Commercial Gambling Unit

In August of 2013, at the request of the Governor and the Georgia Lottery Corporation, the GBI created a Commercial Gambling Unit (CGU).  The CGU is tasked with enforcing Georgia’s commercial gambling laws as they relate to the Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAM) seen in convenience stores and other businesses around the state.  The machines can be legally housed in these businesses as long as they are properly licensed through the Georgia Lottery.  Based on Georgia law, customers who play the machines may ONLY redeem credits for in-store merchandise, fuel, or lottery tickets.  Redeeming credits for cash payouts is NOT LEGAL in Georgia and violators will be prosecuted.  Currently, the CGU is staffed with GBI agents, an intelligence analyst and support staff personnel.