Major Kroger update will not happen in time for New Year leaving shoppers disappointed

KROGER shoppers have been disappointed after the grocery chain shared that a major update won't happen before 2023.

Despite an Ohio law that was passed legalizing sports betting in the state come January 1, 2023, Kroger's new kiosks won't be in operation that quickly.

Kroger, which is based in downtown Cincinnati, has been granted licenses to operate sports betting kiosks at 13 of its locations in the area.

In total, Kroger has received licenses for 42 of its stores across the state of Ohio.

However, Kroger's new sports betting kiosks won't be launched come January 1.

A spokesperson for the grocery chain told the Cincinnati Business Courier that sports betting likely won't begin at the store until the spring.

“We are still doing our due diligence for the program,” the spokesperson told the outlet.

“Earlier this year, Kroger began exploring sports betting in its Ohio stores.

"We are continuing this process and expect to learn more in summer 2023.”

The spokesperson added that despite the number of licenses Kroger has been granted, there won't be functional kiosks at all of the 42 locations.

The number of stores that will have kiosks  “is still under consideration,” the spokesperson said.

“The initial list encapsulated all possible stores where this program could occur, not necessarily all locations where activations will happen."

News of the delay to the kiosks comes as the impending $25billion merger of Kroger and Albertsons has become the focus of an anti-trust panel in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen and Albertsons' top executive Vivek Sankaran have been called to answer questions from committee members, according to Senator Amy Klobuchar's office.

Kroger is attempting to purchase Albertsons for nearly $25billion.

The merger will impact 5,000 stores across 48 states and boost Kroger's worth by $47billion.

The U.S. Sun has reached out to Kroger for further comment.