us
through the exercise of various securities issued to them by the Company, as
well as certain of our stockholders. To this end, Cantor was issued a series of
stock purchase warrants which, upon full exercise by Cantor, would result in the
Company receiving up to $6,800,000 of equity financing, exclusive of the
aforementioned debt financing of $2,000,000. The executive officers and
directors of the Company, and certain other third parties, have granted Cantor
an option to purchase, collectively, up to 7,500,000 shares of common stock, or
Option Shares, held by such parties. Through the exercise of the various stock
purchase warrants and Option Shares, Cantor may obtain majority control of the
Company.
As part of the transaction with Cantor, we have been engaged to develop
Cantor's online casino, which will be hosted in Alderney in the British Isles
and is anticipated to go live in 2005. Upon its successful deployment, it is
anticipated that we will develop additional online gaming sites for white-label
clients of Cantor as well as the Company. In each instance, we will receive
development fees and recurring royalties.
In sum our current business strategy involves:
o Further development and finalization of the Cantor online gaming
casino, including integration with Cantor's wireless hardware;
future development of Internet gaming sites for white-label clients
of Cantor and the Company
o Continued development of our central server gaming system and game
content and certification by independent gaming laboratories
o Partnering with a major gaming equipment manufacturer for land-based
gaming applications of our central server gaming platform
o Further development of distribution partners for deployment of our
suite of proprietary games in North America and European gaming
markets
o Application of our products for emerging broadband technologies,
including digital TV, mobile phone and WAP architectures.
- 3 -
Developed using the JAVA technology of Sun Microsystems, Inc., our central
server gaming system platform can be deployed on virtually any operating system
and hardware combination. The server software consists of administration
applications and gaming servers and can be run on any operating system,
including Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000/XP/NT and Sun Solaris. We are able to
create central server gaming by connecting a range of gaming machines and games
developed either by third parties or us.
EMERGENCE OF GAMING SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY
Twenty-five years ago, a majority of all gaming revenue in the United
States was derived from traditional table games such as blackjack, craps and
baccarat. Today, a majority of all gaming revenue in the United States is
generated from gaming machines. The shift from traditional table games to gaming
machines has occurred in the gaming markets outside the United States as well.
Further, the proportion of total revenue originating from gaming machines is
expected to continue to increase as a result of the higher margins produced by
gaming machines when compared with increasing labor costs associated with the
operation of table games and the ability to establish a fixed return on gaming
devices.
Historically, the dominant architecture of gaming machines within
traditional gaming venues has been stand-alone devices, where these devices are
generally connected to the gaming property's monitoring system and may be
connected to wide area progressive jackpot controllers. With the continued
growth in gaming, especially in networked gaming, and the increased reliance on
technology to deliver a superior gaming experience to patrons, substantial
growth is occurring in networked gaming systems. To this end, the Gaming
Standards Association has standardized the Ethernet and TCP/IP protocols for the
networking of gaming machines. Our technology is compliant with these standards.
From a land-based perspective, we are focused on technology that enables
the inter-connectivity of individual gaming machines intra-casino and
inter-casino as well as in the evolving racino market. Racinos are commonly
defined as horse racetracks with gaming machines on site. Many of the major
gaming equipment manufacturers have made it known that they intend to introduce
server-based downloadable gaming systems/machines into the marketplace. We will
continue to focus on partnering with a major gaming equipment provider, although
there can be no assurance that we will be successful in creating an alliance.
Our central server gaming system platform will network individual gaming
machines, include strong encryption and security and supply an existing and
continuously updated portfolio of games. To date, our technology has been
deployed in gaming consoles and kiosks and has been installed in slot machines,
in a test environment, for facilitation of Intranet based gaming. Once networked
through our software, a casino, or racino, will be able to download games on
demand, upgrade games centrally, lower long-term deployment and reduce
administrative costs. For example, instead of replacing gaming machines every
three years or so due to poor performance or malfunction, the gaming property
can make specific games available to patrons and ensure that the highest revenue
producing games are being offered at all times as well as, among other things,
change denominations based on market conditions (e.g., $0.25/game during the day
and $1.00/game at night). Further, the administration tools offered to casino
operators should decrease operational costs meaningfully.
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Benefits of Central Server Gaming
The implementation of a central server gaming system platform offers
immediate and long-term strategic advantages to both the gaming property and its
patrons, including:
o Virtually Unlimited Number of Games. Since the gaming property has
the ability to make hundreds of games available to the patron at any
time, the gaming property can react quickly to rapid turnover of
games that is demanded by today's patrons and to seasonal events or
special occasions. In addition to changing the layout or theme of
the game, the gaming property can change the premise of the game
offered from traditional video slots to games of skill, tournaments,
arcade-style games, knowledge-based games, number games (bingo,
lottery and keno) and race and sports-book events.
o Centralized Monitoring and Maintenance of Games. Through the
networking of gaming machines, the gaming property can track the
performance and status of each terminal, calculate operating results
without resorting to the traditional cash-fill approximation method,
review player accounts in a secure, monitored and auditable manner
and upgrade gaming software to all gaming machines simultaneously.
o Development of Loyalty Programs. Through the issuance of player
cards, or PINs, to patrons and installing the appropriate card
readers and software, the gaming property can develop a loyalty
program that can be tracked through the central server gaming system
platform and that can be tailored for the particular patron. For
instance, once a player has registered at a terminal, the menus on
the gaming machine can be changed to the patron's preferences
related to game parameters, such as game type, layout,
denominations, language, currency.
o Cashless Gaming. Since our central server gaming system platform
will monitor every cash event and single game play, the gaming
property will be able to implement account-based cashless gaming.
Through the deposit of funds by or the issuance of credit to a
patron, the gaming property can then permit the patron to access
these funds once registered at a gaming machine.
o Local Progressives. The gaming property can cluster machines and
provide patrons with a local progressive with contribution, trigger
and payout rules that can be set and administered centrally with
regulatory restrictions. The promotion can occur by broadcasting to
traditional fixed signage and/or large television or plasma screens
mounted throughout the gaming property.
o Wide Area Progressives. In addition to a single local progressive,
the gaming property can connect multiple local progressives to
create a wide area progressive jackpot. Moreover, multiple gaming
properties may choose to join together in creating their own wide
area progressive. These progressives can potentially be offered
across a range of different games, rather than the traditional model
of specific progressives for each manufacturer's game.
o Player Interactivity. Our central server gaming system platform can
permit each player to potentially interact with the operator and
other players. This feature is useful for marketing promotions,
multi-player games and tournament play. In addition, the gaming
property can enhance the gaming experience by providing, for
example, video-on-demand, music-on-demand, games-on-demand and
Internet browsers to players that would encourage them to spend more
time at the gaming property. Further, if multiple gaming properties
are linked through our central server gaming system platform,
patrons at the different properties would be able to interact and
communicate with each other. This feature can reinforce
cross-casino/club marketing, promotions and tournament play.
- 5 -
o Third Party Game Development. The interface to the central server
gaming system platform can be made available for third parties to
develop and deliver new content.
CENTRAL SERVER GAMING PLATFORM OF GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
Our central server gaming system platform has an open, well-defined and
well-documented application program interface, or API, for game and content
development, including base game engines for 3-reel slots, 5-reel slots, video
poker, card games, multiplayer bingo, keno, lottery, and progressives. Unlike
basic "Game Development Kits" offered by some suppliers, our approach is to
allow selected parties to access the full range of development API's, comprising
5,000 class files plus documentation to allow quick and accurate code
development. This approach allows the development of games with the same "look
and feel" as the existing games, and provides existing functionality such as
player messages, account management, and integration with casino databases and
reports.
The main factor that influences the purchase of gaming systems is a
player's acceptance of the games. There is a constant demand for new game
titles, only a limited number of which will prove to be long-term "winners."
Interestingly, the most successful games that have been distributed by industry
leaders were oftentimes designed by outside developers. This is an important
strategy that we will continue to utilize and pursue, along with further
development of in-house game development staff, having already established
partner relationships with a number of external game developers.
In marketing our central server gaming system platform, our strategy is to
take advantage of our size and responsiveness and mitigate risk and unnecessary
fixed overhead through the following measures:
o Identification of technological niches in an otherwise established
market
o Location of suitable partners, either of similar size or larger,
where licensing opportunities exist
o Development of a portfolio of products and commercial opportunities
o Development of products for specific market sectors while ensuring
economies of scale through re-engineering previously built systems
o Outsourcing manufacturing of all gaming devices to established
turnkey providers
o Utilization of existing distribution networks, including those of
our strategic partners as well as experienced third party groups
Our central server gaming system platform consists of five key components
that are integrated through the use of modules. The key components of our
central server gaming system platform are:
o Server Platform
o Gaming Machines
o Progressives
o Casino Administration Center
o Casino Management Application
- 6 -
Our server platform will supply all the security, banking, reporting and
configuration utilities that are required for trusted centralized gaming. The
gaming machines will be connected to the server platform via secure, encrypted
communication links (e.g., TCP/IP connections). An unlimited number of games and
content can be available on demand by players, and can be extended and modified
at any time by gaming operators subject to strict internal controls and
regulatory restrictions. In addition, the server platform can support a module
for comprehensive and fully configurable progressive jackpots and can be linked
to third party progressive jackpots.
Through our software, the Casino Administration Center provides authorized
casino managers the ability to monitor and report casino activity, control game
libraries and enable progressive jackpots. Our central server gaming system
platform can be integrated with industry-standard casino management applications
for seamless analysis and aggregated reporting with the gaming property's
current environment.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
In terms of integrating the key components of our central server gaming
system platform with the gaming architecture of an existing gaming property, we
use various modules and interfaces that are designed to provide our central
server gaming system platform with the ability to interface with a variety of
slot accounting systems, games, gaming consoles and gaming machines. These
modules and interfaces include:
o Third Party SAS Interface. This module will serve as a translator
between any number of slot accounting systems, or SAS's, using their
respective protocols, and our central server. In order to use a
third party SAS, we will add a module that can convert data back and
forth between the gaming property's SAS and our central server. If
the third party SAS has low-latency requirements that are
unattainable with the response times of our central server, we will
require the use of a high-speed SAS cache.
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o Hardware Interface Protocol. Through our hardware interface
protocol, we will be able to encapsulate a gaming property's gaming
consoles behind a pre-defined interface. Since the programming for
our hardware interface protocol will not require knowledge of the
underlying hardware implementation, we can permit third party
manufacturers to apply their hardware and match their games to our
central server gaming system platform.
o Game Support Module, or GSM. Our GSM acts as an interface for games
written in one of a number of selected languages. As a result, games
written in C++, Visual Basic, or any other language will be able to
communicate with our central server and make use of platform
specific features, such as fast 3D graphics.
o Cache and Cache Synchronization System. For stand-alone machines
that make use of our SAS without permanently being connected via a
local area network, a cache system will be used to receive all
transaction information from the gaming console. Depending on
implementation, there may be one cache internal to each gaming
console, or an external box to which a cluster of consoles all
connect. Periodically, our SAS will connect to each cache and
download any new information to update its accounting records and
player statistics information.
o Event Redirector. Through this module, we can control the automatic
switching between a stand-alone machine configuration (with
game-logic internal to the machine) and a client-server
configuration (where the game logic is on a server external to the
console) by reference to installation parameters.
GAMING AND WAGERING SOLUTIONS
In addition to our central server gaming system platform, we have
developed the software electro-mechanical ball blower, or virtual ball blower,
for use in traditional and spinning-reel bingo games, as well as Keno games, as
an alternative to a traditional mechanical ball blower. Our virtual ball blower
provides a software simulation of a collection of numbered balls contained
within a virtual glass chamber whereby a virtual air stream at the base of the
chamber pushes the numbered balls around chaotically within the glass chamber.
The physics of the interaction of the numbered balls with the virtual air stream
and with each other permits the numbered balls to be drawn one at a time, in a
random order. We designed the virtual ball blower to comply with National Indian
Gaming Association Class II gaming regulations. In addition, we have developed
and licensed several electronic bingo games for use with our virtual ball
blower.
We have also designed and developed interactive gaming and wagering
solutions for Baccarat, Bingo, Blackjack (including a multi-player version),
Craps, Keno, Pai Gow, Punto Banco, Roulette (including American, European and
French versions), Sic Bo, Sports-Book, Video Poker and a range of 3-reel and
5-reel, multi-line slot machines. Our games may be run on a range of gaming
machines, in regulated online casinos or via other distribution means and are
designed to be customizable in terms of design, layout and configuration.
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THE GAMING MARKET
Native American Gaming Market
Native American gaming is regulated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act
of 1988, or IGRA, which permits only specific types of gaming on Native American
lands. IGRA classifies games that may be played on Native American land into
three categories, Class I, Class II and Class III. Class I gaming includes
traditional Native American social and ceremonial games and is regulated only by
the tribes. Class II gaming includes bingo and, if played at the same location
where bingo is played, pull-tabs, lotto, punch boards, tip jars, instant bingo,
certain card games played under limited circumstances, and other games similar
to bingo. Class III gaming consists of all forms of gaming that are not Class I
or Class II, such as video casino games, slot machines, most table games and
keno.
The Native American gaming market is a substantial, but highly fragmented,
segment of the overall gaming industry in the United States. There are more than
500 federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States that
operate over 300 gaming facilities in a majority of the states, with most tribes
operating only one facility. These Class II and Class III facilities house more
than 100,000 Class II and Class III player stations of all kinds.
Class II Indian casino gaming is the fastest growing gaming market in the
world. According to the National Indian Gaming Association, total wagering in
Class II and Class III Native American facilities in 2004 was estimated at more
than $14 billion. This number is expected to increase as many states have, or
will be, negotiating new gaming compacts, or contracts, to permit expansion
and/or introducing certain new types of gaming within their respective states.
State governments seek to capture new and additional gaming tax revenue to
offset mounting state budgetary deficits. Californian Native American tribes
alone generated more than $5 billion in revenue in 2004.
Electronic bingo games have been installed in increasing numbers at gaming
facilities because they generally produce greater revenues and profits than
paper bingo on a per square foot basis. Technological innovations have increased
the speed of play and have helped to drive increased wagering in the Class II
gaming market. We believe that these technological innovations have also changed
the demographic of end-users in this market to a younger and more affluent group
than those that predominantly participated in paper bingo. In this regard, we
believe our virtual ball blower will accelerate the rate at which electronic
bingo games can be played, a key objective of players and operators alike.
United Kingdom Market
The gaming market in the United Kingdom is quite large but clearly in a
state of flux. For the past several years, experts and gaming analysts were
convinced that the U.K. gaming market would be de-regulated and be modeled
similar to the Nevada gaming market, both in terms of regulation and the breadth
of gaming offered at casinos and other land-based facilities. While this may
occur someday, it will likely be several years from now and expansion will
likely be undertaken at a slow rate. Conversely, the wireless and Internet
gaming market in the U.K. is growing at a significant rate.
Regulated Internet Gaming Market
The Internet gaming market has historically been characterized by sports
betting and casino operations domiciled in the Caribbean islands. Jurisdictions
such as Antigua set minimal standards and attracted companies that focused their
marketing efforts predominantly on attracting United States players. These
businesses grew rapidly until there were an estimated 1,400 gambling websites,
at which time governments around the world began grappling with the associated
regulatory issues. Internet gaming presents some unique and difficult issues for
regulators. Unlike physical gaming facilities that serve all their customers
within one state, Internet sites attract users from all over the world, making
it difficult to decide who should regulate the activity. Some states have
adopted regulations that govern Internet gambling only when the players are
inside state borders.
- 9 -
Since 1961, it has been illegal in the United States to place sports
wagers across state lines as provided by the 1961 Wire Act. In 2003, the United
States Department of Justice confirmed that casino bets were also outlawed by
the same legislation. This has led to a large number of sites becoming unviable,
as the credit card companies and service providers, such as Master Card, Visa
and PayPal, have been forced to stop processing credit card transactions.
In contrast to the initial, unregulated Internet gaming market, we have
focused our efforts on the regulated Internet gaming market that has developed
over the past four years. The regulated Internet gaming market has been marked
by the adoption of regulations that permit the establishment and operation of
Internet gaming sites in a variety of jurisdictions, including, among others,
Alderney and the Isle of Man. These regulations focus on probity standards and
technical requirements that are applied in land-based gaming markets and, among
other things, create a substantial barrier to entry for the unregulated
suppliers to the previously unregulated Internet gaming market. In addition, due
to prohibition on Internet gaming by certain jurisdictions, including the United
States, any Internet gaming website must include safeguards that a player is not
attempting to access the online system from within these jurisdictions.
TARGET MARKET STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Internet/Wireless Gaming
On December 8, 2004, we entered into definitive agreements with Cantor G&W
(Nevada), L.P., or Cantor, which included, among other things, the exclusive
license, or License, of our Internet gaming software. In conjunction with the
License, we currently receive a monthly fee for the development of the Cantor
Casino. In addition, we will receive a portion of the net win realized by the
Cantor Casino following repayment of certain expenses associated therewith. The
Cantor Casino, which is anticipated to go live later in 2005, will be hosted in
Alderney, a highly regulated Internet gaming jurisdiction. It is anticipated
that parties utilizing the Cantor Casino will ultimately be able to do so via
the Internet as well as with certain wireless devices. The Cantor Casino will
not permit U.S. bets.
Beyond the Cantor Casino, it is anticipated that we will develop
additional "white-label" Internet gaming sites, each of which will prohibit U.S.
bets, on behalf of Cantor clients as well third parties introduced by us.
Similarly, we will receive a development fee and a portion of the net win
realized by such "white-label" sites following repayment of certain cash outlays
associated with such sites.
Previously, we completed the following Internet gaming projects:
o Star City Casino - TABCORP, Melbourne, Australia: TABCORP is
Australia's largest publicly traded gaming company. In 2000, after
an extensive worldwide due-diligence process, we were chosen by
TABCORP to develop its online gaming products. We developed the
entire online Star-City Casino; however, the website was not
activated due to the government imposed moratorium in Australia.
o WrestPoint Casino - The Federal Group, Tasmania, Australia: The
Federal Group / Australian National Hotels were the first operators
of a land-based casino in Australia, and currently operate two
casinos in Tasmania. We developed an online casino,
www.wrestpointcasino.com, the first state-government regulated
online casino in Australia. The site featured ten casino games. We
developed all aspects of the site including the game shell, all
aesthetic features of the games and the backend system.
- 10 -
o Aussie Nugget Casino - GOCORP, Queensland, Australia: In 2000, we
signed a platform license and development agreement with GOCORP, an
Australian-based Internet casino company. GOCORP was a publicly
listed Australian online gaming company that was purchased by
Lasseters. GOCORP was issued the sole Queensland license for online
gaming. We developed all aspects of the Aussie Nugget online casino,
including a 3D-rendered themed casino web site, with audio, and
Australian themed casino games and interface. Following an extensive
development phase, our online platform was successfully validated
and approved for gaming by BMM International.
o Action Online Entertainment - Club Fiore.com: The Internet gaming
site of Action Online Entertainment, www.clubfiore.com, is our most
recently completed large-scale online gaming project. The site was
in development for approximately twelve months, and we completed a
successful validation of its Internet Casino Gaming System Version
2.05 under the Isle of Man technical / player protection regulations
in the first half of 2002. Through the Club Fiore.com project, we:
- Developed the entire Club Fiore.com gaming site, including
branding, logos, all audio and sound work with over 20 casino
games;
- Provided multi-stage delivery, featuring three `go-live' dates
over a six-month period;
- Developed a macromedia flash dynamic menu to interface with
our software;
- Developed more than ten all new three and five reel (up to 20
line) slot machines; and
- Completed several new games and re-themed and updated existing
games.
o The Venetian Resort o Hotel o Casino: In June 2002, following an
extensive pre-sales evaluation phase, we signed an agreement with
Venetian Interactive, LLC to develop an Internet casino and website.
