Outrage in Georgia as Kroger Stores Add Gambling Machines
Georgia shoppers voice concerns after Kroger locations install coin-operated gambling-style machines inside grocery stores.
Several Kroger locations in Georgia are facing backlash after installing coin-operated gambling-style machines inside their stores, prompting criticism from customers and renewed debate over the state’s gaming laws.
The machines, categorized under Georgia law as Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAMs), resemble slot machines and allow players to wager small amounts of money for cash-equivalent prizes.
While legal in Georgia, their placement inside mainstream grocery stores has surprised and angered some shoppers.
What Type of Machines Are Being Installed?
The devices in question are regulated by the Georgia Lottery Corporation, which oversees COAMs statewide.
Under Georgia law:
- Machines cannot offer direct cash payouts
- Players win points that can be redeemed for prizes or vouchers
- Operators must be licensed and regulated
Despite these distinctions, critics argue that the machines function and appear nearly identical to traditional slot machines.
The devices are already common in convenience stores, gas stations, and truck stops across Georgia. However, their expansion into major grocery chains marks a notable shift in visibility.
Why Shoppers Are Upset
Customers have expressed concerns about:
- Gambling exposure in family-oriented spaces
- Accessibility for vulnerable individuals
- The normalization of gambling in everyday settings
Some shoppers argue that grocery stores, which cater to families and children, are inappropriate venues for gambling-style entertainment.
Opponents say the move blurs the line between casual retail and gambling environments.
Kroger’s Position
Kroger has not announced a statewide rollout but has allowed the machines in certain Georgia locations through partnerships with licensed COAM operators.
Under Georgia law, businesses can share in machine revenue, creating a financial incentive for retailers to host the devices.
Industry observers note that COAMs generate substantial tax revenue for Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship and pre-K programs, which are funded through lottery and related gaming proceeds.
Legal Landscape in Georgia
Georgia does not permit traditional commercial casinos or sports betting, but it allows:
- The state lottery
- Coin Operated Amusement Machines
- Charitable gaming in limited forms
COAMs have long operated in a gray area for critics who argue they resemble slot machines too closely.
The state has periodically cracked down on illegal “cash payout” operations, reinforcing that legitimate COAMs must adhere to strict prize redemption rules.
Financial and Policy Implications
The controversy comes as Georgia lawmakers continue debating broader gambling expansion, including sports betting legalization.
Key considerations include:
- Revenue generation without full casino legalization
- Consumer protection enforcement
- Public perception of gambling access
Supporters of COAMs emphasize their economic contribution. Opponents question whether grocery store placement crosses a cultural line.
Broader Gambling Expansion Debate
The Kroger situation highlights a recurring tension in gambling policy:
- Incremental expansion through existing frameworks
- Public discomfort with increased visibility
- Revenue reliance vs. social responsibility
As gambling access expands nationwide, regulators are increasingly confronted with questions about where and how gaming should be integrated into everyday commerce.
Bottom Line
Kroger’s decision to host gambling-style COAM machines in some Georgia stores has sparked shopper backlash and renewed scrutiny of the state’s gaming framework.
While the machines are legal and regulated, their presence in grocery aisles underscores the ongoing debate over how far gambling should extend into daily life.
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