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Golden Rim Resources Ltd

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FY2020 Annual Report · Golden Rim Resources Ltd
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Annual Report and Accounts

2020

Gaming Realms is an international developer, publisher 
and licensor of mobile games, building a portfolio of 
highly popular gaming content and brands.  
Through its unique IP and brands, Gaming Realms is bringing 
together media, entertainment and gaming assets in new 
game formats. The Gaming Realms management team includes 
accomplished entrepreneurs and experienced executives from 
a wide range of leading gaming and media companies.

Contents
Strategic Report
01  Highlights
02  At a Glance
04  Executive Chairman’s Statement
06  Financial Review
08  Engaging with Stakeholders
10  Principal Risks and Uncertainties

Corporate Governance
12  Board and Executive Management
14  Directors’ Report
15  Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
16  Corporate Governance

Independent Auditor’s Report

Financial Statements
20 
24  Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
25  Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
26  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
27  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
28   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
59  Parent Company Statement of Financial Position
60  Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity
62  Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements

www.gamingrealms.com

1

Highlights

2020 Financial highlights:

 » Revenue increased by 66% to £11.4m (2019: £6.9m) for the year 

•  Licensing revenue increased 81% to £7.5m (2019: £4.1m) 
•  Social publishing revenue increased 41% to £3.9m (2019: £2.8m)

 » Adjusted EBITDA1 before share option and related charges of £3.3m  

(2019: loss of £0.2m)

 » Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of £2.9m (2019: loss of £0.3m)

•  Licensing segment generated £3.7m adjusted EBITDA (2019: £1.4m) 
•  Social publishing segment generated £1.4m adjusted EBITDA (2019: £0.8m)
•  Head office costs reduced to £2.2m (2019: £2.4m) through ongoing cost control

 » Loss for the year reduced to £1.5m (2019: £5.4m)

2020 Operational highlights:

 » Portfolio grew to 44 proprietary games on the Group’s remote game server 

(“RGS”) (2019: 34) 

 » Launched with 26 new partners for Slingo Originals content, including  

888casino.com, DraftKings, Paddy Power Betfair and Sky Betting & Gaming 

 » Signed licensing deals with NetEnt, Playtech, Inspired Entertainment and 

King Show Games to build new innovative Slingo games

 » Unique players in licensing business increased by 140%

 » Submitted licence applications in order to enter the Pennsylvania and Michigan 

iGaming markets

 » Prepared for launch in the Italian market

1   EBITDA is profit before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and impairment expenses and is a non-GAAP measure. The Group uses EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA 
to comment on its financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA excluding non-recurring material items which are outside the normal scope of the Group’s 
ordinary activities. Adjusting items include costs arising from a fundamental restructuring of the Group’s operations, management restructuring costs, relocation 
costs, impairment of financial assets and sales proceeds on business asset disposals. See Note 5 for further details.

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance2

At a Glance

Innovation 

Gaming Realms develops, publishes and licenses mobile gaming content. 

As the creator of a variety of Slingo™, bingo, slots and other casual games, we use our 
proprietary content to create a “Slingo” genre of games for our partners internationally. 
Gaming Realms has partnered with some of the most successful and popular global 
platforms and operators.

Integrated game development, licensing and publishing

Game development

Game licensing

Growing international partners

2 Mobile games studios:

Victoria, 
Canada

London,  
United Kingdom

Brand licensing

IP licensor
 » North American Lottery Printed Scratch 

Games – Scientific Games

 » Global Electronic Gaming Machines – 

Scientific Games

 » Global Lottery Mobile Instant Games – IWG

 » Social Slot Games – Zynga Inc.

 » Bingo – Pala Interactive

 » iGaming Library – US, UK and EU

• US – BetMGM, DraftKings, RSi, Golden 

Nugget, Betfair/Fanduel, Caesars 
Interactive, Resorts, Hardrock, Ocean 
Resorts, Pala Interactive, Parx Casino 
and Kindred

• Europe – Gamesys, Entain, Sky Betting  
& Gaming, Paddy Power Betfair, 888,  
Skill On Net, Rank, 32 Red, William Hill, 
Kindred, Buzz Bingo, Jumpman, Whitehat, 
Leo Vegas, Betsson, Sisal, Goldbet

Brand partnerships

 » Endemol – Deal or No Deal

 » Fremantle – Britain’s Got Talent, the X Factor, 

The Price Is Right

 » Sony – Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

 » Scientific Games – Rainbow Riches

 » Inspired Entertainment – Centurion, Reel King

 » NetEnt – Starburst

 » King Show Games – Lucky Larry 

Lobstermania

 » Playtech – Fluffy Favourites

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 20203

Key focus areas

Original game content  
and IP development
We build original content from our London 
and Vancouver Island game studios 
incorporating social meta games and real 
money mechanics with Slingo and other well-
known brands.

Data and algorithmic 
optimisation
“It’s all about the data” – we put the 
customer first, developing engaging content 
and using data to enhance the development 
feedback loop.

Advanced mobile  
gaming platform
We have invested significantly in our 
Remote Gaming Server (“RGS”), which hosts 
and distributes our game portfolio. The 
scalable platform facilitates future growth 
through existing infrastructure for new 
games and distribution. 

Strategic partners  
and licensing
Partners include Endemol, Zynga, IWG, 
Inspired Entertainment, Hasbro and 
Scientific Games.

Not only do we leverage our own IP across 
multiple brands, but we also license Slingo 
into markets adjacent to the Group’s core 
mobile gaming business.

Responsible  
gambling
Gaming Realms is committed to providing 
an environment for customers to play 
responsibly and securely. Since commencing 
operations, we have had measures in place 
to encourage responsible play – to keep it 
fun – and have provided tools to help keep 
customers’ gaming and spending within 
their control. 

In addition, we fund research, education 
and treatment of problem gambling through 
donations to GambleAware.

We always ensure that Responsible Gambling 
is at the heart of our game design process 
and have recently built a tool for players to 
set their own limits on stakes and features 
within games. We only contract with 
licenced partners, ensuring that the players 
are given a high level of protection through 
these operators. As our games are certified 
in highly regulated markets such as the 
UK and Sweden, the standards we have to 
provide for our games and RGS systems in 
terms of player protection is already set to 
an incredibly high level. 

Highly Experienced Team
As we have transitioned our core focus to 
the licensing business, we have built up a 
high-quality management team of sector 
specialists to drive the implementation of  
our strategy.

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance4

Executive Chairman’s Statement

A transformational year

Michael Buckley
Executive Chairman

“Our focus on content 
licensing resulted in 81% 
revenue growth in our 
licensing business”

The Group made excellent progress during 
the year, increasing revenues by 66% to 
£11.4m (2019: £6.9m) and producing 
a maiden adjusted EBITDA profit before 
share option and related charges of £3.3m 
(2019: loss of £0.2m). This underscores 
the success of the revised strategy we 
set out at the beginning of 2020 to focus 
on our core licensing business segment, 
as well as delivering growth in our social 
publishing division.

Our focus on content licensing resulted in 
81% revenue growth in our licensing business 
to £7.5m (2019: £4.1m). We are seeing 
strong momentum within this business, with 
increased international demand for our Slingo 
Originals portfolio. With growing distribution 
via our proprietary Remote Game Server 
(“RGS”), we have been able to increase our 
EBITDA margin within the licensing segment 
to 50% (2019: 34%), resulting in EBITDA of 
£3.7m (2019: £1.4m). 

Licensing business highlights:

 » Increased our library of proprietary games by 

10 to 44 games at year-end.

 » Went live with 26 new partners during the 
year, all of which have licensed our Slingo 
Originals content.

 » Went live with a number of “Tier 1” 

partners through our Scientific Games 
distribution channel.

 » Increased our unique players in the year by 

140% to 2.28m (2019: 0.95m)

 » Signed deals with NetEnt, King Show Games 
and Inspired Entertainment for new branded 
Slingo games.

 » Maintained in excess of a 3.5% market share 
of sales in New Jersey, USA, from online slot 
products throughout the year. During 2020, 
the New Jersey online casino market grew 
by 102%.

We grew our social publishing business in 
the year, reversing the trends of previous 
years. Revenues grew 41% to £3.9m (2019: 
£2.8m), the result of both publishing our 
Slingo Originals portfolio, as well as the 
development of new tournament and 
promotional features on the platform. With 
increasing margins, EBITDA has grown to 
£1.4m (2019: £0.8m). As a result, the division 
produced a cash contribution to the Group.

2020 was a challenging year with the 
difficulties imposed by COVID restrictions. 
The highly pleasing financial results and 
groundwork for the future years would not 
have been achieved without management 
and staff showing excellent dedication 
and adaptability in the challenging 
circumstances. I should like to thank them 
all for their efforts which are reflected in 
these Financial Statements.

Outlook for 2021
We are continuing our focus on the 
following areas:

 » International expansion – particularly in the 

US and European regulated markets 

 » Adding new distributors, operators and 

licensors

 » Further penetration with existing distributors 

and operators driven by new games

The Group has made encouraging progress 
so far in 2021, obtaining a supplier licence 
in Michigan and expecting to be live 
imminently. We are committing a lot of 
resources to growing the U.S. iGaming 
market and expect to obtain a supplier 
license and go live in Pennsylvania in the 
first half of the year. As a result, we are 
well prepared to take advantage of the 
growth of iGaming within the U.S., and have 
signed several multi-State deals and direct 
integration agreements with the largest 
operators, including Rush Street Interactive, 
DraftKings and BetMGM. 

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 20205

We have also signed a distribution agreement 
with GAN for the U.S. and European markets. 
In January of this year, we had a successful 
launch in the Italian regulated market and are 
encouraged by early trading. We have further 
launches planned in the regulated markets of 
Denmark, Spain, Canada and Portugal.

We have also recently launched Slingo 
Starburst, through our licencing agreement 
with NetEnt, which has proven extremely 
popular with our players and partners 
internationally. It has been our most 
successful launch to date in both unique 
player numbers and revenue generated in  
its first month.

With regards to this year’s trading, I am 
pleased to inform shareholders that our 
licensing revenues for the first quarter of this 
year are 60% ahead of the same period in 
2020, and we are operating slightly ahead of 
Board expectations. With these early results, 
and the imminent launches in both Michigan 
and Pennsylvania, the Board has every 
confidence in the strategy being pursued and 
its expectations for this year and beyond. 

COVID-19
Our top priority in response to the pandemic 
has been the health and welfare of our 
employees and partners as mentioned above. 
Our team has demonstrated incredible 
commitment and focus to maintain complete 
business continuity and we will continue to 
support them as we move to a more flexible 
model post COVID-19. 

Michael Buckley
Executive Chairman

26 April 2021

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance6

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Financial Review

Strategy is delivering 
profitable growth

Mark Segal
Chief Financial Officer

“In 2020 the Group 
was able to focus on 
successfully executing its 
core strategy of scaling 
the licensing business”

Overview
In 2020 the Group was able to focus on 
successfully executing its core strategy of 
scaling the licensing business. 

For the year, the Group delivered adjusted 
EBITDA on a continuing basis of £2.9m (2019: 
£0.3m adjusted EBTIDA loss). This has resulted 
in a significant reduction in the pre-tax loss of 
£1.6m compared with the previous year (2019: 
£4.7m loss from continuing operations). 

In the prior year, the Group completed 
its disposal of the real money B2C assets 
and realised a £0.8m profit on disposal. 
The B2C RMG segment is presented as a 
discontinued operation in the comparative 
2019 results. There were no such asset 
disposals during 2020.

Continuing operations
Year-on-year continuing revenue increased 
66% to £11.4m (£2019: £6.9m) due to the 
strong performance of both the licensing  
and social publishing segments in the year. 

Continuing operations generated adjusted 
EBITDA of £2.9m (2019: £0.3m loss) and 
£3.3m before share option and related 
charges (2019: £0.2m loss).

EBITDA generated from continuing 
operations was £2.0m (2019: £0.8m loss) 
including restructuring costs of £0.5m (2019: 
£0.3m) and impairment of assets of £0.4m 
(2019: £0.2m). 

Operating expenses for the year increased to 
£2.2m (2019: £1.5m) principally as a result 
of costs directly associated with the revenue 
growth in both the licensing and social 
publishing segments.

Adjusted administrative expenses increased 
slightly to £5.5m (2019: £5.4m) due to 
increased staff costs in the licensing segment 
in order to drive the revenue growth, offset by 
head office cost savings compared to 2019.

Licensing
Licensing segment revenues increased 
81% to £7.5m (2019: £4.1m) due to the 
successful implementation of the Group’s 
strategy of growing both the games content 
and distribution to an increased number of 
operators in Europe and the US.

During 2020, the Group went live with 
an additional 26 partners in Europe, New 
Jersey and Latin America. After the year-end, 
the Group went live with a further 9 new 
operators, including Sisal and Goldbet in Italy, 
which represents a new regulated market for 
the Group.

10 new Slingo games were launched to the 
market during 2020, including Slingo Fluffy 
Favourites and Slingo Reel King.

Revenues from the U.S. market continue 
to be a focus for the segment, and in 
2020 increased to £2.4m (2019: £1.7m), 
representing 32% of total licensing revenues 
(2019: 40%). This market is expected to 
gain further prominence for the Group 
given the recently announced successful 
license application in Michigan and pending 
application in Pennsylvania.

Social publishing
The Group’s social publishing business 
delivered strong growth in 2020, with 
revenues increasing to £3.9m (2019: 2.8m). 
With continued cost controls in place, this 
resulted in the segment delivering £1.4m 
adjusted EBITDA for the year (2019: £0.8m). 

Marketing expenses of £0.2m were incurred 
(2019: £0.1m) in order to drive player activity 
and revenues.

Discontinued operations
Discontinued operations in the prior year 
relate only to B2C RMG. 

In July 2019 the Group concluded its 
transaction with River Tech plc (“River”), 
which finalised the Group’s strategy of 
withdrawing from the UK real money B2C 
market to focus on game development and 
licensing activities. The Group recorded a 
profit on disposal of these assets of £0.8m in 
the prior year.

The Group recorded a loss after tax from 
discontinued operations of £0.8m in the prior 
year, comprising £0.7m profit on disposal of 
assets, £0.2m share of loss of associate prior 
to disposal, and incurred trading losses until 
disposal of £1.3m.

Discontinued operations have been discussed 
in more detail in Note 24.

 
Strategic Report

Corporate Governance

Financial Statements

7

£7.5m

licensing revenue  
(2019: £4.1m)

£2.9m

Adjusted EBITDA 
(2019: loss of £0.3m)

£2.0m 

Cash inflow from operating activities 
(2019: £1.5m outflow)

Cashflow, Balance Sheet and 
Going Concern
Net cash (Note 20) decreased by £0.5m in 
2020 (2019: increased by £1.0m) to £2.1m 
at 31 December 2020 (2019: £2.6m). The 
current year reduction in net cash was largely 
driven through the £2.4m of development 
costs capitalised in the year (2019: £2.7m) 
offset by the £2.0m cash inflow from 
operating activities (2019: £1.5m outflow).

After the year-end, on 1 April 2021 the Group 
received £1.0m from River for full and final 
settlement of the deferred consideration 
receivable (see Note 19), certain other 
receivable balances, and various legal 
proceedings and out of court disputes 
between the parties.

Net assets totalled £10.9m (2019: £12.1m).

The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has 
brought significant uncertainty to global 
markets and economies, including the real 

money gambling sector. The Directors have 
performed qualitative and quantitative 
assessments of the associated risks facing 
the business and its ability to meet its short 
and medium-term forecasts. The forecasts 
were subject to stress testing to analyse 
the reduction in forecast revenues required 
to bring about insolvency of the Company 
unless capital was raised. In such cases 
it is anticipated that mitigation actions, 
such as reduction in overheads could be 
implemented to stall such an outcome.

The Directors confirm their view that they 
have carried out a robust assessment of 
the emerging and principal risks facing 
the business. As a result of the assessment 
performed, the Directors consider that the 
Group has adequate resources to continue 
its normal course of operations for the 
foreseeable future. 

Dividend
During the year, Gaming Realms did not pay 
an interim or final dividend. The Board of 
Directors are not proposing a final dividend 
for the current year.

Corporation and deferred 
taxation
The Group received £0.05m (2019: £0.1m) 
in research and development credits in 
Canada. A current year tax charge of £0.1m 
(2019: £0.1m) principally relates to taxation 
in overseas jurisdictions in which the Group 
operates. The Group also recognised 
an unwind of deferred tax of £0.1m 
(2019: £0.1m) which arose on prior year 
business combinations.

Mark Segal
Chief Financial Officer

26 April 2021

The table below sets out the split of revenue and adjusted EBITDA on a continuing and discontinued operations basis:

2020
Revenue 

Marketing expense 

Operating expense 

Administrative expense 

Share option and related charges 

Adjusted EBITDA 

2019
Revenue 

Marketing expense 

Operating expense 

Administrative expense 

Share option and related charges

Adjusted EBITDA 

Continuing operations

 Social 
Publishing 
 £’000 

3,886 

(243)

(1,161)

(1,090)

(7)

1,385 

 Head 
office 
 £’000 

2 

(94)

– 

(1,804)

(294)

(2,190)

Continuing operations

Social 
Publishing 
£’000 

2,758 

(130)

(855)

(1,001)

– 

772 

 Head 
office 
 £’000 

106 

(82)

1 

(2,446)

(10)

(2,431)

 Total 
continuing
 £’000 

11,403 

(355)

(2,232)

(5,504)

(372)

2,940 

 Total 
continuing
 £’000 

7,011 

(212)

(1,627)

(5,417)

(10)

(255)

Discontinued

Real money 
gaming 
 £’000 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Discontinued 
operations

Real money 
gaming 
 £’000 

6,002 

(706)

(4,908)

(1,965)

– 

(1,577)

 Licensing 
 £’000 

7,515 

(18)

(1,071)

(2,610)

(71)

3,745 

 Licensing 
 £’000 

4,147 

– 

(773)

(1,970)

– 

1,404 

Total 
2020
 £’000

11,403 

(355)

(2,232)

(5,504)

(372)

2,940 

Total 
2019
 £’000

13,013 

(918)

(6,535)

(7,382)

(10)

(1,832)

 
8

Engaging with Stakeholders

The Board recognises that Gaming Realms has a number of 
stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, employees, 
suppliers and regulators. The Board is cognizant of its responsibility 
to understand each of their views and does this through a variety 
of methods, which are continually reviewed to remain effective. 
Updates are provided and discussed at Board and relevant Committee 
meetings. Throughout this Annual Report, we have provided 
information on some of the initiatives and approaches undertaken in 
relation to stakeholder engagement by the Group during 2020.

Section 172 statement
The Board of Directors, in line with their duties under section 172 
(“s172”) of the Companies Act 2016, act in a way they consider, 
in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the 
Company for the benefit of its members as a whole, and in doing so 
have regard to a range of matters when making decisions for the long 
term. Key decisions and matters that are of strategic importance to 
the Company are appropriately informed by s172 factors.

The 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (the ‘2018 UK Code’) 
reinforced the importance of the Board understanding the views 
of the Company’s key stakeholders and this section is intended 
to provide information on how stakeholders’ interests have been 
considered in Board discussions and decision-making processes in 
accordance with the 2018 UK Code.

Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 requires Directors to take 
into consideration the interests of stakeholders and other matters 
in their decision making. The Directors continue to have regard to 
the interests of the Company’s employees and other stakeholders, 
the impact of its activities on the community, the environment and 
the Company’s reputation for good business conduct, when making 
decisions. In this context, acting in good faith and fairly, the Directors 
consider what is most likely to promote the success of the Company 
for its members in the long term. We explain in this annual report, and 
below, how the Board engages with stakeholders. 

