Georgia COAM Nine-Month Rule: Ownership Changes

Buying or taking over a Georgia business that has had Class B COAMs requires a careful look at its machine history and written agreement. A new location license does not automatically allow the new owner to choose a different master licensee and install replacement machines.

When does the nine-month rule apply?

O.C.G.A. § 50-27-87(b)(3)(C) in the current COAM law (PDF) addresses applicants for a new location license where machines were placed at any time during the immediately preceding nine months.

When the rule applies, the law provides two paths: formally accept assignment of the applicable written agreement with the preceding location owner or operator, or keep COAMs out of the location for nine months from the date the new location license is granted.

Understand the two different nine-month periods

• The lookback: the location’s machine history during the nine months immediately preceding the new application determines whether this provision applies.
• The waiting period: under the waiting-period path, nine months runs from the grant of the new location license—not the date of purchase or the date machines were removed.

Example: suppose machines were present in August, a new owner applies in October, and the new license is granted in November. If the waiting-period path applies, the relevant starting point is the November license grant. This example illustrates the dates; Georgia Lottery must confirm the requirements for the actual location.

Review the agreement before an ownership change

Before committing to a purchase, lease or equipment change, gather:

• The location address and its current and previous COAM license information.
• Records showing when machines were placed and removed.
• The prior owner’s written master-licensee agreement and any amendments or assignments.
• The proposed ownership-change date and the new license’s application and approval dates, when available.
• Details of any unresolved contract, payment or machine-removal dispute.

Ask Georgia Lottery which agreement and master licensee apply if the location has a complicated history. A master licensee may refuse an assignment. Do not treat refusal or a disagreement as automatic permission to install another operator’s machines; obtain Georgia Lottery’s determination and have a Georgia attorney review contractual rights when needed.

Changing master licensees requires separate approval

Use the official Change of Master to Place COAMs Form (PDF) and follow its current instructions. The form requires certifications about disputes and other claims involving the location and master licensee.

Submitting the form does not authorize machine placement. Georgia Lottery approval must come first. Class B machines also require connection to the central accounting system before public play. A change-of-master request does not by itself settle a nine-month-rule or contract dispute.

Plan your next licensing steps

Start with our checklist before applying for a location license, then read the Class B application guide and Georgia COAM licensing overview.

For equipment planning, contact Lucky Coin or call (855) 345-8259. Confirm licensing and placement requirements with Georgia Lottery before scheduling an installation.

Reviewed September 29, 2026 against Georgia Lottery’s current COAM law and change-of-master form. Check the official COAM forms and notices directory for updates. This guide is general information, not legal advice; a location’s specific facts and agreements affect the outcome.