Insider Spotlight
The big picture
Total lotto sales from Feb. 1 to 7, 2026 reached P413,827,025, up from P299,172,920 during the same period last year, the agency said in a statement on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.
That represents a 38.3-percent year-on-year increase, driven by the launch of higher starting jackpots across major lotto games beginning Feb. 1.
PCSO said the policy change made larger prizes available from the first draw, improving the perceived value of lotto tickets and encouraging repeat play while preserving the progressive jackpot system when prizes are not immediately won.
What’s driving it
Beyond higher sales, PCSO reported a 10.7-percent year-on-year rise in the number of lotto tickets sold over the same period, signaling broader participation rather than a concentration of spending among existing players.
The agency attributed the growth to a stronger value proposition, with players competing for significantly higher prizes from the outset, a structure PCSO said aligns local lotto offerings more closely with international gaming practices.
What they’re saying
“The strong year-on-year growth in lotto sales shows that higher minimum jackpots resonate with the public,” said PCSO general manager Melquiades Robles. “By offering bigger prizes right from the start, we are making lotto games more exciting and rewarding while ensuring the system remains fair, transparent, and sustainable.”
“Higher sales also mean a high degree of confidence by the betting public in the Philippine lottery system,” he added.
Robles emphasized that higher participation directly supports PCSO’s mandate to fund health, medical, and social welfare programs nationwide. “Higher participation means more resources for medical assistance and other social services that benefit Filipinos in need,” he said.
Why it matters
Lotto revenues are a major funding source for government-backed medical assistance and charity programs. Sustained growth in ticket sales translates into larger, more predictable funding flows for hospitals, patients, and social welfare initiatives across the country.
What’s next
PCSO said the enhanced jackpot structure is part of broader efforts to modernize the lotto system and strengthen public trust. The agency continues to urge players to participate responsibly and rely only on official PCSO channels for draw schedules and prize announcements.
Robles also called on the public to avoid illegal gambling, not only to prevent fraud but to help ensure that lottery revenues continue to support government social service programs. — Daxim L. Lucas | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
