GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The North Carolina Education Lottery began rolling out new lottery vending machines towards the end of 2018.

• The machines make buying tickets even easier
• They allow people to use debit cards and digital payment methods
• Anyone struggling with gambling can call the hotline at (336) 681-8516

They were part of a larger technology upgrade that began in 2017.

"If we're not investing in new technology and allowing that technology to be used, then eventually the lottery wouldn't be as popular as it is now," Van Denton said. He is the communications director for North Carolina Education Lottery.

Currently, the machines only account for a small portion of tickets sold, but they allow people to use debit cards and digital payment methods like Apple Pay.

Denton says they wanted to make sure they upgraded with the times.

"It's important that we are where our customer are, and it's important that the lottery allows customers the convenience that they want to make purchases," Denton said.

The machines make buying tickets even easier, which can lead to more sales. It can also add temptation for people addicted to gambling.

"Easy access means people will buy just more scratch-off tickets if that's their poison so to speak. They'll buy more scratch-off tickets because they can just pull that debit card out and just keep on going," Gary Gray said. He is the director of the North Carolina Council on Problem Gambling.

Gray says the state lottery isn't the biggest issue for gamblers in this area, but its a temptation that's always around.

"Right there at the pump they're advertising you can buy your gas and buy your ticket at the same time. So, it's just so easy. Somebody that does have issues, it just magnifies that issue for them," Gray said.

The North Carolina Education Lottery has resources for people struggling with addiction, and advocates for people to play responsibly.

"You shouldn't be playing your rent money, your gas money, your food money to play lottery games," Denton said.

Gray says anyone struggling with gambling should reach out to their 24/7 hotline at (336) 681-8516.