The Board regularly reviews the Company’s principal stakeholders 
and how it engages with them. This is achieved through information 
provided by management and also by direct engagement with 
stakeholders themselves. 

Shareholders
The Board is committed to maintaining constructive dialogue with shareholders and ensuring that it has a deep understanding of their 
views. It also recognises that shareholders consider a range of environmental, social and governance matters. The Chair and Chief Financial 
Officer, on behalf of the Board, meet shareholders regularly and report to the Board on these discussions. All Directors are also available to 
meet institutional investors on request.

Some of the activities undertaken during 2020 are summarised below:

 » The Company has engaged with an Investor Relations consultant.

 » The Chair engaged with key shareholders on corporate governance matters.

 » The Non-Executive Directors have engaged with stakeholders during the year.

 » Private individual shareholders were communicated with via the Company Secretary.

 » The Chairman and Chief Financial Officer have conducted a number of “online” presentations and interviews in order to have greater 

transparency with shareholders.

AGM
Due to COVID-19 restrictions only two of our Directors attended the 2020 AGM and an average of 52% of the total issued share capital was 
voted across all resolutions. Shareholders were given the opportunity to send in questions in advance to be answered by the directors at 
the 2020 AGM on the Group’s strategy and future outlook.

The 2020 AGM will be held on 2 June 2021. Separate resolutions are proposed on each item of business.

Website and shareholder communications
Further details on the Group, our business and key financial dates can be found on our corporate website: www.gamingrealms.com

Players
We always ensure that Responsible Gambling is at the heart of our game design process and have recently built a tool for players to set their 
own limits on stakes and features within games. We only contract with licensed partners, ensuring that the players are given a high level of 
protection through these operators. As our games are certified in highly regulated markets such as the UK and Sweden, the standards we 
have to provide for our games and RGS systems in terms of player protection is already set to an incredibly high level.

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 20209

Customers
We are providing our customers with an increasing portfolio of unique games each year. We are making significant improvements to our 
platform in order to prepare for large scale growth.

We ensure our games and platform are fully tested before each new launch and adhere to any regulations required for them.

Trust is important to our customers and their end users, and our competitive customer offering is maintained through our unique Slingo IP, 
together with constant communication and emphasis on accounts management.

We have invested in account managers who work closely with our B2B partners to ensure good relationships and that we get maximum 
exposure for our content.

Employees
Employee engagement is critical to our future success. In a year of remote working, our employees have worked hard to support the 
business and sustain our culture.

Empowerment, career development, health and well-being and social responsibility are all areas our employees have told us they consider 
important in the workplace.

The Board gains an understanding of the views of our employees and the culture of the organisation through visits to our offices, one-to-
one meetings, Board presentations and via assessment of office wide engagement scores and views.

We continue to monitor and develop our approach to performance management, to promote a culture of continuous improvement. 

Suppliers
We have established long-term partnerships that complement our in-house expertise and have built a network of specialised partners 
within the industry and beyond.

We have an open, constructive and effective relationship with all suppliers through regular meetings which provide both parties the ability 
to feedback on successes, challenges and the future roadmap.

Our procurement policy includes a commitment to sustainable procurement and mitigation against the risk of modern slavery, anti-bribery 
and corruption, and data protection/privacy breaches across our supply chain. We aim to operate to the highest professional standards, 
treating our suppliers in a fair and reasonable manner and settling invoices promptly.

We regularly monitor the relationship and engagement approach with our third-party suppliers.

Regulators
We have an open and transparent dialogue with the regulatory and industry bodies that we work with.

The Group has a compliance team to ensure that all regulatory guidelines are met in its gambling operations. The Group also maintains 
close legal counsel to advise on any changes to the regulatory framework, as well as updates on territories currently outside the 
Group’s activities.

We have spent 2020 working with the Regulators on our applications for supplier licenses in both Pennsylvania and Michigan. 

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance10

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The Board constantly monitors and assesses risks and uncertainties within the Group’s trading 
activities. There will always be a level of risk that needs to be evaluated against the Group’s 
potential returns in any activity.

Risk

How this risk is managed

Regulatory and legislation
Online gambling and gaming are subject to a dynamic and complex 
regulatory regime. 

The Group now holds licences from the UK Gambling Commission, 
the New Jersey Division for Gaming Enforcement and a Recognition 
Notice for the Malta Gaming Authority, as well as the recently 
issued iGaming supplier licence with the Michigan Gaming 
Control Board.

In December 2020, the UK Government launched a review of 
the Gambling Act 2005, with the aim to ensure it is “fit for the 
digital age”.

It is key to the Group to maintain compliance with all licences 
and any new ones that are required. These are critical to the 
continuing operation of the Group’s gambling activities and also 
the production and supply of its unique content into both its 
operations and other third parties.

Taxation risk
From the end of 2014, the gaming industry has been subject to 
point of consumption tax in relation to gambling activities within 
the UK. The rate increased to 21% in April 2019. There is a risk 
that increased gaming duty or taxes in the UK or other significant 
jurisdictions for the Group impacts revenues generated. 

The Group has a compliance team to ensure that all regulatory 
guidelines are met in its gambling operations, including any potential 
changes arising from the UK Government’s review of the Gambling Act 
2005. The Group also maintains close legal counsel to advise on any 
changes to the regulatory framework, as well as updates on territories 
currently outside the Group’s activities.

The licensing business operates in multiple jurisdictions reducing the 
impact of individual jurisdiction specific tax changes. The tax liability is 
borne by the operator.

Residency
The Group has legal entities in several jurisdictions, including US, 
Canada, Malta and the UK.

The Group has undertaken a detailed transfer pricing exercise to 
ensure that revenue and profits are attributed correctly between 
the operating locations and continues to monitor taxation policies 
in all jurisdictions.

Competition
The online and free to play gaming markets are highly competitive 
in North America and the UK. Failure to be able to hold a 
competitive advantage would result in attracting less players 
and have lower engagement on our apps and sites. 

In following the Group’s strategy of developing new unique IP and 
content, the Group feels well placed to be able to compete in the 
markets it operates in. It invests significant resource to be able to 
improve its development and operations.

Diverse products and geographies also help to diversify the risk.

Brexit
On 31 December 2020 the UK formally left the EU at the end of 
the Brexit transition period. Throughout the Brexit negotiations in 
2020, the Group prepared for a worst-case scenario, being a “no 
deal” and its potential implications and uncertainties for the Group.

Prior to the UK-EU trade deal in December 2020, we had already 
taken steps to mitigate our risks by incorporating Maltese subsidiaries 
and we are currently applying for a full Maltese Gambling Authority 
(MGA) license. We continue to monitor for the risks and implications 
of Brexit, and the outcomes of the deal on our people and business. 
We leverage internal and external expertise to mitigate the risks and 
impacts on the business.

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 202011

Risk

How this risk is managed

Time to market
The Group invests highly in technology and bringing new products 
and games to market. A delay in time to market will result in a loss 
of competitive advantage, a loss in potential revenue and also 
increasing cost of development.

The Group has invested highly in having a dual product track to allow 
its products and games to be ready for both licensing and publishing 
exploitation in the same release.

Extensive work is undergone on the planning stage to ensure that 
timeframes can be met, and products go live at the highest standard.

Dependence on technology
As a provider of online gambling services, the Group’s business is 
reliant on technology and advanced information systems. If the 
Group does not invest in the maintenance and further development 
of its technology systems, there is a risk that these systems may 
not cope with the needs of the business and may fail. The Group 
is reliant on the Internet and is vulnerable to activities such as 
distributed denial of service attacks, other forms of cyber-crime 
and a wide range of malicious viruses.

Dependence on third-party service providers
The Group engages with a number of providers for cloud-based 
technology and remote deployment, as well as other important 
service providers. In the event that there is any interruption to 
the products or services provided by third parties, problems in 
supplying the products, one or more ceased to be provided or are 
provided on onerous terms to the Group, this may have an adverse 
effect on the Group’s business and performance.

The team
The ability to carry out the Groups strategy is dependent on the 
engagement of its senior management team, its technology, 
marketing and operations teams. The Group operates with a small 
team across 2 main locations.

If key employees leave, there is a risk of loss of knowledge.

Business disruption including COVID-19
Business disruptions may occur where the Group’s workforce is 
unable to work or communicate, including due to pandemics 
such as COVID-19. Such disruptions affect the global economy 
and therefore our B2B operators and end users, if spending and 
confidence are significantly affected. The current COVID-19 
pandemic may present further potential risks to the business.

The Group continues to invest in its proprietary platform to ensure the 
necessary features and functionality meet partner needs. In addition, 
it has adopted industry standard protections to detect intrusions or 
other security breaches and implements preventative measures to 
protect against sabotage, hackers, viruses and other cyber-crime.

The Group also holds relevant insurance to cover against this.

The Group uses reliable and well-known suppliers and ensures that 
contractual agreements with key partners offer adequate protection.

The Group continues to invest in its employees to ensure that it can 
attract, recruit and maintain a high-quality team. During the year, The 
Group has made a number of hires in key positions to ensure the team 
is appropriate for the next phase of the Company’s growth.

The Group actively monitors developments which may affect its 
operations and the Directors have taken practical steps to mitigate 
disruption this is causing to the business. 

The Group’s workforce is predominantly based in the UK, Canada 
and the US. We have successfully migrated to a home working model 
during the pandemic. Our colleagues’ mental and physical well-being 
is being closely monitored and managed with training and support for 
all employees.

The 2020 Strategic Report on pages 1 to 11 has been approved by the Board of Directors.

On behalf of the Board:

Michael Buckley
Executive Chairman

26 April 2021

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance12

Board and Executive Management

Accomplished team

Board of Directors

MB

Michael Buckley
Executive Chairman

MS

Mark Segal
Chief Financial Officer

JR

Jim Ryan
Non-Executive Director

Mark Segal joined Gaming Realms in May 
2013 having left bwin.party as Finance 
Director for the bingo vertical. Previous to 
that Mark was Finance Director of Cashcade 
until it was acquired by PartyGaming plc 
in July 2009. Mark was responsible for the 
full finance function, including commercial 
negotiations, business intelligence and 
operational support in the business, and was 
involved in the sale to PartyGaming plc and 
acquisition by Cashcade of Independent 
Technology Ventures in July 2007. Prior to 
joining Cashcade, in May 2005, Mark spent 
five years at the accountancy firm Martin 
Greene Ravden, where he qualified as a 
chartered accountant in 2003. 

Michael Buckley was Chairman of Cashcade, 
founded in 2000. Cashcade became a 
leading UK-based online gaming company 
prior to its sale to PartyGaming plc in 2009 
for an aggregate sale consideration of £96m 
for shareholders.

Michael has invested in and been Chairman 
of a number of public companies. These 
include SelecTV plc, a producer of comedy 
and comedy drama series for television such 
as Lovejoy, Birds of a Feather and The New 
Statesman. SelecTV invested in a consortium 
which in 1991 won the franchise to create 
Meridian Television of which Michael was 
a founding Director. He was also Chairman 
of Pacific Media plc, which invested in a 
number of internet backbone companies 
in Asia during the 1990s as well as creating 
a chain of movie theatres in South East Asia 
in partnership with United Artists Theatre 
Circuit Inc. Michael has held other public 
and private company directorships, having 
obtained a professional qualification as a 
chartered accountant in the UK.

Jim Ryan is the CEO of Pala Interactive, 
LLC a real money gambling operator and 
B2B platform provider focused on the US 
regulated online gaming market. Prior to 
Pala Interactive, Jim was the Co-CEO of bwin.
party digital entertainment plc. He has spent 
the last 14 years of his career in leadership 
roles within the online gaming sector. Jim has 
led a number of the industry’s largest merger 
and acquisition transactions which include 
the merger of PartyGaming plc and bwin, the 
acquisitions of Cashcade (Foxy Bingo) and the 
World Poker Tour and the sale of St Minver 
Limited to GTECH. Jim held senior posts at 
four publicly listed companies. In addition 
to his role of CEO of PartyGaming plc and 
Co-CEO of bwin.party digital entertainment 
plc he was President and Chief Executive 
Officer of Excapsa Software Inc. and as 
Chief Financial Officer of CryptoLogic Inc. 
and Chief Financial Officer of SXC Health 
Solutions Corp and was CEO of St. Minver 
Limited. Jim also held senior management 
posts at Procuron Inc., Metcan Information 
Technologies Inc. and Epson Canada Limited. 
Educated at Brock University (Goodman 
School of Business) in Ontario, Canada, 
where he obtained a business degree with 
first class honours, Jim obtained professional 
qualifications as a chartered accountant 
and certified public accountant from the 
Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Strategic Report

Corporate Governance

Financial Statements

13

MW

Mark Wilson
Non-Executive Director

CA

Chris Ash
Non-Executive Director

MB

Mark Blandford
Non-Executive Director

Mark Wilson is a strategic adviser and 
investor in media, gaming and real estate. 
Mark has held multiple senior leadership 
positions, serving as CEO of Television Games 
Network, Executive Chairman of Music 
Choice International, President of Hubbard 
Enterprises, Managing Member of New 
Mexico Gaming LLC, and General Counsel 
and Corporate Secretary of Churchill Downs. 
He received a Juris Doctorate from the 
University of Louisville.

Chris is one of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs 
and experts on the gaming industry. In a 
career of over 18 years in the industry, Chris 
built and sold Ash Gaming Ltd to Playtech 
plc for £23m, which, at the time, was one 
of the leading gaming content developers 
in the UK.

Whilst at Playtech plc, Chris also ran 
the content aggregation business with 
25 partner studios and assisted with M&A. 
Chris is now an investor in, and advisor to, 
a range of software businesses.

Mark was the owner of a traditional ‘bricks 
and mortar’ bookmaker’s chain for over 
15 years, then recognised the potential of 
the internet in the mid 1990’s. In 1998 he 
founded Sportingbet.com, and in 2001 
floated the company on AIM. Mark stepped 
down from the Board of Sportingbet in 2007 
before its eventual sale in 2013 for £485m, 
with the assets being split between William 
Hill and GVC. In 2002, Mark was awarded 
AIM Entrepreneur of the Year. 

After stepping down from the board of 
Sportingbet, Mark has become an active, 
successful and widely followed investor in 
the digital pay2play entertainment space.

14

Directors’ Report
for the year ended 31 December 2020

The Directors present their Annual Report together with the audited 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.

Principal activities
The Group’s principal activities during the year were that of content 
development and licensing to real money and social gaming 
customers in Europe and North America.

During the previous year, the Group also acted as an online casino 
operator and provided marketing services to real money gaming 
customers. The Group ceased involvement in these activities in July 
2019 following the transaction to dispose of the Group’s real money 
gaming assets. See Note 24 to the financial statements for full details.

These financial statements present the results of the Group for the 
year ended 31 December 2020.

Names of Directors and dates of any changes
The Directors who served during the year and to the date of this 
report were:

 » Michael Buckley

 » Mark Segal

 » Jim Ryan

 » Mark Wilson

 » Chris Ash

 » Mark Blandford

 » Patrick Southon (resigned 11 February 2020)

Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance
The Group has purchased and maintains appropriate insurance cover 
in respect of Directors’ and Officers liabilities. The Group has also 
entered into qualifying third-party indemnity arrangements for the 
benefit of all its Directors, in a form and scope which comply with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Results and dividends
The results for the year are set out on page 25. The Company will not 
be paying a dividend this year.

Post balance sheet events
Significant events impacting the Company that occurred after 
31 December 2020 are disclosed in Note 30.

Going concern
Under Company law, the Company’s Directors are required to 
consider whether it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements 
on the basis that the Group and Company are a going concern.

The Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements from 
the cash flows generated by its trading activities and its available 
cash resources.

As disclosed further in Note 1 of the financial statements, whilst 
there are a number of risks to the Group’s trading performance 
as summarised on page 10, the Group is confident of its ability to 
continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due. The Group’s strategic 
forecasts, based on reasonable assumptions, indicate that the Group 
should be able to operate within the level of its currently available 
resources. After making enquiries and after consideration of the 
Group’s existing operations, cash flow forecasts and assessment of 
business, regulatory and financing risks, the potential risks and the 
impacts of Brexit and COVID-19, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group and Company have adequate resources 
to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing the Annual report and Accounts.

Disclosure to auditors
The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this Directors’ 
report confirm that, as far as they are aware, there is no relevant 
audit information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; 
and each Director has taken all the steps that ought to have been 
taken as a Director to make themselves aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of 
that information.

BDO LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in office and a 
resolution to reappoint them will be proposed at the Annual General 
Meeting in accordance with Section 489 of the Companies Act 2006.

Financial instruments
Details of the Group’s financial risk management objectives and 
policies are included in Note 25 to the financial statements.

Research and development
The Group maintains its level of investment in software development 
activities. In the opinion of the Directors, continued investment in this 
area is essential to strengthen the Group’s market position for future 
growth. During the year, the Group capitalised £2.4m (2019: £2.7m) 
of development costs (see Note 14).

During the year, the Group claimed Research and Development relief 
as per Note 12 to the financial statements.

Future developments
Future developments are discussed in the Executive Chairman’s 
Statement on page 4.

The Directors report was approved on behalf of the Board on 
26 April 2021 and signed on its behalf by

Michael Buckley
Executive Chairman

26 April 2021

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 202015

Website publication
The Directors are responsible for ensuring the Annual Report 
and the financial statements are made available on a website. 
Financial statements are published on the Company’s website in 
accordance with legislation in the UK governing the preparation 
and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from 
legislation in other jurisdictions. The maintenance and integrity of 
the Company’s website is the responsibility of the Directors. The 
Directors’ responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of 
the financial statements contained therein.

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and 
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements 
for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected 
to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with 
international accounting standards in conformity with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and the company financial 
statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and 
applicable law). Under company law the Directors must not approve 
the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and Company and of 
the profit or loss of the Group for that period. The Directors are also 
required to prepare financial statements in accordance with the rules 
of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on the 
Alternative Investment Market (‘AIM’).

In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

 » Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 » Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent;

 » State whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs 
in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the 
financial statements; and

 » Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless 

it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue 
in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the 
financial statements comply with the requirements of the Companies 
Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 
Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 
and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance16

Corporate Governance

Chairman’s Introduction
The Directors recognise the importance of good corporate governance and have chosen to apply the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate 
Governance Code (the ‘QCA Code’). The QCA Code was developed by the QCA in consultation with a number of significant institutional small 
company investors, as an alternative corporate governance code applicable to AIM companies. The underlying principle of the QCA Code 
is that “the purpose of good corporate governance is to ensure that the company is managed in an efficient, effective and entrepreneurial 
manner for the benefit of all shareholders over the longer term”. The Group is not in compliance with all aspects of the Code due to the size 
and relative stage of development of the business, but remains committed to developing its compliance position over time as the business 
grows and matures. To see how the Company addresses the key governance principles defined in the QCA Code please refer to the Company’s 
website and the below table. (The Company has not prepared an official Chairman’s corporate governance statement).

The principles of the Quoted Company Alliance (QCA) Code

QCA Code Principle

What we do and why

1.  Establish a strategy 
and business model 
which promote 
long-term value for 
shareholders

The Company develops, publishes and licenses mobile real money and social games. Through its market 
leading mobile platform and unique IP and brands, Gaming Realms is bringing together media, entertainment 
and gaming assets in new game formats. Our goal is to try to beat the market by investing in unique content 
and relationships with partners.

