State gambling laws lead to search warrants executed at multiple Columbus gas stations

Kelby Hutchison
·1 min read

Search warrants were executed on March 5 at nine gas stations for violating Georgia’s gambling laws, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

GBI’s Commercial Gambling Unit and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office executed the warrants at the following locations:

  • 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

Agents discovered businesses operating Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAMS) where customers were receiving cash payouts for winning credits, according to the release.

The GBI said COAMS in Georgia must be properly licensed by the Georgia Lottery and credits may only be redeemed for non-cash prizes.

Multiple arrests are pending, according to the GBI.