The contract with Venetian Interactive provides that we will receive
a development fee, maintenance fee and ongoing royalties when the
site is live.
In addition to the online gaming opportunities, in 2001, we signed a
development agreement with Aruze of Japan, one of the largest gaming companies
in the world, for utilization of our platform for a home entertainment
application, and to explore mobile and online entertainment opportunities in
Asia. Aruze technical personnel completed a comprehensive global search prior to
selecting our platform.
- 11 -
Land-Based Gaming
We intend to market our products, systems and services in North America
through our internal business development staff and by utilizing other
experienced third parties with significant relationships in the gaming markets
we enter, including Cantor. In the United Kingdom and Europe, we have
established a strategic partnership with Electrocoin to manufacture and
distribute games we have co-developed into the arcade market. We will continue
to seek additional distribution and manufacturing partners to deploy our gaming
systems and game content (Amusement with prize games consisting of poker, etc.
Section 16 Roulette, bingo games) into bingo halls, licensed betting shops, etc,
and have established a business development presence in London with two staff
members top further this initiative. We also promote our products, systems and
services to the marketplace through press releases, media announcements,
articles, gaming events, exhibitions at trade shows (e.g., NIGA, CNIGA,
Bingoworld, Canadian Gaming Summit and Exhibition, Global Gaming Expo,
International Casino Exhibition, etc.), and participation as speakers and chairs
at gaming shows and conferences whenever possible.
United States - Native American Gaming
Our strategy for developing a portfolio of games is to work with a number
of in-house and exclusive external game developers. These individuals have
experience and expertise in designing games for the Native American gaming
environment and have significant relationships therein. Each has provided
detailed written specifications and sample graphics, from which our content
development team has built working prototypes, to be followed by marketable
products. Once a customer has installed our central server gaming system
platform, new games can be added to the network and older games removed by the
operator, without requiring any changes to the hardware. In 2005, we will submit
our central server gaming platform, virtual ball blower and initial electronic
bingo games for testing and lab certification and hope to deploy gaming machines
at casinos in the second half of this year.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom market offers significant opportunities for us.
Following our extensive analysis of the United Kingdom gaming market, we have:
o Established a strategic alliance with Electrocoin, one of the
leading developers, manufacturers and distributors of amusement with
prizes devices in Europe to co-develop games for introduction into
the European market; and
o Deployed two staff members in the United Kingdom on a full-time
basis for business development. To this end, we intend to focus on
forging relationships with large gaming machine distributors as well
as major arcade, licensed betting shop and bingo hall operators to
assist us in deploying gaming devices, including Amusement With
Prize machines (video poker and otherwise), Section 16 roulette
games, virtual horse racing games, etc.
COMPETITION
We view our competition in terms of companies that provide products to the
Internet gaming industry as well as land-based casinos in North America and
Europe. Nearly all of these companies have significantly longer operating
histories, name recognition, customer bases and financial, technical and
marketing resources.
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MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLY
As part of our business strategy, we have elected to out-source the
manufacturing and assembly of all of our gaming machines to third party
manufacturers. For North America, we intend to have all gaming machines
manufactured by Cole Industries, Las Vegas, Nevada, on a turnkey basis. In
Europe, we currently anticipate utilizing Electrocoin for all of our
manufacturing needs as well as some distribution.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
We have a knowledge base of all aspects of network software development
and industry-experienced professionals at all levels, including Java
programmers, JavaScript specialists, game designers, graphic designers, 3D
modelers, mathematicians and web developers. The majority of our software
research and development operations are currently located in our North Sydney,
Australia office, while our hardware research and development operations are
located in our Las Vegas, Nevada office.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Since our inception, we have focused exclusively on gaming and building
products for reputable organizations in the gaming industry. Unless specifically
agreed otherwise, the games and gaming systems we develop are owned by us and
licensed to the client. Where a game contains specific images relating to the
client, we may not resell the game without the client's permission, and where a
game has been specifically commissioned by the client on an exclusive basis, we
typically agree to a limited period of time during which the game remains
exclusive to the client. Standard enhancements are generally integrated with our
central server gaming system platform and maintained as part of the base, unless
otherwise agreed. Proprietary interfaces and custom developments are created and
maintained for each specific client.
We protect our intellectual property through the filing of patent and
trademark applications for our key inventions and unique features in the various
gaming markets in which we operate. On September 27, 2002 a patent application
covering inventions relating to our virtual ball blower was filed with the
United States Patent and Trademark Office. To date, the application is still
under investigation by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and we
expect to receive our first response shortly. We have also submitted a patent
application for the virtual ball blower in Canada. We have licensed several
Class II and Class III games from Vegas Games, Inc. for utilization in North
America as elsewhere.
In February 2003, after settlement of an action brought by us against
Innovative Gaming Corporation of America, or IGCA, we were granted a license to
a Nevada licensed slot operating system, developed by IGCA. The IGCA system has
been approved for use in a large number of jurisdictions, including Nevada, and
represents a significant asset within our business strategy and intellectual
property holdings.
GAMING REGULATION
We are subject to various laws and regulations that affect both our
general commercial relationships as well as the products and services we provide
in North America, Europe and elsewhere. Generally, we, along with our executive
officers, directors and major stockholders, are required to become licensed in
each jurisdiction in which we do business. The licensing process is quite
intensive and time consuming, and while we foresee no problems with obtaining
the aforementioned license, there can be no assurances that we, as well as each
of our executive officers, directors and major stockholders will be found
suitable in each jurisdiction in which we seek a gaming license.
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EMPLOYEES
As of March 1, 2005, we have seventeen full-time employees, twelve of
which are engaged in software development, hardware development, graphical
design, systems administration and quality assurance, with the remaining five
employees engaged in sales and marketing, finance/accounting, and management. In
terms of the geographic location of our employees, we have twelve employees in
our North Sydney, Australia office, three employees in our Las Vegas, Nevada
office, and two employees based in London.
In addition to employees, we regularly retain the services of outside
consultants on a variety of matters.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY.
In 2004, we relocated our corporate offices to 6757 Spencer Street, Las
Vegas, Nevada 89119. Our leased property consists of 7,200 square feet of office
and warehouse space. Our lease is $10,400 per month, inclusive of common area
maintenance charges, and the lease expires in November 2009. We currently
sublease a portion of our premises to third party consultants of the Company.
We also maintain an office in North Sydney, Australia, where we lease
approximately 2,750 square feet at a monthly rate of $13,000 Australian dollars
(approx. US$10,250). This lease is subject to an oral agreement that requires
6-months advance written notice prior to vacating the premises. Further, we are
in the process of procuring office space in London, United Kingdom to advance
our gaming initiatives in Europe.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We are not currently party to any legal proceedings or aware of any
pending or threatened claims, the adverse outcome of which, individually or in
the aggregate, management believes would have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
None.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
Our authorized capital stock consists of 150,000,000 shares of common
stock, par value $.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock
authorized, par value $10 per share of which 1,000,000 shares have been
designated Class A preferred stock, and 1,000,000 shares have been designated
Class B preferred stock. As of February 18, 2005, there were 19,017,352 shares
of common stock issued and outstanding and no shares of Class A and Class B
preferred stock issued and outstanding.
HIGH AND LOW BID PRICES OF OUR COMMON STOCK
As of February 18, 2005, our common stock was held by approximately 410
stockholders of record. Our common stock is quoted and traded on the Over The
Counter Bulletin Board under the trading symbol "GMEI". The following table sets
forth the high and low closing sale prices of our common stock during the
periods indicated:
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CALENDAR QUARTER ENDED LOW HIGH
---------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------
March 31, 2003 $0.50 $1.74
June 30, 2003 $0.25 $1.49
September 30, 2003 $0.50 $1.99
December 31, 2003 $0.25 $0.99
March 31, 2004 $0.75 $1.75
June 30, 2004 $0.67 $1.30
September 30, 2004 $0.42 $0.90
December 31, 2004 $0.28 $0.60
March 31, 2005 (through February 18, 2005) $0.35 $0.42
------------ ----------
The last reported sale price of our common stock on the Over The Counter
Bulletin Board on February 18, 2005 was $0.35 per share. We are not aware of any
public market for our options or warrants. The 2003 high and low bid prices
reflect the legal acquirer in the January 2004 reorganization, or NorStar Group,
Inc., and not the accounting acquirer, or the Company, adjusted for the 1-for
24.852732 reverse split.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
2004 STOCK OPTION AND INCENTIVE PLAN
The 2004 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, or the Plan, was adopted by our
board on April 1, 2004 and approved by our stockholders on June 14, 2004. The
Plan provides us with the vehicle to grant to employees, officers, directors and
consultants stock options and bonuses in the form of stock and options. Under
the Plan, we can grant awards for the purchase of up to 3,500,000 shares of
common stock in the aggregate, including "incentive stock options" within the
meaning of Section 422 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
non-qualified stock options. As of February 18, 2005, we have options
outstanding to purchase 2,195,964 shares of our common stock under the Plan.
Our board of directors currently determines the persons to whom awards
will be granted, the nature of the awards, the number of shares to be covered by
each grant, the terms of the grant and with respect to options, whether the
options granted are intended to be incentive stock options, the duration and
rate of exercise of each option, the option price per share, the manner of
exercise and the time, manner and form of payment upon exercise of an option.
Later this year, we will form a compensation committee, comprised of a majority
of non-employee directors that will oversee administration of the Plan.
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. Our
board presently, and for the foreseeable future, intends to retain all of our
earnings, if any, for the development of our business. The declaration and
payment of cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board
and will depend upon a number of factors, including, among others, our future
earnings, operations, funding requirements, restrictions under our credit
facility, our general financial condition and any other factors that our board
considers important. Investors should not purchase our common stock with the
expectation of receiving cash dividends.
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
During the three years ended December 31, 2004, we made the following
issuances of our common stock which were not registered under the Act:
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On October 10, 2003, we closed a private placement of units, or the 2003
Offering, consisting of up to 2,000,000 shares of common stock and warrants to
purchase 2,000,000 shares of common stock. In connection with the 2003 Offering,
we sold 748,332 shares of common stock, and issued warrants to purchase an equal
number of shares of common stock. We received gross proceeds totaling $598,750
and incurred transaction costs of $145,211 for net proceeds of $453,539. We also
issued 371,833 shares to underwriters, selected dealers and finders in the 2003
Offering.
The warrants issued in the 2003 Offering are freely transferable and
entitle the owner to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price of
$1.50 through the close of business on October 10, 2005. A total of forty-nine
investors purchased units in the 2003 Offering. We had reasonable grounds to
believe forty-five were accredited investors and that the remaining four
investors were sophisticated non-accredited investors as a result of (i) their
business or financial experience, (ii) the business or financial experience of
their professional advisors who were unaffiliated with and not compensated by
the Company, any affiliate, or any underwriter or selected dealer of the Company
either directly or indirectly, and/or (iii) their pre-existing business
relationship with the Company or its officers, directors or controlling persons.
In addition, each of the investors (a) had access to business and financial
information concerning us, (b) represented that they were acquiring the
securities for investment purposes only and not with a view towards distribution
or resale except in compliance with applicable securities laws and (c) had such
knowledge and experience in business and financial matters that they were able
to evaluate the risks and merits of an investment in our common stock. The
certificates evidencing the securities issued in the 2003 Offering contain a
legend restricting their transferability absent registration under the Act or
the availability of an applicable exemption therefrom. The issuance of these
securities was made in reliance upon the exemptions from the registration
requirements of the Act pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Act and Rule 506 of
Regulation D promulgated thereunder.
On May 31, 2004, we closed a private placement of units, or the 2004
Offering, consisting of up to 4,000,000 shares of common stock and warrants to
purchase 4,000,000 shares of common stock. In connection with the 2004 Offering,
we sold 2,445,000 shares of common stock, and issued warrants to purchase an
identical number of shares of common stock, or the 2004 Warrants. The 2004
Warrants are freely transferable and entitle the owner to purchase shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share through the close of
business on May 31, 2005.
We received gross proceeds totaling $2,445,000 from the 2004 Offering and
incurred transaction costs of $301,758 for net proceeds of $2,143,242. The 2004
Offering was sold to 37 investors, each of whom we had reasonable grounds to
believe were accredited investors. Each of the investors (a) had access to
business and financial information concerning us, (b) represented that they were
acquiring the securities for investment purposes only and not with a view
towards distribution or resale except in compliance with applicable securities
laws and (c) had such knowledge and experience in business and financial matters
that they were able to evaluate the risks and merits of an investment in our
common stock. In addition, the certificates evidencing the shares and warrants
issued in the 2004 Offering contain a legend restricting their transferability
absent registration under the Act or the availability of an applicable exemption
therefrom.
We also issued our underwriter and selected dealers' warrants to purchase
an aggregate of 366,750 shares of common stock, or the Underwriter Warrants, in
consideration for the placement of securities in the 2004 Offering. The
Underwriter Warrants are exercisable at $1.50 per share commencing on May 31,
2005 and concluding on May 31, 2007. In addition, we issued 58,334 shares of
common stock, and a warrant to purchase an equal number of shares of common
stock at $1.50 per share, in exchange for gaming equipment valued at $58,334.
As of March 1, 2005, we will be obligated to issue investors in the 2004
Offering a total of 563,250 shares of common stock as a result of our failure to
file a registration statement to register the securities sold in the 2004
Offering by the prescribed date. We are obligated to register the 563,250 shares
as well. The original issuance of shares of common stock and warrants to
purchase shares of common stock in the 2004 Offering as well as the issuance of
the aforementioned 563,250 were made in reliance upon the exemptions from
securities registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Act and Rule 506 of
Regulation D promulgated thereunder.
- 16 -
In addition, in 2004 we issued 507,390 shares of our common stock, having
a fair value of $485,315 to non-related third parties in consideration for
strategic advisory services, investment banking services and software and
hardware documentation. Each of these stock issuances provided for registration
rights and were made in reliance upon the exemptions from registration provided
by Section 4(2) of the Act.
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION.
STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain information included herein contains statements that may be
considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the
Exchange Act, such as statements relating to plans for product development,
product placement, capital spending and financing sources. Such forward-looking
information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly
affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, such results may
differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made herein. These
risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to our
liquidity requirements, our ability to locate necessary sources of capital to
sustain our operations, the continued growth of the gaming industry, the success
of our product development activities, the acceptance of our products in the
marketplace, vigorous competition in the gaming industry, our dependence on
existing management, changes in gaming laws and regulations (including actions
affecting licensing), our leverage and debt service (including sensitivity to
fluctuations in interest rates) and domestic or global economic conditions.
OVERVIEW
On or about January 12, 2004, NorStar Group, Inc., a publicly-held company
that was not conducting or developing any commercial operations, or NorStar,
consummated a series of transactions, including: (i) a 1-for-24.852732 reverse
split of its outstanding shares of common stock; (ii) the issuance of 14,600,000
post-split shares of common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding shares
of common stock of Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation, or
GEG Nevada, a developer of Internet gaming software for use in regulated gaming
markets, as well as central server gaming systems, game content and gaming
devices for land-based gaming; (iii) the issuance of options and warrants to
purchase 4,257,937 post-split shares of common stock in exchange for all of the
outstanding options and warrants to purchase shares of GEG Nevada; and (iv) a
change in the name of NorStar to Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc., or GEG. As
a result of the exchange, GEG Nevada became a subsidiary of GEG and the former
stockholders of GEG Nevada became the holders of 91.25% of the then outstanding
shares of common stock of the combined companies. In addition, the former
directors and officers of GEG Nevada became the controlling members of the board
of directors and management of the combined companies. Since GEG Nevada was the
only operating company in the exchange and the former stockholders of GEG Nevada
received a substantial majority of the voting securities of the combined
companies, the exchange was accounted for as a "reverse acquisition" and,
effectively, as a recapitalization, in which GEG Nevada was treated as the
accounting acquirer (and the legal acquiree) and NorStar was the accounting
acquiree (and the legal acquirer). Since the exchange was accounted for as a
"reverse acquisition," the accompanying consolidated financial statements
reflect the historical financial statements of GEG Nevada, the accounting
acquirer, as adjusted for the effects of the exchange of shares on its equity
accounts, the inclusion of the net liabilities of the accounting acquiree as of
January 12, 2004 at their historical basis and the inclusion of the accounting
acquiree's results of operations from that date.
- 17 -
In this report, the references to "we," "us" or "our" relate to GEG Nevada
prior to January 12, 2004 and to GEG, GEG Nevada and their other subsidiaries
from that date.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and
disclosures, some of which may require revision in future periods. The most
sensitive estimates affecting our financial statements include, or will include
in subsequent periods, future volatility used in valuing equity instruments,
allowances for bad debts, depreciable lives of gaming equipment in service and
other equipment, deferred revenues, accrued liabilities and deferred tax
valuation allowances. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an
inherent degree of uncertainty. Our judgments are based on our historical
experience, our observance of industry trends, information provided by or
gathered from our customers and information available from other outside
sources, as appropriate. There can be no assurance that actual results will not
differ from our estimates. The most critical policies relate to revenue
recognition. The following is a description of our revenues and our revenue
recognition policies. The application of these policies, in some cases, requires
our management to make subjective judgments regarding the effect of matters that
are inherently uncertain.
Description of Revenues
Through December 31, 2004, we have received our revenues from the
development of prospective Internet gaming sites in regulated gaming markets
outside of the United States, as well as maintenance and technical support
contracts. On December 8, 2004, we entered into definitive agreements with
Cantor G&W (Nevada), L.P., or Cantor, which included, among other things, the
exclusive license of our Internet gaming software to them. In conjunction with
this license, we currently receive a monthly development fee for the development
of the Cantor Casino, which is anticipated to go live in 2005 and will not
permit bets in the United States, and we will receive a portion of the net win
realized by the Cantor Casino following repayment of certain expenses associated
therewith. In addition, it is anticipated that we will develop additional
"white-label" Internet gaming sites, each of which will prohibit bets in the
United States, for clients of Cantor as well third parties introduced by us.
Similar to the Cantor Casino, we will receive a development fee and a portion of
the net win realized by such "white-label" sites.
In addition, we are focused on the provision of our central server gaming
system and suite of games in the land-based gaming market of Europe and the
United States. Our business model for our land-based initiatives is primarily
based upon recurring revenue to be derived from the placement of our products.
Specifically, we anticipate offering our central server gaming system in the
foregoing markets on a license basis, whereby we will receive a recurring
license fee. Gaming machines will primarily be placed on a revenue sharing or
participation basis with the Company anticipating realizing 15%-30% of the net
win (i.e., coin inserted into a machine less the coin paid out) from the gaming
machines, depending upon the market. Although not our specific focus, from time
to time we anticipate selling our gaming machines. Alternatively, we anticipate
occasionally deploying gaming machines on the basis of part cash payment and a
lower revenue sharing percentage. We also anticipate generating revenues from
maintenance and technical support services in connection with the placement of
our central server gaming system and gaming machines. In all cases, we will
outsource the manufacture of our gaming machines through turnkey third party
manufacturing sources with which we have an alliance and utilize existing
distribution channels.
- 18 -
The placement of gaming equipment on a revenue sharing basis is capital
intensive. In this regard, we will require a credit facility sufficient to
finance the manufacture and deployment of our gaming machines placed on a
revenue sharing basis, as well as the interim manufacturing period where gaming
machines are placed on an outright sale basis. At this time, we do not have a
credit facility.