We do that through:

 » Investing in unique mobile content and features on our gaming platform 

 » Investing with discipline, because we are able to test new opportunities before we roll them out 

 » Using data and technology to continuously improve. We are able to AB test all developments in games and 

platform and able to deploy only the best.

 » We generate revenue by licensing our unique gaming content and Slingo brand to online real money gaming 

operators, social publishing operators and land-based gambling games manufacturers. 

Key Challenges in implementing the strategy:

 » Regulatory framework is continually changing for Gambling which requires constant updates and development 

work per territory

 » Continuing to create best in class Games to licence to operators

 » Having technical resource to integrate the games onto Client sites

2.  Seek to understand 

and meet shareholder 
needs and expectations

Please refer to our website for further details on how we comply with this requirement of the QCA code: 
https://www.gamingrealms.com/wp-content/uploads/Statement-of-Compliance-with-the-QCA-Corporate-
Governance-Code-2020-02.pdf

3.  Take into account 

wider stakeholder and 
social responsibilities 
and their implications 
for long-term success

4.  Embed effective 

risk management, 
considering both 
opportunities and 
threats, throughout 
the organisation

Please refer to our website for further details on how we comply with this requirement of the QCA code: 
https://www.gamingrealms.com/wp-content/uploads/Statement-of-Compliance-with-the-QCA-Corporate-
Governance-Code-2020-02.pdf

The Board recognises that maintaining sound controls and discipline is critical to managing the downside risks 
to our plan. 

To continue the improvement in this area we are adding to our existing controls department, expanding the 
remit of the compliance teams, and engaging with external advisors to ensure we remain compliant with 
regulations in all territories we will be working in and continued tight control on investment as we continue 
to develop the platform and the games content.

Both the Board and senior managers are responsible for reviewing and evaluating risk and the Executive 
Directors meet at least monthly to review ongoing trading performance, discuss budgets and forecasts and 
new risks associated with ongoing trading.

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 202017

QCA Code Principle

What we do and why

5.  Maintain the Board 

as a well-functioning, 
balanced team led by 
the chair

The Board comprises the Executive Chairman, one Executive Director and four Non-Executive Directors. 
Michael Buckley, the Executive Chairman, is responsible for the running of the Board and is supported by 
Mark Segal, the Chief Financial Officer. Michael has executive responsibility for running the Group’s business 
and implementing Group strategy. The Board has 4 Non-Executive Directors and is able to govern on an 
effective basis.

The Directors considered to be independent are Jim Ryan, Mark Wilson, Mark Blandford and Chris Ash. 

Key Board activities this year included: 

 » Input into the accelerating growth plan 

 » Considered our financial and non-financial policies 

 » Discussed strategic priorities, including expansion into new territories 

 » Discussed the Group’s capital structure and financial strategy

 » Reviewed the Group risk register, including Compliance 

 » Reviewed feedback from shareholders post full and half year results

The Board is supported by the Audit and Remuneration Committees. The Committees’ roles and members 
are available on the Company’s website.

During the year there were 12 board meetings. Attendance records were:

Board member

Michael Buckley

Mark Segal

Jim Ryan

Mark Wilson

Chris Ash

Mark Blandford

Patrick Southon*

Meetings 
attended

12

12

12

12

12

12

0

*  Patrick Southon, who resigned during the year, was not eligible to attend any meetings

6.  Ensure that between 
them the Directors 
have the necessary 
up-to-date experience, 
skills and capabilities

The Board is satisfied that, between the Directors, it has an effective and appropriate balance of skills and 
experience, including in the areas of international online gambling, international licensing, finance, innovation, 
and marketing. All Directors receive regular and timely information on the Group’s operational and financial 
performance. Relevant information is circulated to the Directors in advance of meetings. The business reports 
monthly on its headline performance against its agreed budget, and the Board reviews the monthly update on 
performance and any significant variances are reviewed at each meeting.

The Board makes decisions regarding the appointment and removal of Directors, and there is a formal, rigorous 
and transparent procedure for appointments.

Full details of the Board members and their experience and skills can be found on page 12 of the 2020 Annual 
Report or via the Investor link on Gaming Realms plc’s website.

The Board has not sought external advice on any significant matter, apart from advice sought in the normal 
course of business from our lawyers and tax compliance and other advisors. No external advisors have been 
engaged by the Board of Directors, except as noted above.

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance18

Corporate Governance
continued

QCA Code Principle

What we do and why

7.  Evaluate Board 
performance 
based on clear and 
relevant objectives, 
seeking continuous 
improvement

To date, the Board has not had a formal effectiveness review.

The Chairman will be undertaking a rolling assessment of the individual contributions of each of the members 
of the team to ensure that:

 » Their contribution is relevant and effective 

 » That they are committed 

 » Where relevant, they have maintained their independence 

 » That there is succession planning for Board members

Going forward, appraisals will be carried out each year with all Executive Directors.

8.  Promote a culture that 
is based on ethical 
values and behaviours

Gaming Realms takes its ethical values very seriously and, in particular, being in the gaming sector the areas of 
promoting responsible gaming and preventing underage gaming. Staff undergo regular training and processes 
are in place to ensure correct practice.

The culture of the Group is to put the customer, supplier, shareholder and people first. We believe in long-term 
partnerships in all these areas and work to maintain strong relationships.

There is a requirement to include in the Chairman’s corporate governance statement what the Board does to 
monitor and promote a healthy corporate culture. We have not provided a Chairman’s corporate governance 
statement but will look to publish such a statement in the future.

9.  Maintain governance 

Please refer to our website for further details on how we comply with this requirement of the QCA code: 

structures and 
processes that are 
fit for purpose and 
support good decision-
making by the Board

10.  Communicate 

how the Company 
is governed and 
is performing 
by maintaining 
a dialogue with 
shareholders and 
other relevant 
stakeholders

https://www.gamingrealms.com/wp-content/uploads/Statement-of-Compliance-with-the-QCA-Corporate-
Governance-Code-2020-02.pdf

The Company communicates with shareholders through the Annual Report and Accounts, full-year and half-
year announcements, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and one-to-one meetings with large existing or 
potential new shareholders. 

The Board receives regular updates on the views of shareholders through briefings and reports from the 
Executive Chairman, Chief Financial Officer and the Company’s brokers. The Company communicates with 
institutional investors through briefings with management. 

In addition, analysts’ notes and brokers’ briefings are reviewed to achieve a wide understanding of investors’ 
views. The Company completes regular employee surveys to maintain an open dialogue with employees.

There is a requirement to prepare both an Audit Committee report and a Remuneration report. These have not 
been done in this report but we will look to publish such reports in the future.

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 202019

Roles of the Board, Chairman  
and Chief Financial Officer
The Board is responsible for the long-term success of the Company. 
There is a formal schedule of matters reserved to the Board. It is 
responsible for overall Group strategy; approval of major investments 
(whether Capex or Opex); approval of the annual and interim results; 
annual budgets; dividend policy; and Board structure. It monitors the 
exposure to key business risks and reviews the strategic direction of 
all trading subsidiaries, their annual budgets and their performance in 
relation to those budgets. There is a clear division of responsibility at 
the head of the Company. The Chairman is responsible for running the 
business of the Board and for ensuring appropriate strategic focus and 
direction. The Chairman and Chief Financial Officer are responsible for 
proposing the strategic focus to the Board, implementing it once it 
has been approved and overseeing the management of the Company 
through the Executive Team. 

Board committees 
The Board is supported by the Audit and Remuneration committees. 
Each committee has access to such resources, information and advice 
as it deems necessary, at the cost of the Company, to enable the 
committee to discharge its duties. 

The Audit Committee have the primary responsibility of monitoring 
the quality of internal controls and ensuring that the financial 
performance of the Group is properly measured and reported on. 
It will receive and review reports from the Group’s management and 
external auditors relating to the interim and annual accounts and 
the accounting and internal control systems in use throughout the 
Group. The Audit Committee will meet not less than twice in each 
financial year and will have unrestricted access to the Group’s external 
auditors. The Audit Committee is chaired by Jim Ryan and also 
comprises Mark Blandford and Michael Buckley. 

The Remuneration Committee review the performance of the 
executive directors and make recommendations to the Board on 
matters relating to their remuneration and terms of service. The 
Remuneration Committee also make recommendations to the Board 
on proposals for the granting of share options and other equity 
incentives pursuant to any employee share option scheme or equity 
incentive plans in operation from time to time. The Remuneration 
Committee meet as and when necessary. In exercising this role, the 
directors shall have regard to the recommendations put forward 
in the QCA Guidelines. The Remuneration Committee is chaired by 
Mark Wilson and comprises Jim Ryan and Michael Buckley. 

The Company will continue review the corporate governance 
framework as the business grows.

All Directors receive regular and timely information on the Group’s 
operational and financial performance. Relevant information is 
circulated to the Directors in advance of meetings. The business 
reports monthly on its headline performance against its agreed 
budget, and the Board reviews the monthly update on performance 
and any significant variances are reviewed at each meeting. Senior 
executives below Board level maybe invited to attend Board 
meetings where appropriate to present business updates. Board 
meetings throughout the year are held at the Company’s Head Office 
in London. 

Executive Team 
The Executive Team consists of Michael Buckley and Mark Segal with 
input from the vertical directors and teams. They are responsible 
for formulation of the proposed strategic focus for submission to 
the Board, the day-to-day management of the Group’s businesses 
and its overall trading, operational and financial performance in 
fulfilment of that strategy, as well as plans and budgets approved 
by the Board of Directors. It also manages and oversees key risks, 
management development and corporate responsibility programmes. 
The Executive team reports to the plc Board on issues, progress and 
recommendations for change. The controls applied by the Executive 
Team to financial and non-financial matters are set out earlier in 
this document, and the effectiveness of these controls is regularly 
reported to the Audit Committee and the Board. 

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance20

Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the Members of Gaming Realms plc

Opinion on the financial statements
In our opinion:

 » the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the 

Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2020 
and of the Group’s loss for the year then ended;

 » the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in 

accordance with international accounting standards, International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) in conformity with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006;

 » the Parent Company financial statements have been properly 

prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice; and

 » the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the 

requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

We have audited the financial statements of Gaming Realms plc (the 
‘Parent Company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) for the year ended 
31 December 2020 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated and Company Statements 
of Financial Position, the Consolidated and Company Statements of 
Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and 
notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant 
accounting policies. 

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable law 
and international accounting standards in conformity with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Parent 
Company financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 101 
Reduced Disclosure Framework (United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice).

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards 
on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities 
under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s 
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of 
our report. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is 
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence
We remain independent of the Group and the Parent Company in 
accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our 
audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical 
Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other 
ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. 

Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the 
Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the 
preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation 
of the Directors’ assessment of the Group and the ability to continue 
to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included:

 » A critical evaluation of management’s assessment of the entity’s 
ability to continue as a going concern, covering the period of 12 
months from the date of approval of the financial statements by;

 » Evaluating the process management followed to make its assessment, 
including confirming the assessment and underlying projections were 
prepared by appropriate individuals with sufficient knowledge of the 
detailed figures as well as an understanding of the entities markets, 
strategies and risks. 

 » Understanding, challenging and corroborating the key assumptions 
included by management in their cash flow forecasts against prior 
year, our knowledge of the business and industry, and other areas of 
the audit.

 » Assessing through enquiry with management, review of board 

minutes and review of external resources for any key future events 
that may have been omitted from cash flow forecasts and assessing 
the impact these could have on future cash flows and cash reserves.

 » Assessing management’s stress test scenario and sensitivities, 
including those in respect of Covid 19 considerations, and 
challenging whether other reasonably possible scenarios could occur 
and including where appropriate.

 » Sensitised cashflow forecasts prepared by management included the 
preparation of a reverse stress test to analyse the level of reduction 
in trade that could be sustained before a covenant breach or liquidity 
event would be indicated. We assessed the assumptions and accuracy 
of these calculations.

 » Considering the adequacy of the disclosures relating to Going 

Concern included within the annual report against the requirements 
of the accounting standards and consistency of the disclosure against 
the forecasts and going concern assessment.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified 
any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, 
individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s 
ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve 
months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect 
to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Overview
Coverage1

100% (2019: 100%) of Group profit before tax

100% (2019: 100%) of Group revenue

99% (2019: 97%) of Group total assets

Key audit matters

2020

2019

Revenue Recognition 
(Licensing revenue)

Impairment of Intangible 
Assets

Capitalisation of 
Development costs

Going concern

Following review of the Group’s performance 
in 2020 and Q1 21 to date, alongside industry 
and market trends, we did not consider going 
concern to be a key audit matter in relation to 
the 2020 audit.

Materiality

Group financial statements as a whole

£136k (2019:£147k) based on 1.2% (2019: 1.2%) 
of Revenue

1  These are areas which have been subject to a full scope audit by the Group 

engagement team

An overview of the scope of our audit
Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the 
Group and its environment, including the Group’s system of internal 
control, and assessing the risks of material misstatement in the 
financial statements. We also addressed the risk of management 
override of internal controls, including assessing whether there was 
evidence of bias by the Directors that may have represented a risk of 
material misstatement.

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 202021

In determining the scope of our audit we considered the level 
of work to be performed at each component in order to ensure 
sufficient assurance was gained to allow us to express an opinion on 
the financial statements of the Group as a whole. We tailored the 
extent of the work to be performed on each component, which was 
performed by the Group audit team, based on our assessment of the 
risk of material misstatement at each component.

The Group consists of the parent company and seven subsidiaries. 
Four of the subsidiaries were considered to be significant components 
and along with the parent company were subject to a full scope 
audit by the Group audit team. Other components not considered 
significant were subject to desktop review by the Group audit team.

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional 
judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant 
assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) 
we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on: the 
overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and 
directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were 
addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as 
a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide 
a separate opinion on these matters.

Revenue recognition – Licencing Revenue (with reference to notes 1 and 3)

Key audit matter

How the scope of our work responded to the key audit matter

The Group has a number of revenue streams, as summarised in 
note 3 to the financial statements. The details of the accounting 
policies applied during the period are disclosed in note 1 to the 
financial statements. 

Licencing revenues include significant revenues where contracts 
entered into in previous years span multiple accounting periods 
and involve IP or content licencing and/or minimum guarantees or 
uncertain future events.

There are significant judgements and estimates are required by 
management in determining the performance obligations in 
these contracts, whether revenue should be recorded at a point 
in time or over a period of time and the amount of revenue to 
be recognised.

Therefore, this was considered to be an area of focus for our audit.

We assessed whether the revenue recognition policies adopted by the 
Group was in accordance with applicable accounting standards. 

For a sample of key contracts:

 » We reviewed the terms to assess whether the revenue had been 

recognised in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy and 
whether any other terms within the contract had any material 
accounting or disclosure implications;

 » We challenged the significant judgements such as the identification 

of performance obligations and the timing of recognition against the 
terms; and

 » Where applicable, we inspected supporting documentation of the 

satisfaction of the performance obligation.

Where revenue recognition was based on uncertain future events, we 
considered the adequacy the disclosure of the remaining performance 
obligations and judgements in the financial statements.

Key observations
Based on the work performed we did not identify any instances which may suggest that revenue has not been recognised appropriately 
and in accordance with the Group’s revenue recognition accounting policy.

Impairment of intangible assets (with reference to notes 2 and 14)

Key audit matter

How the scope of our work responded to the key audit matter

In accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Group 
monitors the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible 
assets for indications of impairment. The Group performs annual 
impairment reviews for all Cash Generating Units (CGUs). 

The audit team, which included our internal valuation specialists, 
challenged the appropriateness of the key assumptions used in the 
discounted cash flow models prepared by management, including the 
growth and discount rates applied. 

Impairment reviews also require significant judgement from 
management and are based on assumptions in respect of future 
profitability, growth rates and the discount rate to be applied to 
future cash flows.

Therefore, this area is considered to be a key audit matter.

Our work was based on our assessment of the historical accuracy of 
the group’s estimates in previous periods, our understanding of the 
commercial prospects of the CGUs, discussions with management 
surrounding the future plans for the operation, identification 
and analysis of changes in assumptions from prior periods and 
an assessment of the consistency of assumptions across the 
impairment reviews.

We checked the mathematical accuracy of the impairment model 
and compliance of the methodology therein with the requirements 
of relevant accounting standards

Key observations
Based on the procedures performed, we consider management’s judgements and the disclosures in the financial statements to be appropriate.

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance22

Independent Auditors’ Report  
to the Members of Gaming Realms plc continued

Capitalisation of development costs (with reference to notes 1 and 14)

Key audit matter

How the scope of our work responded to the key audit matter

The Group has material expenditure on the internal development 
of intangible software assets. Such expenditure should only 
be capitalised when it qualifies under the criteria of applicable 
accounting standards.

Due to the level of judgement required by management in 
determining costs that meet the criteria for capitalisation, this was 
considered to be an area of focus for our audit.

We assessed whether the capitalisation policies adopted by the Group 
comply with applicable accounting standards.

We determined if the identified useful lives were in line with our 
expectations and that of comparable entities.

We agreed a sample of costs capitalised in the year to source 
documentation to check that they met the capitalisation criteria of 
applicable accounting standards.

We challenged management’s project analysis to gain assurance that 
the projects capitalised met the criteria of applicable accounting 
standards by:

 » Agreeing the accuracy of time capitalised to related time cards and 

payroll records for a sample of projects; and

 » Inspecting evidence of the projects subsequent launch or intention to 

launch.

Key observations
Based on the work performed, we consider management’s judgements to be appropriate and adequate.

Our application of materiality
We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of misstatements. We consider 
materiality to be the magnitude by which misstatements, including omissions, could influence the economic decisions of reasonable users that 
are taken on the basis of the financial statements. 

In order to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that any misstatements exceed materiality, we use a lower materiality level, 
performance materiality, to determine the extent of testing needed. Importantly, misstatements below these levels will not necessarily 
be evaluated as immaterial as we also take account of the nature of identified misstatements, and the particular circumstances of their 
occurrence, when evaluating their effect on the financial statements as a whole.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole and performance materiality as follows:

 Materiality 

Basis for determining materiality

Rationale for the benchmark applied

Performance materiality

Basis for determining performance materiality

Group financial statements

Parent company financial statements

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

136,000

147,000

49,000

139,000

Based on 1.2% of 
Group revenue

Based on 1.2%  
of Group revenue

Revenue is a key KPI and a key focus 
area for investors, given that the 
Group is loss making and continues 
to be in its investment stage.

Based on 1% of 
total assets of 
parent company

Based on 1% of  
total assets of 
parent company

For the Parent Company an asset 
base has been used as there is no 
revenue generated within the entity.

£102k

£110k

£37k

£109k

75% of Group 
materiality

75% of Group 
materiality

75% of company 
materiality

75% of company 
materiality

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 202023

Component materiality 
We set materiality for each component of the Group based on a percentage between 20% and 75% of Group materiality dependent on the size 
and our assessment of the risk of material misstatement of that component. Component materiality ranged from £7k to £91k (2019: £24k to 
£73.5k). In the audit of each component, we further applied performance materiality levels of 75% of the component materiality to our testing 
to ensure that the risk of errors exceeding component materiality was appropriately mitigated. 

Reporting threshold
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them all individual audit differences in excess of £6.8k (2019: 6.5k). We also 
agreed to report differences below this threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. 

Other information
The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report and 
accounts 2020, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover 
the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion 
thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent 
with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If 
we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a 
material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material 
misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
Based on the responsibilities described below and our work performed during the course of the audit, we are required by the Companies Act 
2006 and ISAs (UK) to report on certain opinions and matters as described below. 

