Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has been one of the country’s symbols of life and hope for the less fortunate since its establishment in 1935. It pursues humanitarian goals and objectives by raising funds through the sweepstakes and lotteries, and the proceeds are then allocated for social welfare services and charitable organizations.

Lotteries have been thriving in the country as early as 1833. Under the auspices of the private enterprises called Empresa de Lotteria Espanolas Filipinas, the Spanish government conducted lotterias to generate revenues. With the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution, the lotteria was forced to stop its operations.

In 1932, the concept of the sweepstakes was reborn through a draw done by the government to raise funds for the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation (PAAF). Because of its success, institutionalizing the sweepstakes became the new venture of raising funds for the promotion of public health and general welfare and by September 1935, the new agency held its first official draw. As the sweepstakes grew, the government further expanded PCSO’s role by enacting Batas Pambansa Blg. 42 thus amending the PCSO charter (RA 1165). Under such amendment, the monetary allocation for the agency’s charity fund was elevated and the draws were now held every week all year-round.

The primary objective of the sweepstakes is to provide funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character. Such beneficiaries of these services are the victims of the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, livelihood projects, and support for the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR).

As the sweepstakes grew in time, the PCSO was compelled to add new services and games to keep the public attuned to the draws. One of such gimmicks was the Sweepstakes Small Town Lottery (STL) in order to prevent people from patronizing an illegal numbers game like jueting, which was already brewing a following at that time. Furthermore, to ensure the security of the lotto, there were live television coverage and innovative security schemes that were implemented. By the time the PCSO caught up with technology in the early 90s, the online lotto was introduced to bring a new dimension of fun and excitement for the betting public.

When the Lotto and Sweepstakes "Doble Panalo" brought in more revenues, this paved the way for the expansion of medical and social services for the public. One of such is the PCSO Charity Clinics project, which brought free medical and dental services to the depressed areas of Metro Manila, and these services have gone as far as Sorsogon in the South and Isabela in the North. There’s also the clinic’s outpatient department, which gives assistance to thousands of indigent patients at the Quezon Institute Compound in Quezon City. Asides from just free consultations, the PCSO was also able to give free minor surgical procedures and ambulance services to poverty-stricken Filipinos.

The PCSO has contributed huge revenues to the government. It has mandated assistance as much as P 3.5 billion for various health and welfare programs.

Contact Information:
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office
PCSO Complex, Quezon Institute Compound, E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Quezon City, Philippines PO BOX 141
Telephone: (632) 749-4385