When we install our gaming machines on a revenue-sharing basis, there will
generally be no cost to our casino clients, as we would share in the recurring
revenues generated from the gaming machines. We would, however, retain ownership
of the gaming machines and the central server gaming system throughout the term
of the revenue-sharing and licensing agreements, respectively, and would
maintain the right to refurbish and redeploy gaming machines returned to us
either upon the expiration or early termination of the revenue-sharing
agreements. We believe that by placing gaming machines on a revenue-sharing
basis we could maximize the amount of placements of our products; however, there
is no assurance that we will be successful in this effort given our current cash
position, not having yet established a credit facility with a third-party
financier, not having previously deployed products or provided services to
gaming operators in the land-based gaming markets in which we anticipate
entering, and the highly competitive nature of games on casino floors.
Historically, we have experienced substantial fluctuations in revenues
from period-to-period as a result of our revenues being derived solely from
software development contracts consisting of upfront licensing and periodic
payments as opposed to steady recurring revenues. Moreover, our revenues have
been limited over the last two years as we have been intensely focused on the
finalization of our central server gaming system for the Europe and North
America gaming markets, as well as development of electronic bingo, keno,
instant lottery, video poker and roulette products for deployment in such
markets.
We anticipate that our future revenues will be derived from our Cantor
Internet gaming license as well as the placement of our central server gaming
system and gaming machines on a revenue-sharing and sale basis and, to a lesser
extent, from maintenance and technical support agreements. At this time, it is
difficult to predict the breakdown of anticipated future revenues from each of
the foregoing initiatives.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from the development of Internet gaming sites in regulated gaming
markets will generally be reported on the percentage of completion method of
accounting using measurements of progress toward completion appropriate for the
work performed.
Revenues from the enhancement, maintenance and technical support of
Internet gaming sites in regulated gaming markets are recognized as the services
are performed or pro rata over the service period. When we receive a percentage
of the gaming revenues generated by our client's Internet gaming sites, we will
generally recognize such revenues upon receipt.
Revenues from the placement of our gaming machines on a revenue-sharing
basis, as well as the placement of our central server gaming system on a license
basis, will be accounted for similar to an operating lease, with the revenues
recognized as earned over the term of the agreement. If we sell gaming machines
outright, revenues will be recognized upon completion of installation and
acceptance by the casino, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. We will
negotiate our portion of the revenues generated under revenue-sharing contracts
based upon the cost of the equipment installed, the location of a particular
casino, and the estimated daily net win per gaming machine for each casino
client.
Impairment of Long Lived Assets
Impairment losses on long-lived assets such as equipment, are recognized
when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the undiscounted cash
flows estimated to be generated by such assets are less than their carrying
value and, accordingly, all or a portion of such carrying value may not be
recoverable. Impairment losses are then measured by comparing the fair value of
assets to their carrying amounts.
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Valuation of Deferred Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the temporary
differences between the financial statement and the tax bases of assets and
liabilities and for net operating loss carryforwards measured using the enacted
tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to
reverse. The Company periodically evaluates the realizability of its net
deferred tax assets and records a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of
available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred
tax assets will not be realized.
Stock-Based Compensation
In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", we have used the
intrinsic value method and recognize compensation costs as a result of the
issuance of stock options to employees based on the excess, if any, of the fair
value of the underlying stock at the date of grant or award (or at an
appropriate subsequent measurement date) over the amount the employee must pay
to acquire the stock. Therefore, we have not be required to recognize
compensation expense as a result of any grants of stock options to employees at
an exercise price that is equivalent to or greater than fair value. We have also
made pro forma disclosures, as required by Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"), of
net income or loss as if a fair value based method of accounting for stock
options granted to employees had been applied instead when such amounts differ
materially from the historical amounts.
In accordance with SFAS 123, we will also recognize the cost of shares,
options, warrants and other equity instruments issued to nonemployees as
consideration for services as expense over the periods in which the related
services are rendered by a charge to compensation cost (or another appropriate
expense or prepaid expense account) and a corresponding credit to additional
paid-in capital. Generally, cost will be determined based on the fair value of
the equity instruments at the date of issuance. The fair value of options,
warrants and similar equity instruments will be estimated based on the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which meets the criteria set forth in SFAS
123, and the assumption that all of the options or other equity instruments will
ultimately vest. The effect of actual forfeitures will be recognized as they
occur.
Effect of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R) (revised 2004),
"Share-Based Payment", which amends SFAS 123 and will be effective for public
entities that file as small business issuers for interim or annual periods
beginning after December 15, 2005. SFAS 123(R) will require us to expense
employee stock options and other share-based payments. The FASB believes the use
of a binomial lattice model for option valuation is capable of more fully
reflecting certain characteristics of employee share options compared to the
Black-Scholes options pricing model. The new standard may be adopted in one of
three ways - the modified prospective transition method, a variation of the
modified prospective transition method or the modified retrospective transition
method. We are currently evaluating how we will adopt the standard and
evaluating the effect that the adoption of SFAS 123(R) will have on our
financial position and results of operations.
In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, "Inventory Costs, an
amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4". This statement amends the guidance in ARB
No. 43, Chapter 4, Inventory Pricing, to clarify the accounting for abnormal
amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material
(spoilage). Paragraph 5 of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, previously stated that
"...under some circumstances, items such as idle facility expense, excessive
spoilage, double freight, and rehandling costs may be so abnormal as to require
treatment as current period charges..." SFAS 151 requires that those items be
recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the
criterion of "so abnormal." In addition, this statement requires that allocation
of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal
capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of SFAS 151 shall be
applied prospectively and are effective for inventory costs incurred during
fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005, with earlier application permitted
for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after the date this
statement was issued. The adoption of SFAS 151 is not expected to have a
material impact on our financial position and results of operations.
- 20 -
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary
Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29". The guidance in APB Opinion No. 29,
"Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions", is based on the principle that
exchanges of nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of
assets exchanged. The guidance in that Opinion, however, included certain
exceptions to that principle. This Statement amends Opinion 29 to eliminate the
exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets that do not
have commercial substance. A nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if
the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a
result of the exchange. SFAS No. 153 is effective for nonmonetary exchanges
occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS
No. 153 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position and
results of operations.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Our ability to continue as a going concern and achieve profitability, if
at all, will depend upon a number of factors, including, among other things,
market acceptance of our products, reliability of our products and services,
customer support and satisfaction, sufficient capital to fund ongoing research
and development and adequate capital to expand our business. There can be no
assurance that any of the foregoing will be accomplished or that we will achieve
profitability on an ongoing basis. As with all developing companies, we are
subject to risks such as uncertainty of revenues, markets, profitability and the
need for additional funding. All of these factors could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003
Revenues
During the year ended December 31, 2004, we generated revenues from
maintenance and development of Internet Gaming Sites and technical support
services of $312,401, compared to revenues from services of $833,933, during the
year ended December 31, 2003. The $521,532, or 62.5% decrease in revenues, which
consists of a $224,100 decrease in services revenue and the absence of any
revenues from product sales in the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to
product sales revenues of $297,432 in the year ended December 31, 2003, was due
primarily to our transition from solely focusing on the sale and marketing of
online gaming systems in regulated gaming markets to the development of
land-based gaming systems and a suite of electronic bingo, keno, instant
lottery, video poker and roulette games using our central server gaming system
platform. We anticipate a slight increase in revenue during the first quarter of
2005 from Internet gaming contracts as we complete the development of our
land-based gaming products. We anticipate deploying gaming machines in the
United Kingdom on a revenue sharing and sale basis in the second quarter of
2005.
Cost of Revenues
During the year ended December 31, 2004, our cost of revenues was
$305,343, as compared to $486,155 during the year ended December 31, 2003.
During the year ended December 31, 2003, our costs of revenues consisted of
$243,590 attributable to services and $242,565 attributable to product sales.
The $180,812 decrease in the cost of revenues was directly attributable to
decreased revenues in connection with the development of Internet gaming sites,
as compared to the same period in 2003. Further, 2003 product sales related to
higher margin hardware sales. We do, however, anticipate that our revenues, in
future periods, will escalate due to increased Internet gaming activity as well
as deployment of our land-based gaming products and services. Cost of revenues
will increase as well but our operating margins should improve as we
commercialize several new products.
- 21 -
In terms of gross margin, we realized a gross margin of $7,058 during the
year ended December 31, 2004, compared to a gross margin of $347,778 during the
year ended December 31, 2003. The $340,720, or 98.0% decrease in gross margin
related to the lack of higher margin hardware sales.
Operating Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2004, we incurred total operating expenses
of $3,157,693, compared to $2,354,417 for the year ended December 31, 2003, an
increase of $803,276, or 34.1%. The increase in total operating expenses related
primarily to a $144,090 increase in research and development expenses and a
$1,190,841 increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.
During the year ended December 31, 2004, we incurred research and
development expenses of $712,467, compared to $568,377 during the year ended
December 31, 2003, an increase of $144,090, or 25.4%. The increase in our
research and development expenses was due primarily to the additional resources
spent towards developing our central server gaming system platform and related
games and other products for deployment in land-based casinos. Research and
development expenses to obtain the necessary certifications and approvals for
each of the foregoing cannot be quantified at this time given the nature of this
process. There are always risks and uncertainties associated with the
development, certification and commercialization of new products or services.
The Company anticipates making its initial deployment of products into
land-based gaming markets in the next several months. While this is new
territory for the Company, it has previously been through the development and
lab certification process on a number of occasions with respect to its Internet
gaming platform. The Company anticipates that, as with the Internet gaming
platform submissions, it will be successful in obtaining certification from the
gaming labs on its various hardware and software products. To reduce the risk
associated with its initial entry into the land-based gaming market, the Company
is utilizing well established third party turnkey manufacturing sources for its
gaming devices and will utilize industry veterans for the installation and
ongoing maintenance of the gaming machines.
During the year ended December 31, 2004, we incurred selling, general
and administrative expenses of $2,445,226, compared to $1,254,385 during the
year ended December 31, 2003, an increase of $1,190,841, or 94.9%. The increase
in our selling, general and administrative expenses was due primarily to travel,
road shows for our private placement earlier this year, retention of
professionals, including gaming, intellectual property and other outside
counsel, our exhibition at five industry shows and conventions, salaries related
to new employees, and non cash compensation expense of $660,403 relating to
shares, options and warrants issued to consultants in consideration of strategic
services. Included in these non cash compensation costs are $485,315 of expenses
relating to the fair value of shares of restricted common stock issued to
consultants in consideration for strategic advisory, investment banking,
research and hardware and software documentation services during the year ended
December 31, 2004. The Company does not expect to incur similar charges in the
future and, accordingly, we anticipate that our selling, general and
administrative expenses will be somewhat lower in the near-term as compared to
prior periods, while increasing over the mid- to long-term as we expand our
staff to handle future proposed development projects.
Prior to 2003, the Company entered into an agreement and plan of merger
with Innovative Gaming Corporation of America ("IGCA"). Pursuant to the
agreement, the Company advanced $374,970 to IGCA as a bridge loan. The agreement
and plan of merger was subsequently unilaterally terminated by IGCA due to its
decision to pursue other alternative financing and merger alternatives. During
the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company deemed the note receivable
uncollectible and wrote-off the outstanding note receivable balance of $508,627,
which included a promissory note assigned by a member of management to the
Company (see Note 7 to consolidated financial statements).
- 22 -
Other Income (Expense)
For the year ended December 31, 2004, other expense was $55,551, compared
to other income of $5,347 for the year ended December 31, 2003, an increase of
other expenses of $60,898. The increase is related primarily to $62,515 of
interest expense, incurred in connection with the issuance of the senior secured
note payable and $18,865 amortization of debt discount.
Net Loss
For the year ended December 31, 2004, we experienced a net loss of
$3,206,186, compared to a net loss of $2,001,292 for the year ended December 31,
2003, an increased loss of $1,204,894. The increase in net loss was due to a
$521,532 decrease in revenues, a $803,276 increase in operating expenses, and a
$60,898 increase in other expenses, offset, in part, by a $180,812 decrease in
costs of revenues and a $508,627 decrease in charges for the write-offs of a
loan and a note receivable. As previously noted, the increased loss and trends
related to our revenues and operating expenses relate directly to our transition
from the marketing and placement of online gaming systems to the development of
land-based gaming systems and products using our central server gaming system
platform. As our research and development projects are completed, and
commercialization of the products relating thereto occurs, we anticipate that
our revenues and financial results will improve considerably.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview
As of December 31, 2004, we had cash of $594,024, accounts receivable
of $182,710 and total liabilities of $614,506, of which $547,876 are current
liabilities. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2004, we had working capital of
$228,858 and a stockholders' deficiency of $54,531. During the year ended
December 31, 2004, cash on hand increased $507,709, from $86,315 to $594,024.
The increase in cash reflected $3,227,644 of net cash provided by financing
activities, offset by $2,530,387 of net cash used in operating activities,
$114,967 of net cash used in investing activities and the $74,581 effect of
exchange rate changes on cash.
Operating activities used net cash of $2,530,387 during the year ended
December 31, 2004, whereas operating activities used net cash of $986,975 during
the year ended December 31, 2003. The net cash used in operating activities
during the year ended December 31, 2004 related primarily to our net loss of
$3,206,186, an increase in accounts receivable of $172,645, an increase in
accounts payable of $102,298, a decrease in accrued expenses of $31,252, a
decrease in accrued compensation - officers of $59,090, and an increase in
foreign taxes payable of $19,500, offset, in part, by non-cash costs of
investment banking, strategic advisory, research, and hardware and software
documentation services of $660,403 paid through the issuance of restricted
shares of common stock with a fair value of $485,315 and the issuance of options
and warrants with a fair value of $175,088. Issuances of equity securities as
payments for services and compensation result in non-cash charges to expense.
During the year ended December 31, 2003, our operating activities used net cash
of $986,975, reflecting our net loss of $2,001,292, offset, in part, by non cash
charges of $595,042, a decrease in accounts receivable of $323,358, and an
increase in accrued expenses of $257,665.
Investing activities used $114,967 during the year ended December 31,
2004, compared to $3,011 used during the year ended December 31, 2003. The
increased use of cash in investing activities reflects the costs related to the
build-out and relocation of our principal offices to Las Vegas, Nevada as well
as the purchase of gaming machines for research and development purposes.
Our financing activities provided net cash of $3,227,644 during the year
ended December 31, 2004, compared to $756,368 during the year ended December 31,
2003. The net cash provided by our financing activities during the year ended
December 31, 2004 reflects $2,143,242 in net proceeds from the sale of 2,445,000
shares of common stock in a private placement, $42,852 from stockholder loans,
$1,500,000 from the issuance of a senior secured note and warrants, offset by
$458,450 used to repay stockholder loans. The net cash provided by our financing
activities during the year ended December 31, 2003 reflects $453,539 in net
proceeds from the sale of 748,300 shares of common stock at $0.75 per share in a
private placement and $302,829 from stockholder loans.
- 23 -
Outlook
We incurred losses of $3,206,186 and $2,001,292 and negative net cash
flows from operating activities of $2,530,387 and $986,975 for the years ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. As of December 31, 2004, we had an
accumulated deficiency of $6,692,840. These conditions raise substantial doubt
about our ability to continue as a going concern.
We anticipate that for the twelve month period ending December 31, 2005,
we will need a minimum of $2,500,000 for ongoing research and development of our
land-based gaming systems and game content, finalization of the Cantor Casino,
commencement of the development of the next generation Internet gaming system,
gaming lab certification of our products, gaming licensing, advertising and
marketing and the manufacture of gaming machines to be deployed on a recurring
revenue basis in Europe and North America.
Until we generate sufficient cash from our operations, we will need to
rely upon private and institutional sources of debt and equity financing. Based
on presently known plans, we believe that we will be able to fund our operations
and required expenditures through the third quarter of 2005 through cash on hand
and cash proceeds from the anticipated loan fundings by Cantor. We will require
additional cash, either through the exercise of warrants by Cantor, or from
third party sources. Alternatively, we will be forced to seek cash from other
lending sources, sell certain assets or change operating plans to accommodate
such liquidity issues. No assurances can be given that we will successfully
obtain liquidity sources necessary to fund our operations to profitability and
beyond.
RISK FACTORS
We are subject to a high degree of risk as we are considered to be in
unsound financial condition. The following risks, if any one or more occurs,
could materially harm our business, financial condition or future results of
operations. If that occurs, the trading price of our common stock could further
decline.
RISKS RELATED TO GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
We have a history of significant operating losses, anticipate continued
operating losses and we may be unable to achieve profitability.
We have a history of significant operating losses. For the years ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003, we have incurred operating losses of $3,206,186 and
$2,001,292 respectively, and our operations have used $2,530,387 and $986,975 of
cash, respectively. As of December 31, 2004 we had an accumulated deficit of
$6,692,840 and stockholders' deficiency of $54,531. We anticipate realizing
operating losses for the foreseeable future given the costs and expenses
associated with brand development, marketing and other promotional activities,
the continued development, upgrading and maintenance of our software
technologies, further commercialization of our software technologies including
licensing arrangements and development of strategic business relationships with
large companies in the land-based gaming sector.
Our ability to continue as a going concern and achieve profitability will
depend upon a number of factors, including, among other things, market
acceptance of our products, reliability of our products and services, customer
support and satisfaction, sufficient capital to fund ongoing research and
development and adequate capital to expand our business. There can be no
assurance that any of the foregoing will be accomplished or that we will achieve
profitability on an ongoing basis. In addition, we are subject to risks such as
uncertainty of revenues, markets, profitability and the need for additional
funding. All of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
- 24 -
Our capitalization is limited and we may need additional funds.
A limiting factor on our growth, including our ability to penetrate new
markets, attract new customers and deliver new products in a timely matter, is
our limited capitalization compared to other companies in the gaming industry.
We believe that currently available capital resources from Cantor will be
adequate to fund our operations and business objectives through 2005, however,
there can be no assurance that Cantor will exercise various warrants held by it
and provide additional funding beyond the $2,000,000 of debt financing. We will
require additional financing for working capital purposes as well as additional
debt financing for gaming machines to be placed on a revenue sharing basis in
the future. There can be no assurance, however, that such financing will be
available to us, and if so on reasonable terms. As a result, our business,
financial condition and results of operations may suffer.
There are significant uncertainties as to our proposed entrance into the
land-based gaming markets.
Historically, we have been involved in the development and provision of
government accredited and gaming laboratory certified online gaming systems. We
will continue to provide these products and services in the future, but
anticipate focusing on the following new products as well:
o Our central server gaming platform with applications in all major
gaming markets
o Amusement with prizes machines (video poker), fixed-odds betting
terminals and Section 16 roulette machines to arcades, licensed
betting shops and other gaming establishments across Europe
o Our electronic bingo, video poker and video lottery terminals to the
North American gaming market
As in any rapidly evolving industry, product demand and market acceptance
are subject to considerable uncertainty. While management believes each of the
aforementioned markets offers significant opportunities to us, no assurance can
be made that we will be successful in deploying any products or the accompanying
services into each, or any, of such markets. Additionally, the Company, as well
as its key personnel, will have to apply for and obtain all requisite government
licenses, registrations, findings of suitability, permits and approvals
necessary for us to operate in these gaming markets.
We face stiff competition from companies in the Internet and land-based
gaming sector that have substantially greater capital, research and development,
manufacturing and marketing resources than we possess.
