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California Lottery: Play At The Pump Has Limits To Prevent Abuse

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The California Lottery says it's making it easier for busy people on the go to buy lottery tickets, but some are concerned it could be an easier way to fuel gambling addiction.

The California Lottery is now betting on convenience with the hopes of hitting it big with people in a hurry at the pump. The Play at the Pump program allows people to use a credit or debit card to play several lotto games without ever stepping into the gas station.

"A lot of people have no time so they just do it at the pump and just leave after that," Jeet Singh with an Arden Way Chevron station.

His business is one of 87 gas stations across the state hoping to get the attention of busy commuters. People aren't using his traditional lotto machine as much.

"For people who don't have time to come in. For people who are commuters and just want to get the gas and leave it's good for them because they normally don't play it," he said.

Some critics of the state lottery are concerned it's a new way to fuel gambling addiction.

"It's probably convenient for people who play the lottery on a regular basis but I'm actually not one of those people," said Audrey Kamilos.

The system also requires players to swipe their driver's license as a way to keep underage teens from using their parent's card to gamble.

"There's also a limit on how much people can play. They can also play $50 a week," said Alex Traverso with the California Lottery.

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