Owning your own business means constantly looking for opportunities to increase revenue. Whether you’re trying to cut costs, build your customer base, or increase your revenue per square foot, the goal is nearly always the same: Make more money.
For businesses in Georgia with physical locations, one revenue-generating option that has gotten increasingly popular in recent years is the introduction of Coin-Operated Amusement Machines (COAM) – specifically skill game machines or redemption machines. COAM games offer customers an enticing blend of entertainment and skill-based challenges, creating an in-store environment that can drive increased foot traffic and revenue for businesses. Let’s look at the basics of getting started with COAM in Georgia and dive into the ways skill game machines can positively impact your bottom line.
What Are COAM and Skill Game Machines?
Coin-Operated Amusement Machines, or COAM, encompass a variety of arcade-style games and entertainment devices that are activated by coins or tokens. These machines have evolved beyond traditional arcade games and now include a wide range of skill-based games, which have become increasingly popular among patrons seeking a more interactive and rewarding experience.
Skill game machines are COAM that incorporate a player’s skill and strategy rather than relying on sheer luck. As such, these skill game machines are sometimes legal in areas where games that rely solely on luck, like slot machines, are not. This is the case in Georgia.
While the way they work is different, the skill game machines you might see in businesses like gas stations, convenience stores and bars, often look and play much like slot machines in places like Las Vegas or Atlantic City. They usually feature entertaining themes and gameplay and are sometimes based on familiar game shows like Wheel of Fortune or The Price Is Right. Instead of paying out cash prizes, these redemption games enable players to earn credits that can be redeemed for more gameplay, merchandise, or even gift cards.
Getting Started with COAM in Georgia
Before you offer COAM games at your Georgia location, it’s important to understand the legal and regulatory landscape around them. Different jurisdictions have specific laws governing the operation of amusement machines and it’s critical to comply with them if you want to avoid legal complications.
In Georgia, any operator of a COAM machine that has redemption options must pay an annual license fee of $125 per machine and adhere to rules around machine play – for example, making sure that the machines are restricted from being used by people under the age of 18. Working with a reputable provider of COAM games in Georgia is the best way to make sure you don’t run afoul of the law.
There’s good reason to comply with the rules and regulations around COAM gaming, too. If you fail to go through the proper licensing channels, you could be fined up to $25,000 and might even lose ALL of your state licenses. Making false statements on your licensing application can cost you that same amount and put you at risk of serving up to five years in prison. Additionally, asking for any type of compensation for putting gaming machines in your place of business can cost you up to $50,000!
Making Sure Your COAM Games Are a Success
Another important aspect of offering COAM gaming is making sure you select the right skill game machines for your target audience. You’ll want to consider the demographics of your customer base and choose machines that align with their preferences. There are hundreds of games to choose from, so this part can be quite daunting.
You’ll also want to make sure you create an environment that encourages people to play the games you offer by designing a dedicated gaming space within your place of business. This means offering comfortable seating, appropriate lighting, and a generally aesthetically pleasing layout. After all, the more people play, the more profit you stand to make.
These are just a couple of reasons why having a strong COAM partner to assist you through the process is your best asset when making these choices. While there are several companies to choose from, INAMAX powered by Ultra stands out for its extensive experience, level of service, and commitment to making sure you’re making sound decisions every step of the way. From making sure you’re adhering to government regulations to choosing the right games for your customers and making your gaming space appealing, INAMAX takes care of all of the important details for you.
The Benefits of COAM Machines
Beyond just offering something different for your customers, installing COAM games in your place of business offers a variety of other benefits.
Increased Foot Traffic
When you install COAM games, you’re giving your customers something fun to do while they’re in your store – and people are drawn to fun. The games can set you apart from your competition, meaning people will be more likely to patronize your place of business – which means you have an opportunity to sell them the products you’re offering.
Nearly Passive Income
Modern COAM games are designed to require very little oversight. Since customers can play – and collect their winnings! – by simply swiping a card, there’s no need to have an employee dedicated to the games. INAMAX powered by Ultra eliminates the need for tedious reporting and bookkeeping, and the service team works around the clock to keep the games up and running, so you don’t have to.
Diversification
Most business owners are always on the lookout for additional income streams, and the simplicity of COAM gaming makes it a highly attractive option. The games allow you to target different demographics and build a diverse clientele while putting your underutilized space to work for you.
Increased Retail and Food Sales
More foot traffic is just the beginning when it comes to the benefits of adding COAM gaming to your business. While you’re enhancing the overall customer experience, you’re also encouraging longer customer dwell times. While customers engage with the games, they’re also likely to be tempted to make other purchases. Strategically placing your games can lead to more impulse purchases and increase awareness of your other retail and food options.
Getting Started with COAM
This might all sound too good to be true, but it’s not! And it doesn’t take much to get started – a reputable and experienced partner will help you with the quick licensing process. For example, INAMAX Powered by Ultra has been in the industry for over 30 years, and is known for their commitment to supporting small business owners through this entire process.
The average INAMAX customer generates $5,000 a month through COAM gaming – imagine what that could do for your business! With a commitment to leading innovation and top performing products, as well as world-class customer service, INAMAX is proudly an industry leader in COAM. The difference speaks for itself – on average, INAMAX clients make 16% more than the Georgia average per machine installed. This is the result of multiple factors, including:
Extensive Experience
INAMAX has been in the COAM gaming industry for more than 30 years – decades longer than many competitors.
Compliance and Licensing Expertise
INAMAX is rooted in a strict and unwavering culture of compliance, even partnering with legislators to help craft industry regulations. The company leverages that wealth of experience and knowledge to help partners navigate the specifics of offering COAM games legally.
Premium Customer Support
When you partner with INAMAX, you’re supported by a team that includes an account manager, a data analyst, a compliance officer, general counsel, and technicians who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You buy the license and leave the rest to INAMAX.
Revenue Optimization
Offering COAM gaming isn’t a “set it and forget it” operation – and there’s no one-size-fits-all way to do it. The INAMAX team is always working to improve your gaming operation to suit your business needs, customizing machine combinations and using complex data analytics to maximize your revenue. If you’re ready to learn more about offering COAM gaming in your Georgia business to help generate more revenue, get in touch today. An industry expert can visit your location, no strings attached, to see what COAM could do for your business.