Opening a Georgia bar or store? When to plan for COAMs
Plan early, apply late. The Georgia Lottery checks that your business is operating, with prize stock on-site, before it issues a new Class B license, so the COAM location license comes after your business is open and licensed (GLC guide).
Last reviewed: November 6, 2026
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What order do the steps go in?
- Register the business. The Georgia Lottery checks your details against the Department of Revenue and the Secretary of State, so get those right from the start (GLC guide).
- Get your local business license. Many cities also tie machines to it. See local COAM rules.
- Get your alcohol license, where it applies. See COAMs and your liquor license.
- Apply for the COAM location license. The business should be operating, with prize stock on-site (GLC guide). See how to get a location license.
- Install. You need the original license posted before machines can lawfully go in (GLC guide).
This order is our reading of the Georgia Lottery's checklist and the local rules we've read. Nothing we found sets it out as one sequence.
What can I prepare while my alcohol license is pending?
- Your state tax identification number, and ID for every owner, officer and shareholder (GLC guide).
- A clean tax and Secretary of State record, since the Georgia Lottery checks both (GLC guide).
- A floor plan that keeps machines in plain view, if your local ordinance asks for that (O.C.G.A. § 50-27-86).
- A look at your local rules, including distance rules, before you sign a lease or build out.
- Your prize plan: replays, lottery products or gift cards (GLC notice).
If you'll sell liquor by the package, stop here: the Georgia Lottery won't issue a Class B license to a retailer of distilled spirits (GLC guide).
Do I need a local game room license?
In some places, yes. Local governments can pass their own COAM ordinances (O.C.G.A. § 50-27-86). Lilburn, Powder Springs and Rome each require an amusement game room license, and Lilburn limits where machines can go by zoning (Lilburn ordinance; Powder Springs code; Rome ordinance). Check yours in our local rules table, or ask your city or county.
When should I apply?
The licensing year runs July 1 to June 30, and the Georgia Lottery's guide lists May 31 as the last day to apply for a new location license for the year ending that June (GLC guide). Plan on about 4 to 6 weeks for the location license when the application is complete. The Georgia Lottery doesn't publish an approval time, so this is a typical range, not a promise. Then plan on about two to three weeks from approval to live machines, so about 6 to 9 weeks in total. An opening date shouldn't depend on machines being in place.
Questions from new owners
Can I get the COAM license before I open?
The Georgia Lottery may inspect a new Class B location to confirm that the business is operating and has enough prize stock on-site, and it can deny or hold an application if not (GLC guide).
Can I talk to you before I open?
Yes. Choose "Opening soon" on the form. We'll check your local rules and tell you what to line up first.
If a store here had machines recently, does that affect me?
It can. If COAMs were placed at the location in the last nine months, the nine-month rule applies. See buying a store with COAMs (GLC FAQ).
Sources
- GLC Location License Holder Guide, version 1.02, checked November 5, 2026
- GLC FAQ for location license holders, version 7.0, checked November 5, 2026
- Lottery for Education Act, including O.C.G.A. § 50-27-86, checked November 5, 2026
- O.C.G.A. § 50-27-86, local ordinances, 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
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Behind this form: example game screens. Georgia prizes are non-cash: gift cards, lottery products or replays.