If you have Class B COAMs in your establishment, you might think the hard part is over (that is, finding a Master License Holder to partner with, going through the process of licensing and getting your Class B COAM area set-up). You also might think a “set it and forget it” mentality works, since your Master License Holder takes care of a lot of the heavy lifting. But there are still some gaming-related mistakes you should avoid at all costs.
Mistake 1: Not Following the Georgia Lottery Corporation (GLC) Rules and Regulations
Yes, there are strict rules you must abide by if you are licensed by the GLC to have Class B COAMs. No, there is not any wiggle room when it comes to violations. We’ve outlined some ways to avoid GLC fines on our website, but it’s worth noting that you should always ask your Master License Holder (or contact us at TomsAmusement@accelentertainment.com) if you have any specific questions about compliance. Here are some quick tips to make sure you’re following the rules:
- Make sure that your patrons in the skill gaming area are at least 18 years of age. This is an easy situation to avoid with proper staff training and signage. Each staff member should be checking the Class B COAM area regularly. Ensure you have signs up that clearly state the area is only available to the 18 and over crowd.
- Are you updating your contact information as it changes? Let your Master License Holder know immediately if you’ve changed ownership, names, address, etc. Failure to do so may result in a hefty fine and in some cases, revocation of your license.
- Have one of your Class B COAMs stopped working? You’ll need to call your Master License Holder immediately, not only to avoid a possible decrease in revenue, but to also stay compliant with the regulations.
Mistake 2: Not Taking Proper Care of Your Class B COAMs.
Your Master License Holder should take care of most of the preventative maintenance related to your Class B COAMs, but there are things you can do to keep them in working order and thus, maximize play time during your open hours.
- Never use chemical cleaners on the COAM screens. It’s best to wipe down any spills or prints with a clean, soft cloth lightly dampened with warm water.
- Keep the COAM gaming area no more than 75 degrees.
- Wipe down chairs with warm water and mild soap.
- Never allow smoking in your location (not only will it ruin the machines, it is against best practice).
Mistake 3: Not Getting to Know Your Customers
Are your customers mostly male or female? What age range? Do they like to talk while they play, or be left alone? Taking the time to get to know your patrons, and especially your skill gaming players, will go a long way. Find out what their favorite soft drink is and offer it when they come in to play. Find out what kind of music they like and get the TouchTunes going for them. These are small tokens of your appreciation for their patronage but go a long way when it comes to how customers choose where to spend their free time.
Mistake 4: Not Training Your Staff
Your employees are trained in many aspects of the food and beverage industry: bartending training, security training, food handling, etc. You’ll need to make sure they are trained in the skill gaming industry as well. This includes providing them with information on:
- Who may be in the Class B COAM gaming area and when (carding hard to ensure all patrons are over the age of 18)
- What to do when a COAM stops working
- What to do when a patron is ready to redeem or transfer their Class B COAM winnings
- How to properly close and open each morning to eliminate any security issues
- What patrons are and are not allowed to redeem their winnings for (ex. players can not redeem winnings for cash, alcohol, cigarettes, or firearms)
When in doubt, reach out to us at TomsAmusement@accelentertainment.com for suggestions on how to better train your employees in handling your Class B COAMs.
Do you have any other mistakes skill gaming locations should avoid?
