Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAM)

COAM is an acronym for Coin Operated Amusement Machine. There are two types of COAMs in Georgia (Class A and Class B) which are defined by Georgia statute. Some examples of Class A COAMs are kiddie rides, skeeball, claw machines, pinball games, typical arcade games, pool tables that accept coins or bills, and juke boxes. Most Class B COAMs in Georgia are redemption devices that are also games of skill that may allow a successful player to carry over points won on one play to a subsequent play or plays.

Effective as of April 10, 2013, the Georgia Lottery Corporation (GLC) regulates the industry.

Yes. Any location that allows COAMs to be placed in the location and made available to the public for play must hold a valid COAM Location License issued by GLC.  A Location License Holder is the owner or operator of a business where 1 or more COAMs are available to play by the public.  Any owner of a COAM that places machines in an owner or operator’s place of business and made available to the public for play must hold a valid COAM Master License issued by GLC.  A Master License Holder is the owner of COAMs placed in a business and made available to the public for play.  Any manufacturer or distributor that sells or distributes COAMs to an owner which are made available to the public for play must hold a valid COAM Manufacturer or Distributor License issued by the GLC.  A Manufacturer or Distributor is a person, individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or any business entity that supplies and sells major components or parts, including software, hardware, or both to Class B machine distributors or operators.

The Georgia Lottery Corporation currently has rules and regulations in place for COAMs which can be located on the COAM licensing and reporting website and accessing the Services and Support/Documents section.

An applicant may apply for or renew a COAM Location License, COAM Manufacturer/Distributor License, or renew a COAM Master License through the Georgia Lottery Corporation COAM licensing and reporting website. 

More information regarding COAMs in Georgia can be found on the Georgia Lottery Corporation’s COAM licensing and reporting website.