September 22, 2026 · Coam Tracker · 3-minute read
Short answer: since July 1, 2026, Georgia law gives exactly four ways to redeem a Class B COAM prize. Never cash. Not even a little.
That list comes from House Bill 353, which changed O.C.G.A. § 50-27-71 starting July 1, 2026. The Lottery has said the change went smoothly — and that inspectors check prize redemption and records on every visit.
Cash. The law says it plainly: a gift card given for a COAM prize shall not be exchanged for cash, change, or currency — O.C.G.A. § 50-27-71.1(b). No cash back, no “close enough.” We wrote a whole page on this: the gift card law, in plain English.
A customer wins and brings you the ticket. You pick from the four ways above — and you make a record of it. Who redeemed, when, which of the four ways, and the ticket amount. Write it by hand or use an app. Your pick. But every ticket needs a record, because that is what the inspector asks to see.
License renewal for the 2027 year is due September 28. Gross retail receipts for July–September are due October 20 at gacoam.com. Our News & Dates page keeps the full list current.
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.