American-Owned & Operated | Georgia Licensed COAM Operator | Fast Service Response
Georgia COAM Gift Card Requirements & Redemption
Georgia's Class B COAM redemption rules changed on July 1, 2026. Learn how gift cards, lottery products, replays and self-service redemption devices fit into the current system.
What Are the Current Georgia COAM Redemption Rules?
Beginning July 1, 2026, Georgia changed the legal redemption options available for Class B COAM winnings.
Class B COAM redemption is limited to replays, lottery products, and nonreloadable or reloadable gift cards.
Other goods or services may no longer be directly provided as redemption outside the gift-card structure except as otherwise authorized by law or the Georgia Lottery Corporation.
How Did Georgia COAM Redemption Change in 2026?
Before July 1, 2026, Georgia temporarily allowed nonreloadable gift cards as an additional legal redemption method alongside other forms permitted under existing law.
The July 1, 2026 change moved Class B COAM redemption into a more gift-card-centered model.
Gift Cards
Both reloadable and nonreloadable gift cards may be used for lawful Class B COAM redemption.
Lottery Products
Lottery products remain an allowable redemption option for Class B COAMs under the current statute.
Replays
Players may also receive lawful replay value as permitted under Georgia's COAM framework.
Where Can COAM Gift Card Value Come From?
Value placed on a COAM redemption gift card must come from value won by the player through successful play on a bona fide coin operated amusement machine.
COAM redemption value is earned through play.
Gift cards should not be treated like ordinary promotional cards that can simply be loaded with arbitrary value. The value associated with COAM redemption must come from lawful player winnings.
Where Can a COAM Gift Card Be Loaded?
Georgia law places specific restrictions on where COAM redemption value may be loaded onto a gift card.
At the Licensed Location
The gift card must be loaded or caused to be loaded on the premises of the licensed COAM location.
By the Location or Staff
The location licensee or its employees may load the card on the licensed premises.
Self-Service Device
An on-premises self-service gift card redemption device may also be used where permitted.
How a COAM Gift Card Redemption Kiosk Can Help
A properly configured self-service redemption device can make the redemption process easier for both players and location staff.
Faster Redemption
A dedicated kiosk can reduce the amount of time employees spend handling routine redemption transactions.
Clearer Player Experience
Players have a dedicated place to complete the redemption process instead of relying entirely on counter staff.
More Consistent Process
A defined redemption flow can reduce confusion and help locations create a more professional gaming experience.
Redemption should be simple for the player and manageable for the location.
Diamond helps locations think through kiosk placement, gift card flow, signage and staff communication so redemption becomes part of the operation instead of a daily headache.
See Diamond Gift Card SystemsCan a Georgia COAM Gift Card Be Used Outside the Gaming Location?
Yes. Georgia law allows a lawful COAM redemption gift card to be used off the premises of the location where it was loaded.
The statute also provides that the gift card may be redeemed or exchanged for goods or services the successful player is otherwise legally permitted to purchase.
Clear Redemption Signage Matters
Changing the redemption system is only part of the job. Players also need to understand how the new process works.
- Explain how players redeem winnings
- Clearly identify the redemption kiosk
- Explain how gift card value is loaded
- Provide easy-to-read player instructions
- Train employees on the process
- Keep messaging consistent throughout the location
- Use approved COAM decals where required
- Update signage when regulations change
The Georgia Lottery Corporation currently provides COAM gift card decal materials and other redemption-related communications through its official COAM document library.
Your Employees Need to Understand the Redemption Process
Even a good redemption system can create problems if employees do not know how to explain it.
Know the Process
Employees should understand where redemption occurs and how a player moves from machine winnings to gift card value.
Know What Not to Do
Staff should understand that unauthorized cash payouts or other improper redemption practices can create serious compliance issues.
Know Who to Call
Employees should know how to reach the appropriate support contact if a kiosk, machine or redemption process is not working correctly.
A Better Redemption System Is More Than a Gift Card
Diamond approaches redemption as part of the entire COAM player experience.
- Gift card redemption solutions
- Self-service kiosk options
- Player-facing signage
- Staff education
- Machine integration support
- Operational troubleshooting
- Account management
- Compliance-conscious support
The goal is a smoother experience from play to redemption.
A player should know what to do, employees should know how the system works, and the location should have support when something needs attention.
Talk With DiamondLearn More About COAM Operations in Georgia
Georgia COAM Gift Card & Redemption FAQs
What can Class B COAM winnings be redeemed for in Georgia?
Under the rules effective July 1, 2026, Class B COAM redemption is limited to lawful replays, lottery products, and nonreloadable or reloadable gift cards, subject to current Georgia law and Georgia Lottery requirements.
Can a Georgia COAM location still give merchandise directly as a prize?
Beginning July 1, 2026, Class B redemption generally must occur through the permitted redemption methods, including gift cards, rather than direct redemption of other products or services outside the gift-card system. Locations should consult current official Georgia Lottery guidance for specific situations.
Can COAM gift cards be reloadable?
Yes. Current Georgia law allows both reloadable and nonreloadable gift cards as legal forms of Class B COAM redemption.
Can a COAM redemption gift card be used somewhere else?
Yes. Georgia law allows a lawful COAM redemption gift card to be used off the premises of the licensed location after it has been properly loaded at that location.
Can players load their own COAM gift cards?
Georgia law permits value to be loaded through an on-premises self-service gift card redemption device, subject to applicable requirements.
Can a COAM location pay players cash?
Cash payouts are not a lawful Class B COAM redemption method. Locations should follow current Georgia Lottery requirements regarding permissible redemption.
Does Diamond offer a COAM gift card kiosk?
Diamond offers gift card and kiosk-based redemption solutions designed to help locations create a more efficient player and staff experience.
Need a Better COAM Gift Card Redemption Solution?
Diamond can help your Georgia location build a clearer, more efficient gift card and kiosk redemption process.
Request a Redemption Review