Strategic report and 
Directors’ report

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

 » the information given in the Strategic report and the Directors’ report for the financial year for which the 

financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

 » the Strategic report and the Directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal 

requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Parent Company and its environment 
obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or 
the Directors’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 
requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

 » adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit 

have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

 » the Parent Company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

 » certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

 » we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Matters on which we 
are required to report 
by exception

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance24

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Independent Auditors’ Report  
to the Members of Gaming Realms plc continued

Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Parent Company’s members, as a 
body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 
2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state 
to the Parent Company’s members those matters we are required 
to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To 
the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume 
responsibility to anyone other than the Parent Company and the 
Parent Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this 
report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Dominic Stammers (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of BDO LLP, Statutory Auditor
London, UK

26 April 2021

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales  
(with registered number OC305127).

Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the statement of Directors’ responsibilities, 
the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, 
and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary 
to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for 
assessing the Group’s and the Parent Company’s ability to continue as 
a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the 
Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company 
or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report 
that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level 
of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement 
when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are 
considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could 
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users 
taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Extent to which the audit was capable of detecting 
irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws 
and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, 
outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of 
irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are 
capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

 » We assessed the susceptibility of the Group’s financial statements to 
material misstatement, including how fraud might occur, by meeting 
with management from across the Group to understand where they 
considered there was a susceptibility to fraud. 

 » Our audit planning identified fraud risks in relation to management 
override and revenue recognition. (Revenue recognition has been 
assessed as a Key Audit Matter above). We considered the processes 
and controls that the Group has established to address risks identified, 
or that otherwise prevent, deter and detect fraud; and how 
management monitors that processes and controls.

 » We designed our audit procedures to detect irregularities, including 
fraud. Our procedures included journal entry testing, with a focus 
on large or unusual transactions based on our knowledge of the 
business; enquiries with the Legal and Compliance Director, Group 
Management; and focussed testing as referred to in the Key Audit 
Matters section above. 

Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material 
misstatement in the financial statements, recognising that the risk of 
not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the 
risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve 
deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery, misrepresentations 
or through collusion. There are inherent limitations in the audit 
procedures performed and the further removed non-compliance with 
laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in 
the financial statements, the less likely we are to become aware of it.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial 
Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. 
This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Strategic Report

Corporate Governance

Financial Statements

25

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2020

Continuing 

Revenue 

Marketing expenses 

Operating expenses 

Administrative expenses 

Impairment of financial asset 

Share option and related charges 

Adjusted EBITDA – continuing 

Impairment of financial asset 

Restructuring expenses 

EBITDA – continuing 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment 

Finance expense 

Finance income 

Loss before tax 

Tax credit 

Loss for the financial year – continuing 

Loss for the financial year – discontinued 

Loss for the financial year – total 

Other comprehensive income 

Items that will or may be reclassified to profit or loss: 

Exchange loss arising on translation of foreign operations 

Total other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income 

Loss attributable to: 

Owners of the parent 

Non-controlling interest 

Total comprehensive income attributable to: 

Owners of the parent 

Non-controlling interest 

Loss per share 

Basic and diluted – continuing 

Basic and diluted – discontinued 

Basic and diluted – total 

Note 

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

3

11,403,486 

6,882,741 

27

10

5

5

10

14

16

16

11

11

12

24

(355,394)

(212,473)

(2,232,032)

(1,498,294)

(5,971,970)

(5,743,747)

(449,422)

(372,344)

(200,000)

(9,972)

2,939,522 

(449,422)

(467,776)

2,022,324 

(255,116)

(200,000)

(326,629)

(781,745)

(2,817,043)

(2,982,845)

 (216,323)

(204,714)

 (22,876)

 (882,032)

 333,664 

–

(842,518)

146,661 

(1,582,286)

(4,665,161)

 48,229 

31,335 

(1,534,057)

(4,633,826)

 – 

(783,451)

(1,534,057)

(5,417,277)

 (226,666)

 (226,666)

(305,671)

(305,671)

(1,760,723)

(5,722,948)

(1,527,964)

(5,341,669)

 (6,093)

(75,608)

(1,534,057)

(5,417,277)

(1,754,630)

(5,647,340)

 (6,093)

(75,608)

(1,760,723)

(5,722,948)

13

13

Pence

(0.54)

–

(0.54)

Pence

(1.60)

(0.28)

(1.88)

* 

 EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures used to represent the trading performance and results of the Group. EBITDA is defined as profit or loss before 
tax adjusted for finance income and expense, depreciation and amortisation. Adjusted EBITDA excludes those items the Group considers to be non-recurring or 
material in nature that may distort an understanding of financial performance or impair comparability. See Note 5.

The notes on pages 29 to 59 form part of these financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 
As at 31 December 2020

Non-current assets 

Intangible assets 

Other investments 

Property, plant and equipment 

Finance lease asset 

Other assets 

Current assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Deferred consideration 

Finance lease asset 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Lease liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Deferred tax liability 

Other Creditors 

Derivative liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 

Share capital 

Share premium 

Merger reserve 

Foreign exchange reserve 

Retained earnings 

Total equity attributable to owners of the parent 

Non-controlling interest 

Total equity 

The notes on pages 29 to 59 form part of these financial statements.

31 December
2020
 £ 

31 December
2019
 £ 

Note

14

15

16

22

17

18

19

22

20

21

22

12

23

23

22

11,137,123

11,702,553

401,291

560,793

–

150,528

289,511

760,763

157,166

150,885

12,249,735

13,060,878

2,343,739

972,554

140,058

2,105,167

5,561,518

1,850,863

1,298,663

126,354

2,626,837

5,902,717

17,811,253

18,963,595

1,943,714

2,125,257

343,859

256,527

2,287,573

2,381,784

320,913

457,492

3,304,870

3,126,673

627,000

340,175

4,592,958

6,880,531

272,000

646,122

4,502,287

6,884,071

10,930,722

12,079,524

26

28,664,731

28,442,874

87,258,166

87,198,410

(67,673,657)

(67,673,657)

1,379,116

1,605,782

(38,768,257)

(37,570,601)

10,860,099

12,002,808

70,623

76,716

10,930,722

12,079,524

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 26 April 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:

Michael Buckley
Executive Chairman

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2020 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Loss for the financial year 

Adjustments for: 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment 

Amortisation of intangible fixed assets 

Impairment 

Finance income 

Finance expense 

Income tax credit 

Exchange differences 

(Profit)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 

Profit on disposal of assets 

Share of loss of associate 

Share based payment expense 

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 

Decrease in trade and other payables 

Increase in other assets 

Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities before taxation 

Net tax (paid)/received in the year 

Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities 

Investing activities 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 

Capitalised development costs 

Proceeds from disposal of assets, net of cash disposed of 

Costs related to asset disposal 

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 

Interest received 

Finance lease asset – sublease receipts 

Net cash (used in)/from investing activities 

Financing activities 

Receipt of deferred consideration 

Principal paid on lease liability 

Issue of share capital on exercise of options 

Interest paid 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Exchange gain on cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Significant non-cash transactions are disclosed in Note 23 and 24. 

The notes on pages 29 to 59 form part of these financial statements. 

27

Note 

2020
£

2019
 £ 

(1,534,057)

(5,417,277)

216,323

22,876

211,055

–

2,817,043

2,982,845

449,422

(333,664)

882,032

(48,229)

(54,940)

(1,000)

–

–

330,308

200,000

(420,512)

842,518

(31,335)

41,336

28,081

(683,323)

157,307

9,972

(463,237)

1,330,674

(233,543)

–

(803,124)

(18,308)

2,049,334

(1,570,091)

(33,717)

73,424

2,015,617

(1,496,667)

(30,143)

(106,583)

(2,440,559)

(2,680,289)

–

–

1,000

47

163,324

6,135,529

(765,867)

–

3,705

120,507

(2,306,331)

2,707,002

–

(300,086)

281,613

(225,516)

(243,989)

(534,703)

2,608,455

13,033

385,000

(252,376)

–

(322,772)

(190,148)

1,020,187

1,550,141

38,127

2,086,785

2,608,455

16

16

14

5

11

11

12

24

24

27

16

14

24

24

11

22

19

22

26

20

20

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2020

1 January 2019 

Loss for the year 

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive  
income for the year 

Contributions by and  
distributions to owners 

Share-based payment on  
share options (Note 27) 

31 December 2019 

1 January 2020 

Loss for the year 

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive  
income for the year 

Contributions by and  
distributions to owners 

Share-based payment on  
share options (Note 27) 

 Share 
capital 
 £ 

 Share
premium 
 £ 

 Merger
reserve 
 £ 

 Foreign
Exchange
Reserve 
 £ 

 Retained
earnings 
 £ 

 Total to
equity
holders of
parents 
 £ 

 Non
controlling
interest 
 £ 

 Total 
equity 
 £ 

28,442,874

87,198,410 (67,673,657)

1,911,453 (32,238,904) 17,640,176

152,324 17,792,500

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(5,341,669)

(5,341,669)

(75,608)

(5,417,277)

(305,671)

–

(305,671)

–

(305,671)

(305,671)

(5,341,669)

(5,647,340)

(75,608)

(5,722,948)

–

9,972

9,972

–

9,972

28,442,874

87,198,410 (67,673,657)

1,605,782

(37,570,601) 12,002,808

76,716 12,079,524

28,442,874

87,198,410 (67,673,657)

1,605,782

(37,570,601) 12,002,808

76,716 12,079,524

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,527,964)

(1,527,964)

(6,093)

(1,534,057)

(226,666)

–

(226,666)

–

(226,666)

(226,666)

(1,527,964)

(1,754,630)

(6,093)

(1,760,723)

–

–

330,308

330,308

–

281,613

–

–

330,308

281,613

Exercise of options (Note 26) 

221,857

59,756

31 December 2020 

28,664,731 87,258,166 (67,673,657)

1,379,116 (38,768,257) 10,860,099

70,623 10,930,722

The notes on pages 29 to 59 form part of these financial statements.

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 202029

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020

1. Accounting policies
General information
Gaming Realms Plc (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (together the “Group”).

The Company is admitted to trading on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. It is incorporated and domiciled 
in the UK. The address of its registered office is Two Valentine Place, London, SE1 8QH.

The consolidated financial statements are presented in British Pounds Sterling.

Basis of preparation
The Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The Group financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except where certain assets or liabilities are held at amortised 
cost or at fair value as described in the accounting policies below. 

Basis of consolidation 
The Group financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company (subsidiaries). 
Control is achieved when the Company is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to 
affect those returns through its power over the investee. 

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the period are included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income from 
the effective date of acquisition up to the effective date of disposal. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of 
subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used in line with those used by the Group. 

All intra-Group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. 

Going concern
The Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements from the cash flows generated by its trading activities and its available 
cash resources. 

The Group prepares cash flow forecasts and re-forecasts at least bi-annually as part of the business planning process. The Directors have 
reviewed forecast cash flows for the period to December 2023 and consider that the Group will have sufficient cash resources available to 
meet its liabilities as they fall due for at least the forthcoming 12 months from the date of the approval of the financial statements. Given the 
economic uncertainty resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, these cash flow forecasts have been subject to short- and medium-
term stress testing, scenario modelling and sensitivity analysis through to June 2022, which the Directors consider sufficiently robust. Scenarios 
considered include but are not limited to; failure to expand into new US states during the forecast period, non-receipt of deferred consideration 
due to the Group at the year-end and a significant reduction in trading cash flows compared to Group forecasts. The Directors note that in an 
extreme scenario, the Group also has the option to rationalise its cost base including cuts to discretionary capital, marketing and overhead 
expenditure. The Directors consider that the required level of change to the Group’s forecast cash flows to give a rise to a material risk over 
going concern are sufficiently remote.

Subsequent to the year-end, on 1 April 2021 the Group received £1.0m from River in respect of the deferred consideration receivable 
(see Note 19), certain other receivable balances and full and final settlement of all legal proceedings and out of court disputes between the 
parties. The Directors note that aside from ongoing lease liabilities, the Group has no debt contractually repayable before 31 December 2022 
(see Note 23).

Accordingly, these financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which assumes 
that the Group and the Company will realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. Management has carried out 
an assessment of the going concern assumption and has concluded that the Group and the Company will generate sufficient cash and cash 
equivalents to continue operating for the next 12 months.

Adoption of new and revised standards
New standards that have been adopted by the Group for the year ended 31 December 2020, but have not had a significant impact on the 
Group are:

 » Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3);

 » Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – IBOR ‘phase 2’ (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16);

 » COVID-19-Related Rent Concessions (Amendments to IFRS 16);

 » IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors (Amendment – Disclosure 

Initiative – Definition of Material); and

 » Revisions to the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting.

There are a number of standards, amendments to standards, and interpretations which have been issued by the IASB that are effective in future 
accounting periods that the Group has decided not to adopt early. 

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance30

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

1. Accounting policies (continued)
The following amendments are effective for the period beginning 1 January 2022:

 » Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract (Amendments to IAS 37);

 » Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use (Amendments to IAS 16);

 » Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020 (Amendments to IFRS 1, IFRS 9, IFRS 16 and IAS 41); and

 » References to Conceptual Framework (Amendments to IFRS 3).

The Group is currently assessing the impact of these new accounting standards and amendments. 

Business combinations 
On acquisition, the assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of a subsidiary are measured at their fair values at the date of acquisition. Any 
excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired, including separately identifiable intangible assets, 
is recognised as goodwill. Any discount on acquisition, i.e. where the cost of acquisition is below the fair value of the identifiable net assets 
acquired, is credited to the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the period of acquisition. 

Goodwill
Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the Group’s interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets 
and liabilities, including separately identifiable intangible assets, of a subsidiary, associate or jointly controlled entity at the date of acquisition. 

Goodwill is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated impairment. On disposal of a subsidiary, 
associate or jointly controlled entity, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.

Cost comprises the fair value of assets given, liabilities assumed and equity instruments issued, plus the amount of any non-controlling interests 
in the acquiree plus, if the business combination is achieved in stages, the fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquiree. 

Contingent consideration is initially recognised at fair value on the date of acquisition and subsequently remeasured subsequently through 
profit or loss. 

Goodwill is capitalised as an intangible asset with any impairment in carrying value being charged to the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income. Where the fair value of identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities exceed the fair value of consideration 
paid, the excess is credited in full to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on the acquisition date.

Adjusted EBITDA
The Board of Directors believes that in order to best represent the trading performance and results of the Group, the reported numbers should 
exclude certain one-off items. The Group therefore presents adjusted results, as described in Note 5, which differ from statutory results due to 
the exclusion of these items. 

Management regularly uses the adjusted financial measures internally to understand, manage and evaluate the business and make operating 
decisions. These adjusted measures are among the primary factors management uses in planning for and forecasting future periods.

EBITDA is a non-GAAP Company specific measure defined as profit or loss before tax adjusted for finance income and expense, depreciation 
and amortisation. 

Adjusted EBITDA excludes non-recurring material items which are outside the normal scope of the Group’s ordinary activities which the 
directors consider to be one-off or material in nature that should be brought to the reader’s attention in understanding the Group’s financial 
performance. The adjusting items are separately disclosed in order to enhance the reader’s understanding of the Group’s profitability and cash 
flow generation. 

Adjusting items include costs arising from a fundamental restructuring of the Group’s operations, relocation costs, impairment of financial 
assets and sales proceeds on business asset disposals. 

Revenue
Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer and excludes amounts collected on behalf of third 
parties. The Group recognises revenue when it transfers control over a product or service to a customer.

Performance obligations and timing of revenue recognition
Revenue comprises licensing of content and IP, Social Publishing and net gaming revenue derived from real money gaming (only applicable to 
discontinued operations in the comparative year).

The following is a description of the principal activities – separated by reportable segments – from which the Group generates its revenue. For 
more detailed information about reportable segments see note 10.

The Group accounts for revenue as principal where it is the licenced entity in the provision of gaming services to end users and controls the 
service provision. Where the Group is considered to be acting as agent in the service provision, revenues are recognised net.

Strategic Report

Corporate Governance

Financial Statements

31

Licensing revenue
Licensing revenue derives from contractual relationships for the right to use of intellectual property and the amount of consideration receivable 
is dependent upon the value of sales the customer makes using the IP.

For content licensing, revenue is sales-based dependent on the activity of the Group’s customers. Revenue is recognised as the usage occurs by 
the customer (under the IFRS 15 royalty exception). 

Any minimum guarantees are recognised at a point in time when the control of the licence is passed to the customer. 

For brand licensing, revenue is recognised at a point in time when there are no further monetary or financial obligations to be fulfilled by 
the licensor. However, where the Group has ongoing obligations, licensing fees are further analysed for the contractual service provision and 
recognised either at point in time or over time, applying the royalty exception as applicable.

Determining the transaction price
Most of the Group’s revenue is derived from fixed price contracts and therefore the amount of revenue to be earned from each contract is 
determined by reference to those fixed prices and rates. 

Contracts where the transaction price is not fixed are royalties which are accounted for in accordance with the usage-based royalty exception 
in IFRS 15.

Allocating amounts to performance obligations
For most contracts, there is a fixed amount for each wager or credit purchased and only one performance obligation, being the honouring 
of the outcome of the wager/purchase. Therefore, there is no judgement involved in allocating the contract price. 

Licensing contracts work on a sales-based royalty. Therefore, there is no judgement involved in allocating the contract price. 

Social publishing revenue
Social publishing revenue derives from the purchase of credits and awards on social gaming sites. In addition, revenue is generated from in 
app advertisements. 

Revenue is recognised at a point in time when the user credit has been purchased as there is no further service to be delivered and credits are 
non-refundable. In app advertising revenue is recognised at a point in time when the advertisement is displayed, or offer has been completed 
by the customer and confirmed by third-party reports.

Net gaming revenue derived from real money gaming (relevant only for discontinued operations)
Net gaming revenue derived from online gambling operations is defined as the difference between the amounts of bets placed by the players 
less amounts won by players. It is stated after deduction of bonuses, jackpots and prizes granted to players.

Revenue is recognised at a point in time when the player activity is concluded.

Leases
Group as a lessee
All leases are accounted for by recognising a right-of-use asset and a lease liability except for:

 » Leases of low value assets; and

 » Leases with a duration of 12 months or less.

Lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the contractual payments due to the lessor over the lease term, with the discount rate 
determined by reference to the rate inherent in the lease unless (as is typically the case) this is not readily determinable, in which case the 
Group’s incremental borrowing rate on commencement of the lease is used. Variable lease payments are only included in the measurement of 
the lease liability if they depend on an index or rate. In such cases, the initial measurement of the lease liability assumes the variable element 
will remain unchanged throughout the lease term. Other variable lease payments are expensed in the period to which they relate.

On initial recognition, the carrying value of the lease liability also includes:

 » amounts expected to be payable under any residual value guarantee;

 » the exercise price of any purchase option granted in favour of the group if it is reasonable certain to assess that option; and

 » any penalties payable for terminating the lease, if the term of the lease has been estimated on the basis of termination option being exercised.

Right of use assets are initially measured at the amount of the lease liability, reduced for any lease incentives received, and increased for:

 » lease payments made at or before commencement of the lease;

 » initial direct costs incurred; and

 » the amount of any provision recognised where the Group is contractually required to dismantle, remove or restore the leased asset (typically 

leasehold dilapidations).

32

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

1. Accounting policies (continued)
Subsequent to initial measurement lease liabilities increase as a result of interest charged at a constant rate on the balance outstanding and 
are reduced for lease payments made. Right-of-use assets are amortised on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the lease or over the 
remaining economic life of the asset if, rarely, this is judged to be shorter than the lease term.

