Nine pages. One question each. The short answer first, then the law and the Georgia Lottery’s own words, linked under every answer. Written for Georgia Store Owners and Master Licensees with Class B machines.
What a store may give when a customer brings a winning ticket from a Class B machine.
What can a store give for a winning COAM ticket in Georgia?
4 waysA store may give replays, lottery products, or a gift card. Nothing else since July 1, 2026. Merchandise, gas and cash are not on the list.
Can a store give cash for a winning COAM ticket?
Never cashNo. Georgia law does not allow cash, change, or any currency for a winning ticket. A COAM gift card can never be turned into cash either, not at an ATM, through a cash app, or by a bank transfer.
What changed for COAM stores on July 1, 2026?
July 1A winning ticket from a Class B machine can now be redeemed only four ways. Merchandise and gas straight for a winning ticket are no longer allowed. The change comes from House Bill 353, which became law in 2024.
The rules for the card, and the questions stores ask most.
What are the rules for a COAM gift card in Georgia?
RulesOnly the winning ticket amount goes on the card. It is loaded at the store, the customer may spend it away from the store, and it can never become cash. A store’s own gift card is allowed.
Georgia COAM gift card FAQ: 17 questions Store Owners and Master Licensees are still asking
17 Q&ASeventeen questions, each with a short answer first and the source under it: the basics, the cards, lottery products, day to day, inspection and penalties.
Keeping records, the quarterly report, inspections, and the weekly bank sweep.
How long do I have to keep COAM records in Georgia?
5 years +Five full calendar years, plus the current year. The page also covers what inspectors may see and what must be posted on the wall and on the machines.
What happens if my COAM sweep bounces?
WednesdayThe Lottery pulls the full amount owed once a week. If it is not there, the machines can be switched off, a fee is charged, and repeated returns put the license at risk.
When is my COAM report due?
20thOn the 20th of January, April, July and October. Each report covers the last full calendar quarter. The January 20 report covers October, November and December.
What is the COAM 50% rule?
50%No more than half of a store’s gross retail receipts for the quarter may come from its Class B machines. The rest must come from the store’s own business.
Every answer links to these. Read them yourself.
This page shares general information about Georgia law from public sources, with links. It is not legal advice. Coam Tracker helps you keep records. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by the Georgia Lottery Corporation or GAMOA.