By Bill Lindelof, Sacramento Bee

A pilot program by the California Lottery in which gamblers can buy lottery tickets at gas pumps is being embraced by players, but the convenience raises concerns for an anti-gambling group.

“Play at the Pump” lets motorists buy up to $20 worth of Quick Pick tickets when they pay with a credit or debit card at the gas pump. The program – which started about a year ago in Roseville – has spread to 86 other locations in the region and Southern California. The plan is to expand to about 100 stations. Only California and North Carolina have the option, but other states are considering it.

Customers appear to like the convenience of paying for the Powerball, Mega Millions and SuperLotto Plus draw games without walking inside a gas station mart. Other stations want to come on board, said lottery spokesman Alex Traverso.

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