When the Group revises its estimate of the term of any lease (because, for example, it re-assesses the probability of a lessee extension or 
termination option being exercised), it adjusts the carrying amount of the lease liability to reflect the payments to make over the revised term, 
which are discounted using a revised discount rate. The carrying value of lease liabilities is similarly revised when the variable element of future 
lease payments dependent on a rate or index is revised, except the discount rate remains unchanged. In both cases an equivalent adjustment is 
made to the carrying value of the right-of-use asset, with the revised carrying amount being amortised over the remaining (revised) lease term. 
If the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset is adjusted to zero, any further reduction is recognised in profit or loss.

Group as a lessor
The Group has one leased property which is also sublet. For the sublet property, the Group has recognised a lease receivable equal to the net 
investment in the sublease. This is based on the present value of future lease payments due from the tenant. The lease liability is not impacted. 
Payments by the tenant reduce the lease receivable and finance income is recognised on the unwind of the lease receivable.

The sublease covers the total lease commitment entered into by the Group. There are no variable lease payments.

Foreign currency
The financial information of the Group is prepared in British Pounds Sterling, which is the currency that best reflects the economic substance of 
the underlying events and circumstances relevant to the Group. The Group has subsidiaries with functional currencies of British Pounds Sterling, 
U.S. Dollars, Euros and Canadian Dollars. 

Transactions entered into by Group entities in a currency other than the currency of the primary economic environment in which they operate 
(their “functional currency”) are recorded at the rates ruling when the transactions occur. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are 
translated at the rates ruling at the reporting date. Exchange differences arising on the retranslation of unsettled monetary assets and liabilities 
are recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive income. Foreign exchange differences arising from financing transactions are 
recognised in finance income/loss, differences arising from trading balances are recognised in administration costs.

On consolidation, the results of overseas operations are translated into sterling at rates approximating to those ruling when the transactions 
took place. All assets and liabilities of overseas operations, including goodwill arising on the acquisition of those operations, are translated 
at the rate ruling at the reporting date. Exchange differences arising on translating the opening net assets at opening rate and the results 
of overseas operations at actual rate are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the foreign exchange reserve.

Exchange differences recognised as profit or loss in Group entities’ separate financial statements on the translation of long-term monetary 
items forming part of the Parent company’s net investment in the overseas operation concerned are reclassified to other comprehensive 
income and accumulated in the foreign exchange reserve on consolidation.

On disposal of a foreign operation, the cumulative exchange differences recognised in the foreign exchange reserve relating to that operation 
up to the date of disposal are transferred to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as part of the profit or loss on disposal.

Impairment of non-financial assets
Impairment tests on goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful economic lives are undertaken annually. Other non-financial assets 
are subject to impairment tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Where 
the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount (i.e. the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell), the asset is written 
down accordingly.

Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the impairment test is carried out on the smallest group of 
assets to which it belongs for which there are separately identifiable cash flows; its cash generating units (“CGUs”). Goodwill is allocated on 
initial recognition to each of the Group’s CGUs that are expected to benefit from a business combination that gives rise to the goodwill.

Impairment charges are included in the income statement, except to the extent they reverse gains previously recognised in other 
comprehensive income. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed.

Discontinued Operations
The results of operations disposed of or classified as held for sale during the year are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income up to the date of disposal. A discontinued operation is a component of the Group’s business that represents a separate major line of 
business or geographical area of operations or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale, that has been disposed of, has been 
abandoned or that meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale. 

Discontinued operations are presented in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as a single line which comprises the post-tax 
profit or loss of the discontinued operation along with the post-tax gain or loss recognised on the re-measurement to fair value less costs to sell 
or on disposal of the assets or disposal groups constituting discontinued operations.

33

Interests in associates
Where the Group has the power to participate in (but not control) the financial and operating policy decisions of another entity, it is classified 
as an associate. Associates are initially recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position at cost. Where the interest in the associate 
arises as a result of the disposal of a subsidiary, the amount recognised as cost is the fair value of the interest retained in the associate.

Subsequently associates are accounted for using the equity method, where the Group’s share of post-acquisition profits and losses and other 
comprehensive income is recognised in the consolidated statement of profit and loss and other comprehensive income (except for losses in 
excess of the Group’s investment in the associate unless there is an obligation to make good those losses).

Profits and losses arising on transactions between the Group and its associates are recognised only to the extent of unrelated investors’ 
interests in the associate. The investor’s share in the associate’s profits and losses resulting from these transactions is eliminated against the 
carrying value of the associate.

Any premium paid for an associate above the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities 
acquired is capitalised and included in the carrying amount of the associate. Where there is an indicator that the investment in an associate 
may have been impaired the carrying amount of the investment is tested for impairment in the same way as other non-financial assets.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original 
maturities of three months or less and – for the purpose of the statement of cash flows – bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within 
trade and other payables in current liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position.

Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interest is initially recognised at the present ownership instruments’ proportionate share in the recognised amounts of the 
acquiree’s identifiable net assets. The total comprehensive income of non-wholly owned subsidiaries is attributed to owners of the parent and 
to the non-controlling interests in proportion to their relative ownership interests.

Share-based payments
Where equity-settled share options are awarded to employees, the fair value of the options at the date of grant is charged to the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income over the vesting period. Non-market vesting conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of 
equity instruments expected to vest at each reporting date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognised over the vesting period is based 
on the number of options that eventually vest. Non-vesting conditions and market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of the options 
granted. As long as all other vesting conditions are satisfied, a charge is made irrespective of whether the market vesting conditions are satisfied. 
The cumulative expense is not adjusted for failure to achieve a market vesting condition or where a non-vesting condition is not satisfied.

Where equity instruments are granted to persons other than employees, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income is charged with 
the fair value of goods and services received.

The fair value of share options issued without market-based vesting conditions is measured by the application of the Black-Scholes option 
pricing model by reference to the grant date of the options. The fair value of share options issued with market-based vesting conditions is 
measured by use of the Monte Carlo method.

Externally acquired intangible assets
Externally acquired intangible assets are initially recognised at cost and subsequently amortised on a straight-line basis over their useful 
economic lives. 

Intangible assets are recognised on business combinations if they are separable from the acquired entity or arise from other contractual/
legal rights. The amounts ascribed to such intangibles are arrived at by using appropriate valuation techniques (see section related to critical 
estimates and judgements below).

Internally generated intangible assets (development costs)
Expenditure on internally developed products is capitalised if it can be demonstrated that:

 » it is technically feasible to develop the product for it to be sold;

 » adequate resources are available to complete the development;

 » there is an intention to complete and sell the product;

 » the Group is able to sell the product;

 » sale of the product will generate future economic benefits; and

 » expenditure on the project can be measured reliably.

Capitalised development costs are amortised over the periods the Group expects to benefit from selling the products developed. 

Development expenditure not satisfying the above criteria and expenditure on the research phase of internal projects are recognised in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income as incurred.

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance34

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

1. Accounting policies (continued)
The significant intangibles recognised by the Group, their useful economic lives and the methods used to determine the cost of intangibles 
acquired in a business combination are as follows:

Intangible asset

Customer databases

Development costs

Intellectual property

Domain names

Software

Useful economic life

1-2 years

3-5 years

8 years

2-3 years

3-5 years

Property, plant and equipment
Items of property, plant and equipment are initially recognised at cost. As well as the purchase price, cost includes directly attributable costs 
and the estimated present value of any future unavoidable costs of dismantling and removing items. The corresponding liability is recognised 
within provisions.

Depreciation is provided on all property, plant and equipment at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value, of each 
asset evenly over its expected useful life as follows:

Office, furniture and equipment

20% per annum straight-line

Computer equipment

33% per annum straight-line

Leasehold improvements

Over the life of the lease

Reserves
The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within equity:

Reserve

Share capital

Share premium

Merger reserve

Retained earnings

Description and purpose

Nominal value of shares subscribed for.

Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value.

Adjustments arising on the reverse transaction and the excess of the fair value over nominal 
value for shares issued in business combinations qualifying for merger relief under the 
Companies Act 2006.

All other net gains and losses and transactions with owners not recognised elsewhere.

Foreign exchange reserve

Gains/losses arising on retranslating the net assets of overseas operations into sterling.

Research and development tax
Research and development taxation relief is recognised once management considers it probable that any amount claimable will be received.

Deferred taxation
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised where the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the consolidated statement of financial 
position differs from its tax base, except for differences arising on:

 » The initial recognition of goodwill

 » The initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination and at the time of the transaction affects 

neither accounting nor taxable profit

 » Investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities where the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the difference and it is 

probable that the difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Recognition of deferred tax assets is restricted to those instances where it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the 
difference can be utilised. 

The amount of the asset or liability is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date and are 
expected to apply when the deferred tax liabilities/(assets) are settled/(recovered). 

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 202035

2. Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The Group makes certain estimates and assumptions regarding the future. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated based on 
historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. In 
the future, actual experience may differ from these estimates and assumptions. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of 
causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Estimates
(a) Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets are reviewed for impairment and their values are written down on the basis of the Group’s expectations 
of future economic benefits expected to be received. Any process which attempts to estimate future outcomes to determine the recoverable 
amount is subject to uncertainty. The recoverable amount is determined based on the lower of value in use calculations, which require the 
estimate of future cash flows and the choice of discount rate to calculate the present value of the cash flows. Calculations are based on 
management’s forecasts for the period, and past experience of the same or similar assets. Where it is believed that the estimation uncertainty 
can give rise to material differences in asset carrying values, this will be stated in the relevant notes to the financial statements. For both CGU’s 
impairment reviews were performed over, a reasonably possible change to an input to the impairment review calculation (such as WACC, long 
term growth rate, reduction in medium term cash flows) would not result in an impairment. See Note 14.

(b) Amortisation of development costs
Capitalised development costs are subject to amortisation over the estimated useful life and reviewed for impairment whenever events or 
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The estimated useful life of these assets is based on 
management’s estimates of the period over which the assets are expected to generate revenue and are periodically reviewed to confirm they 
are still appropriate. 

(c) Fair Value Measurement
A number of assets and liabilities included in the Group’s financial statements require measurement at, and/or disclosure of, fair value.

The fair value measurement of the Group’s financial and non-financial assets and liabilities utilises market observable inputs and data as far as 
possible. Inputs used in determining fair value measurements are categorised into different levels based on how observable the inputs used in 
the valuation technique utilised are (the ‘fair value hierarchy’):

 » Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical items (unadjusted)

 » Level 2: Observable direct or indirect inputs other than Level 1 inputs

 » Level 3: Unobservable inputs (i.e. not derived from market data)

The classification of an item into the above levels is based on the lowest level of the inputs used that has a significant effect on the fair value 
measurement of the item. Transfers of items between levels are recognised in the period they occur.

The Group measures a number of items at fair value:

 » Other investments (Note 15)

 » Financial instruments (Note 25) 

For more detailed information in relation to the fair value measurement and sensitivities of the items above, please refer to the applicable notes.

(d) Arrangement with Gamesys Group plc
The arrangements entered into with Gamesys Group plc in 2017 are complex. The initial recognition involves estimating the fair value of the 
derivative liability, and estimating the initial carrying value of the loan liability using a suitable discount rate. The values computed reflected the 
directors’ expectations of the timing and quantum of expected cash outflows on the loan and the probability of the conversion option being 
exercised. If these estimates change this will have an impact on the carrying amounts of the conversion option and the loan. The ‘free services’ 
revenue element of the agreement is designated as the residual value on initial recognition. See Note 23 for further detail.

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance36

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

2. Critical accounting estimates and judgements (continued)
(e) Determining the discount rate of a lease liability under IFRS 16
The Group discounts the lease payments using its incremental borrowing rate. The possible effects of a change in the incremental borrowing 
rate are an increase or decrease in the lease liability, right-of-use asset and depreciation and financing expenses recognised. 

(f) Impairment of financial assets and expected credit losses
Loss allowances for financial assets are based on assumptions about the risk of default and expected loss rates. The Group uses judgement in 
making these assumptions and selecting the inputs to the impairment calculations based on the Group’s past history, existing market conditions 
as well as forward looking estimates at the end of each reporting period. See Note 18 for further detail.

Judgements
(a) Revenue recognition
Certain brand licensing agreements involve judgement over the nature, timing and extent of the Group’s activities in fulfilling contractual 
performance obligations. This judgement therefore impacts the timing of revenues recognised for such agreements. On a contract-by-contract 
basis, the Group assesses its expected ongoing commitments to fulfil its contractual obligations. Where an agreement provides the right for a 
customer to use the Group’s intellectual property and there are no significant ongoing commitments for the Group to satisfy, the performance 
obligation is considered to be satisfied at a point in time, when the associated revenues are recognised. However, where there is expected to 
be significant ongoing commitment for the Group, revenues are recognised over time with the satisfaction of the performance obligations.

(b) Capitalisation of development costs
The identification of development costs that meet the criteria for capitalisation is dependent on management’s judgement and knowledge of 
the work done. Development costs of gaming software platforms are separately identified. Key judgements relate to the separately identified 
projects, the expected future benefits and the useful economic life and are based on the information available at each period end. Economic 
success of any development is assessed on a reasonable basis but remains uncertain at the time of recognition. Development costs capitalised 
total £2.4m (2019: £2.7m). See Note 14.

(c) Determining the lease term under IFRS 16
In order to determine the lease term, the Group takes into consideration the period over which the lease is non-cancellable, including renewal 
options that it is reasonably certain it will exercise and/or termination options that it is reasonably certain it will not exercise. The possible 
effects are an increase or decrease in the initial measurement of a right of use asset and lease liability and in depreciation and financing 
expenses in subsequent periods.

(d) Deferred tax
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised for temporary differences and for tax loss carry-forwards. The assessment of temporary 
differences and tax loss carry-forwards is based on management’s estimates of future taxable profits against which the temporary differences 
and loss carry-forwards may be utilised.

The key judgement is the Group not recognising a deferred tax asset in respect of their losses as there is no track record of taxable profits at 
this time. Deferred tax assets will be recognised when the Group has established a track record of expected future taxable profit. The total 
unrecognised deferred tax asset was £7.0m (2019: £6.4m). See Note 12.

(e) Arrangement with Gamesys Group plc
The agreement with Gamesys Group plc allows for early settlement of the loan if a change of control occurs. The directors’ have used their 
judgement in order to determine that the probability of a change in control is low. Had this judgement been different, the Group may be liable, 
if the option is exercised, to make an additional cash payment to Gamesys Group plc earlier than the end of the term. See Note 23 for more detail.

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 202037

3. Revenue from contracts with customers
Disaggregation of revenue
The Group has disaggregated revenue into various categories in the following table which is intended to:

 » depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic date; and

 » enable users to understand the relationship with revenue segment information provided in note 10.

Revenue from discontinued RMG operations (see Note 24) in the prior year all arose from the UK, including Channel Islands and was direct 
to consumers (B2C) recognised at a point in time. There were no remaining performance obligations unsatisfied at the previous year end.

B2B licensing revenue by primary geographical market is split according to the location of the operator.

In 2020 there was one customer (2019: no customers) who individually accounted for more than 10% of total revenue of the Group. Total 
revenue from this customer in 2020 was £1,689,358. 

 Licensing 
 £ 

 Social
publishing 
 £ 

 Other 
 £ 

 Intra-group 
 £ 

 Total 
 £ 

2020 revenue 

Primary geographical markets 

UK (including Channel Islands) 

USA 

Isle of Man 

Rest of the World 

Contract counterparties 

Direct to consumers (B2C) 

B2B 

Timing of transfer of goods and services 

Point in time 

Over time 

2019 continuing revenue 

Primary geographical markets 

UK (including Channel Islands) 

USA 

Isle of Man 

Rest of the World 

Contract counterparties 

Direct to consumers (B2C) 

B2B 

Timing of transfer of goods and services 

Point in time 

Over time 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

467,041

6,273,749

2,511,803

2,150,893

11,403,486

3,869,763

7,533,723

11,403,486

11,082,871

320,615

11,403,486

467,041

–

2,385,377

3,885,971

2,511,803

2,150,893

–

–

–

2,401

–

–

7,515,114

3,885,971

2,401

–

2,401

2,401

2,401

–

2,401

–

3,885,971

7,515,114

7,515,114

–

3,885,971

7,194,499

3,885,971

320,615

–

7,515,114

3,885,971

 Licensing 
 £ 

455,727

1,659,667

1,450,318

581,145

 Social
publishing 
 £ 

–

2,758,475

–

–

4,146,857

2,758,475

 Other 
 £ 

 Intra-group 
 £ 

 Total 
 £ 

–

(128,755)

326,972

6,148

–

100,016

106,164

–

–

–

4,424,290

1,450,318

681,161

(128,755)

6,882,741

–

2,758,475

4,146,857

4,146,857

–

2,758,475

–

106,164

106,164

–

2,758,475

(128,755)

4,124,266

(128,755)

6,882,741

3,806,415

2,758,475

106,164

(128,755)

6,542,299

340,442

–

–

–

340,442

4,146,857

2,758,475

106,164

(128,755)

6,882,741

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance 
 
 
 
38

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

3. Revenue from contracts with customers (continued)
Remaining performance Obligations
The vast majority of the Group’s contracts are for services that will be provided within the next 12 months. Certain licence contracts have been 
entered into for which both:

 » the original contractual period was greater than 12 months; and

 » the Group’s right to consideration does not correspond directly with the performance.

The amount of revenue that will be recognised in future periods on these contracts when those remaining performance obligations will be 
satisfied is:

Next 12 months 

12-24 months 

24+ months 

4. Expenses by nature
Loss before interest and tax has been arrived at after charging/(crediting): 

Employee benefit expenses 

License and platform fees 

IT software and hosting costs

Legal, professional and consulting

Share option and related charges

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Amortisation of intangible assets

Foreign exchange (gain)/loss 

2020
 £ 

80,154

–

–

2019
 £ 

320,615

80,154

–

80,154

400,769

Note

9

27

16

14

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

2,941,789

3,868,943

2,173,601

2,262,400

750,168

1,018,494

372,344

216,323

1,126,047

1,146,763

9,972

204,714

2,817,043

2,982,845

(19,595)

51,261

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
39

5. Adjusted EBITDA
EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures and exclude exceptional items, depreciation, and amortisation. Exceptional items are 
those items the Group considers to be non-recurring or material in nature that may distort an understanding of financial performance or 
impair comparability.

Adjusted EBITDA is stated before exceptional items as follows:

Impairment of financial asset 

Restructuring costs 

Adjusting items

2020
 £ 

(449,422)

(467,776)

(917,198)

2019
 £ 

(200,000)

(326,629)

(526,629)

Restructuring costs
Restructuring costs of £0.5m in 2020 relate to a management restructure during the year, following the change in focus to the licensing 
business. Restructuring costs of £0.3m in 2019 related to redundancy and relocation costs. 

Impairment of financial asset
In accordance with IFRS 9, management have performed an expected credit loss review over its deferred consideration and trade and other 
receivable balances. As a result of this review, an impairment provision of £449,422 (2019: £200,000) has been recorded in the income 
statement. The current year provision is split between deferred consideration (£527,446) (see Note 19) and other receivables (credit of £78,024).

