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.

How to Choose a COAM Payout Provider: Complete 2025 Guide

The clock is ticking. By July 2026, every COAM operator in Georgia needs a compliant payout system in place. If you're still evaluating options, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

What to Look For in a COAM Payout Provider

Not all payout providers are created equal. Here are the critical factors to evaluate:

1. HB 353 Compliance

This is non-negotiable. Your provider must offer a payout method explicitly permitted under HB 353—either gift cards or lottery tickets. Ask for documentation of their compliance framework and how they handle reporting requirements.

Questions to ask:

How does your solution meet HB 353 requirements?
What compliance reporting do you provide?
Have you worked with the Georgia Lottery Commission?

2. Integration Flexibility

Your payout solution needs to work with your existing setup. Whether you have a single location or manage hundreds as a master licensee, the provider should offer appropriate integration options.

Look for:

Standalone kiosk options for single locations
API integration for CMS systems
White-label options for master licensees
Mobile and tablet-based solutions

3. Player Experience

The transition from cash is already a change for players. Your payout solution should minimize friction and maximize convenience.

Consider:

How quickly can winnings be loaded?
Where can players spend their balance?
Is there a mobile app for balance checking?
What denominations are supported?

4. Reliability and Support

When your payout system goes down, your operation stops. Evaluate the provider's track record and support capabilities.

What's their uptime guarantee?
Is support available during your operating hours?
How quickly do they respond to issues?
Do they provide on-site training?

5. Total Cost of Ownership

Don't just look at transaction fees. Consider the full picture:

Setup and installation costs
Monthly fees or minimums
Per-transaction fees
Hardware costs
Training and support costs

Compare this to your current cash handling costs—armored transport, counting, security, shrinkage—and the picture often looks different.

Why Operators Choose Loop Pay

Full HB 353 compliance with automated reporting
Visa/Mastercard cards accepted everywhere
Zero setup costs for qualified locations
API and white-label options for master licensees

Get a Custom Quote

Gift Cards vs. Lottery Tickets: A Comparison

HB 353 allows two payout methods. Here's how they compare:

Factor	Gift Cards	Lottery Tickets
Payout flexibility	Any amount	Fixed denominations
Where redeemable	Anywhere Visa/MC accepted	Lottery retailers only
Inventory required	Digital (no inventory)	Physical tickets
Speed	Instant	Depends on terminal
Player preference	Generally preferred	Less convenient

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of providers who:

Can't clearly explain their HB 353 compliance approach
Have no Georgia-specific experience
Require long-term contracts with no flexibility
Don't offer a pilot or trial period
Have hidden fees or unclear pricing
Can't provide references from Georgia operators

Making Your Decision

The best provider for you depends on your specific situation:

Single location owners need simplicity and reliability
Multi-location operators need centralized management
Master licensees need integration and white-label options

Don't wait until the deadline is close. Start evaluating now, pilot a solution, and be fully transitioned well before July 2026.

Next Steps

Ready to evaluate Loop Pay for your operation? Here's how to get started:

Request a demo - See how Loop Pay works in action
Get a custom quote - Based on your volume and needs
Start a pilot - Test at one location before full rollout
Go live - We'll have you operational in days, not weeks