Are video poker machines legal in Georgia?
No. Georgia law names any video game machine for the play of poker, blackjack, other card games or keno as a prohibited gambling device (O.C.G.A. § 16-12-20). What a Georgia business can host instead is a licensed Class B COAM, with non-cash prizes only (GLC notice).
By Justin Gilmore Last reviewed: November 6, 2026 3 min read
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What does Georgia law say about video poker?
The definition of a gambling device includes any video game machine, operated for any consideration, for the play of poker, blackjack, any other card game or keno, or any simulation or variation of them. That includes games where numbers, pictures or symbols stand in for cards. The statute calls these prohibited gambling devices (O.C.G.A. § 16-12-20).
The exemption for amusement machines says it doesn't apply to those items (O.C.G.A. § 16-12-35). So the question isn't only whether the machine pays cash.
Did a 2026 bill change this?
No. House Bill 1373, filed in February 2026, would have expanded the amusement exemption to machines operated for poker, blackjack, other card games or keno (HB 1373; bill text). The official record shows no vote, and its last action was a second reading in the House on February 20, 2026. It died when the 2026 session ended on April 2, 2026 (2026 session summary). So the prohibition above still stands.
Why do people call Georgia machines video poker?
Because it's a common everyday name. People use it for machines in Georgia bars and stores, whatever game is on the screen. The name doesn't tell you what a machine legally is. What a Georgia business can host is a Class B COAM, explained in what Class B COAM machines are.
Can a Class B machine have a card theme?
No. Games built on cards or keno aren't allowed as Class B, and that includes solitaire-style card games. The statute names video games for poker, blackjack, any other card game or keno, including games where symbols stand in for cards (O.C.G.A. § 16-12-20). We found no published list of approved games. The Georgia Lottery also tells locations that ads for COAMs inside a location should avoid images of cards or cash (GLC guide).
Don't rely on a game's name, or on a salesperson, to settle this. Ask the Georgia Lottery's COAM Division or an attorney before you agree to host any machine you'd describe as poker.
What can my bar or store host instead?
A Class B COAM, supplied by a licensed master licensee, under your own Class B location license. Prizes are limited to replays, lottery products and gift cards (GLC notice). Up to nine are allowed per location, fewer under a local cap or the 50% rule (GLC FAQ). See our pages for bars and restaurants and gas stations and convenience stores, or send your venue details and we'll check your local rules first.
Questions about video poker
Can I get video poker machines for my business?
Not legally, as far as the statute goes: video games for the play of poker are named as prohibited gambling devices (O.C.G.A. § 16-12-20). You may be able to host licensed Class B COAMs instead.
Is it legal if the machine only gives gift cards?
Non-cash prizes don't settle it. The exemption for amusement machines doesn't cover the card-game devices named in the statute (O.C.G.A. § 16-12-35). Ask the Georgia Lottery or an attorney about a specific machine.
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Behind this form: example game screens. Georgia prizes are non-cash: gift cards, lottery products or replays.
Sources
- O.C.G.A. § 16-12-20, definitions including gambling device, checked November 5, 2026
- O.C.G.A. § 16-12-35, amusement machines and the some skill test, checked November 5, 2026
- O.C.G.A. § 50-27-70, definitions, in the Lottery for Education Act, checked November 5, 2026
- GLC notice: COAM Prize Redemption Changes Effective July 1, 2026, checked November 5, 2026
- GLC FAQ for location license holders, version 7.0, checked November 5, 2026
- GLC Location License Holder Guide, version 1.02, checked November 5, 2026
- HB 1373 (2026), Georgia General Assembly bill page and status history, checked November 5, 2026
- HB 1373 (2026), bill text as introduced, checked November 5, 2026
- Georgia courts: summary of the 2026 legislative session, checked November 5, 2026
Before you rely on this page
We wrote this page in good faith from the sources linked above, and it reflects our understanding as of the last reviewed date. It's general information, not legal advice for your business. Rules can differ by county and city and can change. Check with the Georgia Lottery or your own attorney before you act on it.
Last reviewed: November 6, 2026