Senate Bill 431
Gaming, Lottery, and Coin Operated Amusement Machines
Effective date: Became effective upon Governor’s signature

With limited exception, any promotion involving an element of chance during the playing of a game on a computer, mechanical device, or electronic device at a place of business is an unlawful lottery, as is the promotion of playing a game of no-skill on a computer, mechanical device, or electronic device at a place of business.

This bill expands the definition of “lottery” in the statute relating to offenses against public health and morals to include payments in cash or other consideration, and the option to play a no-skill game for prizes on a computer, mechanical, or electronic device. However, “lottery” does not mean a national or regional promotion or contest conducted by a corporation, if the corporation is registered under the federal Securities Exchange Act and has total assets of at least $100 million. This does not apply to games offered by the Georgia Lottery Corporation pursuant to the Georgia Lottery for Education Act. (The government hates competition.)

The bill clarifies the definitions of Class A and B bona fide coin-operated amusement machines, and it also authorizes counties and municipalities to enact and enforce ordinances regulating bona fide coin-operated amusement machines outlined in the bill.

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