6. Auditor’s remuneration
During the year the Group obtained the following services from the Company’s auditor: 

Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the Group's annual accounts 

Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the subsidiary financial statements 

Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the review of the interim statement 

Fees payable to the Company's auditor for other services: 

– Tax compliance services 

– Tax advisory services 

– Other 

2020
 £ 

25,000

57,758

3,500

29,286

–

21,547

137,091

2019
 £ 

25,000

70,900

3,588

30,197

22,938

–

152,623

7. Key management personnel remuneration
During the year the Group paid the following remuneration to the key management personnel (which include directors) of the consolidated entity:

Short-term benefits of key management personnel 

Post-employment benefits of key management personnel 

Share-based benefits of key management personnel 

Compensation for loss of office 

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

1,062,704

1,327,969

36,112

267,518

309,722

41,065

3,551

–

1,676,056

1,372,585

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance40

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

8. Directors’ remuneration
The following table presents the Directors’ remuneration of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2020.

Michael Buckley 

Mark Segal 

Jim Ryan 

Mark Wilson 

Chris Ash 

Mark Blandford 

Patrick Southon 

Simon Collins 

Salary
and fees
 £ 

198,333

241,667

40,000

40,000

40,000

40,000

23,974

–

Benefits
 £ 

Loss of office
£

2020
Total
 £ 

198,333

261,667

40,000

40,000

40,000

40,000

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

234,097 

258,902

– 

–

–

20,000

–

–

–

–

831

–

623,974

20,831

234,097 

878,902

2019
Total
 £ 

150,000

200,781

40,000

40,000

23,333

8,333

239,596

31,385

733,428

The remuneration for Michael Buckley (including amounts paid to third parties, see Note 28) includes repayment of expenses incurred wholly 
for the benefit of Gaming Realms plc of £nil (2019: £15,000). 

The Directors’ ordinary shares in the Company, were as follows:

Michael Buckley 

Mark Segal 

Jim Ryan 

Mark Wilson 

Chris Ash 

Mark Blandford 

Patrick Southon 

2020
 No. of shares 

2019
 No. of shares 

26,500,000

27,000,000

740,761

1,153,845

1,153,845

740,761

1,384,615

384,615

1,965,680

1,965,680

10,000,000

10,000,000

N/A

12,417,319

41,514,131

53,892,990

Patrick Southon resigned as a Director on 11 February 2020, so his holding of ordinary shares in the Company as at 31 December 2020 has not 
been disclosed above.

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Directors’ interests in long-term incentive plans
The Directors’ interests in share options, over ordinary shares in the Company, were as follows:

Michael Buckley 1

Michael Buckley 3

Michael Buckley 4

Mark Segal 1

Mark Segal 3

Mark Segal 4

Jim Ryan 2

Mark Wilson 2

Patrick Southon 1

Options at
 1 Jan 2020 

5,769,230

–

–

–

3,000,000

5,769,229

3,076,923

–

–

–

3,000,000

3,076,923

769,230

769,230

5,769,230

–

–

–

Options
 granted 

Options
 exercised 

Options
 lapsed 

Options at
 31 Dec 2020 

Exercise
 price 

–

–

–

–

–

–

(769,230)

(769,230)

(5,769,230)

–

–

–

3,000,000

5,769,229

(3,076,923)

–

–

–

–

–

3,000,000

3,076,923

–

–

–

–

(5,769,230)

£0.01

£0.10

£0.20

£0.01

£0.10

£0.20

£0.13

£0.13

£0.01

41

Hurdle
 price 

Date of
 grant 

£0.20

01-Aug-13

–

–

01-Jun-20

28-Jul-20

£0.20

01-Aug-13

–

–

–

–

01-Jun-20

28-Jul-20

01-Aug-13

01-Aug-13

£0.20

01-Aug-13

1  On 1 August 2013 the Company granted options to B Shares under the Gaming Realms 2013 EMI plan. The B Share value will be 20 pence less than the prevailing 
price of the ordinary shares and will therefore have no value unless the value of the new ordinary shares exceeds 20 pence. EMI options can only be granted to 
employees who meet the statutory working time requirement and cannot normally be exercised before 15 July 2015. All options granted under the New Share 
Option Scheme on Admission will be exercisable over B Shares at their nominal value of £0.01 and will be capable of exercise, subject to certain exceptions, after 
two years of the date of grant.

2  On 1 August 2013, the Company granted Unapproved Options which have the same rights as the options granted over the B Shares under Gaming Realms 2013 
EMI plan, save that the exercise price will be 13 pence per ordinary share. During the year, all 1,538,460 options were exercised with the Company receiving 
£200,000 in proceeds for the aggregate exercise price.

3  On 2 June 2020, the Company granted these equity settled awards to certain Directors, which vest in three equal tranches on 3 February 2021, 2022 and 2023 

subject to certain performance criteria.

4  On 28 July 2020, the Company granted these equity settled awards to certain Directors, which vest in two equal tranches 12 and 24 months from the date of grant.

9. Employee benefit expenses

Employee benefit expenses (including directors) comprise: 

Wages and salaries 

Share option and related charges (Note 27) 

Social security contributions and similar taxes 

Pension contributions 

Staff costs capitalised in respect of internally generated intangible assets 

2020
£ 

2019
£ 

4,026,970

4,847,133

372,344

417,195

149,563

9,972

522,976

175,723

4,966,072

5,555,804

(1,651,939)

(1,676,889)

3,314,133

3,878,915

The Group makes contributions to defined contribution plans and has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. 
The contributions are recognised as employee benefit expense when they are due. The assets of the individual schemes are held separately 
from those of the Group in independently administered funds. 

The average number of employees was 59 (2019: 85).

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance42

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

10. Segment information
The Board is the Group’s chief operating decision-maker. Management has determined the operating segments based on the information 
reviewed by the Board for the purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance. 

The Group has 2 continuing reportable operating segments:

 » Licensing – brand and content licensing to partners in Europe and the US

 » Social Publishing – providing freemium games to the US

The results of the discontinued segments are included in Note 24. Management do not report segmental assets and liabilities internally and as 
such an analysis is not reported.

2020

Revenue 

Marketing expense 

Operating expense 

Administrative expense 

Share option and related charges 

Adjusted EBITDA – continuing 

Impairment of financial asset 

Restructuring expenses 

EBITDA – continuing 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment 

Finance expense 

Finance income 

Loss before tax – continuing 

2019

 Revenue 

 Marketing expense 

 Operating expense 

 Administrative expense 

 Share option and related charges 

 Adjusted EBITDA – continuing 

 Impairment of financial asset 

 Restructuring expenses 

 EBITDA – continuing 

 Amortisation of intangible assets 

 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

 Finance expense 

 Finance income 

 Loss before tax – continuing 

Licensing 
£ 

Social 
publishing 
£ 

Head 
Office 
£ 

Total 
£ 

 7,515,114 

 3,885,971 

 2,401 

11,403,486 

 (18,528)

 (242,667)

 (94,199)

 (355,394)

(1,070,766)

(1,161,266)

 – 

(2,232,032)

(2,610,275)

(1,090,014)

(1,803,905)

(5,504,194)

 (70,764)

 (6,906)

 (294,674)

 (372,344)

 3,744,781 

 1,385,118 

(2,190,377)

 2,939,522 

 (449,422)

 (467,776)

 2,022,324 

(2,817,043)

 (216,323)

(22,876)

 (882,032)

 333,664 

(1,582,286)

 Licensing 
 £ 

 Social
publishing 
 £ 

 Head 
Office 
 £ 

 Total 
 £ 

4,146,857 

2,758,475 

 106,164 

7,011,496 

 – 

 (130,505)

 (81,968)

 (212,473)

 (772,827)

 (854,984)

 762 

 (1,627,049)

 (1,970,455)

 (1,001,103)

 (2,445,560)

 (5,417,118)

 – 

 – 

 (9,972)

 (9,972)

1,403,575 

 771,883 

 (2,430,574)

 (255,116)

 (200,000)

 (326,629)

 (781,745)

 (2,982,845)

 (204,714)

 (842,518)

 146,661 

 (4,665,161)

Segmental revenue includes £nil (2019: £128,755) of inter-segment Licensing revenue. This is shown as an Operating Expense under the real 
money gaming discontinued operations and eliminates on consolidation.

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Group’s non-current assets by geographical area are detailed below.

UK 

USA 

Sweden 

Canada 

11. Finance income and expense

Finance income 

Interest received 

Fair value gain on other investments 

Interest income on unwind of finance lease asset 

Interest income on unwind of deferred consideration receivable 

Total finance income 

Finance expense 

Bank interest paid 

Fair value loss on other investments 

Fair value movement on derivative liability 

Effective interest on other creditor 

Interest expense on lease liability 

Total finance expense 

12. Tax credit 

Current tax 

Current tax expense 

Adjustment for current tax of prior periods 

R&D tax credit for the year 

Total current tax 

Deferred tax 

Unwind of deferred tax 

Total deferred tax credit 

Total tax credit

43

15

22

19

15

23

23

22

2020
£ 

2019
£ 

11,756,451 

12,485,328 

5,599 

401,291 

86,394 

186,959 

289,511 

99,080 

12,249,735 

13,060,878 

2020
£

2019
£

47

111,780

20,500

201,337

333,664

18,663

–

355,000

437,050

71,319

882,032

3,705 

–

30,625 

112,331 

146,661 

45,931 

245,619 

72,000 

406,912 

72,056 

842,518 

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

(93,997)

(34,232)

46,127

(82,102)

130,331

130,331

48,229

(62,784)

(134,631)

97,007

(100,408)

131,743

131,743

31,335

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
44

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

12. Tax credit (continued)
The reasons for the difference between the actual tax credit for the period and the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK applied to profits 
for the year are as follows:

Loss before tax for the year – continuing 

Loss before tax for the year – discontinued 

Loss before tax for the year 

Expected tax at effective rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19.0% (2019: 19.0%) 

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 

Income not chargeable for tax purposes 

Effects of overseas taxation 

Adjustment for under-provision in prior years 

Research and development tax credit 

Timing difference 

Tax losses for which no deferred tax assets have been recognised 

Unwind of deferred taxes recognised on business acquisitions 

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

(1,582,286)

(4,665,161)

–

(783,451)

(1,582,286)

(5,448,612)

(300,634)

(1,035,236)

3,369

–

93,997

34,233

(46,127)

12,745

36,755

(129,831)

62,785

134,631

(97,007)

29,959

284,519

1,098,352

(130,331)

(48,229)

(131,743)

(31,335)

There are unused UK tax losses carried forward as at the balance sheet date of £37.0m (2019: £37.7m) equating to an unrecognised deferred 
tax asset of £7.0m (2019: £6.4m) using the expected future tax rates in the UK of 19% (2019: 17%). No deferred tax asset has been recognised 
in respect of these losses, as the recoverability of any asset is dependent upon sufficient profits being achieved in future years to utilise this 
asset. The timings of such profits are uncertain. 

Deferred Tax Liability 

At 1 January 2020 

Unwind of deferred tax recognised on business acquisitions 

Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2020

2020
 £ 

457,492

(130,331)

(6,248)

320,913

2019
 £ 

607,943

(131,743)

(18,708)

457,492

13. Profit/(Loss) per share
Basic profit/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing the result attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of 
shares in issue during the year. For fully diluted loss per share, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume 
conversion of dilutive potential ordinary shares. The Group’s potentially dilutive securities consist of share options, performance shares and 
a convertible bond. As the continuing operations of the Group are loss-making, none of the potentially dilutive securities (see Note 27) are 
currently dilutive. 

Loss after tax – continuing 

Loss after tax – discontinued 

Loss after tax – total 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic loss per share 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating dilutive loss per share 

Basic and diluted loss per share – continuing 

Basic and diluted loss per share – discontinued 

Basic and diluted loss per share – total 

Note 

24

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

(1,527,964)

(4,558,218)

–

(783,451)

(1,527,964)

(5,341,669)

 Number 

 Number 

285,165,652

284,428,747

285,165,652

284,428,747

Pence

(0.54)

–

(0.54)

Pence

(1.60)

(0.28)

(1.88)

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
45

14. Intangible assets

 Goodwill 
 £ 

 Customer
database 
 £ 

 Software 
 £ 

 Development
costs 
 £ 

 Domain 
names 
 £ 

 Intellectual
Property 
 £ 

 Total 
 £ 

Cost 

At 1 January 2019 

7,056,768

1,582,190

1,488,600

Additions 

Disposals 

Reclassified as held 
for sale 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Exchange differences 

(207,720)

(61,681)

(68,226)

9,708,137

2,680,289

(437,023)

(8,264)

At 31 December 2019 

6,849,048

1,520,509

1,420,374

11,798,373

Additions 

Disposals 

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,440,559

–

29,418

6,194,372

26,059,485

–

–

(365)

9,053

–

–

–

–

–

(231,600)

2,680,289

(164,766)

(437,023)

(577,856)

5,962,772

27,560,129

–

–

2,440,559

–

(144,766)

(20,000)

Exchange differences 

(151,829)

(44,859)

(36,151)

(6,040)

At 31 December 2020 

6,697,219

1,475,650

1,384,223

14,232,892

(268)

8,785

(176,593)

(415,740)

5,786,179

29,584,948

Accumulated amortisation and impairment 

At 1 January 2019 

1,650,000

1,582,190

1,407,255

5,923,789

29,418

2,618,210

13,210,862

79,731

2,128,156

–

774,958

2,982,845

Amortisation charge 

Disposals 

Exchange differences 

–

–

–

–

–

(61,681)

(66,612)

–

(60,389)

(5,521)

At 31 December 2019 

1,650,000

1,520,509

1,420,374

7,986,035

Amortisation charge 

Disposals 

Exchange differences 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,050,390

–

(44,859)

(36,151)

(5,680)

At 31 December 2020 

1,650,000

1,475,650

1,384,223

10,030,745

(20,000)

(365)

9,053

–

–

(268)

8,785

–

(121,563)

(80,389)

(255,742)

3,271,605

15,857,576

766,653

2,817,043

–

–

(139,836)

(226,794)

3,898,422

18,447,825

Net book value 

At 31 December 2019 

5,199,048

At 31 December 2020 

5,047,219

–

–

–

–

3,812,338

4,202,147

–

–

2,691,167

11,702,553

1,887,757

11,137,123

The Group has no contractual commitments for development costs (2019: none). 

Goodwill
The Group has 2 Cash Generating Units (“CGUs”) (2019: 2) for which the carrying amount of goodwill is allocated as follows:

Licensing 

Social Publishing 

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

4,819,435

4,964,607

227,784

234,441

5,047,219

5,199,048

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance46

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

14. Intangible assets (continued)
Impairment of goodwill
The Group is required to test, on an annual basis, whether goodwill has suffered any impairment. A detailed impairment test was undertaken 
at 31 December 2020 to assess whether the carrying value of assets was supported by its recoverable amount. 

The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal, and value in use. The use of this method requires the estimation of 
future cash flows and the determination of a discount rate in order to calculate the present value of the cash flows. No indicators of impairment 
arose as a result of this review. 

The recoverable amounts of both continuing CGUs have been determined from value in use calculations based on cash flow projections from 
formally approved budgets. Cash flow projections have been prepared by management for a three-year period to 31 December 2023, which 
have been presented and approved by the Board. These projections have been extended by a further 2 years using estimated growth rates 
to give 5-year projections. Other major assumptions are as follows:

2020

Licensing 

Social Publishing 

2019

Licensing 

Social Publishing 

Discount
rate

Long-term 
growth rate*

14.4%

14.4%

13.7%

15.7%

2%

2%

2%

2%

*  The growth rate assumptions apply only to the period beyond the formal budgeted period with the value in use calculation based on an extrapolation of the 

budgeted cash flows for year 5.

The discount rates used in discounting the projected cash flows are based on the Group’s Weighted Average Cost of Capital, after considering 
the specific risks of the different CGU’s. 

The discount rates used have been considered based on the risks involved in each of the underlying business units and terminal growth rates 
and reflect the expected growth in underlying EBITDA expected from these units. These CGUs have been considered for impairment and 
sensitivities have been calculated around the terminal growth rates and discount factors used together with specific scenarios including the 
loss of revenue where those revenues might be considered to be at risk. 

No indicators of impairment have arisen as a result as the impact of all sensitivities were judged to be within tolerable levels.

15. Other investments

At 1 January 2019 

Change in fair value 

At 31 December 2019 

Change in fair value 

At 31 December 2020 

 Other investments 
 £ 

535,130

(245,619)

289,511

111,780

401,291

The other investment balance comprises a 6.6% interest in Ayima Group AB (“Ayima”). The shares of Ayima are quoted on AktieTorget, a Nordic 
stock exchange (www.aktietorget.se). The investment is remeasured each reporting period to fair value based on the quoted share price. 

As at 31 December 2020 the quoted share price was SEK 13.00 (£1.15) (2019: SEK 10.35 (£0.83)). This is a level 1 valuation as defined by 
IFRS 13. Under IFRS 9, movements in fair value are taken to the income statement. 

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 202016. Property, plant and equipment

 ROU lease 
assets 
 £ 

 Leasehold
improvements 
 £ 

 Computers 
and related
equipment 
 £ 

 Office 
furniture and 
equipment 
 £ 

47

 Total 
 £ 

586,048

750,864

(241,127)

(1,125)

167

115,094 

644,281 

–

–

959 

760,334 

10,464 

–

(1,185)

769,613

–

116,713 

–

(541)

116,172 

166,100 

–

22,876 

(481)

304,667

197,580 

60,968 

(181,100)

–

(916)

180,899 

15,279 

(13,093)

(1,125)

235 

92,475 

30,336 

(46,934)

–

(111)

76,532 

182,195 

75,766 

1,094,827 

–

–

(473)

27,774

(3,139)

(463)

2,369

–

(926)

40,607

(3,139)

(3,047)

76,059

206,367

77,209

1,129,248

148,968 

40,627 

(174,938)

(766)

13,891 

16,263

–

–

(437)

29,717

126,631 

36,836 

(12,871)

161 

150,757 

25,809

(3,139)

–

(495)

172,932

67,799 

10,538 

(25,237)

144 

53,244 

8,151

–

–

(256)

61,139

343,398

204,714

(213,046)

(1,002)

334,064

216,323

(3,139)

22,876

(1,669)

568,455

644,162

464,946

62,641

46,342

31,438

33,435

22,522

16,070

760,763

560,793

Cost 

At 1 January 2019 

Additions 

Disposals 

Reclassified as held for sale 

Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2019 

Additions 

Disposals 

Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2020 

Accumulated depreciation 

At 1 January 2019 

Depreciation charge 

Disposals 

Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2019 

Depreciation charge 

Disposals 

Impairment 

Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2020 

Net book value 

At 31 December 2019 

At 31 December 2020 

17. Other assets

Other assets 

Other assets represent the rental deposit on operating leases and deposits held with third-party suppliers. 

18. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables 

Other receivables 

Tax and social security 

Prepayments and accrued income 

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

150,528

150,885

2020
 £ 

1,319,769

216,207

5,288

802,475

2019
 £ 

974,321

145,855

123,919

606,768

2,343,739

1,850,863

The carrying value of trade and other receivables classified at amortised cost approximates fair value. 

All amounts shown fall due for payment within one year. 

The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses using a lifetime expected credit loss provision for trade 
receivables. To measure expected credit losses on a collective basis, trade receivables are grouped based on similar credit risk and aging. 

Management have assessed the expected loss rate based on the Group’s historical credit losses experienced over the five-year period ended 
31 December 2020. The historical loss rates are then adjusted for current and forward-looking information on macroeconomic factors 
affecting the Group’s customers. As discussed in Note 5, the result of this review performed by management was a credit of £78,024 
(2019: charge of £200,000) being recognised in the income statement.

