Georgia Slot Machine Laws
Georgia gambling laws make most betting and gambling illegal. Residents may not possess slots or video poker machines. Home poker games are legal but only if a rake is not taken from the pot or an entry fee demanded. Poker tournaments that offer prizes may not have a buy-in. However, due to the relative recency of online gambling’s arrival on the scene, there is no specific law banning it either. So, Georgia residents can find options in out-of-state (and probably out-of-country) sites. However, they shouldn’t expect open arms and welcome within the power structure of the state. All machines prohibited: Conn Gen. § 53-278a: Deleware: Machines 25 years or older legal: 28 Del § 904: District of Columbia: Machines before 1952 legal: D.C. Code § 22–1704: Florida: Machines 20 years or older legal: FL Stat. § 849.235: Georgia: Machines before 1950 legal: O.C.G.A. § 16-12-24: Hawaii: All machines prohibited: HRS § 712-1226: Idaho.
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.
Georgia Slot Machine Laws Games
- Regional Investigative Offices
- Regional Drug Enforcement Offices
- Specialized Units
- GA Information Sharing Analysis Center
- Other Services
- Identity Theft