Kroger will allow shoppers to make controversial purchases for the first time ever months after the checkout changes were rolled out

According to reports, KROGER will allow its customers to bet while shopping in-store.

Players in Ohio will be able to place bets starting January 1st after sports betting is legalized.

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The biggest change comes as stores in Lexington, Kentucky, are testing technology that will allow shoppers to purchase a lottery ticket at the register.

According to Casino.org, more than 40 Kroger supermarkets in Ohio have received permission to install in-store betting kiosks.

It is not yet known which supermarkets have been selected.

Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation into law this June that will legalize sports betting on January 1, 2023.

But lawmakers wanted the policy to go into effect sooner, according to Buckeyes Wire.

State Senator Kirk Schuring, representing Canton, said: “We want to get this up and running as soon as possible, but we’re building a whole new industry.

“We hope that this can happen sooner [than 2023].”

Ohio will join a list of at least 30 states that have already legalized sports betting.

In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that sports betting regulation should be enforced state by state.

Kroger shoppers in parts of Kentucky can purchase a lottery ticket while at the register.

This means customers can try their luck while paying for their weekly groceries.

Technology, known as SCiQ InLane, has been tested in stores across Lexington, Casino.org reported.

Experts believe installing the technology in checkouts will boost sales.

Michael Martin, Vice President of Retail Solutions at Scientific Games said, “The convenience offered by the SciQ InLane solution is a game changer for consumers who are focused on getting in and out of the grocery store quickly for many reasons, including COVID – 19 concerns.”

IMPORTANT CHANGES

Kroger has also unveiled a new battery-powered cart that officials hope will make shopping easier.

Food such as fruit and vegetables stay fresh longer thanks to new temperature management technology.

Announcing the new carts, General Motors said Trace Grocery is “focused on accelerating online ordering and grocery pickup.”

It “is designed to provide the shopper with the convenience and flexibility they have come to expect from online grocery services,” adds a press release.

They said the battery-powered eCart “helps streamline order fulfillment and pickup for online grocery purchases.”

Shoppers can even collect their items simply by using the store’s app and a confirmation code.

Kroger is said to have been one of the first supermarkets to test the cart, which can carry up to 350 pounds.

GM added, “In an initial pilot, Kroger saw a tangible improvement in the customer and employee experience.”

Travis Katz, President and CEO of BrightDrop, said: “COVID has led to a dramatic increase in online grocery shopping and fulfilling these orders profitably has become a major challenge for retailers of all sizes.

“With Trace Grocery, we saw an opportunity to help companies like Kroger address these challenges head-on.”

The retail giant also unveiled a new range to help struggling shoppers.