GA HB353

Administrative rules and hearings related to bona fide coin operated amusement machines become subject to the Georgia Administrative Procedure Act, while disputes between licensees must be resolved through arbitration under the Georgia Arbitration Code

Beginning in FY 2025, the Lottery for Education Account shortfall reserve minimum is recalculated as 50% of the average net proceeds over the preceding three fiscal years (instead of the single preceding year), with 10% of any excess above the minimum appropriated for educational purposes

Noncash redemption for Class A and Class B machines transitions to gift cards as the required redemption method by July 1, 2026, with Class A machine noncash redemption awards capped at $50.00 wholesale value per play; gift cards may be loaded only on-premises but redeemed off-premises, and self-service gift card redemption devices are authorized

Revenue division from Class B machines is revised so the Georgia Lottery Corporation retains 13% of net receipts (up from 5%), while location owners/operators and master licensees each receive 43.5% (down from 47.5%); the prior annual 1% escalation to the corporation's share (capped at 10%) is eliminated

Licenses may now be issued for one-, two-, or three-year terms at the applicant's option; reporting requirements shift from monthly to quarterly; competitive auctions for Class B master licenses (up to 220) are updated effective July 1, 2024; and the corporation must establish a regulatory guidance letter process with a 60-day response requirement