There are a lot of things to keep in mind and take care of when it comes to adding and preparing your Georgia establishment for Class B Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAMs). One simple yet important detail is to make sure that your establishment has displayed all required signage prior to your machines going live. In addition to these required signs, it’s also a good idea to look into adding additional marketing signage to promote your machines and to help increase play. This guide covers everything that you need to know when it comes to adding signage at your establishment. If you don’t have one of the required signs listed below, your location may be subject to get fined by a Compliance Officer when your location is visited by the Georgia Lottery.
Required Signage:
- The original Location License for the current licensing year. Once your Location License is approved by the Georgia Lottery Corporation (GLC), you will receive your license in the mail. It’s important to immediately display the original copy of this license prominently within your establishment. Keep in mind that a copy of this license is not sufficient to display. The original gold seal must be present on this document. One thing we recommend you do after receiving this license is to get a picture frame to put your license in, in order to preserve and prevent the original license from becoming destroyed or lost. Your master license holder will require proof of your renewed location license each year.
- A copy of your Master Licensee’s Master License for the current licensing year. After you’ve partnered with your Master License Holder (MLH), you must display a copy of their Master License at your establishment as well. Similar to your Location License, we also recommend displaying this license in a picture frame to keep it in good condition.
- Fraud and Abuse Sign. The GLC requires that you display a Fraud and Abuse sign within the vicinity of your gaming area at all times. This sign includes the confidential tip-line phone number for patrons or employees to call and report fraud, abuse or cash payouts that may be occurring at an establishment as it relates to COAMs.
- Play Responsibly Decals. Each of your Class B COAMs must have a Play Responsibly decal on them. These decal stickers must be placed prominently on your machines as they include the toll-free phone number your patrons can call to report someone they know (or themselves) should they feel that they have a gambling problem. Calling this phone number is the first step in getting someone help should gambling be an issue for them.
- Another decal that is required on each machine is a Class B Decal. Similar to the Play Responsibly decals, there must be one Class B Decal for every Class B COAM at your establishment. This decal includes the Master License number of your MLH, the decal number and an expiration date. It’s important to ensure that your decals stay up-to-date, so replace them in a timely manner as they become expired.
In addition to these GLC signage requirements, it is important to be aware of any requirements your municipality requires in order to ensure that you stay compliant. Further, although this is not required signage, it may also be a good idea to display a message letting your patrons know that they must be 18 or older in order to play on your Class B COAMs. This will help your staff who monitor the gaming area and will serve as a reminder to your patrons.
Additional Signage Promoting Your Class B COAMs – What Not to Do:
When it comes to promoting and marketing your Class B COAMs, the GLC runs a tight ship (and for good reasons!) when it comes to what you can and cannot do. Many of these requirements and restrictions are put in place to ensure that all promotions and advertisements are consistent with applicable laws and rules from the GLC. Here are a couple of guidelines when it comes to marketing your Class B COAMs:
- Exterior Marketing and Signage must not obstruct or alter the effectiveness of any nearby traffic signage and/or traffic control devices.
- Avoid using words and phrases such as ‘Vegas Style’, ‘casino’, ‘slot machines’, or ‘Las Vegas’ as these suggest use of unlawful gambling devices. As a reminder, Class B COAMs are intended for amusement purposes and “winnings” are only to be redeemed for non-cash merchandise or lottery tickets.
- Refrain from the use of ‘cards’ and ‘cash’ images, as these would suggest that the COAMs are inconsistent with applicable laws and rules.
- Do not use the GLC name or any other protected names or marks without permission.
When partnering with Tom’s Amusements as your MLH, we will work closely with you to ensure that all of the required signage is displayed at your location at all times and that everything is up to date. We will also work with you to help promote and advertise your Class B COAMs while making sure that all of these marketing initiatives stay compliant with the law.