COAM rules in Savannah
Savannah allows six Class B machines per location, three fewer than state law (City of Savannah). The city also requires an attendant aged 18 or older, machines in plain view, a posted sign, and records it can inspect.
Last reviewed: November 5, 2026
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What is the machine limit in Savannah?
The ordinance says: "No Amusement Game Room in the City shall offer to the public more than six (6) Class B machines at one (1) business location within the City" (Sec. 6-2808). State law allows nine.
The same wording is in the city's current code (Savannah code). The city's own page confirms the six-machine limit and says council approved the ordinance on June 20, 2019 (City of Savannah).
How do I register with the city?
The ordinance requires an amusement game room registration for each location, with verification of your state location license, and a business tax certificate. The city doesn't charge a fee for the registration, and it runs through October 31 (Sec. 6-2804 to 6-2806).
The city's page says it now certifies businesses directly from the state's approved registration list, so you don't register twice. That notice refers to the 2021-2022 certificates. Questions go to coam@savannahga.gov (City of Savannah). Machine revenue goes on a business tax certificate, either a new one or added to the one you have.
What does the city require day to day?
- An attendant. You can't open to the public without one aged 18 or older (ordinance).
- Plain view. Machines stay in plain view of, and open and accessible to, people in the business (ordinance).
- A sign. At least 11.5 by 17.5 inches, stating the prize rules. The city posts an example (City of Savannah; Sec. 6-2810).
- Records. Keep machine receipts separate from other sales, available for inspection, and give the city a copy of your report to the state (Sec. 6-2809).
- Your staff. Tell every employee what's prohibited and what the penalties are (Sec. 6-2810).
Are there distance rules?
Yes. A location has to meet the same proximity rule as a business licensed to sell alcohol, in Sec. 6-1207(c). The Mayor and Aldermen can waive it for a location that sells no alcohol, after a hearing (Sec. 6-2807).
Sec. 6-1207(c) doesn't list distances of its own. It refers to the state's distance rules and lists exceptions, such as for certain hotels and restaurants (Sec. 6-1207(c)). State law sets 100 yards from a church building and 200 yards from a school building, educational building, school grounds or college campus for distilled spirits, 100 yards from a school or college for wine and malt beverages, and 100 yards from a government-run alcoholic treatment center (O.C.G.A. § 3-3-21). Ask the city which of these apply to your location, and whether the exceptions reach a location with machines.
What does this mean for my bar, restaurant or store?
Bars and restaurants: the city can suspend or revoke your alcohol license for violating this ordinance, or after a conviction under the state prize law. That's wider than the state-law risk alone (Sec. 6-2812).
Stores and gas stations: plan for six machines, and for someone 18 or older on every shift. The 50% rule still applies, and the ordinance writes it as monthly (Sec. 6-2809), so keep monthly numbers. 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 Savannah. 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
- City of Savannah: Coin Operated Amusement Machines, checked November 5, 2026
- City of Savannah ordinance text, Part 6, Chapter 1, Article II, checked November 5, 2026
- City of Savannah Code of Ordinances, Secs. 6-1207 and 6-2807, checked November 5, 2026
- O.C.G.A. § 3-3-21 (2025), 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.