COAM prize redemption in Georgia since July 2026

• Replays.
• Lottery products.
• Non-reloadable gift cards.
• Reloadable gift cards.

Nothing else is authorized (GLC notice). You choose lottery products, gift cards or both, and offering both isn't required. Cash, in any form, is a criminal and regulatory violation (GLC guide).

Before that date, non-cash store merchandise was an allowed prize. Now it isn't, and a location that redeems anything else faces enforcement action. Under the statute, redeeming products or services that aren't on a gift card brings a warning for a first violation and civil penalties after that, on top of any other penalties (O.C.G.A. § 50-27-71.1).

Watch for old information. The Georgia Lottery's location FAQ and parts of its guide still describe merchandise prizes. Those older documents are out of date on prizes: the July 2026 notice lists the only allowed Class B prizes, which are replays, lottery products and gift cards (GLC notice).

The card can hold only what the player won. It must be loaded on your premises, by you or your employees or by a self-service redemption device. The player can use it elsewhere, but it can't be exchanged for cash, change or currency (O.C.G.A. § 50-27-71.1).

In September 2026, the Georgia Lottery reversed an earlier reading and said gift cards can't be used to get cash in any manner, in whole or in part, and that locations can't give cash back or help convert a card to currency (GLC letter). If you aren't already an approved gift card retailer, you need to establish your own relationship with a gift card provider (GLC notice).

In one of two ways. A kiosk issues and funds the card right away. That's common in bars, because staff don't have to stop, and a player can use the card to pay a tab. Or a small countertop unit lets staff load the card. The licensed operator usually provides the equipment.

The card can be store-only or a Visa or Mastercard card, but it can't give cash access: no ATM use, cash back, money orders or money transfers (GLC letter).

If you want to offer lottery products and aren't a Georgia Lottery retailer, the notice says to apply to become one. If you are one, keep enough inventory on hand (GLC notice). A location that isn't a retailer has to follow separate limits; check the current rules before planning around that.