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance48

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

19. Deferred consideration

At 1 January 2019 

Deferred consideration received in the year 

Interest recognised as finance income on  
b/fwd balance 

11,24

Note

Eliminated on 2019 RMG disposal 

Deferred consideration on 2019 RMG disposal 

Interest recognised as finance income on 
2019 disposal 

At 31 December 2019 

At 1 January 2020 

Interest recognised as finance income on 
2019 disposal

Impairment recognised

At 31 December 2020 

24

24

11

11

5

Affiliate
Marketing
Continuing
 £ 

385,000

(385,000)

RMG*
Continuing
 £ 

Total
Continuing
 £ 

RMG*
Discontinued
 £ 

Total
 £ 

280,690

665,690

3,623,425

4,289,115

–

(385,000)

–

(385,000)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

22,034

22,034

273,851

295,885

(302,724)

(302,724)

(3,897,276)

(4,200,000)

1,208,366

1,208,366

90,297

90,297

1,298,663

1,298,663

1,298,663

1,298,663

201,337

(527,446)

972,554

201,337

(527,446)

972,554

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,208,366

90,297

1,298,663

1,298,663

201,337

(527,446)

972,554

*  RMG refers to Real Money Gaming. This segment is classified as discontinued as disclosed in Note 24.

2019 RMG disposal 
As part of the 2019 disposal of the B2C RMG CGU (see Note 24), the Group was due £1.5m deferred consideration on 31 December 2020. 
During the prior year, a discount rate of 14.5% was used to calculate the present value of the £1.5m (£1,208,366). Interest income of £201,337 
was recognised within finance income on the unwind of this balance. 

As disclosed in Note 5, management have performed an impairment assessment in line with IFRS 9 on the deferred consideration balance at 
the year-end, which has resulted in an impairment of £527,446 being recorded in the income statement in the year. The carrying amount at 31 
December 2020 is £972,554 (2019: £1,298,663).

After the year-end, on 1 April 2021 the Group received £1.0m from River for full and final settlement of the deferred consideration receivable, 
certain other receivable balances, and various legal proceedings and other out of court disputes between the parties.

20. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents 

Restricted cash 

Cash and cash equivalents for Statement of Cash Flows 

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

2,105,167

2,626,837

(18,382)

(18,382)

2,086,785

2,608,455

The Group has restricted cash of £18,382 (2019: £18,382) relating to funds held in Swiss subsidiaries which are currently in liquidation. The funds 
are restricted and are not included in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
21. Trade and other payables

Trade payables 

Other payables 

Tax and social security 

Accruals 

49

2020
 £ 

368,402

290,543

122,533

1,162,236

1,943,714

2019
 £ 

488,755

634,807

170,931

830,764

2,125,257

The carrying value of trade and other payables classified as financial liabilities measured at amortised cost approximates fair value. 

22. Leases
Group as a lessee
Set out below, are the carrying amount of the Group’s right-of-use asset and lease liability, along with the movements during the year.

Right-of-use assets

At 1 January 2019 

Additions 

Amortisation 

Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2019 

Additions 

Amortisation 

Impairment 

Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2020

Lease liabilities

At 1 January 2019 

Additions 

Lease payments 

Interest expense 

Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2019 

Additions 

Lease payments 

Interest expense 

Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2020 

Current 

Non-current 

Land and 
buildings 

115,094 

644,281 

(116,713)

1,500 

644,162 

– 

(165,223)

(22,876)

(704)

455,359 

Land and 
buildings 

498,115 

594,281 

(252,376)

72,056 

(9,427)

902,649 

– 

(298,606)

71,196 

(312)

674,927 

Motor 
vehicles 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

10,464 

(877)

– 

– 

Total 

115,094 

644,281 

(116,713)

1,500 

644,162 

10,464 

(166,100)

(22,876)

(704)

9,587 

464,946 

Motor 
vehicles 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

10,464 

(1,480)

123 

– 

Total 

498,115 

594,281 

(252,376)

72,056 

(9,427)

902,649 

10,464 

(300,086)

71,319 

(312)

9,107 

684,034 

2020
 £ 

343,859 

340,175 

684,034 

2019
 £ 

256,527 

646,122 

902,649 

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance50

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

22. Leases (continued)
Group as a lessor
Set out below, are the carrying amount of the Group’s finance lease asset, along with movements in the year.

At 1 January 2019 

Lease receipts 

Interest income 

Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2019 

Additions 

Lease receipts 

Interest income 

Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2020 

Current 

Non-current 

Finance lease 
asset 
£ 

385,106 

(120,507)

30,625 

(11,704)

283,520 

– 

(163,324)

20,500 

(638)

140,058 

2019
 £ 

126,354 

157,166 

283,520 

2020
 £ 

140,058 

– 

140,058 

23. Arrangement with Gamesys Group plc
In December 2017 the Group entered into a complex transaction with Gamesys Group plc and group companies (together “Gamesys Group”). 
The transaction includes a £3.5m secured convertible loan agreement alongside a 10-year framework services agreement for the supply 
of various real money services. Under the framework services agreement the first £3.5m of services are provided free-of-charge within the 
first 5 years. 

The convertible loan has a duration of 5 years and carries interest at 3-month LIBOR plus 5.5%. It is secured over the Group’s Slingo assets 
and business. At any time after the first year, Gamesys Group plc may elect to convert all or part of the principal amount into ordinary shares 
of Gaming Realms plc at a discount of 20% to the share price prevailing at the time of conversion. To the extent that the price per share at 
conversion is lower than 10p (nominal value), then the shares can be converted at nominal value with a cash payment equal to the aggregate 
value of the convertible loan outstanding multiplied by the shortfall on nominal value payable to Gamesys Group plc. Under this arrangement, 
the maximum dilution to Gaming Realms shareholders will be approximately 11%, assuming the convertible loan is converted in full.

The option violates the fixed-for-fixed criteria for equity classification as the number of shares is variable and as a result is classified as a liability. 

The fair value of the conversion feature is determined at each reporting date with changes recognised in profit or loss. The initial fair value was 
£0.6m based on a probability assessment of conversion and future share price. This is a level 3 valuation as defined by IFRS 13. The fair value as 
at 31 December 2020 was £0.6m (2019: £0.3m) based on revised probabilities of when and if the option will be exercised. The key inputs into 
the valuation model included timing of exercise by the counterparty (based on a probability assessment) and the share price.

The initial fair value of the host debt was calculated as £2.7m, being the present value of expected future cash outflows. The initial rate used to 
discount future cashflows was 14.1%, being the Group’s incremental borrowing rate. This rate was calculated by reference to the Group’s cost 
of equity in the absence of reliable alternative evidence of the Group’s cost of borrowing given it is predominantly equity funded. Expected 
cashflows are based on directors’ judgement that a change in control event would not occur. Subsequently the loan is carried at amortised 
cost. The residual £0.2m of proceeds were allocated to the obligation to provide free services.

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 202051

 Fair value 
of debt host 
 £ 

 Obligation 
to provide 
free services 
 £ 

 Fair value 
of derivative 
Liability 
 £ 

 Total 
 £ 

2,795,602

209,000

200,000

3,204,602

–

(8,000)

406,912

(276,841)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

72,000

(8,000)

406,912

(276,841)

72,000

2,925,673

201,000

272,000

3,398,673

2,925,673

–

437,050

(206,853)

–

201,000

(52,000)

–

–

–

3,155,870

149,000

272,000

3,398,673

–

–

–

355,000

627,000

(52,000)

437,050

(206,853)

355,000

3,931,870

At 1 January 2019 

Utilisation of free services 

Effective interest 

Interest paid 

Change in fair value 

At 31 January 2019 

At 1 January 2020 

Utilisation of free services 

Effective interest 

Interest paid 

Change in fair value 

At 31 December 2020 

24. Discontinued operations
During the prior year, the Group disposed of the remaining elements of its real money gaming B2C CGU. During the prior year the Group also 
disposed of one of its subsidiaries, Blastmedia LLC, a software development Company.

Analysis of profit for the financial year – discontinued operations:

B2C RMG – 2019 disposals 

Profit on disposal 

Loss for the financial year 

B2C RMG business reclassified as held for sale 

Share of loss of associate 

Loss on disposal of B2C RMG 

Others: 

Blastmedia LLC – loss on disposal 

Loss for the financial year – discontinued 

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

–

–

–

–

–

–

791,488 

(1,309,467)

(157,307)

(675,286)

(108,165)

(783,451)

A

D

B

C

B2C RMG – Disposal in 2019
On 17 July 2019, the Group completed the transaction to (i) sell the entire issued share capital of Bear Group Limited, (ii) license the Company’s 
real money gaming platform, and (iii) sell the Company’s residual interest in River UK Casino Limited, to River iGaming plc (“River”).

The cash consideration of the transaction is £11.5m on a cash-free, debt-free basis, with £1.5m deferred for receipt until 31 December 
2020. The transaction terminated the £4.2m deferred consideration due on 31 August 2019 and the put/call option over the Group’s 30% 
shareholding in River UK Casino. 

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
52

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

24. Discontinued operations (continued)
A – B2C RMG profit on disposal

Cash consideration 

Deferred consideration 

Deferred consideration cancelled 

Total consideration received 

Cash disposed of 

Net cash inflow on disposal 

Net assets disposed (other than cash): 

Intangible assets 

Investment in Bear Group Limited 

Investment in River UK Casino 

Property, plant and equipment 

Other assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Trade and other payables 

Total net assets disposed (other than cash) 

Gain on disposal of discontinued operation 

Less: Disposal costs 

Profit on disposal of discontinued operation 

2020
 £ 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

–

–

–

– 

2019
 £ 

6,967,718 

1,208,366 

(4,200,000)

3,976,084 

(811,858)

6,155,860 

3,402,811 

1 

2,110,885 

8,100 

32,000 

494,787 

(4,441,713)

1,606,871 

1,557,355 

(765,867)

791,488 

B

B – Share of loss in associate investment in River UK Casino
The Group used the equity method of accounting for associates. The following table shows the aggregate movement in the Group’s interests 
in associates:

At 1 January 

Share of associate's loss 

Disposal of associate 

At 31 December 

2020
 £ 

–

–

–

–

2019
 £ 

2,268,192 

(157,307)

(2,110,885)

–

C – Disposal of Blastmedia LLC
On 11 February 2019 the Group disposed of its investment in Blastmedia LLC, a software development company, for consideration of $100 
(£77), which resulted in a loss on disposal of the investment being recognised of £108,165.

Cash consideration 

Cash disposed of 

Net cash outflow on disposal 

Less: Assets disposed 

Investment in Blastmedia LLC 

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Other receivables 

Other payables 

Total net assets disposed (other than cash) 

Loss on disposal of Blastmedia LLC 

2020
 £

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2019
 £ 

77 

(20,408)

(20,331)

12,076 

72,680 

4,528 

1,124 

(2,574)

87,834 

(108,165)

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
D – Results of discontinued operations

B2C RMG 

Revenue 

Marketing expenses 

Operating expenses 

Administrative expenses 

EBITDA – B2C RMG 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Finance income 

Loss for the financial year – B2C RMG 

The net cash flows arising from discontinued operations are as follows:

Operating activities 

Investing activities 

Financing activities 

Net cash inflow 

53

2020
 £ 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2019
 £ 

6,002,455 

(706,213)

(4,907,731)

(1,965,488)

(1,576,977)

(6,341)

273,851 

(1,309,467)

2020
 £

–

–

–

–

2019
 £ 

(1,072,258)

4,932,639 

–

3,860,381

25. Financial instruments and risk management – Group
The Group is exposed through its operations to risks that arise from use of its financial instruments. The Group’s financial assets and liabilities are 
shown on the face of the consolidated statement of financial position and are presented in the table below by category, as defined by IFRS 9 
‘Financial Instruments’. 

Amortised cost

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

Fair Value

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

 Financial assets 

 Cash and cash equivalents 

 Trade and other receivables 

 Deferred consideration 

 Finance lease asset 

 Other assets 

 Other investments 

 Financial liabilities 

 Trade and other payables 

 Accruals 

 Other creditors 

 Derivative liability 

 Lease liability 

2,105,167

2,626,837

1,535,976

972,554

140,058

150,528

–

1,120,176

1,298,663

283,520

150,885

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

401,291

289,511

658,945

1,123,562

1,162,236

3,304,870

830,764

3,126,673

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

627,000

272,000

684,034

902,649

–

–

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the balance sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of 
the instrument.

The Group classifies its financial instruments in the following categories:

 » Financial assets held at amortised cost;

 » Financial assets held at fair value;

 » Financial liabilities held at amortised cost; and

 » Financial liabilities held at fair value.

The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial assets and liabilities were acquired. Management determines the classification 
of its financial instruments at initial recognition or in certain circumstances on modification.

In the Directors’ opinion, there is no material difference between the book value and the fair value of any of the financial instruments.

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance54

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

25. Financial instruments and risk management – Group (continued)
The Group has some exposure to credit risk and liquidity risk. There has been no material change to the financial instruments used within the 
business during the year except for contingent consideration and therefore no material changes to the risk management policies put in place by 
the Board which are now discussed below.

The Board has overall responsibility for the determination of the Group’s risk management objectives and policies. Whilst acknowledging this 
responsibility, it has delegated the authority and day to day responsibility for designing and operating systems and controls which meet these risk 
management objectives to the finance and administration function. The Board regularly reviews the effectiveness of these processes in meeting its 
objectives and considers any necessary changes in response to changes within the business or the environment in which it operates.

Currency risk
The Group is exposed to currency risk on translation and on sales and purchases that are denominated in a currency other than Pounds Sterling 
(GBP). The currency in which these transactions are primarily denominated is US Dollars (USD).

The Group’s policy is, where possible to allow Group entities to settle liabilities denominated in their functional currency with the cash 
generated from their own operations in that currency. Where Group entities have liabilities denominated in a currency other than their 
functional currency cash already denominated in that currency will, where possible, be transferred from elsewhere in the Group.

As of 31 December 2020 the Group’s net exposure to foreign exchange risk was as follows:

Net foreign currency financial assets 

US Dollar 

Euro 

Other 

2020
£

810,533

335,082

4,286

1,149,901

2019
£

780,928

141,712

17,787

940,427

The effect of a 20% strengthening in Sterling against other currencies, all other variables held constant, have resulted in a decrease in losses 
and an increase in net assets of £229,980 (2019: decrease in losses and increase of net assets of £188,086). A 20% weakening in the exchange 
rates would, on same basis increase loss after tax and decrease net assets by £229,980. (2019: increase loss after tax and decrease net assets 
by £188,086).

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk arises from the Group’s management of working capital and the finance charges and principal repayments on its debt instruments. 
It is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting its financial obligations as they fall due.

The Group’s policy is to ensure that it will always have sufficient cash to allow it to meet its liabilities when they become due. Aside from 
ongoing lease liabilities, the Group has no debt contractually repayable before 31 December 2022 (see Note 23). 

The following table sets out the undiscounted contractual cash flows:

At 31 December 2020 

Trade and other payables 

Accruals 

Other creditors 

Lease liability 

Total 

At 31 December 2019 

Trade and other payables 

Accruals 

Other creditors 

Lease liability 

Total 

Within 
1 year
 £ 

658,945

1,162,236

262,500

390,813

1-2 
years
 £ 

–

–

3,752,276

192,389

2,474,494

3,944,665

Within 
1 year
 £ 

1,123,562

830,764

263,219

327,030

2,544,575

1-2 
years
 £ 

–

–

264,600

356,919

621,519

3,754,338

368,315

4,122,653

Over 
2 years
 £ 

–

–

–

175,588

175,588

Over 
2 years
 £ 

–

–

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 202055

Credit risk
The Group’s trading is mainly exposed to credit risk through credit sales in the Licencing and Social Publishing segments. Generally, receivables are 
due and collected within 30 days of invoice or contract. See Note 18 for further detail on receivables exposure and expected credit loss analysis. 

Management considered the credit risk on other financial assets including deferred consideration and the counterparty debt risk and 
recognised an impairment provision of £449,422 as discussed further in Note 5. In the opinion of management, the credit risk to cash and lease 
deposits is immaterial. 

See further disclosure on results of expected credit losses in Note 18. 

Financial liabilities measured at fair value
The fair value hierarchy of financial liabilities measured at fair value is provided. 

The fair value of derivative liabilities totalling £0.6m (2019: £0.3m) was based on a probability assessment of conversion and future share price. 
This is a level 3 valuation as defined by IFRS 13.

The fair value measurement hierarchy is based on the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The inputs are categorised into 
three levels, with the highest level (level 1) given to inputs for which there are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets 
or liabilities and the lowest level (level 3) given to unobservable inputs. Level 2 inputs are directly or indirectly observable inputs other than 
quoted prices. 

Capital management
The Group is funded through shareholders’ funds and a £3.5m facility with Gamesys Group plc (Note 23).

The Group monitors its capital structure, which comprises all components of equity (i.e. share capital, share premium, non-controlling interest 
and retained earnings) and monitors external debt. The Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.

Changes in liabilities
IAS 7 requires an entity to provide disclosures that enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing 
activities, including both cash and non-cash changes. The Group’s liabilities arising from financing activities consist of the Gamesys Group 
plc arrangement (see Note 23), Derivative liability (see Note 23), an obligation to provide free services (see Note 23) and lease liabilities (see 
Note 22). A reconciliation between the opening and closing balances of these items is provided below. 

2020

Opening balance 

New leases entered into during the year 

Cash 

Non-cash transaction 

Unwind of discount 

Exchange differences 

Change in fair value 

Carried forward 

2019

Opening balance 

Adoption of IFRS 16 

New leases entered into during the year 

Cash 

Non-cash transaction 

Unwind of discount 

Exchange differences 

Change in fair value 

Carried forward 

–

(52,000)

437,050

–

–

–

–

–

3,155,870

149,000

Fair value 
of debt host
 £ 

2,925,673

–

(206,853)

Fair value 
of debt host
 £ 

2,795,602

–

–

(276,841)

Obligation 
to provide 
free services
 £ 

Fair value 
of derivative
liability
 £ 

201,000

272,000

Obligation 
to provide 
free services
 £ 

Fair value 
of derivative
liability
 £ 

209,000

200,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

355,000

627,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

72,000

272,000

Lease 
liability
 £ 

902,649

10,464

(300,086)

–

71,319

(312)

–

684,034

Lease 
liability
 £ 

–

498,115

594,281

(252,376)

–

72,056

(9,427)

–

902,649

–

(8,000)

406,912

–

–

–

–

–

2,925,673

201,000

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance56

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

26. Share capital 
Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares of 10 pence each 

286,647,315

28,664,731

284,428,747

28,442,874

The increase of 2,218,568 ordinary shares relates to the exercise of share options during the year. The total amount received by the Company 
for the exercise price settlement was £281,613, which has been recorded as an increase in share capital and share premium as follows:

2020
 Number 

2020
 £ 

2019
 Number 

2019
 £ 

Share capital 

Share premium 

£ 

221,857

59,756

281,613

27. Share-based payments 
Gaming Realms 2013 EMI Plan
On 1 August 2013 the Company adopted the Gaming Realms 2013 EMI Plan to allow, at the discretion of the Board, eligible employees to be 
granted EMI or non-EMI options at an exercise price to be determined by the Board not less than the nominal value of a share. Options will vest 
subject to such time based and share price performance-based conditions as the Board may determine. 

Options to acquire ordinary shares under the EMI plan may be granted up to a maximum of £3m (based on the market value of the shares 
placed under option at the date of the grant).

No consideration is payable for the grant of the option and the options are not transferable or assignable. Cash consideration is paid to the 
Company by the employee at the point that the share options are exercised. 

