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Atlanta Commercial Gambling Attorney

Georgia has a history of cracking down on unregulated gambling activities. Commercial gambling is a felony offense that carries severe penalties. If you are facing commercial gambling charges, contact Wallack Law in Atlanta today for the aggressive criminal defense you need to effectively pursue the best possible outcome in your case.

Why Choose Us?

We have dedicated our practice exclusively to criminal defense. Founding attorney Sanford A. Wallack became a criminal defense lawyer because he is passionate about protecting the constitutional rights of citizens and fighting for individuals charged with a crime. We have vast experience and knowledge in our field. Sandy Wallack has been practicing criminal defense law for 25 years and our firm has been established for 15 years.

We provide personalized attention to each of our clients and take an innovative approach to every case we handle.

From Sandy’s interview for the Masters of Criminal Defense series on ReelLawyers.com.

What Is Commercial Gambling in Georgia?

Under Ga. Code Section 16-12-22, a person commits commercial gambling when he or she intentionally:

  • Operates or participates in the earnings of a gambling place;
  • Receives, records, or forwards a bet or offer to bet;
  • For gain, becomes a custodian of anything of value bet or offered to be bet;
  • Contracts to have or give himself or another the option to buy or sell or contracts to buy or sell at a future time any gain or other commodity whatsoever or any stock or security of any company, when it is at the time of making such contract intended by both parties thereto that the contract to buy or sell, the option whenever exercised or the contract resulting therefrom, shall be settled not by the receipt or delivery of such property but by the payment only of differences in prices thereof;
  • Sells chances upon the partial or final result of or upon the margin of victory in any game or contest upon the performance of any participant in any game or contest or upon the result of any political nomination, appointment, or election or upon the degree of success of any nominee, appointee or candidate;
  • Sets up or promotes any lottery, sells or offers to sell, or knowingly possesses for transfer or transfers any card, stub, ticket, check or other device designed to serve as evidence of participation in any lottery; or
  • Conducts, advertises, operates, sets up, or promotes a bingo game without having a valid license to operate a bingo game as provided by law.

From Sandy’s interview for the Masters of Criminal Defense series on ReelLawyers.com.

What Are the Penalties for Commercial Gambling?

Commercial gambling is a felony offense. It is punishable by one to five years in prison or a fine of up to $20,000, or both.

GLC Citations and COAM Arbitrations

Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAMs) are legal to operate in Georgia in accordance with state law, as authorized and regulated by the Georgia Lottery Corporation (GLC). Rules violations, such as paying cash for successful play, can result in GLC citations issued against the owner and COAM arbitration proceedings. The state may also attempt to permanently seize assets, including cash, inventory and personal and business bank accounts, in civil RICO forfeiture proceedings.

Contact Us Today

If you or your employees are facing criminal charges of commercial gambling, civil forfeiture proceedings, or dealing with a GLC citation, call Wallack Law in Atlanta right away. We can provide knowledgeable counsel to defend you and your personnel.

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