SALEM -- Oregon is launching controversial new ads that promote video poker and slot games.

The ad campaign is called “A Knight of Fun” and encourages people to try Oregon’s video poker and slot machines for entertainment.

But some skeptics says the ads send the wrong kind of message.

“I believe video poker is Oregon ‘crack,’” said Randy Heater. He found himself pulled into a gambling addiction to video poker in the past and now believes it was a gateway to other risky habits.

Heater knows his weakness now, but he’s also $200,000 in debt, due to his gambling past.

However, state officials said they hope the advertisements will encourage responsible play, while also boosting revenue.

“What we're hoping to do, is to attract a new player. Someone who may have avoided the smoky bars that are now smoke-free, and get them to play,” said Chuck Baumann, with the Oregon Lottery.

The lottery spends about $13 million on gambling addiction treatment and a hotline is posted on every machine.

Heater has enrolled in the state’s treatment program, to try and take control of his addiction, but admits he’s still enticed by the sound of the machines and the lure of fast cash.

“If I can stop one person from doing what I did, or ruining their families, it's well worth it to me,” he said.

The state lottery gives nearly $1 billion a year to the state’s general fund. The new ads were expected to start running this week.