Two Men Embroiled in Georgian Lottery Fraud Get Sentenced

Brothers Quinton Watts and Phillip Watts will serve lengthy prison sentences after the Columbia County Superior Court and Judge Barry A. Fleming found them guilty on multiple charges, including racketeering, lottery ticket fraud, theft by taking, and possession of tools for the commission of a crime.

The brothers were targeting coin-operated amusement machines (COAMs) across the state, which do not pay out real money, but still give players a variety of awards, including store and gas credit, and Georgia lottery tickets. 

COAMs are usually found at gas stations and convenience stores across the state. The investigation found that the brothers conspired to defraud the machines by manipulating the game credits and cashing out winnings.

Their criminal activity took place between June 2021 and September 2024, based on a joint investigation by the GBI Commercial Gambling Unit and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. 

Judge Fleming handed down 20-year prison sentences last month. Quinton also received 45 years of probation, while Phillip was sentenced to 35 years of probation. Both must pay $86,000 in restitution to the Georgia Lottery Commission.

The case was used by the GBI’s Commercial Gambling Unit to remind the public that the law prohibits any cash redemptions on COAMs, and failure to comply could result in criminal proceedings filed against the perpetrators.