While we have a formidable partner in Cantor with respect to our Internet
gaming initiatives. Cryptologic, Boss Media AB and Wagerworks, among others,
have similar product offerings and significant market penetration. Additionally,
while we believe that we are a pioneer in the emerging central server gaming
market for land-based casinos, and that there are very few companies that offer
the broad applications of our platform, potential competitors consist in the
form of all major gaming machine and providers of software technology products
to the gaming industry, including, but not limited to, International Game
Technology, Aristocrat Leisure, Williams Industries, Alliance Gaming, Multimedia
Games, GTECH, Scientific Games, Progressive Gaming International and Cyberview.
In terms of central server gaming, the intensely competitive gaming machine
industry has seen a number of these companies recently announce the pending
introduction of central server gaming platforms, as well as the introduction of
strategic alliances, licenses or the acquisition of central server gaming
platforms from third parties. This will likely continue as most gaming experts
believe central server gaming will be widely utilized in 2006 and beyond.
Further, our competitors may be able to develop technologies more effectively,
have significantly more game content than us, may be able to license their
technologies on more favorable terms, and may be able to adopt more aggressive
pricing or licensing policies than us. Each of these companies has longer
operating histories, greater brand name recognition, larger customer bases and
significantly greater financial, technical and marketing resources. In the event
we do not partner with a major gaming equipment manufacturer regarding our
central server gaming platform, our business, operating results and financial
condition may be adversely affected.
- 25 -
Our inability to grow and to successfully manage growth may harm our
business.
To achieve our projected revenues and other targeted operating results, we
will be required to expand our systems, procedures, controls and employee base.
We do not, however, anticipate expansion of our facilities given our existing
office space in Las Vegas, Nevada, and North Sydney, Australia. The success of
the expansion plans will depend in part upon our ability to continue to attract,
retain and motivate key personnel. Failure to make the required expansions and
upgrades could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, results of operations and corporate relationships. Our results of
operations will also be adversely affected if revenues do not increase
sufficiently to compensate for the increase in operating expenses resulting from
any expansion and there can be no assurance that any expansion will be
profitable or will not further adversely affect our results of operations.
Our success depends on our ability to prevent others from infringing on
our technologies.
Our success is heavily dependent upon proprietary technology. To protect
our proprietary technology, we rely principally upon copyright and trade secret
protection. All proprietary information that can be copyrighted is marked as
such. All employees and consultants are required to execute confidentiality
agreements with us. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by us in this
regard will be adequate to prevent misappropriation or independent third-party
development of our technology. Further, the laws of certain countries in which
we anticipate licensing our technologies and products do not protect software
and intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United
States. We generally do not include in our software any mechanism to prevent or
inhibit unauthorized use, but we generally require the execution of an agreement
that restricts unauthorized copying and use of our products. If unauthorized
copying or misuse of our products were to occur, our business and results of
operations could be materially adversely affected.
While the disclosure and use of our proprietary technology, know-how and
trade secrets are generally controlled under agreements with the parties
involved, there can be no assurance that all confidentiality agreements will be
honored, that others will not independently develop similar or superior
technology, that disputes will not arise concerning the ownership of
intellectual property, or that dissemination of our proprietary technology,
know-how and trade secrets will not occur. Further, if an infringement claim is
brought against us, litigation would be costly and time consuming, but may be
necessary to protect our proprietary rights and to defend ourselves. We could
incur substantial costs and diversion of management resources in the defense of
any claims relating to the proprietary rights of others or in asserting claims
against others.
Intellectual property claims against us can be costly and could impair our
business.
We believe that our products and technologies do not infringe patents or
other proprietary rights of third parties, however, there can be no assurance
that third parties will not claim that our current or future products infringe
their respective rights. Any such claim, with or without merit, could result in
costly litigation or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements in
order to obtain a license to continue to develop and market the affected
products. There can be no assurance that we would prevail in any such action or
that any license (including licenses proposed by third parties) would be made
available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. If we become involved in
litigation over proprietary rights, it could consume a substantial portion of
our managerial and financial resources, which could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
- 26 -
Our future revenues are very difficult to predict given that a large
percentage of our future revenues will come from the license of our Internet
gaming platform to Cantor as well as gaming markets in which we have not
historically operated.
As our prior business operations have been limited to supplying our online
gaming platform to the regulated Internet gaming market on our own, it is not
feasible to predict, with any assurance, the timing or the amount of revenues
that we will receive from the license of our Internet gaming platform to Cantor,
as well as the initial introduction, by way of sale, license or revenue sharing,
of our land-based gaming products and services in the gaming markets of North
America and Europe. With respect to our Cantor relationship, it is unknown how
successful, if at all, the Cantor online casino will be. Further, it is very
difficult to predict how successful Cantor and us will be at soliciting white
label clients. Any substantial delay in the introduction of the Cantor online
casino, white-label casinos, as well as our land-based gaming products and
services could result in significant delays in revenues and the need to procure
additional capital through the issuance of equity or debt securities from Cantor
or otherwise, none of which can be assured. Any delay may allow competitors to
reach certain of such markets with products before us, or further entrench
themselves in such markets prior to our arrival. In view of the emerging nature
of the technology involved in certain of these markets, and the attendant
uncertainty as to whether our products will achieve meaningful commercial
acceptance, if at all, there can be no assurance that we will realize sufficient
revenues to achieve profitability.
We will have to establish distribution channels in each of the new
land-based gaming markets we anticipate entering into.
We have no tangible experience in establishing distribution channels for
the license, sale or revenue share of products in the new land-based gaming
markets we anticipate entering into. While we have entered into strategic
partnerships with an experienced gaming equipment provider in the United
Kingdom, we will need to retain the services of certain individuals with
experience in the placement of gaming products and most importantly align
ourselves with even larger distribution companies with significant reach in the
gaming marketplace throughout the world. In addition, we strongly believe our
future success in the land-based gaming markets is predicated on procuring a
partnership with a major gaming equipment manufacturer for deployment of our
various land-based gaming products and services, including our central server
downloadable gaming platform. This cannot be assured, and should we be
unsuccessful in establishing such distribution channels as well as recruiting,
managing and retaining experienced internal and external sales personnel, our
business, operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected.
We have and will continue to encounter legal and regulatory requirements
that will increase the cost of doing business and divert substantial management
time away from our operations, particularly once we commence offering our
products on a license, sale or revenue sharing basis in land-based gaming
markets.
Prior to entering into any contract for the license, sale or revenue
sharing of our products, we have to overcome significant regulatory hurdles. In
the Internet portion of our business, both the Company and our officers and
directors have submitted applications and been accepted by several
jurisdictions. This will continue in the future. Similarly, the manufacture and
distribution of gaming machines (including lottery products) and the conduct of
gaming operations, are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign
regulation by various gaming authorities. Although the laws and regulations of
the various jurisdictions in which we propose to operate vary in their technical
requirements and are subject to amendment from time to time, virtually all of
these jurisdictions require licenses, permits, documentation of the financial
qualifications of the applicant, including evidence of integrity and financial
stability, and other forms of approval. We, along with our key personnel, will
have to apply for and obtain all requisite government licenses, registrations,
findings of suitability, permits and approvals necessary for us to do business
in these new land-based gaming markets. There can be no assurance such licenses,
registrations, findings of suitability, permits, or approvals will be obtained.
Furthermore, assuming the foregoing is obtained, the suspension, revocation,
non-renewal or limitation of the foregoing would have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
- 27 -
If we fail to obtain further strategic partnerships with key gaming
machine manufacturers and distributors, our various gaming initiatives may be
adversely affected.
We have entered into strategic alliances and licensing agreements,
including Cantor (regarding our online gaming system) and Electrocoin (regarding
product distribution in Europe). We have also had discussions with a few major
gaming machine manufacturers regarding licensing our central server gaming
platform. It is important for competitive reasons that we obtain a major gaming
equipment manufacturer as our partner for our land-based initiatives. If we are
unsuccessful in this endeavor, our overall business, financial condition and
results of operations will likely be materially adversely affected.
We are dependent on our key personnel, and the loss of any could adversely
affect our business.
We depend on the continued performance of the members of our management
team and our technology team. Tibor N. Vertes, our Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman, Gregory L. Hrncir, our President and a Director, Kevin J. Burman, our
Chief Operating Officer, and William Mc Master, our Chief Technology Officer,
have each contributed significantly to the growth of our business. If we lose
the services of any of the foregoing parties, and are unable to locate suitable
replacements for such persons in a timely manner, it could have a material
adverse effect on our business. In the future we may obtain key man life
insurance for each of these parties in an amount to be determined.
Worsening economic conditions may adversely affect our business.
The demand for entertainment and leisure activities tends to be highly
sensitive to the disposable incomes of consumers and thus a decline in general
economic conditions may lead to our end-users having less discretionary income
with which to wager. This applies to both our Internet and land-based
initiatives and could cause a reduction in our future revenues and a material
adverse effect on our operating results.
Currency rate fluctuations can have an adverse effect on our business
operations.
Our wholly-owned foreign operating subsidiaries include Gaming &
Entertainment Technology Pty Ltd, an Australian company utilizing Australian
dollars as its functional currency, and Gaming & Entertainment Ltd., or G&E
Ltd., a United Kingdom company utilizing pounds sterling as its functional
currency. In addition, we anticipate receiving payment for our various products
and services in Euros as relates to future placements of products and services
in European Union countries. Our financial results are reported in United States
dollars, which is subject to fluctuations in respect of the currencies of the
countries in which we anticipate operating. Accordingly, fluctuations in the
exchange rate of world currencies could have a positive or negative effect on
our reported results. Given the constantly changing currency exposures and the
substantial volatility of currency exchange rates, we cannot predict the effect
of exchange rate fluctuations upon future operating results. We do not currently
have a hedging program to mitigate currency risk, but we may implement such a
plan in the future. There can, however, be no assurance that we will not
experience currency losses in the future, which could have a material adverse
effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
- 28 -
Although we have entered into confidentiality and non-compete agreements
with our employees and consultants, if we are unable to protect our proprietary
information against unauthorized use by others, our competitive position could
be harmed.
Our proprietary information is critically important to our competitive
position and is a significant aspect of the products and services we provide. If
we are unable to protect our proprietary information against unauthorized use by
others, our competitive position could be harmed. We generally enter into
confidentiality or non-compete agreements with most of our employees and
consultants, and control access to, and distribution of, our documentation and
other proprietary information. Despite these precautions, we cannot make
assurances that these strategies will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of
our proprietary information. Therefore, we could be required to expend
significant amounts to defend our rights to proprietary information in the
future if a breach were to occur.
We have an extremely concentrated customer base given that our current
revenues are generated from one key license.
All of our current revenues are derived from the exclusive license of our
Internet gaming system to Cantor. While it is not anticipated that this will be
our sole source of revenue in the future, as we anticipate entering the
land-based gaming markets in Europe and in the United States and abroad, should
the Cantor license terminate or fail to generate significant revenues for us,
our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition would likely
be adversely affected.
As we anticipate marketing our central server gaming system and suite of
electronic bingo, video poker and instant lottery games to the Native American
gaming market, enforcement of future contracts against Native American tribes
could be difficult.
Federally recognized Native American tribes are independent governments,
subordinate to the United States, with sovereign powers, except, as those powers
may have been limited by treaty or by the United States Congress. Native
American power to enact its own laws to regulate gaming is an exercise of Native
American sovereignty, as recognized by the IGRA. Native American tribes maintain
their own governmental systems and often their own judicial systems. Native
American tribes have the right to tax persons and enterprises conducting
business on Native American lands and also have the right to require licenses
and to impose other forms of regulations and regulatory fees on persons and
businesses operating on their lands.
Native American tribes, as sovereign nations, are generally subject only
to federal regulation. Although Congress may regulate Native American tribes,
states do not have the authority to regulate them unless Congress has
specifically granted such authority. State laws generally do not directly apply
to Native American tribes and activities taking place on Native American lands
unless the tribe has a specific agreement or compact with the state or federal
government allowing for the application of state law. In the absence of a
conflicting federal or properly authorized state law, Native American law
governs.
When we enter into contracts with Native American tribes in the future,
such contracts will likely provide that the law of the state in which a tribe is
located will be the governing law of those contracts. We cannot be sure,
however, that such choice of law clauses will be enforceable. Native American
tribes generally enjoy sovereign immunity from suit similar to that of the
states and the United States. In order to enforce a contract against a Native
American tribe (or an agency or instrumentality of a Native American tribe), the
Native American tribe must have effectively waived its sovereign immunity with
respect to the matter in dispute.
- 29 -
Contracts we enter into in the future with Native American tribes will
also likely include a limited waiver of each tribe's sovereign immunity and
provide that any dispute regarding interpretation, performance or enforcement
shall be submitted to, and resolved by, arbitration in accordance with the
Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association and that
any award, determination, order or relief resulting from such arbitration shall
be binding and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. In the event
that such waiver of sovereign immunity is held to be ineffective, we could be
precluded from judicially enforcing any rights or remedies against a tribe.
These rights and remedies could potentially limit or restrict our right to enter
Native American lands to retrieve our property in the event of a breach of
contract by the contracting tribe.
If a Native American tribe has effectively waived its sovereign immunity,
there exists an issue as to the forum in which a lawsuit can be brought against
the tribe. Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction and generally do
not have jurisdiction to hear civil cases relating to Native Americans. Federal
courts may have jurisdiction if the suit raises a federal question, which is
unlikely in a typical contract dispute. Diversity of citizenship, another common
basis for federal court jurisdiction, is not generally present in a suit against
a tribe because a Native American tribe is not considered a citizen of any
state. Accordingly, in most commercial disputes with tribes, the jurisdiction of
the federal courts, which are courts of limited jurisdiction, may be difficult
or impossible to obtain. In addition, there can be no assurance that we could
effectively enforce any arbitration decision. If either of the foregoing occurs,
our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMMON STOCK
Our stock price has been and may continue to be volatile and our trading
volume is extremely limited.
The market price of our common shares has experienced significant
fluctuations and may continue to fluctuate significantly due to various factors,
many of which are beyond our control, such as proposed Internet gaming
legislation or enforcement of existing laws, the announcement of new products or
product enhancements by us or our competitors, technological innovation by us or
our competitors, quarterly variations in our revenue and results of operations
or those of our competitors, speculation in the press or investment community
and general market conditions or market conditions specific to particular
industries, including the Internet and gaming. In addition, given the extremely
limited trading volume in our common stock, stockholders seeking to liquidate
all or some of their holdings may experience difficulty in doing so.
Our common stock is deemed to be "penny stock," which may make it more
difficult for our stockholders to resell their shares due to suitability
requirements.
Historically, our common stock has been deemed to be "penny stock" as that
term is defined in Rule 3a51-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Penny stock
may be more difficult for investors to resell. Penny stocks are stocks:
o Having a price of less than $5.00 per share
o Not traded on a "recognized" national exchange
o Not quoted on the Nasdaq automated quotation system (Nasdaq-listed
stock must still have a price of not less than $5.00 per share); or
o Of issuers with net tangible assets less than $2.0 million (if the
issuer has been in continuous operation for at least three years) or
$5.0 million (if in continuous operation for less than three years),
or with average revenues of less than $6.0 million for the last
three years.
- 30 -
The closing bid price for our common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board on
February 18, 2005, was $0.35.
Under the penny stock regulations, a broker-dealer selling penny stock to
anyone other than an established customer or "accredited investor," generally,
an individual with net worth in excess of US$1,000,000 or an annual income
exceeding US$200,000, or US$300,000 together with his or her spouse, must make a
special suitability determination for the purchaser and must receive the
purchaser's written consent to the transaction prior to sale, unless the
broker-dealer or the transaction is otherwise exempt. In addition, the penny
stock regulations require the broker-dealer to deliver, prior to any transaction
involving a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prepared by the Commission
relating to the penny stock market, unless the broker-dealer or the transaction
is otherwise exempt. A broker-dealer is also required to disclose commissions
payable to the broker-dealer and the registered representative and current
quotations for the securities. Finally, a broker-dealer is required to send
monthly statements disclosing recent price information with respect to the penny
stock held in a customer's account and information with respect to the limited
market in penny stocks.
In the event we become profitable, we do not anticipate issuing dividends
to stockholders and propose to use such earnings to finance the growth of our
business.
Our operations may not become profitable. If we do become profitable, we
anticipate using any earnings that may be generated to finance the growth of our
business. Any payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of our board
of directors and will depend on, among other things, our earnings, financial
condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, statutory and
contractual restrictions applying to the payment of dividends, and other
considerations that our board of directors deems relevant. Accordingly,
stockholders may have to sell some or all of their common stock in order to
generate cash flow from their investment. Stockholders may not realize a gain on
their investment, and they may lose all or a significant amount of their
investment when they sell their common stock.
We have a significant number of outstanding options and warrants that
could materially dilute existing shareholders.
As of February 18, 2005, there were outstanding options and warrants to
purchase an aggregate of up to 18,145,791 shares of our common stock at exercise
prices ranging from $0.54 to $1.50 per share. Of this amount, Cantor holds
warrants to purchase 11,703,704 shares of common stock (exercisable through
December 8, 2009 and assumes that Cantor's warrant to purchase $2,000,000 of our
common stock is exercised at $0.54 per share), there are options outstanding to
purchase 2,195,964 shares of common stock pursuant to our 2004 Stock Option and
Incentive Plan, and there are outstanding warrants to purchase 4,246,123 shares
of common stock held by investors and underwriters relating to our private
placement offerings in 2003 and 2004. Of the foregoing, outstanding options and
warrants to purchase 18,092,396 are immediately exercisable and the remaining
53,125 become exercisable in increments over the next twelve months. To the
extent that these options and warrants are exercised, significant dilution to
our shareholders will occur; provided, however, we would receive $14,806,351 if
all such options and warrants were exercised with cash.
- 31 -
Shares eligible for sale in the near future may cause the market price for
our common stock to decline.
As of February 18, 2005, we had approximately 1,400,000 shares of common
stock that are freely tradable. In addition, the Company will be filing a
registration statement on Form S-3 that, once declared effective, will result in
an additional 5,051,144 shares of common stock becoming freely tradable, and up
to 4,196,123 additional shares underlying outstanding warrants to purchase
common stock if exercised. Thus, with up to an additional 9,247,267 shares of
common stock becoming freely tradable upon the effectiveness of the
aforementioned registration statement, it is quite possible that the mere
perception that these shares may be sold could depress the market price for our
common stock. In any event, the sale of a substantial number of shares of our
common stock within a short period of time would likely cause our stock price to
decrease. The foregoing could potentially affect the exercise price of certain
warrants to purchase common stock held by Cantor and could also impair our
ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities in the
future if Cantor elects not to exercise its warrants.
- 32 -
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm................34
Consolidated Balance Sheet
December 31, 2004.............................................35
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2003........................36
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficiency)
Years Ended December 2004 and 2003............................37
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2003........................38
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............................39
- 33 -
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc.
