What is HB 353 and how does it affect COAM operators?

HB 353 is Georgia legislation requiring COAM operators to transition from cash payouts to gift cards or lottery tickets by July 2026. Loop Pay provides compliant Visa/Mastercard gift card payouts that meet all HB 353 requirements.

When do COAM operators need to be compliant with HB 353?

The deadline for HB 353 compliance is July 2026. After this date, cash payouts will no longer be legal for COAM operations in Georgia.

How do Loop Pay gift card payouts work?

Players win on COAM machines, and winnings are loaded onto a Loop Pay Visa/Mastercard via kiosk or staff. Players can then redeem their gift card at any participating location across Georgia.

Is Loop Pay compliant with Georgia Lottery COAM regulations?

Yes, Loop Pay is fully compliant with HB 353 and Georgia Lottery COAM regulations. We handle all reporting and compliance requirements so operators can focus on their business.

Georgia COAM Compliance Checklist: Are You Ready for July 2026?

The July 2026 deadline under HB 353 is no longer a distant date on the calendar. It is months away. If you have not started preparing, now is the time. If you have started, use this checklist to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

This checklist covers eight critical areas of preparation. Work through each section systematically and you will be fully compliant well before the deadline.

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Save this URL and return to it as you work through your compliance preparation. Share it with your team so everyone is working from the same list.

1. License Verification

Confirm your COAM operating license is current and in good standing
Verify license renewal dates and ensure no lapse will occur before or after July 2026
Confirm all location permits are up to date with your county and municipality
Verify your master licensee relationship is documented and current
Check that all machines at each location are properly registered with the Georgia Lottery Commission

2. Payout Method Transition

Select a compliant payout method (Visa/Mastercard gift cards, Georgia Lottery tickets, or both)
Choose and contract with a licensed payout provider
Decide between kiosk-based, staff-assisted, or hybrid payout delivery
Order and install any required hardware (kiosks, card readers, tablets)
Integrate the payout system with your existing COAM management software
Conduct end-to-end testing of the payout process before going live
Confirm that gift cards are redeemable statewide as required by law

3. Staff Training

Train all location staff on the new payout procedures
Create written standard operating procedures (SOPs) for payout handling
Train staff on how to explain the change to players
Train staff on troubleshooting common issues (card not loading, system errors)
Establish an escalation process for issues staff cannot resolve
Schedule refresher training closer to the July 2026 go-live date

4. Signage and On-Site Communication

Update all signage at COAM machines to reflect the new payout method
Post clear instructions near kiosks or at the counter where payouts are processed
Remove any signage referencing cash payouts
Display information about where and how gift cards can be used
Ensure compliance-related disclosures are visible to players as required by Georgia Lottery regulations

5. Reporting and Record Keeping

Set up automated transaction reporting through your payout provider
Confirm reports meet Georgia Lottery Commission requirements
Establish a record retention policy for payout transaction data
Test that your reporting system captures all required data fields
Verify that records can be produced quickly in the event of an audit

6. Player Communication

Notify regular players about the upcoming change at least 60 days before going live
Prepare a simple FAQ for players (what is changing, why, how it works, where to use gift cards)
Train staff to handle player questions and concerns with empathy and clarity
Consider a promotional period (bonus value, discounts) to encourage adoption
Collect player feedback during the initial rollout and adjust as needed

7. Testing Period

Run the new payout system alongside existing cash payouts for at least 30 days before the deadline
Monitor transaction success rates and resolve any failures
Test edge cases: high-value payouts, network outages, card reader malfunctions
Measure average transaction time and optimize if needed
Verify that all payout data is being recorded accurately in reports

8. Contingency Planning

Establish a backup payout method in case your primary system goes down
Keep your payout provider's support contact information posted at every location
Document procedures for handling payouts during system outages
Maintain a small inventory of blank gift cards on-site for manual loading if needed
Review and update your contingency plan quarterly

Need Help With Your Checklist?

Loop Pay helps Georgia COAM operators work through every item on this list. From payout system setup to staff training to reporting configuration, we provide hands-on support at every step.

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Timeline Recommendation

If you are starting this checklist today, here is a recommended timeline:

Immediately – Complete sections 1 (License Verification) and 2 (Payout Method Transition, selection phase)
Within 30 days – Complete hardware installation, system integration, and begin section 3 (Staff Training)
Within 60 days – Complete sections 4 (Signage), 5 (Reporting), and 6 (Player Communication)
60–90 days before deadline – Complete section 7 (Testing Period) with live transactions
Ongoing – Maintain section 8 (Contingency Planning) and conduct regular reviews

Do not wait until the last month. Operators who are fully prepared before the deadline will avoid the rush, the stress, and the risk of non-compliance penalties.