The state-run Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) projects E-Lotto revenues to reach at least P3 billion in its first year, aiding in charitable causes and generating earnings for the government, general manager Melquiades A. “Mel” Robles said on Thursday.
PCSO is evaluating the submission of lotto services firm Pacific Online Systems Corp., which emerged as the frontrunner for the five-year E-Lotto contract. There were two other bidders, but they were disqualified, Robles told InsiderPH.
He said PCSO is targeting to award the deal in July 2024 following a post-qualification review by its bids and awards committee.
Big picture
Robles said the PCSO is tracking about P30 billion in lotto revenues, with E-Lotto sales expected to reach about 10 percent of that figure in its first year.
This marks a significant step in PCSO’s efforts to go digital and offer a legal electronic gaming alternative amidst the rise of illegal online copycats.
He estimated there were as many as 300 illegal lotto betting sites, posing a risk to the public.
“If it’s legal, it protects the winner since the illegal sites might just run away with your money,” Robles said.
“We also raise taxes and, the most important of all, we generate funds for charity,” he added.
Charity and revenues
Will Ocier, chair of Pacific Online, expects the business to complement their traditional Lotto revenues.
“It’s built around the concept of charity and helping the poor and needy. Hitting the lottery is a secondary bonus,” he said in a message to InsiderPH.
Game changer
Like E-Bingo and other online gambling platforms run by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., the permanent launch of E-Lotto is a game changer for PCSO and the gaming industry.
Robles said E-Lotto will run 24/7, except during cut-offs before the draws, and will be open to all registered SIM card holders—even Filipinos and foreigners outside the country.
“You can play as long as you have a Filipino registered SIM,” Robles said.
“There is demand. That is why we have to be available and we hope we can soon launch the regular E-Lotto betting system,” he said.
Criminal penalty
They have successfully shut down two sites, but the problem remains large with hundreds still active.
He said PCSO plans to also run after those who patronize illegal sites, saying they were part of the problem.
"People think those patronize illegal lottery are off the hook. That's not true, you are part of the illegal gambling," he said.
Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.
