The slot-like gambling machines that populate gas stations and laundromats across Georgia only recently came under state control and on Thursday the Georgia Senate tried to tighten how they're controlled.
Senate Bill 388 would make it a misdemeanor to remove or deface permit stickers the state mandates be attached to the machines. What are officially known in Georgia as coin-operated "amusement" machines have been the bane of law enforcement for decades. Only two years ago did lawmakers try to force them into a compliance by creating regulations meant to clean up the industry.
In July, a new centralized data reporting system began tracking revenue from each of the more than 25,000 machines in the state. Other new measures include making machine owners and operators pass background checks to get licensed; a central accounting system that keeps track of machine revenues; and beefed-up enforcement of payout limits ($5 in credits for merchandise).
An investigation last year by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found convicted felons who hold coveted master licenses — state authority to actually own the machines and lease them to businesses.
SB 388 now goes to the state House for consideration.
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