Royston VFW Raided in Illegal Gambling Investigation

On October 22, 2025, the Royston Police Department, assisted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Commercial Gambling Unit and Georgia Lottery Corporation, executed a search warrant at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4828 on Franklin Springs Street in Royston, Franklin County.

The warrant followed reports of illegal gambling activity involving Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAMS) and card games at the location. Investigators seized multiple COAMS, U.S. currency, card tables, poker chips, playing cards, and other gambling equipment.

The investigation identified Herman Hart of Eastanollee, Georgia, and Carey Hart of Canon, Georgia, as operators of the illegal activities. Both face charges including Commercial Gambling, seven counts of Possession of Gambling Devices, violations of gambling law exemptions, and Keeping a Gambling Place.

VFW personnel, including the Georgia state commander, discovered the machines during an inspection and contacted police, prompting the investigation and involvement of the GBI’s Commercial Gambling Unit.

Under Georgia law, COAMS may only be operated publicly with a proper license issued by the Georgia Lottery Corporation.