Georgia Lottery Scam Unraveled: Brothers Sentenced After Years-Long COAM Theft Operation
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Georgia – A multi-year, multi-agency investigation has led to the arrest and sentencing of two brothers from Sparta, Georgia, for operating a widespread fraud scheme involving coin-operated gaming machines regulated by the Georgia Lottery.
On January 29, 2026, Columbia County Superior Court Judge Barry A. Fleming sentenced Quinton Watts, 27, and Phillip Watts, 31, following their convictions on multiple felony charges, including racketeering, lottery ticket fraud, theft by taking, and possession of tools for the commission of a crime.
The investigation began on August 5, 2024, when the Georgia Lottery requested assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Investigators determined the Watts brothers were involved in a long-running scheme between June 2021 and September 2024 that targeted video poker-style Coin Operated Amusement Machines, commonly known as COAMs, across more than 12 Georgia counties.
COAMs are arcade-style machines found in gas stations and convenience stores and are regulated by the Georgia Lottery. Players can legally redeem points earned on these machines only for in-store merchandise, fuel, or lottery tickets. Investigators found the Watts brothers exploited the machines by illegally siphoning funds and manipulating payouts in violation of Georgia law.
Following a Columbia County grand jury indictment, both men were convicted and sentenced to significant prison terms. Quinton Watts was sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by 45 years of probation. Phillip Watts received a sentence of 20 years in prison followed by 35 years of probation. In addition, both were ordered to pay more than $86,000 in restitution to the Georgia Lottery Commission.
Judge Fleming also imposed several strict conditions as part of the sentences. Both men are banned from Columbia County, prohibited from entering any businesses connected to the case, and permanently barred from playing COAM machines.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Andy Pascual led the prosecution with assistance from the GBI Commercial Gambling Unit, the Georgia Lottery Commission, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities emphasized that cash payouts from COAM machines are illegal in Georgia and that violations of commercial gambling laws will continue to be aggressively investigated and prosecuted statewide.
