GA HB1197

Location owners and operators with coin-operated amusement machine contracts may conduct billiards and darts tournaments on their premises, with prizes limited to gift cards or other noncash redemption forms.

Starting July 1, 2026, Class A machines may only offer replays and gift cards as redemption, while Class B machines may only offer replays, lottery products, and gift cards—with no other redemption forms permitted.

Progressive discipline becomes mandatory for violations: warning on first offense, fine on second offense, suspension and fine on third offense, and suspension/revocation/fine on fourth and subsequent offenses.

Appeals from Georgia Lottery Corporation hearing officer decisions must go directly to the Metro Atlanta Business Case Division of the Superior Court of Fulton County, bypassing the chief executive officer review.

By July 1, 2027, the Georgia Lottery Corporation must implement a digital tracking system for location owners to report lottery products, gift cards, and replays issued as noncash redemption for amusement machine plays.