Ohio’s Kroger Stores Introduce Sports Betting Kiosks for Shoppers

By Matt Speakman,
Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

Matt Speakman Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

A die-hard fan of the Patriots, Matt Speakman is an expert on everything related to sports betting and DFS sites. Over the years, he has proven a valuable asset for our team at online-gambling.com. You can find Speakman's professional tips and tricks in any of his many articles on the website.

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Last updated: January 31, 2024

The well-known Ohio grocery giant Kroger has made history by installing sports betting kiosks in 20 of its locations around Greater Cincinnati and Dayton. These self-service kiosks, run by UBet Ohio, represent Kroger’s foray into the retail sports betting market and provide patrons a special chance to place bets on sports while grabbing their groceries.

After the state legalized both retail and online sports gambling in 2021, Kroger’s entry into the sports betting market is a part of a larger trend in Ohio. The grocery store chain has teamed up with UBet Ohio to run these sports betting kiosks, which let bettors who are at least 21 deposit cash and wager up to $700 a week.

The advent of these kiosks, which offer a practical and approachable platform inside the comfortable environment of a grocery store, represents a growing shift in how customers engage with sports betting. Kroger’s decision is in line with how the gaming business is changing and provides customers with an option to conventional sportsbook sites.

Ohio’s Sports Betting Landscape: Lottery Retailers Enter the Fray

The sports betting legislation in Ohio grants lottery shops additional rights in addition to allowing casinos to provide both in-person and online sports betting. Under the Ohio Lottery’s supervision, more than 900 companies in Ohio currently have retail sports betting kiosks. With this addition, Kroger becomes part of an eclectic mix of businesses that also includes taverns, restaurants, gas stations, bowling alleys, and fraternal organizations.

In an effort to promote responsible gambling, Kroger’s kiosks have a $700 weekly wagering limit. Before placing a bet, customers must present proper identification as proof of age. By ensuring adherence to Ohio Lottery Commission laws, this approach deters players from betting more than the weekly maximum.

The Rise of Online Betting: Ohio’s Wagering Trends

Although physical sports betting kiosks are becoming more and more common, most Ohio bettors, preferred virtual platforms. Bets at retail kiosks totaled about $1.21 million in December, while bets at internet sportsbooks exceeded $621.3 million in the same time frame. The industry is still dominated by online betting due to its ease, since wagerers choose online sites over physical kiosks.

December sports betting statistics for casinos and online books have not yet been made public by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC). However, data from November showed that internet sportsbooks kept almost $80.1 million in profits from wagers totaling more than $621.3 million.

Kroger’s Potential Dominance: Trusted Brand in Ohio’s Market

With about 200 stores spread across more than 100 communities, Kroger is the biggest grocery chain in Ohio and has a substantial presence there. Due to Ohioans’ strong brand awareness and confidence in the supermarket, Kroger has the potential to be a significant player in the lottery sports betting industry. Compared to other venues like bars or petrol stations, Kroger provides bettors with a sense of comfort and familiarity thanks to its reputation that has been developed over decades.

Established in Cincinnati in 1883, Kroger has developed into a trailblazer in the grocery sector, renowned for its inventions, including self-service shopping. Beyond business, Kroger’s charitable contributions to public parks, hospitals, and medical research reinforce its reputation as a reliable and neighborhood-focused organization.