Operator guides for the
gift-card redemption era.
HB 353, COAM redemption kiosks, TRTs, and the real economics — written for Georgia location owners and master licensees. RSS feed.
Amusement Redemption Machines vs Redemption Kiosks: Sorting Out the Terms
Amusement redemption machine vs redemption kiosk: what each term means, where the confusion comes from, and which one a Georgia COAM operator actually needs under HB 353.
Game Room Kiosks: Redemption and Compliance for Small Venues
Game room kiosks for small venues: how a self-service redemption kiosk handles credit redemption, gift-card issuance, and compliance for game rooms and small COAM locations under HB 353.
Best Redemption Kiosks for Skill Game & COAM Operators in 2026
How to pick the best redemption kiosk for skill game and COAM operators in 2026: the criteria that matter — gift-card capability, audit trail, pricing model, integration, and compliance fit.
The GLC's Prize Reduction Alert: The Gift Card Violation Georgia COAM Operators Are Making Right Now
The GLC's COAM Division has flagged a surge in prize reduction complaints — operators loading gift cards for less than the won amount, or charging 'tips' before issuing cards. With enforcement live since July 1, here's what the violation looks like, why it's easier to detect under the new gift card regime, and how to make sure your location isn't next.
Buying vs Leasing a Gaming Kiosk: The Real Math for Operators
Buying vs leasing a gaming kiosk: the real total-cost math for operators, including the carrying costs a purchase hides — software, support, and cash handling — versus a flat all-inclusive lease.
TITO vs TICO: Ticket-In Ticket-Out vs Ticket-In Card-Out, Explained
TITO vs TICO explained for operators: ticket-in/ticket-out versus ticket-in/card-out, how each handles redemption, and why card-out fits Georgia’s HB 353 gift-card model.
Georgia COAM Gift Card Compliance FAQ: 21 Questions Operators Are Still Asking
HB 353 took effect July 1, 2026. Georgia COAM operators have questions — about Class A vs. Class B rules, reloadable cards, activation fees, lost cards, and what GLC inspectors are actually doing now. All 21 answered here.
Georgia COAM Q3 2026: Four Deadlines in 90 Days That Could Cost You Your License
July 1 enforcement is live — but Q3 brings three more critical deadlines: Q2 Gross Retail Receipts due July 20, the late license renewal window closing September 28, and Q3 receipts due October 20. Here's the full 90-day calendar Georgia COAM operators need right now.
Gaming Kiosks for Convenience Stores: A Georgia C-Store Owner’s Guide
A Georgia c-store owner’s guide to gaming kiosks: what a COAM redemption kiosk does behind the counter, what it costs, and how HB 353 changes the redemption setup before July 1, 2026.
How Gift Card Redemption Kiosks Work at Gaming Locations
How a gift card redemption kiosk works at a gaming location, step by step: validating player credit, issuing reloadable or non-reloadable gift cards, disclosing terms, and recording a full audit trail.
The Master Licensee’s HB 353 Playbook: Rolling Out Kiosks Across Locations
An HB 353 rollout playbook for Georgia COAM master licensees: how to sequence kiosk deployment across a location network, standardize redemption and audit, and hit July 1, 2026 without truck-roll chaos.
Choosing a Redemption Kiosk for Skill Games: 9 Questions to Ask First
Choosing a redemption kiosk for skill games in 2026: nine questions on gift-card capability, pricing model, audit trail, integration, and support that separate a real platform from a cash box.
Georgia’s Cash Redemption Ban: The COAM Operator’s Transition Guide
Georgia’s HB 353 ends cash redemption for Class B COAM prizes on July 1, 2026. What the cash redemption ban means, what replaces it, and the steps operators take to transition before the deadline.
Class A vs Class B COAMs in Georgia: What’s the Difference?
Class A vs Class B COAMs in Georgia explained: what each class means, which one HB 353 reshapes, and why the difference decides what redemption a location needs in 2026.
After July 1: What the First 30 Days of Georgia COAM Enforcement Look Like
July 1 isn't the finish line — it's day one of enforcement. GLC inspectors issue written warnings immediately, the July 20 Q2 reporting deadline follows 19 days later, and the 50% gross receipts rule doesn't pause for the transition. Here's what the first 30 days after the deadline actually look like for Georgia COAM operators.
How Skill Game Redemptions Work in 2026: Tickets, Gift Cards, and Kiosks
How skill game redemptions work in 2026 — from ticket and voucher validation to gift-card redemption at a self-service kiosk — and what Georgia’s HB 353 changes for operators.
What a COAM Kiosk Costs in Georgia (and Why It Shouldn’t Be $20,000)
What a COAM redemption kiosk actually costs in Georgia: the legacy $10,000–$20,000 cabinet model vs a flat ~$10-a-day all-inclusive lease, and how to read the real numbers before HB 353.
July 1, 2026: What Happens to Georgia COAM Locations That Aren’t Ready
HB 353 takes effect July 1, 2026. What changes for Georgia Class B COAM locations, what “not ready” actually costs, and the operator’s transition checklist.
What Is a COAM Redemption Kiosk — and Does Your Georgia Location Need One?
A COAM redemption kiosk lets players at Georgia Class B locations redeem game credit to gift cards under HB 353. What it is, how it works, and who needs one by July 1, 2026.
Ticket Redemption Terminal vs. Gift Card Kiosk: What HB 353 Actually Requires
TRT or gift card kiosk? For Georgia COAM operators the categories converge on July 1, 2026. What each machine does, what HB 353 requires, and how to buy once instead of twice.