----------------------------------
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Gaming &
Entertainment Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficiency)
and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Gaming &
Entertainment Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and their
results of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004 and
2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming
that the Company will continue as a going concern. As further discussed in Note
2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company's operations have
generated recurring losses and negative net cash flows from operating
activities, and it had an accumulated deficit and a stockholders' deficiency as
of December 31, 2004. Such matters raise substantial doubt about the Company's
ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans concerning these
matters are also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do
not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of
reported amounts or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that might
result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ J. H. Cohn LLP
Roseland, New Jersey
January 29, 2005
- 34 -
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheet
December 31, 2004
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash $ 594,024
Accounts receivable 182,710
-----------
Total current assets 776,734
Equipment and Furnishings, net of accumulated depreciation of $295,171 162,580
Other Assets 10,321
-----------
Total assets $ 949,635
===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable $ 129,292
Accrued expenses 50,330
Accrued compensation - officers 32,692
Current portion of notes payable - officers 169,553
Foreign taxes payable 166,009
-----------
Total current liabilities 547,876
Senior secured note payable, net of unamortized debt discount of $1,091,475 408,525
Deferred rent 47,765
-----------
Total liabilities 1,004,166
-----------
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Deficiency
Preferred stock, par value $10 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized
Class A convertible preferred stock, par value $10 per share;
1,000,000 shares designated; none issued --
Class B preferred stock, par value $10 per share;
1,000,000 shares designated; none issued --
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized;
19,017,352 shares issued and outstanding 190,173
Additional paid-in capital 6,300,720
Accumulated deficit (6,692,840)
Accumulated other comprehensive income - foreign
currency translation gains 147,416
-----------
Total stockholders' deficiency (54,531)
-----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficiency $ 949,635
===========
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- 35 -
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2003
2004 2003
------------ ------------
Revenues:
Services $ 312,401 $ 536,501
Product -- 297,432
------------ ------------
Total revenues 312,401 833,933
------------ ------------
Cost of revenues:
Services 305,343 243,590
Product -- 242,565
------------ ------------
Total cost of revenues 305,343 486,155
------------ ------------
Gross margin 7,058 347,778
------------ ------------
Operating expenses:
Research and development 712,467 568,377
Selling, general and administrative 2,445,226 1,254,385
Write-off of loan and note receivable -- 508,627
Impairment of intellectual property -- 23,028
------------ ------------
Total operating expenses 3,157,693 2,354,417
------------ ------------
Operating loss (3,150,635) (2,006,639)
------------ ------------
Other income (expense):
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount (81,380) --
Foreign currency transaction loss (14,170) --
Other income 39,999 5,347
------------ ------------
Total other income (expense) (55,551) 5,347
------------ ------------
Net loss $ (3,206,186) $ (2,001,292)
------------ ------------
Weighted average number of shares outstanding 17,726,004 11,497,068
============ ============
Net loss per share - basic and diluted $ (0.18) $ (0.17)
============ ============
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- 36 -
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Deficiency)
Years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003
Accumulated
Common Stock Additional Other
------------------------ Paid-in Accumulated Comprehensive
Shares Amount Capital Deficit Income Total
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance at January 1, 2003 10,827,707 $ 10,828 $ 2,061,009 $(1,485,362) $ 115,311 $ 701,786
Proceeds from sale of common stock
through private placement, net of
expenses of $145,211 1,120,165 1,120 452,419 -- -- 453,539
Options and warrants issued to
nonemployees for services -- -- 25,250 -- -- 25,250
Foreign currency transaction gain (A) -- -- -- -- 91,455 91,455
Net loss -- -- -- (2,001,292) -- (2,001,292)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance at December 31, 2003 11,947,872 11,948 2,538,678 (3,486,654) 206,766 (729,262)
Effects of reverse acquisition 4,058,756 148,118 (180,170) -- -- (32,052)
Proceeds from sale of common stock and
warrants through private placement,
net of expenses of $301,758 2,445,000 24,450 2,118,792 -- -- 2,143,242
Common stock issued for services 507,390 5,074 480,241 -- -- 485,315
Common stock and warrants issued for
equipment 58,334 583 57,751 -- -- 58,334
Options and warrants issued to
nonemployees for services -- -- 175,088 -- -- 175,088
Warrants issued in connection with
senior secured note payable -- -- 1,110,340 -- -- 1,110,340
Foreign currency translation loss (A) -- -- -- -- (59,350) (59,350)
Net loss -- -- -- (3,206,186) -- (3,206,186)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance at December 31, 2004 19,017,352 $ 190,173 $ 6,300,720 $(6,692,840) $ 147,416 $ (54,531)
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
(A) Comprehensive loss (net loss plus or minus foreign currency
translation loss or gain) for the year ended December 31, 2004 and
2003 totaled $3,265,536 and $1,909,837, respectively.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- 37 -
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2003
2004 2003
----------- -----------
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss $(3,206,186) $(2,001,292)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating
activities:
Write-off of loan and note receivable and provision
for bad debts (recoveries) (2,419) 509,902
Impairment of intellectual property -- 23,028
Amortization of debt discount 18,865 --
Depreciation expense 91,927 36,862
Common stock issued for services 485,315 --
Options and warrants issued to nonemployees for services 175,088 25,250
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (172,645) 323,358
Prepaid expenses 10,000 (10,000)
Other assets (9,553) --
Accounts payable 102,298 (122,554)
Accrued expenses (31,252) (9,194)
Accrued compensation - officers (59,090) 257,665
Foreign taxes payable 19,500 --
Imputed rent expense for lessor improvements 47,765 --
Customer deposits -- (20,000)
----------- -----------
Net cash used in operating activities (2,530,387) (986,975)
----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities - acquisition of
equipment and furnishings (114,967) (3,011)
----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds of related party loan 42,852 302,829
Repayments of related party loans (458,450) --
Proceeds from the issuance of senior secured note and warrants 1,500,000 --
Net proceeds from sale of common stock and warrants 2,143,242 453,539
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 3,227,644 756,368
----------- -----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (74,581) 37,941
----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash 507,709 (195,677)
Cash, beginning of year 86,315 281,992
----------- -----------
Cash, end of year $ 594,024 $ 86,315
=========== ===========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Interest paid $ 64,165 $ --
=========== ===========
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities
Common stock issued for equipment $ 58,334 $ --
=========== ===========
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- 38 -
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION
On or about January 12, 2004, NorStar Group, Inc., a publicly-held company
incorporated in Utah that was not conducting or developing any commercial
operations ("NorStar"), consummated a series of transactions, including: (i) a
1-for-24.852732 reverse split of its outstanding shares of common stock; (ii)
the issuance of 14,600,000 post-split shares of common stock in exchange for all
of the outstanding shares of common stock of Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc.,
a Nevada corporation ("G&EG Nevada"); (iii) the issuance of options and warrants
to purchase 4,257,937 post-split shares of common stock in exchange for all of
the outstanding options and warrants to purchase shares of G&EG Nevada; and (iv)
a change in the name of NorStar to Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc. ("G&EG").
As a result of the exchange, G&EG Nevada became a subsidiary of G&EG, and the
former stockholders of G&EG Nevada became the holders of 91.25% of the then
outstanding shares of common stock of the combined companies. In addition, the
former directors and officers of G&EG Nevada became the controlling members of
the board of directors and management of the combined companies. Since G&EG
Nevada was the only operating company in the exchange and the former
stockholders of G&EG Nevada received a substantial majority of the voting
securities of the combined companies, the exchange was accounted for as a
"reverse acquisition" and, effectively, as a recapitalization, in which G&EG
Nevada was treated as the accounting acquirer (and the legal acquiree) and
NorStar was the accounting acquiree (and the legal acquirer). Since the exchange
was accounted for as a "reverse acquisition," the accompanying consolidated
financial statements reflect the historical financial statements of G&EG Nevada,
the accounting acquirer, as adjusted for the effects of the exchange of shares
on its equity accounts, the inclusion of the net liabilities of the accounting
acquiree as of January 12, 2004 at their historical basis and the inclusion of
the accounting acquiree's results of operations from that date. The pro forma
effects of assuming that NorStar had been acquired as of January 1, 2003 have
not been presented because they are insignificant.
As used herein, the "Company" refers to G&EG Nevada prior to January 12, 2004
and to G&EG, G&EG Nevada and their other subsidiaries from that date forward.
The Company is a developer of central server gaming systems, game content,
gaming devices for the land-based gaming markets of the United States, Canada
and Europe and Internet gaming systems for utilization in regulated gaming
markets.
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming
the Company will continue as a going concern. As shown in the financial
statements, the Company has incurred losses of $3,206,186 and $2,001,292 and
negative cash flows from operating activities of $2,530,387 and $986,975 for the
years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and recurring losses in
prior years. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had an accumulated deficit of
$6,692,840 and a stockholders' deficiency of $54,531. These conditions raise
substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its
ability to generate sufficient cash flows from its operations or obtain
sufficient liquid resources from other sources to meet its obligations as they
become due. Through December 31, 2004, the Company has funded its operations
primarily through the issuance of common stock, warrants and options to outside
investors for cash and consultants and others for services. The Company is
attempting to procure additional funding through the issuance of equity
securities, loans from financial institutions and agreements with strategic
partners. Management anticipates that additional funding of not less than
$2,500,000 will be necessary to fund the Company's operations through December
31, 2005. Management believes, but cannot assure, that the Company will be able
to obtain such financing and continue its operations through at least December
31, 2005. If the Company is not able to obtain adequate financing, it may have
to curtail or terminate some, or all, of its operations. The accompanying
consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the
recoverability and classification of recorded assets, or the amounts and
classifications of liabilities that might be necessary in the event the Company
cannot continue as a going concern.
- 39 -
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(b) Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of G&EG
and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
(c) Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures.
Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.
(d) Revenue Recognition
Revenues from the enhancement, maintenance and technical support of Internet
gaming sites in regulated gaming markets, in relation to the software
development previously performed, are recognized as the services are performed,
or if no pattern of performance is discernable, on a straight-line basis over
the period in which the services are performed.
Revenues from Internet gaming site development contracts in regulated gaming
markets, in relation to software development specifically performed for each
respective client, will be recognized using the percentage of completion method
of accounting with labor hours as the basis for measurement of progress toward
completion of the contracts.
Revenues from online gaming software license fees, in relation to the
utilization of the G&EG proprietary gaming platform, will be recognized as
earned over the term of the agreement based upon a percentage of the gross win.
When the Company receives a percentage of the gaming revenues generated by its
client's Internet gaming sites, it will recognize such revenues when earned.
When Company owned gaming machines are leased to a customer, revenues from the
placement of gaming machines on a revenue-sharing basis, as well as the
placement of a central server gaming system on a license basis, in relation to
the certain percentage of the client's gross win and utilization of the G&EG
proprietary gaming platform, will be recognized on a straight-line basis over
the term of the lease.
Revenue from gaming machines that are sold will be recognized upon completion of
installation and acceptance by the casino, provided collectibility is reasonably
assured. Revenues generated under revenue-sharing contracts will be negotiated
based upon the cost of the equipment installed, the location of a particular
casino, and the estimated daily net win per gaming machine for each casino
client and will be recognized as revenue as these amounts are earned.
(e) Equipment and Furnishings
Equipment and furnishings are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of the assets. Improvements to leased properties are amortized
using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or the
remaining lease period, whichever is shorter.
- 40 -
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(f) Impairment of Long Lived Assets
Impairment losses on long-lived assets, such as equipment, are recognized when
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the undiscounted cash flows
estimated to be generated by such assets are less than their carrying value and,
accordingly, all or a portion of such carrying value may not be recoverable.
Impairment losses are then measured by comparing the fair value of assets to
their carrying amounts.
(g) Stock-Based Compensation
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" ("SFAS 123"), provides for the use of a fair value based method of
accounting for employee stock compensation. However, SFAS 123 also allows an
entity to continue to measure compensation cost for stock options granted to
employees using the intrinsic value method of accounting prescribed by
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees" ("APB 25"), which only requires charges to compensation expense for
the excess, if any, of the fair value of the underlying stock at the date a
stock option is granted (or at an appropriate subsequent measurement date) over
the amount the employee must pay to acquire the stock. The Company has elected
to continue to account for employee stock options using the intrinsic value
method under APB 25. By making that election, it is required by SFAS 123 and
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation - Transition and Disclosure" ("SFAS 148"), to provide pro forma
disclosures of net loss and net loss per common share as if a fair value based
method of accounting had been applied, if such amounts differ materially from
the historical amounts. As a result of amendments to SFAS 123, the Company will
be required to expense the fair value of employee stock options beginning with
its fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2006.
The exercise price of all of the options granted to employees has been equal to
or greater than the fair market value at the date of grant and, accordingly, the
Company has not recorded any earned or unearned compensation cost related to
such options in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The
Company's historical net loss and net loss per share and pro forma net loss and
net loss per share assuming compensation cost had been determined based on the
fair value of the options at the date of grant and amortized over the vesting
period consistent with the provisions of SFAS 123 are set forth below:
For Years Ended
December 31,
--------------------------
2004 2003
----------- -----------
Net loss, as reported $(3,206,186) $(2,001,292)
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense
determined under fair value based method for all awards (464,307) (771,864)
----------- -----------
Pro forma net loss $(3,670,493) $(2,773,156)
=========== ===========
Basic and diluted loss per common share as reported $ (0.18) $ (0.17)
=========== ===========
Basic and diluted loss per common share pro forma $ (0.21) $ (0.24)
=========== ===========
In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123, all other issuances of common
stock, options or other equity instruments to employees and consultants as
consideration for goods or services received by the Company are accounted for
based on the fair value of the equity instruments issued (unless the fair value
of the consideration received can be more reliably measured). The fair value of
any options or similar equity instruments issued will be estimated based on the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which meets the criteria set forth in SFAS
123, and the assumption that all of the options or other equity instruments will
ultimately vest.
- 41 -
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(h) Net Loss per Share
The Company presents "basic" earnings (loss) per share and, if applicable,
"diluted" earnings per share pursuant to the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share" ("SFAS 128"). Basic
earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income or loss by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. The
calculation of diluted earnings per share is similar to that of basic earnings
per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of
additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially
dilutive common shares, such as those issuable upon the exercise of options and
warrants, were issued during the period and the treasury stock method had been
applied. Since the Company had net losses for the years ended December 31, 2004
and 2003, the effects of the assumed exercise of outstanding options and
warrants would have been anti-dilutive and, accordingly, basic and diluted net
loss per share in each period were the same. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003,
the Company had options and warrants outstanding for the purchase of 19,754,565
and 3,739,028 shares of common stock, respectively, that were not included in
the computation of diluted loss per share.
(i) Research and Development
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
(j) Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currencies of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are their
respective local currencies. Accordingly, gains and losses from the translation
of the financial statements of the foreign subsidiaries are reported as a
separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Assets and
liabilities in foreign currencies (primarily Australian dollars) are translated
using the exchange rate at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are
translated at average exchange rates during the year. Foreign currency
transaction gains and losses are included in net loss.
(k) Credit Risk Concentration
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of
credit risk consist primarily of cash and accounts receivable.
The Company maintains cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed
federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced, and management does
not expect, any losses on these accounts. Management also believes that the
Company is not subject to any significant concentrations of credit risk related
to accounts receivable. However, at the present time, the Company receives
nearly all of its revenue from Cantor G&W (Nevada), L.P. ("Cantor"), pursuant to
an exclusive license of its Internet gaming software. It is anticipated that the
Company's revenue sources will diversify over time, but for the near term, a
high percentage of the Company's revenue will be concentrated with Cantor.
(l) Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the temporary differences
between the financial statement and the tax bases of assets and liabilities and
for net operating loss carryforwards measured using the enacted tax rates in
effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The
Company periodically evaluates the realizability of its net deferred tax assets
and records a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence,
it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not
be realized.
- 42 -
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 3 - EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGS
The components of equipment and furnishings are set forth below:
Estimated useful
lives
-------------
Equipment 3 Years $ 359,977
Furniture and fixtures 3 Years 50,009
Improvements Life of lease 47,765
---------
457,751
Less: Accumulated depreciation (295,171)
---------
Total $ 162,580
=========
Depreciation expense amounted to $91,927 and $36,862 for the years ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
NOTE 4 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Operating Leases
In February 2004, the Company entered into a non-cancelable real property lease
agreement for office space in Las Vegas, Nevada, commencing May 1, 2004. The
term of the lease is 65 months. Minimum lease payments are approximately $10,400
per month, inclusive of common area maintenance charges. The Company has an
option to renew the lease at the end of its initial term for an additional
five-year period. Contingent rental provisions within the lease agreement
require the minimum lease payments to be increased in accordance with the
Consumer Price Index (the "CPI"), commencing with the thirteenth month of the
lease. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 was $155,846
and $49,208, respectively. This lease included an incentive for payment of costs
for tenant improvements of $47,765. This incentive has been reflected as an
addition to equipment and furnishings and will be amortized over the term of the
lease. The Company currently subleases a portion of its premises to third party
consultants. The amounts of the sublease rentals are deemed immaterial.
The Company also maintains an office in North Sydney, Australia, at a monthly
rate of $13,000 Australian dollars (approx. US$10,250). This lease is subject to
an oral agreement which requires 6-months advance written notice prior to
vacating the premises.
The following table summarizes the Company's obligations with respect to real
property leases:
FY2005 FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 Total
Real Property Leases $186,300 $124,800 $124,800 $124,800 $93,600 $654,300
The foregoing table assumes that the North Sydney lease will expire in six
months.
- 43 -
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Employment Agreements
In August 2003, the Company entered into employment agreements with Tibor N.
Vertes, Gregory L. Hrncir and William McMaster. The employment agreements with
Messrs. Vertes and Hrncir, who are directors and executive officers of the
Company, were for four years and the employment agreement with Mr. McMaster was
for two years, all subject to earlier termination under certain circumstances.
The employment agreement for Mr. Vertes provides for an annual salary of
$185,000, which may be increased by the board of directors, and an annual cash
bonus of $35,000 to $100,000 if certain performance goals are met. Since
September 1, 2004, Mr. Vertes has been paid a reduced annual salary of $130,000.
The amounts by which payments were reduced have been accrued by the Company from
October 1, 2004 based on a revised annual salary of $180,000. The revised annual
salary was orally agreed to by the Company and Mr. Vertes. The employment
agreement for Mr. Hrncir provides for an annual salary of $175,000, which may be
increased by the board of directors, an allowance of $1,500 per month for health
care and other benefits, and an annual cash bonus of $35,000 to $100,000 if
certain performance goals are met. Since September 1, 2004, Mr. Hrncir has been
paid a reduced annual salary of $130,000. The amounts by which payments were
reduced have been accrued by the Company from October 1, 2004 based on a revised
annual salary of $180,000. The revised annual salary was orally agreed to by the
Company and Mr. Hrncir. The employment agreement for Mr. McMaster provides for
an annual salary of $120,000, which may be increased by the board of directors,
and an annual cash bonus if certain performance goals are met.
In September 2004, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Kevin
J. Burman, who is an officer of the Company, for one year, subject to earlier
termination under certain circumstances. The employment agreement for Mr. Burman
provides for an annual salary of 72,000 pounds sterling (approximately
$135,000), which may be increased by the board of directors, an annual cash
bonus of $35,000 to $100,000 if certain performance goals are met, and a
percentage of sales in the form of a commission. On October 1, 2004, Mr.
Burman's annual salary was revised to $180,000 in consideration for the
elimination of the sales commissions contemplated in Mr. Burman's employment
agreement. The revised annual salary, and elimination of the sales commission
provision, was orally agreed to by the Company and Mr. Burman. Since October 1,
2004, Mr. Burman has been paid at the reduced annual salary of $130,000. The
amounts by which payments were reduced have been accrued by the Company from
October 1, 2004 based on a revised annual salary of $180,000.
As of December 31, 2004, accrued compensation related to these employees as a
result of the reduced payments totaled $32,692.
