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Diamond Amusements

Georgia COAM Licensing

Georgia COAM Licensing Timeline

Planning to add Class B COAM machines to a new or existing Georgia business? Understanding the licensing process early can help prevent unnecessary delays before installation and opening.

Planning Ahead

How Long Does COAM Licensing Take in Georgia?

There is no single guaranteed approval timeline for every Georgia Class B COAM application.

Timing can vary based on the completeness of the application, business information, ownership documentation, state review, follow-up requests and location readiness.

For that reason, Diamond recommends beginning the process well before your desired machine installation or grand-opening date.

Do not schedule your opening around a guaranteed approval date. Georgia Lottery Corporation controls licensing approval, and individual applications can require additional review or information.
Step by Step

The Georgia Class B COAM Licensing Process

1

Evaluate the Location

Before beginning the application, review whether the business is a good candidate for Class B COAM machines.

Diamond evaluates factors such as business type, customer traffic, available space, operating hours, potential room layout and the overall opportunity.

2

Gather Business Information

Prepare the business and ownership information required for the applicable Georgia COAM Location License application.

Incomplete, outdated or inconsistent information can create avoidable delays.

3

Submit the COAM License Application

Applicants may apply for a new COAM Location License through the Georgia Lottery Corporation's COAM licensing and reporting system.

The applicant should review the current Class B Location License instructions before submitting.

4

Application Review

Georgia Lottery reviews the application and associated information. Additional documentation or clarification may be requested depending on the application.

Responding quickly to requests can help prevent unnecessary delays.

5

Prepare the Business for COAM Operations

While the licensing process is underway, begin preparing the physical location for a future installation.

This can include room planning, electrical work, internet connectivity, redemption flow, kiosk placement, signage and staff planning.

6

Complete Required Location Steps

The business should complete any applicable licensing, inspection, operational or documentation requirements communicated through the official process.

Always follow the current Georgia Lottery instructions provided for your particular application.

7

Finalize Installation

Once required approvals have been obtained, Diamond can finalize machine installation, game mix, redemption equipment, room setup and launch preparation.

8

Launch & Ongoing Support

After installation, Diamond remains involved through technical service, preventive maintenance, performance reviews, gift card support, marketing and account management.

Grand Opening Planning

When Should I Start the COAM Licensing Process?

If COAM machines are part of your business plan, start the conversation as early as possible.

Waiting until just before a grand opening creates unnecessary risk. Even if the gaming room itself can be installed quickly, licensing and regulatory approval are outside the control of the equipment provider.

Work backward from your desired opening date.

Treat COAM licensing like permitting, utilities and other essential business-opening items. Start early enough that a paperwork issue does not become an opening-day problem.

Use the Time Wisely

What Can You Do While Your COAM Application Is Being Reviewed?

Licensing review does not mean every other part of the project has to stop.

  • Finalize the proposed gaming area
  • Confirm electrical requirements
  • Plan internet/network connectivity
  • Review machine placement
  • Plan seating and lighting
  • Prepare gift card redemption flow
  • Identify kiosk placement
  • Plan player signage
  • Train key employees
  • Prepare launch marketing
Avoidable Problems

What Can Slow Down a COAM License Application?

Incomplete Information

Missing application information or documentation can create additional back-and-forth during review.

Business Information Issues

Ownership, business registration or other records that do not match may require clarification before the process can move forward.

Slow Responses

If the state requests additional information, delays in providing it can extend the overall process.

Location Not Ready

Even after licensing progresses, unfinished electrical, network, room or operational work can delay installation.

Last-Minute Planning

Starting shortly before a target opening leaves little room for unexpected issues.

Assuming Approval

Do not purchase or schedule around an assumption that licensing will be approved on a particular date.

Diamond's Role

How Diamond Helps Prepare a New COAM Location

Diamond cannot approve a COAM license—that authority belongs to the Georgia Lottery Corporation.

What we can do is help your business stay organized and prepare the operational side of the COAM launch while the official process moves forward.

Licensing Support

Help the location understand the process and identify the information needed to move forward.

Room Planning

Determine machine placement, seating, electrical requirements, network needs and player flow.

Machine Mix

Plan a Class B machine mix based on the location rather than simply filling available floor space.

Redemption

Prepare gift card and kiosk redemption so the location is operationally ready.

Launch Support

Prepare signage, employee communication and player awareness before machines go live.

Ongoing Management

Continue with service, preventive maintenance, performance reviews and account support after installation.

New Construction & New Businesses

Opening a New Georgia Store, Restaurant or Gas Station?

The earlier Diamond can review your plans, the easier it is to incorporate the COAM room into the overall location design.

  • Gaming room square footage
  • Electrical outlets
  • Internet/network placement
  • Kiosk location
  • Counter and redemption flow
  • Machine access for service
  • Signage placement
  • Customer traffic flow

Plan the gaming room before the walls are finished.

Moving an outlet, data connection or doorway during planning is much easier than changing the location after the business is complete.

Talk With Diamond Before Opening
Frequently Asked Questions

Georgia COAM Licensing Timeline FAQs

How long does it take to get a COAM license in Georgia?

There is no guaranteed approval period that applies to every application. Timing can vary depending on the application, documentation, state review and any additional information that may be required.

Can Diamond guarantee my COAM license will be approved by my opening date?

No. Licensing approval is controlled by the Georgia Lottery Corporation. Diamond can help prepare the operational side of the project, but cannot guarantee state approval or timing.

Where do I apply for a Georgia COAM Location License?

Applications for a new COAM Location License are submitted through the Georgia Lottery Corporation COAM licensing and reporting system.

Should I wait for approval before planning my gaming room?

No. Room layout, electrical needs, network planning, kiosk placement and other non-operational preparation can often be considered while the licensing process is underway.

When can Diamond install the COAM machines?

Diamond coordinates installation after the required licensing and other applicable approvals are in place and the location is ready for installation.

Can Diamond help with a new store opening?

Yes. Bringing Diamond into the planning process early allows us to help evaluate the gaming area, electrical needs, network requirements, redemption flow, signage and machine layout.

This page provides general planning information and is not a guarantee of licensing approval or processing time. Georgia Lottery Corporation controls COAM licensing. Applicants should use current official application instructions, requirements and communications when planning their opening.

Planning a Georgia Business Opening?

Bring Diamond into the process early. We can help plan your COAM room, licensing preparation, redemption setup and machine installation before opening day.

Start Planning Your Location