Georgia COAM Gift Card Rules: Reloadable vs Non-Reloadable, Explained
How gift card redemption works for Georgia COAMs under HB 353: non-reloadable (anonymous, single-load) vs reloadable (identity-verified) cards, disclosures, and what operators must record.
How Much Does a Redemption Kiosk Cost in 2026? The $20K Cabinet vs $300/Mo
Real redemption kiosk pricing: what traditional cabinets cost ($10K–$20K plus software and cash handling), what an all-inclusive lease costs (~$300/mo), and how to compare them honestly.
What Is a Ticket Redemption Terminal (TRT)? The Operator’s Guide
What a ticket redemption terminal (TRT) is, how gaming TRTs work, what they cost, and how Georgia’s HB 353 is reshaping the category for COAM operators.
The GBI Is Investigating Georgia COAMs: Criminal Enforcement Is Live
Two Sparta brothers got 20 years in January 2026 for COAM fraud. The AG indicted a Bartow County man in May 2026 for $72K in lottery theft. Now that July 1 has passed, criminal enforcement of Georgia COAM violations is escalating — here's what operators need to know.
Train Your Staff Now: Georgia COAM Gift Card Payouts Under HB 353
The #1 violation GLC Compliance Inspectors catch is cash payouts — which means staff behavior is your last line of defense. Now that HB 353 is in effect, here's how to get every employee on your COAM team ready for gift card payouts.
Georgia COAM EFT Portal Change & July 20 Reporting: What Operators Must Have in Order
As of February 2026, the GLC no longer accepts COAM EFT Authorization Forms by fax or email — they must be uploaded through gacoam.com. Plus: the July 20 Q2 gross retail receipts deadline arrives just 20 days after HB 353 takes effect. Here's what to do.
What GLC Compliance Inspectors Check After July 1: Georgia COAM Inspection Guide
GLC Compliance Inspectors actively check Georgia COAM locations for cash payouts, inducements, and record violations. Now that July 1's gift card mandate is in effect, here's exactly what they look for and how to be ready.
Georgia COAM's Double Deadline: License Renewal AND Gift Card Compliance Enforcement Is Now Live
Georgia COAM operators face two critical deadlines at once: renew your 2027 license by June 30 to avoid a $1,000 late fee, and get gift card payouts live by July 1. Here's how to manage both.
Georgia COAM April 20 Deadline: Q1 Gross Retail Receipts Due — Plus July 1 Gift Card Rule Changes
April 20, 2026 is the deadline to file Q1 Gross Retail Receipts with the Georgia Lottery Corporation. And July 1 brings new Class A vs. Class B gift card rules operators need to understand now.
Local COAM Ordinances: The Hidden Compliance Layer Georgia Operators Can't Ignore in 2026
Rome's City Commission voted 5-2 to deny a COAM waiver, forcing a store out of business for violating a 2024 local ordinance. Here's why Georgia operators face two layers of compliance risk — both already in force.
COAM Gift Card Tampering: How to Protect Your Georgia Operation in 2026
GAMOA issued tampering alerts in early 2026. Two Georgia brothers just got 20-year sentences for COAM fraud. Here's what operators need to know to protect their gift card payout systems.
Georgia COAM Compliance Checklist: Are You Ready for July 2026?
Actionable compliance checklist for Georgia COAM operators preparing for the HB 353 July 2026 deadline. License verification, payout transition, staff training, and more.
Kiosk vs Staff-Assisted COAM Payouts: Which Is Right for Your Location?
Compare self-service kiosk payouts and staff-assisted COAM gift card loading. Setup costs, player experience, speed, error rates, and staffing needs explained.
Georgia COAM Industry 2026: What Operators Need to Know
Georgia COAM industry overview and 2026 outlook. Market size, location count, HB 353 impact, technology trends, and what successful operators are doing to prepare.
Why Visa/Mastercard Gift Cards Are the Best COAM Payout Option
Compare Visa/Mastercard universal gift cards vs store-specific cards vs lottery tickets for COAM payouts. Acceptance network, exact-value loading, and compliance benefits.
HB 353 Explained: What Georgia COAM Operators Need to Know
A complete breakdown of Georgia House Bill 353 and how it changes COAM payouts. Learn what the law requires and how to prepare your operation for July 2026.
How to Choose a COAM Payout Provider: Complete 2025 Guide
Comparing COAM payout providers? Learn what to look for in gift card solutions, integration options, compliance support, and pricing for Georgia operators.
Gift Cards vs Lottery Tickets: Which COAM Payout Method is Right for You?
HB 353 gives Georgia COAM operators two options for compliant payouts. We break down the pros, cons, and real-world implications of gift cards vs lottery tickets.
5 Questions Every COAM Operator Should Ask Before July 2026
Before choosing a payout solution for HB 353 compliance, make sure you're asking the right questions. Here's what smart Georgia COAM operators are considering.
Georgia COAM License Requirements 2025: Complete Operator Guide
Everything you need to know about Georgia COAM licensing in 2025. Requirements, fees, renewal process, and how HB 353 affects your license.
The True Cost of Non-Compliance: What Happens If You Miss the HB 353 Deadline
Fines, license suspension, and worse. Here's what Georgia COAM operators face if they don't transition to compliant payouts by July 2026.
Player Experience: Why Gift Cards Beat Cash for COAM Winnings
From a player's perspective, gift card payouts offer significant advantages over cash. Learn why players prefer modern payout methods.