The following table summarizes the Company's obligations with respect to
outstanding employment agreements:
2005 2006 2007 Total
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
Employment Agreements $555,833 $360,000 $ 210,000 $1,125,833
NOTE 5 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Stock Option Plans:
On April 1, 2004, the Company adopted the 2004 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
(the "2004 Plan") under which nonstatutory options to purchase shares of common
stock may be granted to employees, directors, and consultants as selected by the
Board of Directors. Awards under the 2004 Plan may also be made in the form of
incentive stock options and shares of common stock. 3,500,000 shares have been
reserved for issuance under the 2004 Plan. Options are exercisable over a period
of time, not to exceed ten years, as designated by the Board of Directors. The
Board also agreed to integrate into the 2004 Plan all outstanding options that
had been granted under the 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan.
- 44 -
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table summarizes option activity under the 2004 Plan during the
year ended December 31, 2004:
2004 2003
--------------------------------- -------------------------------
Number of Weighted-average Number of Weighted-average
Shares Exercise Price Shares Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of year 2,262,989 $ 0.75 -- --
Granted to employees 531,582 $ 0.85 2,814,967 $ 0.75
Granted to consultants 112,325 $ 0.87 125,000 $ 0.75
Cancelled (398,454) $ 0.75 (676,978) $ 0.75
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at end of year 2,508,442 $ 0.78 2,262,989 $ 0.75
========================================================================================================
Options exercisable at year-end 2,449,067 $ 0.77 2,262,989 $ 0.75
========================================================================================================
Weighted-average fair value of options
granted during the year $ 0.21 $ 0.27
========================================================================================================
During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company granted options to purchase
a total of 112,325 shares of common stock to consultants in exchange for
services. Such options are exercisable over a range of three to ten years, are
fully vested and have exercise prices ranging from $0.75 to $1.31 per share and
a weighted average exercise price of $0.87 per share. The Company recognized a
charge to selling, general and administrative expenses in the year ended
December 31, 2004 for the fair value of the options, calculated using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which amounted to $99,751.
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at
December 31, 2004:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted Average
Remaining
Range of Exercise Prices Number Contractual Life Weighted-average Number Weighted-average
Outstanding (years) Exercise Price Exercisable Exercise Price
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$0.70 - $1.00 2,504,935 7.46 $0.78 2,445,559 $0.77
$1.01 - $1.31 3,507 9.21 $1.14 3,508 $1.14
--------- ---------
2,508,442 2,449,067
========= =========
Warrants:
In January 2004, the Company issued warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of
common stock to consultants in exchange for services. Such warrants are
exercisable for two years commencing January 16, 2004, are fully vested and have
an exercise price of $0.75 per share. In August and September 2003, the Company
issued warrants to purchase a total of 125,000 shares of common stock to
consultants in exchange for services. Such warrants are exercisable from three
to ten years, are fully vested and have an exercise price of $0.75 per share.
The Company recognized charges to selling, general and administrative expenses
in the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, for the fair value of the
warrants, calculated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which amounted
to $75,337 and $25,250, respectively.
- 45 -
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table summarizes all of the Company's warrant activity during the
years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003:
Number of Warrants Weighted-Average
Outstanding Exercise Price
-----------------------------------
Outstanding at January 1, 2003 522,707 $ 1.50
Granted (A) 748,332 $ 1.50
Granted (B) 200,000 $ 1.50
-----------------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 2003 1,476,039 $ 1.50
Granted (C) 100,000 $ 0.75
Granted (D) 2,811,750 $ 1.50
Granted (E) 58,334 $ 1.50
Granted (F) 8,000,000 $ 0.60
Granted (G) 5,000,000 $ 0.40
Warrants forfeited (200,000) $ 1.50
-----------------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 2004 17,246,123 $ 0.76
===================================
(A) See description under "Stock Activity" below.
(B) These warrants were issued in connection with notes payable (see Note 7).
(C) See description of warrants issued for services above.
(D) See description under "Stock Activity" below.
(E) See description under "Stock Activity" below.
(F) These warrants were issued in connection with the Investment Agreement
(see Note 8).
(G) These warrants were issued in connection with the Investment Agreement
(see Note 8).
Assumptions Used in Determining Fair Value of Stock Options and Warrants:
The fair value of stock options and warrants were estimated on the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions:
2004 2003
--------- ---------
Expected volatility 80.90% 0%
Risk-free interest rate 3.63% 4.75%
Expected life (years) 1 to 10 1 to 10
Expected dividends 0% 0%
-46-
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Stock Activity:
On October 31, 2003, the Company received net proceeds of $453,539 for the
issuance of 74.83 units to investors at $7,500 per unit. Each unit consisted of
10,000 shares of common stock and a warrant to purchase 10,000 shares of common
stock at $1.50 per share. In connection with this issuance, the Company issued
371,833 shares of common stock to brokers as a placement fee.
On May 31, 2004, the Company received proceeds of $2,143,242, net of expenses of
$301,758, from the sale of 244.5 units to investors at a price of $10,000 per
unit through a private placement. Each unit consisted of 10,000 shares of common
stock and a warrant to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock at $1.50 per
share. The warrants will expire on May 31, 2005.
On May 31, 2004, the Company issued warrants to purchase a total of 366,750
shares of common stock in exchange for investment banking consulting services in
connection with its private placement of units to investors at a price of
$10,000 per unit, consisting of 10,000 shares of common stock and a warrant to
purchase 10,000 shares of common stock. Such warrants are exercisable for two
years commencing May 31, 2005, are fully vested and have an exercise price of
$1.50 per share.
On May 31, 2004, the Company issued 5.83 units with a fair value of $58,334 in
exchange for equipment. Each unit consisted of 10,000 shares of common stock and
a warrant to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock at $1.50 per share. The
warrants will expire on May 31, 2005.
During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company issued 507,390 shares of
common stock with a fair value of $485,315 to consultants for strategic
advisory, investment banking and research services. The Company recognized a
charge to selling, general and administrative expenses during the ended December
31, 2004 of $485,315.
A registration statement was not filed within 45 days of May 31, 2004, the
private placement (described above) closing date. Accordingly, the Company shall
issue to the purchasers of units 3% of the number of shares of common stock
purchased by each purchaser for each month or part thereof of such late filing.
In the event the registration statement is not declared effective within 120
days following the date of filing, the Company shall issue to the purchasers of
units 2% of the number of shares of common stock purchased by each purchaser for
each month or part thereof of such late effective date period. Such shares of
common stock, if any, shall be registered for resale under the registration
statement. The Company intends to file the registration statement on Form S-3
during March 2005. As at December 31, 2004, the penalty shares described above
totaled 413,050.
NOTE 6 - PREFERRED STOCK
The Company is authorized to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
having a $10 par value. The Company has designated 1,000,000 shares as Class A
convertible and 1,000,000 shares as Class B. At the time of issuance, the Board
of Directors has the right to designate the rights, preferences and privileges
of each class. As of December 31, 2004, the Company did not have any shares of
preferred stock outstanding.
NOTE 7 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On October 28, 2003, Gaming & Entertainment Group, Ltd. ("GAM"), a
non-controlling stockholder, loaned the Company $100,000 as evidenced by a
convertible promissory note. The terms of the convertible promissory note
provided for a $10,000 interest payment, payable in cash or in-kind. The
convertible promissory note matured upon the Company realizing $1,000,000 of
gross proceeds from the private placement which commenced subsequent to the end
of the 2003 fiscal year. In connection with this transaction, the Company issued
warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock. The Company did not
attribute any value to these warrants due to immateriality. The loan and accrued
interest were repaid in February 2004.
On October 28, 2003, Robit Nominees Pty Ltd., an entity controlled by Tibor N.
Vertes, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, loaned the Company $50,000 as
evidenced by a convertible promissory note. The convertible promissory note
matured upon the Company realizing $1,000,000 of gross proceeds from the private
placement which commenced subsequent to the end of the 2003 fiscal year. In
connection with this transaction, the Company issued warrants to purchase 50,000
shares of common stock. The Company did not attribute any value to these
warrants due to immateriality. The loan and accrued interest were repaid in
February 2004.
-47-
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
On November 6, 2003, Daniel Vertes, the Company's controller and son of Tibor N.
Vertes, loaned the Company $18,738. The loan was evidenced by a promissory note
bearing interest at the rate of 8% per annum. The loan and accrued interest were
repaid in February 2004.
On December 1, 2003, Gregory L. Hrncir, our President and a Director, loaned the
Company $10,000. The loan was evidenced by a promissory note bearing interest at
the rate of 8% per annum. The loan and accrued interest were repaid in February
2004.
On December 12, 2003, Robit Nominees Pty Ltd. loaned the Company $15,000. The
loan was evidenced by a promissory note bearing interest at the rate of 8% per
annum. The loan and accrued interest were repaid in February 2004.
On December 23, 2003, GAM loaned the Company $50,000 as evidenced by a
convertible promissory note. The terms of the convertible promissory note
provided for a $5,000 interest payment, payable in cash or in-kind. The
convertible promissory note matured upon the Company realizing $1,000,000 of
gross proceeds from the private placement which commenced subsequent to the end
of the 2003 fiscal year. In connection with this transaction, the Company issued
warrants to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock. The Company did not
attribute any value to these warrants due to immateriality. The loan and accrued
interest were repaid in February 2004.
On December 29, 2003, Robit Nominees Pty Ltd. loaned the Company $78,096. The
loan was evidenced by a promissory note bearing interest at the rate of 8% per
annum. The loan and accrued interest were repaid in February 2004.
On September 6, 2004, the Company entered into promissory notes payable totaling
$212,848 with Tibor N. Vertes, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, and
Gregory L. Hrncir, our President and a Director, for accrued salary and
consulting services rendered, respectively. Repayment of the notes commenced on
October 1, 2004 and will continue until maturity on December 1, 2005. The notes
are non-interest bearing and had a balance of $169,553 at December 31, 2004.
Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the principal amount of the notes
shall be increased to reflect accrued interest of 10% per annum from August 1,
2003 to September 6, 2004.
On September 30, 2004, Tibor Vertes, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman,
loaned the Company $43,007. The loan was repaid in October 2004.
On February 15, 2002, G&EG entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
"GET Merger Agreement") with Innovative Gaming Corporation of America, a Nevada
corporation ("IGCA"). In August 2002, the GET Merger Agreement was unilaterally
terminated by IGCA. A settlement agreement with an effective date of February
25, 2003 was signed by both parties. The agreement provided consideration to the
Company for an outstanding bridge loan made to IGCA by the Company in the
original principal amount of $374,970, and settled the outstanding litigation,
commenced by the Company against IGCA. In addition, a license agreement had been
entered into between IGCA and G&EG in full consideration for the outstanding
development work and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Company during the
period prior to the termination of the merger. Specifically, the Company
received a non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable license to IGCA's
software, hardware, hardware tools, mathematics and pay tables relating to three
titles and a multiplayer poker game. Due to the uncertainties related to the
ability of the Company to realize any benefits from the licenses, rights and
other assets it received as a result of the settlement with IGCA, the Company
did not attribute any value to those assets.
On February 24, 2003, a member of management assigned a promissory note,
previously issued to him by IGCA in conjunction with a loan in the original
principal amount of $125,000, to the Company in the amount of $133,657 in
consideration for the issuance by the Company of an interest bearing promissory
note to the member of management in a like amount.
During 2003, the outstanding balance of the IGCA bridge loan and the note
receivable totaling $508,627 was deemed to be uncollectible and written off as
shown in the accompanying 2003 consolidated statement of operations.
NOTE 8 - SENIOR SECURED NOTE PAYABLE
On September 2, 2004, the Company entered into a Senior Secured Bridge
Note (the "Bridge Note") in the amount of $750,000 with GEG Holdings, LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company ("GEG Holdings") an affiliate of Cantor. The
Bridge Note matures on August 30, 2009.
The terms of the Bridge Note provide for the funding to occur in three
tranches. The first funding of $250,000 occurred on September 2, 2004. The
second and third tranches, each in the amount of $250,000, subject to the
satisfaction of certain conditions, were funded on October 1 and November 1,
2004. The Bridge Note is secured by a perfected first priority security interest
in all of the intellectual property assets of the Company. No principal amount
of this note may be repaid, in whole or in part, prior to maturity, without the
express written approval of GEG Holdings at its sole discretion.
-48-
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The outstanding principal amount of the Bridge Note accrues interest at
the Federal Funds Effective Rate of Interest (2.00% as of December 31, 2004), in
effect from time to time, plus 6% per annum and accrues semi-annually, in
arrears, on December 1, 2004 and on each June 1 and December 1 thereafter (each
an "Interest Payment Date"). The Bridge Note does not require the Company to
make cash interest payments until maturity. Interest will be payable in cash
only at maturity or, at the option of GEG Holdings, (A) by the issuance on each
Interest Payment Date of an immediately exercisable five year warrant (an
"Interest Warrant") to purchase shares of a new class of convertible preferred
stock (the "Convertible Preferred Stock"), for an exercise price per share of
the lesser of (i) the average of the closing market price of the Company's
common stock, for the 30 days prior to the applicable Interest Payment Date, but
in any event not less than $0.40 per share, and (ii) $0.54 per share, that
number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock equal to the interest payment
then due, rounded up to the nearest share; or (B) by the issuance on any
subsequent Interest Payment Date of an Interest Warrant, on the then fully
accrued amount.
The Convertible Preferred Stock, upon issuance, would, among others, have
the following rights, preferences and privileges: (i) a liquidation preference
of $0.60 per share; (ii) no dividends; (iii) be convertible into shares of
common stock on a one-to-one basis; (iv) rank senior to all other series of
preferred stock outstanding; (v) include full ratchet anti-dilution protection;
(vi) right of first refusal with respect to any equity or convertible securities
issued by the Company; (vii) four immediate demand registration rights and
unlimited customary "piggy-back" rights; and (viii) certain protective voting
rights.
On December 8, 2004, the Company entered into a Loan Facility and
Investment Agreement (the "Investment Agreement") with Cantor, pursuant to
which, as more fully described below, Cantor has agreed to provide up to an
additional $1,250,000 (the "Additional Amount") in senior secured debt financing
to the Company, in exchange for, among other things, the right to acquire
control of the Company upon the conversion and exercise of various securities
that Cantor and its affiliates received from the Company and certain
stockholders upon entering into the Investment Agreement. Immediately prior to
the execution and delivery of the Investment Agreement, GEG Holdings assigned to
Cantor, and Cantor assumed from GEG Holdings, all of GEG Holdings' rights and
obligations with respect to the Bridge Financing. Consequently, the Investment
Agreement relates to an aggregate of up to $2,000,000 (the "Loan Amount") of
senior secured financing.
Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, Cantor has agreed to loan the
Additional Amount to the Company in four installments, subject in each instance
to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions: (i) $250,000 upon the
execution of the Investment Agreement; (ii) $500,000 on December 31, 2004; (iii)
$250,000 on March 31, 2005; and (iv) $250,000 on June 30, 2005. The first two
fundings totaling $750,000 occurred in December 2004. The Loan Amount is
evidenced by a five year senior secured promissory note (the "Note") which bears
interest at the federal funds rate of interest in effect from time to time, plus
6% per annum. Interest accrues semi-annually, in arrears, on December 1 and June
1 of each year during the term of the Note (each, an "Interest Payment Date").
The Note does not require the Company to make cash interest payments until
maturity, and the Loan Amount is secured by a perfected, first priority security
interest in all of the intellectual property assets of the Company. Cantor's
first priority security interest in the intellectual property is evidenced by a
security agreement that was executed and delivered upon the entering into of the
Bridge Financing (the "Security Agreement") and which was assigned to Cantor
pursuant to the Assignment and Assumption Agreement.
During the term of the Investment Agreement, which extends for as long as
Cantor holds any debt or equity securities that it acquired from the Company
pursuant to the Investment Agreement, Cantor has various rights with respect to
the Company. Specifically, during the term of the Investment Agreement, among
other things: (i) Cantor has the right to board representation in the form of
two board seats or two board observers (or a combination of the two); (ii)
Cantor has the right to receive periodically and upon request various financial
and other information from the Company; (iii) Cantor has pre-emptive rights with
respect to the issuance of any additional equity securities; (iv) Cantor has
so-called "demand" and "piggyback" registration rights with respect to the
equity securities of the Company owned by Cantor, however acquired, either
pursuant to the Investment Agreement or otherwise; and (v) without the
affirmative prior written consent of Cantor, the Company may not, among other
things, (a) issue any additional equity securities, (b) incur any additional
indebtedness, (c) effect a change in control, (d) amend or modify the Company's
by-laws or articles of incorporation, (e) modify or enter into new employment
agreements with any executive officer of the Company, or (f) license any of its
intellectual property. In addition, Cantor has the right to cause the Company to
reincorporate in the State of Delaware (the "Reincorporation").
-49-
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As noted above, in connection with entering into the Investment Agreement,
Cantor received the right to acquire control of the Company pursuant to various
equity instruments that it received from the Company and certain stockholders
simultaneously with the entering into of the Investment Agreement. Specifically,
the Company issued to Cantor a five year stock purchase warrant (the "Equity
Warrant"), immediately exercisable in whole or in part for up to at least
8,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock, at an initial per share exercise
price of $0.60, subject to adjustment. The Equity Warrant also has anti-dilution
protection that provides that Cantor shall always be entitled to acquire a fixed
percentage of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock on a fully
diluted basis exclusive of the Equity Warrant and "Debt Warrant" (as defined
below) issued to Cantor. In addition, in the event that the Company effects the
Reincorporation, the Equity Warrant is exercisable into shares of convertible
preferred stock that the Company will have available for issuance upon such
Reincorporation.
Cantor also received a stock purchase warrant relative to the Loan Amount
(the "Debt Warrant"), which is immediately exercisable in whole or in part by
Cantor, at its election, either for cash, or by converting all or a portion of
the then outstanding principal amount of the Note into shares of common stock.
The initial per share exercise price of the Debt Warrant, subject to adjustment,
is equal to the lesser of (i) the average of the closing market price of the
common stock for the 30 days prior to the applicable exercise date, but in no
event less than $0.40 per share, and (ii) $0.54 per share. The Debt Warrant also
has anti-dilution protection such that at all times it is exercisable into no
less than a fixed percentage of the Company's issued and outstanding common
stock on a fully diluted basis exclusive of the Equity Warrant and the Debt
Warrant issued to Cantor. In the event and to the extent Cantor exercises the
Debt Warrant with cash, rather than converting the then outstanding principal
amount of the Note, the Loan Amount evidenced by the Note will remain a
continuing liability of the Company. As is the case with the Equity Warrant, in
the event that the Company effects the Reincorporation, the Debt Warrant is
exercisable into shares of convertible preferred stock that the Company will
have available for issuance upon such Reincorporation.
As noted above, interest on the Note is payable in cash only at maturity.
Prior to the maturity, however, Cantor has the right to convert the accrued
interest on the Note into shares of common stock pursuant to one or more
interest warrants (each an "Interest Warrant") at a price per share equal to the
lesser of (a) the average of the closing market price of the common stock for
the 30 days prior to the applicable Interest Payment Date, but in any event not
less than $0.40 per share, and (b) $0.54 per share, rounded up to the nearest
share. As is the case with the Equity Warrant and the Debt Warrant, in the event
of a Reincorporation of the Company, the Interest Warrant will be exercisable
for shares of convertible preferred stock of the Company that the Company will
have available for issuance upon such Reincorporation.
Upon a Reincorporation, it is presently anticipated that the convertible
preferred stock that will be available for issuance upon the exercise of the
Equity Warrant, the Debt Warrant and the Interest Warrant would have the
following rights, preferences and privilege, among others: (i) a liquidation
preference of $0.60 per share; (ii) be convertible into shares of Common Stock
on a one-to-one basis; (iii) rank senior to all other series of preferred stock
outstanding; (iv) full ratchet anti-dilution protection; (v) a right of first
refusal with respect to any equity or convertible securities issued by the
Company; (vi) four immediate demand registration rights and unlimited customary
piggy back registrant rights; and (vii) various protective voting rights.
