The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) conducted search warrants at nine businesses in Georgia on Tuesday, as part of an ongoing investigation into violations of the state’s gambling laws. The operation has led to the imminent arrest of several individuals involved.
The GBI officials stated that they conducted searches at eight businesses in Columbus and one establishment in Cataula. The searches were carried out by the GBI’s Commercial Gambling Unit and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Georgia Lottery Corporation.
Authorities carried out search warrants at the following locations:
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- Hop In, 7890 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, GA
- Hop In, 4499 Warm Springs Rd, Columbus, GA
- Hop In, 1400 Double Churches Rd, Columbus, GA
- Lotto Mart, 400 3rd Avenue, Columbus, GA
- Citgo Quik Mart, 314 5th Street, Columbus, GA
- Hop In, 3875 St. Mary’s Road, Columbus, GA
- Hop In, 5757 Buena Vista Road, Columbus, GA
- Hop In, 3021 Macon Road, Columbus, GA
- Hop In, 871 U.S. Hwy 27, Cataula, GA
Officials from the GBI conducted a thorough investigation and found several businesses that were operating Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAMS). These machines allowed customers to receive cash payouts when they won credits.
Georgia law mandates that COAMS must obtain the necessary license from the Georgia Lottery. Furthermore, officials have emphasized that credits can only be exchanged for non-cash rewards, such as lottery tickets or store merchandise.
The GBI has stated that there are currently pending multiple arrests as a result.
The Daily Coffee Press will share additional details about the arrests as soon as they are made public.