The following table illustrates the number and weighted average exercise price of share options:

Outstanding at 1 January 2019 

Forfeited during the year 

Number of options outstanding at 31 December 2019 

Granted during the year 

Forfeited during the year 

Lapsed during the year 

Exercised during the year 

Number of options outstanding at 31 December 2020 

Exercisable at 31 December 2020 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
(pence) 

15.45

17.12

15.33

14.69

22.44

1.00

12.69

15.60

20.56

Number

40,362,525

(2,643,414)

37,719,111

25,246,152

(6,884,000)

(26,153,837)

(2,218,568)

27,708,858

3,462,706

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Options to subscribe under various schemes, including those noted in Directors’ interests in Note 8, are shown in the table below: 

Date granted 

Exercise price 
(pence) 

Approved 

1 August 2013 

Unapproved 

1 August 2013 

Approved 

Unapproved 

Approved 

Approved 

Approved 

Approved 

Approved 

Unapproved 

Approved 

Unapproved 

Unapproved 

Approved 

Approved 

Approved 

2 April 2014 

17 June 2014 

17 June 2014 

19 February 2015 

15 October 2015 

10 November 2015 

28 July 2016 

28 July 2016 

1 May 2020 

1 May 2020 

1 May 2020 

2 June 2020 

28 July 2020 

26 November 2020 

Unapproved 

26 November 2020 

0.01

13.00

23.00

23.00

28.88

33.00

25.13

25.00

20.00

20.00

10.00

10.00

10.00

20.00

20.00

20.00

20.00

Exercisable between 

31 July 2015 to 31 July 2023 

31 July 2015 to 31 July 2023 

1 April 2017 to 1 April 2024 

16 June 2016 to 16 June 2024 

16 June 2016 to 16 June 2024 

19 February 2018 to 19 February 2025 

15 October 2018 to 15 October 2025 

10 November 2018 to 10 November 2025 

28 July 2018 to 28 July 2026 

28 July 2018 to 28 July 2026 

3 February 2021 to 1 May 2030 

3 February 2021 to 1 May 2030 

1 May 2020 to 1 May 2030 

3 February 2021 to 2 June 2030 

1 August 2021 to 28 July 2030 

2020
Number 
of shares 

–

–

1,377,469

–

326,087

172,475

535,000

854,175

167,500

30,000

4,350,000

1,300,000

750,000

6,000,000

8,846,152

26 November 2021 to 26 November 2030 

2,500,000

26 November 2021 to 26 November 2030 

500,000

57

2019
Number 
of shares 

26,153,837

1,538,460

1,690,621

750,000

326,087

172,475

5,535,000

974,105

548,526

30,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

27,708,858

37,719,111

During the year 25,246,152 share options were granted to Directors, certain employees and others.

The fair value of options granted during the year were determined using Black-Scholes models. The following principal assumptions were used 
in the valuation performed at each grant date.

Grant date 

No. of options 

Vesting date 

Model used 

 1 May 2020 

 1 May 2020 

 1 May 2020 

 2 Jun 2020 

 2 Jun 2020 

 2 Jun 2020 

2,216,661 

2,216,661 

2,216,678 

2,000,000 

2,000,000 

2,000,000 

 3 Feb 2021 

 3 Feb 2022 

 3 Feb 2023 

 3 Feb 2021 

 3 Feb 2022 

 3 Feb 2023 

 Black Scholes 

 Black Scholes 

 Black Scholes 

 Black Scholes 

 Black Scholes 

 Black Scholes 

Share price at date of grant (pence) 

Volatility 

Expected option life 

Dividend yield 

Risk free investment rate 

Fair value per option at grant date (pence) 

Exercise price (pence) 

Exercisable to 

9.15 

70%

 1 year 

 n/a 

0.09%

2.22 

10.00 

9.15 

60%

9.15 

55%

 2 years 

 3 years 

 n/a 

0.04%

2.74 

10.00 

 n/a 

0.04%

3.10 

10.00 

13.50 

70%

 1 year 

 n/a 

0.07%

5.25 

10.00 

13.50 

60%

13.50 

55%

 2 years 

 3 years 

 n/a 

-0.02%

5.83 

10.00 

 n/a 

-0.01%

6.25 

10.00 

 1 May 2030 

 1 May 2030 

 1 May 2030 

 2 Jun 2030 

 2 Jun 2030 

 2 Jun 2030 

Grant date 

No. of options 

Vesting date 

Model used 

Share price at date of grant (pence) 

Volatility 

Expected option life 

Dividend yield 

Risk free investment rate 

Fair value per option at grant date (pence) 

Exercise price (pence) 

Exercisable to 

 1 May 2020 

 28 Jul 2020 

 28 Jul 2020 

 26 Nov 2020 

 26 Nov 2020 

 26 Nov 2020 

750,000 

4,423,077 

4,423,075 

1,000,000 

1,000,000 

1,000,000 

 1 May 2020 

 1 Aug 2021 

 1 Aug 2022 

 25 Nov 2021 

 25 Nov 2022 

 25 Nov 2023 

 Black Scholes 

 Black Scholes 

 Black Scholes 

 Black Scholes 

 Black Scholes 

 Black Scholes 

12.30 

70%

15.65 

60%

15.65 

55%

18.30 

73%

18.30 

70%

18.30 

68%

 0.75 years 

 2 years 

 3 years 

 2 years 

 3 years 

 4 years 

 n/a 

0.09%

1.88 

10.00 

 n/a 

-0.09%

3.90 

20.00 

 n/a 

-0.14%

4.53 

20.00 

 n/a 

-0.03%

6.69 

20.00 

 n/a 

-0.04%

7.90 

20.00 

 n/a 

-0.03%

8.81 

20.00 

 1 May 2030 

 28 Jul 2030 

 28 Jul 2030 

 26 Nov 2030 

 26 Nov 2030 

 26 Nov 2030 

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance 
 
 
 
58

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

27. Share-based payments (continued)
The share option and related charges income statement expense comprises:

IFRS 2 share-based payment charge 

Direct taxes related to share options 

2020 £

330,308 

42,036 

372,344 

2019 £

9,972 

–

9,972 

IFRS 2 (Share-based payments) requires that the fair value of such equity-settled transactions are calculated and systematically charged to the 
statement of comprehensive income over the vesting period. The total fair value that was charged to the income statement in relation to the 
equity-settled share-based payments was £330,308 (2019: £9,972).

Where individual EMI thresholds are exceeded or when unapproved share options are exercised by overseas employees, the Group is subject 
to employer taxes payable on the taxable gain on exercise. Since these taxes are directly related to outstanding share options, the income 
statement charge has been included within share option and related charges. The Group uses its closing share price at the reporting date to 
calculate such taxes to accrue. The tax related income statement charge for the year was £42,036 (2019: £nil).

28. Related party transactions
Jim Ryan is a Non-Executive Director of the Company and the CEO of Pala Interactive, which has a real-money online casino and bingo site in 
New Jersey. During the year, total license fees earned by the Group were $45,693 (2019: $19,269) with $13,155 due at 31 December 2020 
(2019: $4,120).

Jim Ryan is a Non-Executive Director of Gamesys Group plc. In December 2017 the Group entered into a 10-year framework services 
agreement and a 5-year convertible loan agreement for £3.5m with Gamesys Group plc (see Note 23).

During the year £113,333 (2019: £90,000) of consulting fees were paid to Dawnglen Finance Limited, a company controlled by 
Michael Buckley, which is included in the remuneration figure of £198,333 (2019: £150,000) shown in Note 8. No amounts were owed at 
31 December 2020 (2019: £nil).

The details of key management compensation are set out in Note 7.

29. Subsidiaries
The subsidiaries of the Company, all of which have been included in these consolidated financial statements, are as follows:

Name 

Registered Office 

Blastworks Limited 

2 Valentine Place, London, SE1 8QH

Alchemybet Limited 

2 Valentine Place, London, SE1 8QH

Blastworks Inc. 

Backstage Technologies, Inc. 

Hullabu Inc. 

300 Deschutes Way SW, Tumwater, 
WA 98501

808 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC, 
V8W 2B6

848 N Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, 
NV, 89101

Alchemybet Malta Holdings 
Limited 

MK Business Centre, 115A Floor 2, 
Valley Road, Birkirkara, BKR 9022

Alchemybet Malta Limited 

MK Business Centre, 115A Floor 2, 
Valley Road, Birkirkara, BKR 9022

Country of
Incorporation 

Principal activity 

Proportion held 
by Parent Company 

Proportion 
held by Group 

UK

UK

USA

IP owner

91%

Software Developer 89%

Social publishing 
operator

100%

Canada

Software Developer 100%

USA

IP owner

0%

100%

100%

100%

100%

62.5%

Malta

Holding company 100%

100.0%

Malta

License holder

0%

100.0%

Quickthink Digital Limited 

2 Valentine Place, London, SE1 8QH

UK

Marketing services 100%

Blueburra Holdings Limited 

Digital Blue Limited 

49 Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, 
IM1 2LD

49 Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, 
IM1 2LD

Isle of Man

Marketing services 100%

Isle of Man

Marketing services 0%

100%

100%

100%

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 202059

The Group held 100% interest in the following subsidiaries that were in the process of liquidation at the balance sheet date:

Name

PDX Businessgroup AG

PDX Technologies AG

PDX Management AG

PDX Public Health and Safety AG

BFX Solutions AG

DDX Solutions AG

Registered 
Office

Vordergasse 53  
8200 Schaffhause

Country of 
Incorporation

Switzerland

Switzerland

Switzerland

Switzerland

Switzerland

Switzerland

Principal activity

Proportion held 
by Parent Company

Proportion held 
by Group

In liquidation

100%

In liquidation

In liquidation

In liquidation

In liquidation

In liquidation

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

30. Post balance sheet events 
On 6 January 2021, the Group was awarded a provisional iGaming supplier license by the Michigan Gaming Control Board to allow the Group to 
provide its Slingo Originals game content to Michigan’s licensed online casino operators.

On 1 April 2021, the Group received £1.0m from River for full and final settlement of the deferred consideration receivable (see Note 19), 
certain other receivable balances, and various legal proceedings and other out of court disputes between the parties.

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance60

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Parent Company Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2020

Non-current assets 

Investment in subsidiary undertakings 

Other investments 

Property, plant and equipment 

Other assets 

Current assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Deferred consideration 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Lease liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Other Creditors 

Derivative liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 

Share capital 

Share premium 

Merger reserve 

Retained earnings 

Total equity 

31 December
2020
 £ 

31 December
2019
 £ 

Note

2

2

3

4

5

5,129,119

5,128,030

401,291

460,592

138,798

289,511

629,699

138,798

6,129,800

6,186,038

15,448,125

15,251,311

972,554

1,298,663

35,488

1,717,280

16,456,167

18,267,254

22,585,967

24,453,292

6

8,856,470

8,053,805

178,043

106,720

9,034,513

8,160,525

7

7

3,304,870

3,126,673

627,000

308,774

272,000

444,160

4,240,644

3,842,833

13,275,157

12,003,358

9,310,810

12,449,934

8

28,664,731

28,442,874

87,978,166

87,918,410

2,683,702

2,683,702

(110,015,789)

(106,595,052)

9,310,810

12,449,934

As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, a separate profit and loss account of the Company is not presented. The Company’s 
loss for the financial year was £3,751,045 (2019: £6,226,399). 

The notes on pages 62 to 64 form part of these financial statements.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 26 April 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:

Michael Buckley
Executive Chairman

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
61

Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2020

1 January 2019 

Loss for the year 

Share-based payment on share options 

31 December 2020 

Loss for the year 

Share-based payment on share options 

Exercise of options 

31 December 2020 

 Share 
capital 
 £ 

 Share 
premium 
 £ 

 Merger 
reserve 
 £ 

 Retained 
earnings 
 £ 

 Total 
equity 
 £ 

28,442,874

87,918,410

2,683,702

(100,378,625)

18,666,361

–

–

–

–

–

–

(6,226,399)

(6,226,399)

9,972

9,972

28,442,874

87,918,410

2,683,702 (106,595,052)

12,449,934

–

–

–

–

221,857

59,756

–

–

–

(3,751,045)

(3,751,045)

330,308

–

330,308

281,613

28,664,731

87,978,166

2,683,702

(110,015,789)

9,310,810

The notes on pages 62 to 64 form part of these financial statements.

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance62

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020

1. Principal accounting policies
These financial statements present the results of Gaming Realms plc for the year ended 31 December 2020.

The Company is the ultimate parent company of the Gaming Realms Group and is admitted to trading on the Alternative Investment Market 
(AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. It is incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its registered office is Two Valentine Place, 
London, SE1 8QH.

These financial statements were prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS 101). 

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention. No profit and loss account is presented by the Company as 
permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. 

The financial statements are prepared in British Pounds Sterling. 

Basis of preparation
The accounting policies which follow set out those policies which apply in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 
31 December 2020. 

The Company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions under FRS 101: 

a)  IFRS 2 Share-based Payment disclosure, the share-based payment arrangement concerns its own equity instruments and its separate financial 

statements are presented alongside the consolidated financial statements of the Group;

b)  IFRS 7 Financial Instruments disclosures, given that equivalent disclosures are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Group 

in which the entity is consolidated;

c)  IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement disclosures; 

d)  Certain disclosures required by IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements, including certain comparative information in respect of share 

capital movements;

e)  IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows and related notes;

f)   IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures relating to key management personnel compensation; and

g)  IAS 24 Disclosure of related party transactions entered into between two or more members of a group, given that any subsidiary which is 

party to the transaction is wholly owned by such a member. 

Investments
Investments in subsidiaries and associates are stated at cost less provision for impairment in value, except for investments acquired before 
1 October 2013 (date of adoption of IFRS) where shares issued to effect business combinations and the conditions of the Companies Act 2006 
are met, merger relief was applied and the resulting investment is recorded at the nominal value of the shares issued.

Taxation
Current tax, including UK corporation tax, is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates and laws that have 
been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet. 

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date, where 
transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future or a right to pay less tax in the future have occurred at the 
balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is measured at the average tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the timing differences are expected to 
reverse, based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Foreign currencies
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at exchange rates as of the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are reported at the rates of exchange prevailing at that date.

Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities held by the company consist of trade payables, deferred consideration, long-term borrowings and other short-term 
monetary liabilities, which are held at amortised cost, and derivative liabilities which are held at fair value through profit and loss.

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 20202. Investments 

At 1 January 2019 

Change in fair value 

Disposals 

Impairment 

At 31 December 2019 

Change in fair value 

Additions 

Impairment 

At 31 December 2020 

63

 Investment 
in subsidiary
undertakings 
 £ 

10,897,262 

–

(1)

(5,769,231)

5,128,030 

–

1,089 

–

5,129,119 

 Investment 
in associate 
 £ 

3,000 

–

(3,000)

–

–

–

–

– 

–

 Other 
investments 
 £ 

535,130 

(245,619)

–

–

289,511 

111,780 

–

–

401,291 

The £1,089 addition to investments in subsidiary undertakings during the year relates to the incorporation of a 100% owned Maltese subsidiary, 
Alchemybet Malta Holdings Limited. This entity was incorporated on 30 September 2020. 

As part of the Groups transaction with River iGaming plc during the prior year, the Company disposed of its £1 investment in Bear Group 
Limited. See Note 24 of the consolidated accounts for further information. During the prior year, following the disposal of Bear Group Limited 
and changes in operations of other subsidiaries, an impairment of subsidiary investments of £5.8m was recognised. 

Details of the Company’s investments can be found in Note 29 of the consolidated financial statements.

3. Property, plant and equipment

Cost 

At 1 January 2020 

Additions 

At 31 December 2020 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment 

At 1 January 2020 

Depreciation charge 

Impairment 

At 31 December 2020 

Net book value 

At 31 December 2019 

At 31 December 2020 

 ROU lease 
assets 
 £ 

 Leasehold
improvements 
 £ 

 Computers 
and related 
equipment 
 £ 

 Office 
furniture and 
equipment 
 £ 

644,281 

10,464 

654,745

86,569 

136,619 

22,876 

246,064

60,968

11,421

19,047

–

–

–

60,968

11,421

19,047

7,717

12,194

–

19,911

3,811

6,394

–

10,205

 Total 
 £ 

735,717

10,464

746,181

106,018

156,695

22,876

285,589

557,712

408,681

53,251

41,057

15,236

8,842

629,699

460,592

7,921

1,488

–

9,409

3,500

2,012

Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate Governance64

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020 continued

4. Trade and other receivables

Amounts due from Group companies 

Tax and social security 

Other debtors 

Prepayments and accrued income 

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

15,242,105

15,127,642 

12,880

78,865

114,275

39,140 

18,286 

66,243 

15,448,125

15,251,311 

The balances due from fellow Group companies are repayable on demand and interest free. Management has assessed its receivables from 
Group companies using a forward-looking expected credit loss model. The methodology used in determining the amount of provision as at the 
reporting date is that of lifetime expected credit losses which is defined as a credit loss estimate of the present value of cash shortfalls over the 
expected life of the financial assets (receivables from Group companies). The expected credit loss charge in the year was calculated to be £nil 
(2019: £15,252).

5. Deferred consideration
See Note 19 of the consolidated accounts for further information.

6. Trade and other payables

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Amounts due to Group companies 

Trade creditors 

Other creditors 

Accruals and deferred income 

Tax and social security 

7. Other creditors & derivative liability
See Note 23 of the consolidated accounts for further information.

8. Called up share capital
Allotted, called up and fully paid

2020
 £ 

2019
 £ 

8,254,395

7,487,624 

139,574

86,267

339,268

36,966

113,876 

86,267 

342,447 

23,591 

8,856,470

8,053,805 

Ordinary shares of 10 pence each 

286,647,315

28,664,731

284,428,747

28,442,874

2020
 Number 

2020
 £ 

2019
 Number 

2019
 £ 

Allotted and fully paid up 

At 1 January 2019 and 1 January 2020 

Exercise of options 

At 31 December 2020 

9. Employee information
The Company had an average of 7 (2019: 8) employees during the year.

The employee costs for the Company were £924,566 (2019: £944,117). 

 £ 

28,442,874 

221,857 

28,664,731 

Details of Directors’ remuneration can be found in Note 8 of the consolidated financial statements.

10. Related party transactions
During the year £113,333 (2019: £90,000) of consulting fees were paid to Dawnglen Finance Limited, a company controlled by Michael 
Buckley. No amounts were owed at 31 December 2020 (2019: £nil).

The details of key management compensation are set out in Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements.

Gaming Realms plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Company Information

Directors
Michael Buckley, Executive Chairman

Mark Segal, Chief Financial Officer

Jim Ryan, Non-executive Director

Mark Wilson, Non-executive Director

Chris Ash, Non-executive Director

Mark Blandford, Non-executive Director

Patrick Southon, Chief Executive Officer (resigned 11 February 2020)

Company Secretary
Mark Segal

Auditors
BDO LLP, 55 Baker Street, London, W1U 7EU

Bankers
Barclays Bank plc, 1 Churchill Place, London, E14 5HP

Nominated advisors
Peel Hunt, 120 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5ET

Solicitors
Memery Crystal LLP, 44 Southampton Buildings, London WC2A 1AP

Registrars
Computershare Investor Services PLC, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS13 8AE

Registered office
Two Valentine Place, London, SE1 8QH

Registered Number
04175777

Designed and produced by Instinctif Partners  
creative.instinctif.com

Gaming Realms plc
Two Valentine Place 
London
SE1 8QH

www.gamingrealms.com