Simultaneously upon entering into the Investment Agreement, Cantor also
entered into an Option Agreement and Irrevocable Proxy (the "Option Agreement")
with various parties, including the executive officers and directors of the
Company (all such parties, collectively, the "Optionors"). Under the terms of
the Option Agreement, Cantor has an irrevocable option (the "Option") to
purchase up to 7,500,000 shares of common stock (the "Option Shares")
beneficially owned by the Optionees on the following terms: (A) upon the
execution of the Option Agreement until December 31, 2005, up to 7,500,000
Option Shares, at an exercise price of $0.60 per share; (B) from January 1, 2006
until December 31, 2006, the balance of the 7,500,000 Option Shares not
purchased prior to this period, not to exceed 5,000,000 Option Shares, at an
exercise price of $0.80 per share; and (C) from January 1, 2007 until December
31, 2007, the balance of the 7,500,000 Option Shares not purchased prior to this
period, not to exceed 2,500,000 Option Shares, at an exercise price of $1.00 per
share; provided, however, that Cantor shall not be able to exercise the Option
to acquire more than 54% of the common stock. The Optionors also granted Cantor
a right of first refusal with respect to any proposed sale by an Optionor of
their Option Shares. Upon the execution of the Option Agreement, the Optionors
agreed to vote all of their shares of common stock, including but not limited to
their Option Shares, in favor of any Cantor nominee to the Board of Directors.
Finally, the Optionors have granted Cantor an irrevocable proxy with respect to
all of their shares of common stock, including their Option Shares, which shall
only be effective upon Cantor's acquisition of beneficial ownership of at least
11,700,000 shares of the Company's common stock (or in the event of the
Reincorporation, acquisition of convertible preferred stock that is convertible
into 11,700,000 shares of common stock).
-50-
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Simultaneously upon the entering into of the Investment Agreement, Cantor
and the Company, and the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Gaming &
Entertainment Technology Pty Ltd. ("GET"), also entered into an Amended and
Restated Software Development and License Agreement (the "Software Agreement")
which amends and supercedes that certain Software Development and License
Agreement that the Company and GET entered into with GEG Holdings in connection
with the Bridge Financing, and which was assumed by and assigned to Cantor
pursuant to the Assignment and Assumption Agreement. The Software Agreement
provides for royalties and development revenues to be paid by Cantor to the
Company, and requires that the Company develop for and license to Cantor, on an
exclusive basis throughout the world (subject only to a pre-existing license
previously granted by the Company and GET to a third party), the Company's
proprietary gaming software for use in connection with the Internet and/or any
other technology, whether now existing or hereafter devised using a computer or
similar device. The Company is presently engaged in software development for
Cantor pursuant to the Software Agreement.
The Company's proprietary software which is the subject of the Software
Agreement has been delivered into escrow with an unaffiliated third party
pursuant to an escrow agreement. (the "Escrow Agreement") and Cantor has access
to such escrowed software under various circumstances.
The Company received total proceeds of $1,500,000 from the Bridge Note in
2004 and recorded an aggregate discount of $1,110,340 for the fair value of the
13,000,000 warrants issued in connection with the Bridge Note. This discount
will be amortized over the period of the related debt using the straight-line
method. Amortization of the discount, which is included in interest expense,
amounted to $18,865 for the year ended December 31, 2004.
NOTE 9 - INFORMATION ABOUT GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS
The Company operates in one reportable segment - internet gaming software
development. Information about geographical areas is set forth below for the
years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003:
December 31, 2004
Revenues from
Geographical area external customers Long-lived assets
----------------- ------------------ -----------------
United States -- $ 88,543
United Kingdom -- $ 2,415
Australia $312,401 $ 23,857
-------- --------
$312,401 $114,815
======== ========
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GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2003
Revenues from
Geographical area external customers Long-lived assets
----------------- ------------------ -----------------
United States -- --
United Kingdom -- --
Australia $833,933 $ 80,797
-------- --------
$833,933 $ 80,797
======== ========
NOTE 10 - INCOME TAXES
At December 31, 2004, the Company had available for U.S. federal and state
income tax purposes, net operating loss carryforwards of approximately
$2,600,000 that expire through 2024 and foreign loss carryforwards of
approximately $2,900,000. The Company had no other significant temporary
differences as of that date. Due to the uncertainties related to, among other
things, the changes in the ownership of the Company, which could subject those
loss carryforwards to substantial annual limitations, and the extent and timing
of its future taxable income, management does not consider the realization of
the deferred tax assets attributable to the potential benefits of approximately
$2,900,000 from the utilization of those net operating loss carryforwards to be
more likely than not and, accordingly, the Company offset the deferred tax
assets by an equivalent valuation allowance as of December 31, 2004.
The Company had also offset the potential benefits from net operating loss
carryforwards by equivalent valuation allowances as of December 31, 2003 and
2002. As a result of increases in the valuation allowance of approximately
$800,000 and $1,300,000 in 2004 and 2003, respectively, the Company did not
recognize any credits for income taxes in the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations to offset its pre-tax losses in those years.
NOTE 11 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company continues to increase its obligation to issue penalty shares, at the
rate of 75,100 per month, in favor of the investors in the Company's private
placement of May 2004 (see Note 8). The increase in the obligation to pay
penalty shares will cease concurrent with the filing of a registration statement
on Form S-3 in March 2005. Once the filing is made, we will issue certificates
representing the penalty shares to each of the investors.
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ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
Not applicable.
ITEM 8A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS
We evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures
as of the end of the 2004 fiscal year. This evaluation was done with the
participation of our chief executive officer and president, Tibor N. Vertes and
Gregory L. Hrncir, respectively. Mr. Vertes serves as our principal executive
officer and Mr. Hrncir serves as our principal financial and accounting officer.
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that
are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the
reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission's
rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation,
controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be
disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is
accumulated and communicated to our management, as appropriate to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosure.
LIMITATIONS ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CONTROLS
Our management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures
or our internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all error and all
fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide
only reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the objectives of a control
system are met. Further, any control system reflects limitations on resources,
and the benefits of a control system must be considered relative to its costs.
Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of
controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of
fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the
realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns
can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be
circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more
people, or by management override of a control. The design of a control system
is also based upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events.
There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated
goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with
the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations
in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may
occur and may not be detected.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on this evaluation, we concluded that, subject to the limitations
noted above, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that
information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under
the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the
time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting
that occurred during the last fiscal quarter, i.e., the quarter ended December
31, 2004, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
-53-
PART III
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE
WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT.
The following information is furnished with respect to each member of our
board of directors, our executive officers who are not directors, and our key
employees. There are no family relationships between or among any of our
directors or executive officers. Each of our executive officers is an employee
of Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc. and serves at the discretion of our board.
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Name Age Position
Tibor N. Vertes 56 Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Gregory L. Hrncir 38 President, Secretary and a Director
Kevin J. Burman 44 Chief Operating Officer
Jay Sanet 55 Director
----------
Set forth below is a description of the background of each of our
executive officers and directors:
Tibor N. Vertes, 56, serves as our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of
the Board of Directors. Mr. Vertes was a practicing attorney from 1972 to 1989,
at which time he retired as the senior partner of the Yellands law firm,
Melbourne, Australia. During his legal career, Mr. Vertes specialized in
financial services having represented many financial institutions. Thereafter,
Mr. Vertes worked as an international business consultant in Hong Kong,
specializing in financial services and telecommunications related matters.
Commencing in 1995, Mr. Vertes became an officer of Ezi Phonecard Pty Ltd., a
leading pre-paid telecommunications entity and was instrumental in reorganizing
its capital and business structure before its sale to RSL Com, a global
telecommunications concern based in New York. Upon the sale of Ezi Phonecard,
Mr. Vertes founded Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc. Mr. Vertes is admitted to
practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Australia, and
Supreme Court of NSW and Victoria. Mr. Vertes presently serves as Chairman of
Capital First Group (mortgage banking and financial services). Mr. Vertes
received a Bachelor of Laws from Sydney University Law School.
Gregory L. Hrncir, 38, has served as our President, Secretary and a
Director since 2003, and has been involved with us in a consultancy capacity
since 1996. From 2000 to 2003, Mr. Hrncir served as an officer of eRoomSystem
Technologies, Inc., a provider of proprietary software and hardware products to
the hospitality industry. In 1999, Mr. Hrncir served as an officer of PayStation
America, Inc., an e-commerce company that provided a proprietary automated bill
payment solution in the United States prior to its sale. In 1994, Mr. Hrncir
commenced his professional career in private legal practice in Los Angeles,
California, specializing in corporate and securities matters representing
issuers and investment banks in a variety of transactions. Mr. Hrncir serves on
the Board of Directors of Pacific Payment Systems, Inc., a privately held
company that is the successor to PayStation. Mr. Hrncir received a Bachelor of
Science from Arizona State University and a Juris Doctor from Whittier Law
School. Mr. Hrncir is a member of the Arizona and California State Bars and a
member of numerous philanthropic and industry associations.
Kevin J. Burman, 44, serves as our Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Burman is
responsible for business development and project management of our United
Kingdom operations. Since joining us in 1999, Mr. Burman has managed several
government validation projects for us, the first of which was successfully
concluded in May 2000 with the Tasmanian Gaming Commission approving our online
gaming system for live running at Wrest Point Casino in Hobart, Australia.
Recently, Mr. Burman has overseen the planning and development of new Internet
casino web sites for customers around the world, including The Venetian, Las
Vegas, Nevada, and the joint venture with Electrocoin in the United Kingdom. Mr.
Burman has more than twenty years of technical and senior management experience
in the software development industry, including, most recently, as a management
consultant specializing in information technology and financial systems.
Previously, Mr. Burman worked for 17 years with DST International in London and
Sydney, with whom he moved to Australia in 1992 to establish its Asia-Pacific
headquarters. Mr. Burman has led major projects in Europe, the United Kingdom
and in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. Burman received a Masters in Business
Administration from University of Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom.
-54-
Jay Sanet, 55, has served as a Director since 2004, and as a Director of
NorStar Group, Inc. during the period 1998 through 2003. From 2002 to January
2004, Mr. Sanet served as Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the
Board of Directors of NorStar. Mr. Sanet worked in the securities industry for
more than 25 years in various executive positions. Mr. Sanet received a
bachelor's degree in finance from the New York Institute of Finance.
KEY EMPLOYEES
William McMaster, 33, serves as our Chief Technology Officer. Mr. McMaster
has many years of experience in high technology research and development, and
has extensive knowledge of computer systems, real time operating systems,
software and network architecture and security. Formerly, Mr. McMaster served on
key research and development teams with Intel Corporation and Sandia National
Labs studying long-range laser and optic systems. In 1993, Mr. McMaster
continued his career developing redundant storage and control systems for a
number of United States companies and agencies. Mr. McMaster went on to serve as
Vice President of Operations and Information Technology with FNBM, overseeing a
high transaction credit card and CD banking system. Immediately prior to joining
us, Mr. McMaster served for the three years as the Director of Engineering and
Information Technology for Innovative Gaming Corporation of America developing
PC-based Class II, Class III and multi-player gaming machines. Mr. McMaster has
extensive knowledge of United States gaming operations, systems and regulations,
and plays a key role in expanding our various global gaming initiatives. Mr.
McMaster studied Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and holds
a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Wisconsin.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our board has no authorized standing committees, but we intend to form an
audit committee and a compensation committee in the upcoming months. In the
interim, audit and compensation matters are reviewed by all of our board
members.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS
We had two board meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
All of the directors attended each of such meetings. The remaining matters were
approved by the board of directors via unanimous written consent.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Our non-employee directors receive an attendance fee of $500 per board
meeting attended. In addition, non-employee directors receive an annual stock
option grant to purchase 25,000 shares of our common stock. Employee directors
do not receive additional compensation for serving as a board member.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our reporting directors and
executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered
class of our equity securities, to file initial reports of ownership and reports
of changes in ownership of common stock and other equity securities of Gaming &
Entertainment Group, Inc. with the Commission. Officers, directors and
stockholders holding more than 10% of the class of stock are required to furnish
us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file with the Commission.
-55-
To our knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports
furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required,
during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, all reports required under
Section 16(a) were filed as required with the Commission with the exception of
Schedules 13D for Mr. Vertes, Mr. Hrncir and Gaming & Entertainment Group, Ltd.
Schedules 13D were filed by each of the foregoing parties on January 12, 2005.
CODE OF ETHICS
We are still in the process of evaluating the code of ethics requirements
of Item 406 of Regulation S-B of the Exchange Act, our existing policies and
procedures, applicable regulatory requirements and the various elements that
such code should contain given the diverse nature of our company. We anticipate
adopting a code of ethics that meets the requirements of Item 406 of Regulation
S-B on or before the date of our 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, but not
later than October 31, 2005. Once adopted, we will file a copy of our code of
ethics with the Commission. In addition, we intend to disclose any amendment to
such code or any waivers granted to our executive officers or directors under
such code of ethics through the filing of a current report on Form 8-K with the
Commission within five business days following the date of any such amendment or
waiver.
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The following table sets forth the compensation awarded to, earned by or
paid to, our chief executive officer, our president and secretary, our chief
operating officer and our sole non-employee director for the fiscal years ended
2004, 2003 and 2002.
Long-Term
Annual Compensation Compensation
Name and Principal Year Salary Bonus (Stock/ All Other
Position ($) ($) Options) Compensation
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tibor N. Vertes, 2004 179,167 0 0 0
Chief Executive 2003 97,874 0 955,214 0
Officer and 2002 41,474 0 0 0
Chairman(1)
Gregory L. Hrncir, 2004 172,500 0 0 104,125
President and 2003 15,000 0 800,000 62,500
Secretary(2) 2002 0 0 0 29,400
Kevin J Burman, 2004 121,565 0 200,000 0
Chief Operating 2003 108,485 0 0 0
Officer(3) 2002 104,474 0 0 0
Jay Sanet, 2004 0 0 25,000 2,000
Director(4) 2003 0 0 120,912 0
2002 0 0 0 0
----------
(1) Mr. Vertes serves as our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. On
December 31, 2002, Mr. Vertes converted his accrued salary, in the amount of
$339,000 (relating to the period from our inception through such date), and
short-term loans, in the amount of $19,281, into 583,746 shares of common stock
and a warrant to purchase 477,707 shares of our common stock. The conversion was
made on terms identical to the securities sold by us in the 2003 Offering. In
August 2003, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Vertes
for four years and subject to earlier termination under certain circumstances.
The employment agreement for Mr. Vertes provides for an annual salary of
$185,000 and an annual cash bonus if certain performance goals are met.
Since September 2004, Mr. Vertes has been paid at the rate of $130,000 per
annum. The amounts by which payments were reduced have been accrued by the
Company from October 1, 2004 based upon a revised annual salary of $180,000,
which amount has been orally agreed to by the Company and Mr. Vertes.
-56-
(2) Mr. Hrncir serves as our President and Secretary. In 2003, we issued
Mr. Hrncir an option to purchase 800,000 shares of common stock at $0.75 per
share. In August 2003, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr.
Hrncir for four years and subject to earlier termination under certain
circumstances. The employment agreement for Mr. Hrncir provides for an annual
salary of $175,000, health and other benefits totaling $1,500 per month, and an
annual cash bonus if certain performance goals are met. Since September 2004,
Mr. Hrncir has been paid at the rate of $130,000 per annum. The amounts by which
payments were reduced have been accrued by the Company from October 1, 2004
based upon a revised annual salary of $180,000, which amount has been orally
agreed to by the Company and Mr. Hrncir. Other compensation for Mr. Hrncir for
fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004 relates to payments for unpaid consulting
services rendered during the period 1999 through July 2003.
(3) Mr. Burman serves as our Chief Operating Officer. In September 2004,
the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Burman for one year
and subject to earlier termination under certain circumstances. The employment
agreement for Mr. Burman provides for an annual salary of 72,000 pounds
sterling(approx. $135,000), an annual cash bonus if certain performance goals
are met, and a commission in the form of a percentage of sales and revenue
sharing placements originated by Mr. Burman in the United Kingdom. On October 1,
2004, Mr. Burman's annual salary was revised to $180,000 in consideration for
the elimination of the sales commissions contemplated in Mr. Burman's employment
agreement. The revised annual salary, and elimination of the sales commission
provision, was orally agreed to by the Company and Mr. Burman. Since October 1,
2004, Mr. Burman has been paid at the reduced annual salary of $130,000. The
amounts by which payments were reduced have been accrued by the Company.
(4) Mr. Sanet serves as a Director and previously served as Chief
Executive Officer, President and Chairman of NorStar Group, Inc. In lieu of
salary and bonus, Mr. Sanet was issued 120,712 shares of common stock in 2003.
In 2004, we issued Mr. Sanet an option to purchase 25,000 and paid him $2,000
for consulting services.
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ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The table below sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common stock as
of February 18, 2005 by:
o All of our directors and executive officers, individually;
o All of our directors and executive officers, as a group; and
o All persons who beneficially own more than five percent of our
outstanding common stock.
The beneficial ownership of each person (other than Cantor G&W (Nevada),
L.P. as described in footnote six below) was calculated based on 19,107,352
shares of our common stock outstanding as of February 18, 2005, according to the
record ownership listings as of that date and the verifications we solicited and
received from each director, executive officer and five percent holder. The
table below does not include shares of common stock to be issued to investors in
the 2004 Offering as a result of our failure to timely file registration
statement in connection therewith. The Commission has defined "beneficial
ownership" to mean more than ownership in the usual sense. For example, a person
has beneficial ownership of a share not only if the person owns it in the usual
sense, but also if he has the power to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of the
share. Beneficial ownership also includes the number of shares that a person has
the right to acquire within 60 days of February 18, 2005 pursuant to the
exercise of options or warrants or the conversion of notes, debentures or other
indebtedness, but excludes stock appreciation rights. Two or more persons might
count as beneficial owners of the same share. Unless otherwise noted, the
address of the following persons listed below is c/o Gaming & Entertainment
Group, Inc., 6757 Spencer Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119.
NAME OF DIRECTOR OR EXECUTIVE OFFICER NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENTAGE
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ---------------------
Tibor N. Vertes(1) 7,135,890 37.5%
Gregory L. Hrncir(2) 2,388,567 12.6%
Kevin J. Burman(3) 723,005 3.8%
Jay Sanet(4) 27,012 0.1%
Directors and executive officers as a group (4 persons)(5) 10,274,474 54.0%
NAME OF FIVE PERCENT HOLDERS NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENTAGE
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ---------------------
Cantor G&W (Nevada), L.P.(6) 20,152,669 65.6%
Gaming & Entertainment Group, Ltd.(7) 1,221,975 6.4%
HSBC Global Custody Nominee UK Limited(8) 1,000,000 5.3%
Renaissance US Growth Investment Trust PLC(9) 1,000,000 5.3%
Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc. (10) 1,000,000 5.3%
----------
(1) The shares of common stock beneficially owned by Tibor N. Vertes, our
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, include 6,658,183 shares held by the
Vertes Family Trust and warrants to purchase 477,707 shares of common stock,
exercisable at $1.50 per share, held by the Vertes Family Trust.
(2) The shares of common stock beneficially owned by Gregory L. Hrncir,
our President, Secretary and a Director, include 1,588,567 shares held by the
Hrncir Family Trust and options to purchase 800,000 shares of common stock,
exercisable at $0.75 per share, held by the Hrncir Family Trust.
