COAM rules in Macon-Bibb County
Macon-Bibb allows six Class B machines at one business location, three fewer than state law (Sec. 7-506). The county code also sets distance limits from churches, schools and a few other places, and a violation can reach your county licenses.
Last reviewed: November 5, 2026
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What is the machine limit in Macon-Bibb?
The county code says: "Location owners and location operators are prohibited from offering more than six (6) class B machines at one (1) business location within Macon-Bibb County" (Sec. 7-506). State law allows nine.
How far from what?
Any business location that offers one or more machines has to clear these distances (Sec. 7-512). The section doesn't say how to measure them, so ask the county if your address is close.
| A location with COAMs can't be within | Of |
|---|---|
| 100 yards | Any church building |
| 200 yards | Any school building, educational building, school grounds or college campus |
| 100 yards | Any alcoholic treatment center |
| 100 yards | Any housing authority property |
Didn't the county consider longer distances?
We found a December 2021 amendment to Sec. 7-512 with longer distances from package liquor stores and small box stores (2021 amendment). Our copy is unsigned, and those terms aren't in the code as published on Municode when we checked on November 5, 2026. So this page uses the published distances. We can't say for certain the amendment was never adopted, so if a store like that is near your address, ask the county.
What does the county require day to day?
- A sign. Near the machines, at least 11.5 by 17.5 inches, in bold letters at least one centimeter tall, stating the prize rules (Sec. 7-511).
- Plain view. Every machine stays in plain view and accessible to anyone at the location (Sec. 7-514).
- Monthly numbers. A copy of your monthly verified report, showing gross retail receipts, is due by the 21st. The county can audit the reports each year (Sec. 7-510).
- The 50% rule. No more than half of a location's monthly gross retail receipts can come from Class B machines (Sec. 7-510).
- The machine owner's details. Their name, physical address and mailing address go to the county tax office in writing before any occupational tax certificate or county license is issued or renewed (Sec. 7-513).
- Your staff. The machine owner has to tell you the prohibitions and penalties in O.C.G.A. § 16-12-35(e), (f) and (g), and you have to tell all your employees (Secs. 7-507, 7-508).
- Your license. Keep your privilege license or occupation tax certificate posted in a conspicuous place (Sec. 7-515).
Division 22 has no attendant rule and no separate game room license. State requirements still apply.
What does this mean for my bar, restaurant or store?
Bars and restaurants: the county can suspend or revoke an alcohol license, or any other county license, after a conviction under O.C.G.A. § 16-12-35(e), (f) or (g) or for violating this division. You get three days' written notice and a hearing before a county court. A court can suspend the license or set probation for up to 12 months, and three separate and unrelated violations within 24 months are grounds for permanent revocation (Sec. 7-509).
Stores and gas stations: plan for six machines, and map your address against the list above before you talk to anyone about machines. See the 50% rule, explained.
Sketch your room
Preset to this location's limit. Place spots to see how they might fit, then send the plan with your venue check.
- Set your room. Pick your business type and city, then enter the room's width and depth in feet.
- Add what's there. Use Add item for doors, the bar, tables and the register. Drag to move, and tap an item to resize or rotate it.
- Add machines. Tap Add machine, then tap the floor or drag. We stop at your location's limit.
- Send it. We attach your layout to your venue details.
Up to 6 Class B machines in Macon-Bibb County. Source
0 machines placed.
Worth a second look
List view: move and resize without dragging
On the sketch, you can also tab to an item, then use the arrow keys to move it, R to rotate and Delete to remove.
Machine spots are approximate. Sizes are averages from published cabinet specs, not your operator's machines. Cabinets vary by maker and model, and your operator will confirm the real footprint, power and placement before install.
- The shaded area in front of each machine is 36 inches deep, for a standing player or a stool. The walkway guide is 36 inches wide, the minimum width of an accessible route in the ADA standards (US Access Board). Both are planning guides, not legal requirements for your business.
- Local ordinances can require machines to be in plain view and accessible to anyone at the business. This tool can't judge sightlines. (O.C.G.A. § 50-27-86)
- Machines need power and a connection to the state's Central Accounting System, and that equipment has to stay connected and powered up. (GLC guide)
- Prizes are non-cash: replays, lottery products or gift cards. (GLC notice)
A planning sketch only. Your operator confirms what fits, and local rules and your license decide what's allowed.
The planner needs JavaScript. These are the machine limits we've checked. Use the form below to send your venue details.
Sources
- Macon-Bibb County Code, Chapter 7, Article II, Division 22, Secs. 7-504 to 7-515, checked November 5, 2026
- Macon-Bibb County: unsigned December 2021 amendment to Sec. 7-512, 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 5, 2026
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Behind this form: example game screens. Georgia prizes are non-cash: gift cards, lottery products or replays.