The North Carolina Education Lottery has just made it possible for people to play at the gas pump instead of going inside. It’s called Play at the Pump.

Customers can enter Carolina Cash 5, Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots by swiping a debit card at the pump and selecting their game of choice. Quick Pick numbers will appear on a receipt and can also be sent via text message if a phone number is provided.

This is a great way to attract more people to the education lottery and get them playing. Gas stations allow you to pay at the pump because they know customers like the convenience of it. It’s quick, easy, and there are no lines. Now this same concept is being applied to the lottery.

It’s a smart move on the part of the N.C. Education Lottery. If a person doesn’t have to take the time to go inside at a gas station to buy a ticket but rather has the option on the screen in front of them, more people might throw their hats in the ring — and some just for the heck of it.

Of course, players have to be careful and remember that only a small portion of the money actually goes toward education, as the majority is given as prize money and another 15 percent goes to running the lottery.

But with the shrinking funds that have plagued the state’s public school system for years, education can use all the help it can get. It’s sad but true.

If lottery officials have to meet customers more than halfway in order for them to bite, then so be it. There aren’t too many negatives here, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of actually purchasing fuel and an even larger percentage doesn’t go toward prize money.

Every little bit will help our schools.