Georgia Gas Stations Busted for Running Illegal Gambling Machines

On March 5, search warrants were executed at nine Georgia gas stations for alleged violations of gambling laws. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office targeted "Hop In" and "Lotto Mart" locations in Columbus and "Hop In" in Cataula, where Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAMS) were reportedly being used for illegal cash payouts. The GBI emphasized that COAMS must be licensed and winnings must be redeemed for non-cash prizes. Multiple arrests are anticipated.

Georgia Gas Stations Raided for Operating Illegal Gambling Machines

In a major crackdown on illegal gambling, Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) agents and Muscogee County Sheriff's Office personnel executed search warrants on March 5 at nine gas stations across the county. The targeted businesses were identified as:

• Hop In, 7890 Veterans Parkway, Columbus
• Hop In, 4499 Warm Springs Road, Columbus
• Hop In, 1400 Double Churches Road, Columbus
• Lotto Mart, 400 3rd Ave., Columbus
• Citgo Quik Mart, 314 5th St., Columbus
• Hop In, 3875 St. Mary's Road, Columbus
• Hop In, 5757 Buena Vista Road, Columbus
• Hop In, 3021 Macon Road, Columbus
• Hop In, 871 U.S. Hwy 27, Cataula

According to the GBI, the investigation revealed that these businesses were illegally operating Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAMS) that offered cash payouts to customers for winning credits. However, such machines must be licensed by the Georgia Lottery and are only permitted to dispense non-cash prizes.

This blatant violation of Georgia's gambling laws prompted the authorities to launch swift action, resulting in the seizure of the illegal machines and pending arrests.

"Gambling laws are in place to ensure fairness and protect citizens from exploitation," said GBI Director Vic Reynolds. "We will continue to crack down on businesses that undermine the integrity of our gambling laws and engage in illegal activities that harm our communities."

The Muscogee County Sheriff's Office echoed the GBI's stance, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law. Sheriff Greg Countryman stated, "We are committed to ensuring that businesses in our county operate within the confines of the law. Those who choose to ignore our laws will face the consequences."

The GBI urged residents to report any suspected illegal gambling activities to local law enforcement or the GBI's Commercial Gambling Unit. The ongoing investigation is expected to result in further arrests and charges in the near future.