COAM installation in Georgia: what to expect

You need the physical location license posted in your business before a master licensee can lawfully place machines. Placing machines in an unlicensed location can bring fines of up to $50,000 and other penalties (GLC guide). You also need a written agreement with the master licensee. See the location license steps.

1. Your license is approved. Installation files typically reach the state's accounting contractor within three business days.
2. Connection can take up to ten business days from then.
3. The master licensee can set machines up no earlier than two business days before the scheduled connection, and gives you the completed contract or addendum.
4. On connection day, the master licensee and a technician connect the machines to the Central Accounting System and show you how to operate them and use the reporting site.

Machines can't be played until connection is done, and machines that can't connect that day have to be removed (GLC guide).

Plan on about two to three weeks from approval to live machines. Files typically go to the contractor within three business days of approval, then connection can take up to ten business days (GLC guide). See how long the license takes.

This depends on the machines and your room, and the operator will walk it with you. Plan to discuss floor space per machine, room for players to stand and sit, dedicated power and how the accounting equipment connects. Machines have to stay connected and powered up at all times, so avoid outlets on a switch (GLC guide).

At a Class B location, you display your original location license. The master licensee provides a copy of its master license, a fraud and abuse sign, and a Class B decal and Play Responsibly decal for each machine (GLC guide). Some cities add their own required signs. Promotional signs have limits too: the Georgia Lottery says words like "casino" and "slots" shouldn't be used (GLC guide).

You deposit machine proceeds in a dedicated bank account by the next business day, and the Georgia Lottery sweeps the shares due each week. You keep the rest as your share (GLC guide). Your staff handle prize redemption, and repairs go to the master licensee. If machines aren't repaired in a timely manner, the guide tells you to contact the COAM Division at 404-215-5000.