Have game machines? You must keep records.
September 23, 2026 · updated October 29, 2026 · Coam Tracker · 5-minute read
Five full calendar years, plus the current year. Every store and every Master Licensee must keep records of all its COAM transactions for that long, and Lottery agents may ask to see them at any time.
Between July and September 2026, Georgia Lottery inspectors made 2,847 inspections. They wrote 444 warnings and 112 citations.
The Lottery’s COAM Division reported those numbers. They cover the first full quarter under Georgia’s new redemption rules, which took effect July 1, 2026. During an inspection, the rules let inspectors see all COAM books and records. Keeping records is not a choice. It is written into the Lottery’s rules, and it applies to both sides of every machine: the Master Licensee and the store.
Lottery Rule 13.1.14(11) sets the time. It names each Master Licensee, Location Owner and Location Operator, and it says each one:
“shall retain records of all its COAM transactions for no less than the last five full calendar years and current year to date”
The years are counted back from the day the Lottery asks. A request made on November 1, 2026, reaches back to January 1, 2021. The rule does not name specific papers. It covers “all its COAM transactions”.
The rule names the Master Licensee and the store in the same sentence. Each one keeps the records of its own COAM transactions.
The same rule opens both sides to review by the Lottery and its agents. That review includes how the machine revenue is divided between them. The Lottery’s COAM Net Revenue and Commission report states that the shares changed on May 12, 2024. The Location License share went from 45.0% to 43.5%. The Master License share went from 45.0% to 43.5%. The Lottery’s share went from 10.0% to 13.0%.
Both sides must also keep the Lottery up to date. Master Licensees and Location Owners must report any change in ownership, address, phone number or email address within five business days (Rule 13.1.14(22)).
Under Rule 13.1.10(1), a machine may be placed in a store only by a Master Licensee. The store must hold a valid location license. It must also have a written agreement with that Master Licensee. An agreement made after April 10, 2013, “shall be exclusive” between one Master Licensee and one store per location.
Rule 13.1.10(2) says a copy of that agreement “shall be on file” at the place of business of the Master Licensee and of the store. The copy must be ready for an inspector to see.
Rule 13.1.10(4) lets the Lottery’s agents enter a licensed place of business “at any time” to inspect it. During the inspection, they have access to all areas of the business. The rule also gives them access to:
“All books, records, and supplies relating to the ownership and/or operation of COAMs.”
Rule 13.1.10(5) adds that a “Failure to cooperate with all aspects of an inspection” is a violation of the rules. That holds for the licensee, its employees and anyone acting for it. The Lottery’s violation chart lists “Refusing to allow inspection of a license premise”. The same chart lists not keeping records for five full years plus the current year.
The rules also name what must be posted where the public can see it.
The store. The original Location License is posted in plain view of the public (Rule 13.1.6(4)). A copy of the Master License for the machines at that location is shown in public view as well (Rule 13.1.6(5)). The Fraud, Abuse and Cash Payout tip-line sign hangs close to the Class B machines (Rule 13.1.14(16)).
Every machine. A permit sticker must be on the front of each machine the whole time it is in use (Rule 13.1.8(2)). Only the Master Licensee may remove it (Rule 13.1.9(1)).
The Master Licensee. The rules require Master License holders to display a Play Responsibly decal on every Class B machine (Rule 13.1.14(17)).
Rule 13.1.15(1) lists the consequences for breaking the law or the rules. They include a fine against the COAM license holder. The COAM license can be suspended or revoked. The penalties also include seizure of the machine, “including any proceeds contained in the COAM”.
Questions about the rules can go to the Lottery’s COAM Retailer Services line at 1-800-746-8546. The official rules are posted at gacoam.com.
Five full years of records, plus this year. The agreement on file. The licenses on the wall. The signs and stickers by the machines. An inspector may ask to see each one.
More answers: the Georgia COAM prize redemption guide and the 17-question COAM gift card FAQ.
Coam Tracker helps a store record each redemption, each gift card issued and each day’s machine totals in one place — see how →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.