(3) The shares of common stock beneficially owned by Kevin J. Burman, our
Chief Operating Officer, include 523,005 shares issued to Mr. Burman directly,
and options to purchase 200,000 shares of common stock, exercisable at $0.70 per
share, issued to Mr. Burman directly.
(4) The shares beneficially owned by Jay Sanet, a director, include 2,012
shares of common stock issued to Mr. Sanet directly, and options to purchase
25,000 shares of common stock, exercisable at $0.75 per share, held by Mr.
Sanet.
(5) Represents the collective beneficial ownership of our common stock by
Tibor N. Vertes, Gregory L. Hrncir, Kevin J. Burman and Jay Sanet.
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(6) The shares of common stock beneficially owned by Cantor include
948,966 shares purchased in a non-open market transaction in 2004, a warrant to
purchase 8,000,000 shares of common stock, exercisable at $0.60 per share
through December 9, 2009, and a warrant to purchase up to $2,000,000 of common
stock of the Company, exercisable at not less than $0.40 per share and not more
than $0.54 per share through December 9, 2009. In addition, Cantor has an option
to purchase up to 7,500,000 shares of common stock from the Company's executive
officers and certain other third parties at a price per share of not less than
$0.60 and not more than $1.00. Cantor is an entity that does not control, is not
controlled by or under common control with us; provided, however, Cantor could
effect a change of control of the Company by exercising the various securities
mentioned in this footnote. The percentage ownership of Cantor set forth above
assumes (i) the full exercise of the warrant to purchase 8,000,000 shares and
the option to purchase 7,500,000 shares, (ii) that the warrant to purchase
$2,000,000 of our common stock is exercised at $0.54 per share, and (iii) there
are 30,721,055 shares of common stock outstanding following the aforementioned
warrant and option exercises. The registered business address for Cantor is 135
East 57th Street, New York, NY 10022.
(7) Represents shares issued directly to Gaming & Entertainment Group,
Ltd., or GAM, an entity that does not control, is not controlled by or under
common control with us. The registered business address for GAM is c/o Suite 2,
1233 High Street, Armadale, Victoria, Australia 3143.
(8) Represents 500,000 shares of common stock and a warrant to purchase
500,000 shares of common stock purchased in the 2004 Offering. In addition, as
of the date of filing of this Annual Report, we are obligated to issue HSBC
Global Custody Nominee UK Limited, or HSBC Global, 112,500 shares of our common
stock due to our failure to file a registration statement in conjunction with
the 2004 Offering by the prescribed date. The registration statement on Form S-3
will be filed in March 2005. These shares, which will be issued in March 2005,
are not represented in the table above. HSBC Global is an entity that does not
control, is not controlled by or under common control with us. The registered
business address of HSBC Global is 8080 North Central Expressway, Suite 210,
LB-59, Dallas, Texas, 75026.
(9) Represents 500,000 shares of common stock and a warrant to purchase
500,000 shares of common stock purchased in the 2004 Offering. In addition, as
of the date of filing of this Annual Report, we are obligated to issue
Renaissance US Growth Investment Trust PLC, or Renaissance US Growth, 112,500
shares of our common stock due to our failure to file a registration statement
in conjunction with the 2004 Offering by the prescribed date. The registration
statement on Form S-3 will be filed in March 2005. These shares, which will be
issued in March 2005, are not represented in the table above. Renaissance US
Growth is an entity that does not control, is not controlled by or under common
control with us. The registered business address of Renaissance US Growth is
8080 North Central Expressway, Suite 210, LB-59, Dallas, Texas, 75026.
(10) Represents 500,000 shares of common stock and a warrant to purchase
500,000 shares of common stock purchased in the 2004 Offering. In addition, as
of the date of filing of this Annual Report, we are obligated to issue
Renaissance Capital Growth & US Income Fund III, Inc., or Renaissance Capital
Growth, 112,500 shares of our common stock due to our failure to file a
registration statement in conjunction with the 2004 Offering by the prescribed
date. The registration statement on Form S-3 will be filed in March 2005. These
shares, which will be issued in March 2005, are not represented in the table
above. Renaissance Capital Growth is an entity that does not control, is not
controlled by or under common control with us. The registered business address
of Renaissance Capital Growth is 8080 North Central Expressway, Suite 210,
LB-59, Dallas, Texas, 75026.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
2004 STOCK OPTION AND INCENTIVE PLAN
The 2004 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, or the Plan, was adopted by our
board on April 1, 2004 and approved by our stockholders on June 14, 2004. The
Plan provides us with the vehicle to grant to employees, officers, directors and
consultants stock options and bonuses in the form of stock and options. Under
the Plan, we can grant awards for the purchase of up to 3,500,000 shares of
common stock in the aggregate, including "incentive stock options" within the
meaning of Section 422 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
non-qualified stock options. As of March 1, 2005, we will have options
outstanding to purchase 2,173,140 shares of our common stock under the Plan.
Our board of directors currently determines the persons to whom awards
will be granted, the nature of the awards, the number of shares to be covered by
each grant, the terms of the grant and with respect to options, whether the
options granted are intended to be incentive stock options, the duration and
rate of exercise of each option, the option price per share, the manner of
exercise and the time, manner and form of payment upon exercise of an option.
Later this year, we will form a compensation committee, comprised of a majority
of non-employee directors that will oversee administration of the Plan.
OPTION GRANTS IN 2004
On January 16, 2004, we issued Jay Sanet, a non-employee director, an
option to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock, exercisable at $0.75 per
share, pursuant to our Plan. In addition, on June 3, 2004, we issued an option
to purchase 200,000 shares of common stock to Kevin J. Burman, our Chief
Operating Officer. The option issued to Mr. Burman is exercisable at $0.70 per
share and was issued pursuant to our Plan. We did not grant stock options to any
other named executive officer in fiscal year 2004.
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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In August 2003, the Company entered into employment agreements with Tibor
N. Vertes, Gregory L. Hrncir and William McMaster. The employment agreements
with Messrs. Vertes and Hrncir, who are directors and executive officers of the
Company, were for four years and the employment agreement with Mr. McMaster was
for two years, all subject to earlier termination under certain circumstances.
The employment agreement for Mr. Vertes provides for an annual salary of
$185,000, which may be increased by the board of directors, and an annual cash
bonus of $35,000 to $100,000 if certain performance goals are met. Since
September 1, 2004, Mr. Vertes has been paid a reduced annual salary of $130,000.
The amounts by which payments were reduced have been accrued by the company from
October 1, 2004 based on a revised annual salary of $180,000. The revised annual
salary was orally agreed to by the Company and Mr. Vertes. The employment
agreement for Mr. Hrncir provides for an annual salary of $175,000, which may be
increased by the board of directors, an allowance of $1,500 per month for health
care and other benefits, and an annual cash bonus of $35,000 to $100,000 if
certain performance goals are met. Since September 1, 2004, Mr. Hrncir has been
paid a reduced annual salary of $130,000. The amounts by which payments were
reduced have been accrued by the company from October 1, 2004 based on a revised
annual salary of $180,000. The revised annual salary was orally agreed to by the
Company and Mr. Hrncir. The employment agreement for Mr. McMaster provides for
an annual salary of $120,000, which may be increased by the board of directors,
and an annual cash bonus if certain performance goals are met.
In September 2004, the Company entered into an employment agreement with
Kevin J. Burman, who is an officer of the Company, for one year, subject to
earlier termination under certain circumstances. The employment agreement for
Mr. Burman provides for an annual salary of 72,000 pounds sterling
(approximately $135,000), which may be increased by the board of directors, an
annual cash bonus of $35,000 to $100,000 if certain performance goals are met,
and a percentage of sales in the form of a commission. On October 1, 2004, Mr.
Burman's annual salary was revised to $180,000 in consideration for the
elimination of the sales commissions contemplated in Mr. Burman's employment
agreement. The revised annual salary, and elimination of the sales commission
provision, was orally agreed to by the Company and Mr. Burman. Since October 1,
2004, Mr. Burman has been paid at the reduced annual salary of $130,000. The
amounts by which payments were reduced have been accrued by the Company.
The employment agreements with Messrs. Vertes, Hrncir, Burman and McMaster
contain provisions relating to confidentiality, non-competition and
non-solicitation of employees during employment and for a period following
termination. In addition, the employment agreements provide for the assignment
of all rights to personal inventions during employment and for a period
following termination. We have the right to terminate the employment of Messrs.
Vertes, Hrncir, Burman and McMaster with cause or in the event of permanent
disability. We also have the right to terminate the employment of Messrs.
Vertes, Hrncir and Burman without cause. "Cause" is defined as substantial
failure to perform duties, willful misconduct injurious to the company,
conviction of a felony or breach of certain confidentiality, non-competition or
non-solicitation provisions. "Permanent Disability" is defined as failure to
perform his duties for 90 days due to physical or mental illness. If the
employment of Messrs. Vertes, Hrncir or Burman is terminated for any reason
other than death, permanent disability or cause, we must continue to pay the
greater of the base salary for the previous calendar year or the remaining base
salary payable over the remaining term of the employment agreement.
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OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth information regarding grants of stock
options during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 made to our executive
officers.
Individual Grants
Number of Securities Percent of Total
Underlying Options/Sirs Options/Sirs Granted to Exercise or Base Price
Name Granted Employees in Fiscal Year ($/Share) Expiration Date
------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- ---------------------------
Tibor N. Vertes 0 0.0% N/A N/A
Gregory L. Hrncir 0 0.0% N/A N/A
Kevin J. Burman 200,000 88.9% $0.70 June 3, 2014
Jay Sanet 25,000 11.1% $0.75 January 16, 2007
----------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------
Total 225,000 100.0% $0.71
The stock options issued to Messrs. Burman and Sanet were granted on June
3, 2004, and January 16, 2004, respectively. Mr. Burman's stock options were
granted as part of his compensation as Chief Operating Officer, and Mr. Sanet's
stock options were issued for serving as a non-employee director.
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END
OPTION/SAR VALUES
The following table sets forth information regarding the exercise of stock
options by Messrs. Vertes, Hrncir, Burman and Sanet as relates to the fiscal
year-end value of unexercised stock options held by our named executive officers
and directors. We have not issued any stock appreciation rights.
Number of Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options/SARs at Fiscal Value of Unexercised in-the-Money
Shares Acquired on Value Year-End Options/SARs at Fiscal Year-End
Name Exercise (#) Realized ($) Exercisable/Unexercisable Exercisable/Unexercisable
------------------- ------------------ ------------- ------------------------------------ ---------------------------------
Tibor N. Vertes N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Gregory L. Hrncir N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Kevin J. Burman N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Jay Sanet N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Transactions Involving Tibor N. Vertes
From our inception through June 30, 2002, Mr. Vertes, our Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, was not paid a salary. On December 31, 2002, Mr. Vertes
converted his accrued salary, in the amount of $339,000, and short-term loans to
us, in the amount of $19,281, into 477,707 shares of our common stock and a
warrant to purchase 477,707 shares of common stock. The foregoing conversions
were made on terms identical to the securities sold in a private placement by us
in 2003. As part of our reorganization with NorStar, the 477,707 shares were
forward split, the result of which is 583,746 shares of our common stock.
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On October 28, 2003, Robit Nominees Pty Ltd., an entity controlled by Mr.
Vertes, loaned $50,000 to us, as evidenced by a convertible promissory note. The
terms of the convertible promissory note provide for a $5,000 cash interest
payment upon maturity. In addition, Robit Nominees was issued a warrant to
purchase 50,000 shares of our common stock, exercisable for a period of one year
at an exercise price of $1.50 per share. The promissory note matured in February
2004 and has been paid in full. The warrant terminated on October 28, 2004 and
was not exercised.
On November 6, 2003, Daniel Vertes, our controller and the son of Tibor N.
Vertes, loaned us the sum of $25,000 Australian dollars ($17,729 as of such
date). The loan is evidenced by a promissory note bearing simple interest at the
rate of eight percent per annum. The promissory note matured on January 6, 2004
and has been paid in full.
On December 12, 2003, Mr. Vertes loaned $10,000 to us. The loan is
evidenced by a promissory note bearing simple interest at the rate of eight
percent per annum. The promissory note matured on January 31, 2004 and has been
paid in full.
Transactions Involving Gregory L. Hrncir
In March 2003, we purchased an outstanding loan made by Gregory L.
Hrncir, our President and a Director, to Innovative Gaming Corporation of
America, or IGCA, in the original principal amount of $125,000 in consideration
for the assignment by Mr. Hrncir of all rights as a secured creditor to certain
assets of IGCA. The purchase involved the issuance of a promissory note in favor
of Mr. Hrncir in the original principal balance amount of $133,657, the then
outstanding principal balance and interest on the original loan made by Mr.
Hrncir to IGCA. The original loan was made in contemplation of a Merger and Plan
of Reorganization Agreement entered into in February 2002 between the Company
and IGCA that was not completed. The note payable to Mr. Hrncir has been repaid
in full.
On December 1, 2003, Gregory L. Hrncir loaned $10,000 to us. The loan is
evidenced by a promissory note bearing simple interest at the rate of eight
percent per annum. The promissory note matured on January 31, 2004 and has been
repaid in full.
Transactions Involving Gaming & Entertainment Group, Ltd.
On October 28, 2003, Gaming & Entertainment Group, Ltd., an Australian
corporation that does not control, is not controlled by or under common control
with us, or GAM, loaned us $100,000 in the form of a convertible promissory
note. The convertible promissory note provided for a $10,000 interest payment,
payable in cash or in-kind. GAM had the right, at its sole election, to convert
the outstanding principal and accrued interest into common stock. In addition,
GAM was issued a warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock, exercisable
for a period of one (1) year at $1.50 per share. The note matured in February
2004 and has been repaid in full. The warrant terminated on October 28, 2004 and
was not exercised.
On December 23, 2003, GAM loaned us $50,000 in the form of a convertible
promissory note. The convertible promissory note provided for a $5,000 interest
payment, payable in cash or in-kind. GAM had the right, at its sole election, to
convert the outstanding principal and accrued interest into common stock. In
addition, GAM was issued a warrant to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock,
exercisable for a period of one (1) year at $1.50 per share. The note matured in
February 2004 and has been repaid in full. The warrant terminated on December
23, 2004 and was not exercised.
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Indemnification of Directors and Officers
We have provided for indemnification to the fullest extent permitted under
Utah law in our articles of incorporation and bylaws. Although we do not
currently maintain a directors' and officers' liability insurance policy, we
will be inquiring as to the costs, terms and conditions for such a policy.
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) Please see exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index following the
signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
(b) During the three months ended December 31, 2004, we filed a current
report on Form 8-K on December 9, 2005 in which we disclosed the execution of
definitive agreements with Cantor G&W (Nevada), L.P. on December 8, 2004.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
The information required by this item is as follows:
J.H. Cohn LLP, or J.H. Cohn, has served as our independent registered
public accounting firm for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003,
and was selected by our board and a majority of our stockholders as our
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004.
Our board is responsible for pre-approving all audit and permissible
non-audit services provided by J.H. Cohn, with certain limited exceptions. Our
board of directors has concluded that the non-audit services provided by J.H.
Cohn are compatible with maintaining auditor independence. In 2004, no fees were
paid to J.H. Cohn pursuant to the "de minimus" exception to the pre-approval
policy permitted under the Exchange Act.
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, the fees for
services provided by J.H. Cohn were as follows:
2004 2003
------- -------
Audit fees (1) $81,507 $16,243
Audit-related fees (2) 0 0
Tax fees (3) 1,635 1,465
All other fees 0 0
------- -------
$83,142 $17,708
======= =======
(1) Audit fees: Fees for the professional services rendered for the
audit of our annual financial statements, review of financial
statements included in our Form 10-QSB filings, and services
normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory
filings or engagements.
(2) Audit-related fees: Fees for assurance and related services that are
reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our
financial statements.
(3) Tax fees: Fees for professional services rendered with respect to
tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. This includes
preparation of tax returns, claims for refunds, payment planning and
tax law interpretation.
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SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant
has duly caused this report to be signed on our behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Gregory L. Hrncir
----------------------------------
Gregory L. Hrncir, President
Date: February 28, 2005
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by
the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on
the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
---------------------- --------------------------------------------- -----------------
/s/ Tibor N. Vertes
---------------------- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer February 28, 2005
Tibor N. Vertes (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Gregory L. Hrncir
---------------------- President, Secretary and Director February 28, 2005
Gregory L. Hrncir (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ Jay Sanet
---------------------- Director February 28, 2005
Jay Sanet
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EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION PAGE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of September 18, 2003, by and among NorStar (1)
Group, Inc., a Utah corporation, Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc., a Nevada
corporation, and certain of the holders of shares of common stock of Gaming &
Entertainment Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation.
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (2)
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws 69
4.1 Stock Certificate Specimen (2)
10.1 Employment Agreement of Tibor N. Vertes dated August 31, 2003 81
10.2 Employment Agreement of Gregory L. Hrncir dated August 31, 2003 92
10.3 Employment Agreement of Will McMaster dated August 31, 2003 103
Lease Agreement by and among Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc. and Airport Plaza
10.4 Associates, LLC dated February 24, 2004; First Amendment to Lease Agreement dated March 114
10, 2004
10.5 Employment Agreement of Kevin J. Burman dated September 1, 2004 141
10.6 Loan Facility and Investment Agreement by and between Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc. (3)
and Cantor G&W (Nevada), L.P. dated December 8, 2004
10.7 Senior Secured Note by and between Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc. and Cantor G&W (3)
(Nevada), L.P. dated December 8, 2004
10.8 Equity Warrant issued in favor of Cantor G&W (Nevada), L.P. dated December 8, 2004 (3)
10.9 Debt Warrant issued in favor of Cantor G&W (Nevada), L.P. dated December 8, 2004 (3)
10.10 Form of Interest Warrant to be issued in favor of Cantor G&W (Nevada), L.P. (3)
Option Agreement and Irrevocable Proxy by and between Cantor G&W (Nevada), L.P., on the (3)
one hand, and Tibor N. Vertes, the Vertes Family Trust, Gregory L. Hrncir, the Hrncir
10.11 Family Trust, Kevin J. Burman, Sheldon Harkness, Zen Investments Pty Ltd, Andrew
Sorensen, and Gaming & Entertainment Group, Ltd., on the other hand, dated December 8,
2004
Amended and Restated Software Development and License Agreement by and between Cantor G&W (3)
10.12 (Nevada), L.P., on the one hand, and Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc. and Gaming &
Entertainment Technology Pty Ltd, on the other hand, dated December 8, 2004
Amended and Restated Source Code Escrow Agreement by and between Gaming & Entertainment (3)
Group, Inc., Gaming and Entertainment Technology, Pty Ltd, Cantor G&W (Nevada), L.P., GEG
Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company having an address at 135 East 57th
10.13 Street, New York, New York 10022 ("Licensee"), Zukerman Gore &
Brandeis, LLP, located at 875 Third Avenue, New York, New York
10022 ("ZGB") and BMM International Pty Limited of Level 3, 37-41
Prospect Street, Box Hill, Victoria 3128, Australia ("BMM"),
dated December 8, 2004
21.1 List of Subsidiaries. 153
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31.1 Certifications Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350 155
31.2 Certifications Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350 157
32.1 Certifications Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350 158
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Previously filed as an exhibit to the registrant's Proxy Statement
on Schedule 14A, as filed with the Commission on December 22, 2003.
(2) Previously filed as an exhibit to the registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-KSB, as filed with the Commission on April 14, 2004.
(3) Previously filed as an exhibit to the registrant's Current Report on
Form 8-K, as filed with the Commission on December 9, 2004.
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